Prologue : ???

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We all know what would happen. People born, they went through their lives, some succeed, some fail. Some…..aren’t just that lucky. Lucky people are born from the start, they’re lucky enough to succeed. Champions, actress, actor, Elite Four, etc. I wasn’t one of those people. I’m just an ordinary trainer who brood a lot with a realist attitude that accept the way things are and react accordingly. It’s just the way this world works. Though, some people reached the top of the food chain because they weren’t playing fair. My name is Eric Angelo, this is our story, our legend - Eric Angelo

It was one of those beautiful nights in the countryside of Kalos, away from the cities. Stars sparkling in the skies, cloud movings silently, and the nights rolls by. By this time of the night, most of the people have fallen asleep.

Except a small force of ten-to-fifteen bodyguards dressed in black with earpieces roaming within the vicinity of a two story villa, surrounded by white brick walls, an empty small cement courtyard in front of the villa coupled a barred gate with a key card reader on the handle. Small gardens is visible on either side of the courtyard with roses doting it. Basically, the villa is alone and away from the road.

The men in suits guard the owner of the villa inside, checking every nook and cranny for anything suspicious, and never glancing away from the front door they are guarding. Some are doing routine patrol like they had done so all their life. All of them are doing their job well.

A shadowed man watched the villa from the distance, under the cover of darkness. A Salamence at his side is barely seen. Snarling is what she did.

Putting him arm out in front of the Pokémon, he eased the Salamence.“Easy, girl. Let’s watch them first. Let their guard down.”

“Mence!”The female Salamence could barely wait to do this.

The shadowed man and his Salamence waited for ten-to-twenty minutes, silently observing the area. The guards seems to be quite competent, as they checked all around, not missing a spot. He had to admire their tenacity. But he knew their behaviour, they’re always the same.

Just as he had expected, the guards began to lax. Anyone in their right mind would get bored from doing the same thing repeatedly. As seen when one guard behind the gate yawned.”It’s time to move.”

He glanced down at his Salamence. He could see it in her eyes, the fire of determination.“Do you know what to do?”The shadowed man asked.

“Sal, mence.”The Salamence nodded. Anger covering her features.

Rubbing her on the neck, the Salamence leaned into the man for a small amount of comfort before leaving.”Good, I’ll see you on the meeting place then. Good luck.”

“Sal!”The Salamence took off, can’t wait of beating those bodyguards into a pulp.

The shadowed man didn’t say anything as he walked away. But not before pressing his thumb onto a round object with DNA pattern sticking out of a brown watch on his right hand.

Back in the villa, the bodyguards are doing their patrol around the premises. Nothing has been going on so far, except the crickets of unseen Bug-types Pokémon. They are getting bored from either not moving or checking the same area again and again.

The two guards at the front gate yawned. Until they heard a sound of rustle in the bushes. Turning their heads, toward the sound, they stared through the bars toward where the sound originated.

“Did you hear that?”The one on the right asked his partner. His hand slowly reached out to his belt, toward his Pokéballs.

“Yeah, I heard it.”

”Maybe we should check it out.”

“Nah, probably just some Vivillon.”The partner said dismissively.”Those things are always prowling this place.”

The first guard retorted with a roll of his eye.”Right, some Vivillon. One of these days, your carelessness will bite you in the ass.”

The partner scoffed.”Like someone would get the drop on me.”Just then, a loud growl came next. It surprised them.

The first guard gave a deadpan stare.“Vivillon, don’t growl like that. What’s your stupid-assed reasoning now?”The first guard retorted.

The partner didn’t say anything. Only a retort came.”Just shut up and let’s check it out.”The first guard chuckled at one-upping his partner.

The first guard pulled out and ID from his breast pocket to swipe it on the card reader. Before he could though, a glow of purple of variety of color came from the bush. And soon, it died down quickly.

“Huh?”The guards looked at the bush with confusion on their face. The first guard assumed by the glow that whoever in the bush must’ve evolved. He turned his head to stare at his partner.”Did it just.....evolve?”

“Could be....I don’t know.”The partner replied unsure and stared back. The bushes rustled again, when they turned their heads again, they got one hell of a surprise in their life.”GAAAH!”

“SALAMENCE!”The two were too shocked to react properly when the Dragon Pokémon rammed straight through the gate. It instantly broke away, landing on the two poor guards and knocking them out with a groan.

“What the?”Every guard in the vicinity of the front gate and courtyard turned their heads toward the noise.

Their eyes widened in shook when they witnessed a Mega Evolved Salamence suddenly burst through the metal gate and landing on the courtyard.

One guard at the front door reacted by putting a finger into an earpiece.“Sound the alarm! A wild Salamence broke thro-”The guard at the front door said into his earpiece. He didn’t get to finish his words because the Salamence rammed him against the wall. His body slumping against it.

The second guard stepped back while attempting to pull out a Pokéball, but he is no match for the speed of a Mega Evolved Salamence. His attempt was thrown off when the Salamence turned around and slammed him into a window with a forelimb, cracking it as he slumped with a groan.

Now, every guard in the vicinity knew what’s happening, after hearing the message earlier. That and also the everyone near the gate and in the courtyard. More guards burst through the front door, being lead by another guard in a stylish white suit.

“What’s going on?”He glanced around, then his eyes fell on a Mega Evolved Salamence in the middle of the courtyard. Flames licking her lips.”There, surround it.”He yelled toward his men while pointing toward the Salamence.

Like a well-oiled machine, every guard that’s still conscious surrounded the Salamence in a tight circle formation. She counted nine of them.

”A wild Salamence?”A guard asked in bewilderment.

“What’s a Salamence doing here?”Another guard asked.

The lead guard wearing a white suit sighed with a facepalm. Now’s not the time to be asking questions.“I don’t know and I don’t care. So, shut up and bring it down!”He barked.

As if they had practiced before, their hands went instantly toward their pokéballs. The Salamence didn’t want that to happen. Retaliating by spinning a full circle coupled with a Flamethrower aimed not at the men, but at their feet. It wouldn’t hurt them, but it produced the desired effect, they all jumped back in fear, some yelped.

That was the opening she need, she charged toward the guard in white and rammed him on the head, sending him flying. The others weren’t so lucky as well, the Salamence literally fly from one guy to next without missing a beat. Quickly unleashing a burst of Flamethrower to anyone trying to do something funny like reaching for a pokéball. Not enough to reach them, but enough to make them jump back out of fear.

The Salamence took a deep breath and breathe Flamethrower ferociously upward. Now they knew to never screw with a Salamence. Especially a female one.

During the Salamence rampage, a man wearing a dark blue jumpsuit coupled his head covered in balaclava with only slits for the eye and set of full-fingered gloves approached the gate. He passed the gate, paying no heed to two certain people groaning underneath the metal gate.

His eyes fell upon his Salamence going on a rampage, ramming guards here and there. The struggle had continued on the small garden beside the courtyard. Almost every single rose was set ablaze, the guards were all either knocked out or backing away from the angry Dragon-type.

He didn’t pay them any mind. He just went straight toward the now fully-opened and unguarded front door. He stepped inside like he owned the place. The interior looks luxurious, the wall is painted a rose crimson, a single grand staircase with second set of stairs leading up to the second floor platforms held by spiralling pillar on either side of the foyer. An almost crystalline blue chandelier hung up above, bathing the room in a soft blue glow.

But he’s here not to applaud the impressive decoration, he’s here for someone. He walked up the stairs in silence, taking the right second set of stair to the left platform. Only a single mahogany door awaits him, he opened and slipped inside.

A long hallway with mahogany doors on the right side and window on the left side is visible. He moved forward, maintaining the silence.

The silence is broken when he heard a click behind him. He knew what that sound is.”Hands up, whoever you are.”The assailant complied, putting his hands up.

“Turn around....slowly, now.”He complied without saying a word. His eyes met the eyes of a tall guard, wearing the usual black suit, tall, and now pointing a gun at his face. The second one are almost the same, except he’s a negro.

The second guard flicked the gun .”Doris, check him.”

The guard didn’t say a word, he began the sweep of the entire body. Checking every nook and cranny for any stuff that might be hidden. After checking the torso, he hand sweep across the assailant leg pockets and leg area. The guard didn’t feel anything, as he’s about to call out the all clear, he spotted something bulging within the sleeve of the assailant left arm.

The guard tensed in an instant, pointing the gun at the assailant’s face.”Nice try, little man. Put your left arm out!”The assailant complied without letting out a word. Holding said arm out, the guard got a good look on what’s hidden beneath the sleeve.

He sighed in relief.“It’s just a Xtranscei-“His word is unfinished when his gun was suddenly slapped out of his hand and felt a force on his stomach that sent him flying to his bodyguard buddy. The assailant had just retaliated when he let his guard down and kicked him on the stomach.

He clutched his stomach, heaving.”You...bastard...”He spotted his gun, reaching out for it.

The assailant moved forward and kicked the gun away from him before quickly made to kick the guard. The guard quickly grabbed the ankle and shoved it backward, the assailant stumbled as a result. He got onto his feet as quick as a bat of out hell.

He saw the still stumbling assailant, he made a right hook toward his face. “Payback time!”His face fell, when the assailant ducked under it before jabbing his stomach. Right on the spot where he kicked him.

He heaved for the second time today. But that couldn’t compare when the assailant grabbed his hair and kicked his chin. His head snapped upward, the assailant wasn’t done when he pulled the guard onto his feet and punching him across the face. Spitting out some saliva out as he fell onto the floor, out cold.

His head snapped toward the second guard who had gotten up from being knocked down, fumbling with his gun. He ran forward. The assailant slapped the arm holding the gun away before headbutting the guard on the nose.

He let out a muffled cry of agony.”Ahhh, my nose, bitch!”

The guard clutched his nose in pain, but he didn’t pay attention when something rammed him against the wall. The assailant grabbed the hand holding the gun, slamming it onto the wall, forcing him to release the gun. He grabbed the guard’s head and slammed it onto the wall, causing a ‘crack’ to be heard. The guard slumped against the wall, unconscious.

The assailant breath is heavy from the struggle, but didn’t say anything. Crouching, he checked their bodies for anything useful. He felt a bulge in the breast pocket. He reached into it, felt something, and taking out a Holo Caster. He pocketed it and went down the hallway again like nothing had happened.

He turned around the right corner, witnessing another hallway to a double mahogany door. He knew he had found it.

He walked right up to it. But before he could knock, he glanced behind for anymore surprises.

Nothing, and he let out a knock by rearing his right leg and kicked. The door gave away, startling the occupant inside working on a monitor on the table inside, causing him to fall backward on his chair. The occupant himself is fat, wearing a crimson robe, and bald. The fat man, scrambled onto his feet, dawn of realization shot through him as he lay eyes on the man on the doorway.

“You!”The fat man shakily pointed a finger at the while the assailant just raised an eyebrow beneath the balaclava.”You’re.... you’re the...”He didn’t finish his word because said assailant walked menacingly toward him.

And he panicked. Grabbing a book from the table, he pathetically held it out as a form of deterrence.“Stay back!”He threw the book at the masked assailant, only for the masked man nonchalantly dodge it.”Don’t come closer!”

Once he’s closer, he just shoved the man aside, causing him to fall on his stomach. The assailant walked up the table to look a the monitor. In the monitor, he saw dozens of cages stacked on top of each other with many Pokémons inside. Spinarak, Staraptor, Fraxure, Whimsicott ,etc. He let out a mental growl at the prejudice against Pokémon kind.

He typed,’unlock cages’. And he pressed ‘enter’. Pandemonium happened, the Pokémons inside rushed out of their cages, some spitting out webs, flames, other just destroy their cages while some hugged each other.

The man shakily got up, while staring at the assailant working on his computer on his desk. It seems he wasn’t paying attention to him at the moment. He praised his luck and slinking away by the wall toward the open doorway.

And he ran, but for some reason he couldn’t ran. Because the assailant is right behind him now and held him on the spot by the robe. He was forcefully turned around and he was hoisted up two-handed by the collar of his robe.

The fat man struggled hopelessly against his grip.“What do you want!? I can give you anything! Money, is that what you want? I’ll give you a million.”The fatman said frantically, his hands shook with fear of the masked assailant. But, they would always deter at the amount of money that he could give them. They’re all the same.

Sadly, he was wrong, because this assailant is different. The assailant reared his arm back.”No, no, no, I mean ten million.”When the man wasn’t deterred. He quickly increased the amount.”Twenty! Please, please, don’t hurt me! Take my money, take it all...take it all, please don’t kill me!”

Fortunately, it was his lucky day....or not. Because, he was only thrown the floor with a grunt. Before any word could be uttered, a shoe came down at his face.

“......shut up...”The assailant said with venom in his tone before taking his shoe off the man’s face. Revealing a bloodied nose and an unconscious fat man.

Reaching into right leg pocket, he pulled the Holo Caster he took from one of the guard earlier.

Calling the operator number, he pointed it down.“Hello, operator?”He said into the Holo Caster.

“Yes?”The sound of confusion etched into her voice.”Can I help you...sir?”

“Bring the cops here.”He said simply.”And tell them to check the basement.”

“Hello, hello-“The words immediately drowned out when he threw the Holo Caster away, without turning it off to lead the cops here.

He glanced at the table, seeing a different Holo Caster from what he used earlier. He quickly snatched it before walking away from the room without a word. Leaving the unconscious fat man behind.

He heard a whoosh in the sky, glancing to see his Salamence flying away from the scene. The glow of various color of purple taking over her appearance. Once the glow went away, it reveals a normal-looking Salamence.”Good, she’s away.”

The assailant turned his head at the villa. It was pretty far away from where he is now. He reached his right hand toward his head. Grabbing a fistful of cloth, he took off the balaclava from his head. Revealing a young adult with chocolate brown hair.

He groaned from the uncomfortable feeling of being stuffed before fixing his hair.”Dammit, that thing is too tight.”

He unzipped the jumpsuit, revealing a simple white shirt underneath with couple of khaki pants.Taking himself of the piece of clothing, he crouched down and used a part of the jumpsuit to wipe the blood off the bottom of his right shoe before throwing it away without a care in the world.

He stared at the Holo Caster in his left hand and brought up the screen. A few seconds later, the assailant checked his Xtransceiver. Punching some numbers, he stared at the Xtransceiver screen and waited until the one on the other end responded.

After a few second, the man on the other end received.“Hey, it’s me.....”The assailant said into the Xtransceiver. The man receiving stared back. ”I need you to trace some....people. I’ll tell you the contact now.”He brought up the screen to read it.

Talking to someone on the Xtrainsceiver while walking undeterred into the night as the siren of the police is heard rolling into the villa.

Chapter 1 : When Dawn Break....

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Good things just don’t happen on a whim, we have to fight for it. But, I was naive. There are no good or evil in this world. Anyone is capable of a great good, or great evil. To me, what I did is just the lesser evil. I’m maybe no different from the criminal I sought to bring to justice, but at least, I’m maybe better than most of them. That’s what I used to told myself. The world is cruel, very cruel - Eric Angelo

Play this as opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLaA3ozGz7Q

“Flamethrower!” A man shouted while pointing at his enemy, maintaining a stoic look. He was wearing a deep charcoal black jacket with a symbol of a Braviary diving. His brilliant light brown eyes shining with hope of victory.

His Salamence, who was wearing an earring, stood in front of him and snarled. “Sal!” She took a deep breath and unleashed a cone of hot red flame. Anyone in a large radius could feel how strong was that blast.

“DODGE AND USE WOODEN HAMMER!” Another man ordered to his Chesnaught, the Flamethrower heading towards him.

Quickly complying, the Chesnaught moved aside just as the blast of flame about to hit him. With the attack missing, he saw an opportunity to charge at the Salamence. Not missing a beat, he ran forward, the Salamence preparing itself to dodge.

“Wait!” Her trainer commanded, holding his right hand up. ”Let it get closer.”

The Salamence obediently stayed in place just as it’s trainer ordered. His opponent was five meters away, still charging. Even the foe was confused at the lack of action or order coming for the trainer. One meter away until impact, the arm passed above her.

That was when it happened. The counter-attack planned by the man.

“Step aside and attack!” A rush of adrenaline went through the Salamence. She stepped aside as quickly as possible, the attack barely missing her tail.

The ground shook when his arm hit the dirt. The Chesnaught tried to swing on his side, only to feel gravity call out to him. The Salamence tripped the Chesnaught by spinning a full circle with her tail out. Before even making contact with the ground, his opponent’s right forelimb crashed onto his head with a Brick Break attack.

The man pointed skyward.“Now Fly!”With a quick beat of her crimson wing, she took off toward the blue skies.

The trainer on the opposite side gritted his teeth. That Fly move could be quite dangerous to his Chesnaught should it hit. He prepared to give the Chesnaught command to either dodge or use Wooden Hammer to protect itself from the worse of the attack.

That hope was dashed when he heard the man said something with his eyes closed.”Mega Evolve!”He widen his eyes when his foe revealed a brown colored watch. The watch itself was nothing special, what matters is that there’s a stone. A Keystone embedded into the leather strap of the watch beside the clock itself.

The man didn’t say another word, just that his left hand thumb hit the stone. That’s when all trainers, but a few knew happened. The Salamence earring which happens to be a Salamencite glow alongside the Salamence who is glowing of various color itself, but mostly purple hit the still ascending Salamence.

The crimson wings melded together to create a brilliant crescent-shaped wings that could all, but rend everything that stood in it’s way. The underside markings grew larger, allowing the Salamence foreleg to tuck in. The underside of it’s mouth had turned crimson to match the similar marking on the neck. The head spines that resembles fin grew longer and curved to reach out toward the mouth.

“How is it possible?”The trainer. He never knew that Salamence could Mega Evolve, much less the man having a Key Stone on his wristwatch.

“It is possible. Let’s finish this, Giga Impact!”The man said calmly.

Letting out a mighty roar. The Salamence descended upon her foe to let out the devastating Normal-type attack. Streaks began covering the Salamence.

“What? Giga Impact!?”Why would the man suddenly use Giga Impact in the place of Fly? It doesn’t make sense.

“Aerilate,”The man replied.”An ability that causes a Normal-type attack to become a Flying-type while also receiving more power into the attack. Only two Pokémon currently has this ability, and only by Mega Evolving.”

He stared at the incoming Salamence in disbelief.”Which means....”

“Yeah, Giga Impact will be very fatal to Chesnaught!”The man nodded in confirmation.

“NO! CHESNAUGHT, SEED BOMB QUICKLY!”The Chesnaught complied, bringing it’s arm together to form a green orb. The orb itself had become a seed. The Pokémon threw it at the incoming Salamence. The Seed Bomb were largely ignored when it just exploded harmlessly from impacting with the attack.

The trainer began to panic. There’s only one thing he could do right now.“USE WOODEN HAMMER TO BLOCK IT!”The man frantically shouted toward the Chesnaught who witnessed a massive meteor lookalike descending on it.

“Naught!”It’s arm began to glow green in preparation in a desperate attempt to block the incoming attack.

Everything seems to go into slow motion as the descending Dragon-type were seconds away from the impact.

A massive crash is heard and large amount of dust washed over the area from the impact shockwave. The trainer covered his eyes while the man just stood still with an arm raised over the eye as the dust washed over them both.

There were two shadows within the dust that slowly settles. Once the dust had disappeared, the victor has been discovered. The Salamence had stood proudly on top of the Chesnaught chest with a grin. The Chesnaught itself is groaning with swirly eyes, signalling that it’s knocked out.

“We win this game!”The man said as he put his hands into his pocket while smiling proudly at his Salamence.

The Salamence flew over to her trainer, a familiar glow overtake her. Her crescent wings had reshaped itself into the familiar wings of a Salamence. The underside markings had receeded back toward the belly. The jaw had became snow white again. The head spines had receeded to become fins.

It landed right in front of her trainer then proceeded to nuzzle his arm in affection.”Salamence, mence!”

The man responded by petting her head. The Dragon Pokémon purred happily.”You’ve done well again, Sally.”

“I never would’ve thought that Salamence could Mega Evolve!”The voice had caught their attention. It was the trainer from before returning his Chesnaught back into it’s pokéball.

“There are a lot of things you can find if you’re well informed.”The man replied while petting Sally the Salamence who leaned onto her trainer’s touch.”It helps if you plan ahead too.”

The trainer rubbed his head.”Yeah, I’m always just winging it when battling. It was still a good battle.”

“It sure is.”The man replied. At least both sides are happy with the battle.

The trainer reached into his pocket, taking out a wallet. After checking into the wallet for a small amount of money, he presented it to the Salamence’s trainer.

The man frowned upon seeing the money. It’s a 3000 Pokédollar.“You don’t need to do that. Winning is already enough for me.”

“Uhhh, why? Isn’t it tradition for trainer to receive a small amount of money upon defeating their enemy as a sign of respect.”

“I already have enough Pokédollars. My wallet is filling up.”The man explained. The wallet in his pocket is full of money from the many battles he had won.

The trainer stared at the money in his hands. The man was surprised when he still held it out and giving emphasis by shaking it slightly.”It’s disrepectful to decline another trainer’s sign of respect. Did you know that?”

“I,uh, guess….I don’t know about that.”The man really didn’t know. All he knew was that the loser was supposed to give money to the winner.

“Then take it, try to think that it’s a gift from one trainer to another.”He grabbed Eric’s arm and slapped the money onto his palm.

“Thanks? I think.”The man was unsure on what he should say. Only that, he felt that the trainer was bluffing about the money.

“Well, guess I better run. I need to get to a Pokémon Center ASAP.”With that, he quickly ran the opposite direction of the clearing.”Good luck to you, man.”

“Good luck to you too.”The man waved his hand in goodbye. The trainer soon become a tiny dot who disappeared in the distance.

He stared at the money in his hand. Shrugging, he pocketed it into the left jacket pocket. After fixing his rucksack back into place alongside a shoulder bag, he called for Sally to join him.“Sally, let’s get moving again.”

“Sal!”She said, following her trainer’s lead toward the next town.

A pair of eyes belonging to a trainer named Eric stared toward the river that ran through the area. The man and his Salamence is now travelling through Route 15 of Kalos. Heading toward the next town where the gym is located. To earn his next badge.

The battle earlier had released their adrenaline full force. They didn’t realize they were both quite tired after the adrenaline had worn off after a while of walking.

The man sighed. Huffing out a breath out of exhaustion. He glanced at Sally who was farring no better than him. It would appear to him that the battle had took a lot out of her after the rush ended when she de-evolved back. Using Giga Impact didn’t help either.

The trainer of Sally had decided. They would rest for a moment, take a breather. Both haven’t been resting since the dawn had broken the night.

“Let’s rest for a little while, Sally. I think the two of us needed a little breather.”Eric said while trying to straighten out his rucksack.

“Sal?”Sally looked at her trainer.

A leather jacketed arm pointed at the edge of the river.”There, it should be a good spot to rest up a bit.”

Both the trainer and his Pokémon went down toward the edge of the river. Once reaching the desirable spot, Sally curled up near the shore and Eric put down his rucksack and shoulder bag down on the ground.

“Hey, Sally.”Sally raised her head up on her trainer’s call.”Do you want some food while we’re at it?”

That causes her eyes to shine with excitement.”Sal, mence!”An excited nod came.

Sitting down with a sigh, he reached toward the rucksack. Zipping it open, he fished for a certain case inside.”It should be around here......this is it.”He fished out a small dispenser containing a total of seven blocks inside of various colors.”Pokéblocks.”

Shaking the case upside down, a sound of rattle is heard and a purple pokéblock fell out to his left hand.”Here!”He flicked it sideways at the Salamence.

“Mence!”With an accurate snap, she caught the block in her mouth. Licking her lips in satisfaction.

Eric shakes the dispenser to let out more pokéblocks into his waiting left hand. Those blocks are originally came from berries, he had known it should be consumable for humans as well.
Popping one into his mouth, he flicked another toward Sally for her to eat.

“Eat up, Sally. We’ll move again in an hour.”The leather-jacket clad trainer added while popping onto his awaiting maw again. Before he flicked another to Sally.

“Sal!”She happily clamped the food with as much accuracy as before.

The man popped one more Pokéblocks into his mouth. Seeing his hand are empty, he shakes the dispenser. The lack of any rattling sound inside reveal that it is devoid of anymore blocks. He frowned at the appearant lack of anymore Pokéblocks

“Dammit,”The man cursed.”I should buy a larger dispenser case.”

With an accurate toss, the dispenser case went flying back into the open rucksack. He layed down onto his back, staring at the baby blue sky in the morning. The Salamence curled back up, staring across the river, attempting to relax herself.

The man didn’t say anything, only that he began to brood. In deep thought, he started to daydream out of the waking world. Silence began to waft throughout the area, nothing but the chirps of nearby Flying-types only there to accompany them. Eric seems to take his time inspecting his watch, alongside the keystone that embedded within.

He always did wonder where did this watch came from. It’s costum made for embedding a Key Stone onto the metal strap.

The silence is broken when the Dragon-type turned and look at her trainer with a new worry in her eyes.“Lamence?”The Salamence said.

Turning his head at the call. The man looked toward his Salamence with an eyebrow raised.”Hmmm?”

“Sal, mence, la!”The Salamence continued to speak in Pokéspeak.

“What is it, girl?”Eric asked, not really hanging onto what his Pokémon are saying.

“Salamence, mence!”She spoke before pointing at her mouth and to his.

“Is there something you want to talk about?”The Dragon Pokémon replied with a nod.

With a sigh, Eric reached into his jacket, pulling out an expanded pokéball. “Will, you’re up!”A white energy emerged from the ball.

It finally coalligated into the form of the Multiplying Pokémon, Will the Reuniclus.“Reuniclus!”

“Will, I’m going to need you to translate for me.”The man said. Straight to the point.

The Reuniclus sighed. Again, Eric? The Reuniclus spoke through telepathy directed toward his trainer..

“There’s something Sally wants to say.”Eric said with a curt nod. The Reuniclus stared at Sally, who gave him a nod, unnoticed by Eric.

He still couldn’t help, but complain. Great, I’ve been used as the walking translator here. The Multiplying Pokémon thought out sarcastically. He had gotten tired of being used as a translator multiple times.

Whatever, here we go. Will closed his eyes, causing the outline of his body to glow light blue.

After a few moment, a soft female voice is heard. Eric? Can you hear me?

“Yeah, I heard you.”Eric replied with a nod. “Now what was it that you wanted to talk?”

The Salamence sighed. She tried of a few think to start off the conversation, it wasn’t exactly like she’s good at this. Uhm, for starters, how are you, Eric?

The man didn’t say anything, just a simple reply.“Just fine.”

She wasn’t sure of what to say about that. It wasn’t a good way to start a conversation. Oookay...

Another silence washed over the area. The conversation was akward at best, for one thing, Sally didn’t even know what to say. Another thing is that her trainer and friend seems to be....hard to talk to these days. Not since what had happened. It made her worry, the rest of the team could share her sentiment.

Eric, can we at least...uhm, try to have a simple conversation. The Salamence groaned at her poor choice of words. Ah, I’m not good at this. Can you please tell me what went on in your...head?

The Reuniclus sweat dropped. It would appear that Sally isn’t good at this. And I’m a head psychologist. A little girl could start a conversation a lot better than this.

Sally glared at the Reuniclus. You’re welcome to try, Will. She retorded.

“Are you two trying to cheer me up? It’s not that simple, you know.”He replied, turning his head staring at the sky once more. The two Pokémons “Nothing is ever simple.”

Sally curled up closer beside her trainer. The Reuniclus followed suit who stopped levitating to seat beside his trainer. You should at least try. When I was little, I tried to forget.....

“The key word is ‘tried to’, girl. I did tried to....forget....what happened. It wasn’t easy.”The Salamence and the Reuniclus frowned at the reply. It’s not the answer they wanted.

Sally wasn’t willing to give up just yet. Maybe Will could help out? He’s a Psychic-type. The female Dragon-type looked at the aformentioned Psychic-type who looked at her with worry.

“I doubt a Psychic power can make the feelings go away. Like I said before, It’s not really that simple.”

Well, we’ll never know until we try. Sally quickly added. I think Helen did think of this method once, didn’t she?

“Somethings would just refuse to go away, Sally. It’s just how this world works.”He said, maintaining his dark look as he sit up.”It’s cruel, Sally. Very cruel. Not many are that lucky if you know what I mean.”

Sally unfortunately...could relate what he mentioned.I know what you mean. It’s because she herself....had experienced similar hardship comparable to her trainer. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.

“Easier said than done, girl.”Eric replied.”A lot has their way of coping with things. How’s your way of coping?”

Uhhh, by battling and training? She wasn’t sure, but by battling, it did take her minds off thing.

The trainer nodded.”And that’s why I didn’t have a method of coping. I just....don’t know.”

“But I am trying, if that’s what you trying to get the point across.”Eric patted her on the shoulder.

“Girl, you don’t have to worry about me. I can take care of myself just fine.”The man smiled. Sally is glad that he could at least smile, albeit rarely.”You don’t need to babysit me. That’s my job as your trainer.”

Ain’t that the truth. Will added with an eye roll.

Nothing she said had actually had any effect. His assurance that he will be fine didn’t dissuate her doubt even by a small amount. But, it will have to do for now.

Flanked by his Pokémons, he proceeded to stroke Sally’s neck up and down toward her wings. She let out a small unheard purr of enjoyment in her throat when her trainer rubbed the spot between her wings.

Will wasn’t spared, as a left hand stroked the Reuniclus bubbly body up and down. Despite his sarcastic attitude, he always did enjoy the stroking that Eric gave to him. It made his body looks like jelly and relaxed.

Eric smiled at his Salamence and Reuniclus enjoyment.“Thanks, guys. At least you guys tried to. I appreciate it”

Sally and Will stared at each other. Nodding, Will closed his eyes. A familiar female voice sounded in his head, and only his head. What do you think?

Sally made a mental shrug. I’m not really good at this psychological thing. That’s more of Helen’s thing.

Just say what you want to say, Sally. And please say it straight, for Arceus sake.

I don’t know...he probably would just brush it off. Like every other attempt. She glanced at her trainer who wasn’t paying attention and stared toward the infinite skies in the ensuing silence while regularly stroking the heads of his Pokémons. I’m getting really worried for him.

Me too, Sally. This has been going for far too long. Sally knew what he meant, Eric wasn’t always like this. I just hope he can get out of that dark box.

Out of nowhere, a wave of drowsiness hit the two Pokémon having a mental conversation. W-What.... happened? Why am....I suddenly.... so sleepy? Sally struggled to keep her eyes open. Will, d-did you-

The Reuniclus struggled to stay awake, his sense of levitation is wobbling. I...don’t kn- The Multiplying Pokémon had dropped to the ground on his back, fast asleep.

The Dragon Pokémon tried her best to stay awake. Then she remembered her trainer. She glanced at him who also had his eyes opening and closing. Using his left arm to balance himself as he rubbed his eyes.“Sally....”

“Sal..a...mence!”She remembered her training. Rearing her head back, she is about to do something to jolt herself awake. The wave of drowsiness were a lot more powerful than she had thought compared to her previous experience. With a groan, the Dragon-type had finally fallen asleep on her side.

Not even Eric could resist any longer. She is quickly joined by her trainer whose mind remained conscious long enough to hear an ethereal voice.

“Rest now my children, for when you awake a whole new world shall be your home.”

The trainer had finally joined his Pokémon in their sleep. Unaware of the fate that awaits them later on.

Play this as closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUmtn-BMB6o

Chapter 2 : ....A New World Appears

View Online

Some people out there believe that everything happens for a reason. I don’t because that would be a fatalist attitude. Things just don’t happen the way they are. All of us have the power to change what we wanted, and what we’re going to experience. Because I did, it’s the way this world works. Though, I couldn’t speak for the entire world because I’m just one person. What’s one person can do to change the world? All I can do is just react accordingly to the situation at hand. That kind of ideal to change the world would be naive.- Eric Angelo

Play this as opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLaA3ozGz7Q

“Ugghh....”Eric woke up with a groan before rubbing his blurry eyes. Once clearing his vision, he found himself looking at the clear blue skies with a few clouds in it.”I fell asleep? Since when did I fell asleep?”

Gritting his teeth, he tried to get himself up, but for some reason his hands felt....different. He moved his arms to his side to hoist himself up into a sitting position.”What the?”He finally got a look on his arms.

His arm is primarily covered in some short of dark grey fur.”Fur?”He raised his right arm to his face and he got one of the worst shock in his life.

There’s his brown watch, but there’s a head attached to the arm where his hand are supposed to be.”A head!”He raised his left arm to confirm his suspicion. And true, it was the same as his right arm.

He began to panic. He couldn’t believe his eyes, and so he tried to check the rest of his body for any similar or strange physiology, and even feeling his own face. True to word, he could see two overall fuschia-like stripes on his abdomen. He felt his neck all the way toward the head, he could feel fur along his longer neck and some sort of flower-shaped collar which surround his head. He could even feel that he doesn’t have a nose anymore, just some sort of snout. Worst of all, he couldn’t see his legs anywhere nor feel them, just feeling the sharp stump on where they used to be.

Needless to say, it caused him to hyperventilate.“What’s going on!? Why am I like this!?”He began to glance around rapidly in frantic around his own body.

He couldn’t believe his eyes, he even rubbed his eyes again just to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. One on hand, he believed that someone must’ve done some illusion on him as some cruel joke. On the other, he must be hallucinating something that looks real. Which means he’d taken hallucinogenic drug, which he never did.

He shook his head out of panic, trying to purchase a calm mind.“Okay, okay, calm down.”He took two-to-three deep breaths to calm his drumming heart. “There has to be an explanation.....there has to be.”

Then he remembered something. He woke up from sleep earlier.”That’s it. I must be dreaming, it has to be a dream. There’s no other explanation for this.”

But he couldn’t be sure, so he decided on one thing to do.“There’s only one way to make sure.”He moved his right arm head toward his face.”Alright, let’s do this.”And he pinched his cheek.

“OWW!”He covered his own cheek, it was a lot more painful than he expected. “Ahh, that hurts like hell!”Using an arm head to pinch his own cheek is a bad idea, because he made the head bite his own cheek.

After a moment, the pain died down, but it only confirmed his suspicions. It was something he dreaded to know, that he wasn’t dreaming after all, it was all real. As real as he felt the sharp pain from using the arm head to bite his own cheek. And he could feel the head opening it’s mouth as if it’s connected to his nerves when he tried to pinch his cheek.

He held the arm head in front of him, turning them all around to inspect them.“So, this is real?”Then he realized one thing that’s relevant now from inspecting the heads for hands. There’s only one thing that have that kind of physiology.”Heads? Does that mean I’m now a....Hydreigon?”

He couldn’t believe it, or his eyes are just playing tricks on him now. But he knew that’s impossible, because he clearly could feel the mouth of the heads opening and closing as he played with them. If the pain earlier wasn’t a clear indication, then the feeling of void where his legs were is enough proof. He could feel the stump, but not legs.

“That explains why I couldn’t feel my legs.”He sighed as he put his right arm head to his forehead while shaking his head.”Dammit, I can’t believe this is happening to me.”

Cursing his luck for letting this happen to him, he calmed himself down from another bout of panic.”Okay, there still has to be an explanation for why this happened to me.”He put his right arm head to his chin and began to wrack his memories for any relevant answers.

“If I think to what happen before, when, and after I fell asleep, that should answer my questions.”

“Alright, I remember before I went asleep, I was spending time with....”His eyes widened in realization as he remembered something. The last vision before he fell asleep.

He got up quickly from his sitting position to floating.”Sally!”He glanced around in order to find his loyal Salamence, to no avail. He tried calling someone else closest to him before falling asleep.”Will!”

He wasn’t concerned about the expansive nature, he was more concerned about his Pokémons right now. They were nowhere in sight.”They’re gone. But, they were right beside me. It doesn’t make sense.”He shook his head in frustration while gritting his teeth. Now, his Pokémons are gone.

Then he realized something when turning his head left and right.“Wait...” Glancing around again, he found himself in an expansive countryside, where he woke up in the middle of a meadow. Small hills dotting the area. Looking to his right, there is a road leading to left and right directions. But, from what he remembered, this isn’t the area where he last remembered to be with Sally and Will..”This isn’t where I fell asleep in. There was supposed to be a river.”

He put his arm head to his chin again. Muttering to himself as he tried to find explanations.”Before, I fell asleep, I was with Sally and Will. When I fell asleep, I saw Sally before losing consciousness. After, I fell asleep, I.....”He tried to think of an answer for that one, nothing came up except one.”.....I.....woke up here.”

He chewed his lips.“Which means.....there’s only one answer.”Eric gritted his teeth at the prospect of the answer.”Someone or something must’ve done something to me during the interval where we fell asleep and waking up here. But I fell asleep near a river, so he must’ve separated and brought me here.”

He had to admire his own level-headedness. Most who found themselves transformed into a supposed Brutal Dragon Pokémon with heads for hands would either faint from shock or run around like a headless Torchic. Other than a small panic fit, he quickly got over it in order to find any logical explanations for his situations.

But he couldn’t find the time to admire his own level-headedness. He had to find out where he is right now. There’s only one currently in his team for the job without Sally around.

The former human reached into his jacket, but couldn’t feel any clothing. He glanced down only to discover that he didn’t have his jacket anymore nor any belongings in it. He didn’t really pay attention when he panicked or when looking prodding his mind for explanation.

His wallet, badges, and Xtransceiver inside have gone alongside his jacket. Most importantly, his team and friends inside of those Pokéballs are gone.

“Shiiit, that ‘someone’ had the idea of stealing my jacket and Pokéballs.”He sighed with frustration now that his jacket along with his team is gone.“Unbelievable, now my jacket is gone. With my friends along with it. What’s going to disappear next?”

Unfortunately, he didn’t long to find out that his two bags are also gone. A rucksack where clothing and the berries were and the shoulder bag where his poffins were.”Son of a......” He cursed again at his rotten luck.

He figured he didn’t know what next course of actions should he take, except one.“I guess I should find help.”He turned his head toward the road.”It’s the only thing I could do now.”

He moved toward the road where he planned to take one direction, hoping that it would at least lead somewhere populated.

Eric stopped when the Hydreigon realized he’s moving. Moving despite not having legs.“Wait, how am I moving? I don’t have legs...”That’s when he gasped with realization about Hydreigon physiology and Ability.

He glanced at the six thin wings with two pointed each behind him. Eric right now realized that Hydreigon do have wings for floating or moving around because they didn’t have legs. He could feel himself moving them with regular beats. He didn’t feel any strain from moving them, almost as if he had them his entire life.

Coupled with the ability Levitate, he could float naturally without prior practice.“Huh, that felt weird having wings.”He shook his head. Returning to the matter at hand because he could admire his new wings later.

Eric floated toward the direction of the road. It didn’t take long when he approached it. From the looks of it, it seems to road is formed from years of use where someone repeteadly used it that caused the lack of vegetation. Compared to the meadow, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

The Hydreigon glanced at the two direction.”Where to?”His eyes fell upon a sign where the direction of the road takes him to the right.”Hmmm?”

He floated down the road until he came up on the sign on the right side of the road. It appears to be made of woods, styled with two horned and winged Ponyta rearing on each other on the center top.

His eyes fell upon a sign, a sign that says with curvy style writing.”Vanhoover, the city where nature thrives.”Eric says out loud.

Eric immediately felt confusion.”I don’t know any city in a region named Vanhoover. Am I in an isolated region?”He asked himself out loud.

He shook his head, he could think about that later. For now, he wanted to move and get help to find his team.”Hope for the best, plan for the worst.”He floated down the road without another word.

The Hydreigon floated down the road in silence. There’s nothing happening along the way that would gain his attention. Only the faint chirping of birds and the ocassional wind that made grass move back and forth. His mind is set on only one thing, finding a settlement and get help.

That and also finding a way to reverse his....situation.

He had also known that he had been floating for a while now, it did tire him out from regularly beating his wings. It felt like walking. He wiped some sweat off his forehead.”Hope the city is closing soon.”

Eric made it to a hill that causes the road to flow upward and over it. He had a feeling that he will see his target settlement soon.

And he did, by floating up the hill and stopping at the top. He finally looked toward the marvelous city of Vanhoover. Sunlight beating down on the city and on himself. Revealing the incredible architecture in the afternoon light.

It’s a harbor city that much is true because Eric could see the sea in the city beyond. Skyscrapers pierces the sky that could be compared to the ones in the likes of Castelia City or Veilstone City with the mix of Undella Town beaches. Rivers running through the city with bridges crossing over it toward the mainland or to other smaller district. There seems to be the downtown area where skyscraper choked the streets and smaller buildings in another district where the populations rest at night. Endless meadow surrounded the city like walls protecting it from enemies.

To the north of the city, small woods and road leading into it could be seen. Bird flying into and out, happily greeting the afternoon. His eyes found what looks like to be a ski rail leading from somewhere within the city into the snowy highland in the woods beyond, just below the snowy mountains. He concluded that the population here love skis.

To the south of the city, he could see another smaller city near the thicker woodland also to the south. Skyscrapers that looks almost has the same design as the one in Vanhoover. There aren’t seems to be smaller buildings to support the population though. Right behind the city, he could see a single mountain that is visibly pierces the sky.

Despite the situation, Eric took the time to swallow the view with his eyes.“So, this is the surrounding area of Vanhoover.”Eric said to himself while admiring the view.”Where nature thrives, indeed.”

Slowly nodding, he knew what he have to do.“Allright, time to get to work.”He wasted no time and floated down the hill, can’t wait to get help and reverse his current physiology back into that of a human.

Meanwhile, in a place nearby.

The hills outside of Vanhoover were proving to be quite relaxing in the afternoon. One could lay there, enjoying the flowing breeze, hearing the birds sing their songs, and watch the cloud pass by. Anyone could well lay in here all day and enjoy the beauty of nature until the night overtake the morning.

One mare is here to do just that, while polishing one of her skills as well. The mare is a snow white coated of the clearest white. Mane and tail as red as the thousand suns with blue streak running through. A single small ponytail dotted her mane, and tail, leaving the rest of her mane long enough to flow down her neck.

The most peculiar thing is her eyes, eyes as blue as the skies with slitted pupil in the center. And instead of pegasi wings, it’s leathery. Like that of a bat.

Several metal buckets of various color stood beside her hoof to the right as she dutifully brushed the sketch being propped by a piece of wood.“And....done.”She put down the brush in her hoof before leaning her head aside to stare beside the picture she had been painting using a brush. The snow white mare nodded at her handiwork, it’s almost lookalike.

The painting itself is a picture of Crystal Mountains in the distance with small parts consisting of the meadow where she is now, woods, and the snowy highlands below where the mountains stood strong above. The sky, cloud, the rugged color of the mountains with grasses and trees had been brought out well with skillful hooves and mouth. Trees and grass are much more vibrant, snows are much more clearer and making the real snow look dull in comparison , while the mountains glowed with the afternoon light, piercing through the skies with the spear-like peaks.

Then her good mood ended when a haughty voice sounded.”Well, hello there, Dawn. Fancy meeting you here!”

She knew that voice. As irritating as it was, she turned her head toward the direction of the voice to her right.”What do you want, Crimson?”Three ponies came towards her.

The red Earth Pony stallion with the out-of-place cream mane grinned that annoying grin. His two friends, one a black coated Pegasi with red mane, and the other also a Pegasi with clear blue skies coat and red mane. As if they were brothers judging by the same mane color.

“I just wanted to know what you’re doing, Dawn. You know, for old times sake.”The stallions both stopped in front of her, where the red one greeted her haughtily. With the tone where he’s trying too hard to be nice.

Dawn knew what he wanted. He pretended like he cared, but she knew better than that.”Cut the pleasantries, Cris. If you’re here to bother me, then you can leave me alone. I have no time for you or your friends.”

Crimson chuckled.“Nothing gets by you, huh, Dawn? Am I really that open-booked?”

Dawn rolled her eyes before replying.“First, you’re trying too hard!”Dawn stated, confidence could be felt in her tone.”Second, you’re a jerk. I’d thought you would know better by now, Cris.”

The red stallion scoffed in reply.“You assumed wrong, Dawn.”The stallion offered his hoof toward her in an exaggerated gesture of a knight in shining armor.“But, I’m willing to ‘forget’ about the part where you hit me if you could just come back with me.”

Dawn stared at the hoof before batting it away.”No,”It was such a simple, but powerful word. A simple ‘No’ would mean that someone refused.”Now leave me alone. I got work to do.”She turned back toward her painting to finish what she had started.

“Now, where was I?”Muttering, she stared at the ground where she put her brush, she crouched to grab it. Only a hoof came down on it.

She looked back up to the stallion who stared down at her.“You know, Dawn.Why do you have to make this difficult to yourself?"

She stood back up to face the larger stallion. Scowl decorating her face this time.“You’re the one making this difficult, Cris. I told you to leave me alone!”

The stallion sneered.”Why would I? This is a public place, it’s not yours!”

Dawn scowl deepened.”You know what I meant!”

“Oh, you mean this?”He knocked the almost-finished painting down with a forehoof.

“What are you doing!?”Dawn raised her voice in surprise.

“Teaching you a lesson!”All the nicities in the voice is gone. The brush came free from the bottom of the red hoof. But, the stallion turned to face toward the knocked down sketch.

She held a forehoof out to the red stallion.“Hey, wait a second, that painting is almost finished!”

The stallion didn’t listen, he reared back to bring his forehooves down on the painting.“I don’t care if it’s finished or not! This should teach you not to ignore me!”

“Hydreigon!”The all turned toward the source of the cry. Alarm bells ring in their heads, but couldn’t react fast enough when a creature shoved the stallion aside back toward his friend.

The creature, revealed to be some kind of floating three-headed hydra with six two-pointed wings, the small kind. It didn’t have legs, just sharp stumps. The hydra just stood there, before slowly fixing his gaze toward the stallion and turning to face them fully. Strangely, they didn’t react, just giving it an odd look.

The mare behind the Hydreigon was shocked. Shocked so much that she fell on her flank, she didn’t expect a hydra to suddenly appear in front of her. Much less a floating one with six wings. Fear overtaking her, this was suppose to be a nice day. She was dead wrong.”H-h-hydra!”She pointed a shaky hoof toward it, fear made her freeze.

“Hydreigon!”The hydra snarled at the stallions.

They all stared at the hydra in front of them. A floating, small hydra, with funny looking wings. After some staring, the stallions looked at each other. Before burst out laughing out of nowhere.

The mare is baffled at their reaction. Where she felt fear, they actually laughed. Is this what it meant to laugh in the face of fear? She didn’t know, but a little of her fear forgotten from watching their reaction.

The red stallion clutched his stomach.”Hahahaha, my stomach. What kind of joke is this? A tiny, floating hydra?”

“Guess this one must be some kind of midget?”The second orange stallion laughed alongside his friends.

“Or deformed! It doesn't have legs!”The black stallion added. They all stopped laughing when their stomach couldn’t take it anymore, tears forming at the corner of their eyes.

The hydra didn’t react, only giving them a cold glare. Before replying.”Get lost, Ponyta. I don’t appreciate harassment.”

They stared at each other. Not getting what the Hydreigon just said. Only hearing,”Dreigon, Hydre!”

The red stallion stared at the Hydreigon in confusion.”It can speak? What did it just say?”He turned his head toward his two friends.

The black one shrugged.”Sounds like, a load of nonsense to me?”He turned to the blue one.”You?”

With a shrug, he replied.“Don’t know, don’t care. I don’t speak hydra.”The orange one replied.

Inwardly, the Hydreigon wasn’t amused by their response nor the fact they couldn’t understand him. That and they look different from the Ponyta he had known.”They don’t understand me....I thought Pokémon are supposed to understand each other. They even speak human. Shit, just what have I gotten myself into?”He said internally.

He could think about that later, right now, he wanted to defend the mare. He figure this time he would improvise instead of planning.“Last chance....”He pointed to his right.”Get lost, before I have to hurt all of you.”

They didn’t know what the Hydreigon had said just now again. All they heard is just another blabber that came out of the mouth of the main head.

“Did you hear him?”The orange one asked his friends. They nodded together.”He can’t even speak straight!”

The black one made a funny face while imitating what the hydra has been saying until now.”Hydreigon! Hydreigon! What’s wrong? Should we teach you how to speak right?”

His friend chuckled. The red one smiled a sadistic smile.”Maybe, we should do it a favor and shut it’s mouth for it.”

The stallions couldn't agree more.”Get him, guys!”They let out a cliched war cry while charging.

Dawn pitied the tiny hydra, it didn’t know what it gotten itself into. Just as the first punch is thrown, she closed her eyes to prevent herself from seeing him get beaten up. A little while, all she heard is grunt. The Bat Pony opened her eyes and the mare is surprised when she open her eyes. The small three-headed hydra is actually doing pretty well.

He sidestepped, or floated aside a swing before punching the red stallion in the chest. He heaved before a mouth clamped on his hair and shoved him down so his face could be acquainted with the ground. The second, black one came, attempting to charge him. It failed when in mid-charge, the hydra made the slightest side float and shoved the stallion forward. His face dug trench as he slid forward.

The third one, the orange stallion came at him with his entire body reared up and taking up a wannabe martial artist stance. He ran forward, punching the Hydreigon here and there. But the punches were all parried or dodged with ease. The stallion gritted his teeth in frustration and made a punch toward the hydra’s face. He didn’t expect the hoof to be caught by an arm head mouth.

“Owww, hey!”He attempted to pull his hoof back, but the mouth held it secure.”Let go!”

“....okay...”He said simply. It came out as Pokespeak.

“Huh?”His wish is granted, the mouth let go, but not before his other free arm jabbed the stallion in the face. Causing him to stumble backward and landed on his back awkwardly.

The mare stared in awe, forgetting her previous fear about the hydra earlier. He danced through the strikes before counter-attacking like a graceful dancer would, only his movement seems much more tense. It was like watching one of those performance where this hero would come and save the damsel in distress. This situation is almost the same, but her saviour is much more grotesque. Then her face-fell.

The orange and red stallion came at once toward the Hydreigon. Eric attempted to kick the red one out of reflex though, that reflex didn’t save him now because he didn’t have legs anymore. The length of the stump weren’t exactly far despite following his reflexes.”Crap!”

He felt tremendous force on his stomach where the two stallions pivoted around and bucked him in the stomach. He opened his mouth in a silent scream as he were sent flying onto his back.

The mare gasped. Eric grunted as he use his right arm head for balance, floating back up as he did so. When his orientation returned, he didn’t expect a weight to be dropped down onto his back that it caused him to put his arm out to balance himself.

A head revealed itself from behind the Hydreigon’s own, hooves held tightly on the Pokémon’s neck.“I got him!”The black stallion on the Hydreigon’s back shouted to his comrades. They quickly went forward to put the hurt on the Dragon-type.

Eric did what every people would when someone clung to you, he struggled. But, found that the stallion wouldn’t let go. So, he did the only thing he could do when he learned hand-to-hand when someone chokehold him from behind. He snapped his head backward.

“Ahhh, my snout!”A muffled sound of agony is heard. The stallion grip slackened around the furry neck.

Eric swung his arm behind him and clamped the arm heads mouths on the stallion’s forelimbs.”OWWW! The hydra bit me!”He ignored the cry of pain. He saw the two stallions from stopping to pivot around again.

Once again he reflexively kicked a leg out that wasn’t there to stop the action. He cursed his old reflexes that doesn’t match his new physiology. With the stallions pivoting around, he did the one last thing he could do, he ducked his head low and threw the extra weight on him over his head.

The orange stallion couldn’t see it coming because he’s on the verge of unleashing a buck when his black comrade crashed on him. They both grunted in heap. But, it didn’t stop the red stallion from finishing what he started.

Two things happen. First, two hindhooves strike his cheek. Second, he’s send flying while spitting out some blood, landing on his back.

The red stallion who had bucked the hydra in the face turned around to face the grounded hydra.“Ha! Not so tough now are you, hydra!?”The red stallion sneered with glee. The other two is quickly getting up, their faces is a scowl from being beaten up.

Eric didn’t reply, he only gave them a cold, dark stare from his position on the ground Grunting, he struggled to get up, only that he felt the sudden urge to do something....to defend himself. The three is approaching him with a sneer.

The urge is getting stronger, the urge to do something to defend himself.”C’mon guys, let’s get this over with!”

That was it, he couldn’t contain the urge anymore. He opened his mouth, causing a light to glow within.

The three stallions stopped in their tracks. Baffled at the light appearing at the hydra’s main head mouth.”Huh?”They stared at each other in confusion.

The stallions weren’t exactly the brightest bunch. But, Dawn knew. Dragons will usually have this kind of glow within their mouth before they would unleash the hurt.

She tried to shout at them to run, to no avail. A shockwave of purple burst out of the Hydreigon’s mouth. They stallions were too shocked, but the red one regained his senses fast enough to dive left out of the way. His friends are not so lucky.

BOOM! The beam strike the ground, two screams followed afterward as two stallions of black and orange were sent flying.

He quickly covered his mouth using both arm heads. Staring in shock on what he just did.“Did I just do that?...Impossible....”

Meanwhile, the red stallion grunted as he made to stand up to four hooves again after that quick dive. With a groan, he slowly turned his head toward the destruction. Smoke rose from where the shockwave hit. A distance to his right from the smoke, his two comrades lay in heap, unconscious.

His eyes is full of panic, only self-preservation remains. He didn’t want to deal with a....whatever breath the hydra just unleashed.”Screw this!” He wisened up to put his tail between his legs to turn around and ran.

But, he didn’t run because when he turned around then his face meet a fistful of hoof to his face. Solar Dawn stood behind him all this time. Waiting for him to turn around before she would smack him good.

His tongue lolled out of his mouth and uttered one sentence.”...mommy, I’m seeing stars!”Then he joined his comrades in their forced sleep, falling onto his back.

“Go to sleep, Cris!”The mare spat out, reeling the hoof she had just used to punch him.

Meanwhile, Eric finally floated back up while shaking his head.“...assholes! I can’t believe they got the better of me.”He grunted a curse. He put up a head near his face and wiped his mouth. True, there’s a small amount of blood on his lips.“I didn’t expect a hoof to strike that hard.”

He sighed while putting his face to his arm head.”Could be worse. This Pseudo-legendaries resilience is more useful than I thought.”Then the image of what happened earlier crossed his mind.”But, what was that earlier?”

Once again, his mind tried to wrack itself for answers. It came sooner than expected, just from the image of what he just did.”....Dragon Pulse....I just used...a Dragon Pulse.”He said as if he couldn’t believe it. He had just used an attack during the heat of the moment.”Instinct, it has to be. There’s no other answer or explanation.”

He figured that it must be instinct. After all, cornered creature are much more dangerous than an active predator. Cornered creature usually follow their instinct to their fullest just to defend themselves. It applies to everything, including human even to....Pokémons.

“That explains the urge. The urge to defend myself.”Now Eric understood. A Wild Hydreigon always consider everything as a foe. They would act on that instinct and attack. Just like how he did.

“No, my painting!”

“Hmmm?”He turned his head toward the sound. During his self-indulging thought, he had forgotten the Ponyta mare is still there, holding a painting in her hooves.

His concern overwhelmed his attempt to think clearly, so he floated slowly toward her while holding an arm out.“Are you okay?”

The mare turned her head toward the hydra. To her it was just,”Hydreigon, Hy?”. She had forgotten it is still here. The mare dropped her painting and flinched back, a small amount of fear returned. That wasn’t all, with the stallions down for the count, it’s just her and the big bad hydra. A small hydra, but still fierce.

Eric sighed and put his arm down. It was confirmed earlier that the Ponyta couldn’t understand him, so he just stopped.”Hydreigon, gon.”

Dawn is confused. A second ago it was advancing on her with the right head raised like it’s going to eat her next. But now, it stopped, just stopped and floated there with the help of those wings of it.

Eric meanwhile trying to figure how to communicate with it. The attack he had just unleashed probably didn’t leave a good first impressions on the Ponyta mare. So, he tried to make gestures this time.

Dawn was staring at it warily, then she saw it pointing to itself, to her before waving it’s right arm as if to greet her.”What are you doing?”It dawned on her. It was making a greeting to her.”You’re making...gestures. Is that it? You...you’re making gestures to me?”The mare pointed at herself. It nodded. The hydra pointed to her, opening it’s main head mouth, pointing inside.

The gesture made her flinch backward sharply.”You’re going to eat me?!”She yelled, her wings twitching to take off. In return, it waved frantically at her while shaking his head.

“You’re....not going to eat me?”The hydra nodded. It started making the next gestures.

The hydra pointed at itself again, to her before making his arm head face each other as if playing puppet before opening and closing their mouth. Somehow, Dawn understood what it’s trying to say.”You...want to talk to me?”

It nodded before sighing in relief.”Hydreigon!”

She could tell that it was relieved that she could understand it by the huge release of breath. Dawn herself found that she could relax.”At least, it wasn’t going to eat me.”

She turned her head toward the ruined painting at her hoof to the right.”My painting....”The Bat Pony sighed in frustration.”I spent hours working on it. Now it’s ruined.”

“Hydreigon!”The Bat Pony snapped her head toward the Hydreigon who is floating slowly toward her. A small amount of fear taking over again.

When it gotten closer, Dawn was a bit intimidated, both by the size that’s bigger than her and he’s looking down at her. His shadow covered her own as if they would cover her whole and swallow.

But, instead, he offered a right arm head. Dawn was a bit confused. She quickly made the connection with a ‘o’ mouth.”You want to shake my hoof?”It nodded.

She awkwardly scratched the ground with a hoof. “Well...I guess, I could.”She put her right hoof out. Then it was clamped by the right arm head mouth. She flinched, expecting pain to come....but nothing.

Dawn looked at the head, it clamped on her hoof, but she didn’t feel pain. Guess, it must mean that it treated her gently. The hydra didn’t put pressure when he clamped the mouth of the head on her hoof. It was a new experience, having a hoofshake with a hydra. A weird, but enlightening experience.

The bat pony shakes the arm in return.“I’m Dawn. Solar Dawn. What are you?”

It pointed to itself, Dawn nodded. Eric awkward raised his left arm head behind his head to scratch it. He figured that he couldn’t just spell out his name, it would probably came out as,”Hydreigon.” Again.

He figured one solution that could be best for now, at least until he could find a better means of communications. It would be awkward at best. Eric pointed at himself at said.”Hydreigon!”

“Hydreigon?”The Bat Pony mare thought she heard that somewhere, then she realized what it meant.”Oh, the thing you have been saying until now! That’s what you are?”It nodded in confirmation.

Dawn chuckled nervously.“I guess....it’s nice to meet you..Hydreigon!”

Maybe this day wasn’t so bad after all.

Play this as closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUmtn-BMB6o

Chapter 3 : The City Where Nature Thrives

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In this life, things can go either the way you wanted, or the other way around. I learned that you shouldn't get your hopes up, really. The universe always seems to make things make a U-turn whenever you think that things go your way. That is why I have to react accordingly to the situation at hand. Things don't always go the way we wanted, no matter what. It's just the way life is. - Eric Angelo

Play this as opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLaA3ozGz7Q

Blue skies, winds blowing, clouds moving by, and the breeze of the sea greeting the City of Vanhoover in the afternoon. The city bathed in the warm afternoon sunlight. Truly an incredible day for it’s inhabitant as they do their daily routine.

Not one would miss the beauty of today’s nature. It’s a sign that it would be a good day, indeed. All is good, except for one white-coated Bat Pony mare outside of Vanhoover.

“.....my painting...” Dawn held one canvas in her hooves. Said canvas appears to be splattered with paint of various colors of blue, red, and purple.

“Hydrei...” A three-headed creature known as Hydreigon floated beside her. His face looking regretful at the mare’s ruined painting.

Earlier that day, said Bat Pony was happily sitting in the endless meadow, painting the landscape with skillful hooves. It could have been a great day, except that three old friends greeted her. As if her day couldn’t get worse, somehow a tiny, floating, three-headed hydra came to her defense out of nowhere.

Somehow, the hydra released a fire-breath like thing from it’s mouth that had caused the stallions to go towards the dreamland before the last one red stallion was punched by Dawn herself. The blast from the Dragon Pulse had unfortunately caused the paint buckets to be blasted off their upright stance, splattering across the entire painting.

It all happened so fast, the Bat Pony had no time to react at all.

“....sorry about the painting.”

The mare glanced to her right towards the Hydreigon. ”What?” Dawn looked with confusion in her eyes. Clearly not understanding what he spoke of.

Eric the Hydreigon who told Dawn the name of the species he is now instead of his real name in return made a gesture of bowing his head low. ”Hydreigon, drei.”

“......are you apologizing?” She is met with a sad nod in return. Dawn sighed. “There’s nothing we could do about it. It all happened so fast. So, don’t be sorry.”

The Hydreigon put his head up again and nodded in reply. The mare growled, looking over to the heap of three unconscious stallions who happen to ruin her good day. She couldn’t help, but let out a low growl from her throat. “I swear that jerk never learns his lesson.”

Eric didn’t reply, he just stared toward the object or subject of the mare’s animosity. The Brutal Pokémon had hoped he didn’t have to hurt them, but they forced his hands....or heads when they attacked him all of a sudden.

Five seconds later she got back to the pressing matters at hand. Mainly, her ruined painting and what she supposed to do now that she had made the acquaintance of the three-headed hydra beside her. “Soooo, I know that I’m glad that we’ve introduced ourselves. But what are you going to do? Because, you know, I have to return to the city soon.”

Eric didn’t reply, all he did is just point toward the city. Dawn’s eyes followed and found what he’s pointing. “Vanhoover? What about it?”

The hydra-like Pokémon sighed. Before pointing to himself, to the grasses on the ground before slowly pointing all the way upward toward the end of the meadow and stopping at the city proper.

The white mare scratched her head in thought. The answer came sooner than expected. “Oh, you want to go there!” The Hydreigon nodded.

Then a thought came. She shook her head. “Wait, wait, wait, going to Vanhoover? You, Hydreigon?” Said Pokémon nodded, not understanding where she’s going with this. “It’s a bad idea. You’re going to cause a mass panic by going over there.”

The Hydreigon sighed, putting his right arm head to his chin in thought. “How am I going to explain this?” He said internally, knowing he couldn’t properly explain without sounding like Pokéspeak. Simple gestures is what he could do for now.

The mare tilted her head. “Hello? Hydreigon?”

Eric is indulged in his thought that he only noticed her now. “Hmmm?” He glanced back toward the mare.

The mare frowned. “Were you listening?” He nodded. Dawn sighed. “Look, you can’t just waltz in there like you own the place. You’ll cause panic. And panic means bad news.”

“What is she saying? Why would I cause a panic?” His thoughts wandered again as he quickly remembered what had happened earlier during the scuffle. “They all acted like they have never seen a Hydreigon before. Even Dawn. Maybe I should assume that everyone here haven’t seen a Hydreigon being an isolated region. Even then, they all speak human language. How is that possible?”

Eric chewed his lips. “But, I still need to get help. I have no choice in this.” With his train of thoughts reached it’s end, he turned his eyes toward Dawn again.

He waved at her to get her attention. And it did. “Uhhh....is there something wrong? You’re waving your arm...heads...” Dawn is speechless on how to refer to that one.

Eric didn’t reply to that one, instead he made the next set of gestures. Eric pointed to himself, her, then to the grasses and all the way upward toward the city. The mare quickly understand, being it’s almost the same gesture as before.

“Wait....you want us to go together? As in...to Vanhoover?” He nodded in confirmation. The mare put her scratched her head in thought. “Well, that certainly helps. If they sees you with me, they might think otherwise.”

Then she has to burst the happy bubble. “But that still won’t exactly dissuade anypony looking at you and me wrong though.”

The Hydreigon mentally groaned. “I’ll cross the bridge when I get to it.” He said so unconsciously. But to her it just sounded like his species name spelled out again.

To his surprise, the mare somehow understood his desire. “You still want to go?” Eric gave her a simple nod.

Dawn let out another sigh. “Why do I feel like I couldn’t talk you out of this?” Eric scratched his head in return, not knowing how to reply without sounding ridiculous.

“Fine, let me get my stuff first.” She turned toward the ruined painting again, crouching to pick it up. It would be if a head hadn’t also reached out toward the painting.

“Hey, what gives?” Her eyes found the Hydreigon again who patted his chest before she could say a word of retord. “....uhhh, you want to...carry it?” He nodded.

Then she made another connection. “Oh, I see now. You offered to help?” Eric nodded for confirmation again.

The mare scratched her head, now she had one quite the polite hydra who is willing to help her. “Uhh, you didn’t have to do that really. I can carry all my stuff just fine on my back.”

But he kept his gaze on her that somehow screams, “I insist, Dawn.” Then, he pointed toward something behind her. Her gaze found the spilled paint buckets.

Dawn chuckled in amusement. “You’re quite the gentlemanly one, aren’t you?” The Hydreigon just made an unseen shrug.

“I just wanted to help. I caused the paint to spill on the painting. ” He said out of muscle memory. Of course, it just came out as Pokéspeak.

Somehow this scene reminds her of a gentlemen helping a lady out. That gentlemen who came to help her is a three-headed fellow. “If you insist, then I’ll carry the buckets.” The Hydreigon nodded and heaved the painting using the both arm heads mouth, turning it around so the wet part would face outward before resting it on his chest.

Dawn meanwhile, trotted over to the spilled buckets a few feet to the left from the painting. A little bit of paint spilled across the grass. She didn’t really pay attention to that part. She bit the handle of the bucket before flinging it onto her back. The same goes for the other two which she somehow carefully balanced, despite standing on it’s sides and could roll off her back.

“How did she do that?”The Hydreigon stared in bewilderment on how she does that. He didn’t understand how could a single bucket didn’t drop from her back like that.

“Ready, Hydreigon?” She shook her head at her voice, coming back from his thoughts to the waking world. He nodded in reply before pointing toward the heap of stallions. The mare frowned. “Just leave that jerk here. I already had enough of him for one day.”

Eric didn’t reply to that one. “Alright, to Vanhoover we go.”

And they both trotted, or floated for Eric’s case, toward the city where nature thrives. With Eric eyes shone with determination.

“Are you okay? You got bucked pretty hard back there.” Dawn asked while they trotted, or floated for Eric.

Eric just answered with a nod. “Uhh, okay then. But you should mention if there’s anything wrong.” He nodded again. Really, he wasn’t that hurt, Dragon-type resilience and all. That and Pokemon were fast healers.

And they both headed toward the city in silence. Even the chirps and wind are somehow absent during the progress.

Dawn felt uncomfortable in this. Earlier they’re talking a lot, now it’s pure silence. The Brutal Pokémon didn’t notice her growing anxiety, his only goal right now is finding a proper help. That and also helping the mare for the trouble that he himself had caused for her.

Finally, Dawn anxiety had grown to the point she think it’s time to start a conversation. “You know, you could tell me about yourself. How could you be sapient and all that?”

Eric stared at her like she had grown two heads. Where had that come from?

Dawn sighed. “I know, that came out of nowhere. The silence is killing me. I just wanted to start a conversation. Even if I couldn’t understand you most of the time. It’s not like everyday you could meet a sapient hydra-like creature.”

“Hydreigon.” He let out a weary answer. This day certainly had thing happening a lot and fast at the same time. The Dragon-type couldn’t have imagined him meeting some multi-colored Ponyta and two with wings, no less. One with wings like a Golbat or Noivern.

“Well, you certainly helped me in a pickle there. So, thanks I guess.” Eric nodded again for what like possibly the dozen times he did so.

They continued down the meadow, not following the path Eric had treaded upon earlier. The walk continued in silence as the afternoon passed by. The sun slowly setting in the distance, leaving a the sky an orange hue in the east behind them. Casting a slight shadow over them.

Five minutes later, they had stood within the outskirts of the city. The Hydreigon could see concretes starting from where they are now toward what he assumed to be the suburbs.

“Here we are.” Dawn trotted forward and stood before Eric. “Welcome to Vanhoover Hydreigon: The City Where Nature Thrives.” The mare stated, using a foreleg to point toward the city.

Eric had witnessed the city from the distance, but he could only imagine what it’s like up close. Turns out he was almost correct. Houses with transparent windows that sandwiched front doors lined the concrete streets that are protected with tiled roofs which are also painted mostly of the clear sea blue color. Looking left, he could see a rail that had missed his eyes the first time he bore witness of the majestic city. At least four amount of carriages of many size and style also visible on the street.

He could see several ponies walking down the roads. At times like this, most ponies spend their time downtown in order to do their daily jobs.

Eric had swallowed the view with his scrutinizing eyes. “It’s certainly has some charm to it. I can see why they call it ‘The City where Nature Thrives’.” He mumbled. “Though, there’s one strange thing. Why does it feel like there’s a medieval sense to it.”

“Alright, Hydreigon,” The Bat Pony voice broke him out of his thoughts once more. “Walk or...float closer to me. Ponies might see you the wrong way and cause a mob. Don’t want that to happen, do we?” Dawn let out a small sheepish smile.

Eric closed his eyes in weariness. “I just hope it won’t come to that.” He muttered.

And they walked into the city proper.

“Something is wrong....I haven’t seen a single human since arriving here.” Eric glanced around rapidly in order to spot anything. Anything that resembles any human being.

Ever since arriving into the city through the open gate, He had received nothing but stares from the strange multi-colored Ponyta full of various emotions. Fear, bewilderment, shock, surprise...the emotions ran the gamut of emotions. But out of all that, Eric had noticed something peculiar.

There are not a single human in sight. Even after walking for a few blocks into town. He assumed that at least a single human should greet his eyes. He was wrong.

“I assumed that no one here seen a Hydreigon. That much didn’t surprise me. But not a single human. Just where am I?”He continued to mutter.

Ponies are starting to either stare in shock and stopped what they are doing. Some whispered to one another while others quickly scrambled toward their home before locking the deadbolts, or dropped what they were carrying out of shock. Eric mostly ignored them, but even he starting to feel out of place seeing nothing but Ponyta. That and them being multi-colored with some somehow having horns on their heads.

“I expect a Rapidash to have a horn, not a Ponyta.” He mumbled.

Even Dawn is starting to feel uncomfortable at being stared by dozens pair of eyes. Obviously in shock of what the Bat Pony with three buckets on her back is doing with a three-headed hydra carrying a canvas on his chest. Her head drooped. “I knew this is a bad idea.”

Dawn had done her best trying to tune everything out, Eric had fared a lot better than her. The Hydreigon are shown to be much more composed than her.

“Halt!” The stern male voice shouted. And it came from somewhere out front. Both mare and the Hydreigon quickly rooted to their spot.

There on the end of the street at least a group consisting of six ponies wearing some kind of black uniform with some sort of wide chain-link cuffs on their belt. Two Pegasi, two Unicorns, and two Earth Ponies, all of them are of various color with their mane and coats. With training bred from the years spent in the City Guards Academy, they worked like a well-oiled machine. The six guards quickly stood beside each other and pointed their spears at the same time toward the looming hydra.

Eric didn’t do a thing, he just tensed his arm in preparation for defense. Not before indulging himself again within his thoughts. “Spears? Are they really this isolated? This looks even more medieval.”

Dawn reacted quickly upon the spear pointing at her companion. “Wow,” The mare quickly stood in front of the Hydreigon in his defense. Somehow, the buckets didn’t fell off. “Easy there. What seems to be the trouble, sir?” Inwardly, she knew the answer.

“Ma’am,” the leader Pegasi Pony with the white coat and black mane held out his hoof. “I need you to step away from the hydra!”

The mare put out her hoof in return. “Calm down, he won’t hurt anyone. At least, that’s what I think.”

Silence permeated for a five seconds before the lead Pegasi Pony spoke again. “Can you understand me, hydra?” A nod answered him. “What are you doing here?”

“He couldn’t speak.” The mare answered for the Hydreigon.

“What do you mean?” The Pegasi asked, raising an eyebrow toward the mare.

“What I mean is he could understand us, but couldn’t really speak our language. All he says is just his own name, Hydreigon.” Dawn added, hoping that it would dissuade the guards from attacking.

The lead Pegasi Pony stared back at the unmoving Hydreigon, still clutching the painting to his chest like it matters dearly to him. “Is this true?” Another nod answered in reply.

Some of the guards felt general relief through their body. But they all remained tensed otherwise, still remaining cautious just like what they had trained.

“Just what is going on? There are no humans in sight, only multi-colored Ponytas. Medieval looks. Where am I?” Eric mumbled incoherently through his lips, understood only by himself.

Without his notice, the lead Pegasi Pony nodded and glanced over his shoulder to a Unicorn guard. “Corporal Assault!”

Said pony with light blue coat and blond mane quickly tensed up in response, pointing his spear upward with his left forehoof and saluted his superior officer. “Sir!”

“I need you to cast a translation spell on our friend here!” He pointed a left forelimb to the floating Hydreigon.

The pony tilted his head in confusion. “Sir?”

“It’s an order, corporal! Get to it!”

“Yes, sir!” He quickly trotted up to the Hydreigon without a single amount of hesitation. The Hydreigon glanced down at the pony. “Now hold on for a moment. You might feel a little tingle.”

The pony’s words rang true as Eric suddenly felt a tingle, a tingle that soons spread across his entire body. Five seconds later, the glow of the corporal pony’s horn died down. He trotted backward before speaking. “Now, try speaking something.”

Eric frowned. “Speak something? You probably won’t understand me.”

Ponies had somehow gathered around the commotion without Eric himself realizing. They all had astonished look on their face when they heard him spoke. Two of the guards widened their eyes in astonishment

Dawn gasped, Eric turned her head toward the mare in question. “What? ….what’s wrong?”

The Bat Pony pointed at the hydra-like Pokémon. “I can understand you!”

Eric raised an eyebrow in question. How did she understand him? “What?”

“I mean, I can really understand you! Not the usual ‘Hydreigon’ that you always spoke about!”

Eric himself also become a victim of astonishment. Then he realized something. “Whatever the Ponyta did worked....I think.” Whatever the Ponyta did to him earlier had allowed him to understood by anyone hearing his spoken words.

“I think the spell worked.” The lead Pegasi Pony turned toward the corporal earlier. “Good job, corporal!”

The pony quickly saluted. “Thank you, sir!”

“Thanks a lot, sir.” Dawn is thankful that the guards helped her out with the.....different tongue dilemma.

“It’s not a problem, ma’am. We’re just doing our job.” The lead Pegasi Pony stated with much confidence.

His head turned toward the Hydreigon. Somehow knowing that he had become the subject of everything today. “It appears that you are an intelligent creature. I would like to speak with whoever-“

“Sir, sir!” Everypony in the vicinity turned their heads toward the source. Something is cutting through the crowd of ponies that had somehow circled them without notice. The crowd made several curses as the pony trudge forward.

The one cutting through the crowd soon burst through the crowd and through the guard formation, revealing himself to be an brown Earth Pony City Guard. It appears that he’s heaving for breath. “Sir, there’s....there’s something in the...” The Earth Pony guard is found silenced with the lead Pegasi covering his mouth.

“Calm down, private!” The lead Pegasi barked. He straightened up again before removing the hoof from the Private’s mouth. “Now, what is it that is look like you’ve been chased by the beast of Tartarus?”

The pony took several heaving breath. Three seconds later, he looked up at his superior’s eyes with his own. “T-there’s some kind of monster in the square by the fountain.

“Monster? Are you joking, private?”

“No, no, I’m not joking. I was ordered to come and get you, sir. It was real, sir. As real as the Unicorn who uses magic everyday.” The pony stared as if he had seen death itself.

The lead Pegasi Pony somehow found this hard to believe. Nonetheless, he wanted to know now the he’s curious. “Private, can you give me a description of the....monster in question?”

“It was....it was made of rock, sir!”

“Made of rock?! Now you’re pulling my leg, Private!” The lead Pegasi Pony stated disbelievingly.

“I’m not! Look, the point is, he looks like a rhino! His body are covered in thick rock-like skin that protects him from our spears.” The Earth Pony took several deep breaths before continuing. All, but forgetting any formality before. “There’s also some kind of holes on the palm of a three-finger hands that shoot out rocks.”

Eric head snapped upward at the description. “Rock-like body, a drill-like horn on the nose, holes on the palm of three-fingered hand.....” The guard stared at the mumbling Hydreigon. “There’s only one Pokémon that matched the description.”

“Is there something you want to tell us, hydra? Because I heard that you seemed to know what this is.” The lead Pegasi Pony asked with an eyebrow raised.

Eric eyes found the pony again and he answered. “I think I know what you are referring to.” Somehow, that didn’t ease the guards nerves. Because they know something is wrong.

“Stay back!” An angry-looking rhino-like Pokémon is waving his arm around with the rocky ball in the middle between his palms ready to shoot. He had been waving it for more than a half an hour after being speared by some Ponytas. Though, no one managed to pierce through his tough rocky skin.

Said Rhyperior thought that it would be a good day to sleep in his cave in the mountains. He thought it would be nice and besides what worse could happen when you’re sleeping? Indeed, fate is a powerful and fickle thing because they could change what supposed to be a good day into a bad day by making him found himself in the middle of a town full of strange-colored Ponytas.

Now he is currently trying to defend himself from his attackers in front of a simple-looking concrete double-decker fountain. Where crowds also gathered in a circle at the outermost part of the square to watch the spectacle. “Back away! Or I’ll make sure you Ponytas will regret it!”

“Surround it!” Six city guard who are currently wielding spears that might as well be chopsticks against the big rhino are making a wide circle

“Stand down!” A voice barked. A Pegasi Pony in the city guard uniform made a sudden landing besides his comrades.

An Earth Pony came up and saluted the Pegasi. “Captain, am I glad to see you.” The Earth Pony smiled at the prospect of backup.

“Likewise, Sergeant. Tell your stallions to stand down, we have someone who will try to talk to this.....creature.”

The Sergeant couldn’t believe his ears. That or they are now playing tricks on him. “How is that even possible. He’s been saying Rhyperior, Rhyperior for the good of the half hour, sir.”

“All I know is, that someone understands this creature.”

“How!?”

“Because he happens to speak this creature’s language.”

“Hey!” Almost every single head, except the lead Pegasi Pony snapped toward the source of the male voice. Their eyes found that of the pupil-less eyes of a floating Hydreigon. The Brutal Pokémon floated in front of the crowd. A Bat Pony mare stood behind him flanked right in front by five guards standing side by side.

“Dragon!” The Rhyperior exclaimed, quickly pointing his rock toward the Dragon-type. Rock Wrecker ready to fire .

Eric quickly put his arm up in submission. Showing he meant no harm. “Calm down, I’m not going to hurt you! Let’s talk this out like two person, I mean…..Pokémon would. Nice and easy.” Eric slowly floated toward the panicking Rhyperior who aimed the Rock Wrecker building up in the middle between the palms toward the Hydreigon.

“How do I know you’re not lying! You could be with the colorful Ponytas for all I know.” The Rhyperior shot back, not buying any of that. And not taking his aim off for any reason.

“Why would I lie to you?” Eric pointed at himself, slowly floating forward. “Look, I’m just as confused as you are. I don’t know how I ended up here. And I certainly didn’t know how we meet Ponytas that are of various colors here. Let alone some of them having horns, wings, or Noivern-like wings.”

The Rhyperior gritted his teeth. He glanced away downward for a moment before snapping his gaze back toward the Hydreigon who stopped in surprise. “You’re lying! Those Ponytas.” He glanced to the left before flicking his head toward the same direction, showing a group of six City Guards consisting of ponies wielding spears and the same uniforms. Two Pegasi, two Unicorns, and two Earth Ponies. “They have been attacking me for the last hour.”

The Sergeant Earth Pony had ordered his team to stand down and regrouped during the initial negotiation with the rock-like creature. The lead Pegasi Pony flew back toward his original group to stand at the leftmost of the, beside another Pegasi like before. Dawn is standing behind the guards, in the front of the gathering crowd. Painting now on her back with buckets somehow balanced on the flat painting.

Meanwhile, Eric gritted his teeth. Things are going downhill for him. He knew he had to act fast. “Those Ponyta didn’t mean to attack you. They’re just panicking in the heat of the moment. How would you think someone would react when if say….Groudon appeared in the middle of the city?”

“Well.....” The Pokémon is left speechless. Though, he knew the answer to that question.

“And that’s why, you need to calm down.” Eric eased. “They didn’t have a thing against you. We all would panic if a situation like this occur.”

The Hydreigon floated forward again, intending to deal the final blow. “So, please. Just calm down. Put down your arms and we can talk and discuss like two real.....Pokémon would. I’m sure we can reach an understanding.”

The Hydreigon had hoped that it would work. He knew what would happen if he failed. A rampaging Rhyperior is not exactly pretty to look at.

The Rhyperior started to relax, evident from the slowly dissipating trembling of it’s arms. The Rock Wrecker building in the palms of his hands are slowly disappearing before completely going away entirely. Finally, the Pokémon slowly lowered both of it’s arm in submission.

“...okay....okay...” The Rhyperior arms are now by it’s sides. “I hope you’re not lying about this, Hydreigon. If you did, I will make you regret it.”

Eric sighed. Relieved that’s one less fire he had managed to avoid just now. “Alright, that’s good.”

Eric in turn also lowered his arms to his sides. “Let’s tal-“ He’s cut off when the unexpected happen. A pointy spear bounced off the side of the head of the Rhyperior. Eric knew that meant trouble.

Evidently so did everyone else, as everyone present face hoofed. Some even stopped breathing for a moment.

“Private! Who told you to throw that spear!?” The lead Earth Pony barked at the uniformed unicorn pony beside him.

Said unicorn pony trembled in fear. Seeing an opportunity when the beast had lowered it’s arm, he quickly threw that spear toward the rock monster, hoping that he would hit the mark. Unfortunately, the spear had bounced off harmlessly off the head of the Rhyperior, who are now unleashed a death glare upon the pony.

He is not amused. Turning to face them with a snarl. “You!” He pointed his arms and subsequently, his palm toward the pony. Rocks starting to build up again within the middle of the palm of the hands.

Eric waved his arm frantically. “Wait, wait, he didn’t mean it.” The Hydreigon gritted his teeth in frustration. Eric tried to calm the incoming storm that he knew would come now.

“Liar! You said they didn’t mean it! Why did he attack me, then?!” The pony is now trembling, suddenly regretting the poor choice of action.

“Just listen to me. He didn’t mean it!” The Rhyperior ignored his words, he just kept the aim true toward the group of guards.

The Brutal Pokémon last ditch attempt to salvage the situation had failed him. “Just like that, it failed.....dammit!” He mumbled a curse. He knew what would come next, and he didn’t like it.

Eric glanced all around him, ponies forming a wide circle around the area are now watching with anxiousness. He gritted his teeth. “I’m a Dark and Dragon-type....” His eyes found toward the group of guards with one trembling pony in particular. “Ponyta is Fire-type.....Shiiit.” Eric knew what he need to do. He knew what he’s going to do is stupid, but he felt that he had no choice.

Without warning, the Rhyperior shouted out. “Eat rock, Ponyta!” It came, a boulder at the size of the Rhyperior palm shot out of the hole. Doing an almost bullet-like projection toward the group.

Eric was unprepared. He was ready to fight the Rhyperior if necessary, but not immediately. “Son of a....”

Fortunately, the guards regained their senses soon. “Guards, scatter!” The lead pony barked. As quickly as they can muster, the guards scattered. Pegasi flew upward, Earth Ponies dived to left and right while Unicorns teleported to who knows where.

And unfortunately, that led to one event opening up to another. Eric saw this immediately on where the rock is heading now. “Oh no...foals!” The rock is now making a beeline toward where a small group containing two adult Earth Ponies both male and female. In the center, two foals of the same species and light blue color stared in shock as they found themselves being the new target of the incoming bullet-like rock.

It all happened so fast that Eric with speed previously unknown to him, quickly zipped the toward the childrens , preparing to unleash an instinctive Dragon Pulse. Five meters away until impact, the ponies around the family quickly scattered. Soon they followed, but fate doesn’t allow it as one of the children tripped, forgetting about him. Three meters away until impact, the family turned around, noticing one of their missing family member.

“Book Smart!” The mare shouted, and tried to gallop back only to be held back by her husband.

“Mommy! Daddy!” The foal cried out. Then, he got a surprise when the three-headed hydra who previously talked toward the tall, rocky, rhino zipped in front of him.

Somehow, Eric managed to outfly the rock and stopped a six feet in front of the child. He tried to open his mouth, but the rock was already closing in. He glanced behind him, the foal is still on the ground. The Hydreigon quickly spread his arms wide in an effort to protect the foal.

“It’s okay, kid. I got you.” Hoping for the best, he mumbled two words of comfort. Though, the foal is too much in fear or in his right mind to understand.

“Hydreigon!” A familiar voice shouted from somewhere. It’s Dawn. The mare attempted to fly toward the Hydreigon. Abandoning the cargo on her back.

Eric closed his eyes and braced himself for the pain. Then, unexpectedly, his non-existent ear caught the sound of a whistle.

“Brick Break!” He knew that voice. A female voice that he knew for a long time.

His eyes shot open in order to bear witness to a Salamence flew in front of him and bashed the incoming rock-projectile with her right forelimb sideways. But it also came with an unexpected side effect.

The boulder exploded into hundreds of rocky shrapnels. “WAAAAHHH!” Dozens of tiny pebble struck the Salamence with equal force and velocity of the original whole projectile, sending her tumbling back.

Eric, being quick witted as he is, quickly caught the Salamence within his outstretched arms. “Gyah!” It came unexpectedly and he flew above the foal and slid across the cobblestones on his back.

The foal meanwhile used his hooves to cover his eyes as he lay there on the cobblestones. “Oh, my baby!” Two larger pair of hooves quickly wrapped around foal.

“Mommy, I’m scared.” The colt mumbled through tears.

“It’s okay, baby. Mommy is here now.” The mare nuzzled the sobbing foal furiously as she joined quickly by her husband and her other foal.

“Uggggh,” Eric groaned, somehow, he had managed to catch the Salamence before sliding on his back. Now, said weight is on top of him before he shifted so the weight slid along his belly before hitting the ground.

“She’s heavier than I thought.”He muttered. Getting up to free his wings

The Salamence groaned as her butt hit the ground. “Hydreigon!” Eric’s eyes found that Dawn had landed beside him, quickly putting her hooves beneath his back to help him onto his non-existent feet. “Are you OK?”

The Hydreigon nodded. She is quickly interrupted before she could add anything else. “Dawn, you need to get the family out of here! It’s dangerous.”

“What, but....you’re hurt!”

“I’m fine, you need to get them and everyone else away from this place. Things are only going to get worse.”

The mare seems to hesitate. And Eric quickly added. “I’m fine. You need to go, Dawn.”

“Alright, alright, I’ll go. Just be careful” She trotted toward the family who is comforting their crying children. Soon, they’re heading toward the crowd who had wisely pulled back into a safer distance which is out of the square and range of stray attacks.

Then the Hydreigon heard a groan, he quickly floated back up and toward the Salamence. “Are you okay?”

With a grunt, the Salamence rubbed her face. “Yeah, thanks for that, whoever you are.” The Dragon grunted without glancing backward. Getting up to face the Rhyperior who is chewing his lips.

“......are you Sally?” Straight to the point, but he had noticed the evidently small eyelash as another thing he knew about her. He dreaded what would came next

If her head snaps any faster toward the Hydreigon it might break. “How did you know my nickname?”

“So you are Sally.” He noticed the confusion on the Salamence’s face. He sighed. “It’s me, girl. Eric.”

Then anger replaced her features as she turned around fully to face the Hydreigon. “Are you kidding with me, Hydreigon!? Because if you do, I promise what comes next won’t be pretty. The real Eric is a human, not a Hydreigon!”

“It’s me, Sally. Why do you think I called you with your other nickname?” Eric replied cooly. Not all fazed by her threat.

“Prove it to me! Prove that you’re Eric and not some criminal Hydreigon posing with his voice. If you’re bluffing, I’ll know and I’ll break your jaw!” Sally was angered on how this Hydreigon just took her trainer’s identity and his personalities before posing as Eric himself. How dare he!

The Brutal Pokémon shooked his head sadly. He knew the time has come. “I was hoping it wouldn’t come to this.” He took one deep breath before continuing. ”I found you in my backyard alcove when you were little. You were shivering and hurt and I took care of you.”

Her features softened, there’s only at least two people who knows about that. One is right in front of her now. “...Eric?”

He nodded. Sally moved to hug her trainer and nuzzle him in relief, she was so panicky when she woke up in some meadow and didn’t find him or Will anywhere. “Eric! I’m so-“ She was cut off when Eric held up an arm head.

“Save it for later, girl. We have things to do now.” Her head slightly drooped at his command, but nonetheless she obeyed.

Sally turned around to face the Rhyperior who had already prepared another Rock Wrecker when they were talking. “Stupid Dragon!” Now another Dragon had appeared and shattered his Rock Wrecker to protect the Ponyta and the other Dragon that had tried to lie to him.

Eric gritted his teeth. “I don’t need this now.” Glancing around, he had found crowds of Ponyta had still gathered around the square but all of them remained on each end of the square instead of standing around it. “This makes things more difficult. If the longer the fight goes on, those Ponytas might get hurt.”

Eric knew the solution to the problem, just one. “I have no choice. We are going to have to end this now. Can’t risk collateral damage.” He mumbled. His right arm where the brown watch lay strapped around his wrist tensed. “Time for Mega Evolution, Sally! Prepare yourself!”

“Got it.” The Salamence braced for the feeling that is coming. Eric brought up his right arm where the Mega Wristwatch lay and pressed his left arm head to it.

....somehow, nothing happened. “Hmmm?” He pressed it again, trying to feel something hard pressing against his left arm head. “What....?”

He turned his arm around to see what’s wrong with the keystone on his wristwatch and he got one more shock that amounted in this day. “The Key Stone. It’s gone!”

That made Sally snap her head left almost all the way toward the Hydreigon behind her. “How didn’t you notice until now!?”

“I don’t know! Most of my stuff is gone as well! I wasn’t really paying attention.”

Sally also frowned she noticed the lack of weight that was supposed to be on her left ear fin. “Now that you mention it. I think you should see for yourself.” The Salamence used her left forelimb to point at her left fin ear.

Eric probably got the third surprise of the day when he find that the Salamencite earring Sally wore is also gone. “Dammit, things haven’t really gone our way this day.”

“Anyway,” Sally quickly flew backward as a bullet-like rock smashed where she had once stood, creating a small crater. “I guess we have to do this without going Mega I guess!”

Eric sighed, hoping it wouldn’t come to that. Fate says otherwise. “Alright, like I said we need to take the Rhyperior down as fast as we can. We don’t need to add collateral damage.”

“The old-fashioned way?”

“It is, girl. I’ll lead, you follow.”

The Salamence grinned. “I like it.” She finally re-faced the Rhyperior proper. Snarling, flames licking her lips in challenge.

“Are you with the weird Ponytas, Dragon?” The Rhyperior also bashed his arms together in return. Accepting the challenge by the Salamence. “You protected those Ponytas who attacked me. Then you must be helping them!”

“What’s with you always assuming the worst in someone? It’s probably accidental.” Sally retorted. But her words went through one ear and out the other. As it appears that the Rhyperior won’t listen after perceiving that he was attacked again earlier despite Eric’s reassurance.

“Let’s see what you got, Dragon!”

Play this theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p2W7mcmClA

Without warning, the Drill Pokémon charged. Intending to bash the Dragon Pokémon into the ground with Hammer Arm.

“Get ready, girl!” Her trainer reminded. The Salamence tensed every single limb of her body as the Rhyperior closed in.

The Hammer Arm fell onto her head. Or it should have been. “Circle to the his right side!” Opening her wings wide, Sally quickly made evasive maneuver toward the Rhyperior’s side, dodging the Hammer Arm that would have probably crushed her head from the weight alone instead of the power of the not very effective attack.

“He’s sluggish. Iron Tail to the leg!” She halted by skidding, her tail stretched out and glowed a grey solid steel color. Making an impressive spin, the tail bashed into the baffled Pokémon’s right leg who quickly went into his already small knees.

“Brick Break him!” Eric emphasized the command by pointing the at the kneeing Rhyperior.

And she did, she bashed him sideways on the butt with the super effective move her trainer had ordered. The Rhyperior somehow finding his stomach flat on the ground with his face level with the ground.

The Rhyperior growl came from deep within his throat, getting up slowly because of his cumbersome frame. “You’ll pay for that, Dragon!” Sally didn’t grace him with a reply, just a glare.

The Drill Pokémon finger and hands began to glow dark purple signifying a Poison Jab attack is coming. “Take this!”

The Rhyperior, for someone so cumbersome, ran at full-speed toward the unmoving Salamence. “Sally, dodge the Poison Jab!” He unleashed the first jab toward the Salamence who had dodged it by leaning her head to the left.

Leaning right and backward, she dodged most of the the attempt to jab her in the face. The Salamence didn’t made any comment during the dodging, just made the Rhyperior more angry with how easy the Dragon Pokémon dodged his attack like that.

The Rhyperior gritted his teeth in frustration as the little Salamence flew backward from yet another blow to crush her against the dirt. “Stay still!” He had finally lost his patience, bringing both of his arms above his head for a hammerfist Poison Jab and ran forward.

“Flamethrower to the face!” And the Rhyperior soon found his face engulfed in flames.

The flames died down soon enough without any effective damage, but the Rhyperior’s eyes are not. He is blinded by the heat to his eyes and the sudden bright light. “Ack, my eyes!” The rock-like Pokémon swung his right arm around in an attempt to purchase any kind of hit to no avail while his left arm are rubbing his singed eyes.

“Somersault and use Iron Tail to the head!” With a single quick beat of her crimson wing, the Salamence jumped upward.

Doing an impressive somersault, she flipped over the head of the blinded Rhyperior. But not before her tail stretched outward mid-flip with the same grey solid steel color and slammed into the back of the Rhyperior’s head. The Rhyperior went down with a wide-eyed expression and an open mouth before his face has yet met the ground again.

Pause the theme.

Sally landed harmlessly with grace behind the Rhyperior before spinning around and flew backward to gain distance. The crowds couldn’t help, but stare in awe at the impressive fight that the winged Dragon that showed up out of nowhere were able to dish out.

Even Dawn herself couldn’t help, but admire the strength of the Dragon who is for some reason commanded by her new three-headed friend. “Wow....”

“Nice job, Sally. But don’t let your guard down just yet.” The Hydreigon’s eyes found the Rhyperior. “I’m going to check him out.”

“Wait, Eric.” Sally, with an almost whiny voice, held out forelimb to Eric in attempt to stop him from behind the downed Rhyperior. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“I’m going to check if there’s any long-lasting damage, there’s nothing wrong with that. Besides, I told you to stay on your guard.”

Any further protest is drowned when Eric approached the downed Rhyperior. Right in front of the Pokémon, he floated to near ground level and put his right arm head to the head of the Rhyperior.

A few seconds later he glanced upward at a worried Sally. ”Looks like he’s knocked out.” Then a rock-hard three-fingered hand found itself gripped his throat tight. Cutting off his air supply.

“I got you, Dragon!” The Hydreigon found himself pinned beneath a heavy arm holding him down onto the dirt.

Eric’s wing beat erratically in an attempt to get out. The Rhyperior kneed on top of him, left arm pulled back and glowing white with Hammer Arm. “Oh no...” Eric know that it’s going to hurt because of him being a part Dark-type. He quickly bashed his right arm head against the face of the Rhyperior’s repeatedly in a vain attempt to free himself.

Then he felt the urge again, the same urge that allowed him to use Dragon Pulse. He heard a voice call out to him again, it’s Dawn. She was screaming full of worry.

What Eric didn’t notice, is that the most angry-looking Salamence is right behind the Rhyperior now. If stares could burn like a laser, then there would a hole in the Rhyperior’s head. But that’s not going to happen anytime soon.

Instead, what’s going to happen is that the Rhyperior just noticed a ‘whoosh’ in time for him to glance behind him and receive a sideway Brick Break across the face. A Rhyperior is supposed to be heavy, yet he somehow found himself flung off his feet by a powerful Brick Break. He rolled across the ground before halting by slamming against the wall of a house and shattering every single window.

The Dragon Pokémon landed beside her trainer protectively with expression of raw anger. “Touch Eric again and I’ll break every single bone in your body!” Sally stated with malice in her eyes. Somehow, the Rhyperior could tell that she’s willing to follow what she had said.

The Drill Pokémon slowly getting up from laying on his side. Groaning all the way. “You’re very good, Dragon! I haven’t fought someone so strong in a while!”

“Trust me, you haven’t seen the worst I could do if I Mega Evolve!” A groan sounded to her left. Turning her head, she found that Eric is slowly getting up. “Eric! Are you okay? No injuries?”

Eric had floated back up during their conversation, no harm had befallen on him and the urge going away while coughing. “I’m okay, girl. Don’t worry.” He took much needed air into his almost breath-less lungs.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive, Sally. It was a stupid move, but I’ll be fine. So I think you should to pay more attention to the opponent.” At the small berate, her eyes found the Rhyperior again, snarling all the way. How dare he intend to harm her trainer!

Continue the theme

Eyeing the Rhyperior-sized den on the wall, he knew what it meant. “We can’t let this continue any further. We need finish this game now.” He pointed his right arm toward the Rhyperior. “Sally, use Outrage!"

If there’s a face that’s capable of giving nightmares, here it is because a Dragon-type using Outrage is considered deadly. Sally’s eyes glowed a murderous blood red, her entire limbs tensing in order to give a good amount of thrashing to her opponent.

“You’re going down, Dragon!” The Rhyperior in turn made his arm glow dark purple. Preparing another Poison Jab attack.

Eric quickly floated sideway to get out of the line of fire. “Finish him off!” And she flew at high speed toward the Drill Pokémon who in return sprint in a slower fashion.

They both closed in on each other fast, the crowd stared intensely, determined to find who’s going to win. They met in the center, Sally’s right forelimb pulled back and the Rhyperior’s arms both being pulled back and he punched....only for his Poison Jab to meet nothing but air. The Salamence ducked beneath the blow, strafing toward his back by floating off ground a little and unleashed Outrage. Pain, it’s pain that he felt as the Salamence literally trashed him with punches, kicks and batting wings across his face.

With one final cry coupled with a punch to the face, he got flung off his feet again, and crashed straight into the fountain, causing it to crumble. The dust settled sooner than later, revealing a Rhyperior with swirly eyes on his back staring into the sky.

Theme end

The Salamence eyes still glowed red. “Is it down, Eric? Please say that he’s down for the count.”

Eric waited for ten second for the Rhyperior to react. And nothing happened in those seconds. “I think it’s knocked out for real. Great work, Sally. You did well once again.”

The Salamence couldn’t help, but smile at her trainer’s praise. “Oh, good, then I can fall on my side then.” Upon saying the magic word, she did fall onto her side.

“Sally!” He quickly floated over to the Salamence side.

A familiar Bat Pony mare watching in front of the crowds rubbed her forehead in an attempt to clear an incoming headache. “This day is getting quite strenuous, even for me.”

Play this as closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUmtn-BMB6o

Chapter 4 : Introductions

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The world have also the tendency to surprise you. It can come to many different forms, from luck, help, even a friend. But help and friend would be the most accurate in describing my situation from before. Even if the world does surprise you, sometimes it's not guaranteed to be something good either. We just have to be ready for it when the surprise comes to us, either good or bad. And never get your hopes up - Eric Angelo

Play this as opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLaA3ozGz7Q

The City of Vanhoover, the City Where Nature Thrives as some ponies like to call it. A city where thousands of ponies go about their daily work or routine. It was supposed to be a good day for everypony within.

Except, that today is definitely not one of those good days because a big rhino-like thing appeared in the suburbs square before pointing a glowing rock in the middle between it’s palm at everything in the vicinity of the square. Then, as if that weren’t enough, a three-headed hydra appeared and attempted to negotiate with it. The attempt failed because of the action of one sloppy guardspony.

The three-headed hydra floated a few feet in front of said rhino, whom was now currently unconscious. “It shouldn’t be waking up for a while.” The Hydreigon noted as he floated a few feet before the unconscious Rhyperior. The fountain had all but crumbled beneath the force of the crash and the weight.

“Are you sure?” The lead Pegasus pony asked with a questioning frown, standing right beside the Hydreigon. “I don’t want it to suddenly wake up and started waving that glowing rock again.”

Noting the swirly eyes, the Hydreigon nodded curtly. “I’m sure. Do whatever you need to do. I advise you to hurry before he wakes up.”

With that the lead Pegasus pony glanced behind him and motioned a pony over. Some ponies had already left the square by the time the Rhyperior was taken down, thinking that the guard could handle it from here. However the ponies that still remained to see what the three-headed hydra and the dragon would do.

One pony with a jet-black coat and a pale white mane trotted up to the officer. “Tell your stallions to restrain the rhino and do it fast. I want that rhino in containment ten seconds ago!”

The black unicorn saluted in reply. “Yes, sir!” Turning around to face three unicorns, he straightened himself up. “Alright, you heard him. We’re restraining the beast!”

The ponies quickly kicked into gear and were now working on the Rhyperior. Four unicorns wearing all-black uniforms with chainlink cuffs on their belts did something that caused their horn to glow with various colors. The Rhyperior himself also proceeded to be prodded with those glows that slowly stretched outward to form some kind of dome around itself. To any flying creatures, it would appear as if a dome of multiple colors appeared in the middle of a circular square.

Needless to say, Eric was baffled. He never knew that Ponytas could use their horns like that. “Are they using Protect? Every Pokémon could, but using their horns?” Eric mumbled as he shook his head, knocking himself out of his state of self-indulgement. “Never mind. I can figure that out later. First... Sally?” He turned around to see the Salamence that had been laying on her side while facing toward the Hydreigon with glassy look on her expression.

It didn’t take Eric long to figure out why Sally looked like she indulged in drinking too much alcohol. The last move he recalled her using was Outrage, the ace-in-the-hole for any Dragon, not counting Draco Meteor. Of course, power comes with a price.

Outrages’ price being confusion after the rage had run its course.

Eric started to float towards the Confused Dragon-type, intending to check the current state the Dragon is in. Floating lower and lower before the Salamence. “Hydreigon?” A female voice called out to him.

“Hmmmm?” Eric glanced to his right, seeing Dawn trotting up to him, void of the cargo she had been carrying on her back.

“Are you okay?” Said Pokémon raised an eyebrow in question. “Well, you nearly got....you know what.”

“I’m okay. Don’t worry about it.”

His offhanded response somehow put Dawn off somehow. Like he had been in this kind of situation for a long time. “Hydreigon, maybe you should-“

“....Eric...” The Hydreigon mumbled.

“Huh?” Dawn tilted her head in confusion.

Eric floated back up, turned to face the confused mare proper. “....It’s my name.”

At this, the mare frowned. “But, but....I’m confused.” The mare scratched her head. “I thought you said, your name was Hydreigon! Unless I’m starting to hear things.”

“Well, Dawn, I couldn’t really speak my real name at the time. What I spoke is just my....species’ name.”

Dawn sighed. “This is getting really confusing for me. Please let me get this straight, if your real name is not Hydreigon, then what? Just Eric?”

“Eric Fitzgerald Angelo. That’s my full name if you want to know.”

The mare pursed her lips. She knows not many have triple names like that. Most ponies only have two names, with a single name being quite rare thought not as rare as a triple name. “So....Mr....Angelo? Nice to-“

The Hydreigon quickly cut her off by putting his right arm up. “Just Eric is fine. Most of my friends call me that, anyway.” Eric could tell that the mare was confused just by looking at her expression.

The mare scratched her head. “Uhm....okay...Eric. Nice to meet you, again?” She received a nod of confirmation.

“You know, it’s kind of a weird name.” Out of nowhere, she blurted that out. She received a stare that could mean ’Are you joking?’ resulting in Dawn sighing. “Eric, I mean. I don’t know anypony who gives their son or daughter the name like Eric. But, Angelo? Yeah, that one I heard. At least there’s a number of ponies naming their kids like that, but it’s still uncommon.”

Eric frowned in return. Resisting the urge to rub his forehead. “Naming convention...This region must be completely isolated if Dawn didn’t know the name Eric.” He mumbled to himself, unheard by the Bat Pony. In an effort to clear his head, Eric looked into the sky and noticed something before looking at the direction where the sunlight came from.

Of course, the one below Eric’s gaze is Dawn. The mare saw that the Hydreigon seemed to stare somewhere behind her. “Uh, what are you doing?”

“It’s getting late.” Eric murmured.

“Huh?” Eric pointed behind her. Dawn glanced behind her towards the sky that was slowly changing into that of an orange hue. She knew that the night was coming soon. “Wow, I didn’t notice.”

“Time flies when there’s something interesting happening.” Eric said absentmindedly.

Dawn scratched her head. “Well....that’s kinda true.” Then the Bat Pony remembered something. “Hey, I thought of something. You wanted to go to Vanhoover right?”

Eric nodded.

“Well, here is Vanhoover.”

“Thanks, Dawn. I appreciate the help.”

“Soooo....what are you going to do?” The mare asked “I mean, what are you going to now that you’re in Vanhoover?”

Eric put his arm-head to his chin for a moment. “I wanted to find help.”

“Help? What do you mean with help? And why would you want to find help? Is there something wrong?”

Eric raised an eyebrow. “Do you really want to know?” When Dawn nodded, he knew that there was no avoiding this sooner or later. He had to eventually tell someone no matter how outrageous his story was if he wanted to find help.

He sighed in submission. ”.......I wasn’t always like this.” When Dawn tilted her head, Eric added. “I’m not a Hydreigon, Dawn. I’m another species that somehow….transformed into...this.” The Hydreigon sweeped his entire body with his right arm for emphasis.

What came next was silence. That silence turned into awkwardness. Before Dawn blurted. “.........What!?” Dawn exclaimed. “But, that’s impossible! I felt you, I touched you, I saw you! How can you even be another species!?”

The Dragon-type didn’t know how to reply to that. Eric remained silent for three seconds before resolving to continue his explanation. “Dawn, do you know what a human is?”

That silenced her future tirade. The Bat Pony scratched her head once more. “......uh, sorry, what is this….hoo-man?”

Questions filled Eric’s expressions. “She didn’t know.” the through rose in his mind. “Then that means….. that explains why there isn’t a single human in sight after I entered Vanhoover.” Eric sighed coupled by shaking his head. He didn’t even know how he remained calm despite the situation. “I don’t even know where I am anymore.”

“Sorry to repeat myself, but what’s a hoo-man?” Dawn asked again

“Not hooman. Spell it out hyu-men. Then imagine a 6’0 tall bipedal being wearing a white shirt and khaki pants with two arms, two legs, hands on each arm with five fingers, feets on each leg with five toes. Imagine them not having fur, only skin and a dark brown hair on top of their head and not a snout, but only a nose.” Eric purposefully added the part about clothing. So she wouldn’t…..best not to think about that.

Dawn scratched her head as she tried to imagine the whole thing based on his description. Truth is, she could imagine it easily enough, partly from how some ponies wore shirts and pants after all. The hard part is imagining what they look like. She was surprised when she thought about how tall these….humans are compared to ponies. Also slightly horrified at how they only have skin and wore clothes. “Yeah, I think I can imagine it….just enough. And kind of disgusting if they didn’t have furs to cover themselves.”

Eric ignored the last part. She had figured it out. “That was me you imagined.”

Dawn sighed while looking with an expression that screamed, ’Are you kidding me?’ While scratching her head once more, she said. “Look, there’s no way you can be this….human, whatever they are. And I can hardly compare you as this….human...you just described.”

Eric didn’t show it, but he had a metaphorical headache coming. “Of course, I’m a Hydreigon and they hardly resemble a human being. Anyone would have a hard time to imagine me as a human.” Eric drooped his head slightly with a sigh.

There’s only one thing he could do right now to convince Dawn. “Maybe I should-“ A soft groan could be heard heard. Eric turned his head back towards Sally who was attempting to get up. “I’ll explain later. I need to tend to Sally.”

The Hydreigon floated to the Salamence’s front and lowered himself near ground level. “Sally, you okay?” Eric asked while Dawn watched them with interest.

The Salamence put her right forelimb to her forehead. “Ugh....I’m okay.”

Eric suddenly placed his right arm-head out in front of her face.“Tell me if you’re seeing double.” The Hydreigon starting waving it back and forth up and down. Hoping that the Confusion had run its course.

The Dragon Pokémon narrowed her eyes in concentration, intending to focus on the arm-head in front of her. As it waved back and forth, she quickly saw that her vision came back to normal, as in, not seeing everything in double anymore.

“No, not seeing double anymore.” Then a clenching headache caused her to grit her teeth and place another forelimb to her head. ”Ah, stupid headache.”

Eric rubbed her head in an effort to ease her headache. “Considering you got hit by the shrapnels of the Rock Wrecker, I’m not surprised” Sally knew what her trainer meant by that. Super effective attacks hurt a lot more than attacks that hit for neutral damage, as in attacks you neither resisted or were weak to. Meanwhile, the rubbing feeling took over her mind.

“How did you get here, girl?” The Salamence let out a small purr of enjoyment. She could do this forever, melting in her trainer’s care. He always knew her soft spots, a fact that the Dragon enjoyed.

“Sally?” Eric’s voice called out a little louder.

That snapped her out of her daze. “Uh, oh, right. About that.....” She had temporarily lost herself in the enjoyment of her trainer’s care. Nonetheless, she spoke. “I woke up in a meadow, looking around for you and Will. I didn’t see you anywhere so I started flying around in panic. Then I saw two cities,so I picked this one and here we are.” Sally had purposefully left some part out about beating the crap out of anyone that dared to harm Eric.

Eric waited for Sally to continue. After a few seconds, he asked: “Just like that?”

“Yeah, just like....wait a minute.” Sally glanced at her trainer with bewilderment on her face. “Eric, did you just speak to me?”

Eric sighed. “You should know Sally, I’m a Pokémon now. It’s natural for me to speak with you.”

“And how did you become a Hydreigon again? I seriously remember that you were 100% percent human.” She asked with a skeptical look.

“That’s the million Pokédollar question.” The Hydreigon added with a weary tone. “I fell asleep, woke up here,and discovered that my jacket and Pokéballs were gone. Also, for some reason, I’m now an Hydreigon.”

Sally remembered. He did say that he lost his jacket and Pokéballs that contained their friends upon awakening. “So what’s next?”

“Right now or later?”

“Right now!” Sally gritted her teeth in frustration. “We can’t just sit around here while some thief is running around carrying your belongings with the Pokéballs that have our friends inside. Running around with your Key Stone and my Salamencite doesn’t help either, but adds more trouble all the same.”

Eric sighed while softly shaking his head. “I know, Sally. Running into you was probably just a fluke. Right now I just want to find help.”

“Help?”

“So I can reverse my....situation if you get what I mean. But it seems, that’s out of the question right now.”

Before Sally could add anything again, a voice call out to them. “Uh, hello?” Their heads turned at the female voice between Eric and Sally. It was Dawn who was scratching her head during the whole conversation. “Care to add me to the conversation?”

Upon seeing the mare, she scrutinized the mare. Watching every limb, every single mane and fur all the way to the tail for any hostilities. This caused the mare to back away, noticing that she had been stared at. “Uh, hi?” For some reason, she felt…..’intimidated’.

“Who’s the Ponyta?” Sally turned his head at Eric, preparing to defend Eric if necessary. To Dawn, it would appear as, “Salamence?”

Eric quickly brushed down her neck in an attempt to relax her. “It’s okay, girl. She’s fine.” The Hydreigon turned his head back at the mare and motioned her over. “Dawn, it’s okay. Come on over here.”

The mare showed signs of hesitation. If there was any sign that showed earlier during the fight with the big rocky rhino, the winged Dragon was truly one to be feared. Her fearsome features, a couple of wings shaped like a pair of axes, sharp fangs, and fin-shaped ears.

Because of that, the mare was unsure whether it was as safe as Eric said. “I don’t know.....”

Eric sighed. Some people just had a thing against Dragons. “Dawn, Sally won’t hurt you if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Are you really sure? Because it looks like she’s going to bite me or fry me. No offense, but I don’t like either options.” Dawn replied, hesitation coloring her tone. Earlier she was admiring her skill in a fight, now she was terrified of its stare.

“I’m going to bite and fry her?” Sally stated with an almost indignant tone to it.

The mare looked at Sally with confusion. Where she could hear Eric speaking her language just fine, to her the Dragon just spoke, “Sal, mance?”

“No, she won’t bite or burn you.” Eric curtly assured her. Motioning her to come over again.

Seeing that the three-headed hydra was not going to let this go, she sighed before marching forward. Once she was close enough, Dawn could define more of her features. Mainly about the large crimson eyebrow that stretched to the rear of the head, white underbelly and crimson scale on her neck. Truly a fearsome appearance, indeed.

With hesitation, she trotted forward until shewas right in front of them.

“Dawn, this is Sally. My best friend. “ Next, Eric pointed towards the Bat Pony. “Sally, this is Dawn. The Ponyta mare I helped earlier.”

The mare scratched her head in nervousness of the Dragon. “Uh, nice to meet you, I guess.” She tried to be as polite as she could. Despite Eric’s assurance, she was not going to take chances of angering a Dragon.

Sally scrutinized the mare again. After some intense staring that made the mare uncomfortable, she had written off whatever suspicion she had on the mare. The Dragon Pokémon knew that the mare seemed harmless enough. The fact that Eric trusted this Ponyta was enough for her.

Sally smiled in return. “Same here, Dawn. I’m Sally.” It came out as more Pokéspeak.

To Dawn, she didn’t understand what she just said. All she knew was that the Dragon smiled which eased her tension by a small amount. “What?”

“She says, that her name is Sally. And it’s nice to meet you.” Eric motioned her closer again.

The mare trots seemed hesitant as she tried to get closer. Once close enough, she let out a hoof slower than the one she did with Eric. “I guess....it’s nice meeting you, Sally.”

“To you too, Dawn.” Sally bumped the bottom of her paw against the hard hoof of Dawn. The Bat Pony smiled, she had certainly made some weird kind of friends today. She also felt less ‘intimidated’ now for some reason.

“Hey, Dawn,” The mare turned her head toward the Hydreigon. “Why didn’t Sally understand you, but you could understand me?”

Somehow, Eric doesn’t know about magic. She sighed. “I should have known the spell only applies to you. Not to your Dragon friend here.”

“What spell?”

“I mean, the one the unicorn guard used on you so you could speak in our language. Obviously, she didn’t get one of the spells cast onto her yet.”

“That explains about the tingling feeling earlier. Wait, magic?” Eric placed his right arm-head to his chin. “Magic? Spell? How is that possible? There’s no such thing as magic. Except maybe, the Mismagius species.”

He shook his head. “Forget it....”

“Want me to ask the guard to cast as spell to Sally here?” Dawn flicked her head right towards the four guards standing side-by-side in their attempt to cast a dome together.

Seeing what Dawn meant. He glanced behind her and saw the unicorns at work. “....maybe later. At least, after we get the Rhyperior to leave the city.”

“Uh, right. Good point there.” Dawn scratched her head sheepishly. Realizing she wanted to ask during the middle of the guards work.

“I think it’s waking up!” A unicorn guard shouted. That caught the attention of everypony in the vicinity.

That got the Salamence back onto her paws in a jiffy. All, but forgetting her easing headache from the rubbing. “Eric!” Flames licking her lips once more.

Eric put out his left arm head in front of her face.“Easy girl! He’s secure. Look.”

True enough, the Rhyperior groaned and slowly got up from the mess of a fountain. Rubbing his eyes, he noticed something that was different from what he last remembered. There was a multi-colored dome, four unicorns to his front with their horns glowing of one of the various color each. His eyes also found the one Dragon-type that had knocked him out earlier. Beside her was the Hydreigon from before

Needless to say, he panicked again. “You!” He quickly prepared Rock Wrecker between his palms. Oddly enough, they didn’t seem worried despite the rock aimed right at them.

He fired the rock, smirking at the prospect of hitting his opponent. His smirk was wiped away when the rock shattered against the barrier, creating a ripple, but still standing nonetheless. He’s baffled. “What is this?” Walking up to the barrier, he put one hand onto it. Feeling that the dome was pretty solid. “Protect?” How dare you imprison me, Ponyta!”

Pulling back his right arm, the upper part glowed white with Hammer Arm and promptly punched it. Unnoticed, the unicorns gritted their teeth for a second. Expecting the barrier to fall any second like any Protect would after deflecting an attack, only that didn’t happen. “What is the meaning of this?” He kept punching the barrier wildly in an attempt to free himself.

The unicorns started to sweat bullet from the pressure applied to the dome repeatedly. It seemed obvious that the strength of this beast was enormous.

He pulled back his right arm for another strike. “Stop!” And stop the punch he did out of surprise. He glanced forward over the unicorns, and found his eyes watching the Hydreigon floating closer to the dome.

Seeing that the Rhyperior had stopped punching the shield, he put his arms up again in a show of submission. “Now,” The Hydreigon floated forward, stopping a little behind the line of the four unicorns. Regarding the Rhyperior with careful eyes, he stated. “Can we talk like two normal Pokémons?”

The Rhyperior let out a deep growl. “Why should I trust you, Dragon? You lied to me before, so why should I believe you now?”

Eric sighed. “I told you. It was an accident. No one would expect him to throw the spear like that.” One of the unicorns in question who maintained the barrier blushed in embarrassment.

“Liar! You lied to me! And I’m not going to fall for it again, Dragon!” The Rhyperior stated with a snarl.

The Brutal Pokémon grit his teeth, it had gone so well earlier. Why couldn’t it now? “Look, just give me another chance, okay? I swear to you that it was all an accident. I’m sure we can come to a compromise if we talk quietly.”

After a few seconds of silence. Eric had got what he wanted with the words stated by the Rhyperior. “Alright, Dragon, but this is your last chance. If you lie to me again....” The Drill Pokémon made an arm glow white for emphasis. That made Sally snarl in anger. How dared he threaten her trainer!

He let out a small breath of relief at that. Generally, some of the guards nearby as well. “Please don’t let anyone screw this up.” He mumbled. “ Alright, what made you upset in the first place?”

“I was sleeping in the mountains where I made my home. Suddenly, I heard this voice, then I woke up here, surrounded by Ponytas and without my home.”

Eric raised an eyebrow at the word ‘voice’. He did hear that before falling asleep, but he decided to leave that for later. “Why did you try attack the Ponytas then?”

“Like you said, Dragon. I was upset. My home is gone and now.....this.” He pointed at everywhere in particular. “The Ponytas, they are everywhere.”

“Well, if you want a home. You could find one nearby, in the woods or in the mountain. I’m sure they could suit you to your liking for a little while. But that still doesn’t give you a reason to threaten them just because you’re upset.”

The word ‘upset’ got his attention again. “Watch it, Dragon.” He warned.

The Hydreigon remained undaunted. “The point still stands that you attacked them. You could find a new home out there. So, I offer you this, we could let you go, only if you promise to get out of the city without causing more trouble.” That was met with silence.

The Rhyperior kept up a straight face. A few seconds later, he uttered. “Fine....”

Eric raised an eyebrow in question. “Can I trust you to leave quietly then?”

The Drill Pokémon made a small nod. “You convinced me, Dragon. I will leave the city quietly as long as no Ponyta attack me along the way again.”

Eric remained silent for a few seconds to see any distinguishing features that might tell that he was lying. Somehow, the Rhyperior made a straight face, no anger or frustration visible.

“Be on your guard, girl.” Sally made an unseen nod. Turning to the captain who stood aside and watched the exchange, he said. “Alright, I think he can leave quietly. Please lower the Protect dome.”

The unicorns were confused for a few seconds. The jet black unicorn in charge at the left of the row glanced at their commander to the left. He gave a nod. “Do it...” He said curtly.

The unicorn nodded. He glanced back at the Rhyperior. “Stallions, lower the shield!” And they did. The glow of their horn slowly died down.

This in turn, caused to dome to slowly flicker out of existence. A few seconds later, the dome was no more, causing everypony to slowly back away from the behemoth before them. The Rhyperior’s eyes glanced everywhere, at the Ponyta, at the Dragons. Silence overtook the entire square, until a small rumble was heard.

The unicorns quickly ushered out of the path of the walking rhino. Eric moved out of the way alongside Sally and Dawn to the left, watching as the Rhyperior eyeballed them as he walked past. The ponies that had crowded the street leading out of the suburb wisely stepped aside left and right in order to create a path for the Rhyperior to pass through.

The rumbling died down as the Rhyperior slowly zoomed out of view. Dawn sighed in relief. “I thought that was going to go under again.”

“At the very least, the Rhyperior decided to leave quietly and without a fight this time.” Eric muttered, glad that one thing decided to go his way today.

“Yeah, can’t help but agree with you on that one.” The mare wiped her brows of sweat that had accumulated from nervousness.

“If he did, I would have pummeled him down again.” Sally stated. “No one harms my trainer.” She muttered that last part, unheard by Eric or Dawn.

To Dawn it sounded like more Pokéspeak. And it snapped her memory. “Oh, do you still want that translation?”

Eric glanced at his Salamence. “Sally?”

She shrugged. “Whatever you want, Eric. I’ll follow you.”

Eric turned to look at Dawn to his right and nodded. “Sure, she doesn’t mind.”

“Alright, be right back.” Dawn approached one of the guards. The jet black unicorn who had commanded the unicorns earlier had watched the Rhyperior leave in silence. Once close enough, she prodded the guard at the side who seemed to be in a trance until the prodding came. “Excuse me, sir?

He lightly shook his head. Freeing himself from his daydream before turning to the right and facing whoever prodded him. “Yes, ma’am. Can I help you?”

“Can you cast a translation spell for the dragon over there?” Dawn stepped aside before pointing at the Dragon Pokémon’s direction.

After seeing what she was pointing at. His eyes seemed to show a little hesitation. Mandatory for his line of work to show suspicion. He internally shrugged. “I don’t see why I shouldn’t.”

The mare smiled. “Great! This way.” The mare led the stallion to the waiting Dragon-type alongside her trainer to her right.

Upon approached, the guard couldn’t help but also scrutinize every detail of the dragon. Who in turn also scrutinized him with her piercing gaze.

The guard had to admit that he felt ‘intimidated’ by this dragon, no matter how he look at it. He resisted the urge to gulp. “Alright, you might find yourself feeling a little prodding all over.” When Sally frowned, the stallion quickly added. ”But don’t worry, it won’t hurt.” Somehow, that didn’tassure her at all. She resolved to maintain her gaze on the Ponyta.

The stallion closed his eyes as his horn glowed white. “Now, please stand still.” Just as Eric did before herself, she felt a little tingle here and there. Stretching outward all the way from the head to every limb to the tail. Honestly, she felt like she had been prodded by a cold metal.

She felt the tingle slowly ran across her tail, until it went outward through the tip, the stallion opened his eyes again. “There, she should understand us now.”

“Thank you for your help.” Eric nodded his head in thanks.

“You are welcome. Consider it a reward for helping us out earlier with the rhino.” He nodded to all of them. Glancing momentarily to his squad, he spoke. “If you excuse me, I need to help my squad.”

“Of course, sir. Thank you so much for helping us out.” The mare smiled.

The guard smiled in return. “Take care, ma’am....” He left to join his squadmates without another word.

Another awkward silence occurred,until Dawn talked again just in effort to find any good topic to talk about. “So....it’s getting late, huh?”

“Yeah, it is getting late.” Eric said, realizing Dawn’s attempt at conversation. “I thought, I mentioned that before.”

The mare scratched her head in nervousness. “Yeah, sorry. I can’t stand awkward silences.”

Eric nodded. “I can understand that.”

“So…...aren’t you going to find help? With you being in Vanhoover and all right now.” The mare let out a sheepish smile at her failed attempt at conversation.

Eric ignored the part and just answered her. “As you said, it’s getting late. Sally and myself are battered. I think it would be better to find help tomorrow.”

The mare couldn’t help, but be astonished when he said that “Wow, you sure thought things through, didn’t you?”

The Brutal Pokémon gave off a small shrug. “It’s just a habit of mine.”

Sally glanced to her right towards her trainer with an unseen deadpan stare. “You had that habit ever since you became like this, really.” She mumbled, unheard by the mare or Hydreigon.

“Well, I’m no expert in…..humans, but I think I can help with showing you and Sally here around town tomorrow. Give you a helping hoof and all.” The mare made another scratch on her head.

That...was something Eric missed. He was new in town after all, the Hydreigon would need help finding his way. “I guess, I’m going need help finding my way around town.” He muttered. Eric nodded in confirmation. “I appreciate it, Dawn.” Eric couldn’t help but feel as if he had imposed upon her more than he should be. He kept quiet nonetheless.

“No problem. So where will you guys be staying?” Another awkward silence occurred on what was like the tenth times that day.

Eric momentarily put his right arm-head on his chin again. Sadly, he couldn’t find any satisfying answer to the question. “I guess.....we could sleep outside again.” Eric glanced at Sally who made a nod in agreement.

“I’ll follow you, Eric.”

The mare was horrified at what they had just said. “Wait, wait, wait, sleep outside?” Dawn stared in shock at what they’re proposing. “You’re only going to get a cold out here in the night.”

“It’s not the first time we’ve slept outside actually. I think we can handle it.”

Dawn shook her head. “No, no, no. Are you seriously suggesting you’ll sleep outside in the middle of the night within a harbor city?”

Eric knew what she meant. Sleeping outside in a harbor city in the middle of a night was not good for your health. Unless you wanted to catch a cold. “....is there someplace where we could sleep free from the night air?”

The mare scratched her head in confusion. She couldn’t let her new friends sleep outside like this. Despite their....appearance, they were actually quite nice. Eric even helped her. “I think I know one place.” She said cryptically.

“Where are we going?” The Hydreigon asked as he and his Salamence companion walked, or floated for Eric, down the road towards somewhere. Hugged to his chest was Dawn’s ruined painting. Dawn’s precious cargo of buckets returned to their place on her back again.

The sun had all, but completely set over the horizon just enough to leave a small amount of light shine through the horizon as they went through the suburbs, following Dawn while ignoring any ponies that might happen to glance their way out of curiosity to the two Dragon-types. Word have already spread around that a three-headed floating hydra and a dragon with a pair of axes-like wings were in the city.

The Bat Pony was unused to this kind of attention. She was always more part of the everyday flow of life instead of outside of it. To think that in about a few hours, she met a hydra that claimed to be a human, his dragon friend. Then, a big rock-like rhino appeared in the middle of town. Today was certainly interesting.

Right now, she had offered to shelter them both for a little while at least. She thought about how to repay him for now. There was one destination in Dawn’s mind that might serve as a roof for the night.

“My house. It shouldn’t be long now.” The mare replied, glancing alongside at Eric.

Eric raised an eyebrow on that one. “Your house?”

“Yeah, my house. At least, it’s better than to sleep out here tonight”

That made Eric stare at Sally to his left while she trotted on four legs just fine despite her earlier injury. Noticing the gaze, she glanced at the Hydreigon in return. She shrugged. “I think a house would be great, for a while. Certainly better than having to sleep outside…..again.”

Eric nodded. “I think that would be great.”

After turning to a few more alleyways for shortcuts, they had arrived at the less populated area of the suburbs where houses seemed to be separated more and more instead of lined up with each other.

Turning around the left corner again, they had witnessed a medium-sized house with two windows on each side of the door and one more on each side, with the rightmost taked the cake as the widest window. Generous amount of acres for the front yard, but not much to be considered rich. Two trees containing bananas that sandwiched a small stone road leading up to the door. Therewas also a second floor judging from the one window right above the door.

The mare pointed up to said house at the end of the street. “That’s my house there.”

It didn’t take long for them to reach the house’s front door. Like any stereotypical house owner, she lifted a welcome mat in front of the door with her forehoof and revealed a simple silver key. Latching it to the door, she turned it to the right with a click. “Well, welcome to my house. It’s not much, but it has been my home for the longest time.” Dawn opened the door and they filed into the house proper.

Upon witnessing the sight, it was quite true of the word ‘not much’. The interior seemed to be smaller than what it looked like from the outside, but still held a well-maintained look. The interior as far as he could see was clean.

In front of him there was a typical red sofa facing toward the door with a simple crimson carpet in front of the sofa. Eric could tell this was some sort of lounge. A few feet, behind the sofa, there were stairs going up before turning around the corner to reveal another flight of stairs, possibly a second floor. To the right of the staircase, there was a doorway leading to another room. To his left, there was some sort of living room, another pair of red sofas facing each other with a small wooden table in the middle barely reaching up to the sofa’s height. To his right, there was a stand that separated this lounge from it with a an architect desk propped against the other side of the stand from where they were now. The other side of the stands seemed to be full of buckets from where he floated, and books stacked together in a cluster against the widest window.

“All of this is in a single floor. It certainly has an…..earthly charms.” He mumbled.

Though, he or Sally didn’t mind the slightest at least judging from his lack of reaction or Sally shrugging. “Thanks, for inviting us to your home for the night.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad to help a friend.” Dawn smiled, trotting to the left to her desk by the wall. Reaching it, she slid her cargo off her back as they made metallic sound from meeting the wooden floor. She began to put them upright again and slid them together to the left of the desk.

Turning to face her new friends, she seen them stayed on the spot near the doorway. Examining the entire place. “If you guys need anything.” Catching their attention, she continued. “I’ll be upstairs in my bedroom, sleeping.”

Dawn felt the urge. Before she could, she put her right forehoof to her mouth to cover her yawn, the adrenaline slowly wearing off. “This day is seriously unexpectedly too exciting for me.” The Bat Pony mumbled before turning to head up the stairs to get some well-deserved sleep.

“Wait,” The mare turned her head left to look at the Hydreigon. “Where should I put this?”

The mare pointed her left forehoof at the desk’s direction where she just propped the buckets against the left of the desk. “Just put it against the stand there. I’ll take care of it in the morning.” Once realizing her curtness, she added. “Sorry, I think the day’s excitement is getting to me.”

“I think we can all agree that this day is quite tiring.” Eric added, knowing how many interesting had happened today.

Sally and Dawn couldn’t help, but nod. “If you two excuse me. I’m going to need my sleep soon. Wake me up if there’s a fire.”

As if by magic, Sally yawned in exhaustion. “I agree with her on this one, Eric.” Her earlier search and the battle with the Rhyperior didn’t help her imminent sleepiness. “I’m dead tired here and I just want to curl up somewhere nice.”

Glancing at Sally for a moment, he couldn’t help but nod. “Alright, we’ll go to sleep soon. Dawn, where should we-“ Glancing back, the mare had already gone up the stairs before he could ask where they should sleep. Possibly already fell asleep herself.

“I’m guessing we could sleep anywhere?” Sally quipped with one eyebrow raised.

Eric sighed. “Let’s just take the sofa and the carpet.”

Nighttime had claimed the day and casted the shadow of sleep over everypony’s head, causing them to rest for the day within the comfort of their homes. This is no different for the two Pokémons that were resting peacefully inside the house of one Solar Dawn.

Sally sleep contently on the carpet in front of the sofa facing the door, all curled up. Another one on the sofa, head propped on the armrest and staring at the ceiling aimlessly.

Three seconds later, the shadow slowly crept up from the sofa. With a soft beat of his wings, he. Revealing himself to be Eric within the moonlight that crept through the window blinds.

Eric reached down to Sally while floated lower to the sleeping Salamence. “Good night, Sally.” He rubbed her head. The Salamence made a contented sigh.

With that, he turned and floated toward the door. Shutting the door, he floated to the single tree to the right of the path in Dawn’s front yard. Soon, he sat down and propped himself on the tree. As if by protection, the tree leaves on the branches cast a shadow over him by the moonlight.

He glanced upward. Stars, there are so many stars beyond yonder. Eric couldn’t help, but find himself amazed at how many stars are there within the blackest night.

Almost unconsciously, he reached his right arm toward the skies. Intending to grasp the tiniest hope within the darkness that could bring back the once human trainer. Hoping that the tinies light could become the brightest light in the darkness.

Sadly, he knew he couldn’t. He pulled his arm back before resting both arms on his belly. “I’m just one person in the entire world.....” He muttered.

He propped his head against the tree. “Just what is happening to me? Who did this to me?” He couldn’t help, but think that something out there caused his transformation.

Shaking his head, he tried to get rid of his constant self-indulging thoughts. “I should really stop brooding.” Eric grunted out.

He let himself relax against the tree, watching the twinkling star that is within the sky. “So beautiful...”

He let himself fall into a trance, letting the stars guide him for the moment. Watching them in silence for five minutes, his eyes slowly drooping from the exhaustion of the day’s event.

Soon, he joined them all in their sleep. Letting the exhaustion taking over and closed his eyes. “.....dad.” Eric uttered before sleep took over to make way for the morning.

Play this as closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUmtn-BMB6o

Chapter 5 : The 'Sarcastic Psy Master'

View Online

If the world threw a surprise your way and it is not a good one, you just have to quickly think of a way out of it because many times over you have to deal with the situations either by yourselves or with your friends. Sometimes we just have to find a way out of the many situations ourselves and without help. For that reason, it is why I said to never get your hopes up and be ready for anything. As it is the many times that situation has been thrown into me, I have to deal with them myself - Eric Angelo

Play this as opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLaA3ozGz7Q

“Eric, I really think you should stop...”

“I know, I know. Don’t worry about it.....”

“HANDS UP! ALL OF YOU! DON’T TRY ANYTHING FUNNY!”

“Eric, run!”

“Stupid old bastard!”

“DAAAAAADDDDD!”

“I’LL KILL YOU! I’LL KILL YOU, YOU MURDERER!”

BANG!

Two pupilless eyes that belongs to Eric the Hydreigon shot open. For a moment there is silence as he stared off into the distance in a Thousand Yard-like Stare when in fact he was actually conscious. He just needed time to reboot his brains.

Eric gave off a sigh of weariness. “That dream again?” He rubbed his forehead unconsciously. “Dammit, why can’t I forget that?”

After rubbing his head, he stared into his arm heads again, as if they were...still carrying the same blood that had been spilled that day. “...Dad.” Eric uttered while staring off into the pinkish sky once more.

He remembered that he had fallen asleep while propped up to a tree last night during his nightly day dream. The Hydreigon just stared into the starless sky in an effort to clear his head after the nightmare he just had.Eric frowned quickly enough upon realizing something. “Wait...Starless pinkish sky?”

Then unexpectedly, a light glared into his eyes, causing him to snap both eyelids shut. He put an arm over his eyes as he slowly inspected what had caused such a glaring light. The reason slowly appeared , rising from the horizon in the distant lush green lands

“....Sunrise.” He muttered while squinting his eyes to look toward the impending orb of light that is starting to rise. Eric frowned. “Something seems...different.”

After a few seconds of adjusting his eyes, he could see that the sun was rising. But he sensed that it was...different from the one he had witnessed before. Everything under the sun seemed much clearer as birds glided gently throughout the skies with clouds billowing past unhindered. It’s clear to him now that the sunlight has revealed how...clear this area of the general polution.

He took a deep breath and exhaled. Feeling the clean air that goes into and out of his lungs. “..... beautiful. Never seen a landscape that clear before.” He muttered.

Stretching out his furry arms with a groan, he slowly beat his six wings and floated once more. “Alright, I just hope today would go better than yesterday....and maybe reverse my situation.”

After staring off into the distance for a few minutes, he sighed and floated toward Dawn’s house, intending to start day.

“WAIT!”

The shout echoed loud enough for him to hear it clearly. “Hmmm?” Glanced over his shoulder, he saw some familiar faces. “Those Ponytas from yesterday?”

“This might be interesting.” He mumbled and turned around, waiting for them to catch up with him.

“Sorry for bothering you this early. Can you still understand me?” She received a wordless nod in return. She found herself sighing in relief. “Thank Celestia, I thought the spell had worn off. ”

Eric raised an eyebrow upon the mare mentioning something or someone called Celestia, but he resolved to find out later after his own problems had been solved. “Is there something you wish of me, ma’am?”

“C’mon, you already rehearsed this yesterday.” The mare muttered to herself. “Uhm....how should I say this again? Uhhh, good....morning...to...you?”The mare said awkwardly, not really knowing how to start off a conversation with an intimidating creature.

“Good morning to you as well, ma’am.” He nodded to her in return.

Surprised by his lack of offense and politeness, the mare released a sigh of relief. “I thought you I had offended with you with the way I stutter and thing.”

“Ma’am, you haven’t offended me in anyway, so please, don’t worry about it.” Eric reassured.

“Anyway, I wanted to say something since I didn’t have the chance yesterday....” The mare took a deep breath to signify something is coming out from her mouth. “I wanted to thank you....”

Eric raised an eyebrow, remembering exactly why the mare thanked him for. Yet he decided to humor her just to be polite. “Yes, for what exactly?”

“For protecting my baby yesterday. That was a very brave thing for you to do.” Glancing beside her, she spotted her trembling son. “And my baby here wanted to say something. Isn’t that right, Book?” Crouching to level herself with her son beside herself, she nudged him forward with a foreleg. “Go on, say something Book.” The mare nudged her son from yesterday forward.

Now right in front of the tall and imposing Hydreigon, he stared up at his pupil-less eyes and he cowered back.

Seeing this, Eric quickly acted. “Hey, don’t be scared. I’m not going to hurt you.”

The foal didn't say anything, the only thing that is appearant is that he trembles before the towering creature. Noticing this, the mare attempted to calm her son. "Hey, Book, don't worry, he's not going to hurt you. Didn't you see that he's quite polite?"

"But...he's big and scary....." The foal whined. "I'm scared, mommy."

The mare frowned at her son. "No, buts, young stallion. This hydra protected you yesterday, so it's only fitting for any polite colt to say thank you." The mare reprimanded. "Now, go on, say thank you, Book."

The foal only trembles even more, that is until another soft nudge forced him to stutter out a sentence. “T-thank you, m-m-mister h-hydra...fo-for protecting m-me...” The foal couldn’t help it anymore, he quickly dashed behind his mommy before peeking out behind her hind legs.

Eric didn’t give any reaction whatsoever toward the scared foal. “It’s no problem, kid. I couldn’t bare watching a little one get hurt.”

Glancing at her scared son then back at the hydra, she gave a sheepish smile. “So sorry about that. Book is quite traumatized after yesterday’s event.”

“Any kid would be traumatized after any life-threatening even, so I’m not offended.”

“Still, I’m sorry about my son’s reaction. I just wanted him to say thank you, not like this.” The mare shakes her head with a sigh.

“Don’t worry about it, ma’am.” He stared up into the sky once more, seeing that the sun is up already, he glanced down back at the mare again. “So.....is there any particular reason for you to see me this early in the morning?” Eric had gone straight to the point seeing as he himself had some reasons to do something this morning.

The mare went wide-eyed with genuine surprise for a moment before regaining herself again. “How did you know about that?”

“Simple,” Glancing over her shoulder, he could see only a few ponies are up and about with only one or two just stared his way for a moment before going their merry way. “Not many Ponytas get up early in the morning, so either you have some business to attend to, or you wanted to catch me before I left town

The mare stared with an astonished look on her face. Politeness is one thing, but an observant mind? She sighed, no use for pleasantries anymore. “Well,” The mare reached her mouth into her shoulder bag or more like saddlebag that Eric had only noticed right now. After a few seconds fumbling with it, she quickly brought up her face again to Eric before spitting it out the object that she had held in her mouth to her right forehoof so Eric could see it clearly. “I wanted to repay you for your bravery yesterday. This charm might not be much, but it’s the least I can do to repay you.”

The thing in her hoof revealed itself to be some sort of shining golden winged-brooch with an encrusted jewel in the form of eight-point amethyst in the center. The whole thing is linked by a simple chain-link necklace that could be worn in anyone’s neck.

The Hydreigon stared at the charm for a while that the mare starting to get nervous and thought that she had angered the hydra or something. Eric reached out a head toward her, but before she could flinch back she instead felt a gentle touch on her hoof. “Ma’am, keep it, I don’t really need the reward.”

An arm head placed itself on her hoof where she held out the golden winged brooch-shaped charm. The mare frowned. “But....how could you just refuse?”

“Ma’am, anyone in my position would do the same. So please, don’t give me too much credit.” The Hydreigon said modestly.

“But.....” The mare didn’t know what to say anymore that the hydra had just refused a gift from her. But she wouldn’t have any of it as she shoved the charm into his chest. “Please just take it. I just wanted to repay you and this is the only thing I can do.” The mare is practically begging at this point as Eric had noticed.

Noticing the charm she had pushed against his chest, he noticed that the mare is determined to give him this. He sighed in acceptance. “Well, if that’s what you wish.” He gingerly took the charm by biting down with his right arm head on the chain link and brought it up to his face for a closer inspection. He found that the charms seems to glow a beautiful golden within the morning’s light. “Quite the beautiful charm here. Are you sure about this, ma’am?”

“Well, my husband had this odd fascination about charms for a while and since I insisted on repaying you somehow, I persuaded him.”

“What exactly does this charm do? And you should know that I’m not one who’s into charms and any other superstitions.” The Brutal Pokémon asked curtly.

“Oh no, it’s nothing like that. I figured that you are a creature that couldn’t speak our language properly since most hydras couldn’t, isn’t that right?” She received a nod in reply before continuing. “There’s a translator spell in there that is powered up constantly by our inner magic everyday. Considering that every creature has some sort of magic with them, it should last....well, forever as long as you haven’t exhausted your magic yet and get proper rest.”

“Ponytas with magic? How is that possible? Only Mismagius can enchant charms like that and only they should have magic.” Eric slightly shook his head. ”This is getting confusing and just plain ridiculous. Everything doesn’t add up with what I’ve learned.”

“Are you okay? You were shaking your head there for a moment.”

“I’m okay, don’t worry ma’am. And are you sure you want to give me this??” He held up the charm again to emphasize and to make sure she had made the right decision in giving him a.....magical charm.

The mare nodded without hesitation. “Yeah, consider it as a gift and repayment for saving, or at least trying to save my son.”

That made Eric stare at the charm in silence. A few seconds later, he made his decision. “Alright, I’ll take it. Thanks for this charm, ma’am.”

“Your welcome,” Feeling a poke on her left hind leg, she glanced at her rear to see that Book is the one prodding her. “Book, be patient.”

“But, mommy, I’m hungry....and we haven’t had breakfast.” The foal whined.

Upon realizing that she had forgotten to make breakfast before coming here, she stared over her shoulder to the sun, causing her to squint her eyes upon realizing that it’s getting higher and that means it’s also getting late. “How could I forget about that?” The mare rubbed her neck sheepishly before turning to face the Hydreigon again. “Sorry, but I have to cut our conversation short.”

“Don’t worry, ma’am. I also needed to do a few things fast, so I won’t be keeping you.”

“Thank you for understanding.” Turning to face her impatient son, she smiled down on him. “Let’s go home, Book. How about some nice pancakes to start off our morning, hmmm?” The mare teased.

“Yay, pancakes!” The foal can’t wait for his mommy’s pancakes to be served to him and he quickly went galloping from the way they came before turning around to face her mother who didn’t follow him. “C’mon, mommy, hurry! I wanna eat pancakes.”

“Be right there with you, my baby!” Turning to face the Hydreigon for one last time, she simply smiled before saying “Again, thank you. I can’t say it enough times.”

“To you as well, ma’am.”

The mare smiled before nodding as she left without another word. After trotting for a few steps, she glanced over her shoulder. “Please, give my regards to your other Dragon friend.” The mare trotted away with a smile, followed by her foal. They were gone into the early morning crowd that had developed when they had conversed.

Staring at the winged brooch shaped charm for a few seconds, he made a shrug. “Maybe I should take this to Dawn. She’s bound to know more about this than I do.” He muttered before floating back to the house.

Entering back into the house proper after spending the night outside, he found that his loyal Dragon Pokémon was still fast asleep, out cold on the carpet and softly snoring. Shaking his head, he mumbled “Still the same as always. Maybe I should let her sleep in for a while.”

Looking everywhere around the first floor from where he is, he couldn’t spot Dawn “She must still be asleep. I think it’s best not to disturb her while I work...

“Hmmm, the second floor is out of the question since Dawn headed up there yesterday, so it must be her bedroom. That leaves....” Glancing slightly to the right of the staircase from where he is, he witnessed a door leading to room still unknown to him.

“Might as well check it out.” He shrugged before floating toward it. Once outside the door, he turned the knob and peeked inside. Once seeing enough of the room, he opened it wide and floated inside, finally revealing the entirety of the room. “Should be more than enough.”

He pulled up his non-existent sleeves out of habit. “Alright, time to get to work.” And he floated toward the equipment needed to start his morning work.

“Hggggh!” A white Bat Pony mare groaned as she stretched her entire limbs to four directions. After the stretching, she rubbed her eyes to get rid of the blur. “Is it morning already?” She grunted out.

She uncovered the curtain which was right next to her bed and witnessed the sunlight that had stretched out to cover the city of Vanhoover from the east.Scratching her head out of habit, she muttered. “Some weird dream I had last night.”

Dawn remained sitting upright as her brain worked to wake itself up, staring off into the suburbs outside of her house. She remembered something critical, thanks to her currently growling stomach that demanded tributes in the form of food.

With a grunt, she hopped out of the bed before yawning again. “Should get some breakfast.” Without fixing her bed mane, she headed toward the door, opening it to reveal a staircase before heading downstairs.

After heading down two flight of stairs, she glanced around the first floor. Finding nothing that seemed to be out of order, she tried to make her way to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. She would if it weren’t for the fact that the Bat Pony noticed a large form curled up on the floor.

“What the?” She squinted her slitted eyes to see what it was that. ”What is that?” The mare trotted forward a little and leaned her head upward to glance over the sofa.

Her eyes turned to pinpricks upon witnessing a large, blue scaly form curled up on her carpet just in front of the sofa. Out of fear, she tried to sneak back up the stairs, then in her peripheral vision, she noticed something peculiar.

“The painting!” It was the ruined painting from the dream she had propped against the stand from the other side of the architect table. The one where it got splattered when the buckets containing the wet colors when....whatever her three-headed friend had unleashed on the jerks in her dream.

Only she realized that the ‘dream’ really happend. “So...it wasn’t a dream? Eric, Sally, the rhino-thing? It was all true.....”

She gave off a sigh. “Right, I remember now. Made a few....weird, but nice friends yesterday. How could I forget that?”

Her head perked up when she heard the Dragon made a contented sigh before going back into the slumber. She smiled at how....cute that reaction is if you can get past the fearsome appearance. “Glad she’s enjoying herself.”

Her stomach made another impatient growl. “Alright, alright, I get it. I need food.” Glancing left to the kitchen, she made a beeline toward it to prepare said food.

Inside the kitchen was a wooden table with four chairs on each side of the table for dining purposes, a fridge to the right, and a stove to the right of that..A door in the back of the kitchen stood tall and proud, leading to the backyardo the backyard

But what caught her attention was her three-headed friend is near the stove, holding a frying pan. “....Eric?” She stated with confusion etched into her face.

That caused the Brutal Pokémonh to glance to his right, causing him to notice the source of the voice. “Dawn?” Eric asked with an eyebrow raised. “You’re awake?”

“Yeah, I’m awake. Didn’t think somepony would wake up before me .” Quickly enough, she realized where they are right now. ”Wait, wait, wait... more importantly, what are you doing in my kitchen?”

Silence wafted throughout the kitchen. The mare slowly became uncomfortable, trying to say something, but Eric beat her to it. “I......sorry.”

“Huh, sorry? About what?” Dawn scratched her head in a questioning glance.

“What I mean is I’m sorry for borrowing your kitchen without permission. I’ve done this out of habit.” The Hydreigon looked apologetic.

“No, it’s okay. I don’t mi-“ She cut herself off and shakes her head. “Wait, wait, wait, how do you cook again? And for that matter, how do you know how to cook! You’re a....Hydreigon! I think I know enough that a....hy-,I mean, Hydreigon, Hydra, whatever is it aren't supposed to be able to cook.”

Eric shooked his head and let out a sigh. “Dawn, I told you yesterday that I was a human. As a human, I’m a fully intelligent creature, not a mindless beast. Even if I’m now a Hydreigon, my knowledge is still carried over. I’m still me, but...different.”

Dawn didn’t know what to say to that, but she felt regret when she told him he wasn’t supposed to know how to cook. She had accidentally compared her friend with a normal non-sapient hydra despite being told that he’s as intelligent as her. Her tufted ears splayed against her head. “Uh, sorry about that. It came out wrong.”

He gave off a nod of confirmation. “None taken, but if you still want to cook in my place, then it’s not my place to impose on you.”

Her face made a frown before waving a front hoof back and forth. “No, no, no, it’s okay. You already cooked while putting your mind into it, so I don’t see why I should stop you now.”

“Thanks, Dawn.” Without another word, Eric went back to cooking the breakfast. “It should be ready in a few minutes.”

“I figured you should know that I prepared breakfast for all three of us.”

“Three?” The mare frowned. But she realized what he meant by ‘three’. “No wait, never mind, I get it. For me, Sally and you?”

“Yeah....” He replied curtly.

While he was doing that, the smell from the breakfast that had been prepared by Eric wafted throughout the kitchen. Dawn took a deep breath, and was pleasantly surprised . ”Mmmmhh, the smell....” She said with a blank-like face while taking a deep breath, confirming that it was from Eric’s cooking. “So....what are you cooking?”

“Just three Cheese Omelettes with some salad in it.” Eric said while picking up another egg and cracked it on the frying pan before spilling the yellowish contents on the frying pan.

“Omelettes? For an omelette, it smells....delicious.” The mare scratched her head again.

Eric sighed before muttering. “Everyone always says that.”

“What was that?” The mare tilted her head in question.

“Why don’t you stay in the living room Dawn? It won’t take long. I’ll call you when the meals ready.” The Hydreigon suggested, avoiding the mare’s earlier question.

Dawn scratched her head with a questioning face. “Uh, won’t you need help?”

“I can take care of it. Like I said, why don’t you try to relax for a bit. You just woke up after all, so your mind might be a blurred for a while.”

“Alright, alright, if you say so. I’ll go wait back with Sally.” Dawn turned. “Come to think of it, she hasn’t woken up yet. Want me to wake her up?”

“No, let her sleep in for a while. She’ll wake up sooner or later.”

Dawn sighed. “Well, if you need help call me.”

“Alright....” Dawn left the kitchen without another word while Eric flipped the Omelette around. “Hmmmm...maybe I should add some more seasonings.”

Back in the living room, Dawn mov the ruined painting from yesterday to her collection of paintings near her architect table. Dawn gave off a sigh at the sight of the ruined painting, felt bad for something that she has finished has been ruined.

“Not like I can do anything to it now.” She mumbled.

Just then, a head stuck out the doorway into the kitchen. “Dawn, breakfast is ready. You can eat whenever you like.”

“Sure, I’ll be right there in a jiffy.” The Bat Pony trotted toward the kitchen door. “Wow, that sure was fast.” She remarked before disappearing into the kitchen.

Re-entering the kitchen, she noticed the smell coming from the plates beside the stove. It was more prominent now and she couldn’t help but take another smell of it. Judging from the smell, the food was going to be delicious.

Without saying anything, Eric put the plates on the tables in the kitchen, Dawn sitting down before putting one for himself on the other side of the table.

Looking over the food she noticed that it was indeed an omelette, though it was different. The omelette had a multitude of vegetables inside, likely from being mixed while the egg was cooking. Judging from the smell some cheese rubbed all over it.

“I’ll give this one to Sally first.” Eric lifted the last plate of the table. “You can eat without me if you like.”

“Uh, no, that’s not gonna happen. I’m not going to eat until you’re all properly seated.”

“Dawn, this is your house. You can eat whenever you like. I was supposed to be the one who should ask for your permission.”

The mare scratched her head. “Good point, but...it doesn’t feel right, you know? To eat before all is present.”

The Hydreigon sighed. “If you want, you could just wait for me. It’s just a few seconds, or you could eat right now.” He stated calmly.

Dawn sighed, feeling that any argument won’t be won when she’s still “Ugh, fine. Give her a good morning from me if she’s awake.”

“Alright, and don’t worry. I’ll be quick.” With that, he left to give his faithful Pokémon some well-needed breakfast.

“Let’s have a taste then.” Dawn picked up her fork and knife before slicing a small piece of the omelette. Bringing up a piece of the yellowish food up to her snout, she took a bite out of it.

Dawn’s taste buds nearly exploded from the delicacy within her mouth. Dawn smiled, savoring the omelette as much as she could..

At the same time, Eric just returned from the living room. “Alright, Sally’s awake and ready for her break-“ Eric was cut off when seeing Dawn slack-jawed expression.

Now he became worried for her. “What’s wrong? Did I do it right?” Eric questioned while raising an eyebrow.

“Do it right?” The mare glanced at the Hydreigon with an incredulous face. “Eric, I think do it right is an understatement. This....this, omelette is amazing!.”

Eric rubbed the back of his neck while carrying the same expression. “I think you put too much credit into my cooking. I didn’t really do anything besides some simple cooking and added some seasonings I found. Other than that, nothing really.”

“......you’re joking? You are joking, aren’t you? Even my own cooking wasn’t this good.”

“No. I’m not joking.” He replied curtly before he set himself down on the other side of Dawn. “Eat up, it won’t be good when it’s cold.”

The Bat Pony sighed. “You sure got a lot of surprises up your sleeve.”

“People have their own brand of tricks waiting to surprise someone. Even you have one Dawn.”

“And what is that? I don’t really have any surprises.” The mare asked with a condescending tone.

“You seems to be good at sketches and painting. I’ll bet that you’re good at it from what I saw yesterday.” Eric said simply before picking up his fork and knife within his respective arm heads. “Eat up, or else it’ll get cold soon.”

“Hey, Eric!” The familiar female voice called out from the direction of the doorway. A Salamence stuck her head in who had revealed herself to be awake. “I’m done with the breakfast. Can I do a fly-by?”

Eric raised an eyebrow, not entirely surprised that she finished the small breakfast quickly. He knew that he didn’t make the omelette thatbig. “Any particular reason, girl?”

“Well,” Sally stared at the ceiling, trying to think of any valid reason. “I think that a few fly-by’s will help us find some people to help. You know, just like when we enter a new city.”

The Brutal Pokémon put his arm head to his chin again in thought. “Come to think of it, I think a few fly-by’s won’t do any kind of harm, provided she doesnt act rashly. And she was right about trying to find out the general area of Vanhoover and try to find some humans while she’s at it.”

“Eric? You’re brooding again.” He shook his head at the voice. Briefly, losing himself in his self-indulgement once more.

Eric made his decision and glanced back at his Dragon Pokémon. “Alright, you can go.” Before Sally made her leave, Eric added. “But don’t cause any trouble Sally. Like you said, we already had enough trouble on our hands.”

“Got it! Be back soon.” She quickly pulled her head back before the sound of a door opening is heard. “And thanks for the breakfast!” Her voice is heard again, then followed by the sound of beating wings.

Dawn just stared at the spot where Sally had been. “For a dragon.....she’s....what’s the word? Uh, docile?”

“As long as you don’t do anything to anger her, she’s good.” Eric replied, knowing what an angry Salamence would do and that’s even if they’re trained.

Dawn couldn’t help but agree on that one. As long as you don’t do anything to anger a dragon, then you’re golden. Dragons are, after all, fearsome creatures that you shouldn’t cross, unless one had some sort of death wish.

With a shake of her head, she went back on her breakfast, intending to finish it. But she quickly noticed something is missing from her usual breakfast. “Huh?”

“Is there something wrong?” The Hydreigon asked.

The mare stared at Eric like he had grown another head to add a fourth one. “Where are the bananas?”

“What?” The Brutal Pokémon stared, confusion etched into his face.

“I need my bananas for dessert.“ Dawn deadpanned at Eric. “And I don’t eat without my bananas dessert.”

“Now that is just plain ridiculous.could’ve told me that earlier.” He muttered with a sigh. “So..where are they?” Eric was just about to leave the table when Dawn shouted.

“No!” Her shout caused her to cover her own mouth in surprise, but Eric hardly gotten surprised by her shout. “I mean, I’ll get it myself. You’ve been helping me around since like what, yesterday? And you’ve been helping me with breakfast. I think you’ve helped me enough. I just wanted to do things myself at least this morning.”

“Well, if that’s what you want. I’ll keep an eye on your food.” Eric offered.

Dawn gave an affirmative nod. “I would like that, thanks.” She left through the door on the other side of the kitchen into the backyard.

Just as she went outside, she took in a much needed clean sea air into her lungs. That’s one of the part she liked about Vanhoover, to be close to the sea itself is refreshing in the morning. That and some bananas for dessert every breakfast also helps start her day.

So with that in mind, she stared at the one banana tree on her backyard right in front of her. It looks just the same as any other medium-sized tree.Except about that fact that there was some sort of gray-ish bird jumping up and down while flapping his wings. “A bird?”

Eric just stayed quiet in the kitchen and ate his own breakfast. Dawn returned quickly enough, strangely without any bananas. That made Eric stare. “I thought you said you’re going to go get bananas?” When Dawn didn’t take up a respond, he frowned. “Is there any trouble out in the back?”

Dawn just stared between Eric and toward the direction to her back in nervousness. A fact that Eric notices. “Hey, Eric. I think I just noticed something in my backyard.”

The Hydreigon glanced up from his food to the mare. “Yeah, what did you notice? Is there something wrong?” Eric asked with a raised eyebrow. Waiting for the mare to finish her statement.

Dawn smiled sheepishly all the while scratching her head. Not knowing how to answer to that. “Uh, I think it’s better to show than tell.” Glancing over to her shoulder, she flicked her head toward Eric. “Come out, little guy.”

“Ruff?” Right on cue, a small, beaked head poked out the side of Dawn’s neck with curious eyes.

A large white plume of feathers covers the bird’s head and three tail feathers extend from its lower back. The feathery ruff extends down past its neck, covering the upper third of its body. Its face is blue with five pointed tips, resembling a mask and crown in contrast to the white feathers surrounding it. Extending from its forehead is a large feather, which is red on the lower half and white on the upper half. The split between the two colors on the feather resembles a zigzag pattern. The avian’s beak was short and wide, with large eyes on either side. Its yellow legs and feet are large in comparison to the body.. Eric instantly knew what it is just by scanning the features of the small avian.

Silence once again occurred through the kitchen as Eric stared at the Rufflet. Dawn glancing back and forth between the two. “Uh...aren’t you going to say something?” Dawn is one who is never comfortable with awkward silence.

“It’s a Rufflet?”

“Ruff-what?” Dawn scratched her head with confusion etched onto her features.

“A Rufflet. Basically, an avian Pokèmon with wings that lets them fly. Their beaks are known to be quite strong, capable of crushing even the hardest fruits.”

“Ruff...let? Did I get that right?” Eric answered with a nod. “Rufflet. That’s quite the cute name for a bird.”

“They are also known as the Eaglet Pokémon, and prone to provoke larger opponents as a way to measure it’s own strength and a way to become stronger. Though it also depends entirely on their personalities as well.” Eric continued.

“Uh, provoke? Yeah, I don’t see this little guy doing that thing anytime soon.” The Rufflet smiled at Dawn’s words. “And what’s a Pokémon?”

When her question hit home, it hardly surprised him anymore considering how many surprises got thrown into his face yesterday. “No humans,” he spoke, the words soft and hard for Dawn to hear. “I should’ve figured that Dawn wouldn’t understand what a Pokémon is. I thought this day is going to be a good one, but looks like I’m wrong again. ”

“Eric? Did you say something?” The mare frowned when he didn’t answer her question.

He shakes his head out of his constant self-indulgement. “Nothing, just thinking to myself. But enough of that, where did you get the Rufflet? I don’t remember seeing one around here. “ Eric quietly hoped that Dawn would just forget about the Pokémon subject as he felt it would take too long to explain in full detail.

“Uh, yeah, about that.” The mare scratched her head again coupled with a sheepish smile. “I found this little guy trying to reach up to the bananas stuck to the tree.“

The Rufflet blushed at that as he covered his face with a tiny wing. “Not cool man, not cool at all.“

Eric understood him perfectly, yet all Dawn heard is just the cute ‘Rufflet, ruff’ that made her have this urge to hug him. “So because this cute little guy was in trouble, I decided to help him get some bananas for him, isn’t that right?”

The Rufflet nodded excitedly. “It’s true. She’s so nice and cool.” The Rufflet rubbed his beak affectionately against her mane.

“Awww, you’re very affectionate, you know that? Now if only I could understand whatever it is you’re saying.”

The moment Dawn said that, Eric remembered what the mare had given him this morning. “Actually, I think I might have the solution for that.” He said as he stood up from the table and floated toward Dawn.

“Solution?” Eric didn’t reply with words only instead revealing the winged brooch that has been hanging off his wrist until now.

“This is the solution. And I’m giving this to you....in the lights of recent events, think of this as some sort of repayment for housing us in.”

“A winged brooch? You’re giving me this?” Eric nodded to her question in confirmation. “You know you don’t really have to repay me for housing you and Sally, right?”

“I don’t know, but do you remember the mare from yesterday?” Dawn nodded uncertainly, not sure where he was going with this. “Since I have no use for this, I was going to give it to you. Half from me not wanting to impose on you without any sort of repayment. This charm is imbued with the translator spell that might help you understand us that is powered with some type of...inner magic....at least, that’s what I thought.”

“I don’t even really know how spell even work. I have no interest in Mismagius magic.” Eric thought.

“Wait, wait, wait, let me get this straight. You said that this thing is powered by a pony’s inner magic?” Eric nodded. Dawn gaped. “Charms like this are quite hard to obtain and require some serious spellcasting on the level of Starswirl the Beared just to make them . You’re telling me a mare from yesterday gave you this?” Eric just nodded in response.

“And you’re OK just giving me this?”

The Hydreigon shrugged. “I don’t really know what to do with it. If I did keep it, then it won’t have any effect on me since I still could understand you. In other words, if you used it, you would understand us.”

Dawn is yet again surprised by his observant nature, a rare thing within ponies these days. “You sure are observant, Eric.”

“People always says that to me.” He mumbled. “Anyway, about the charm? Please, take it.”

“Uh, sure.” The Bat Pony gingerly took the charm before quickly looping it around her neck.

“Testing, testing.” Glancing at the Rufflet still perched on her back, she spoke. “Little guy, can you understand me? Oh, wait, I got that backward, can you try to speak to me?”

“Try to speak?” The Rufflet put one wing to rub his chin before replying. “You’re funny, and that’s cool enough in my book.”

“Huh, what do you know? The charm does works....maybe I’ll keep it. Along with this cute little guy.” The Rufflet smiled at her praise. Looking back at Eric, she smiled. “Thanks, Eric. For giving me this, that’s kind of you to do so.”

“No, it’s okay. I think we all just deciding what’s best during the heat of the moment. Like what you said earlier, not many would take in a Po....an unknown creature home. That’s actually quite kind of you.”

“Well,“ The mare scratched her head sheepishly. “This little guy seems to be having some sort of problem with taking things. Plus, he’s cute and that is a nice bonus.”

The Hydreigon decided he won’t question her decision any further. This was her house after all. “Fair enough. What will be his name then?”

“Name? What do you mean name?”

“You know, most people who take in….creatures as pets usually named them. Anyway, it was just a suggestion, so you don’t really have to follow it.”

“Name, huh?” Dawn scratched her head, thinking that maybe Eric had a point. Names are what used to identify ponies and make them have identities, it’s more fitting that way and she can easily differentiate others like the little guy later. “I think I’ll name him….Dominus. What do you think little guy?”

“Cool name! I like it! Dominus! Dominus! It sounds…..right!” The Rufflet, now named Dominus flared his wings in an attempt to look more intimidating, but only made the mare who’s back he’s perched on giggled at the cuteness.

As the conversations continued, they hardly noticed a frantic beating of wings in Dawn’s frontyard or a door being pushed open. Then a Salamence quickly trotted into the kitchen with a frantic look on her face. “Eric!” Sally yelled.

Everyone quickly noticed the Salamence, though Dawn’s reaction was to jump out of surprise and causing the avian on her back to flew off and roosted on the table. “Wow, don’t surprise me like that. You gonna give somepony a heart attack.”

Only noticing Dawn right now, the Salamence made an apology. “Sorry about that, Dawn, but this is an emergency that I think Eric should know about.”

“Huh? Who’s the Salamence?” The Rufflet said with a tilt of his head.

The emergency was forgotten when Sally heard a voice unrecognized by her memory. She turned to look at the source of the voice. “A Rufflet? Eric, what’s a Rufflet doing with Dawn?” The Dragon Pokémon questioned while giving off a stare that somehow slightly intimidated by the Dragon whose flames slightly licked her lips.

“Hey, be cool, Dragon. I’m not here to look for trouble.” The Rufflet waved his wings back and forth to dissuade the Salamence from turning him into a fried chicken which he didn’t want to become since he still had a life to fulfill his needs.

“As for your question,” Eric flicked his head toward the open door to the backyard. “She says that she found it...or him in the backyard, trying to get some bananas from her tree.”

Her caution went out the window at that as she eased up. Sally gave off a sigh of relief. “And I thought he’s just another wild-“. She shook her own head to get back on track. “Wait, no, that’s not important. But what’s important is this, I think I saw one our friends.”

“Friends?” Dawn questioned with a scratch of her head, while Eric instantly focused on her.

“It’s ‘him’, Eric. No way, I could be wrong about that.” Sally stated while putting some emphasis on the word ‘him’.

“Who’s ‘him’?” Though Eric seems to have a hint on who is this ‘him’ based on her dreaded tone.

“It’s...well.....”

“Oh great, I woke up in some meadow, Eric and Sally aren’t around, and now I get dumped by someone without the right brain cells in a Ponyta land instead of in a cage. What a brilliant situation for me to get in, now if only someone added some pinks then it would be a perfect view.” A Reuniclus stated with much sarcasm obvious within his tone.

To the passerby who just happen to be near the Reuniclus when he started his sarcastic rant, of course, they would hear only, ‘Reuniclus, Reuniclus’ over and over again. That is not one of the center of attention, however. The current center of attention is that the bubbly....thing is now floating off toward town with reckless abandon.

The crowds did what they did yesterday. Some just stared or some stopped dead in their tracks and dropped whatever they were carrying. Others gathered into small groups and conversed in whispers.

Noticing the staring, Will smirked. “Fantastic turn of events. Nnow the Ponytas deem me interesting enough to be stared at, as if I’m some kind of supermodel or something of that sort.”

And as if the universe is with him, a familiar voice called out to him from above. “Will!”

“Oh, did I hear that right or is my mind is just playing tricks on me now?” He put his bubbly arm right next to his non-existent ear in a mock gesture of ‘can’t hear you’

Just in time, a familiar Salamence quickly landed and dropping the cargo on her back, who happens to be Eric, and Dawn with her short ponytail now applied. “Will, what are you doing here?” Sally asked as the crowds become fully intent on watching how the Dragon from yesterday are going to deal with this situation.

“Yeah, lovely day to be seeing you here too, Sally.” Will, now noticed the Hydreigon right beside her who floated with a leveled look on his face. “So, who’s the handsome Dragon there beside you?”

Eric didn’t react at that, but Sally on the other hand, fought hard so she wouldn’t blush. After getting herself under control, she glanced at Eric for a moment, she quickly answered. “He’s Eric, believe it or not. I’m not sure how he does it yet.”

“Eric you say?” Will put a bubbly arm to his chin in a mock thought. “Mhhmm, I think if my brain works correctly this afternoon, I remembered that our tall, brooding and dark trainer is a pure-blooded human and not this fine specimen over there.”

That word struck a chord within Sally, slowly glancing to her right at the Hydreigon. To her surprise...her trainer does look dashing in his new Hydreigon form. Eric was already handsome even without him bothering to style his hair

A sarcastic clapping got her attention once more. “Oh, now the dragon girl has a crush? Frankly, I’m so surprised that it took you this long to notice. What too busy shoving someone’s head up their butt to realize this?”

A fierce blush crossed her face when she realized Will’s implication that she had been staring at Eric. “W-what, no! I-I wasn’t staring at him.” Sally denied, though she knew better than that.

“Oh, really, now? Then why were you staring at him for some time after I said something about ‘fine specimen’?”

This caused Sally to sputter more nonsense before eventually giving in and lowered her head so no one could see her blush. “Will, do me a favor....please, shut your mouth.”

“Oh, yeah, good idea, Sally. I’ll just stay here, look pretty and be quiet while you try to look part beautiful for that fine specimen over there.” Will grinned.

Her face nearly as red as tomato this time. “Will!” Sally yelled in embarrassment.

Eric sighed, resisting the urge to rub his forehead. He didn’t have any reaction whatsoever to Will pointing out Sally’s crush on him. “Oh, he’s our friend Will alright. No one could match that sarcasm of his.” He muttered.

Meanwhile, judging from how poor Dawn glancing back and forth between them, she couldn’t make heads or tails on what they were talking about here despite the translator charm she was wearing. “Hey, can anyone tell what in Celestia’s name is going on here and what are you guys even talking about? What’s this crush the....bubble thing has been saying?”

Eric quickly put up an arm head to stop her without glancing. “I’ll explain later, Dawn. For now, I need to see where this goes.”

“Hey, Will. It’s just like Sally says.” Eric spoke, hoping that his voice is a hint enough for the Multiplying Pokémon

“Huh, the Hydreigon just spoke with Eric’s voice and level tone. Now I’m pretty sure I’m losing my mind.” Will replied casually.

Sally had forgotten her embarrassment the moment Will made that remark. “And I told you before, this is Eric. Why do you think I didn’t attack him at first glance and why he even sitting on my back just now when I flew toward you?”

“If you still don’t believe her, you love to make fun of your opponent’s intelligence sometimes.” Eric added.

“Wow, I applaud you for making a good point, Sally. Though it came to no surprise for our real and not hallucination brooder trainer here. Guess my mind is still 100% intact.”

Sally facepawed. “You know what, I’m not going to reply or start any form of conversation with you here. Not with so many Ponytas around who could hear your sarcastic ramble.”

“Sally’s right, Will. Maybe we should talk somewhere a lot better? I have one place in mind if Dawn doesn’t mind.” Eric didn’t take notice to the mare’s failed attempt to follow with the conversation, only just hearing a certain part about ‘one place’.

“Thanks for the compliment. Really, I mean it.” Will said with a roll of his eyes while floating forward idly. Sally made another facepaw as Will climbed onto her and relaxed on her back.

Dawn scratched her head when she saw that Sally had allowed the newcomer to just climb onto her back like it was nothing after that show of extreme sarcasm. “Uh....what just happened?”

Sally sighed, she knew everyone always says that upon laying sight on Will. “Just get on my back, Dawn...”

“This day is getting more and more troublesome.....at least, Will’s back.” Eric sighed as he shakes his head before floating toward Sally again, ignoring anyone that stared at them. “I don’t know if I should even take that as a blessing or just a sign that another heap of trouble is coming my way.” He muttered as the Hydreigon climbed onto the Dragon’s back.

He didn’t know that he will proven to be correct on the latter soon enough.

“So,” Eric looked over everyone in the room, finding nothing seems to be out of place. “Everyone seems to be here.”

As soon as they returned to Dawn’s house, they all quickly finished breakfast with Eric having to make one more omlette for Will. Dawn finished her shower on the second floor quickly enough and they all reconvened on the living room with the two sofas so they could discuss what to do next as the day quickly approached noon sooner than expected is unnoticed by everyone in the room.

Dawn seated on the sofa that faced the window outside with the Rufflet now on top of her head watching everything intently as Eric seated across the table from her alongside Will. Sally decided to remain standing to the side of the table since the sofa and her physical body couldn’t permit her to sit down, just enough to be in the earshot of everyone.

“Yeah, that a fact?” Will raised an invisible eyebrow. “I don’t see any of our fantastical friends around here except Sally and you.”

Eric quickly understood what he implied. “We’ll get to that, but first you want to know something about our situation?”

Will scoffed with a roll of his eye. “Yeah, ask a stupid question.”

The Hydreigon ignored the sarcasm and just nodded. “Alright, I don’t want to take too long so I’ll try to keep this brief.”

“Best idea I’ve ever heard ever since arriving into magical Ponyta land.”

Dawn put a hoof to cover her voice as she whispered to Sally who stood beside the table. “Is he always like that?”

“Dawn, what you’ve seen isn’t worse of it. So trust me when I told you that you don’t want to find out.” Sally whispered back.

“I think I’ve seen enough, so I have no choice but to agree wholeheartedly.” Dawn whispered back.

“Oh, what are you two whispering about? Is it about little old me?” Will asked with sarcasm lacing his tone.

“Oh shut up, Will. We’re just two girls speaking with each other.” The Salamence rebuked. “Isn’t that right, Dawn?”

Dawn nodded too quickly. “Uh, yeah, I think you can see the point, uh....”

“Will the Reuniclus at your service, my madame. I believe we haven’t introduced ourselves earlier.”

Eric sighed while he chewed his lips. ”Dammit, can we just get on with this please? This day is already troublesome enough as it is.”

As if by magical cue, the day decided to get more interesting that it already is, the universe decided to prove them wrong by adding one more thing into the mix, which is happening now.

“Greetings citizens of Equus, both old and new.” An male ethereal-like voice echoed throughout their minds which bring them to a momentary shut down, except Eric who remained calm as ever.

“What the? Hey, did everyone just hear that?” Dawn glanced around the room, seeing that everyone is probably as bewildered as she is, except maybe Will who still acted casual and Eric who still maintained a straight face.

“Yeah, I hear it.” The Salamence also glanced around until her eyes laid on a certain Reuniclus. “....Will?” She asked with a condescending tone.

“Oh what a perfect answer, and I thought I was losing my mind there for a sec.” Will idly quipped before continuing. “Tell me again, is there some sort of perfectly reasonable excuse for you to accuse me Sally? You know that I’m not one to poke into someone’s head unless ordered to do so. Besides, that voice….isn’t mine.”

“Well.....” Sally couldn’t help but notice that Will is right about that. He is not one to read someone’s mind that needlessly.

“Sssh, be quiet. Let’s hear this out first.” Eric hissed, motioning them to be quiet with an arm head to the nose in an shushing gesture.

”I am Lord Arceus, creator of the creatures that you have seen over the past few days. You have no reason to fear me for I come in peace.”

“I am the one who brought the creatures you see to this world, they are known as Pokémon. I have my reasons for bringing them here. I will be holding a summit with the world's leaders so that they can help inform their citizens the best. For now I issue a warning; Even if some do not appear as such, the Pokémon are just as intelligent as any other creature that calls this world home. Since they are my subjects I will not tolerate their mistreatment or abuse. Treat them as you would your own neighbor.”

“Pokemon who have awoken in this new world, do not seek to harm the natives of this world. To the pokemon that experienced certain... changes... when you arrived; You are the ones who proved that not all of your kind deserved vengeful retribution, consider this your reward. To live new lives, free of the burdens of the old world, a chance to start anew. As sentient beings of varying intelligence, the laws of the respective countries you now reside in apply to you, and only those laws.”

“That is all for now, the Pokémon are not to be harmed simply out of spite. If you have any qualms with what I have done, I reside in a temple located within the Everfree forest and welcome all who would like to speak, or a pocket dimension outside of the space time continuum, so if any of you wish to face the sheer power of a god, feel free to come by.”

“Goodbye for now, though I doubt this will be the last you hear of me, and peace to you all.”

As soon as the god of their world finished his speech and announcement, silence had overtaken the room once more. No one seems to know what to say after hearing such announcement that the god of their world has thrown a bunch of Pokémons into an alien world.

Will quickly broke the silence. “Huh, the god almighty himself exists. What a big surprise.” Will quipped sarcastically while looking idle.

“Wow, so cool! Lord Arceus existed!” Everyone, except Eric quickly stared at the Eaglet Pokémon who quickly made a sheepish grin. “I mean, oh no… that’s not so good with that announcement. Boooooooooooooo?”

“Uh....soooo.....you guys are-“

“Yeah, we are Pokémon.” Eric finished for her, somehow remained calm which creeped her out.

“Okay, okay, okay, this is getting really confusing. Let me try to set a few things straight.” Dawn pointed to everyone in the room. “So if you’re all Pokémon, then why are you all seems different to each other? As far as I know a species is all nearly the same except some differences that can be found in male and female something like that.”

Eric sighed as he rubbed his forehead. “It’s one thing after another. Can we actually take a break from all these events?” He muttered wearily.

“Uh, what? Can you repeat that again?” Dawn scratched her head.

“Nothing that would matter to anyone here.” Eric had deliberately avoided the subject. “All I can say is that Pokemon is just the term applied to the entirety of every single species that is not human back in my world. Totalling….667 species and 57 legendaries, and that is not totalling the Pokemon out there that might be waiting to be discovered and introduced.”

“That many!?” Dawn nearly all, but shouted once she heard the number of species correctly.

“Right, and nearly everyone in the room beside you is one of those species. I’m a Hydreigon, Sally is a Salamence, and Will is a Reuniclus. I already explained about the Rufflet species Dominus is in.”

“Salamence, Hydreigon, Reuniclus and Rufflet….and there’s still many more?” Eric answered with a nod. ”Oh, this is getting confusing…..and what about this...legendaries? Are they Pokemon too?”

“Yeah, they are. The legendaries are beings that control the forces of nature. Some are large and some are small. Some are weaker than other legendaries, and some are much stronger. But make no mistake, as I said before, they control the forces of nature. For example, two control life and death, four control time, space, distortions and the creations of an entire world and the creator of our world is Arceus who spoke in our heads just now which is a myth until now. Others can control the seas and create life and species. That’s the general gist of the legendaries.”

“Now I think you’re pulling my leg.”

“No, I’m not joking about this. Most of it was proven true with extensive research and observation, the one I don’t really believe is Arceus. But I was wrong with the revelation he made. He exists.”

Dawn stared at the Hydreigon for a short while before sighing in submission. “Okay, I don’t know what to do anymore.” The mare just sat back and propped her head against the sofa’s headrest, earning a sorrowful look from Dominus.

“Aww, cheer up, Dawn. Don’t you think that it’s cool that many Pokemons are here right now? Isn’t that exciting?” Dominus attempted to cheer the mare up.

“Yeah, I think that can be exciting.” Dawn scratched the chin of Dominus, causing him to chirp in enjoyment.

“I admit, looks like the god almighty is not as smart as I think he is. I mean, it’s a brilliant and strategic plan he came up with? Who would’ve thought that his brain is so high on IQ that he thought it’s such a good idea to transport all of us here, majority of Pokémons and then turn some of those worthy humans like this brooder here into a Hydreigon. Real, brilliant plan, let’s give Arceus some sort of trophy to be hanged up on his wall. If he had a wall in the first place.”

Dawn, Dominus and Sally stared at the Reuniclus like he had grown a second head. “Not cool, man.” Dominus groaned with a facewing. “Who would bad mouth Lord Arceus like that?”

“The kind who realizes the brilliantness of the situation, kid. Read how that works in a sarcasm book.” Will replied with the usual off-handed manner that made Dawn and the Rufflet stare even more that screams, ‘Seriously?’

The Dragon of the group decided to intervene. “Will, shut up for a moment, you’re being a bad influence to the Rufflet kid.” Sally deadpanned.

The Multiplying Pokémon made a non-comittal shrug. “For what good it will do, I will shut my mouth tight for now.”

“Good....” Glancing at her trainer, she waited for him to response. For what seems like an eternity, he just stared upward into the ceiling, that is until she decided to bring him out of his daydream. “Eric?”

“Hmmm?”

“What should we do now? Give me the word and I’ll go see…..that stupid god about changing you back.”

“Wow, calm down! I don’t think we all wanted to go over to that scenario.” The Bat Pony said. "Why would you even suggest that kind of thing?"

“Why!?” Sally raised her voice before turning her head toward Dawn which in turn caused her to reel back because of a certain ‘intimidated’ feeling had returned. “He caused some sort of sick mass exodus! Turned Eric into this and stole most of his stuff in the process of doing so. And no one messes with Eric and gets away with it….not even a self-proclaimed god!”

Eric put his arm head to his chin in thought. “For now.....let’s just sit tight and wait.”

This caused everyone in the room to stare at Eric. “What!?.....Why? I thought you wanted to...to change back!”

“Let’s see where this is goes. If this is true about this ‘changes’ he spoke about, changes are there are other Pokemons around this planet that are former human like me. We can’t exactly check every single Pokemon to see if they’re once human. We have no choice, but wait.”

“As much as I wanted to rectify a certain god almighty, we can’t just go in charging in there and decided to blast everything into oblivions. Most excellent idea, indeed. Best case scenario is that we all die peacefully and worst case scenario is that we all get tortured to death.”

“Okay, I can officially say that he’s kinda nuts.” Dominus whispered so that only Dawn could hear. She couldn’t help but agree.

Sally gritted her teeth, knowing that Eric’s reasoning is sound. Coupled with the fact that she will never disobeys her trainer, she had no choice, but to comply and resisted the urge. “Fine….”

Eric replied to everyone present in the room. “And let’s hope everything will eventually blows over.” Thought Eric knew that it’s a small chance of that actually happening.

“If what Arceus or whatever he is says is true…..then…..what the hell happened to my family?”

Eric just hoped that everything would turn out to be the best. Though he knew from personal experience....that is unlikely.

Play this as closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUmtn-BMB6o

Chapter 6 : Relaxation Time

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"One might as well continue their life, ignorant to everything that might happen. Perhaps that might be the best way, to just go with the flow. Though, it can't be that easy. Sometimes we are all taken from our happy little world to the real world, forced to face the reality that is the world. Either accept it or deny it. Within that lies a third option, by getting used to it....I did - Eric Angelo.

Play this as opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLaA3ozGz7Q

The afternoon had gone well with how the community of various races that resided in Vanhoover worked their muscles off like a well-oiled machine, contributing to their herd-like society. If one were to fall, the others would help them up in order to continue the machine’s operation. Unfortunately the status quo would be undergoing some changes due to recent events, namely like how it did a few days earlier with the introduction of a species unknown to the community.

The people of Vanhoover in general didn’t know what to think about the new creatures now known as Pokemon, especially after learning from the voice in their heads that the Pokemon had been brought from another world. In the mean time, the Pokemon seemed to be going about their lives pretty freely, with some walking the streets while others flying about freely. However, considering how soon the event had been, the most peculiar thing at times was the occasional sight of a Pokemon or two walking and floating beside some of the ponies.

In short, this was an odd day, but it was an acceptable one to both Ponies and Pokemon. However, there was one case that was notably more odd than the others.

Within the house of one Solar Dawn, four Pokemon had become new additions to the household.

One Hydreigon seemed to be intently reading a book on the sofa while others are absentmindedly doing things with a thousand-yard like stare in their eyes, a Salamence who is laying curled in front of the sofa and a bubbly creature to the Hydreigon’s right is sitting down on the living room with a bored look on his face.

The owner of the house, a Bat Pony, sat at an architect table to the Hydreigon’s left, the table propped against the other side of the stand from where the Hydreigon is. Her face showed agitation, while somehow working her mind off on a sketch with a pencil clutched within the fetlock of her hoof.

With a sigh, Dawn put down her pencil on the small table to the right of her architect table. ”Can someone please say something already? I can’t stand awkward silences. It’s killing me.”

The Reuniclus rolled his eyes when he heard that. “Yeah, you made that pretty clear, Lady Dawn,” Will quipped, causing the mare to look at him with an annoyed look. Will shrugged. “Just saying.”

The voice of the only other female in the house caught her attention. “Just ignore him,” Sally said with a weary tone without so much as glancing between the two. “You’re wasting your time listening to his sarcasm.”

The Bat Pony scratched her head. “Yeah...I don’t get how you even get used to it. How do you do that?”

A sigh came out of the Dragon’s mouth. “You’re probably never going to get used to it. Personally, I never did myself with how he constantly spews that garbage out of his mouth. Heck, I don’t think anyone could get used to that.”

“Hey,” Will raised a bubbly arm up. “I will be gracious enough to say thank you if you kindly say the compliment to my face, please.”

Dawn frowned, deciding to take the Dragon’s advice to heart, and ignored the Multiplier. “I’ve been thinking.... maybe I’ll do just that.”

“Well, as the only two girls here,” Sally moved her eyeball to look at the mare. “Between you and me Dawn,I’m not one for gossiping or starting off conversations.”

“Yeah, you did a fine job back then.” Will added.

Sally decided to ignore him with gnashed teeth. “Anyway,” She said in a higher tone than necessary. “Gossip is just not my thing. But Helen? Yeah, I can imagine you’ll both grow close a lot more faster.”

“I can imagine that image in my brain. If Sally is actually gossiping with Helen, it’ll be a boon to us all.” Sally decided that it’s time to give his dose of daily death glare who made Will put up his arms in defense.

Seeing the two having their argument again, she scratched her head. “Whoever this Helen is, yeah sure, I’ll keep that in mind....” Dawn decided to leave the brewing argument.

The silence once again resumed as Dawn scratched her head in agitation at the return of the awkward silence. Even as the mare tried to work, she just couldn’t do it. The mare tried to think of anything, just anything to say to start off any form of conversation.

Glancing around the room, she spotted nothing of interest, except Eric who was currently indulging himself in a book.

Deciding to try another attempt, she took a deep breath before speaking. “Say, Eric. What are you reading?” This caused Eric to stare at her that creeped her out. “Uh, I mean...what book...are you reading?” The mare grinned nervously before scratching her head.

“Okay...where did that come from?” Eric mumbled, but nonetheless, he decided to play along for a while. “I’m reading a book, something called Equus Geography. You should know all about it by now.

Dawn tilted her head slightly, her earlier creeped out expression leaving when Eric pointed something unknown to her previously. “I should?”

“I’d done this before but you never asked questions...until now.” The mare still giving off a look, causing Eric to sigh and flicked his head up slightly. “Just look behind you”

“Huh?” Leading her head to the recently properly rearranged stacks of book, she knew who had done it after he had done reading. Dawn scratched head with a bewildered look on her face. “Wow, I didn’t notice that.”

“As I told you before, time fly when there’s something you either do or there’s something interesting happened. And this way, I can at least keep my minds occupied, instead of doing nothing.” Eric briskly replied before going back to the topic he’s reading.

The mare scratched her head with a grimace. “No arguments there, but what I don’t get it is that you’ve been reading books for the last few days to get rid of boredom, but non-stop after waking up? That’s plain over reading.” Eric raised an eyebrow at that one without looking at her, that caused Dawn to flinch upon realizing her choice of word. “Uh, no offense.”

“...none taken. Well, let me try to get a few things clear,” Glancing up from the book he is reading, Eric explained. “I figured that since we will be staying in Equus for an indefinite amount of time, I might as well learn anything and everything I can about it. I don’t want to get caught off guard if I saw something that I haven’t witnessed later on.”

Dawn was taken aback at this. She never would’ve thought that Eric would go out of his way to learn anything he can if he’s staying with her. She’s even more surprised that Eric actually learned the name of this world when she heard the name ‘Equus’.

Dawn scratched her head. “Okay, okay, okay, let me get this straight. With how this....Arceus or whoever caused this mass exodus from your old world, and he doesn’t seem to be planning on going back, you think that learning everything might be useful in the eventual long run?”

Eric nodded. “That’s the idea, yeah. And I don’t want to trouble anyone with questions, so I just figured that reading is the best option. Besides, seeing first hand is the best experience.”

Dawn didn’t know how to reply to that. Having a very considerate, but weird friend who is not only nice and observant, but also seemingly Tartarus-bent on doing things by himself. She gave off a sigh. “You’re full of surprises, you know that?”

“As I said, everyone has their own brand of surprises. They just have to find it.”

“And also quite the uplifter,” Dawn chuckled awkwardly while scratching her head doing so. “Seriously, though, I really think you should stop reading for a moment. I know you wanted to learn everything, but it won’t be that good.”

“And you really need to relax, Eric.” Sally decided to cut in unexpectedly by glancing over her shoulder which caused Eric to glance at Sally without even so much as putting his head up. “You’ve been reading books non-stop for the last two days. And I thought-”

A certain Multiplying Pokémon decided it’s time to intervene. “Nah, let him be, Sally.”

Sally frowned at his off-handed response. It had irked her more than earlier since this is their trainer they’re talking about. “Will! How can you say that? I thought we’re both on the same page here?”

“Yeah, I did say that, didn’t I?” Will looked back at Sally with an equal stare.

“Will....” Sally said in a warning tone.

Will scoffed mentally. “While I like to see how he attempt to read a book until he faints, of course I still care for him. He’s our trainer and friend, as you put it.”

The Dragon’s frown vanished in an instant when he heard a familiar voice in her mind. She found that Will decided to turn the conversation into that of a mental one. But she wasn’t that surprised by the turn of events since knowing that Will did this all the time when discussing something classified. “Then....what do you-“ Will quickly cut her off.

“...what do you mean?” The Pokémon scoffed. “I’m a lot of things, a sarcastic idiot is one of them, but I’ve hardly found any reasons to be called ‘inconsiderate toward our trainer’. Everything he does, he does so for a reason. And what I mean is that he could-“

“Man, will you guys just shut up already!?” A young-sounding voice cut into their mental conversation. “Isn’t there anything else you guys can do? I’m the victim of listening to you guys about to argue there and argue here again! Victim I say and it’s getting old! Seriously, even a Meowstic can have a lot more fun.” Said Pokémon, Dominus the Rufflet, absentmindedly pecked on some fruit on the table in front of Will while cutting into the conversation.

The Rufflet felt that the un-mental part of the conversation about to turn into their daily argument...again. Not knowing the fact that their mental argument had all, but canceled the incoming perceived argument. So he decided to use the water to douse the fire by cutting into the conversation.

The curled up Dragon looked at Will and was about to respond but the Multiplying Pokémon beat her to it. “Sorry, kid,” Will replied instead, not using telepathy this time. “Unless anyone has a better idea, I guess we could take the train or just have Sally fly you around in a merry-go-round style. Well you know, you can try it, but don’t blame me when you fall to your death....” He said in sarcastic tone.

This caused the Rufflet to fume at the implication. “Not cool, man. Seriously. Not. Cool!” Dominus shouted back indignantly. Being reminded that he still couldn’t fly properly didn’t sit well with him.

That caused Sally to all, but forgetting her last conversation with him, albeit mentally. “Will, I told you, keep your mouth shut around the kid!” Sally snarled dangerously. “I don’t want you being a bad influence to the Rufflet.”

Will put up his bubbly arm in mock defense. “Oh, don’t mind me. I figured it was the best time for me to point something out. Unless, well, you have a better idea of fun like the kid just said. Feel free to indulge us in it. I’ll just shut my mouth for now since you seems to be an expert in having fun.”

“That’s....” Sally tried to think of a way to respond, but couldn’t find any answer in her brains.

“Yeaaaahhh?” The Multiplying Pokémon said in a drool.

Her brain had decided to abandon her at the last moment. She decided to just lay her head down again. “Whatever....”

“Yeah, told you.” Will grinned victoriously before returning to telepathy with Sally once more. “And for the sake of finishing our last conversation earlier, I said that our trainer could take care of himself just fine. That’s why I told you not to worry about him too much.”

Without properly turning her head toward him, she replied with a growl. ”...I just don’t know. I don’t even know how I managed two conversations at once back there.”

“Hey, grandpa! I’m not done talking to you!” The Rufflet said indignantly for the fact that the Reuniclus had ignored him.

The Reuniclus put up his arm. “Hold that thought. This is adult talk here. You can have fun in the backyard like any good kid should, unless you want to be spanked in the butt for interrupting a conversation with the good lady here?”

“Shut up, Will!” Sally quickly made a slicing motion across her neck as a signal for them to continue conversation in their mind instead of trying to annoy a kid. Will shrugged.

Dominus looked at the Reuniclus with a look of deadpan on his face. The bird shook his head in weariness. “What a nutjob....” Dominus muttered with a roll of his eyes. He jumped down from the table he is perched on before walking away, not wanting to deal with the Reuniclus any longer.

The mare who was watching the conversation shook her head. “He can say that again,” Dawn said while clutching the golden winged-brooch looped around her neck, wise enough to stay out of the conversation when Sally decided speak.

Oddly, she still had an understanding of their conversation despite the fact that the translation spell supposedly wearing off about a day ago. It was thanks to the charm she wore that acted as a sort of universal translator.

Eric couldn’t help but agree with that kind of behaviour. The Hydreigon sighed with grimace appearing on his face, resisting the urge to rub his forehead in annoyance. “Dammit....of all the time for them to have an argument...”

Dawn’s attention who is currently on the argument, decided to shift to the Hydreigon upon hearing his voice again. “Huh, did you say something?”

“Nothing....” Dawn felt that their conversation had ended right there..not that it was a solid one to begin with when Sally interrupted her before Will joined the party.

With a sigh of weariness, she looked around the house. She spotted Sally who curled up on the carpet in front of the reading Eric. Will was relaxing by the sofa in the living room and Dominus had just taken a perch on the head rest beside Eric’s head, tilting his head to read whatever Eric was reading. Judging from their general expression, they all seemed to give off the vibe that screams, ‘I’m bored with nothing to do’.

Not one for the silence, she started to fidget as another bout of awkward silence occurred for probably the dozenth time in last few days.

“Well, they have been spending time in my house for a while. Of course, anypony sane enough would get bored.” Looking back at Eric, she frowned.

Her mouth made an instant ‘o’ upon realizing an idea she had and what day is it. “Wait, I have an idea!”

Taking a deep breath, the mare soon took hold of everyone’s attention in the room like a charismatic leader would to his followers. “Can I have everyone’s attention?” The magic word caused everyone to pay attention to the mare in question behind the desk right behind the counter. “....uhhhh.” She wanted to get their attention, but not this way that it would get awkward.

“Dawn, is there something you want to say?” Eric raised an eyebrow in question.

That broke her out of the trance. “Uh, yeah, right. Well, I have this idea, though I’m not sure about you guys.” The mare scratched her head in nervousness.

Everyone just continued to stare at her in bewilderment, for once Will didn’t say anything. Seeing her becoming nervous, Eric gestured for her to continue. Taking a deep breath, she added. “How about....uhm...the beach?”

That caused more confusion at first than agreement. But Eric realized what she is implying. “....just where is she getting all these ideas? Hmmm...let’s see how this plays out.” Eric mumbled in thought.

Dominus tilted his head. “Beach?”

“It’s beach, kid. B-E-A-C-H. You need to learn how to listen to adults like a good kid less they get spanked.” The Reuniclus quipped.

Dominus had just about enough of the Reuniclus when he is saved from the trouble of a retort by Sally. “Oh, for the love of... shut your mouth. Do I have to stuff a pile of garbage into your mouth like all that garbage that you spew out every freaking day?”

“Hey, cool off.” Will put up his right arm. “I was just reminding the kid who’s the grown up around here. It’s what grown ups do: they remind their kids about disciplines.”

“Like I need you for reminder, ‘grandpa nutjob’.” Dominus made sure to put more emphasis into the ‘grandpa nutjob’ word.

When Will is about to retort, someone cut into the conversation. “Can we get on with this already?” The familiar voice cut off any more argument when it revealed to be an annoyed Eric.

“Sure, right after I’m done pointing things out. But don’t wait up for me, please.”

Like usual, Eric took the sarcasm as the cue to focus only on Dawn. “What brought you to offer us a trip to the beach, Dawn?” Eric asked, ignoring Will’s quip.

The mare chewed her lips as she tried to think of a response to his question. She never thought he would figure it out sooner. “....about that.” Dawn scratched her head in thought, until she shakes her head. “Ah, to Tartarus with it, I’ll just say it straight and clean. You guys are tired. I mean, cooped up in the house for several days with nothing to do except rolling around? That gets on my nerves enough times as it is. So yeah, I’m offering a trip to the beach.”

“Understatement of the century, Lady Dawn.” Will added, causing Sally to shot him another look that told him to ‘shut up’. He complied easily enough.

Dawn was currently face hoofing at the absurd amount of sarcasm he is able to throw around with reckless abandon, but she threw the thought away in favor of continuing the conversation. “So, what do you guys think? I mean, we could do a lot of things out there. Plus, I heard from some of my friend that the weather is great today, it’ll be great.” The Bat Pony smiled with the thought of them agreeing to get out of the cooped up house for once and rid the accursed boredom.

None responded immediately, but it’s broken when Will just shrugged before saying. “I’ll follow whatever the brooder decides.”

Sally glanced over her shoulder to her trainer. “Eric?”

Said former human is in deep thought while putting a head under his chin. “Hmmm, I think....she does have a point. We’ve been staying here for the last few days all cooped up without any reason to do anything. It might be great to stretch out my le....wings for a while.” And the three-headed Dragon made his decision that granted Dawn’s wish. “Why not? It’ll be nice for a little while.”

Will clapped his arm together. “Great, the court is adjourned, let’s prepare ourselves for a lovely afternoon. I heard the weather is lovely to get ourselves some sunburn.” Everyone stared at him again like he had multiplied himself just now. “What? It is a lovely day out there.”

“Here’s hoping that everything will go as well as you say,” Eric muttered sourly.

Soon enough, they left the house while barely packing any supplies, except for Dawn who is just packing a saddlebag.

They walked throughout the suburbs before entering the downtown area proper, the district where ponies often go to work above all else. Tall buildings that might as well be spears to pierce the sky dotted the street if one is to see everything from the skies with inhabitants prowling the streets alongside the occasional Pokémons like Aron, Fletchling, even some Whimsicotts. Some random Pokémons also accompanied the ponies.

As the group walked (or floated for Eric and Will’s case), some ponies stared at them, especially at the town’s well-known Bat Pony. It is true that Pokémon have been roaming around the entire city for the last few days, but the ponies couldn’t keep their eyes off of the mare who kept some weird company. Whispers from onlookers were spoken as the group moved towards their destination. While Eric with Sally to his right and Will just following behind Dawn generally didn’t pay them any mind, the same could not be said for Dawn.

As one who couldn’t stand awkward silence, silence easily agitated Dawn. Dominus, who was currently on her head looked downward at the mare below him who had lowered her head for some reason.

Being stared at also agitated Dawn.

The Rufflet bent low so he could look at Dawn upside down. “Dawn?” The mare didn’t respond which worried the Rufflet. “Dawn, what’s wrong with you!? You’re being all down for no reason.”

The mare in question took a several deep breath to calm her nerves. “I’m okay...I’m okay. Just.... not so good when being....stared at.”

The Rufflet looked worried at the mare’s sign of stress which is written on her face. So he resolved to do something about it. “Don’t worry, you got me on your head so they’re staring me too. So I know it’s going to be cool. You know, Sharing the load and all that.”

The fact that her newfound friend had attempted to cheer her up calmed her down, at least for a while. She put a hoof up and scratched his chin, causing the Eaglet to smile. “Thanks. I needed that.”

And thus the group continued their march in silence. It didn’t take quite long for them to traverse through the streets prowling with ponies and other species who practically made way for them, either out of fear or just wanting to slink away out of nervousness. No one paid attention, except for Dawn.

Finally, Dawn got a look at their destination, inwardly relieved that she had got out of that cluster of stares. “Well, here it is,” Dawn moved forward first before using a hoof to present the gateway into the beachhead. “The Vanhoover Beach, called Ingleton. Where tourists or other inhabitants spend their day relaxing here.”

Her company could see what made the beach special. It stretched across the entire district end with an wall o f qual hight serving as a barrier, the cream colored wall going up to Eric’s torso if he was still a human. Only the entrance was visible, which was a sea blue arch-shaped sign with the word ‘Welcome’ painted in white.

The entrance itself has revealed the wave of the seas gently washing onto the shore before slinking away. Many of the ponies at the beach were simply relaxing or basking in the sun. A single folding chair is lined across the beach for anyone to freely use.

Many ponies and griffons alike had entered the beach with them not packing any clothing except that some of them carried baskets on their backs or bitten in their mouth, either alone or with several others like family or friends judging by the variety of genders in one group or the same one altogether.

Eric nodded. “Hmmm, it’s seems to be quite nice.” He floated forward alongside his team. Sally was inwardly giddy while Will attempted to look bored.

This also peaked Dominus’ interest, not noticing the mare he was perched on wasn’t moving. “Woohoo, beach time! This is going to be awesome!” The bird declared with shining eyes full of excitement.

That’s when Dawn decided to break the news. “Sorry, little guy, but....” The mare scratched her head while grinning awkwardly, staring up at her head’s occupant. “We got work to do....”

His happiness had been stolen by the magic word. “Whaaaat! Ah, man, and the weather looks nice too.” Dominus bowed his head in grievance.

Eric overheard the mare and turned around to face her who he had nearly left behind. “Are you coming with us?” Eric floated around to look at the mare.

Eric noticed the frozen reaction she gave off for a moment. “....Uh, well, about that...” Dawn scratched her head while chuckling awkwardly. “Well...I don’t know how to put it...”

“Is there something the matter?”

“Uhhh, yeah. You could say that.”

Eric already figured out what it is which caused him to sigh. “Is this about the sketch you’ve been doing earlier?”

The Bat Pony chuckled awkwardly at being found out. “Uh-huh.“ The Bat Pony figured that there’s no use hiding it now, might as well reveal it. “That’s the sketch for the order I need to finish the day after tomorrow.”

Eric had found out two days ago that the mare who had allowed them to stay at her house was an artist who regularly took orders as part of her daily earnings. It wasn’t much, but the Bat Pony said that it was enough for herself. In fact, Dawn said that she could buy her house itself in a few years rather than paying rent.

That caused alarm bells to ring in the three-headed Dragon’s head. “....if you have some order to be finished then....why do you suggest all of us going to the beach in the first place? I don’t really get it.”

That caused the mare to flinch for a few seconds before regaining her bearings. She sighed. “I swear to Celestia, your observations will be the end of me.”

As usual, the Hydreigon didn’t give any reply which caused the mare to think it’s her cue to continue. “Uh, how should I say this? I just can’t stand awkward silences all the time, for some reason it just....made me feel uncomfortable. From the way you and how everyone is acting, it seems that you’re....uhhhh...what was it again? Celestia, that came out wrong again.”

“Bored?”

“Uh, yeah, that. I just figured that as a good host maybe I should....well, you know....” Dawn absentmindedly traced a circle on the concrete with her hoof. “You do the math.”

“Won’t you need help?” Eric questioned.

Just like that, his offer was quickly shut down. “Oh, no, no, no. No, you don’t, you’re going to the beach and relax. I got it this time.” The mare waved her forehoof around.

“I think that you will need all the help, Dawn. It’s just the way it is.”

“I appreciate the gesture, but seriously, you’ve been helping me for the last two days that it’s getting to the point of being ridiculous, even for a guest. Besides, I got the little guy with me, so we should be fine....at least when Will...isn’t around. No offense.”

“Yeah, that grandpa seriously have some issues, dude. Not healthy and not cool. A bad combination.” Dominus pointed out.

“In other words Will is getting on both of your nerves?” Dawn let out a sheepish smile with a scratch of her head, Eric nodded in understanding. “Fair enough....I won’t be keeping you then. Do what you need to do.”

“Wait, wait, wait, you’re brushing me off, just like that? Are you sure about that?” His response was a nod. “But wait, what if you don’t know the way home? What if you get lost in this....” Motioning her right foreleg around the crowds around her location. “...crowd. And that’s why it’s not a good idea. Yeah, not gonna happen. Maybe I should just stick by you guys. The sketch can wait.”

“She thinks I’m her friend, huh? Honestly, I’m quite flattered.” Eric muttered before sighing. “I think I can remember well enough what your house looks like. I don’t think that will happen with my friends to help me.”

“But, but, I can go back and grab the sketch! I can stick by you and finish the whole thing here and now!”

“Yeah!” Dominus flared his wings out. “Friends stick by each other! It won’t be cool to abandon each other! Way uncool!”

“Eric!”

“Hmmm?” Glancing over his shoulder at the call of his name, he spotted Sally and Will who were waiting for him by the gate where ponies flooded in and out of it. They had went on without noticing they had missed their trainer.

“Hey, the weather has taken a shine today for a good old sunburn.” Sally snapped her head at Will and he wisely kept his mouth shut for now.

“Be right with you!” The Hydreigon shouted back with equal force before turning back to Dawn. “As I told you, I can remember which way your house is, so there shouldn’t be trouble.” Eric’s voice then turned into a mumble as he spoke to himself, “I just hope it stays that way for today. But I wouldn’t count on it.”

Dawn tried to argue, but realizing that it will futile with her new friend, seeing as he can be quite resolute in his decision. Instead, she gave in with a sigh. “Alright, alright... you’re quite stubborn when set on something, you know that? Just....please for the love of Celestia, just try to keep an eye on....Will. He’s not exactly the most...” She wracked her brain for the right word. Only to came up blank. “...Uhhh....what was the word for it?”

Eric raised an eyebrow. “....considerate?”

“Right, not the most considerate person or Pokémon I’ve ever met.” She flinched upon realizing what she had said. “Oh, sorry, that seriously came out wrong.”

The Hydreigon nodded. “Don’t worry about it. And sure, I’ll keep an eye on him.”

“Of that, of course, I will.” Eric mumbled dryly.

Dawn sighed with relief “That’s one thing for me to get off my chest. Don’t want a mob of angry ponies beating down on my house just because of a slip.” Dawn flinched slightly at the prospect of that happening. Imagining the scenario where ponies with torches, pitchfork, axes, pickaxe and the like coming to grab Will.

Eric replied immediately, quickly putting a comforting arm head against her shoulder. “That won’t happen, Dawn.”

“At least if Will can tone down the sarcasm.” Eric muttered.

Noticing his moving lips, she smiled nervously. “You sure seem to like to mumble to yourself. Did you know that?” Dawn scratched her head with a frown.

“Yeah.....my friends have pointed that out a few times.”

The fact he didn’t deny it creeps her out. Thought, she quickly threw away the thought and shakes her head. “Ah, forget about that. Here I am, hoping you got the best day in the beach.”

“Well, guess I’ll see you guys later. And before I forget.” Dawn turned around, but not before fishing something out of her saddlebag. Eric quickly caught whatever she tossed. It was revealed to be a book. “There’s some reading material if you’re bored. Good luck on the beach. But don’t forget to bring it back. I need it because the deadline for returning it is today.”

The Rufflet turned around on the mare’s head and excitedly waved his right wing at Eric. “See you later, Eric! Gotta help Dawn do her artistic stuff.”

Eric merely put down his right arm where the book is clutched by head after looking over it. “I just hope that everything would turn out alright....just this once.” The three-headed Pokémon mumbled before floating to join his team for their planned relaxation at the beach.

It took the three no time at all to set themselves up for a day at the beach. Eric was silently reading a book on a folding chair for relaxation. Glancing up from his book, he took on the sight of the beach.

Ponies, griffons, minotaurs, and even a few Pokémon, the most numerous being Poochyena, Staravia, and Vivillon, were happily rolling in the sands, flying around with some even resting happily or flying around besides the natural inhabitants of the planet. Even some Marill, and Azumarill were running around the beach while foals played with them.

True to word, they were enjoying it. Kids were happily playing with the new arrivals since they had shown up and have been largely introduced into the populace. But to his observant eyes, he could see still some of those populace were still largely unused to the new arrivals or just plain hate them because some of those Pokémons are....foreign to them, especially the adults. This is visible with how livid some of those ponies looked.

Eric sighed. “It would indeed take a while for everything to settle down to the way it used to be.” He whispered, before remembering he was supposed to keep an eye on someone. What that someone did caused him to raise an eyebrow.

Will was silently building a sand castle without using water, largely using his Psychic powers to prevent the castle from collapsing on itself. While Eric stared for a little while regarding why Will even build a sand castle, he just shook his head and let the Reuniclus get back on whatever he’s doing.

He then turned his attention to a certain Dragon. Sally was just laying there while playing with her Flamethrower, letting out short bursts of flames on the pile of sand she had created to harden it.

Some ponies had just stared at the Dragon that looked out of place playing sands like that. In their minds, Dragons are fearsome creatures, not the kind that play around in the sand or breath fire on it.

Eric smiled for once. “Well, they seem to be having fun. Even if my idea of fun is just reading a book, at least....it’s quite relaxing.” Eric muttered under his breath, leaving his team to do whatever they want at the beach. Silently, he kept vigilant ears on whatever Will was about to say or do next.

Sally was busy in her own world, trying to create some sort of mini statue about her trainer as a human. “Almost.....don’t fall on me now.” The unrecognizable pile that is the future statue had failed when it has collapsed again even when she tried to harden it.

Frustrated at her failed attempt, she lightly kicking the sand away. “Ah, the hell with the stupid sand. Why does is it have to be so hard!?”

With her recent attempt failed, the Dragon turned to see whatever her teammate is doing. She had all but deadpanned when she saw that the sarcastic Reuniclus is busy developing a sand castle.

A castle.

If she wasn’t so ticked off with him, she would call it impressive and say something about his creativity.

But her deadpan stare disappeared at the height which the sandcastle is developed and how it is positioned in front of the Reuniclus. A devious grin formed itself on her face.

Meanwhile, the Reuniclus is also busy in his own world, attempting to create yet another figure. “There done,” Will had finished the final touch. He floated back to see his handiwork. He couldn’t help but grin at the size of the five tower castle he created as well as the almost life-like appearance should it be a real castle. “Quite impressive, if I do say so myself.”

His happiness decided now was a good time to go out to lunch when the sand castle exploded outward and straight into his face. When dust settled literally, Will is there, still floating where he was, but with the added sand pile on top of his head that is shaped like a cone head.

He wasn’t amused. He looked straight forward to witness a familiar team member who waved her tail back and forth, snickering before trotting off like nothing had happened. It wouldn’t take a genius to figure it out.

The Multiplying Pokémon rolled his eyes sarcastically as he witnessed the oldest member of the team acting like a Bagon again. “...And they say I’m an inconsiderate and sarcastic idiot.” He shook his head, freeing himself from the cone-like sand pile.

Will looked at Sally before staring at the small sand dune created when Sally swiped her tail across it and caused the castle to collapse. Then he got one devious idea that caused a grin to be etched on his face.

“Hey, Sally?” The yell of Will caught her attention again.

Before she could trot off, she looked back at him, seeing that familiar grin on his face and both arms are put forward. If one is to look closely, there would be several sweats running down his body. Sally gave him a deadpan look. “....Will, don’t you dare!” She said in a warning tone.

“Me?” Will said in a mock innocence. “Why, I wouldn’t dare to do so.”

Sally sighed, keeping her stare at him. “That annoying grin on your face, should be enough of an indication.”

Will scoffed. “Am I really that easy to read?”

“Wasn’t that hard. Even an idiot like that bird could spot you’re up to something from a mile away.”

“Oh? Really, we’re pointing fingers now? Then maybe I should point out what kind of hypocrite you are? Thought it would be gentlemanly of me to point out a few mistakes, no?”

Her response is to give him a deadpan glare. “Will, you’re hardly a gentlemen.” Sally deadpanned. “You’re just one hell of a sarcastic idiot.”

Will raised an invisible eyebrow before making way for a grin.”Why thank you, that describes me perfectly. And I really think you should look either at your feet or upward now.”

“Huh?” Sally felt some kind of substance fell onto her face continuously. Sally quickly realized it was sand, and it leaked down her snout. And she also noticed that what appeared to be a large shadow that overtook her own and blotted out the sun in her vision. The Dragon widened her eyes in realization what that shadow meant by quickly looking up.

Her eyes found themselves staring upward with a dumbfounded look on her face as a sand leaked down her snout, but she barely paid attention to it. What appeared to be a large amount of sands, possibly tons of the stuff, levitated above her with some sand leaking down of it around her. She knew that Will is quite the powerful Psychic, but....this? This was new. Levitating large amount of tiny pebbles is not easy.

Her train of thought halted when she heard his sarcastic tone. Looking back at him. “Why don’t you have a shower? I’ll be happy to bathe you.” He grinned before baring the tons of sand of his Psychic power by letting his arm slack.

The sands fell.

Sally didn’t have enough time to say anything as the sand is dumped right on top of her, burying her completely while creating a mini sand dune.

Almost everypony in the vicinity of the beach stared in bewilderment at the poor Dragon who was currently buried under possibly tons of sand. They waited for any form of response from the buried Dragon. It came sooner than they expected when a small part of the sand burst out and leaving a draconic head sticking out of it.

Sally furiously shook her head free of the sand that lingered on her forehead and snout. As soon as she is sure that there is no more of the tiny substance sticking around her face, she glared at the Pokémon responsible for her current predicament. ”Will! What did you do that for?”

“Figured that a quick shower for the premier Dragon Pokémon of our group would stimulate her senses enough to stop acting like a child. It’s quite effective, no?” Will made his signature shit-eating grin.

The Dragon snarled. “I have already awoken enough this morning!” Sally squirmed in place in an attempt to free herself, but the sand had immobilized most of her motoric functions. “Will, get me out of here!”

“Why should I do that? I mean, unless you are forgetting about the two appendages sticking out of your back, then I’m not really seeing how can I be useful in freeing you. What a great day for one to forget their own physiology.” The bubbly Pokémon said haughtily.

She realized what Will meant when he said ‘two appendages’. “....right, wings....” She admitted reluctantly.

With a forceful flare of her wings, the sand dune flared violently, causing the sand to fly everywhere. The dust settled sooner and revealed the Dragon in all her glory, shaking her entire body like a dog would to rid herself of any unwelcome sand on her body.

As soon as she’s finished, her glare found the grinning Reuniclus. “Will, why don’t you-“

“Hey, watch it!”

“I got sands in my basket!”

“Kyaaa!”

“My eyes!”

“No, my precious stamp! Celestia, why is this happening to me? Why!?”

Her rant is quickly cut off when she heard voices of discomfort from various genders around here. Looking around the place, it would appear that flaring her wings suddenly is not a good idea after all. Sands on top of somepony’s head, sand that suddenly piled on their hind legs, sand that had gotten into somepony’s eyes, sands that had gotten into someone’s belonging, etc.

Generally, some of the ponies that had got their senses back had turned to glare at the Dragon responsible for their current predicament. They are not amused if Sally could still see expressions correctly.

Realizing that someone is responsible for pointing out that she could use her wings to free herself. She turned to look back at the Pokémon. “Will....” Sally said

Will had turned around to let his back have a face off against Sally, whistling innocently while doing so. If a glare could turn a Reuniclus into a vapor, he would be learning how to live as a cloud. “Will, turn around when I’m talking, you little-“

“Yay, that was fun! Do it again, Mr. Dragon!”

“Huh?” The child-like voice jolted her out of her planned rant. She looked downward to her left to see a pony foal with a brown coat and white mane staring up at her with excited eyes.

“Come on, Mr. Dragon! Do the ‘sand expel’ again!” The foal starting to jump in place in his excitement. But seeing the wings on the Dragon’s back, his grin widened a few inches. “Mr. Dragon, I wanna ride you, I wanna ride you!”

“W-what?” To the boy who is doing the best impression of a bouncy doll, she sounded like ‘Sal-mence?’ as the translation spell burned out.

“Burst!” The feminine yell revealed another pony, a mare with a blue-ish coat and equally white mane as pure as the snow like her son who is galloping like a mad mare.

When she reached the foal, she acted by quickly pushing her foal away from the Dragon, she in turn stepped backward to address her son. “Burst, thank Celestia you’re alright. Did the dragon hurt you?” The mare scrutinized her son for any sort of injury, sighing inwardly when there is none.

“No, mommy, but-“

The mare cut him off. “And what have I told you about going away with strangers?”

“But mommy...” The foal whined while letting off a pleading look to the mare.

Though the look would work on some parents, this time, it doesn’t work on a mare that knows their children the most. This case applied for this mare. “No, buts, young stallion. You are not allowed to play with strangers without supervisions, and that’s final!”

“But,” The word caused the mare to frown, but his attention wasn’t at her in the moment, but by glancing to her right toward the dragon who is looking back at him with straight face. “He looks nice.”

Taking a glancing look at the dragon in question who look at them with a straight face then turned to stare into her son’s eyes. “Burst, what have told you earlier about playing with strangers?”

“Uhm, that a good foal shouldn’t play with ponies you don’t know about?” The foal tilted his head.

The mare nodded. “And this stranger is a dragon, who knows what she could do to you. What if she eats you like the dragons in the stories I told you about?”

Hearing the words, Sally looked toward the mare with an indignant look on her face. “I’m not going to eat him.” She mumbled.

“Nah, she won’t do that, lady.” A new voice spoke through their respective minds. Turning to the source, Will is approaching them with his signature grin adorning his expressions.

The fact that this creature are now speaking to her in her mind was visible with the fact that none of those two were moving their mouths. She nearly jaw dropped while her son looked back and forth with his child-like innocence.

”Let me list the thing that Sally will do! Eating is out of the list, but rampaging on the other hand....Yeah, try to image this Dragon here,” Will pointed at Sally to his left. “Flying around while spewing flames from her mouth. Excellent image, yeah? Don’t worry, we all get our chances to ride on the rampaging Dragon here for free.”

Sally had realized he’s speaking mentally now. But she had since replaced that thought with a horrified one. The same could be said for the mare who is using a hoof to cover her mouth. “You’re not helping!”

“She won’t bite your son, eat him or make a fried pony out of him.” Will said in an off-handed manner.

“Thank you!” Sally was relieved that for once Will actually spoke straight instead of being accompanied by a sarcasm or sarcastic tone, even if his sentences still a bit dark.

“See mommy!” The foal pointed at the Dragon with a grin. “The Dragon is nice! C’mon, mommy, c’mon, I wanna ride on him.” The foal pulled off yet another puppy-dog face. The mare chewed her lips.

Sally frowned at the request, but seeing that the foal had pulled off one of those infamous puppy dog face, the foundation of her defenses instantly crumbled. But being one of the most sensible member of the team beside Helen, she knew better than to comply with the foal’s request

Instead, she turned toward her trainer who is slowly watching the exchange. “Eric?”

Her Hydreigon trainer nodded curtly. “Sure, do what you think is best. But remember to be careful. I don’t want you to take responsibility for any accidents that might happen.”

“Got it! Thanks, Eric.” Sally nodded in return with a smile.

“Alright, little guy,” Turning to look at the foal in question, she crouched down so she could be at eye-level with him.

“I’m not little!” The foal said indignantly, puffing out his cheek in the process.

Sally grinned at his attempt to look mature, but it failed in the eyes of a true adult. “Sure you are.” She mused. “Anyway, what do you say that you ask your mommy to allow you to ride me for a few moment?”

“Really?” Sally nodded. The foal’s excitement gone to new heights. “C’mon, mommy! It’ll be fun.”

The mare looked at her son with uncertainty written on her face. “I don’t know, it might be dangerous. What if you fell off?”

“And don’t forget lady our Dragon lady friend will only drop your son if she’s acting a little bit crazy, which I think she is right now.” Will added nonchalantly.

The poor mare stared at the bubbly thing like he had somehow split into two more. “SHE’S GOING TO WHAT?” The mare yelled in a shrill tone before clutching her son tightly to her chest with her right foreleg.

The Dragon Pokémon looked like she’s going to drop him in a tank of Sharpedos. “Will! I swear, if you don’t shut your mouth right now, I’m gonna-” Sally all, but yelled at the Multiplying Pokémon. Frustrated at his attempt at various sarcasm that only makes things worse.

Will put up his bubbly arm in submission. “Hey, no need for swearing. There are kids here.” Motioning to everything around him, there were not only adults watching the argument but foals as well. “For the sake of preserving sanity around here, I’m going to shut my mouth now. It would be one of the best days to see some foals imitating some swear words...”

“Good. Make sure you zip it shut!” Sally ordered, Will only just shrugged nonchalantly. “I won’t drop your foal, I swear on it on my trainer’s honor.”

The mare went silent for a moment upon hearing the word ‘trainer’, but she thought it would be better if she didn’t question it if she didn’t want to anger the dragon.

Even after that reassurance, the mare still couldn’t help but had second thoughts about allowing her foal to play with the dragon. Sure, she heard that this dragon is quite docile, which was far from the stories she had heard about giant dragons but she won’t risk her son’s life.

But looking back at her son, she is once again bombarded by his puppy dog eyes that wearing down the wall toward her heart. “Pwease, mommy. I’ll be good, I promise.”

The mare chewed her lips as she tried to look away from the puppy dog eyes. It does it’s job well when it came to persuasion. Even the most hardened heart that had practiced couldn’t dare say the infamous ‘no’ with that kind of face directed toward a parent.

Finally, her defenses crumbled to her son’s constant attack. She sighed before waving the metaphorical white flag. “Alright....” Before her son could ‘yay’ in accomplishment, the mare added. “BUT....hold on tightly. And you....don’t drop my son for any reason.”

”Why would I drop him? I’m an experienced flyer.” Sally thought sourly, not noticing the weight that had hopped on her back.

The weight’s voice suddenly cried out excitedly as he sat on his haunches. “Let’s go, let’s go!” He excitedly

The Salamence just shook her head. “Alright, hang on tight, kid!” Before he could say another word, the G-Force nearly overtook him as he held on for dear life. The Salamence properly took off, causing the mare to crouch as the Salamence’s claw nearly graced her face.

The foal was having the time of his life, screaming as Sally gently glided across the air. She made sure to stick her legs out in order to reduce the drag with the air passing over her being.

Some of the ponies on the ground watched on as the Dragon who had made herself known a few days ago was gliding gracefully in the air, carrying a screaming, but excited foal as he waved down on the city inhabitants looking up at them. Either way, they would either stare with jaws hanging open or just sitting with utter bewilderment on their face.

The flight ended sooner than the foal expected as the Dragon didn’t want to risk any injury. As soon as she neared the ground, she landed airplane style due to the slippery sands before braking by flaring out her wings to increase the drag. She stopped just right in front of the unmoving Will, her head missing him by mere inches.

Surprisingly, he didn’t flinch. “Wow, pretty solid landing.” He quipped in another sarcasm mode. “I thought I’m going to die for a moment there.”

Sally just stared with a deadpan look again in her face.

Before Sally could make a retort, the cargo on her back shrieked, causing the two Pokémons to flinch at the intensity of it. “YEEEEAAAAHHHH! THAT WAS AWESOME!” The foal finished with a hoof pump.

“Oww,” Will pretended to clear his non-existent ears. ”Kid, watch your scream. You could have gotten someone deaf, not that I mind it if Sally got it.”

The foal didn’t pay attention to the Reuniclus, only he grinned with his teeth bared for all to see, crawling like a lizard so he could stand on Sally’s big shoulder to stare into her eyes, a fact that creeped Sally out if only he weren’t so close to her.

“That. Was. So. FUN! LET’S DO IT AGAIN, MR. DRAGON!”

When the foal said ‘mister’, the creepy feeling disappeared from her mouth when the foal had mistaken her gender again. Lucky for her the Psychic link was still intact as Will is experienced enough to maintain Psychic link even from a distance. “I’m a girl, you know.” She thought annoyedly.

Sally is saved by the timely intervention of the foal’s mother. “Burst, no screaming, young stallion!” The mare walked up to the Dragon from where she stood before and addressed the foal.

The voice of an annoyed parents was enough to burst the foal’s bubble of excitement, causing him to splay his ears against his head. “Sorry, mom. I was just...so excited because I never flew before.”

The mare’s feature softened when she sees her son apologetic face. “It’s okay, but be polite next time!” Then her eyes found Sally. “Thank you for....not dropping my son. It seems he had quite a lot of fun.”

“No problem. Don’t be so hard on the kid, he’s just having fun....I think.” Sally said with a sheepish grin at her attempt at conversation.

Will rolled his eyes. “Yeah, why don’t you try that next time? Let’s see how she handles taking care of a foal while flying around doing death stunts.” Will floated forward so he could float to Sally’s right.

The mare slowly turned her head toward the Reuniclus with a disturbed look on her face. Not bothering with a glare this time, Sally just punched him with enough force to send him careening into the sand.

”Ignore him, ma’am. He’s an idiot.” The mare couldn’t help, but agree. But now Sally’s eyes found some sort of anomaly that caused her to stare.

That anomaly revealed to be mainly a large amount of tiny foals crowding around behind the mare without her even noticing. Some wore disturbing looks on their faces as they were grinning from ear to ear.

The silence went on for a few seconds, causing the mare to tilt her head in confusion when she sees the Dragon staring toward her direction. “....Hello?” When the Dragon didn’t make any reaction, she frowned. The mare waved a hoof back and forth. “....You’re staring...”

Sally barely paid attention to the mere, for that was when all hell broke lose. The foals cheered and they crowded around the Salamence, pushing or pulling each other off without any sense of personal space. The mare never got swept in the sea of foals, as she was already at the side of it, causing her to stare with a bewildered look.

“C’mon, c’mon, me want to! I want to ride!” A foal spoke with broken Equestrian.

The foal on her shoulder was livid. “No way! I got here first, so I’m riding him again. Loser is the slowest.” The foal on Sally’s shoulder stick his tongue out.

“That’s unfair, you already rode on her. Me want to!” The foal pointed accusingly.

“No, me first!”

“No me!” Then the foal on Sally’s shoulder charged into the other foal. The crowd of foal parting way for the rolling foal to roll outward outside the crowd while trying to gain the upper hand over the other.

“Burst!” The mare acted immediately to push her son off the other foal.

The foals decided that the argument was the best time to pester the Dragon again about the ride. This in turn, caused the poor Salamence to glance back and forth between the screaming foals that wanted a Dragon ride. Curiously, almost all of them were either Earth Ponies or Unicorns while only a few Pegasi present.

“Wow, you got a lot fans there Sally. Talents for ‘nearly getting me killed’ is rare out there, seems they all want a piece of it.” If Will had an eyebrow to raise, it would have look condescending enough for the Dragon to choke him.

Instead, she just layed her head down like a submissive dog would as the foals assaulted her, climbing onto her back. “....shut up. Just shut up.”

Meanwhile, Eric had watched on, inwardly amused. “Hmmm, I never thought that Sally can be quite good with children. I should take that into account next time when dealing with children.” Eric mumbled before eyeballing his book once more.

Anyone would have called the Dragon having a rotten luck with so many foals asking for a ride, yet what they won’t expect that the Salamence reluctantly decided to fly the foals by at least five of them each time nor the fact that the Salamence glided with a smile.

Sally sailed the sky with a smile as the wind gently blew across her face. The Salamence had forgotten the last time she had fun like this, sailing with relaxation while she was carrying her trainer on her back . This time she was carrying tons of cargo in the form of foals. Despite that Sally flew with the gentle grace of a Swanna gliding through the skies.

Some of Sally’s passengers were screaming for dear life while crouching as low as possible while others screamed in excitement. At first, Sally was annoyed, but she had learned to tune them out when she remembered the first time her trainer screamed as loud as he could.

Parents at first were practically clutching their hearts at the prospect of their foals sailing through the sky at the back of the notorious Dragon that had defended the suburbs a few days earlier, yet as time went on, they knew the foals were in right hands or in this case paws. The Dragon had never once performed anything that might endanger foals as far as they can see.

Sally’s trainer watched on, silently nothing the smile on the Salamence’s face. “Judging from the look on her face, she must’ve quite the fun. It seems going to the beach was the right call after all.”

Every ten minutes, the Salamence landed, kicking up sand as her batch of foals screamed, dismounting the Salamence while new ones piled on. She didn’t seem tired. In truth Sally was actually glad she could ferry them for a few minutes.

Time went on as Sally continued giving the foals rides, the numbers slowly dwindling. Eventually, the sun was going down over the horizon. Sally noticed this with the dwindling light.

The Salamence decided it’s time to go. ”Alright, kids, the sun’s coming down.” She said mentally to the mind of the foals. “Let’s take a trip back to your parents, shall we?”

The collective ‘Awww’ would’ve chewed out her inner defenses if it weren’t for the fact that she knows it is getting late. “Can we spend a little more time?”

“No,” A chorus of distressed cried arouse from the mouths of babes.“That’s it kiddos. Like it or not, we’re going back right now.”

“C’mon, just five more minutes. There’s nothing wrong with five minutes.” The lead white foal turned to his buddies that are lined up behind him. “Right guys?”

“Yeah!” The collective bunch shouted together.

Her heart melted, but she had one last defense, a memory. ”Sorry kids, but playtime’s over. Don’t wanna mess with your parents.” Sally shuddered as she remembered the memories. “And an angry parents....someone you shouldn’t mess with. Taking all of you back down one way or another.”

The reaction she’s expecting is definitely not screaming. “NOOOO!” Their collective ‘magic word’ yell caused her to winch. “PRETTY PLEASE WITH A CUPCAKE!”

As soon as her eardrums wasn’t ringing anymore, Sally shook her head with a chuckle. “...kids these days.”

It didn’t take long for Sally to make the emergency landing and kicking up another sands anymore.

Sally glanced behind her to She made sure to note some of the hesitant foals dismounting from her. Their faces could melt down steel-eyed people if stared at long enough. She shook her head to clear herself of such thought.

She noticed with a frown that the childrens are still waiting by her side. ”Well, go on. Your parents are waiting.”

The foals stared at each other for a moment before a filly came forward. “Uhm, mister Dragon?”

Sally had to prevent herself from grinding her teeth from the foal mistaking her gender again. Instead, she answered calmly. ”Yeah, kiddo?”

“Can we,” The filly shifted her hooves in nervousness. “Ride on you again?”

“I said no, kiddos. I would love to, but playtime’s over.” The answer was curt and immediate.

“I mean, later, if you have the time again?” Sally stared with a questioning face. “When we see you again?”

The collection of foals stared at her with expectant eyes.

The foals can’t wait to ride on her again, the look on their faces trying to prevent the Salamence from saying the notorious ‘no’. “Oh Why not.” The word had caused the childrens to cheer simultaneously. “But if my trainer allowed me to.”

“Awww...” Sally had to wonder if they had practiced saying the same words again at the same time. The same filly talked. “But you promise?”

“Well,” Sally put a foreleg to her chin in thought. “I could, but.....only if you behave with your parents.”

“Really?” The filly grinned.

Somehow, that disturbs the Salamence. “Yeah, really.” The foals cheer could possibly reached toward the heavens. “Now, be good boys and girls and head back to your parents. Or there won’t be anymore ‘flying on my back’ as everyone here puts it.”

“NOOO!” Their shout winched the Salamence’s poor hearings from her before the foals dashed away toward their parents who watched the gathering with bewildered looks before some of the children flung themselves to the parents

Sally stared with bewildered look at how energetic the childrens of this world can be, until a voice brought out of her thoughts beside her. “It seems you have the time of your life, eh, Sally? Congrats for not dropping any potential bait to the sea by the way.” Will asked with his signature grin.

Sally deadpanned, otherwise, she ignored the sarcasm. “Yeah....” The Dragon turned around and went by him, only giving that simple response. Sally sighed tiredly as she lay down beside her trainer in the sand. Who is silently laying his head against the headrest of the chair. “....yeah. Thanks for keeping up with the telepathy anyway.”

Will chuckled before turning around. “Oh, now you’re giving me a thanks? So nice of you to do so.” The Salamence just made a deadpan stare to the bubble in front of her. The Reuniclus made a mock stretching gesture. “Well, keeping up a Psychic link is easy. Keep it up too long though, then I’m tired and I want to lay down for a little while.”

Sally sighed in exasperation. “Yeah, yeah, do whatever you want.” The female Dragon waved him off without much thought, she was glad he would be out of earshot soon.

Will floated off with a snicker not before giving off one last remark. “Whatever you say. Oh, try not to make out in the beach by the way. There’s women and children around, don’t want them to faint.”

That nearly caused her to she wanted to retort, but a cough caught her attention, turning to the source, she could see her trainer raising his eyebrow at her. She blushed furiously. “I-I mean, uh, n-not like that. Will is...Will is, uh, joking! Yeah, he’s just-“

“Did you enjoy it?”

The Dragon Pokémon was dumbfounded. “Huh?“ Sally wasn’t expecting that response.

Eric sighed, he knew that she wasn’t the sharpest out there. “Did you enjoy giving the children a ride? Having fun to carry weight like the good old days?”

Then she realized what he meant. “Oh that. I mean, yeah, no beating having to stretch your wings like that. Just like a good exercise.” Her eyes found some of the childrens going off with a Poochyena who also happily chasing the foal with his tongue sticking out. She couldn’t help, but smile. “And there’s one thing I know for sure.”

“What is it?”

“This world is sure quite peaceful.” Sally said, while looking at the sunset.

What she had said caused Eric to arch an eyebrow. “....hmmm, she’s never one to say something like that.” His train of thoughts were halted when Sally continued.

“The skies are so....I don’t know, clear. I hardly smelled any smoke in the air too, it’s just so....peaceful for some reason.” Sally sighed before slowly facepalming. “Hate to admit it, but Will’s right, I’m not good at this.”

“That...” Eric took a deep breath before continuing. “....it does.” Eric couldn’t explain the feeling, but when he first arrived here, he get the feeling of being....somewhat more peaceful here than he did with Earth.

“I wish Helen and our entire family is here.”

“Yeah....”

Then a look of horrific realization crossed her face. “But what if they’re not here?” Eric stared at her with his signature straight face. “I mean, what if that idiot Arceus forgot to bring our friends here.”

The Hydreigon couldn’t help, but chew his lip by realizing that the Salamence does have a point. “Dammit....let’s not think about that girl. We just have to assume that they are...’worthy’ and of course, brought here as the ‘reward’”

Sally gritted her teeth at the mention of ‘reward’. Not only she’s irked that her trainer’s stuff is stolen, but the fact remains that all their friends and family are separated, with a chance of them not even in this world. The Dragon Pokémon wanted nothing more than to pummel Arceus. Nonetheless, she let it go, lest she would disobey her trainer.

“Let’s hope you’re right....let’s hope that is right.”

Eric nodded curtly. “For our sakes, let’s hope that it’s correct.”

“Though I knew better than put our hopes up. It’s useless to do that these days.” Eric mumbled.

The pair stared at the dimming sun in the horizon for a few minutes, with neither saying a word to start off a conversation after their last chosen topic brought about the awkward silence. Both just stared into the setting sun in silence, as if they were entranced by it’s beauty

Then, out of nowhere the Dragon Pokémon spoke. “Hey, Eric?”

“Hmmm?” Eric glanced to the left toward his loyal Dragon Pokémon.

“I think it’s time for you to stop.” Sally said, if one were to listen closely, they would hear the resolution in her tone.

Eric had an inkling to what she ‘meant’ by that. “Hmmm, maybe I’ll play along for a little while, see where this goes to.”

“Eric,” Sally took a deep breath, signifying what it is she’s going to say. “Look, I....we couldn’t bear to watch you go on like this. It’s getting worse, and we need to stop.”

“Stop? But what about you, Sally? The one who wanted make all of them pay for what they did to....” The three-headed Pokémon stopped himself from finishing his sentence when he noticed how Sally tensed her jaw when he ‘implied’ about her past. “I never thought that you, the one who hated criminals like they are the spawn of hell itself would stop.”

“That’s different! This isn’t about me, but this is about you and all of us as a whole!” Sally yelled before realizing that she had raised her voice against her trainer. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to...”

Eric simply raised an eyebrow in response before motioning for her to continue. “I...I couldn’t just watch you continue on like this. I managed to cope and I know that you could as well, but not like this. You need to forget about the past and move on. And maybe it is time to move on from our past and carry our original dream together.”

The Hydreigon was silenced for a moment in the form of her uplifting counseling. But secretly, he knew something is off, but more deeper than what he is about to say. “That’s quite the speech. Did you practice this earlier?”

Sally froze at that moment. Not knowing that he would notice, she bit her lip in nervousness. “...well, about that.....” She couldn’t think of a word to say to that.

“Guess, I was right. You weren’t one for some uplifting speech.” He sighed while Sally sputtered of nonsense about his observant nature.

Eric sighed. “As much as I wanted to continue on our journey and complete our dream at long last, you should know that things wasn’t so simple anymore with how all of this had happened. As I said before, it isn’t that simple. Nightmares are best forgotten, or one could get them so often that they would get used to it in the end....I did.”

“In the end, the past can’t be easily erased. There will be times where there is one moment to mark someone’s life be it good or bad, mostly bad if you’re unlucky. Out of all of us here, you would be the one to understand me better.”

“Well....that’s...technically true.” Sally couldn’t help, but remember the moment that did mark her life forever. The one that will be burned into her memory for eternity.

“And it wouldn’t be easy to stop once you begin on something, girl. When one is to start something, either they finish what they started or just abandon it entirely.”

“But....” Sally looked back with a sad frown on her expression, realizing that another one of her attempt had failed.

Then he had said something that would surprise even Will. “But if you seriously insist I would stop, then I will try it.”

Sally didn’t expect that. Her jaw slightly hung open in disbelief. “You mean...”

Eric stared at the Dragon in silence, not yet giving off any answer. Sally in turn stared at her trainer, inwardly, she felt nervous about his response that her body had no choice, but to run sweat down her forehead. A few seconds later had revealed his answer when he turned to look at the sunset again. “Yeah, I’ll think about it. Sally, if you said that you wanted for us to stop, then I have to think of our well-being instead of yourself. You were willing to stop, then I’ll try to. After all, this is a new world, and a new dawn is coming. I guess it’s time to start anew as well.”

Sally slightly widened her eyes in surprise at his answer, but soon, her face make a way for a smile. His pragmatism marked him as the most sensible of their group of friends. “Thanks, Eric. That’s all I ask.” Her job was now done, just as she had promised Will. Now, she can only hope for the best.

“I was thinking of stopping as well. Might as well go around and doing it for real.” Eric mumbled. “Pretend it was all a big nightmare.”

Her hearing had picked up his faint voice. “Huh, did you say something?”

“Nothing....I’m just brooding as usual.” Her trainer answered casually, without so much as a glance to her.

Sally sighed at his usual, yet getting old attitude. “Yeah, you’re still the same as always.” She replied with a weary tone. Eric didn’t respond to her retort nor did the Salamence expect any answer in return.

“Truly...a new world.” Eric muttered before reading the book once more.

Play this as closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUmtn-BMB6o

Author's Notes:

Hey everyone! This is Kingofsouls, author of A New World, A New Way - Swarm and Molten Tears. Here I am, doing the editing here, alongside ThatOneVolcarona. Hopefully me and TOV will be able to help knock this out of the park.

In any case, hope you guys are enjoying the story!
That is Kos speaking.

Chapter 6 is finally online and ready to read thanks to the help of Kingofsouls and ThatOneVolcarona.

I apologize in advance for any error I've made. It's no excuse, but I'm not a native English speaker
Hope you guys have been enjoying my fic so far. Any likes would be very appreciated.

I would like to point out that I don't intend to make my characters overpowered, they will get their share of troubles, I promised you guys that.

As usual, I'm always in dire need of editor for help, nonetheless I enjoy writing this.

Thanks, hope you guys enjoy!

Chapter 7 : A Troubling Act

View Online

Everything come and go at a whim, nothing is eternal. Just like the rising sun and setting sun that is the part of everyday life. Ponies come and go into their workplace and home. If one were to look closely, no one, not even the gods themself is eternal. Nothing is truly eternal, as evident by the peace we experience sometimes go - Eric Angelo.

Play this as opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLaA3ozGz7Q

The beach of Ingleton.

Ponies, griffons and other races alike come and go everyday. But it’s beauty is shown when ponies who were on their day-off from work come here just to relax, either with friends or with family.

Just like everything else, everything has an end. In this case it was symbolized by the setting sun, which told everyone that they needed to start going home soon and prepare for the next day. That was true for the current inhabitants of the beach as well, evident by their hurried packing or ushering their children, and even friends out of the beach. Strangely, some of their companions were actually Pokemon, though mostly the smaller and/or younger ones.

Not all of them were in a hurry to leave though. Among them, one familiar Hydreigon lounged in the open-folded chair with his Salamence curling up in the sand beside him, content with just remaining there for the time being, watching the setting sun. It was so entrancing as if one were to look toward the deep and realize the endless possibilities.

Realizing that it was getting late, he glanced at his watch, which he had already adjusted to the Equestrian hour. He knew it was time to get the one thing that kept him from getting restless in the beach today.

“Sally...”

“Yeah?” The Pokémon in question looked left to her trainer.

“Can I ask you a favor for a moment?” Eric said, not yet glancing at Sally.

“Sure, what is it?”

Looking downward to his left, Eric saw the object of interest that required his immediate attention. He grabbed it with an arm head. “I need you to bring this to Dawn,” Eric said before hovering said object in front of Sally.

Upon realizing what it was, she frowned before giving off a deadpan glance at the Hydreigon. “Eric!” Sally said in a whiny tone. “I thought we came here to relax, not read some books.”

“I am relaxing.” He said with a straight tone. “I did so, just in my own way, since I don’t really see the use of my new physiology in playing with sands.”

Sally facepawed. “You could just build a sand castle for crying out loud! Or do something like....I don’t know, play with children?” The Dragon pointed out, referring to her own experiences earlier.

“That’s out of the question, girl. I don’t have hands, so I can’t build sand castles. And I don’t really know how to deal with children. Given how quiet and stoic I am, choosing to play with children is not a good idea. Especially with how I look now.” The Hydreigon pointed out.

The Dragon had to prevent herself from burying her head into the sand again. “That’s....a good point...” Sally said in defeat. Her trainer never cease to make an excellent observation of things.

“And Dawn wanted this book returned so she, in turn, can return it to the library before sundown. You are the fastest of us all, girl. You’ll be able to reach the suburbs from here to there in a few minutes. Provided there’s no interruption along the way, since I’ll be needing your help again.”

Shaking her head at her failed attempt to get her trainer to relax, she gave up. “Fine. I swear, you can be so hard sometimes.”

As usual, the Hydreigon didn’t make any witty retort which Sally was thankful for sometimes. She shuddered to think what would happen if she did have to deal with this kind of prolonged discussion with Will.

She curbed that thought before biting down on the book and carrying it in her mouth. “Aiight! E aack oon!” With a solid beat of her wings, she took to the air once more before making a sharp turn that caused her direction to change toward downtown, and toward the suburbs in the end.

The sun had disappeared over the horizon as some ponies aww’d in disappointment at the fast setting sun. Most, if not all, had already began packing their things, to make their way home and rest for the next day.

The Hydreigon sighed, not out of being tired, but because of the serene feeling. “...looks like this day is over.” Eric looked upward into the blackening sky. He noticed the wind starting to pick up, but that was trivial compared to the stars that were starting to overwhelm the night sky. “....beautiful.”

As Eric thought of stargazing, another pony was busy doing his job just a little off the coast of the beach. A boat, or a barge, as the term would be more appropriate was sailing the waters, headed right for the docks of Vanhoover.

The captain of the barge, a stallion of navy blue coat and brown mane is happily munching on a chocolate as he stood on his hind legs and propped his forelegs on the steering wheel, driving the barge that is his precious boat.

Truly a splendid day to feel the wind blowing across your mane as you sail, through the stallion had other plans. Those other plans mostly involved delivering his cargo that needed to arrive in Vanhoover by tonight, despite how much the urge to simply sail gnawed at the captain.

He balled the paper and threw it away into the ocean,the paper landing right on top of a blue lump that has long since followed the small barge.

The blue lump with two unusual red lenses in it’s head followed the ship, angry that it’s home had been taken away. Anger at the wannabe god has practically thrown him into foreign seas on a whim. At least there was something nearby to take his anger out on. No one would miss a small barge anyway.

The stallion whistled a merry tune. His day couldn’t have gone better, for the shipment was secured and inbound toward Vanhoover. He would dock in a moment and then he would be coming home to a nice hot cup of coffee after a hard day’s work.

That is until a loud bang, accompanied with a small shake of the ship, decided to ruin his good day. “Wha-“ Then another loud bang was heard, this one shaking the barge and causing him to lose his balance and fall onto his back.

Any words he was about to say died in his throat when he tried to stand up, as he could hear some loud splashing. Looking at the offender that had damaged his precious boat, his eyes widened. Alien is not the correct word for it.

Another sharp bang rocked the ship like an egg on the edge of a blade. Steadying himself was not as easy a task due to the barge is shaking wildly to the left and right. But as any experienced seapony would do in this situation, they would keep himself steady by grabbing the railing, which seemed like the best option at the moment..

However at the moment the better saying was ‘A good captain goes down with the ship.’ The captain resigned to his fate, knowing he was going to die by the hands of...whatever it is that was attacking. It seems the hospital in the morning will have another addition to the morgue.

Either out of luck or fate playing around, the shaking slowly eased up. The stallion noticed this, but still held on tightly for dear life. Then just a few more seconds of rocking game and suddenly...

...the shaking stopped.

It just....stopped. Silence overtook the scene, before a nervous chuckle followed. He would laugh into the stars at this close-call, but he seems to know that a simple chuckle is enough of a sign to know he’s alive and breathing.

“Glad that’s over and done.” Fate decided to prove him otherwise. Either it was bad luck or just inconvenience, the barge was tilted sharply to the left.

Of course, the results are the screams of a stallion as the pony fell into the water.

Of course, even one small scream is enough to catch the attention of anyone nearby. This one however, was loud enough to echo all the way to the beach.

This caused Eric, who was staring at the stars in deep trance, to register the faint yell. “Hmmm?” The Pokémon was sure now that his ears were not playing tricks against him. “What was that just now?” Curiosity overtook his mind, he foregone the stargazing in favor of looking at the source of the yell.

His eyes widened to dinner-plate sized when he and everyone else at the beach saw reason why the scream was screamed in the first place. The scene was indeed eye catching that even one with eye problem could see it from a mile away.

He rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. But a quick treatment made sure it wasn’t an illusion. “...a capsized boat and a stallion in the water. Wait a minute, how did that happen?” Eric muttered. He had practically leaped from his chair out of shock earlier.

“No, how can a boat capsize? It’s impossible without-“ As if on cue, tentacles leaped out of the water and wrapped themselves around the boat, slowly bringing it to it’s watery grave. “....that explains it. Still, the situation are not looking good. And there’s only one who could help.”

“Where’s Will?” With his head swiveling like a carousel, he attempted to find the Psychic-type, but it was all for naught as there is no sign of the green bubble. “Dammit, why did he have to disappear now?” He asked himself in annoyance.

“What about lifeguards?” His eyes found him soon enough, though not in a way he wanted to: The lifeguard was practically struggling to inflate the lifeboat.

Looking around the beach, he could only see the occasional ponies and griffons as many have already left for home. But that wasn’t what caught his attention, though the fact that the ponies just stared....stared into the event that is happening before them without lifting a hoof or talon.

Shaking his head with a grimace on his face. “....dammit.” He took several deep breaths.... and he charged headlong on into the sea.

Many ponies or griffons were flabbergasted to say at least, no, shocked would have fit more. But none of them dared to move into the water in fear of the creature that had capsized the boat earlier.

“I don’t know if I can swim in this body, but I sure hope I can!” he said. Just as he neared the water, he closed his eyes and he hit the water.

Silence, complete silence in which he took it as a sign that something had happened, along with the fact that he realized he wasn’t wet. Opening his eyes, it occurred to him he’s not in the water. Looking below him with astonishment, he found out that he hadn’t fallen into the water.

He had floated instead. Eric would have gaped, but he knew he had no time for that now. “I never knew that I would actually float above water….Ah, I have time to think about that later. Here comes the hard part.” With that he continued his flight into the capsized boat.

Had the stallion known something like this would happened, he would never take the job in the first place. Panic head spread to every inches of his body as he took heaving breath and swiveling his head around in a vain attempt to locate whatever it is that had capsized his boat. The stallion silently prayed to whatever deities out there to help him.

This is it, this is the end of the line for him. No more cruising above the seas like the olden days.

Unfortunately, fate had other plans for him tonight. “Hey!” A voice called out to him, looking back over his shoulder, he could almost feel his eyes rolling out of it’s socket for in fact that a Hydreigon is floating over him.

“It’s okay, I’m going to need you to grab my ha...head!” Of course, the stallion had no way of understanding the creature that had offered a head to him. Eric, in fact, knew that, but he is hoping the stallion would understand the gesture.

The Brutal Pokémon expected different amount of reactions, from fear, to anger, to surprise. What he didn’t expect, of course, the stallion lashed out.

“HELP! A HYDRA!” He shouted his lungs out as he tried to scramble away from the fearsome-looking creature.

Acting on reflex, he floated to a level that his atrophied feet is dipping into the salty water. The Hydreigon tried to stop the stallion from scrambling, but his arms were continuously batted away. “Easy, easy! I’m not going to hurt you!” Eric tried to assure the trashing stallion out of reflex, but he knew that he wouldn’t understand him, not without a translator.

“Calm do-“ But his day got worse when in the stallion’s mad scramble, he had hit his supposed ‘eater’ in the stomach. “Gyaa!” For the stallion’s wild thrashing only caused said ‘eater’ to fall victim of the ice cold water with a splash.

“HELP! HELP ME! SOMEPONY! ANYBODY!” The stallion continued to scream his head off out of panic. “HEL-“ Out of all the sudden, his trashing ceased and his entire form went limp. Then a dark grey furry arm looped around the barrel of the pony, preventing the stallion from drowning.

The culprit revealed himself to be Eric who’s just pulling his arm back. “....shut up....” Eric stared at the limp stallion, seeing as he is won’t be trashing anytime soon, he sighed with relief.

His short lived relief is crushed when he heard a splash. Glancing at the source, it seems that the Jellyfish predator had returned to finish the job.

“Dammit, of all times....” Eric cursed his currently rock-bottom luck.

However, said luck up itself marginally when a familiar green-bubble thing flew over him and launched a glowing ball of green which hit the Tentacruel. “Someone requesting a rescue?” The familiar Reuniclus glanced behind him with a familiar grin.

“Will!”

“How rude of you not to invite me to the party.” Sarcasm mode is on once more. “Too bad, I could have prepared my amazing make-ups procedure if you just warned me in time.”

Choosing to ignore his sarcasm, Eric got into ‘trainer mode’. “Alright, Will, try to stall him as long as you can! I need to get this stallion out of the water!” After the command, he began to swim forward, using his wings to push himself forward with the stallion within his right arms. “Do what you think is best!”

“Whatever you say....And seriously, stall?” Will shakes his head in exasperation. “As fun as it is to stall a potential sea food, I have something much more fitting.”

“Okay, why don’t we prepare the fitting punishment for you my tentacle friend.” Will stared down at the Tentacruel who stared back with equal vigor as he prepared to give judgement.

Then Will spoke like that of a judge preparing to give a guilty verdict, literally. “Ah, I shall read your crime Jellyfish man. First, you attacked a stallion. Second, you attacked my brooder trainer. And third, you tried to drag them into a watery dead, that is not your job to do. I would appreciate it if you shoo and go back to where you came from before I pass on your judgement, but let me read your punishment first..”

“The punishment....is a knock out. Prepare yourself as I deliver these punishments. It won’t hurt....much. You have two choice, either march your non-existent butt out of here or....” Will made a slicing motion across his bubbly body. “It’ll be a good day for a grilled Tentacruel.”

The Reuniclus and the Tentacruel had an intense stare-off before their imminent fight. Will kept his smirk while the Jellyfish gave off a hateful glare.

And the battle begun when the Tentacruel swam toward the Reuniclus, with the intention of bringing the Reuniclus down with him.

“Huh, guess you made your choice then.” Will tensed his body up in preparation for what is to come.

Play this during the battle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wk0QIcp80o

The tip of the beak-like appendage over his black face had taken a purple glow, signifying a Poison Sting attack.

Will for whatever reason, decided to remain there like he had all the time in the world as the Jellyfish closed in on him with every intention to bring him pain.

Then the attack hit, the Tentacruel would have chuckled in amusement if it has a mouth, but it has bigger thing to worry about. Mainly, the Poison Sting didn’t hit at all, in fact, it went through the Reuniclus form, followed by the Reuniclus flickering away.

“You missed me.” Collective of voices is heard around him. He starting to look around for his prey as soon as he heard it.

“Sorry if I forgot to mention this, but have you decided to look up? Or have you decided to become blinded by your satisfaction of hitting me in the face?”

Look up he did, then his eyes widened by a few centimeters when there is a not a single Reuniclus around him, but five, no, possible fifteen of them surrounding him.

He would’ve either spoke or hung his jaw off if he has a mouth. He realized that his opponent had used Double Team.

“Let’s see if you can find the real one! Wait a minute, you can’t, seeing as you won’t have the chance to do so.” The collective Reuniclus glowed blue with Psychic power. “Please, let me check your brain for any abnormalities.”

Out of nowhere, the Tentacruel felt a sharp pain that continued to assault his mind for some time as he himself also glowed blue. Not only the power of the Psychic attack is more powerful than he had expected, but having type-advantage over him is not helping.

Soon enough, the Psychic power subsided over his being, he still felt the aftereffect of that mental assault due to his typing.

The Tentacruel glared with utter vehemence toward the Reuniclus.

Will raised an invisible eyebrow that would’ve looked condescending. “What’s that look for? Don’t blame me when I thought you were a smart one when you decided to attack a Psychic-type. After that little mind probing, I came to one conclusion, it seems you lack the smarts one needed to form some kind of strategy before fighting an opponent with type-advantage over you.”

If Tentacruel could scream, he would if he had grown a mouth. The Jellyfish tipped himself so that his black underside faces upward. Without warning, the Jellyfish fired a high-pressure jet of water toward the Reuniclus. What surprised the real Will is that he spun around while maintaining it, hitting the nearby copies of himself as he spun full-circle.

Each form flickered away as the high pressure water beam hit them, until the last one remains who had thrown back head over heels from the attack instead of flickering away.

Righting himself quickly, he smirked as he rubbed the cheek where the attack had hit him. “Oh, now you can hit me? Honestly, I’m surprised.” He had given little reaction to the fact he had gotten hit earlier.

And that fact caused the Tentacruel to growl silently. The target still had that grin plastered on his face. Oh, how much he wanted to wipe that grin of his opponent’s face. The intense stare-off caused the atmosphere around to tense, but Will acted nonchalant as ever.

Seeing the opponent not going to make any move soon, Will decided to take the initiative.

“C’mon,” Will spread both arms out while slightly leaning forward. “What are you waiting for? Are you just going to stand there and look pretty while I had business to attend to? Mainly, kicking your butt.”

The Multiplying Pokémon got his wish, though in a way he had not expected since a blur jumped out of the water toward the bewildered Reuniclus. A moment later, a splash is heard that echoed across the ocean like rippling waters, a familiar Tentacruel slowly floated up with his hate-filled glare. The glare is partly from the fact that his impromptu attack had missed earlier to only one reason.

It turns out, the Reuniclus had leaned aside and stared at the spot where the Jellyfish blur had nearly Poison Stung him earlier. Then the expression is replaced with a familiar grin. “That was close! Too bad, if only you were much more spry, old mon!”

The Reuniclus slapped his arm together in mock realization. “Oh, I get it, you haven’t been exercising these few years, no wonder you move like a Goomy. Quite the atrophy you got there. I shall offer my heartfelt sorry for your case.”

Now, he’s contemplating the various ways he could make this Reuniclus go down in the most painful ways possible. One idea came to mind.

Tilting slightly upward, Will raised an eyebrow, expecting another Hydro Pump to come out. What he not expecting is the Screech Orchestra the Tentacruel decided to take part in.The blast of sound died down soon enough with no permanent damage.

“Oww,” Will mockingly cleaned out his non-existent ear. “Is that what you call a song? Man, what a beautiful voice you have. If only girls were around to see, you would’ve become quite the celebrity.”

That did it for the Tentacruel, for his temper had reached the boiling point. He lifted the tips of his various tentacles and they glowed a menacing purple. Will tried to say something, though the Tentacruel had other plans because that time, the tentacles shot out at once.

The Reuniclus whelped as the tentacles came dangerously close to hitting him. “Whoa, hey, you tried to make me into a pincushion there? ” If the Jellyfish had given any of hearing him, he let it out during his rage induced Poison Jab.

The Reuniclus had been forced to make several awkward dodges that caused him to bend his two limbs at awkward angles. It would have been funny, except for the fact that he was grinning as he dodged around. “I see, lowering my Defense before going to make me into a pincushion. Nice job, looks like you finally put your brain cells to good use.”

The Tentacruel never ceased his attacks. He wanted to hit the Reuniclus as hard as he could, to inflict as much pain as he could, but the Reuniclus’ devious mind had a scheme in play. “Unfortunately...” His body glowed blue again, another headache came into the Tentacruel’s poor brain.

This in turn caused it to clench his eyes shut as he shot out the tentacles repeatedly in an attempted to hit the sarcastic Pokémon.

The Tentacruel feeling one tentacle stopped dead in it’s track, if he had a mouth he would’ve grinned in satisfaction. He let the rest of his tentacles slack and opened his eyes, turns out he’s wrong. He had seen one tentacle is missing, not because it has decided to have a life on it’s own and run away, but because said tentacle is right in front of the Reuniclus mere inches away from his face, being held up in a Psychic grip. He had seen why one tentacle stopped dead all the sudden.

“Have you ever known what’s it like to play roller coaster crash course? If no, then you better hold onto your lunch less we would experience a case vomiting as we play roller coaster. The joys of having a mouth, unfortunately for us, you don’t have one.” Without waiting for a response by the Tentacruel, that’s when the Reuniclus jerked his arm back.

This in turn, caused the Jellyfish to find that he’s no longer in the water, but in the air sailing over the Reuniclus with one tentacle frozen in a forward position. A huge splash that look like he’s being slapped by his mother sounded as he slammed into the water behind the Reuniclus. His wish of being let go is dashed when the Reuniclus jerked his arm forward, causing him to sail forward and slam into the water for a second time. Again, again, and again for the fifth time until Will decided to show mercy.

The Tentacruel just lay there while facing upward, his mind still in a haze after being literally feeling numerous slaps on his body. The Reuniclus responsible for this had a smile etched on his face. “Oh, that must’ve hurt.” Will quipped in satisfaction, but he’s far from done. “Please allow me to compensate by allowing us to play a game, called yoyo.”

The word ‘yoyo’ set off alarm bells in the Tentacruel’s head. If he could, he would throw a protest, yet it was too late. The feeling that gravity has left him occured again.

When the Reuniclus said ‘yo-yo’, it was almost literal because he had spun the Tentacruel in the air around himself with his right arm doing the spinning motion. The Jellyfish has no time to dump his lunch when his opponent threw the giant jellyfish like a broken toy a considerable distance away, causing yet another splash to occur.

In another moment of silence, Will floated closer to where he had just flung the Tentacruel. His vision found a blue mount gradually float above the water and revealing a pair of eyes glaring with contempt toward the Reuniclus.

“Did you enjoy the ride?” Will asked with a condescending grin on his face.

From his position, he glared at the Reuniclus who looked down at him with the best impression of a snob who looked down at everything.

That’s when his peripheral vision decided to assist him in his rage-induced endeavour when he spotted just a little to the right of the Reuniclus, a form that is rapidly shrinking away from his sight. He realized what it is just from the cargo it hauled.

With narrowed eyes full of determination, the Jellyfish decided that there are better fish to fry, he splashed his entire being against the water, causing some of it to spray outward.

Will covered his face by reflex to prevent himself from getting splashed with water. He uncovered his eyes to see again, only to his surprise, the Tentacruel is nowhere to be seen, only a small ripple where he once were.

The Reuniclus came to one conclusion. “Huh, surprise, surprise. Looks like he’s smart enough to dive underwater.”

Looking around below himself, he tried to spot the poisonous Jellyfish that had decided to dive underwater. Seeing nothing in the immediate vicinity, he decided to extend his area of search to the waters around the battlefield for any surprise attacks.

That’s when he spotted a blueish thing sticking out of the water and what seems to be heading somewhere and parting the water as it went.

“Ah, so that’s where you were.” He quickly put both arms forward as a ball of darkness form itself between his bubbly palms. “Please stay still and be pretty when I-” Given his view from above and his field of vision is greater, his eyes decided to also find wherever it is the Tentacruel intended to go. He just floated there when he laid his eyes on it, causing the ball to dissipate.

“Oh....” He floated frozen for a few seconds before his brain kick in it’s gear and realizing where the Tentacruel was heading. “OH!” He floated toward his set destination as fast as he could.

The Hydreigon who is in charge of hauling his precious cargo back to the beach was getting tired. While he could swim back even with the fact he’s lacking legs, he could do so by regularly stroking his wings backward in a set of pattern. But it was still tiring nonetheless.

But the exhaustion is set aside because his mind is set on one thing. As if the beach is calling out to him in alluring voice, he swam forward as fast as he could. “Nearly.... there....” Safety is near.

But fate is not so kind.

Something happened in which he felt something wrap around his third-right wing. He like to think that it’s not what he think it is, but to make sure, he glanced behind him. As expected, one tentacle tightly wrapped around one of his wing as mentioned before.

“Crap! Not good!” He cursed as he tried to fight his way free.

But he felt a solid tug that nearly caused him to splash his face into the water had he not tugged at the same time. Feeling that he had no choice right now, he attempted to use his one good left arm to pry the tentacle free.

He expected that the Poison-type won’t let go that easily either, but for some reason he did the moment the head snapped shut on the tentacle, followed by a loud ‘crunching’ sound. Then the Jellyfish let go as he waved the tentacle that had been bitten by the Hydreigon back and forth. The prey had dared to fight back now.

“What the...” Questions filled the Hydreigon’s head. As quickly as it came, Eric had a dawn of realization, a moved had been used. “...Crunch...” He muttered. But hearing the splash of the angry Tentacruel served as a wake-up call for him to haul his cargo as fast as he could.

The Tentacruel is closing the distance, faster than the Hydreigon could swim. The many tentacles raised into the air threateningly over the Hydreigon.

Just as those went down, then they all stopped dead in it’s track. The Jellyfish’s eyes widen of the familiar sensation that had overtook all of his multiple body parts.

“Oh no!” An admonishing voice is heard just as his previously abandoned opponent floated down to block his path. “I’m your opponent! Not this brooder right here! He’s not that good when it comes to emergency face rearranging.” Holding all of the tentacles in his Psychic grip at once, he threw the Tentacruel like an imitation of a sack towards the distance away from his trainer, and of course, coupled with the seventh splash today.

“Ready to give up yet?” The Reuniclus asked with his signature condescending grin. “If so, then please wave your white flag.”

Tremble, tremble with rage, that is what the Poison-type is feeling right now. Not only was his second prey is taken away from him, now the annoyance had returned. But giving up? The Jellyfish had other plans. Without warning, the Tentacruel unleashed a deafening cry that caused Will and Eric to flinch at the sheer intensity of it.

It died a few seconds later, causing Will to sigh with a shake of his head. “I swear, are you really trying to become a singer? I give you an A for effort.”

But Eric had a dreaded feeling instead. “The Tentacruel cry.....what is this feeling I have?”

The answer to his question came in when his eyes found several large blue mound that appeared from inside the water. “Son of a....Of course, like any cornered Pokémon, they would call upon their buddies to back them up.”

“Oh.” The grin of the Reunicles had disappeared as if it had ran away out of fear. “Wonderful, now it had decided to call buddies to join in the punishment. Since when do I get this many convicts in one day?”

“ERIC!” It is a voice that the trainer and the Reuniclus recognized. Cavalry has arrived.

“What perfect timing,” Will chuckled without bothering to glance behind him, knowing who had arrived. “I’m sure you enjoyed basking in the moonlight, but we have matters to deal with, mainly concerning a lot of angry Tentacruels wishing to play!”

A familiar Salamence stopped dead right before her trainer, huffing as she attempted to catch a breath. Meanwhile, Eric is inwardly glad because for his Salamence’s sudden reappearance. “Sally...good to see you.”

Then Sally went from tired to business-like in a second. “Eric, quickly, tell me what to do!” Sally asked with urgency evident in her tone.

Eric opened his mouth to say something, but closed it quickly enough when he realized what he’s been carrying all this time. He knew what having a battle here would mean.

“What should I do? If we all get on Sally’s back, then we all will be fine, but....” Looking over to the horde of Tentacruel, he grit teeth in frustration. “Dammit, there’s a high chance they might follow us out of the water....because....Tentacruels could do that. Stopping them within the vicinity of civilians will be bad as they might get injured. But if we don’t get out of here quickly, this stallion might get injured.”

The Hydreigon found himself stumped on his next move. “Shit, this won’t bode well for us. C’mon, there has to be a way out of this.” He knew he had to think fast, with how the horde is closing in on them like a noose tightening on a neck.

Trying to wrack his brain quickly enough for any solution, he found it soon enough in the form of what kind of creature Tentacruel is and realizing quickly enough where he is. “...that might work, but.....” He chewed his lips as he formed the one plan that might work. Closing his eyes as the world around him go into slow motion, he had made the decision and opened his eyes. “No choice, then, either now or never.”

“Sally!” Calling upon the Dragon’s attention, she craned her neck downward to look at her trainer in confusion. She was about to, but instead, she was presented with the stallion he was clutching to his side the whole time with both arms. “I’m going to need you to take this stallion to the beach!”

Her eyes widened by a few centimeters just as Will did when they heard said order. ”Are you crazy!? No way I’m going to leave you two here!”

“If this is one of you ‘brilliant’ plan, I don’t really see how all of us will go from there, if not for the fact it will get us badly maimed or killed it would have been great. Otherwise you need a check.” Will quipped.

Of all the time for Will to have his sarcastic quips, it had to be now. “Will, shut up! It’s not the-“ She was quickly cut off.

“Quit it you two, now’s not the time to argue!” Eric admonished, before glancing over his shoulder toward the floating Salamence. “Just trust me on this, girl! Take the stallion out of harm’s way!”

“But...” Sally tried to argue. No way she would abandon her trainer.

“Trust me. I know what I’m doing. But I need you to help me with this, Sally!” The urgency on his tone could be heard.

Sally chewed her own lips in hesitation. In all her life, her trainer had never led her astray. What possible reason he would now? Just as Will said, there is always a reason for what he do.

The Dragon shakes her head in submission. “Fine!” Sally said hesitantly. “Bring the guy over!”

The trainer don’t need to be told twice. Eric quickly turned the stallion around so the guy would be facing him before trying to hoist the stallion as high as he could toward Sally. “Here, bite down on his scruff!”

Sally bit down on the pony neck scruff and with a simple flick of her head, the stallion sailed over her head and landed onto her back with an ‘oomph’. Nodding at her successful flick, she turned her eye toward the back of her teammate. “Will, take care of Eric! I don’t want to see a single hair missing from his head!”

“What do you take me for, an overgrown mutt wanting to lick it’s master? Of course, I’ll protect the brooder.”

“You better!” And she soon followed with the command, making a sharp bank before flying back to the beach.

With the stallion out of the way, Eric turned to look at the looming threat, the horde is closing in. His eyes shone with resolution as he took a deep breath to signify the moment where the painful part will come. “Will, use Thunder on the water!”

The moment his trainer said that, Will slowly glanced toward the Hydreigon in question with a horrific look on his face. He knew now why Eric sent Sally away, to prevent the electricity to arc out of the water and shock Sally. In turn, this would send her into a spasming fit and into the water. “W-what are you saying? Oh goodness, I’m going to think that is a good idea, as long as you’re still not in the water to experience the shock therapy!”

“Will.....”

The battlefield had gone silent to the point where one could hear the ‘ping’ of something dropping in the water. “I think you needed a check because I hear that electro-shock therapy is really nice way to get yourself killed tonight.”

“Just do it, we don’t have a lot of time!” Eric shouted at the top of his lungs, knowing that the horde had already closed in.

Will the Reuniclus, the one Pokémon who is usually nonchalant about everything like they were some passing winds....is worried. “.....if I do that, Sally’s gonna have my hide which I don’t have. Seriously, can’t you use that big brain of yours think of a more sensible plan?” He said with surprisingly small amount of sarcasm.

“Will, look at me!” Eric yelled. The horde is now circling them. “I’ll be fine! You’ll do well to remember my typing.” The Hydreigon had no time for hesitation with the horde poised to attack.

Realizing what the Hydreigon is getting at, Will facepalmed. “Typing....yeah, what an idiot I am for forgetting that.”

With his hesitation gone, he took a deep breath before proclaiming. “Alright, let’s get the show on the road!” Raising his bubbly arms upward as if praying to Arceus himself for deliverance, he call upon the attack and gained a bit more altitude in the process.

Then a rumble is heard. Everypony in the vicinity of the beach had stared into what seems to be a black cloud gathering in the sky. They were made to flatten ears against their forehead as several rumble and flashes could be heard within the thundercloud, though, the cloud wasn’t just there for show, it is here to bring judgement down upon those who dare attack the innocents.

“THUNDER!” Will brought down his judgement.

With a bright flash, the lightning came crashing down.

What the Hydreigon felt, wasn’t what he had expected. The electricity that came coursing throughout his entire being was like a gigantic and shocking wake-up call where one is being stung by angry tiny Durants all over their being. It died quickly, allowing him to gasp for breath.

Not to say that getting shocked as a Dragon-type is a comforting thought, but it wasn’t as he expected. Painful, not so much. Eric shuddered to think what would happen if he’d been either a Flying-type or Water-type.

That reminds him, realizing that there is one more matter to be dealt with, he took a slow glance toward his poisonous attacker. The that had the intention of dragging him down into an icy grave had been knocked unconscious by that super-effective Thunder, if the closed pair of eyes is any indication to Eric. The buddies suffered the same verdict, thus bringing us to their current state.

He watched on as the Tentacruel horde sank like a capsized ship into the icy water below, bubbling as the they did so.

Theme end

He sighed in relief, unknowingly letting his muzzle dip into the water. Still alive by the looks of things.

“Eric?”

The voice of Will caught his attention again. He lifted his head to address the Reuniclus. “Hmmm?”

“Are you okay? That Thunder...”

“Hmmm, I’m surprised he actually speak straight for once....” Eric thought, before shaking his head to get his head back on the main matters, he spoke. “Don’t worry about it...”

“Eric...” Will had managed to surprise himself when he spoke without adding sarcasm into it.

“I told you, I’m fine.” Eric said with finality.

Will shakes his head in compliance. “If you say so. Well, let’s lug you back to the beach. Never mind freezing to death, if you have anymore deathwish plans.“ Sarcasm mode is turned back on.

“I’ll swim back to the shore myself.” That caused the Psychic-type to stare in shock. When Will is about to argue he quickly raised an arm head to cut him off. “Will, you can’t carry me with Psychic, I’m part Dark-type. Also, you’re not big enough.”

Will tried to argue more, but...he realized that his trainer does have a point. He merely replied by facepalming. “Yeah, right, and I’m a Psychic-type.”

The Reuniclus’ trainer ignored his sarcasm. ”And since you can’t carry me to the beach. I need you to head back to the beach. Check the stallion, I want to know he’s okay or in critical condition.”

“Swim back by yourself? Okay, are you asking me to get mauled by Sally? I love my life you know, so I’m gonna beg for mercy if she decided to maul me.”

Eric shakes his head with a sigh. “Just tell her that you can’t carry me since I’m a Dark-type. Nothing else.”

“Man, whatever. While I like the look on your face when I apply that shock therapy, I won’t like seeing you drown either. Either you march your butt back, or Sally will kill me.”

Eric nodded. “I’ll see you on the beach.” For once, Will floated off without saying a sarcastic reply.

With a sigh, he used his wings to paddle himself forward, onto the beachhead. “...the story of my life.”

Drenched and wet, drenched and....wet. It is the only thing that could be described for poor Eric’s situation right now as he floated up the beach after the unwanted swimming lesson as a Hydreigon. The fact that the winds aggravating his cold is not helping. One wouldn’t need to look closely that his expression had annoyance radiating off him.

“Looks like I’m still alive and well….barring the well part, I don’t know if I’m should be happy about the latter or not. Shaking his head to get rid of such thoughts, he added. “Need to get back to the matter at hand.” The mind of the former human is now set on the crowd that had been formed near the entrance to the beach, where one stallion lay.

“Hey, hey,” That caused Eric to glance to his right, revealing yet another pony who addressed him and in turn, made him nervous. “...hey...a-are you okay?”

Eric nodded his head in reply and waved him off, knowing that if he spoke, he would probably be speaking in more Pokéspeak unless he got a proper translator. The stallion wisely left him alone seeing as how the hydra didn’t even speak to him or the fact that he look ticked off.

As he made his way up the beach toward where the stallion is being taken care of, his eyes couldn’t help but notice what seems to be paper right in his path toward the crowd where the stallion is the center of attention.

He was about to ignore the paper entirely in favor of going to check on his team and mostly the stallion. “Hmmm?” But one thing is out of place.... a clipboard is near it. He started to get suspicious with the two objects on account of seeing a clipboard attached to the stallion’s clothing when he handed him over to Sally.

Curiosity filled the Hydreigon, but he hesitated. Either he just ignore it or just try to satisfy his curiosity, the latter won. “Ah, screw it.” He turned around and picked the paper up, ignoring the clipboard entirely.

He was about to read the paper, but then something got in his way...again. “ERIC!”

Eric sighed, knowing what is to come. Just as he expected, Sally came flying like a bullet out of a gun before landing right before his face. He didn’t flinch the whole time.

“Eric! Are you okay!? Did the Tentacruel bastard hurt you? I was about to fly back, but I saw the Thunder and I was afraid, then Will came back and told me, you’re fine. So glad that you didn’t drown. And I thought Will had the common courtesy to not left you there, when I get my paw on that garbage mouth I’ll-” She literally shot out words at the speed of sound, but the Dragon was cut off when there’s something blocking her attempt to spew more words.

Turns out Eric used his wet right head to silence her. “Sally....calm down, girl. As for your first question, I’m okay....”

“But, but, you’re nearly drowned. I wasn’t there to help you. How can you be okay with that stunt you-“ She was cut off when Eric sharply looked into her eyes.

That final stare silenced her. “I’m okay, girl. Don’t get your head in a knot over it.”

The off-handed manner he dismissed her had caused her to nearly facepalm. “You’re so hard sometimes. Seriously, is there something funny with me caring for you?”

“There’s nothing wrong with it,” Eric said, still knowing that he clutched the paper. “I was simply okay, so there’s nothing to get worked up over.” Sally was too much in a panic-like state to notice the paper her trainer was carrying.

Sally facepalmed. “Eric, anyone sane would probably get worked up over it. Now....why don’t you just stay here....and I’ll tend to the pony for you? How does that sound?” Sally emphasized by raising her eyebrow.

“We’ll get to that later, right now, I wanted to see the stallion. We need to make sure he’s okay.” Eric said in an all business-like manner.

Sally was about to say another word, but knowing how resolute her trainer can be, she slightly bowed her head with sigh. “Fine...”

Eric nodded. “Alright, Sally, as for you, I’m going to need you to look around the sea for any Tentacruel that might still be around. It might be nothing, but the last thing we need is another rampaging Pokémon in the middle of civilians.”

With a nod, Sally went into guard duty as she dutifully looked around the sea for any potential Jellyfish threat that hadn’t been dealt with.

With one problem finished, he turn to float toward the other. “You can rant at me later if you want, right now, we still have work to do.” The Salamence’s trainer offered.

Taking that offer to heart, pre-planning a ranting is in order.

Meanwhile, a certain Reuniclus is surrounded by crowds at a reasonable distance as he got to work. Concerning the state of the stallion, he is forced to use Psychic in order to scan for any life-threatening injuries just like Eric had requested. Full concentration is in order.

As quick as he did the scan, he finished it, signaled when he opened his eyes.

“How is he?” The voice caused Will to glance behind him to find that Eric is wet with water dripping occasionally, but okay. Although, looking closely and his face says otherwise..

“Had a nice swim?” Will grinned. “I think some birds told me that the water is nicer this night. With some deathbringer Jellyfish prowling it, of course. Next time, try to strap a swimsuit before pulling off such a magnificent stunt.”

If Eric gave any indication of hearing the sarcasm, he didn’t show it as he instantly focused on the stallion. “Is he okay?”

“Besides the fact he had been knocked out by some Hydreigon out of nowhere and unconsciously drinking a lot of seawater, anymore stupid question you want to ask?”

Eric stopped himself from asking further after the yet, another sarcastic reply that hints the stallion’s condition.

“Alright,” Wiping more dripping water off his forehead, he added. “Tell me if the ICU is here. And keep a close eye on him.”

“Yeah, if this place even had an ICU.” Will mumbled. “Good thing too, since Doctor Will is here to treat the sick and injured.”

After Eric gave the command, he shook his head. He was in no mood to deal with the sarcasm.

He just resolved to float away in thought. “Damn, from bad to worse, this is what happens if I put too much hope on things. It’s up to the stallion now to take care of himself.” Resisting the urge to rub his forehead, he still remembered the small piece of paper that is found during his path toward the crowd.

Realizing he hadn’t even got to reading it, he reopened it.

His eyes had seemed to find some consciousness within themselves as it glued to the paper in an attempt to scan every single piece from one end to another. The contents of the paper revealed, and his eyes slowly narrowed at the curvy words he’s reading. In the end, he had widened his eyes.

But what made him lose his cool for a moment, was that this world wasn’t as peaceful as he thought.

He was so deep in thought that he didn’t realize he had clutched the paper within both mouths tightly. “What does this mean, then?” Staring at the paper in question, Eric slightly gritted his teeth at the prospect of the existence of criminals in this city, or possibly, this entire new world.

“Should I.....follow this information....or just leave it be?” The Hydreigon knew where his own train of thought leads, and it wasn’t as good as he thought it would be.

“Dammit, just when I thought that we had finally found a peaceful world.” Eric cursed in frustration. “Just.....what am I supposed to do now?”

His answer will come much sooner than later which is unknown to him at this moment.

Play this as closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUmtn-BMB6o

Chapter 8 : A Chance Encounter

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What you comes to expect within something sometimes can be surprising. What you expected to happen, expectations for something or a place, sometimes you can be right..... or horribly wrong in those expectations. A lesson I learned the hard way when I expected that this world would be peaceful, however, it was far from peaceful. No matter where you go, no matter what kind of planet you end up in, there's no such things as a true peace, it's just an illusion - Eric Angelo

Play this as opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLaA3ozGz7Q

Three figures within the shadows of the building walked down the street, or floated in the case of Eric and Will.

Eric stared forward with an unchanging expression that someone would take as a stare that could pierce into their soul as he floated down while listening to a muffled conversation. Yet the look was far from that, it was the look of an annoyance.

“Just what is going on tonight? First, I would’ve thought that this day is really going to be great. Second, sadly I was wrong.” Eric muttered.

The muffled voice starting to clear once more when Eric stared at the origin of the voice in question to his right. He had turned her voice out when Sally had been ranting off for some time now, safety and all that.

“And Eric, what were you thinking? You could have died for all we know! You should have waited for me!” It didn’t take Eric long to realize that Sally had followed through with his promise earlier, after the close call with the Tentacruels.

Slightly shaking his head with a sigh, he just ignored most of her rant. “Maybe it’s not such a good idea letting her rant after all....too late anyways.” He willed himself to tune her out again.

Until he heard the words she said next. “You need to be more careful next time! I can’t believe you just jumped in like that!” Sally said while walking in front of the wet and damp Eric.

He didn’t change his expression, he just continued to stare ahead with gloomy eyes and not sparing a second glance. ”I’m always careful. I thought things through and I didn’t see any other option.”

“That and no one probably wanted to save the stallion from a certain death. I had to react, there’s really nothing else I could do.”

Will sighed, curbing the urge to facepalm. “I’m surprised that you actually thought things through. I mean, jumping into the sea to rescue a stallion pony? That’s a very smart thing to do. Maybe the ones with legs should jump in next time.”

Sally glared at the Reuniclus. “Will, stop the sarcasm for a moment. It’s bad enough that I have to deal with Larry all the time. Now I have to take care of Eric.”

Will shrugged. “That’s a wonderful suggestion, Sally. Oh, wait, I’m wrong. Why should I shut up?”

Sally gave him a deadpan stare. “Your sarcasm is getting infuriating.”

“Will is always like that,” Eric mumbled through his mouth.

None of them actually heard it. “It’s your lucky day, Sally. I might consider shutting my mouth for once. You know, make everything sunshine again with the silence.”

Eric looked at both his Pokemons. ”Just like the good old days.” He didn’t pay attention to both of them, since this is always happening. “Wet….I can’t believe this is happening to me.”

“This day really haven’t gotten better than the last two days when I first arrived here, for Arceus’ sake....”

“And the papers.” Feeling said paper stuffed into the right head’s mouth, he bit his lip. “Shit, what am I supposed to do with it?”

“Should I just go with it....or should I just forget about it?” Eric sighed. “Neither is better....dammit.”

Just as they moved down the road, they passed a big building in silence. Eric took a sideways glance toward the building. ”Hmmm?”

He stopped on the spot, turning around fully to face the building. His Pokemon admired him for his level-headedness, but they also admired another thing about him as well. His newly developed perceptiveness after his transformation.

Eric didn’t give a single thought about that, the only thing that mattered now was what he saw. Something very peculiar. “....why is the door open in the middle of the night?”

“Huh?” The banter of the two Pokemons was put to a hold when they heard Eric muttering about something. They turned around to see him looking forward like a statue to a building.

Will shook his head, or his entire body, before floating to his trainer, followed by Sally. They stopped in front of him. ”Eric, come on. Stop daydreaming and lets go. The cold of the night is inviting and all, but I don’t want to see you get sick either.”

“As much as I hate his sarcasm right now, Will’s right. We need to get you dried up!”Sally stated, worried about his health now that Will was soaking wet.

Eric suddenly put an arm up. ”Wait….did you two notice anything?”

Sally and Will tilted their heads in confusion.”Notice….what?”

Eric pointed forward. ”That….”They turned their heads toward the museum.

After scrutinizing every single detail of the building, she shook her head. ”I don’t see anything wrong. Wait a minute, why are we doing this? We should get back to Dawn!”

“I said, wait…..the door is wide open. There’s not a single security guard either.”Eric had expected a secure building for a museum would at least have some security at night. Not unless they wanted to be rob blind.”Which means, there are only two answers. Either the guard is incompetent enough to leave the front door opens….or..”

“Or what?” Will urged.

“Or unless….we got a burglar on our hands.”

Sally groaned. She knew what he was thinking at the moment, and she was not agreeing to it, not after the talk they had. ”I thought you said you wanted to stop doing those….things. With this being a more peaceful world and all.”

“God Almighty Arceus himself is probably too incompetent when it comes to choosing the world we live in then. It’s not as peaceful as we thought if there’s a burglar running around.”Will quipped.

Eric ignored those two again. His mind is only on doing one thing again.”Maybe we should check it out.”

“What an excellent idea!”Will slapped his arm together.”The worse we can get is probably dying painfully or get accused by the cops. The latter is the best case scenario.”

“Eric….”Sally said in a warning tone. “Don’t….you’re wet and hurt. Stop being a hero for once and let’s just go. It’s probably nothing.”

“I hardly sees an open door to a museum in the middle of the night nothing. In fact, anyone would find that suspicious.” Eric thought. “I’m a part Dragon-type, being wet would hardly affect me. Look, you two can go home if you don’t want to. It’s probably dangerous so I’ll check it out myself.”

“That’s an even worse idea! You can hardly defend yourself!” Sally shouted.

“Uh, correction. He can defend himself with his hand-to-hand combat, or should I say, hand-to-head?.”Will added.

The Salamence turned around and glared at the Reuniclus.”Not helping, Will!”

“Just saying. Our trainer is not as defenseless as you think he is.”

Sally sighed.”Forget it. Eric, let’s-” She turned around to see…..nothing. ”Eric!?”

Will pointed at the museum. “Have you checked the museum? They say the exhibits are quite lovely for robbing blind right now.”

Upon the implication, Sally turned her head toward the open door to see Eric now poking his head inside. “Eric!”She practically flew over to his side.

Will sighed while chuckling. “That’s our trainer.” He floated over to join them.

“Eric!” Sally landed by his side, poking him.”Eric, what are you doing!?”

He didn’t respond, but he kept his head inside the door. Until he muttered something.”Sally, come here.”

“Huh?”

Now Will joined behind Sally.”Are you going to tell us, Eric? Or are you going to stand there posing your pretty butt to us?”

Eric didn’t say anything. Just motioned the two over.”Just come over here, you two!”

Sally and Will looked at each other before poking their heads inside the door. The scene inside made their eyes wide open.

It was...subtle, but it was clearly the scene of a crime. While most of the museum was somewhat untouched, there were certain spots that had signs of a scuffle, most notable being the parts where things were frozen. And that included a few of what must have been the night guards. Not to mention, several of the exhibit locations were empty as the artifacts had been taken.

“What the hell happened here?”Sally questioned

“Probably an Ice-type.”Eric muttered.”Ice just don’t appear out of nowhere in this weather.”

“Yeah, and that is assuming ponyland does not have some kind of cryo-weapon or something.”Will added.

The Hydreigon gritted his teeth at the prospect.“There’s a burglar here.”Eric entered the museum proper to witness the chaos. ”And the burglar is probably an Ice-type.”

“Ice-type.....that won’t bode well for us.” He muttered. “Either way, a burglar is still a burglar.”

Sally also stepped inside, glancing around to witness the ice.”Doesn’t look like a clean job to me.”

“Yeah, probably an amateur. The God Almighty is more incompetent than I thought. Bringing burglars into the magical land of pony and rainbows. What a fantastic turn of event wouldn’t you two say?” Will added his sarcasm into the conversation.

“Will, stop the sarcasm and shut up!”Sally warned.”And there’s a real burglar, keep it down!”

“Oh, now you want to stop the burglary?”Will raised an invisible eyebrow.”I thought you were going to drag Eric by the tail back to Dawn’s house? I’m shocked!”

“That’s different!” Though in her mind, she had secretly wished that Eric will just leave this alone and go back home. But largely, now she wanted to stop the burglary as well.

“Ssshh, keep it down, you two!”Eric hissed.”There’s an Ice-type inside which means Sally won’t be a good choice nor will I. Will, I’m going to need you again.”

Will shrugged. “Whatever you say, Eric.”

Eric nodded. ”Alright, let’s get to work.”Eric led his two Pokemon inside.

“Just this once, I’m going to indulge myself in doing this again. Shit, I don’t even know why I even bother doing this after my talk with Sally.” The Hydreigon mumbled through his mouth. Fortunately, a certain Dragon also had the same thought.

While making their way to the stairs on the other side of the room, they take a good look on the guards who are frozen solid. They couldn’t help, but pity the poor ponies who safeguarded this place from burglar. Their faces almost looked like that of ice sculptures, though strangely enough, many of them had rather...plain expressions, like they didn’t even realize what had happened until it was too late. Even Will was quiet.

But Eric is undaunted. He kept moving forward or floated. It wasn’t long until they arrived at the bottom of the stairs.”I wish I had the Mega Wristwatch Keystone. It would be helpful now,” Eric muttered.

“Alright, you two should get ready. Sally, prepare to assist with Flamethrower. I want to surprise them.”

“Right behind you,” Sally declared. Flames already licking her lips.

“Let’s get this over with,” Will added.

Eric looked up the stairs.“I’ll go first, you two watch my back.” He floated up the stairs.

Sally and Will quickly went back-to-back just like what they had trained. Sally moved forward while Will floated backward, watching anyone that might ambush them. Since, Will doesn’t have legs, he doesn’t really need to watch where he steps on as he floated up the stairs.

When they’re almost up, Eric watched above the floor from the stairs. He almost froze himself on the spot when heard something. “Is that....?”

Out of nowhere, he ducked before putting an arm head up. ”Wait, I think I hear them.”

“The burglar?”Sally questioned. Eric nodded.

“They’re real-life amateurs. Couldn’t keep noise down like a professional would. This thief is either brave or dumb.”Will snickered.”Boy, here we are trying to stop some dumb burglar and he acted like some school kid stealing some cookies. I’m properly amazed, maybe I should give him a proper slap on the back and a clap.”

“Be quiet. And Will, keep watching our six. I don’t want any innocent get caught in the crossfire or anyone entering the building.”

Will gave a sarcastic salute.“Sir, yes, sir.”And he leaned his body down to give the first floor another look over.

However, what they didn’t know, was that someone else was here too. Nevertheless, they continued on upstairs.

Upstairs was oddly, deserted. It didn’t take long for Eric to figure out that the commotion on the first floor must’ve drawn the guard toward it, thus making them another victim of Ice-attacks. None of them complained, though, as the last thing they need is some guards getting in their way, mistaking them for some burglars.

After passing through several exhibits concerning Equestrians history and artifacts, they are now trudging through the old library, toward wherever the burglars are currently doing their robberies.

“I don’t like this.”Eric muttered.”A Salamencite and Keystone would be useful now. It should end things quickly…..Dammit.”

“Where are we? This place is like a maze.”Sally glanced around the old library where they kept stuff from Equestrian past.

“You could say that again.”Will is glancing around behind them. Making sure, that no one would sneak up on them.

When they about turn around the corner, they heard….some conversation. They all stopped even without Eric needing to put up his arm head as a signal.

“You hear that?”Eric asked.

“Yeah, I heard it. Pretty loud, too.”Sally frowned.

“No, all I heard is just school kids arguing over cookies.”Will chuckled.”Of course, I heard it.”

Sally wrinkled her nose.”Someone is smelly.”

“Then that someone doesn’t know the proper code for hygiene.”Will quipped while grinning.”Maybe they should pose in an exhibit and lift their arm so we could smell the glorious smell from their armpit. Hoooray, for the one who wins, we shall give them a kiss.”

Sally sweatdropped.

Eric ignored those two, he peeked around the corner. What he saw made him blink.

There in the room, was a Sceptile wearing a uniform of some kind, and a Weavile. Both of them had several artifacts inside the bags they carried, but right now it seemed that both were...arguing with each other.

“Oh no you don’t. You’re not getting in my way THIS time!” the Weavile growled as he landed a kick to the Sceptile’s leg.

“And you ought to take a chill pill!” the Sceptile growled, as he whacked the Weavile upside the head.

“Oh yeah? Well maybe I’d be more ‘chill’, if you hadn’t cost us the contest!” the Weavile growled.

“You are one annoying dude, you know that? How did I ‘cost’ us anything?” The Sceptile retorted, anger in his fangs.

Eric stopped peeking. He looked back at his Pokemon who vigilantly watched his back this whole time like he had ordered them to do.”I was wrong, there are two of them. I should have known when we heard the argument.”

“What? Two?”Sally questioned.

“And if the argument isn’t enough of a sign. Those two aren’t loud enough to wake the entire town, then. Oh wait, maybe they should get a concert together. Name it, ’Argument Between Two Boyfriends.’ That and all gay stuff.”

“Well, they are both males. That much is true.”

“Who are they, then?” Sally tilted her head in question.

“A Sceptile and a Weavile. Sally, I was wrong, you had a type-advantage over the Sceptile.”Eric put his arm head to his chin.”We have to rethink our strategy.”

“Hey, I know what you’re thinking, Eric. Why does Sally have to go against the overgrown tree lizard.”Will complained.

“She has a type-advantage over him. Besides, Grass doesn’t do well against both Dragon and Flying-type.”A new train of thought went into his head. ”Unless, the Sceptile knows Dual Chop.”

“What should we do, then?”

“Be quick about it.” Will reminded. “I doubt those two will continue their foreplay forever.”

Eric quickly tried to wrack his brain for a decent strategy when dealing with the burglar. Obviously, those two aren’t going anywhere for the moment. But he had to think fast on a solution.

It wasn’t long, he already known a strategy. “I got it. Sally, take the Weavile on. Will, take the Sceptile.”

“What? Eric, I’m a Dragon and Flying-type. I’m at a disadvantage against a Weavile!”

Even Will is surprised at this….strategy he proposed.”Eric, I think you might be deluding from drinking that many sea water. Unless, we wish to see a real-life ice dragon then you better explain this.”

“You should know that whatever I decide always has a hidden meaning to it.” Eric explained.

Sally groaned, that didn’t help much. “Eric, please say it straight. What do you mean? I’m not as smart as you or Helen.”

Eric put his right arm head to his chin again.“We’ll take them by surprise first. If that doesn’t work, we’ll just have to do it the old-fashioned way.”

“Ah, the good old-fashioned way. It’s perfect actually, all we have to do is just charge head on into the fire and get sun tanned? It’s lovely and all, but I prefer to maintain my coloring thank you very much.”

The Hydreigon ignored the sarcasm, he glanced at his loyal Salamence.“Sally, can you do that trick again?”

Said Salamence raised her eyebrow.”You mean, that trick?”Eric nodded.

“It should get you out of jam.”He looked toward the Reuniclus next.”Will, prepare to use Future Sight and Pain Split. It should help as well. You’re a Psychic-type besides your moveset hardly worked against the Weavile. Only Sally’s.”

“Oh, now I see. Perfect plan, the worst I can get is probably get chopped by the overgrown lizard. If not, then we’ll take him down. Oh wait, maybe the Future Sight will fry him and we’ll get to eat a lizard for breakfast.”

“I still think this is a bad idea.”Sally said, head hanging low. Not liking where this is going.

“You’ll both do fine. Remember, watch each other’s back.”Eric peeked around the corner again, the Weavile and Sceptile still arguing like a husband and wife would.

“Get ready…..” Eric motioned his two Pokemons to follow him again toward the inner exhibit.

“NOW!”

Sally charged and when the thieves laid eyes upon the source of the voice, their eyes widened simultaneously with shock. The Salamence went straight toward the Weavile while the Reuniclus just floated out of the exhibit calmly like he had all the time in the world. A Hydreigon floated out of the exhibit, giving the burglar his dark glare.

The Salamence right forelimb glow a bright purple. Dragon Claw attempting to rip the Weavile’s face off. The Weavile, acting on quick reflexes, flips over the attack, putting him right in front of the Salamence.

“Cute. Now good night!” he growls, before firing an Ice Beam. However, the Salamence seemed to have anticipated this, as she suddenly spun around, her tail glowing with a Dragon Tail, which smashed into him while he was in mid-air, sending his attack off course, and straight to the Sceptile.

The Sceptile had a moment to look, and a split second to dodge, which he did via an impressive limbo maneuver. “Watch it, dude! You almost turned me into a Scepcicle!” he shouted, before charging at the Salamence, his claws glowing with a Dragon Claw attack.

“I present to you, who makes his grand entrance.” Will quickly floated sideways and right in the path of the Dragon Claw. “Will!”

Sceptile didn’t care, as long as his attack hits. The Dragon Claw is brought toward the face of the Reuniclus. Only he felt….lighter for some reason. He soon saw the reason as his eyes found that the Reuniclus body is glowing and so was he.

“Hey! Put me down!” He tried to struggle, but couldn’t. He is in the grip of a Psychic-type now.

“Sorry, what was that?” Will made an exaggerated show of digging his non-existant ear. “Can’t hear you properly with the sound of something of a cat screech here!”

“I said-”

“Oh, wait, I know! You wanted for me to redecorate your face. Uhm, correction, apply makeup to your face!” the Sceptile suddenly found himself flung upward.

“No no no no!”His head banged on the ceiling. Bang, bang, and bang again.
Sally flinched each time when the Sceptile’s head is banged.”That’s gotta hurt.”

“Waaah!”Now he found himself flung toward the ground at high-velocity. He closed his eyes at the last second.

All seemed silence, silence, and silence. That’s when Sceptile decided to open his eyes. He found himself sighing in relief. His snout was just an inch off the floor. His hope is dashed when the light weighted feeling is lifted and he found his face made acquaintance with the tile.

“And there you go! Thank you for your patience! I hope you come back to Will Make-up Saloon soon!”

Weavile growled in annoyance, and gritted his teeth when he saw Sceptile groaning on the ground as he shakily got up. These two were good. But he wasn’t about to lose yet.

“Tough guys eh? Dark Pulse!” he growled, before firing the attack in a wide range, aiming for the Reuniclus first.

Sally glanced at the Weavile. Seeing the Dark Pulse heading straight toward her friend, she shoved him out of the way before diving to the left herself.

“Gotcha!” Weavile grinned evilly, before cutting off the Dark Pulse, switching to an Ice Beam aimed straight for the Salamence as she was in mid-dodge.

What he didn’t expect was Sally suddenly putting her wings out and doing a sideway spiral. Dodging the Ice Beam as it hit the wall. Sally quickly halted and stabilized herself.

As she did that, she saw Sceptile immediately lunge for her, another Dragon Claw ready, while he looked pissed as hell.

“I will be your opponent, lizard!” Will put himself in Dragon Claw´s path again. This time, he didn’t do a thing. Letting the Dragon Claw slash him.

“Are you crazy, dude?!” Scep couldn’t help but gawk, even if he didn’t mind the fact that his attack had hit. He jumped back quickly in fear of retaliation.

“Maybe, maybe not! Why don’t you try tasting this!”His body glowed blue again. Sceptile braced himself for another Psychic attack, only that….it didn’t come.

Sceptile gave a deadpan stare.”Was that supposed to do something?”

“You blind? Maybe you’re lacking brain cells to process information. No, wait, I get it. Maybe you’re too dumb to recognize an attack when you see one?” Will gave off a clap.”Congratulations, my lizard, you just won the first prize. Where you get to pose there as I kick your butt.”

Scep growled. A grunt caused him to turn his head toward the source. “Eat this!” Weavile fired another Ice Beam toward the Salamence.

The Salamence took a deep breath and countered with a hot red Flamethrower. The beams collided in the center. Both fighters grunted as each tried to gain dominance over the other. Not one could gain ground over the other which in turn caused the beams to explode dead center. Dust kicking up all over.

Both Pokemon quickly stepped back. The Salamence flew backward toward the Reuniclus while the Weavile jumped back toward the Sceptile’s side.

“These guys ain’t half bad,” Weavile grinned. “So...where’s your trainer? He too chicken to show his face?”

“You can tell?” Sceptile commented.

“Yeah, these two are way too strong and coordinated to be some random wild Pokemon, and there’s no way they’re related, so that means they’ve got a trainer directing them. Again, where is he? Or is he just a big pansy?” Weavile taunted.

Eric didn’t react to the insult, just giving off a gloomy stare.

The Salamence and the Reuniclus looked at them with eyes full of determination. Until Will started another conversation.“Look at them, Sally. Like two guys on their first date. My, my, they’re already getting along quite well.”

At his words, both thieves snapped their head sharply toward the snarky Reuniclus. “What did you say?” Both said at the same time while growling.

“I said, you’re both are doing quite well with your foreplay. Of course, I said you two are on a date. Am I missing something here?”

Both thieves gave a deadpan stare which said that they’re not amused at all. “You’re a very sarcastic mon, aren’t you?” Sceptile stated.

Will gave off a clap. ”Congrats, congrats, for figuring out until now that I’m pretty sarcastic. Then, I should assume you guys are lacking brain cells to comprehend my sarcasm.”

The Multiplying Pokemon turned around to face Eric who all this time just glared at the opponent.”Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the two most gay and dumbest Pokemon on the planet. Here, we are now presenting two dating male Pokemons with the lowest IQ who have somehow managed the feat of figuring out that I’m a sarcastic idiot. Give them an applause.”

The two thieves’ eyes twitched, before they looked at each other. “Hey Scep, truce?” Weavile offered with a face-splitting grin.

“Until we tear trash mouth over there in half? Deal, dude,” Scep matched the demented smile, before they both glared at the Reuniclus.

Sally, despite not really agreeing with Will’s sarcastic attitude at this time couldn’t help, but snicker. Even the gloomy Hydreigon is let out a small chuckle which is a rare thing for him to do.

“The cards are already falling.” Eric muttered.

“Sally, deal with the Weavile! Will, do what you have been doing!”The Hydreigon took a deep breath before he unleashed the command.”Act on your own!”

“Got it!”Sally quickly charged toward the Weavile again. Dragon Claw in tow.

“Time to apply some more make-up! Courtesy of Will!” He charged toward the Sceptile, ready to catch him in his power again.

However, as the combatants were fighting, nobody noticed the soft sound of the simple count down. Nobody but Eric, as he was not directly in the fight.

“10...9...8…” the voice murmured.

“Hmmm?” Eric glanced around at the voice in order to find the source. ”.....I must be imagining things.”

“7...6...5...4...:” The voice continued, just as Sally was going full speed at the Weavile with a Dragon Claw, while Will is getting sliced up by the Sceptile using multiple Leaf Blades.

Then just as he about to unleashed yet another hurt, a sharp pain caused him to abruptly faceplant. “What!?” The Sceptile went to his knees. His entire being suddenly felt pain all over, while Will was glowing blue with his signature grin.

“Oh, does that hurt?” Will grinned as the glow went away.

The Sceptile was now breathing heavily.”W-what did you...do to me?”

“Pain Split! That’s what!” Will grinned as he winked. ”Now, say goodbye to the waking world of magical ponyland with a smile! I promise that I’ll apply my best make-over so here it is!”He gave off another exaggerated bow, just as he saw Sally miss the first swipe, only to nail the Weavile with the second swipe of already prepared Brick Break with her left forelimb across the face, sending him tumbling back.

“Checkmate….” Eric muttered as Sally charged again with Brick Break. Intending to end this. “Looks like this is it for them…”

Out of nowhere, a crackle of lightning is heard. Scep glanced above him as a blue heavenly lightning bolt was about to strike down upon his being.

“I present to you, overgrown lizard barbeque! We’ll be having that for breakfast!”

However, at that moment, the voice returned. “3...2...1...show time!”

Play this as battle theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBfz1Edo9-Q

The two attacks hit...only for the Weavile and the Sceptile to suddenly burst into what appeared to be multiple Pidgeys which flew into so many directions, they practically covered the room.

Eric glanced wildly around the room. His vision obscured with the Pidgey flying and let loose feathers.”What the….Pidgeys?”

The Hydreigon began batting away the Pidgeys. “...where did they come from!?”

The Dragon Pokemon meanwhile tried to bat the birds away. Somehow they reminded her of a certain bird. “What the hell? Ah, get away!” Sally tried to bat the Pidgeys in vain. “You’re ruining my move. Stupid birds!”

As the Pidgeys fluttered around, finding various exits in the form of open windows, they soon parted, revealing someone else now in the center of the room. It was a Zoroark. A shiny Zoroark, and one that was dressed in a black cape and a black cavalier’s hat. The Zoroark smirked slightly, before bowing slightly, much like how an actor would on stage.

It didn’t take much for the former trainer to realize who it is. “...you!” Eric gaped while pointing at the Zoroark. ”The cape, the ridiculous cap…..I should have known….”

“Oh? Now isn’t this a surprise. Do refresh my memory, as I don’t recall ever meeting you before, though I suppose that’s not saying much in this situation.” The Zoroark chuckled in amusement.

Will made another move toward a conversation. “Well, isn’t this a surprise. An unexpected guest. A cape? Seriously, what are you? The Queen of Parfum Palace? That would be nice if you put a crown on your head.”

“Nobody that important,” the Zoroark chuckled in amusement at his comment. “Just someone who’s come out to play for a little.”

“And I’m the Champion Diantha.” Will quipped. “You hear that, Sally? She said play a little. That means we have to give a proper spank to her butt for playing this late at night. Bad children. Don’t worry, just a minor turn of event. We shall rectify that.”

The Zoroark didn’t respond. Instead, she seemed to tremble a bit, before the trembling revealed to be full blown laughter. This earned the Reuniclus a deadpan stare from Sally, not actually believing that his sarcasm actually made someone laugh their lungs dry.

“Guess I was right. You all ARE an interesting bunch. Guess good things do happen when you go out for a little exercise,” she said as she reigned in her laughter. “As for a punishment, we’ll see who punishes who on account of what you did to my friends earlier,” she smirked. “But we’re getting off topic. I do believe I asked you who you were before. It’s quite rude to ignore a lady.”

“You’re no lady.” Eric replied with neutral face. “You’re a thief.”

“And a worse one at that. Dammit, it looks like I will never catch a break at this rate.” The Hydreigon sighed internally.

Sally quickly flew back to her trainer side. “Eric, you know her?”

“Yeah, I know who she is. She’s the Phantom Thief Fox. But to me, just another thief who stole just for the fun of it.” This in turn caused Sally to snarl.

“Awww, really? Nobody ever does understand our grace and class,” Fox chuckled, feigning hurt. “Why does everyone lump us in with the common thieves when we’re so much more than that?” she said dramatically in mock hurt, before chuckling to herself.

“Grace and class?” Will began racking his brain for more conversation material. ”Let’s see, here we are with the Phantom Thief Fox. A guy…or a lady who said that she had such grace and class that’s somehow the reason she always escapes from the law. I’m not going to full and all with the detail, but here it is. A Phantom Thief Fox ended up in magical ponyland, we ended up encountering her, and about to fight her. God Almighty Arceus, your act is so full with pure incompetence that our brains had no choice, but to process the sheer aweness of this situation. Fantastic, isn’t it?”

At this, everyone sweat dropped. Everyone except Eric. “...friendly advice. Don’t bring him anywhere near the ‘Hall of Legends’ that Arceus is currently living in. Not unless you want to be short one team member,” Fox blinked, honestly not sure what else to say for once.

“I didn’t expect this to happen. That Key Stone would’ve been really useful now. Dammit.” Eric muttered. “No matter.”

“We’ll just have to do this the old-fashioned way. But I know it’s not going to be that easy with her.” His eyes resolute, preparing to take care of the infamous thief.

“Sally, Will! Be careful, who knows what this thief will do next!” Eric tensed his arm. Preparing to fight her if necessary as well.

Fox just smiled, as she tipped her hat over, not once moving from her spot. “Well then, shall we begin the show?” she chuckled.

Eric glanced at Will who glanced back in return. Eric nodded to him. For once, Will didn’t reply with sarcasm, just a simple nod as well.

“I can’t let her escape. No choice, then.” Eric pointed an arm head toward the smirking Zoroark. “Sorry, Sally.” He muttered.

”Sally! Use Outrage!” He didn’t want to risk her escaping. At the command, Sally’s eyes glowed a murderous blood red.

“Outrage? Are you sure you want to have a berserk dragon in this museum?” Fox chuckled in amusement, seemingly not caring about the dragon charging at her. However, just as Sally was about to reach her, Fox shifted slightly, easily sidestepping her frenzied attacks, before tossing a small ball at her face, which exploded, coating her face in a web-like substance. “You see?” she chuckled.

“Sally!” The Dragon Pokemon growled while clawing at her face to get rid of the sticky substance.

“Is that all? I really need to work on Weavile’s training if he let her beat him. Speaking of which...Blizzard,” Fox simply said as she backed away, before Sally found herself in the way of a gale force blizzard.

“Flamethrower!” Fox’s eyes widened slightly as flame burst out of the web-covered mouth and went straight for her. Cutting straight through the blizzard.

“Not bad,” she mused, as the Flamethrower hit. However, what fell out of the flames was not a Zoroark, but a faceless dummy. “Needs some work before they can get the right shock and awe,” she idly commented as she stepped out behind Sally. “Back to the drawing board with you,” she said, before another Blizzard was launched, this time from a different direction. The Salamence grunted as the shards of ice hit her for four times the damage.

“Oh, really?” A voice sounded behind her. “Pretty lady, let me apply makeup to your face!”

“You’re really annoying, you know that?” Fox deadpanned, before she threw a small ball at him. The only move she could currently use: Shadow Ball, and a small one at that.

Will being cumbersome, couldn’t dodge fast enough. “Uh-oh.” The ball hit dead on, making it super-effective, even despite it being a watered down version due to lack of practice.

Then out of nowhere, a wave of pain hit the Zoroark. “Pain Split,” she winced. “Not bad. But not good enough,” she said, and before he could react, Fox had chucked a few more balls, which covered his face with webbing...right before he was blasted by a Hyper Beam from the rafters.

“Will!” Eric floated toward the Reuniclus. A simple checkup revealed that the Reuniclus is fine, albeit now unconscious from the unseen Hyper Beam.

Sally meanwhile, struggled to get up. But her body screams for her to lay down and rest. “....no!”

Fox just sighed. “I think that’s all for today. The artifacts are all in the bag over by the side over there,” she said, gesturing to where she had stashed the artifacts that Rascal and Scep had stolen.

“Unfortunately, I was unable to prepare a fitting finale, so I must regretfully bid you, adieu,” she smiled, before moving to jump out the window.

Before she could do such a thing, she felt another rising temperature heading toward her back. Glancing behind quickly, another Flamethrower was heading toward her. “Oh?” she mused in mild surprise, before easily sidestepping. “You’re pretty sturdy. Normally a Pokemon like you should not be able to stand after taking two Blizzards head on.”

Sally gave the Zoroark a death glare while breathing heavily, eyes focused only on Fox. “Not like someone like you would understand me.” Somehow, through pure strength and will, she remained standing out of loyalty toward her trainer. That and coupled with her being the strongest of Eric’s team, she’s the jack-of-all trades of the team.

“Oh? I see, so she’s your trump card then? I’ll bet she’s even your starter,” Fox chuckled. “Alright then, I’ll answer that one. Liepard, if you will?” she said, before a Liepard jumped down from the rafters, standing between Fox and Sally.

“Sally!” Eric was getting worried about Sally. Getting hit by two Blizzard like that and to remain standing is not an easy feat. He bet that she’s struggling to keep her eyes open right now. “...... can you still...?”

She turned her head toward her trainer. “Don’t worry…..still can.” She strained out the words.
Seeing this, Fox sighed. “Really now, just stop. I take no pleasure in ordering my Pokemon to fight weakened opponents. Shall we call this night a draw and leave it at that?”

“Over my dead body, thief! It’s scum like you that made the world destroy itself.” The Salamence shouted, then she remembered her deepest memory of that ‘day’. “Scum, like you that made my life the way it is.” Flames already licking her lips again.

“Sally!” Eric shouted, getting increasingly worried.

Fox just sighed at seeing her like this. “Very well...if that’s how you want it. Know that I refuse to take any blame for what might happen next. Sucker Punch,” she ordered, to which the Liepard shot forward, and well...sucker punched Sally before she could react with the building Flamethrower in her mouth. “Play Rough.”

“Headbutt!” The Liepard head snapped backward at being suddenly headbutted before it could unleash the attack, however, she easily righted herself, landing on her feet.

Eric knew he couldn’t let this continue any longer. They had to end this now! “Let’s end this game! Sally…..use Giga Impact!”

“Toxic, then Hyper Beam. Sneak combo!” Fox ordered. In response to that, the Liepard fired the glob of poison at the charging dragon, the poison affecting her immediately, but not stopping the attack. However, when the attack was about to hit, Fox’s cape suddenly wrapped around her and the Liepard, before the both of them vanished, leaving Sally to crash into the ground, right before they reappeared not far away, with the Liepard already charging up a Hyper Beam.

Sally could only get a glimpse of what’s going to hit her. “I’m sorry, Eric.” And the beam hit.

“Sally!” Eric floated as quickly as possible toward the smoke where his Salamence lay. It wasn’t long before he held the Salamence unconscious head in his arm. “No…”

“That’s enough, Liepard,” Fox ordered, stopping the Liepard from charging another Hyper Beam. “We’ve already won.”

Eric gritted his teeth. “Dammit it all!”

Fox just sighed, not finding any enjoyment, nor fulfilment from this win. “Let’s go. We’re done here,” she sighed as she turned to walk away, but not before adding, “I’d better not find anymore ‘surprise’ attacks. Don’t push your luck.”

Eric ignored her. He just held his loyal Salamence head in his arm. “.........”

Seeing as he wasn’t going to say a word, Fox simply leaped out of the museum, disappearing into the night.

“....Sally.” He checked her pulse. He found himself relieved of worry when she revealed to be fine, but won’t be walking around for a while either.

But more pressing matters is that the thief escaped. Glancing back at the window, he is fully aware that by staring outside wouldn’t make her come back. Is this it? Did they fail to stop a simple thief?

For once every few years, Eric lost it as he knew the answer. “......why does a thief like her have to exist!” Eric gritted his teeth. “I can’t believe this. Why does she deserve to be sent here?!”

He knew he couldn’t find the answer to that right now. There were more pressing matters at hand. The Eric glanced at Sally before looking over to Will. He sighed, he knew that his heroics got them into this situation and he’s going to take full responsibility for it. He took a deep breath to regain his cool before adding.“I’m going to get you both home.”

The Hydreigon had no choice but to carry Sally piggyback and Will bride style. Leaving just enough room for his wings so he could float. As he did so, his mind wandered back to the fight, wondering how he could have lost to a thief like her. After a while of thinking it through, he realized something. “If only Alexander was here…..he should be able to handle her.”

“Next time…..Fox, you won’t be going anywhere but to prison.”

“.....that is if I encounter her again…..that can be either likely or unlikely, but I wouldn’t count out the possibility.” Eric added. Unconcerned of two Pokemon weighing him down as he floated down back to where he came from.

The night had fallen completely and the sun had long since gone over the horizon, replaced by the ethereal celestial body that will accompany the night.

A large lone figure exited through the front door of the museum, the shadow until the moonlight itself uncovered Eric in full glory. Sally with her head over his shoulder and Will within his arms, as he stared up at the moon that rain down an ethereal light upon beings that still lingers outside the protection of their homes.

Truly a beautiful night, indeed. If one wishes to have a night like no other, then they must always be optimistic. Sadly, this isn’t true for one Eric Angelo, who stared at the moon in silence.

Still feeling the contents of his right mouth is still inside, he gritted his teeth in frustration. “.....that moon would have been beautiful....” Looking down in sorrow, Eric shakes his head. “....if only it didn’t remind me of that thief.”

With dismay, he staring at the unconscious form held in his arms, not caring if someone sees him carrying someone like Will is his wife before glancing at a draconic head over his left shoulder. “Dammit, it’s all my fault, I really shouldn’t have brought them here in the first place.”

Remembering his hopes earlier today, he resisted the urge to curse again in annoyance. “Today really hasn’t gotten as better as I expected. I shouldn’t really get my hopes up next time.” Eric muttered before floating down the path that would lead away from the museum and taking the left turn at the small T-junction. Without another word, the Hydreigon head straight on the path back, where they were headed to before, the added weight haven’t slowed him down in the slightest.

Still staring at Will, he muttered once more. “How am I going to explain this to Dawn?” He would’ve put his right arm head against his chin if only he wasn’t carrying Will, sadly, that action cannot be done now. “.....might as well get it done and over with. I don’t want to extend this matter anymore than I have to.”

Closing his eyes, he floated down the street where there is no light to accompany him. Any other day, it would’ve compelled anyone to find another way, but not this Dragon. Floating down with both precious cargo and into the darkness where only one destination awaits him....Dawn’s home.

Play this as closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUmtn-BMB6o

Chapter 9 : The 'Dancing Sun'

View Online

As I said before, the world can be very surprising. What you come to expect sometimes can hid something else entirely. When you thought that despair had overtaken you, a saving grace will unexpectedly come. They will comes in many forms that you will never expect, such that I had learned - Eric Angelo

Play this as opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLaA3ozGz7Q

Anxiety. Anxiety overtook Solar Dawn as the sun had already set over the horizon, thus allowing the night and the moon to take over. But what has worried her more was that there was no sign of her trio of friends.

It had been many hours since Sally had appeared right in front of her door, a book that she had given to Eric earlier as a reading material in her mouth. The very book that she had told Eric to get back to her before sundown so she wouldn’t be fined for not returning the book to the public library in time. Sally left without another word after that.

After the days passed by, she had pegged them for being misfits, but inseparable. Regardless Dawn had expected the trio to come back after she had gone back from the library and returned the book.

She guessed wrong.

Dominus had already passed out upstairs in her bedroom, awaiting for awakening in the morning which left her nothing to do, except for one option. Now, she merely attempted to finish some additional sketches in order to pass the time and wait for her friends to come back. Her mind still wondered where her friends are. Just where had the trio had gone to?

A familiar scratching sound was softly heard as Dawn tried to focus on the image of a stallion in front of her, hoof tight around a quill. “Maybe, maybe, I should try here....no, no, no, wrong. I should try here....” the Bat Pony murmured, agitation ever present in her voice. “Alright, alright, nearly done....” Then the sound of a snapping quill then echoed through the room.

Dawn stared blankly at the now broken quill which lay on the table, inadvertently causing a small amount of ink to go splat and ruining her sketch.

Dawn knew one way to get rid of this dilemma, and that is to confront it.

“.....Oh for Celestia’s sake!” With that exclamation, she rose up from her architect table and marched like a bat out of Tartarus toward the door. “That’s it. I’m going to get them. Knew I shouldn’t have left them alone.”

It didn’t take long for her to reach out her hoof toward the door and opened it to behold a sight that either surprised her or shocked her (it was hard to tell).

Dawn’s eyes bore witness to a familiar Hydreigon that she had come to call a friend for the last three days. She would have been relieved, but two more sights had disturbed her. One of them was the most sarcastic being she had the ‘pleasure’ of meeting was being carried bridal style within the Hydreigon’s arm. The other was a Dragon being carried piggyback on his back with her head over his right shoulder. All of them were covered in bruises, like they had just gotten into a fight with something...and lost.

It is obvious that her friends are all appeared to be in bad shape, but what had gotten them into this situation in the first place?

Eric’s weary voice answered her question. “....Dawn.”

It caused her to broke out of her trance. She shook her head just as she gaped. “Eric! What in the name of-“

“No time! Do you have a first aid kid or anything?”

Dawn had to admit to herself that it wasn’t often for her to hear Eric actually raise his voice.

“Yeah, yeah, I got one in the bathroom!”

“Dawn, I don’t have my healing items anymore, so I need you to get it fast. Sally and Wil are hurt...bad.” Eric emphasized ‘hurt’ through his tone. “

Healing items? That served to fuel her curiosity of her friend’s world once more, but that could wait.That question can be saved for another time.

For now, she had to help her two wounded friends. “Alright, I’ll get it! Just...set them down somewhere or wherever.” She nearly leaped from her spot all the way toward the stairs to the second floor.

The Hydreigon didn’t need to be told twice, immediately marching straight toward the sofa in front of him and laid the Reuniclus own, resting his head on the arms rest. Sally was another matter considering her bulk, but in no time he floated near the ground and carefully set the Salamence down on the carpet just in front of the sofa.

“Here, I got it!”

Dawn’s indistinguishable voice caused Eric to look up from his fallen companions and noticed the first aid kit gripped in Dawn’s mouth. Wasting no time, she quickly half-galloped toward Eric’s side and dropped the cargo in her mouth.

Not caring at all for the traces of saliva around it Eric took it into his arm heads and quickly opened the white box to see whatever it is inside that could be of use. “Thanks Dawn.”

“Uh....do you know how to apply first aid kits?”Dawn scratched her head sheepishly. “ I hope you know what you’re doing because I sure don’t know how to apply first aid kid.”

It took some time for Eric to analyze whatever it is in the first aid box. Gauze, stitch, ointment, bandage, cotton, cloth, alcohol, etc… everything needed for one’s survival.

“This takes me back a long way....but I should be able to patch them up.”

“Should? Eric, if you didn’t know how to apply first aid, then maybe we should just get them to a hospital.” The mare curtly asked. She didn’t want a mistreatment case in her hoof right now. But a single glance caused her to awkwardly added. “To be safe, of course.”

“....I appreciate the concern, but don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.” With that, the Hydreigon hopped to work, hoping that his previous knowledge on applying first aid kits to humans would apply to Pokemon in emergencies.

Dawn sighed. Eric sure was strange. “I hope so.”

“And....done.” Eric’s voice jolted Dawn out of her daydream.

Taking a look over the counter to see his handiwork. Sally’s head had been bandaged, followed with one around the barrel and one around her wing. Will, on the other hand, had one around his bubbly body and a slink around his neck so he could hold it up later. She could see bits of ointment here due to the shine it gave off on both Pokémon.

Even the mare had to admit, despite the shoddy job, the Hydreigon actually done quite well. “Huh, not bad Eric.”

“....thanks.”

“So.....” Dawn tried to bring up a topic as fast as she could before the source of her agitation return to hound her. “They’re going to feel those bruises in the morning.”

Eric nodded. “They will, though it won’t be that way for long.”

That served to pique that mare’s curiosity. “What do you mean? I mean,” Dawn pointed at the unconscious heap. “With those kinds of injuries, they’ll be feeling it for a few days at most.”

With a shake of the Hydreigon’s head, he replied. “No, Dawn, you’re wrong.” The answer made her frown.

She wanted to know more. “What do you mean?”

“Put simply, Pokémon...well all Pokémon are able to heal from all but the most severe injures within two to three days without any side effect. In other words, they have a higher regenerative system than humans as I mentioned about my species before.”

The revelation that Pokémon are more than capable of healing their injuries at two to three days at most was overwhelming. As far as she knew about biology, nothing in Equus could heal that fast. Even magic can only go so far and that’s only if it was in the hooves of a skilled unicorn, which is rare.

Thankfully, the strange happenings had steeled her minds from further surprises. “Well....” Dawn trailed off with a scratch of her head, trying to find the correct wording. “...that’s both convenient and nice. Wish, I had that kind of ability.”

“Don’t be. You have to respect what you are. If you are born a pony, then you are a pony at heart and you have to respect it. Just because I’m now a Pokémon doesn’t mean that I’m not a human at heart. Each species has their pros and cons. Nothing is perfect.”

For some reason, that made surprisingly a amount of sense to her.

With a scratch of her head, she replied. “I swear to Celestia, you can be quite philosophical too. That and if our conversation early this morning were any signs of that.” She chuckled not out of offense, but from amusement.

Eric nodded his head in acknowledgement. That’s what people and friends tended to say about him nowadays. “But we’re getting off the real topic. Mainly it concerns you and Dominus.” Now that he mentioned it, he didn’t see the sign of an Eaglet running around the house greeting him. “Where’s Dominus? I didn’t see him at all since all three of us arrived.”

“Uh....he’s asleep upstairs.” Dawn flicked her head toward the direction of the stairs.

Eric acknowledged this with a nod. “...glad to see you’re both fine when we’re not around.”

The deadpan look on the mare’s face couldn’t be avoided. “Of course, we’re fine. At least when Will’s not around, it’s practically peaceful.” Just as soon as she said that, she silenced herself with a hoof. “Okay, what’s wrong with my mouth today?”

Realizing that this topic won’t lead them anywhere, he decided to bring another matter into his mind that needs to be done. “....anyway, how did your sketch go? Will wasn’t around during your work so I assume that it’s going fine?”

Noticing the change of topic, the mare frowned, but answered nonetheless. “Well,” With a scratch of her head, she added. “I had a good bird as an assistant.”

“It’s Rufflet.” Eric corrected.

That caused the mare to grin sheepishly, apparently embarrassed at forgetting her partner’s species. “Uh, yeah, that....how could I forget that?”

Thankfully, Eric wasn’t ticked off at her. “It’s no problem, all of us can forget little things sometimes.” Eric replied simply.

“...soooo...what happened?”

“Hmmm?”

Shaking her head, she took a deep breath. “I mean, what happened? There is just no way in Celestia’s name that Sally and Will ended up like that and you made it without a scratch out of nowhere unless we have loose Lords of Chaos on our hooves.”

Once again, the so called ‘awkward silence’ threatened to overtook the room which not in anyway serve to alleviate Dawn’s agitation.

“Alright, should I tell her now, but,” Turning his eyes slightly toward the stairs, he bit his lip. “Dominus isn’t here right now. I know that I wanted to get this off my chest as soon as possible, but....I might as well do that when both of them are around to hear.” He muttered.

“Eric?” The voice broke him out of his brooding session as he turned to look at Dawn’s concerned face.

That served to make his decision fast. “....I’ll tell you everything tomorrow morning, when Dominus is awake.”

Even with all the questions hovering her head, guess that will have to do for now. But what is exactly she had missed?

Morning had come slower than expected. Granted Dawn had been anxious for her stoic friend to reveal the answer, she couldn’t really sleep peacefully that night. Regardless, she decided that now would be the best time to get the answers for the questions.

Mainly, what had happened during her absence? It would seem that they had gone through something big and exciting.

Going toward her vanity, she grabbed a rubber band and styled her mane the way it used to be, a small ponytail while the rest of her mane flowed down. Dawn was never one for style like other mares.

The familiar heavenly smell that came from the kitchen serve as a sign for her legs to march over there and sit down at the chair waiting for her flank. Her eyes found some bananas on the table on the plate, the mare was glad to know that a certain Hydreigon hadn’t forgotten her favourite dessert for breakfast.

As usual, Eric had woken up ahead of everyone else and prepared breakfast. It was practically the norm now for Dawn’s household.

And judging from the smell, it seems Eric had outdone himself again. “So what’s for-”

“BREAKFAST!” The tiny Rufflet burst through the door, showing impressive leg power by jumping up toward the seat and onto the table.

Staring at the Eaglet Pokémon, she had to prevent herself from chuckling at the cuteness of it all. “Yeah, that....”

“Hmmm?” Eric hummed, but he gave the answer soon enough. “Soup. Its carrot soup with some garlic. Its easy to make and delicious.” He answered curtly. “Oh, and the bananas are on the table and ready for you, Dawn.”

“Sweet! Can’t wait to taste it!” Taking a deep breath to savor the smell, he nodded appreciatively. “Uhmm-hmm, you’re the best cook ever, dude.”

Dawn couldn’t help but agree with his reasoning. Eric did made some of the best food she had ever tasted. It wasn’t a five-star restaurant, but it was better than the bland food she always made.

Soon, their breakfast was served in the form of boiling water, and inside there’s little bits of carrots and garlics swirling around the steaming water. The smell that came out could only be described as heavenly, proof that Eric had outdone himself again.

Simple, yet enjoyable.

“Well,” Eric floated. “As usual, enjoy the food, guys.”

Dominus nearly leaped from his spot on the table to feel the taste of the food. Dawn chuckled at the impatient bird. “Easy there, little guy.”

“No can do, my mouth demands that it’s quickly satiated.” The Rufflet opened his mouth wide and pointed inside the black hole.

“Alright, alright.” Dawn said with a smile, at least happy that this day starting off just fine to alleviate her anxiety. “Here we go.” With that she happily scooped up some of the boiling water alongside several visible carrots and garlic to be carried toward the plate where Dominus waited.

Dawn let out the scooped up water into the plate before proceeding to carry out the same routine several times until the plate was full.

“Thanks, Dawn.” With that, his body went into autopilot as his beak went toward the soup in front of him. He drunk it like a little cub lost in the desert for days.

Dawn couldn’t blame the Rufflet for acting like that, for she knew that she also wanted nothing more than just to drink the soup with reckless abandon herself. She held herself back and simply shoved the same spoon into the soup before filling up her plate with the same amount she gave to Dominus earlier.

As per the usual morning routine, Eric went out his way to make sure that everyone was properly fred, especially the wounded Sally and Will. After making sure he left a plate full of soup for them, he joined Dawn and Dominus on the table.

Then after that, it was breakfast time. None of them talked during this period, but Dawn could go with it just fine for once as long as it’s breakfast.

Then something unexpected happened.

“Can I have more?” Dominus looked onto the two other occupants with expectant eyes. Dawn couldn’t say no to those eyes, after all that’s happened all the time ever since Dominus joined this weird group of friends.

Just as her hoof moved to grab the ladle, an arm head beat her to it. “Let me...” Eric courteously offered and re-filled Dominus’ plate once more. It took no time for the bird to dunk his beak again to fill his mouth with the wonderful taste.

A few minutes later, the plates have been emptied of their contents and the eaters are all satisfied. “

“Ah, that was some good stuff there. Dude, you’re the best.” Dominus patted his stomach as he laid back on the table.

. “I’m full.” Dawn gratefully nodded for the fine food. “Thanks for the food again.”

Eric nodded from across the table. “Don’t mention it.”

That brought up another matter that needs doing, what Eric had promised to do the night before. “So....you going to tell us?”

Eric flinched inwardly for that part as he realized what she’s hinting at. “...right, that.”

Poor Dominus couldn’t help but eyeball the two sitting on each side of the table. “Right....that? Dude, what is going on here?” For some reason, Dominus felt that he won’t like the answers.

Dawn forgot that Dominus is still left out of the loop. She scratched her head as usual. “Uh, Eric wanted to tell us something important. Something about what happens the night before.”

“The night before?” Dominus put a wing under his beak in thought, then his eyes widened in realization. “Oh, about the part where Grandpa Sarcastic end up all beaten up? I pity Sally, dude, but not Grandpa Sarcastic. I’d say he deserved it.” The Rufflet felt good that he could say that.

“Not the way I would put it, but yeah, that.” Dawn wondered many times if Dominus was still ticked off with Will. Guess that answered the question.

“And Eric’s gonna tell us how Grandpa ended up like that? No reason to keep the suspense up. It’s getting uncomfortable enough as it is.”

Dawn scratched her head once more, then turned to the Hydreigon. “Eric?”

Seeing that the Rufflet had a point, Eric sighed in surrender. “Alright, then, brace yourselves. This might be shocking.”

The Hydreigon had recounted the events of the day before, all the way from the Tentacruel assault to the Phantom Thief Fox’s reappearance in Equus (which should have been impossible). He knew he had been wholly wrong though, or else Fox shouldn’t have been here. However, he could brood all he wanted later, for an explanation was in order.

It took just a few minutes of storytelling for them to get the gist of the whole thing. It helped that Eric summarized the whole thing.

“Yeah....and that’s what happened.” With the story-telling done, now came the hard part - is two friends’ reaction. Judging from the look on their faces, their minds had gone off somewhere at the moment.

Dominus’ mind caught up first. “Dude....”Eric braced himself for whatever rant that is to come. “That’s.....so. Cool!”

Honestly Eric didn’t expect that kind of response.

“...what do you mean?” He had an inkling to why.

“What do you mean? Dude, you just told us you literally went to the sea to rescue some stallion off some mangly Tentacruels and gave them a good taste of Thunder! That screams pure coolness. After that, you chased the Phantom Thief Burglars, whoever she is and even though you failed, I wanted to see you guys fight!” Then his expressions dropped. “And I missed all of it...that’s a shame.”

Eric was simply relieved that one wasn’t going to chew him out. “So...I don’t think you’re angry with me then?”

The look of incredulously is placed on Dominus’ face. “You kidding? Eric, dude, I’ll make it simple for us, you guys are a hero. And why would I call you guys that? That’s because you guys went out of your way to fight some Tentacruels for some stallion then you guys tried to fight off some burglars...and fail...that’s beside the point, though...and partly all of that because you guys just screams coolness.” The last part made Dominus shirk back, inwardly hoping that Eric wouldn’t take offense.

It was far from that. “....glad to hear that.”

Though one word keeps replaying in his mind.

Eric knew he was far from being called a hero. No, it was way far from that. “I’m no hero...” He muttered to himself.

Thankfully Dominus hadn’t heard that (and neither did he need to. He heard everything he needed to know.) “Well, Eric, you made a delicious meal as always, dude But I want to get away from grandpa grumpy when he wakes up. Catch up with you guys later. Oh, and I think you broke Dawn, dude. Might wanna do something about that.” The Rufflet waltzed out of there like nothing had happened, jumping down from the table and right out the backdoor.

Eric couldn’t blame the Rufflet, considering how Will ended up, he might wind up more sarcastic than ever. If he even managed to shut his mouth during this time, it would be quite the feat, but unlikely. Eric turned to see Dawn’s slack-jawed expression.

Out of all of this, Dawn remained unresponsive. It is time to bring her mind back into the waking world. “Dawn....”

Dawn couldn’t believe it, all of that happen while she’s back at home? She had to know. “Are you serious? I don’t believe it...Tartarus, I can’t believe it all.” She had seen many things in her life, but this about took the cake.

“...yeah, I’m pretty serious. What I told you is the truth, all of it happened the night before.”

Over the past few days quickly learned that when asked Eric would tell the truth whenever asked. She still had a hard time believing it though. “Let me get this straight. You were spending time at the beach like nothing is wrong, but then some stallion needed help, and then you helped him without any injuries. After that, you saw an infamous thief and saw fit to take her down, but it backfired instead. That brings us to pretty much right now, where the three of you showed up at my doorstep all bruised up.”

“Pretty much.”

It was unbelievable, and would have been if it came from any mouth other than Eric's. Dawn just sighed. “I really, really should have gone out with you guys. Might be able to avoid one or two of those....things.”

“We couldn’t have predicted those....either way, what happens happens. Sometimes there’s just no stopping it.” Eric replied. Silently he hoped that would alleviate her worries now.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Still unbelievable though.”

One problem out of the way, but it still served to bring up one more: the content of the paper still held within Eric's arm head mouth. Eric knew he had to do it now, otherwise the chance might slip from his grasp. “Dawn....”

“Huh?” Turning to face Eric who called her name, she saw his usual stoic expression. “What?”

“I....need to ask about something...or someone that might live around here?”

“Yeah? Wha...who is it?” Dawn was curious now, whatever it is, Eric is sure seems taking his time. That is a sign that something is wrong.

“....is there someone named High Bits living in Vanhoover?”

That...wasn’t what she’s expecting. “....what?”

“I said, is there someone named High Bits living in Vanhoover?” Eric emphasized on the name, hoping that Dawn would hear him clearly.

“Uh, yeah, a noble by the name of High Bits lives here. I don’t make a habit of gossiping around, though I hear that he’s some hardcore collector of fine art.”

Her answered raised Eric’s eyebrow. “....and where does he live?”

“Uh...just up the hill.” This time, Dawn realizes something worrying.

Eric had just asked for somepony’s address.

It wasn’t everyday that someone would ask about a noble known to be a collector of fine arts, especially if that someone was new to this world. She knew that there was a catch, mainly how did Eric even know the name? This caused her curiosity to well-up to the point of overload. She might not be observant like Eric, but she was observant enough to notice things like this.

Her curiosity won over. “Why did you ask about High Bits?”

The atmosphere tensed as Dawn waited for an answered seems to take forever. It came a few seconds later. “....nothing....nothing that will....inconvenience anyone in particular.”

The Bat Pony is well creeped out by the sudden drop in temperature. “I don’t know why, but that sounded ominous.” She now steeled herself to ask him a question. “Seriously, why did you ask that?” Then it dawned on her. “On second though, you’re up to something, aren’t you?”

Just like that, Dawn had guessed right judging with how Eric sighed. “Trust me....it won’t bother anyone.” Eric answered simply, still feeling one particular object clenched within his arm head mouth.

Dawn raised an eyebrow. “Except maybe High Bits, you mean?”

“Yeah....except maybe High Bits.” That creeped Dawn out again. Everytime he didn’t deny whatever it is she had asked, a shiver went down her spine.

Dawn had learned a thing or two about Eric. One of them was how resolute he could be. “....Eric, what are you trying to do?"

“As I said, Dawn, it don’t bother anyone in particular. Certainly not you, and I wouldn’t think about it at all."

“Look, it’s not that, I don’t want a repeat of last night of you running into something out of your head again. You’re my friend and I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

Eric couldn’t help, but felt gratitude for her care. Not only she had still extended her house for prolonged stay, but she also help preparing for their daily needs. “I appreciate the concern, Dawn. But this time, you can be sure that I will be careful.”

The white mare sighed followed with her signature head scratch. “There’s no stopping you, is there?”

Eric nodded wordlessly.

“So, straight up....whatever it is you’re going to do, it’s not something I should worry about, am I right?”

“Pretty much....”

“And it won’t bring you back to me in heap, right?” The curtness in her voice could be felt.

That took Eric a few moment to answer, a fact that Dawn had missed. “...no.”

The answer was unsatisfying, but she felt he won’t change his decision anyway. “Okay, okay, okay, just.....” Dawn scratched her head once more. “...try...I mean, try not to hurt yourself, OK? I won’t stop you, but try not to get yourself hurt. The last thing I need is that you’re the one getting hurt next.”

With the conversation ended, Dawn returned to her corner and her sketch. The bat pony wasn’t at all satisfied with their resulting conversation, but she figured it would have to do in order to dissuade what the Pokemon is planning.

Meanwhile, Eric had gone over to the backyard and stared up at the endless blue sky. His mind is now dead set on one thing and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it. Now.... all Eric had to do was wait.

Once again on the same day, the night had taken over. It was now near midnight Aas tThe city was as silent as a grave, for nopony in their right mind would wander the streets in the middle of the night. They would either stay within the safety of their homes or somepony else’s to spend the night.

But not all ponies are like that, for some didn’t have those luxuries. Within the two-story mansion up the hill, a pony decided that it wa’s a good time to take a nap instead of guarding the door leading outside like he is supposed to do.

Figuring that this is just another uneventful night, the pony fell asleep. After all, who would be crazy enough to pull off some crazy stunt enough to warrant his attention? Considering nothing had happened these last few nights, even with these new creatures appearing out of the woodwork, it was unlikely

Aknock jolted him from his attempted slumber. “Who is it?” The stallion asked as he was rubbing his blurry eyes. “Storm Cloud? Fire Blaze? That you?”

He stood up and looked at the double door in question with a lens on both doors to see whoever it is on the other side. Unfortunately, whoever it is on the other side had avoided his gaze. Either they have ducked under the door or slinked aside, the stallion was betting on the former.

The sound of silence was the only sound heard, the door watch stallion tensing .

Then more knocks.

The stallion sighed. “Look, I told you a thousand times, use the backdoor for crying out loud. The boss doesn’t appreciate someone coming in the front door at night unless it’s urgent.”

Then another three knocks came, causing the stallion to made a deadpan look. “Hey, I told you guys, use the backdoor already! You can’t come in here in night time using the front door!”

The pony waited for a response from the other side of the door. Ten seconds later whoever it was heard him and decided to enter through the backdoor. He sighed in relaxation just as he attempted to get back to his nap. To his dismay the accursed knock happened again that caused him to grit his teeth.

His head jerked toward the door. “Enough with the knocks already! I told you, use the backdoor. Celestia, are you two deaf?” Then as if by a cue, there was another knock.

Feeling that the pony on the other side of the door wasn listen, he marched over to the door in anger. “I swear, if you ponies decided to bother me for no reason, I’m gonna-” Just as he opened the door outward, what he didn’t expect is that the door swung inward violently, slamming into his snout painfully.

He unleashed a muffled cry as he felt something grab the back of his head and he heard a crack as his head slammed into the mahogany door before going off into dreamland. The attacker revealed himself to be Eric as he floated over the unconscious stallion.

Eric’s eyes stared as he tried to take everything in. Two grand staircases that curved right and left respectively that lead toward the second floor with wooden railing, possibly mahogany. The floor is wooden, but constantly polished judging from how it reflected the light from the crystal chandelier that hung from the ceiling.

But Eric arrived here for a reason, and the reasons doesn’t include being impressed at the decor of the house.

His head jerked to the left as he heard a door knob clicked open. Three white and yellow stallions emerged from the doorway with frantic looks on their faces. “Hey, what’s wrong? We heard some-“ The stallion’s words died in his throat when they saw their friend’s unconscious form.

One thing wass made clear: an intruder is in sight. The stallions bewildered expressions were quickly replaced with scowls. “GET HIM!” All of them went into action and circled the Hydreigon.

The Hydreigon himself quickly got into action. As he heard the sound of galloping hooves coming behind him, he slammed his elbow into a stallion’s neck before finishing by slamming the stallion’s head violently against a glass cabinet, leaving the poor stallion’s head stuck in it. Seeing two hind hooves coming his way to his left, resolving not to make the same mistake a few days earlier, he quickly floated aside and locked the stallion’s left hind leg with his arm before violently flipping him over with a grunt before he felt a sharp blow administered onto his face. The Hydreigon stared at the stallion on the ground in silence...out of nowhere, he suddenly jerked his right elbow backward, revealing a stallion with the-now bloodied snout as the elbow managed to land a hit.

Gripping his muzzle, the stallion cried in pain, the sound muffled by his hoofs gripping it. Before he could do anything else the hydra assailant grabbed his mane and followed up with two sharp blows against his stomach before slamming his head against the hard wooden floor for a good measure.

Floating up the stairs, he witnessed two double doors leading off somewhere. Judging from how stylish it looked from the intricate ornate decoration carved into both doors middle, Eric figured that the door must have lead somewhere important.

“Might as well check it out. Hope it leads me somewhere.”

Just as his head about to turn the knob, he stopped as quickly as he touched it as his mind flashed to remember an unfortunate event in the past “Maybe I should check it out first. Don’t want to repeat the same mistake twice.”

Eric had no intention of repeating it again anytime soon.

Learning from his mistakes last time, he slowly put the side of his head against the door, attempting to listen for any suspicious sounds within. The Brutal Pokémon did this for for a few seconds, but his attempt were fruitless.

He sighed, tension leaving his body. “No one’s in there...” He was proven wrong when he heard hoofsteps that slowly got louder.

It would seems that his caution is founded.

As quickly as he had widened his eyes in realization, he floated backward as the door banged open, revealing a bipedal creature charging toward him. Before Eric could think twice a powerful blow tuck him, expelling the air from his his lungs as he was sent flying painfully into a banister.

“Well, look who it is. The goody-goody savior of the ponies.”

With a groan, he took a good look at whoever it is that had tackled him. His right eyebrow rose upon witnessing a creature he hasn’t seen first hand except in a book until now. “....a minotaur.”

True to word, the one that had tackled him had revealed himself to be a burly, muscular, bipedal, therianthropic ox-like creature that could easily tower over other less manly minotaurs. To Eric’s surprise the minotaur was wearing some kind of suit and a simple white shirt underneath the jacket.

Eric instantly figured what occupation he is. “...you’re a bodyguard.”

“You know.... after seeing you as the first of your strange creatures that’sI’ve never seen before I’ve been thinking of adding you to my ‘wall’. You are a strange hydra, and the same could be said for your tiny dragon friend. Though the weird bubble creature you got there with you....” The minotaur made a gagging sound. “...no, it wouldn’t fit at all at my wall.”

“Shame the boss wouldn’t let me. Too much attention he says. But you? With you coming here, you just fulfilled my wish, A Golden opportunity just fell into my lap.”

”So....what do you say? If you are willing to give yourself in I promise it won’t hurt…...much.” The minotaur spread out his arm in both sides, as if he is willing to follow his promise.

Eric knew better than to take the offer,staring at the minotaur in rage.. Inwardly, he’s disgusted at the implication.

“Oh, don’t play the smart guy on me. I know that you can understand me.” Eric didn’t give him the satisfaction of an answer. “Oh, not in a talking mood, huh? Or are you the strong, silent-type kind of creature?”

To his further amusement, the hydra-like creature still didn’t gave any answer from the main head’s mouth. “Ah, it’s okay, I don’t need you to say anything anyway. Because you’re going to my wall one way or another!” The minotaur smiled that almost threatened to split his face in half while cracking his big knuckles. “Let’s do this!”

With a final crack of his neck the minotaur charged forward with his right hand pulled back.

As soon as he closed the distance, he made a vicious right hook, the strike just barely missing Eric for he had ducked just in time. Before the minotaur could react Eric landed a simple uppercut to the jaw that sent the burly minotaur stumbling back.

He rubbed his jaw where the uppercut had land a hit on him sneering in satisfaction. “Good. It looks like you weren’t so helpless after all. I...don’t like helpless prey, they all make it waaaay too easy for me.”

Realizing the implication, Eric resisted the urge to shudder. “This guy...he’s sick. It seems he has a sadistic streak from the way he talks. I doubt he would even follow up with his promise.” Eric pursed his lips.

“Try to make this a little bit more interesting for me, yeah? It would be bad for you to go down a little too early.” He flexed his muscle a few times as he prepared himself once more.

That act didn’t go unnoticed by Eric. ”From the looks of things, it looks like this minotaur packs the punch of a Slaking. Or maybe he’s high on steroids. Either way, I need to be more careful with this guy or else I could end up in this minotaur’s....’collection’.”

His thoughts were cut off when the minotaur charged. Eric’s reflexes quickly went into play as a right hook answered the charge sending the minotaur back. “You’re good,” the minotaur spat out, “But not good enough!”

Eric shielded himself with his arm just in time to receive a haymaker, the force of the blow reverberating through his arm. For a moment Eric wondered what would have happened if that kind of blow was against him when he was still human..

For now Eric shifted from offense to defense, dodging several of the guard’s punches just in time.. He quickly retaliated when he parried a straight punch, slamming his arm into his face and stomach before the minotaur’s face is introduced into the banister.

Eric had expected the minotaur to be knocked out by that, but he was wrong. AN elbow shoot into his stomach, the air in their lungs escaping as a silent scream. Luckily was able to lean backward to avoid a reverse roundhouse kick. The minotaur took his stance once more, and he went at it again.

From what Eric could see, the minotaur tried - and failed - to become a martial arts master. His kicks were uncoordinated and he could feel the strength of each blow that he blocked were not as strong whencompared to a punch. Eric was able to lean backward with each sloppy roundhouse kick, but his escape route was cut off when his back hit the door.

“Not now!” He muttered in annoyance.

With his target having nowhere to run, the minotaur grinned knowing the fight would be over in his favor. The Hydreigon had other plans, charging head on and unleashing a brutal uppercut into the minotaur’s stomach that sent him crashing into the doors .

Not wanting to make wrong assumptions again , Eric floated backward toward the railing, allowing the minotaur time to catch his bearings.

The bodyguard leaned against the door and glanced over his shoulder toward the waiting Hydreigon, this intruder proving that victory would not be simply given to him.

Out of rage, he glanced over at the three-headed hydra before hunching over. Eric prepared himself on whatever the minotaur is going to do. “HRAAAH!” What the Hydreigon didn’t expect was for the the minotaur to charge at him, spreading both arms out to both sides.

Befor Eric coudl react the minatoru grabed him into a bear hug and tightened his grip. Eric cried helplessly as he was literally carried by the minotaur against his will. He suddenly heard the sound of wood being splintered before breaking, sending both falling toward the awaiting hard wooden floor.

The Hydreigon braced himself for the feeling of pain to come. That pain came a lot sooner than he expected as the height difference between both floors weren’t that far.Coupled with the added weight on top of him, the landing has made a number on his back.

Groaning painfully Eric tried to wriggle his arm free from the minotaur death hug whose face is buried in his stomach. “Damn, this guy is heavy!” He cursed under his breath. “...at least...I think...he’s...knocked out.”

He was wrong once more when the arms around him twitched and resumed their work in restraining him. “You’re still awake? You sure are resilient.” The minotaur taunted, glaring at bemused face with amusement. . ”Good. I like resilient!”

“Crap!”

The minotaur gritted his teeth as his prey attempted to wriggle free from his vice-like grip. “Be quiet and stay still!” The burly minotaur pulled his right arm back and punched Eric across the face, the force of the blow causing him to spit out some blood.

Eric still tried to wriggle free as two more blows came into his face. Then a familiar urge came, his eyes widened upon instantly realizing the prospect of knowing what would happen. “No, I can’t....it’ll kill him!” The urge had become stronger. The minotaur pulled back his arm again for another blow.

“I can’t! Not again!”

In a last ditch effort to save himself from his dark desire, Eric lunged his head into the Minotaur. The strike hit the minotaur’s face on the snout, whom reflexively loosened his deathgrip.

That served as an opportunity to punch the minotaur aside.Quickly from freeing himself, Eric quickly floated up and away from the downed minotaur.

The minotaur glared at Eric with undying fury in his eyes. “Why you little....” Grinning, he quickly armed himself with a splintered piece of wood before charging at Eric with murderous intent.

Eyes widened to the size of dinner plates as the minotaur took a swing., Thinking fast Eric leaned back to dodge, the improvised weapon barely missing him. The next thing Eric was dodging a hurricane of swings, dodging and leaning in all directions to keep the weapon out of his personal space bubble.

“Sit still, you little freak!” Unexpectedly, the Hydreigon did exactly that, floating backwards before staying still. Seeing the chance, he attempted to punch the wood straight into his foe’sthroat.

The strike never met it’s mark as Eric quickly parried the strike followed by this other arm head grabbing the minotaur’s trusting arm. Before the minotaur could think of a way to counter Eric released his grip to quicky send two jabs into his stomach. .

The guard was then struck by an elbow slamming into his arm with a sickening crack.

A scream that could rival the Royal Canterlot Voice burst from the minotaur's throat, the wooden shard finally falling from his iron grip. Before the weapon could land on the ground a waiting arm head grabbed it and gave the weapon an new owner. . The makeshift weapon finally fell from his grip, only to be grabbed by a waiting arm head.

The last words the minotaur heard was “Shut up!” just as the blunt end of the wood slammed into the back of the bodyguard’s head.

Eric quickly let go just as the broken arm in his grip went limp and it’s owner fell to the ground face first, causing another crack to be heard. Heavy breathing could be heard echoing throughout the suddenly silent foyer of the mansion as Eric floated all by his lonesome, staring at the minotaur downed form.

As soon as his breathless lungs has been filled again, he quickly floated over the minotaur to head up toward the second floor once more. He would have until he stopped dead in his tracks and glanced at the minotaur unmoving form.

Staring at the minotaur, he tensed up, expecting him to rise up again like some demented cockroach. Fortunately the burly male didn’t rise up like he had expected. “....... Just in case.”Eric attempted to kick kick the minotaur to make sure, before suddenly realizing he now lacked legs.. “Dammit. I really need to get used to my new body.”

Even after starting to get used to a newer fighting style that only utilizes only punches and arms, Eric still acted like he was still a human when it came to movement.

Still aware of the piece of wood held/bitten in his right arm head. He knew what he could do with it. “Probably the only thing I could do without legs.” Twirling it around, he flung the blunt end of the wood as hard as he could into the minotaur’s head. He could hear the sound of skull being struck by something hard and waited for any indication that he is still conscious.

As soon as he was sure the minotaur really was out, Eric floated down nearly to the minotaur’s level and put his right arm head underneath his jaw. Feeling the soft beat against the skin, he sighed with relief. “He’s still alive, good for him.” Out of goodness of his heart, he grabbed the arm that he had broken the moment before before sharply fixed it back into place with a crack. “Sorry for that, but you left me with no other choice.”

After checking the pulse, he floated straight again. “And if he were still conscious after that blow....he wouldn’t be now.” Eric mumbled with weariness in his tone before floating away toward the staircase. Taking one last look toward the carnage he had caused, he floated up back the stairs.

Meanwhile, a pony with a coat of magenta and a blood red mane paced back and forth in his office. A few minutes ago he only got a glimpse of the intruder, but his bodyguard’s over muscled body got in the way before the door closed, preventing him from identifying the intruder. . Then, from out of nowhere, a bang against the door could be heard followed by the voice of his bodyguard screaming just a moment ago.

It was obvious who won the fight. It should have been easy...what in Tartarus is taking him so long. “Hey, Clarence, you done out there?” He waited for a few moment, no answer came. “Clarence? Answer me, you fool!”

Anxiety overrode common sense as he strode toward the door, but still sensible enough not to open the door immediately. Instead, he put his ear against the door. Without warning, the door opened inward knocking him down, revealing the object of his nightmares.Terror seized his being, and he scrambled backward as fast as he could, but it was no good as his back hit the desk of his office.

“What....who are you!? Clarence!” He called out toward his bodyguard frantically as the Hydreigon menacingly advanced toward him. “Clarence! Clarence! For Celestia sake, help me!”

Clarence’s failure to answer served as Clarence’s answer, and the feeling’s of feat amplified within the stallion. . It was just him and the three-headed hydra. “No...no, please...”

Two arm heads quickly seized the collar of his suit before he felt being lifted up. The glare that the Hydreigon made could burn through steel. “Please...please, don’t hurt me!”

The reaction made the Hydreigon pause, and he let go of his victim, dropping him to the floor in heap. “..dreigon...”

The stallion didn’t expect the hydra to just release him like that, but he felt relieved. That relief quickly turned to nothingness when the Pokémon spoke. “...Hydreigon...”

On cue, another Pokémon unknown to him floated in, this one was covered in bandages around the mid-section and the right arm in a sling.

The grin that the bubbly thing gave off was unnerving. He glanced right to his fellow Pokémon. “Will, did you do it?”

“Of course,” Will give off his signature grin once more. “Lucky for them, I had the courtesy to fix the abnormality within their minds.They’ll have a nice experience of grogginess in the morning.”

He nodded, it is time. ”Then you know what to do.”

The stallion noticed that they’ve been staring at each other for nearly a minute. Figuring that it’s the best chance to slip, he tried to slink around them unseen. His efforts are in vain, as his body suddenly seized up.

The Reuniclus just made a sideway glance at the stallion as his body glowed blue. ”And where do you think you’re going? Bad stallion, mommy should teach you how to not escape while adults are talking. Now will be a good opportunity to teach you a lesson or two in manners.”

The stallion didn’t understand how the pokemon could speak his language now, nor did he need to. That terrified him even more.“Wha....what kind of freaks are you!?” The stallion exclaimed in alarm,

Before he could react, the bubbly creature thrust his left arm forward. The stailion then felt like his life was flashing before his eyes like in a near death experience knowing he was certainly not dying at the moment. Every single thing that had happened tonight and the day before flashed before his eyes. From receiving the news that the shipment had been lost, finding out that the captain of the barge where his shipment was in had been hospitalized, and an intruder that have found it’s way to his estate.

It finished almost as soon as it is started, ending with him slumping even further from the wake of the mental assault. “....who-” He didn’t finish his sentence as a head rammed against his cheek, cutting him off from the waking world.

Will whistled. “Nicely done, Eric. Try it on a rock next time, I’m sure it would love to be kissed by your fist. Oh wait, it’s a head this time.”

The Hydreigon ignored the sarcasm entirely, his eyes still glued to the stallion’s face as he expected him to jump up like some madpony would. But then, another immediate problem drew his attention, mainly the spot in front of the desk where the stallion had leaned his back onto when he backpedaled away from him.

It came loose.

His curiosity got the better of him once more as he shoved the stallion to the side and allowed the loose piece of the table to came off. The contents inside revealed itself to be nothing more than plain black book, which wouldn’t look important unless it is to be found on top of the table. All in all, it just screams importance when found in a secret panel like this.

Eric gingerly took it and shoved it at his companion. “Will, hold on to this.”

“Oh, what is this? Looks like the stallion is smart enough kept some interesting secrets out of the reaches of henchman’s mischievous hooves. The naughty stallion deserved a commendation.“ He turned the book all around, attempting to take the shape into mind.

“We’ll check on that later, for now, what have you got from his head?”

“What, no thank you for my help? Really, I’m insulted.“ Eric raised an eyebrow as a reply. “I’d say it’s a good night to store something within the cold and damp basement. Who says it’s a bright idea to store things in a damp place anyway? Must be lacking brain cells, that’s something new.”

Ignoring his sarcasm, Eric turned toward the door. “....Will, watch him and everyone else. I’m going downstairs to check on the basement you mentioned.”

The Reuniclus just shrugged. “Good idea, they’ll probably wake up and try to whack me.”

Once again, the Hydreigon gave no reply as he exited the room through the open doors

Eric stared at the door in question. His right arm head went over toward the door knob, clutching it before opening the door with a click.

Slowly, he opened it,tensing his limbs for any immediate attack. Instead, only silence and darkness greeted him on the other side, with staircase going down.

“If what Will said about the information is correct, it should be down here….” Staring into the darkness,Eric shrugged internally before floating inside.

As Eric floated into the darkness,he squinted his eyes in an attempt to get used to the darkness of it, yet it yielded no results. Seeing it has no use whatsoever, he felt the wall to his right as he went down the stairs.

He felt that his right arm head left the feeling of brushing the wall as he goes. “It looks like I reached the basement. If this house follows up the structure of any basement should have some kind of light switch. I just have to find it and switch it on.” He muttered as he felt the wall that turned the corner as soon as he hit the basement.

After a few seconds of feeling his way toward any switch, he found some kind of bump on the wall. “....looks like I found it.” Immediately, he clicked it on and the Hydreigon widened his eyes to almost dinner-plate sized as a glowing chair came at his face.

“DIE MONSTER!”

With reflexes to spare, he put up both arms and felt the force of the wooden chair shattering against it with the force of the blow sending him onto his back.

Seeing the opportunity, the unicorn stallion went in for the final blow and charged like a mule with his horn pointed forward in an attempt to pierce the three-headed monster.

“I’m not going to repeat the same mistake again!” Eric floated back up as quickly as possible, but it was too late, the stallion is already upon him.

The stallion charged blindly into the assumed position of his prey. Judging from the distance, he felt odd that he had continued his charge instead of the feeling of bumping into something. He didn’t have any chance to find out when an arm locked around his neck.

The next thing the stallion knew, his body made contact with something hard, it shattered upon impact, it spilled whatever contents is inside. Before he could get back onto his four hooves, he felt something bit down on his mane. That is the last feeling he had before he could hear the crack of his own skull being slammed into the concrete floor.

Eric breathed heavily as he stared at the stallion whose mane is in the mouth of his right arm head. Noticing the limpness of the stallion, he let go of the mane.

“Son of a...how could I be so careless? Of course, they would have a guard in here.” Eric made an annoyed grunt as he took in the sight of the basement.

It’s just like what your typical basement would, only it would have been bare, except that there are crates, crates and one crates after another.

“Eh?” The voice brought Eric head swiveling over his shoulder to see the Reuniclus had found his way into the basement, with the book from earlier still in his Psychic grasp. “Looks like I missed a party again, I sure would love to be in one. What’s with you leaving me out of parties tonight?”

Instead of answering his sarcastic question, he motioned for Will to come over. “Will, take a look at him. Make sure he won’t remember us.”

“Yes, sir.” Will saluted sarcastically then he thrust his left arm forward toward the downed stallion. He is helpless as the memory he had of the Hydreigon assailant is edited. “Done, should be nice hangover he’ll experience in the morning.”

Nodding, Eric called for him. “Will, come over here. I need to check on something.” He would want to see.

“Something good enough for me to see? Oh, boy.” He floated over to Eric and stood beside him. He quickly found out what made Eric distressed earlier. “Nice collection they got going here.” Will nodded sarcastically.

“I’ve seen enough to know.” Eric nodded grimly, finding out that the information was correct didn’t sit well with him. “High Bits is smuggling illegal artifacts into the country and out, mainly...pieces of history that should have found themselves in museums.”

“Big surprise, as if magical pony land is any different with earth. I will kneel and beg for forgiveness if I am proven wrong.” Will offhandedly said.

The evidence is damning, from the contents of the broken crate to everything else that Eric and Will checked inside the crate that they had pried open. Everything contain massive amount of artifacts that have found it’s way here. Statues, idols, paintings, scrolls, medieval weapons, none were spared. All of them are illegal. It wasn’t art as Dawn mentioned, it was all illegal artifacts.

Eric didn’t need more evidence, he had enough. “We have all we need, let’s get out of here.” Without another word, Eric floated toward and up the stairs.

“Looks like happy time is over, eh?” The Reuniclus grinned as he followed his trainer up the stairs.

Soon, they found themselves floating away from the ransacked mansion. Even the guards outside weren’t spared from Eric’s fist or Will’s memory alteration ability. They wouldn’t remember anything regarding whoever hurt them. Every scene, every detail, they would remember, but the one who did this to them? It would came up blank.

Both stopped at the road leading down the hill toward the suburbs. Noticing the ominous black cloud above, Eric had made another decision. “Alright, here’s what we’re going to do. I’m going to head to the police station, while you go back to Dawn’s house, Will.”

The sound of insects could be heard when everything went silent. Will’s sarcasm mode tore through it. “Anymore brilliant ideas you’re going to share with me? Seriously, at times I think you’re trying to make me into dead meat whenever Sally decides to ask me, ‘oh, where is Eric, my dear friend Will’.” The Reuniclus grinned complete with a faux imitation of Sally’s voice. “Sure, let’s try that, but what makes you think that I will leet you out of my sight this time? Like I said, I will cry mommy and sell you out to Sally if she asks.”

As much as Eric wanted to rub his head, he resisted the urge to do so. “....The fact that you’re still recovering from the fight with the thief is proof enough that you need some rest. I’m fine and uninjured, so I can handle things from here. The night is taxing enough as it is, not to mention that it will probably rain soon.”

Now, it was Will’s turn to resist the urge to facepalm. “Dawn’s right you know. You can be so observant at times that is it nice to point out everything you’ve seen? Impressive if you ask me.”

“Will....” Eric was in no mood to deal with his sarcasm right now, he made it clear through his tone.

And Will noticed enough to know. He scoffed. “Sure, whatever. Try to think of a more good plan next time with that impressive brain of yours.” Unfortunately, his trainer didn’t dignify him with an answer.

The Reuniclus took that as a sign to follow his trainer’s wishes. “Come back soon. Try not to start anymore parties, everyone is trying to sleep.” Will waved before floating down the hill, book in tow.

As soon as Will is out of his sight, he brought the crumpled up paper up to his face again. As soon as any sign of abnormalities isn’t evident, he floated down the road, toward the police station.

Soon, he stopped dead at the police station that was located in the suburbs. It wasn’t hard to locate it, considering it’s bigger than the other buildings around it. It was smaller than the one found in downtown district, but Eric knew that this will serve his purpose.

Getting close to the closed up door, he took one last glance toward the paper before he smoothed it out. After that is done, he floated as low as he could and slipped the paper inside. The evidence they needed to finish this is now in their hands.

Knowing that the cops...or guards or whatever they got going as a police force would do the rest, he left the area.

The ominous black clouds that had gathered had began rumble with lightning. Eric looked up at the sky, frowning. “...looks like rain is coming.” He knew that will happen, yet he didn’t make any attempt to pick up the pace.

And it did, the sky began to unleash it’s payload of tears into the city. First from simple drizzle, then to outright heavy rains.

If one were to be caught in a rain, they would immediately scramble for any form of cover over the splashing water. This doesn’t happen to Eric. instead of running for cover over his head, he slowly tilted his head to look upward toward the black clouds that had gathered, casting shadow over the city in the already dark night.

Eric closed his eyes as he tilted his head to look up toward the dark skies. Rainwater running down his face as if it carries the burden that he had endured for years. The Hydreigon opened his eyes again, reality can be so harsh at times, this one isn’t any different.

“How fitting for rain to come right now.” He muttered, just as a bolt of lightning in the distance brightened the darkness for a moment. “.....everything has gotten worse before. The next thing I know that it will happen either way.”

Shaking his head with a sigh, Eric floated down the street, not paying any heed to his drenched form.

The streets are barren of ponies, not even hair nor hide of Pokémon can be seen. That is not uncommon, since nopony would wander around looking to be mugged at this time of night or willing to drench themselves in rainwater. That served the Hydreigon just fine. He just wanted to go home as soon as possible.

The former human reached the block where Dawn lived, the suburbs. It wasn’t that long considering that High Bits house was just up the hill.

Dawn’s home was within sight following a few minutes of rainwater. Silently, he floated forward.

His vision becoming clearer and clearer as his destination became larger. There didn’t seem to be anything out of place, except for one little thing. “Hmmm?” With narrowed eyes. They soon became wide the moment he laid eyes upon whoever it is that had taken shade beneath a tree in Dawn’s front yard.

Out of the things that he expected to happens next, which were all unpleasant, this was not on the list. His eyes lay on a familiar friend, another one that he hadn’t seen since all of this had started. It’s a moth, a Volcarona to be precise.

Eric couldn’t help, but make sure. “....hey, are you-“ That went south fast, the moment the Volcarona heard the voice, he quickly flew as fast as those bug wings could carry him and slinked behind the tree.

The Volcarona peeked his head to the left of the trunk, eyes wide with fear. “P-please, uhm, I don’t want any trouble, Mr. Hydreigon.” The moth said softly, not wanting to offend the Hydreigon.

The Hydreigon had to prevent himself from rubbing his head. It seemed clear to him now that he had found one of his friend. “...same behaviour. It has to be him.” He muttered, unheard by the timid Volcarona. “Will, must’ve missed him, or Alex just recently arrived.”

He shook his head to get rid of such thoughts. Brooding can wait until later, for now he need to convince the Volcarona. “....Alex, I-“ The fact that the Hydreigon knew his name didn’t serve to curb his worries, instead, he slinked more behind the tree.

“...I wonder if everyone else is going to act like this.” The Hydreigon muttered in annoyance. “Helen, won’t, but everyone else...I have to wonder about that, but later.”

It seems he has no choice, but to unleash his secret knowledge. “....I was in Reversal Mountain. When I was eating, I carelessly left my bag open beside a rock. When I went to get my bag I found someone who was happily munching my supply of poffins. turns out to be a Larvesta. Knowing that Larvesta live within volcanic region, I saw an opportunity, and I decided to unleash an Archeops to catch that Larvesta. But as it turns out, he was smarter than I expected as he cleverly used the mountain’s holes and maze-like structure to lose us. After a little bit of dirt here and there, we managed to catch the moth, which I immediately let out of the Pokéball so I could introduce myself and nickname him....Alexander.”

It didn’t take long for a dawn of realization flashes before the Sun Pokémons eyes. Could it be? Is it really who he thought it is? “....Eric....is it really you?“ It was unbelievable, but if what the Volcarona heard correctly three days ago, there are many former humans that have ended up as a Pokémon.

Eric nodded curtly. “It’s me, Alexander. Or should I say...Alex....” That serve as the catalyst to the Volcarona since he knew that a few people uses human sounding nickname. If that wasn’t enough, the familiar voice would serve to ram the final blow.

Eric didn’t expect a blur to ram into his chest, but he still stood straight, thankfully. “Eric!” The Hydreigon didn’t resist as the Volcarona rested against his chest. The warmth of the Sun Pokémon is felt even within the dead of the rain.

“Eric...” The Volcarona sobbed into his chest. Relieved that he could finally have someone close offer him comfort that he had dearly missed. “I’m so glad, you’re alright.”

The bug could feel a comforting pat on his back. “....it’s okay, Alex, it’s okay.” It was strangely comforting, but he accepted the feeling.

“It seems....things didn’t get worse. I can be wrong at times.” The rare smile had tugged his lips once more, more than happy that Alex is back with him.

But comforting thoughts can wait for later, since now he had another companion return to him. “Let’s go, Alex.”

Alex looked up at his trainer with curious eyes that could be found on a child. “Uhm, to where?” The moth asked softly.

“....where the others are.....home...” Without another word, Eric clutched Alex to his chest as he floated down the path with Dawn’s home in mind.

For some reason.....his body overflowed with a feeling of peace.

Play this as closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUmtn-BMB6o

Chapter 10 : Metamorphosis

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I knew very well what fame would do to you. All the praises, all the benefits of fame, it can either go to your head or you just ignore it entirely, I chose the latter. I never myself as a hero because I'm never one to begin with. I'm just doing what anyone would do should they be in my situation. In other words, I had to adapt - Eric Angelo

Play this as opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLaA3ozGz7Q

“...Tell me again, Eric, what part of my brain refuses to comprehend the fact that we now have this fine gentleman here with us?”

Said ‘gentleman’ was now peeking over the low counter that separated Dawn’s work place from the living room.

It didn’t surprise a certain pony that a new guest had found it’s way to her home, granted that Dawn had seen strange things the last few days. He was certainly a strange sight, he...looked like a moth...a giant moth. He appeared to have compound eyes that are two shades of blue, with a red horn-like structure on each side of its face. The fuzz on his upper body is smoky white and tangled. His abdomen is black in the center and light blue with black dots on the outside. He has six leaf-like wings that are orange in color and have small black spots.

The day had started and already Will had assaulted his friend with another daily dose of sarcasm. This resulted in a varying degree of reactions ranging from facepalms, deadpan stares, the urge to rub the forehead, annoyance and most of all, shyness.

“.....I found Alex in front of ou-Dawn’s home.” Eric said from where he sat.

Will scoffed in dismissal. “Yeah, tell me something I don’t know, like how did our cute little bug here decided to make an entrance right in front of our fair lady’s home?”

“....I’m not little.” A soft voice from the other side of the counter made itself known.

Eric sighed, the urge to rub his forehead returning. “I don’t care how he got here, as long as he’s back, then it’s fine.”

As much as Dawn wanted to dismiss this, she herself wanted to know what a giant moth that seems to radiate warm for no reason was in her house to begin with. “I hate to say this, but...grandpa sarcastic has a point. C’mon, dude, spill, who is the Volcarona in Dawn’s house?”

Dominus took the word right out of her mouth. She scratched her head sheepishly. “Yeah, that...”

“Ah,” Will pivoted around to address the mare the two. “Lady Dawn, Rufflet kid, may I introduce you to our lovely little chef. Top-rate guaranteed. And probably going to cook us alive during his first day of work.”

That made the mare’s eyes to grew by several inches. “He’s going to what!?” She decided that it was best to slink away a little bit farther. She knew now why the Pokémon radiated warmth. Dominus just made an annoyed stare.

“...er....I won’t cook anyone.” The voice rebutted, though it lacked power, considering how soft it was.

“Cook is the wrong word, Alex. More like deep fry.” The Reuniclus mock-wiped his non-existent nose. “Mhhmm, you got to love the smell of fried pony in the morning.” Dawn stepped back a little further.

Sally decided now it was time to intervene. “Shut up, Will. Don’t make me toss you out the door.” The Dragon pointed a paw at the door.

“Oh?” Will turned with an eyebrow raised. “I mean, why should I? Have a better idea to introduce the kid to our lovely Lady Dawn?”

She growled. “Poor kid is scared enough as it is with you hounding him. And look,” Sally pointed at Dawn who looked uncertain of what to do with the Volcarona. “It’s not helping you got Dawn intimidated at Alex for no reason.”

“Ahh, here we are.” Dawn pointed an arm condescendingly at his teammate. “Hypocrisy at it’s finest or have I forgotten who is was that goes around doing ‘Intimidate’ on our fellow Pokémon and humans? Trust me, things like this will get into the news.”

Sally is doing her best impression at rock-grinding with her sharp teeth clashing.

The craziness that is happening was starting to damage Eric’s psyche. “Please, can we get on with this?”

Will made an exaggerated bow. “Of course, by your leave.”

Inwardly, Eric is relieved, but quickly got back to the pressing matters at hand. “Alright, let me explain a few things about Volcarona and Alex,” Eric’s voice made the Volcarona jump in surprise. “Come over here.”

The Volcarona made an effort to peek out more, but was still unsure. “Uhm, are you sure?”

“Here we go again. Alex’s doing a nice impression of a kicked dog.” He quickly earned a sharp glare from Sally. “Just saying...”

The former human ignored the Reuniclus, instead, he motioned for Alex. “...I’m pretty sure.”

“...okay.” and stood beside his trainer with head low.

“Dawn, Dominus.” He put a head behind Alex and patted him slightly. “This is Alexander, but call him Alex.”

The bug made a small nod. “It’s, uhm, nice to meet you two.”

The Rufflet on top of the Bat Pony’s head put one wing over his chest. “Anytime, dude, glad to have another fellow Pokémon here. Name’s Dominus and this here below me is my partner, Dawn.” The moth nodded softly.

Dawn was still unsure, as evident as she scratched her head once more. “Uh, yeah, sorry, but that doesn’t explain what kind of Pokémon he is. No offense.” The Bat Pony couldn’t hide the curtness in her tone.

Eric decided that it’s time to explain. “Alright, I’m going to sum this up. Volcarona are known by their other name, Sun Pokémon. Their fire are hot and bright enough to replace the sun should they somehow go out or blotted out from the sky. They also known to release fiery scales from their wings to create a sea of fire. It is said that their fires can replace the sun when it is dark with ash, and they have been known to rescue freezing Pokémon. All in all, they are good natured Pokémon and are harmless. Only if you don’t provoke them.”

Will decided it was time to whistle. “What a perfect answer. Full marks for you, my brooder trainer.”

As much as the Rufflet irked at the grandpa, even Dominus himself is impressed. “Dude,” Dominus began. “Where did you learn this stuff?”

“I guess spending a lot of time with books in school and it’ll be drilled into your head.” Eric shrugged.

Intelligent and honest, Dawn had to admire his quirks. “You sure do know a lot about Pokémons.”

“Anyone can learn, you’re no different, Dawn.” The Hydreigon said.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right...again.” Dawn just chuckled this time. “Anyway, it’s good to see you too....Alex.” The Volcarona just made a tiny nod of acknowledgement.

Now that Dawn had seen this moth up-close, he just screams....cute. She had to scratch her head. “You know, now that you mention it. You look....kinda cute...for a moth.” Dawn quickly put her hoof to her mouth.

“Hey, yeah, Dawn. This dude looks kinda tiny for a Volcarona.” Sally had to prevent herself from giggling. Eric just watched the exchange.

The compliments served to make the Volcarona to shirk back in embarrasment. “I, uh....er...”

“Did I hear that right? Sounds like someone said something about ‘I’m a real cutie, take a picture and publish it people’, that kind of thing.” Will answered in his stead. “Yeah, you can give me thanks later.” Sally made another facepalm as Alex black face made an impression of a tomato.

Just then a steaming hiss is heard. “....looks like breakfast is ready.”

Instantly, Dominus glided toward the kitchen door. “BREAKFAST!” And he burst through into the kitchen.

“Who’s the genius who mentioned breakfast that got the kid pumped?” Will grinned. “Oh, yeah, our big and intelligent, trainer.” Eric ignored his sarcastic jab.

Dawn just facepalmed. “Uh, you know what, I’ll just wait in the kitchen.” She high-tailed to the kitchen in an effort to get away from the sarcastic storm.

Sally realized that Dawn had the right idea. “I’ll go for my morning flight in the meantime....and to get away from this sarcastic idiot.” The Dragon emphasized by stretching her wings to their fullest. One still has a bandage wrapped around it.

This fact didn’t go unnoticed by Will. “Careful woman, say bad things like that and you’ll find that your wings will disagree with you. Don’t want you suddenly kissing the ground like lost love when your wings decided to pop a few bones.”

Sally grinded her teeth as she prevented herself from making a retort that could possibly extend the unwanted sarcasm match. She just dropped the matter and went out the door, a soft beating of wings is heard.

“....I’ll just go prepare the meal.” Eric made his way toward the kitchen without another word.

“And,” the Reuniclus’ voice stopped Eric in his tracks who is on his way to the kitchen. “What about this, shall we say, a ‘souvenir’ we got from our lovely night visit to the mansion up the hill?”

Eric already knew what he meant by the ‘souvenir’, but he decided it was best for later. “....we’ll check it out later, or...I will check it out.”

“Whatever you say.” Will levitated said ‘souvenir’ in question from behind him as he grinned. “Guess, I’ll be happy to indulge myself for a while, eh?”

The Hydreigon made no move to reply, instead he just headed to the kitchen, letting Will indulge in whatever was in the book.

That left one Volcarona floated on the spot, confused. Everyone had suddenly forgot about him. “...uhm...what about me?” Sadly, not one heard him.

“Soup again?” Dawn scratched her head.

Eric nodded without looking at them. “...there were still a few leftovers from yesterday. I figured that we might as well finish it.”

Dominus took the liberty of filling his nostrils with the heavenly smell. “Mhmmm, one day, I’m going to ask for your recipe, dude.”

“...sure. I don’t see a problem with that.” He said curtly as he heaved the pot over to the table.

Eric meanwhile, filled three plates full of soup. “Alright, wait here, I’ll go get this to them.” The former human bit down on the plates with his arm heads before leaving the kitchen to bring food to his team. He came back to get the last plate for Sally later before he sat down on the table.

Quietly, he distributed the contents of the pot to Dominus and Dawn before he filled his own plate.

“Soooo....what do we do for today?” Dawn really didn’t know what to do beside finishing her work.

“...if there’s nothing better we could do, I guess I would help you around the house for a little while.” Her friend offered.

Dawn had to prevent herself from facepalming. “Of course, you are. You’re always helping me around the house.”

“Don’t forget about me.” The Eaglet pointed at himself. “Won’t be cool to forget your little old assistant wouldn’t it?”

“Of course, little guy. You’re the best assistant there is.” Reaching over the table, Dawn scratched Dominus’ chin which made him smile in content.

“Alright, then, what are we waiting for, let’s fill our stomachs, dudes.” With that, Dominus dunked his head in.

The cuteness of the scene made Dawn’s heart flutter, she always was a stickler for all things cute. Then, her ears flicked when she heard the soft beating of wings in the back yard signified that Sally came home earlier than expected.

“Hey,” Sally’s head stuck into the kitchen through the back door. “Have you guys seen or heard something this morning?” All eyes in the kitchen homed on the Salamence quickly, wondering what she meant by that.

Dominus was about to dunk his head into his food when Sally came, leaving him with a gaping mouth. “Huh?” He quickly straightened himself. “Sorry, heard nothing over here.”

Eric just shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Dawn scratched her head. “Uh, yeah, sorry...but, I’m not one for gossiping with mares.”

“It’s no problem, everyone has their quirks, I certainly have one. Anyway,” Eric nodded at Sally. “What was it you were about to say? Is it something about your wings?”

“What? No, I’m fine, that’s beside the point.” Sally took a deep breath to signify what is coming. “Anyway, I’ve seen some cops or whatever they got going in this place arresting some sort of rich kid from a mansion up-the-hills. You know, the one with the uniforms?”

Dawn and Dominus’ eyes nearly popped out of her skull. “WHAT!?” Both shouted

“Yeah, and that wasn’t the worse. I decided to fly a little closer to see what was happening and get this, from what I can see, these guys were beaten up.” Early in the morning and Dawn’s world made a little jig again.

“Say what? How some big-shot pony got arrested by the coppers here?” Dominus questioned.

“That’s the thing, I don’t know. Heard some of them say something about that it happen the night before.” The Dragon shrugged.

“Wait, wait, wait, back up a bit. Did you say...the night before, as in, yesterday night?” The white mare dreaded the answer

Sally raised an eyebrow in question. “Yeah, yesterday night. I heard it, Dawn.”

The answer is as she had feared. The Bat Pony still remembered the conversation she had with her three-headed friend last night regarding someone who lived up on the hills. When asked what he is planning to do, he became cryptic. Now that she thought about it, Sally did say, ‘home up on the hills’.

Putting together, home up on the hills, happened the night before, and the conversation, she found one conclusion.

“...Eric.” Turning around, her eyes found the still stoic Hydreigon on the seat. “What did you do?”

Dominus glanced at both the Bat Pony and the former human out of confusion, the same could be said with Sally. “Huh, what did he do?”

Once the words are registered, she paused for a moment. “Wait, you guys didn’t know?”

“Know what?” Dominus tilted his head in confusion. “I don’t know anything Eric’s been doing at night, I’ve been in dreamland remember? The dude’s probably sleeping, so yeah, I don’t know.” The bird shrugged.

Dawn scratched her head with a sigh. “Ooookay...let me explain, then. Eric here,” The white mare pointed at her three-headed friend. “Apparently went to this guy’s house at night. That’s all I know, but Eric apparently got the guy arrested like you said Sally. Because he said, I quote, ‘Yeah, except, High Bits’.”

It didn’t take long for Sally to figure the rest out. She facepalmed. “Eric, for crying out loud, if you’re going to do ‘that’, you should’ve brought me along. I wanted to let out some frustrations too, after that...scum...” Sally forced herself not to snarl at the reminder.

Dawn was unsure what Sally meant by ‘scum’, neither does she want to know. Instead, she continued on. “

“Wait, Dawn, seriously?” Dominus asked with a tilt of his head. “Eric, just got some big-shot pony arrested?”

“Okay, Eric. I know you for quite a while, but what you did....I don’t know....I don’t know if I could trust you if your actions led to somepony being arrested.” Her expression is that of

Eric made no move to say anything whatsoever, he just looked down at his food. Eventually, he sighed. “....I’ll tell you.”

Dawn ears perked up while Dominus and Sally leaned forward in interest. “Uh....you will?” The mare never thought it would be quite easy given how cryptic her friend can be.

The Hydreigon gingerly nodded. “I’ll tell you both....but as you say, you don’t know if you could trust me. It might be pointless .”

Just as Dawn made to say something, she noticed Sally walked over to her trainer and stood by his side. “Dawn, I’ve known Eric for 12 years. I’ve known him ever since I was a kid. I’ve known him since then to now. And you know one thing?”

The atmosphere quickly tensed. Dawn scratched her head in nerveousness. “Uh...what?”

“Dudes, don’t keep us in a suspense. It’s choking us here.” Dominus said impatiently, his mind struggling to find reason why would his friend do something so revolting.

“He never lies to his friend. Twisting the truth to those that he still consider had the benefit of doubt, but never directly tell lies. So you can be sure when he says that he will tell the truth, he will.” Sally resolutely declared.

That was the thing that Dawn had noticed, whenever asked, he always tell the truth. Yesterday night was no different, even if he twisted the truth a little. She sighed with a scratch of her head. “Alright, alright, lay it out on us.”

A smile threatened to split Sally’s face. “Thanks Dawn.” The Dragon glanced right at her trainer. “All yours now, Eric.” Her trainer nodded in reply as she left the kitchen. “And don’t left me out again!”

Eric just sighed at his Salamence’s stubborn insistance. “....anyway, should I start at the beginning?” The Hydreigon offered.

“You know it, dude.”

Eric sighed, knowing that this is the first time he had laid this out to someone else. Granted, Dawn had proven herself trustworthy. “Alright, I’ll try to do this the best I can.” With a deep breath, he began. “I’ve been, or we have been....since I was 18. You can both say that I’m a police officer, but this police officer have no respect for rules or procedures. He’s always had this burning sense of doing the right thing no matter what. Went out his way to go after crime lords and other sorts of criminals outside of the books. He always manages to avoid the public eye completely due to covering his tracks extensively. That’s what I’m doing now.”

This eventually brought Eric back toward the incident two days ago. The very reason why he pursued this goal again. “....Fox.”

“Dude, you mean you’re....” Dominus didn’t need Eric to tell him, the hints he laid enough was enough indicators.

He nodded. “I’m a part-time vigilante, part-time trainer aiming to best every single champion. That’s the truth.”

The dreamly look on Dominus’ face couldn’t be missed. “...vigilante....”

Another unbelievable truth has been laid out, but the word ‘vigilante’ stuck out to her as strange that she completely forgotten about the trainer part. Dawn only half-believed it this time. “Wait, wait, wait, a vigilante, you? Let me get this straight, I’m now harboring a straight up vigilante from another world that somehow got one pony arrested?”

“...yeah.” The Hydreigon nodded.

“And not only that, you’ve been doing this for how many years?”

“....4 years give or take.”

“Yeah, that, and that’s not even counting how many criminals that you’ve...’brought to justice’ before all of this?This explains why you were so insistent on helping a stranger like me.” Dawn rubbed her face in disbelief. “Okay, okay, okay, let me ask you again. Are you really a vigilante? I find this one to be the hardest to believe since this literally takes the cake.”

“I am. Or at least, us. And for the record, Dawn, the stallion that I had a hand in arresting...is hardly innocent. You can believe me that much if you don’t believe if me and my team are vigilantes during our spare time.

“But, but...” She didn’t know what to believe anymore. Now, another unbelievable thing had been shoved to her face. “He’s a philantropist. How can you say he’s a criminal?” Disbelief is all over her tone.

“I will think that the proof will be out in the papers later or tomorrow. It’ll be a hit and won’t be easy to miss.” The Hydreigon answered calmly. “It will be proof enough.”

With the matter out of the way, this brought about another matter outside of it. She opened her muzzle to speak. “And-“

“And I mean what I said about covering my tracks,” Eric cut her off. “They won’t come here anytime soon. No guards or anyone else will know it was me. I promise.”

“Ooookay...I’ll take your word for it.” Eric nodded in satisfaction, happy to know that Dawn would at least gave him a chance. “Let’s just hope, you’re right.”

“.....I wouldn’t get my hopes up. Not like I can do anything about it now.” Eric muttered to himself. Dawn’s ear flicked, yet she let it slide for she had known her friend had muttered again.

Unfortunately, with the matter dealt with, this left them with a clear mind to notice Dominus’ presence in the room. He was still wearing a thousand-yard stare expression on his face. “Vigilante....vigilante....”

Both Dawn and Hydreigon stared at the Rufflet. “Uh...Dominus? Are you okay?” Dawn waved her hoof back and forth in front of him.

Sadly, Dominus still continued his mantra. “....vigilante.....vigilante....vigilante.......man, THAT’S SO COOL!”

Eric just raised an eyebrow.

Meanwhile, the bird’s partner reeled back in surprise. “Wait, wait, wait, cool?” She didn’t know if she had heard him correctly or not.

“Oh, yeah, Dawn, this went all the way beyond coolness.” Dominus made a fist-pump or rather a wing-pump. “I can’t believe I have a vigilante as a friend. A hero vigilante at that. Dude, you have my utmost respect.”

Eric frowned at that. “Dominus....one thing you should know about me.”

“Yeah, dude?” The bird tilted his head.

“I’m no hero. I’m just your regular trainer who does what is necessary.”

Dominus jaw dropped at the implication. “No hero ? No hero? Dude, you’ve been dealing with all sorts of delinquents back on Earth before Lord Arceus ditched us here. And now you’re back in action. Delinquents should run with their tails between their legs if they know what’s good for them, I’d say.”

“Really, Dominus, you view him as a hero?” Dawn said curtly

“Dawn, how can anyone not see him as a hero? That’s what he is. Delinquents here and there, no one is safe from Eric.”

The pony merely scratched her head, unsure what to say. “Uh...oookay. If you say so.” But looking back at Eric, he just frowned.

“....I’m no hero.” He muttered. “Probably never will be.” Dawn heard him unfortunately, yet she just resolved to not find out about it considering the frown her friend had made.

“But that raises one question…what caused you to become a vigilante?” The mare asked.

Instead of the usual eyebrow raising, he didn’t so much as uttered a word, just a straight look on his face. “....I don’t think you want to know. I promise you that much.”

“Why? What happened?” She slammed her hoof to her mouth as fast as she said that. “I...I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s wrong with my mouth.” She grinned sheephisly while scratching her head. The mare could almost feel the sorrow leaking from him.

“....it’s no problem, you don’t know. I just….” Eric bit his lip. “...don’t want to talk about it.”

Now Dawn couldn’t help, but feel bad, cursing that her mouth can ran on itself on times. Lucky for her that Eric didn’t take it personally. “Okay, okay, I’ll leave it alone for now.”

Eric thought it was better than nothing. “....thanks, Dawn.”

“Okay, dudes, how about we just help ourselves to our breakfast and just forget this ever happened, okay?” Dominus had to slightly groan at Dawn habit of slipping up, he took drastic measure to prevent it again.

Said mare couldn’t help, but agree.. “I..I guess we should just go back to eating our breakfast, yeah?” She scratched her head sheephisly, hoping Eric would buy it. She’ll take awkward silences and agitation than offending her friend anyday of the week.

Thankfully, Eric noticed Dominus’ attempt to alleviate anymore complicated situations. “....yeah, we should.”

Dawn sighed with relief.

“Oh, after we’re done with breakfast, can we have a battle?” The voice of Dominus strikes again.

The room went dead silent. Eric stared ahead, Dawn’s spoon hovered mere inches from her mouth, while Dominus let out an idiotic grin. The tenseness in the atmosphere quickly evaporated.

“....where had that come from?” The Hydreigon wondered.

“Come again?” Eric knew that he heard what he said before, but he needs confirmation that his mind wasn’t playing tricks.

“Battle! You know, duking it out between two or three or how many more!” The Rufflet exclaimed. “It’ll be fun and you know it, dude. You’re making a living out of it.”

Eric’s eyebrow shot up. “...any particular reason?”

“Reason? Don’t need no reason, dude. I just like to battle with one of you guys. That and I probably missed the action you guys are a part in!” Dominus smiled sheephisly. “Three times, dude. This is a crime I say. I wanna see what you guys made of.”

“....just like that?” Eric asked.

“Never said it was a solid reason. Flimsy or not, I wanna see what you guys were capable of. Take it as a reason to see some action once in a while, zero action made me crazy. Besides....” Dominus rubbed the back of his head nerveously. “...I always wanted to say that anyway. So, what do you say that we have a battle?”

The Hydreigon had to prevent himself from sighing. “...a request for battle out of nowhere, not the weirdest things I’ve seen. Nevertheless, I’m not one to turn down a challenge either, no matter how ridicilous the reasons were.” He muttered. “...alright then.”

“Battle? Music to my ears!” A familiar, sarcastic voice joined the conversation when Will poked his grinning face into the kitchen. “Who said that?”

“Oh boy,” The bird’s good mood vanished in an instant. “It’s grandpa sarcastic again.” Dominus said grumpily.

“Who said battle? Was it this idiot or the Rufflet kid?” Sally decided that it’s time that she stepped into the kitchen are proper, carrying Alex on her back who is still happily munching on his breakfast with Psychic, no knowledge of what is happening around him.

Dawn had stared at the new arrivals, particularly Alex who is happily munching like he had all the time in the world. She shook her head quickly, realizing that a big matter came onto the table.

“Yeah, it was Dominus, and please, I had enough on my plate these days. So no more battling.”

“....what’s wrong with battling? Pokémons do battle with each other all the time as a way to get stronger.” Eric replied.

“Yeah, Dawn, and your face...” The Rufflet pointed at her. “...are you being all down again?”

“Oh, lovely, we have another grump face case early in the morning.” Another attack wave of glares is made his way, but he quickly ignored them in favor of the fair lady. “Well, no worries, Dr. Will is here. What’s seems to be the problem, Lady Dawn?”

“I just...don’t want to see anyone else get hurt.” Her face is sullen. “I’ve had enough of my friends getting hurt these past few days.”

“Awww, didn’t know you cared for us, lady Dawn. Maybe I should do a little break dance here and there to celebrate. Should be enough of a cure, hmm?” Will put up his chin haughtily.

This just serve to irritate the Dragon in the room. “Shut up!” Sally hissed through gritted teeth. Her bug passanger still remaining oblivious to the events around him.

Will move to made another sarcastic retort, but a single sideways glance from Eric made him shut up. “....let her finish.”

Will just shrugged. “Just giving a motivational speech.”

With a nod, Eric motioned for Dawn to continue. “Look, I get that Pokémon like to battle and all, but doesn’t mean they have to battle all the time. Look where that has gotten the three of you two days ago.”

Sally had the decency to smile sheephisly while Will whistled innocently.

“Please, Dawn. Just one little battle.” The pony swore that Dominus’ eyes seems to widen a little as he put on his best puppy dog face.

“Overwhelming puppy dog face, I’m gonna weep.” Will quickly put both arms up in defense to the glare of both Sally and Dominus.

The desired effect already went into play. Dawn scratched her head with a sigh. That cute face made her a putty in his talons. “Alright, alright. Battle, okay, severe injuries, not okay. I don’t want that to happen, okay?”

“You got it, Dawn!” Dominus puffed out his chest. “So dude, what do you say? Just a little friendly battle wouldn’t hurt.”

Eric put a head under his chin, deciding to wrack his brain for answers. The Hydreigon would love to have a battle with a friend, a friendly battle, of course. After all, these last few days hadn’t allowed him to have a good-old fashioned one-on-one battle with someone else.

With a nod, he looked at his friends again. “One of us could have a battle with you.” Just as he was about to made another excited yell, Eric burst his bubble of excitement. “But just ‘one’. I mean it. I don’t want any accidents happening if you push yourself too far.”

“Wha....oh, man. That’s a shame.” Dominus bowed his head low in sadness.

“That, and you’re still waaay below us, kid. Guess I was right, they say kids love to pick fights these days.” Another well-earned glare is given to him by Sally and Dominus.

“Anyway, Dawn.” The mare’s attention focused on the Hydreigon. “I’m going to assume you don’t know the rules of battling or know how to properly command a Pokémon partner in battle?”

“....I don’t even know half of what you’re talking about. I know about the Pokémon battles that you told me about, sure, but I don’t know a single thing about battling.” Dawn made a sheepish smile as she scratched her head. “Yeah, sorry about that.”

“I don’t think you need to worry about that.” All eyes quickly glued themselves onto Sally. “Pokémon can act on their own, you know.”

“Like Sally said, I can do battle by myself if I have to.” The Eaglet put a wing over his chest. “So you got nothing to worry about, it’ll be a peach.”

“Uh, you sure about that little guy?” The mare was still unsure if this is a good idea or not.

“Pretty sure.” The bird proclaimed confidently.

Dawn had to scratch her head at that. “Uh...ookay? Just don’t overdo it.”

“This is all, fine and dandy, but are we going to just stand here and have a proper battle?” Will flexed his unslung arm exaggeratedly. Not a single one gave him the benefit of a response.

The Hydreigon realized that Will had a point, the better part of the morning is just talking instead of going through with it. Eric jerked a head over his shoulder. “....let’s take this outside. Preferebly somewhere with a lot of open space.”

“What about breakfast?” The sounds of passing winds could be heard as soon as the word is uttered by Alex. He had finished his grub and are now shirking back at the sudden silence. “Uh...was it..something I said?”

“Just a lovely start to a lovely day, that’s all.” Will quipped with a grin.

As soon as they filled their stomach with food, they vacated Dawn’s house and into the vast expanse of meadow behind the house. Lucky for them that this part of the suburbs were at the edge of the city, and thus they have free access to the surrounding for themselves.

Just a minute of walking and they all found themselves a solid piece of meadow that would serve the purpose of battling. To the left, they could see a vast expense of sea, signifying that this place is higher than it looked which would serve as the edge of the battlefield.

However, Dawn was still unsure of the whole thing, a fact that is noticed by the bird on her head. “Dawn....”

“Just...” She let a hoof up. “Give me a minute. I’m still not sure if this thing is a good idea or not.”

Dominus had to prevent himself from face-winged himself. “Dawn, Pokémon duke out with each other all the time. It’s cool, what’s wrong with that?”

“Dominus...it’s not that, it’s just.” She scratched her head. “What was the word for it?”

“Overdoing?”

“Yeah, that. Besides, I’m kinda....you know, afraid.”

“Afraid? I’m cool, why would I be afraid?” The bird tilted his head.

“You’re small. Scratch that, you’re pretty small for a bird.” Her hoof went to her mouth the instant she said that. “Celestia, what’s with my mouth?”

The Rufflet huffed indignantly. He get what she meant by ‘small’. “Well, that won’t happen to me.” Dominus said confidently. “I promise to you, Pokémon style that we won’t take it too far.”

Dominus jumped off and landed in front of her. “Wish me luck! Dominus put one wing up, making a salute then he’s off to prepare himself. Dawn could only hope that this went well. “And I’m not small!”

The last comment made Dawn chuckle in amusement.

The others stood on the sidelines as Dominus moved to the left side of the meadow, just near the edge before the slope.

“Hmmm,” Eric surveyed his current team, trying to pick which one is best. “....Sally? No, out of the question, she’s way above Dominus’ level right now. Will? .....forget it, I shouldn’t pick him in a fight like this. Then it leaves....Alex? Hmmm, he would be a good choice for beginners like Dominus. After all, the typing should give him a decent fighting chance.”

With a nod, the Hydreigon made his decision. “...Alex!”

The commanding tone jolted the Volcarona out of his daydream. “Uh...y-yes?”

Eric just pointed a spot in the meadow, the Volcarona eyes widened, he hadn’t anticipated this. “Uh....are you sure?”

“....I’m pretty sure.” He replied.

“...Uhm..okay...I think so.” The Volcarona bowed his head low as he move to take position on the opposite side before he faced his Rufflet opponent. “Please don’t take this personally, Dominus, okay?” Alex said softly.

That earned the Volcarona a deadpan stare. “Bug dude, why would I take this personally? This is a friendly battle.”

“It’s just...just... I don’t want my friend to be angry at me.” The Volcarona mumbled.

Dawn just watched the spectacle with unease. “Uh, he sure is a shy one is he? I expected him to be actually...you know, fiery?” Dawn looked at her right toward Eric. “...no offense, Eric.”

“...no problem. But he is always like that, anyway. Doesn’t matter, he’s a friend.”

“uh....oookay, if you say so.” The mare scratched her head.

“Dude, I don’t know what kind of stuff you eat this morning, but stop with the apologizing. I won’t take anything personally. This is just a friendly battle after all.” Dominus smiled with an assuring nod.

“....okay...well, I hope we can have a good battle.”

“Now that’s what I’m talking about, bro.” Dominus replied with a satisfied nod and grin. “But, I won’t back down easily either.”

The Volcarona let a small smile tug his unseen mouth. Then he remembered something. “Uh...uhm.....Eric?”

Noticing the bug’s distress, Eric asked. “...Alex, what is it?”

“Who’s going as the referrie?” Alex asked with a tilt of his head. The entire meadow went dead silent as the night.

Then Will stepped in. “I’ll be happy to volunteer, my good chef.” He made an exaggerated bow. “Referrie Will here, ready to go.” Sally just facepalmed.

“Oh here we go. Grandpa Sarcastic having another episode.” Dominus deadpanned.

The Reuniclus clapped sarcastically. “Here we are on a beatiful day, where we had the teenage Rufflet challenging the master cook Alex. Now, we have seen what the chef is capable of, but don’t fret ladies and gentlemen, because we will be surving a fried turkey at night. Yet we still never knew our chef’s foe combat prowess. Who will-“

“Just start with it already!” Sally yelled exasperatedly.

Sally had gotten her wish. “Are you two ready?” Dominus let out a grin then nodded while Alex nodded softly.

“...wait.” Everyone looked at Eric. “I’ll be on the sidelines this time, issuing commands, otherwise I’ll be in range of his area attacks which won’t bode well for me considering I’m part Dark-type. Will that be a problem?”

Now that Will had seen it, Eric hadn’t taken his position behind Alex. He nodded. “Whatever you say.” The Reuniclus brought his now recovered arm up. “Then I declare this match....BEGIN!” Will brought his arm down as emphasis.

Play this during the battle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k276xbOy-lo

“Here we go!” The Rufflet declared, then he started....running on his talons which admitedly looked more cute than intimidating. His talons started glowing white to signify Crush Claw.

This caused Sally to cover her mouth, but Will laughed out loud, even Dawn wasn’t spared from an amused chuckle. Eric just remained as stoic as ever.

“.. Dominus is just a beginner, any neutral damage attack might be the end of our battle....perhaps...” Eric mused to himself. “...yeah, that will do.”

The inner trainer within Eric quickly resurfaced quickly. “...Alex, Bug Buzz!” The Hydreigon ordered with a wave of his arm. He knew that Bug Buzz won’t be effective against Flying-type, but he had ordered the attack on purpose.

The Volcarona’s wing started vibrating.“...okay, sorry!” Alex’s massive wings let out a deafening screech which heralded Bug Buzz.

It hit the Rufflet at full force, canceling his Crush Claw attack and sending him tumbling back. Dominus clutched his head in pain. Despite being not very effective due to his typing, the difference in power makes it painful nonetheless. “Owww, my head.” With a shook of his head, he pointed a wing at Alex. “My turn!”

His impressive leg power caused him to jump up higher than what anyone would expect. His wings started to grow light blue with power. With a grin, he flap them forward, causing a four blades of wind to go into collision course toward the moth.

“...wait, Alex.” The wind blades approached with the intention of hurting the bug which doesn’t sit well for the Volcarona. “...wait.” The wind blades was inches away from contact. “...Hurricane now!”

With a massive flap of Alex’s wing, he unleashed his own version of whirlwind. The wind blades that were inches away from contact was quickly blown apart by the massive gust of wind. It died down soon. But Eric’s sharp eyes managed to pick up something amiss.

A wind blade from Air Slash came through. “...watch out!” Alex was helpless as the wind blade collided with his face which resulted in a small explosion.

Eric bit his lip. The fiery moth had missed the timing. “...Alex, are you okay?”

With a shake of head, Alex nodded softly. It was painful, but he is still far from out of action. “...yes, I mean, uhm, I think so?” The Hydreigon acknowledges with a nod.

“...now, Bug Buzz again!” Eric commanded. The bug let out the eardrum-piercing screech that covers the impromptu arena.

“Owww, dude, quit it!” Dominus said through his closed beak. “You’re going to shatter my eardrums.”

Shaking his head to get rid of the ringing, he grinned. “Anyway, my turn again, dude.” Dominus scowled at his bug friend.

The Volcarona couldn’t help, but flinch back at the show of Scary Face there. He could feel himself sluggish all the sudden.

Seeing an opportunity, he went for a hit. “Oh yeah, time for some....” He ran forward. “...Wing Attack!” His wings lit up and clotheslined Alex with it, unfortunately, he stood straight still.

“...Scary Face then Wing Attack. Good strategy, Dominus, but you leaves yourself open.” Eric nodded. “...Fiery Dance.”

“Sorry!” Alex closed his eyes as he let his flames cloak him all the way and he spiralled upward gracefully within the flames that caused the swirl to enlarge.

“Oh, man!” He was quickly swallowed by the swirl generated by Fiery Dance.

The roaring flames died to reveal Alex in full glory atop where the massive vortex of flame used to be before lowering himself to the edge of the field before the slopes.

When the flames died down, it also revealed Dominus had laid on his belly, groaning all the while. “Owww, dude. Guess you are as powerful as I predicted.” The Rufflet attempted to get up with a grimace on his face, only to fall short.

“Uh....Dominus.” Dawn was getting uncertain of the entire thing. “This is getting nowhere, I think we should stop.”

“Oh, no, I’m not gonna give up so soon, Dawn.” It was at this time, Eric had noticed that the Rufflet let out a certain....glow. “The battle’s not ever until one of us fall.”

Even Eric had to admire the bird’s unwillingness to give up. “....you sure, Dominus? I can call it quits if you feel that it’s gotten far enough. There’s no shame in retreating and trying again another day?”

“What? No way, I’ve already gone quite far, got injured, it’ll be a waste if we let this slide now. Oh, yeah, and I’m going to win this, dude. No way, I’m gonna lose.” Then a massive white glow overtake him.

“Wohoo, looks like my eyes is playing tricks on me now.” Will grinned. He is ignored, however.

“What....what’s happening? Why is he glowing?” The pony was all, but hysteric right now.

Eric just watched on with unreadable expression. “Dawn, did I ever tell you about Pokémon and evolution?”

Recalling to a conversation she had with Eric regarding Pokémon, she realized that he mentioned something about evolution before. Something about Pokémon experiencing a massive DNA change. But she dismissed for she had known that evolution took about hundreds to thousands of years.

“Uh, yeah, but what does that have to do with this?” Dawn scratched her head.

Eric merely pointed his right arm head toward the white glow. “...what you see now...is evolution.”

The Bat Pony’s eyes widened by a few centimeters the moment the word left Eric’s mouth. “Evolution!?”

When the light show faded, Dawn had bared witness to Dominus’ new and larger form.

Dominus now sported dark red feathers on its back and dark blue feathers on its underside. Its tail feathers are red, turning to yellow, and then blue at the tips. Braviary's legs are long and thick with yellow feet that each have a digit facing backward, and three facing forward. Each digit is tipped by a short, thick, black claw.

Dominus now posses a long, thick beak with a blue cere. On either side of the cere are Braviary's eyes, which are black with small white pupils. Sprouting from above the eyes are three large, white feathers. At the base of the feathers is a red, three-pointed design that is spread across all three feathers. On each side of Braviary's face, sprouting out from behind the feathers on its forehead, are an additional three white feathers pointing horizontally and downward. Behind the three feathers on its head is a large plume of white feathers, extending most of the way down its neck. These features combined resembles a war bonnet.

All in all, Dawn had only one opinion....impressive. The eagle opened his eyes and let out a large cry massive enough to be heard by all that attended the battle.

Eric watched on with unchanging expression. “...what you see now is the Rufflet’s evolved form, Braviary, the Valiant Pokémon.”

“Whoa....Braviary....he sure looks-wait, wait, wait, back up, back up, Valiant? What do you mean Valiant?” Dawn asked incrediously. “And not only that, how can he evolve just like that? Evolution supposed to take at least hundreds thousands of years at best!”

“....it’s called Valiant Pokémon for a reason. Braviary are known to be quite aggresive, but courageous, no, valiant for noble reasons. They hold their friends in high regard and are courageous enough to protect them with their lives if necessary. Because of this, they are known with one other nickname, soldiers of the sky. The more scars they have from battles, the more respect they have with other Braviaries. They are also known to be one of the strongest Flying-types out there even untrained ones. Additionally, they are a male only species, there is no female in the Braviary species of Pokémon and they’re quite strong, they could easily lift a car....carriage with their talons.”

“And to answer your second question, Pokémon were always like that. I know evolution is the wrong words for this because in this term, sudden changes in DNA is better called metamorphosis or in a more....violent term...mutation, but we call it evolution because it rolls off the tongue better in this matter and it’s less violent than mutation. They can evolve through either strong emotional experiences or by fighting and making themselves stronger. The DNA itself will respond accordingly and will change the Pokémon into a whole new species. It’s up to them whether they will accept the change or resist it, but in this case....” Eric look toward his newly evolved friend. “...he embraced it.”

“Wohooo! I evolved!” The newly evolved Braviary whooped as he made a little dance in place. “Isn’t it cool, guys?”

Dawn was largely speechless when Eric drilled the information to her head. She shook her head furiously. “...uh, yeah, yeah. You’re cool!”

“Yeah, bravo, bravo, can’t wait for the next one.” Will quipped.

“Will, shut up!” Sally hissed through gritted teeth.

“Alright, guys, now I’m all pumped!” Dominus grin nearly split his face. “Let’s do this thing!”

Pause the former and switch to this theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9rdPAuOvsw

And Eric wasn’t about to disappoint the newly-evolved Pokémon. “Alex, ready yourself!”

As soon as he said that, the Braviary took off and skimmed low over the ground, then a light blue aura surrounded the eagle. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what that was.

“Dammit, Alex, use-“ But the command was never issued as the blue projectile slammed into the bug in a clothesline-like manner, sending the moth sprawling onto his back. “...super effective Brave Bird...of course, Dominus speed had increased dramatically with his evolution.” Eric bit his lip as he tried think of a better plan. The Braviary looped back and landed straight on Alex’s stomach.

“I won this, dude.” Dominus lifted one talon that glowed white for the finishing blow.

Any normal trainer would have been frantic, yet Eric hadn’t lose his cool yet. He put a head under his chin in thought. “...what to do? C’mon think....” Then an idea flashed across his mind. “Alex, spread your amber scales!”

Understanding what Eric is getting at, with a massive flap of his wing, he spread out several amber-scales that quickly clung onto the eagle fur which promptly ignite themselves. This is the reason why there were sea of flames whenever a Volcarona entered the fray.

Of course, being showered with combustible scales wasn’t exactly comfortable as a normal shower as Dominus was about to find out. He stepped off Alex in his surprise.

An alarmed squawk escaped his beak as several tiny flames clung to him, belly, wings, feathers, tails, etc. “Yaowww, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot!” The bird patted himself on several places to put out the flames that clung to himself.

Seeing that Alex had shook his head before straightening himself up, he seized the opportunity. “It’s time to step our game. Alex, use Quiver Dance go!”

“....uuugh...uhm, okay.” Quiver Dance quickly went into effect, signified by the Volcarona disappearing and appearing all over the place before stopping where he floated before.

With the last of the flames put out, Dominus’ talons glowed bright white. “Oh, you’re in for it now.” He grinned, as he flew at high speed toward the Volcarona.

“Duck!” Alex quickly ducked below the menacing talons before floating back up behind Dominus. “Counter with Psychic!”

The moth took a bright blue glow at the same time as his opponent. The Braviary found himself on the receiving end of Psychic that caused him splitting headache, this ended with him crashing and rolling head over heels.

Thankfully, he righted himself soon with no visible damage, other than a headache. “Dude, did he get faster?”

“...Quiver Dance increases Attack, Special Attack and Speed at the same time the moment it was executed. Hence why Alex suddenly became more maneuverable and his Psychic became more powerful. It’s also to make up for the speed loss from your Scary Face earlier.” Eric explained.

“Whoa, so that’s why.” Dominus straightened himself with a groan before turning around to face Alex again. “Quiver Dance, huh? Not bad, dude, not bad at all.”

The eagle remembered one move that could help him, he felt it the moment he evolved.Without warning, he took off and skimmed over the ground at high speed. This caused a white streaks to surround the Braviary akin to that of a blade splitting the air itself.

“It’s Aerial-“ The super effective attack hit the moth dead on, but he still stood strong. “...Ace. Of course, Braviary learned that.”

Dominus landed several yards behind Alex. He grinned at his succesful Aerial Ace. His face changed into a frown suddenly when he felt...hotter for some reason. It made him sweat bullets. “Hey, dude, did somebody turned on the heater here?”

“What’s that even supposed to mean, genius?” Will groaned. “A little girl can do a better job at jokes like that.”

“Uh...Dominus?” Dawn face made a grimace.

The mare slowly pointed a hoof at him. “Uh...I don’t know how to say this...but you’re on fire.”

“I’m on what?” His eyes widened when he realized what she’s implying at. “...I’m on FIRE!” Then he decided to imitate a headless Torchic...almost literally considering he still possess his head.

Eric realized a Status Effect went into play. “...he suffered Burn. Flame Body must’ve taken effect. Physical attacks will be halved.”

“Dominus!” Just as Dawn was about to fly over, a blue leg stopped her.

“It’s alright, it’s just temporary and not exactly lethal either. We Pokémon are fireproof.” Sally assured.

“Fireproof?” Dawn stared incrediously at Sally. “What do you mean fireproof?”

The Dragon just shrugged. “Don’t ask me, ask Eric. Oh, here they go now.” Sally pointed back at the battlefield.

“...this is our chance. Time to finish this game! Alex,” He emphasized by pointed a head at the Braviary. “Go high up and use Heat Wave!”

“...okay, sorry for this, Dominus.” Alex quickly took high altitude, and allowing him to see the entire field and his opponent from above. With a massive flap, he unleashed a punishing high-temperature wave.

Dominus could only feel the rising temperature just enough time to look up to see the judgement that is about to passed down unto him.

A slight squack was heard over the massive area attack that crashed into him. Dominus struggled to resist the heat, but it was to no avail. Damage from Burn and the Heat Wave combined with the previous attacks took it’s toll. As soon as the Heat Wave died, he belly-flopped to the ground.

Will grinned. “AND THE WINNER IS.....THE MASTER CHEF, ALEXANDER THE VOLCARONA! GIVE HIM AN APPLAUSE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!”

Seeing Alex’s opponent had finally fallen, he knew what happened. “We won this game!” Eric declared as Alex floated down beside his trainer.

Theme end

“And Alex...you did good.” He patted the bug’s back.

Alex blushed in embarrassment at the praise. “...thank you.” And with that heralded blackness that swam across his vision that caused him to tilt to the left, allowing Eric to catch him.

“...hey, are you okay?” Eric looked at the bug clutched to his chest with concern.

“...uhm, well, I think so...at least.” The Volcarona replied as he lay as close as he can to Eric.

The Hydreigon had to disagree. Alex had received a lot of Super Effective attacks while Dominus received none. “...I don’t think so, the battle took a lot out of you. Looks like I’ll have you and Dominus checked up.”

Alex couldn’t agree more.

Meanwhile, Dominus regained consciousness just as fast as he lost it. “Owww....” He groaned, his body is hurt all over. Nonetheless, he enjoyed the battle. “..that’s some power for a little guy.” He quickly forced himself to stand.

A stabbing pain shot through the Braviary as he toppled over. Just then, a hoof quickly wrapped around his chest. “Uh, Dominus, I think you shouldn’t stand up.”

Now that they were close enough, that both have realized one thing, the height difference is massive now.

Dawn had to scratch her head at her now heightened friend. “Uh..oookay, this is weird.”

Dominus had the courtesy to smile sheepishly as he put one wing behind his head. “You can say that again....”

Dawn scratched her head with a sheepish smile. “I think this will get some time to get used to, with how you’re always perched on my head an all that.”

“Oh, great, two lovers on their first date. So beautiful that I forgot how to weep. Oh, wait, I had already said that earlier.” A shove made him faceplant on the blades of grass, revealing Sally to be the culprit.

“Just shut up!” She said exasperatedly.

“Thank you, Sally!” Dominus grinned, Sally grinned back in response.

“....are you okay?” The voice turned their attention to their left to reveal Eric.

“Fine and dandy.” He winced as a stabbing pain shot through his stomach. “Owwww, okay, not fine. What about the little guy?”

Looking at the bug cradled to his chest, he nodded. “....bruised, but otherwise fine. But this brings up another matter. You’re injured, we need to get you back so I can take a look at you.”

Dawn and Dominus agreed silently to one another. “Sounds like a plan, dude.”

Alex sat down on the chair as his trainer inspected him for any severe injuries. “....hmmm, there seems to be nothing bad. Alright, tell me if it’s painful.” He decided to poke a spot where a bruise began to form. Alex shirked back slightly upon being touched on the aformentioned spot. “...does that hurt a lot?”

“....no.” The bug said softly.

Somehow, that doesn’t convince his trainer. “....are you sure you’re fine, Alex? Anything that might hurt?”

The moth gave a small nod. “....yes, well, I would think so...I think.”

Eric sighed, who knew that Alex can be such a bad liar sometimes. “...alright, you can go. Don’t try to move a lot, yet. I don’t want to risk making the injuries worse.”

“....thank you.” The Volcarona said gratefully before floating out the door.

"....he can be so shy at times....but that's also what makes him unique....in a way." The Hydreigon couldn't help, but mumble to himself once more.

“Excuse me,” A wing shot up and pointed itself at the ceiling, breaking Eric out of his brooding session. “A severely injured Braviary here in need of a medical attention, dude.”

“....I’m getting to that.” Eric replied. He turned to give Dominus the medical attention he needed.

Dawn watched on beside the two as Eric hovered as low as he could and inspected her partner. Once more, couldn't take the silence, she decided to speak. “Sooo...how is he?” Dawn stood back as Eric inspected the Braviary’s nook and cranny for life-threatening injuries.

The Hydreigon resist the raise his eyebrow at Dawn's attempt to start a conversation. Nonetheless, he replied.“.....I think he’s just bruised.” Eric brushed aside some feathers to see the bruises he mentioned. Poking it slighhtly, it caused the eagle to wince slightly. “Not as much as Alex…, but it’s minor, hardly anything to be worried.”

Somehow, that didn’t convince the pony. “Uh, you think?”

Eric sighed. “It’s just an opinion. I told you before, Pokémon can regenerate from wounds faster than humans or ponies. I’m thinking he’ll be fine tomorrow or the day after.”

Dawn herself had to sigh. “And you’re sure that he doesn’t need bandages like how Sally and Will got seriously injured by a thief?” The mare covered her own mouth again. “Sorry, sorry.”

The Hydreigon visibly frowned at the reminder. “...no problem.... and no, as long as he didn’t move around too much.”

“Well that sucks, dude. Does this mean I can’t move too much?”

“That’s right, you better don’t move too much this evening.” Eric nodded.

The Braviary slumped at the prospect, he was just about to test his new body. “Awww, shame, dude. I was just getting used to being a Braviary.”

Dawn had to chuckle at that, even as a Braviary, her friend still maintain that cuteness. “I’m sure you can fly. You just have to...uh...what was the word for it?”

“...a little bit patient.” Eric offered.

“Yeah, that.” Dawn smiled sheephisly while scratching her head.

“Thanks, Dawn.” He had to smile at her partner’s compassion. Then he turned his attention at his other friend. “And Eric, dude?”

Eric gave a sideway glance at the Braviary. “...yeah?”

“That was a great battle, dude. I lose, yeah, but doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. Peace, dude?” Dominus put out one wing.

“...anytime.” Eric quickly put his arm over the wing to from a cross if somebody sees it from the otherside of the kitchen. Truth was, Eric himself had to admit that battle had pumped the dormant blood of a trainer back again.

Dawn’s household is silent once more, the day went on quickly after tha battle. As they say, having something exciting tend to make you forgot everything else around you.

With the moon high and the sky inky black, everyone went into slumber. Sally, Will, and Alex lay on a pile with Alex on top and Will on his dragon companion’s side. Dawn asleep with the newly evolved Braviary perched on her bedstand. Traces of bruises still visible on him, but otherwise fine.

This left one Hydreigon still awake.

The Pokémon in question tossed a familiar black book onto the sofa as he threw himself into it. “....a good old battle. It’s certainly got my blood pumping again.” The Brutal Pokémon made a contended sigh after he had experienced battling others once more.

But the former human knows fun time’s over, now to deal with the book as he had promised himself earlier. “Alright, time to look into it....” He gingerly took the book into his head mouths, taking in the shape.

And he opened it.

Pages were flipped as his eyes took the general gist of the contents into mind. Just from seeing the contents of said book, inwardly, he was disgusted, but he went through the book like the eyes of a bored kid in class. A few minutes later, he slapped the book shut and lay it beside him on the sofa.

The Hydreigon laid his head against the headrest as his mind drifted away. “....Equus isn’t so peaceful after all.” With the sentence finished, he closed his eyes, ending the day.

Play this as closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUmtn-BMB6o

Chapter 11 : Blitzkrieg, part 1

View Online

"Sometimes when I think about it, what I did is no more than another version of either good or evil. There are no true good or evil in this world. In order to perform goodness, one way or another you will perform evil, small or not depends on you and you alone. An example would be in order to capture an unruly criminals, sometimes you have to subdue him with force before 'imprisoning' him. That is one of the reason why I will never feel to find myself as a hero. The reality of the situation can be painful sometimes" - Eric Angelo

Play this as opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLaA3ozGz7Q

Eric floated around the kitchen, cleaning up after the breakfast was done. The oddest thing of the situation was the broom in his possession that would make a Hydreigon look out of place.

In addition to becoming the official cook of Dawn’s household, he was also volunteering himself to clean up around the house for Dawn herself as some sort of repayment for allowing him and his team to stay at her house indefinitely.

As much as Dawn insisted that he shouldn’t, she gave up a few days ago, knowing how resolute her new friend can be.

With the last of the dust and all sort of small trash swept out of the backdoor, he floated back out of the kitchen and into the main room where Will relaxed on a sofa while Sally curled up on the spot on the carpet in front of the sofa facing toward the front door as usual.

“....I’m done with the kitchen. I’ll go clean your room in a moment.“ The Hydreigon called out as he headed up the stairs.

“Thanks, Eric.” Dawn replied without looking his way. “Dominus, I need some new quills.”

“On it!” Dominus who was behind Dawn all the time walked with his claw clicking on the floorboards toward one of the stacks of books on the corner where a stack of quill also put together in a used can.

The Braviary plucked one quill and made his way back to his partner. “Here you-“ Dominus was cut off when three knocks are made outside the door. Everyone just stared at said door.

“So anyone around here going to stop looking like a decent impression of a statue and get the door?” Will quipped with a grin.

Seeing no one would get it, Eric sighed and he went downstairs again. “...I’ll get it.”

“No, no, no, just no,” Dawn said with exasperation. "You’ve been helping around too much that it’s ridiculous, I’ll get it.” Without waiting for a reply, the mare made her way to the door.

She shouldn’t be surprised, considering she had seen Pokémons a lot for the last several days, as though they had been part of the population from the beginning. Yet, she was surprised when she opened the door.

Dawn didn’t know what to expect anymore as she saw them. The group consisted of a... bipedal dog-like thing, a blackish-gray dog with red nose, a....bipedal chicken thing and...a bat with oversized round ears. She scratched her head in confusion. “Uh, can I help you….sirs?”

“Er...yeah. We’re looking for…” The chicken thing started, pulling out a list and took a short look at it. “A Hydreigon, a Salamence, a...Reuniclus, and either a Dustox or a Volcarona. But mainly the first 3. We’re investigating the recent robbery, and we were told that they were witnesses to the crime.”

Hydreigon, Salamence, Reuniclus, Volcarona. She knew every single one of them and she happened to house all four of them. “Uh….can you excuse me for a moment?” She went inside and slammed the door as the mare leaned her back against the door.

“Eric!” Her frantic voice echoed through the room. “There’s someone looking for you!”

Sally’s head snapped up along with her body, her overprotectiveness kicking in and ready to defend her trainer.

Will decided to step in. “And who are these fine gentlemen that are waiting for the brooder?”

Ignoring the sarcastic part, Dawn proceeded to explain. “They were... this bipedal dog-like thing with those dreadlock thing, a blackish-gray dog with ungroomed fur plus with red nose, a....bipedal chicken thing the size of the taller Earth Ponies and...a bat with oversized round ears. She shook her head. “But that’s not the point. I don’t know why, but these guys are looking for you.” She didn’t want to think about it, but these guys might be looking for her friends about the ‘visit’ a few days ago.

Eric put up a head under his chin in thought. “...bipedal dog...probably a Lucario, a blackish-gray dog with red nose...possibly Mightyena....a bipedal red chicken thing?...I’ll bet on either a Combusken or a Blaziken...finally a big-round eared bat...Noibat or Noivern. They’re looking for me...for what?”

“Eric?” Dawn questioned.

Breaking himself out of his brooding session. He decided one course of action. “...I’ll go meet them.”

The whole room went dead silent. Then Sally went hysteric. “Eric, are you crazy!?"

Dawn herself followed. “Wait, wait, wait, back up. Meeting up with someone looking for you? Is that even a good idea?”

“Dude, I’m with Dawn on this one. Have you lost your mind? That is probably a bad idea.” Dominus argued.

"And who knows what those guys outside will do to you.” Sally exclaimed her concern. “Maybe it would be better if we just ignore it.”

Will scoffed. “Good luck with that, Sally. Cops are like flies you know, swat one and the others are still stubbornly buzz around like one woman I know.” The Dragon gnashed her teeth at the sarcasm.

“...just...be on guard. Don’t attack unless necessary.” Eric left no room for discussion as he opened the door to face the storm that would hit him.

He leaned the broom on the wall beside the door and opened it to greet whoever it was that was looking for him.

Just as Dawn said, there’s a Lucario with some kind of wrist on band around one paw, a Mightyena, a Combusken and Noibat instead of a Blaziken and Noivern respectively. Eric found them to be staring at his form, he decided to ask first. “...who are you?”

Eric’s voice allowed the Lucario to blink a few times before he answered. “I’m officer Jonathan Trace from Baltimare. My team and I are investigating the recent robbery, and we were told that you and your team were witnesses to the incident.”

“....Jonathan...is he a human? It’s rare to see a Pokemon having a human sounding nickname. Even if I do it all the time.” Eric muttered. The Hydreigon quickly suppressed such thoughts to prevent his mind from wandering off again.

The Hydreigon managed to suppress a frown as he let himself get back on track. He answered. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Then he realized he had replied too quickly.

And the Lucario named Jonathan noticed this. “Ah, I disagree. Several ponies in town CLEARLY testified that they saw, and I quote, ‘a three headed black hydra carrying an unconscious dragon with axe-wings, and a bubbly green creature away from the museum’. That was shortly after the attempted heist.”

Eric knew he had messed this up. He tried to choose his next words carefully. “.....dammit....I was carrying them after they got into an accident, I don’t know about the museum robbery until after I heard of it.” It wasn’t a complete lie, the former human decided to twist the truth a little.

“I don’t know why you’re avoiding answering, but at the rate you’re going, you’ll be feeding the other rumors. The ones that say that you’re accomplices of the attempted theft, or that you did the theft yourselves. Now really, please stop doing something that will risk you taking the blame for Fox’s actions. None of us, Fox included, want that,” Jonathan sighed.

“Hey, Eric!” Sally’s voice cut through the conversation. “Is there something wrong out there? Is there anyone out there that needs a beating?”

“No, don’t worry, girl! I’ll handle this.” Eric knew better than to involve anyone else in this.

Now Will’s voice were added into it. “Looks like there are a bunch of Pokemon out there playing the detective, Sally! Isn’t that wonderful, now we got a bunch of kids playing investigations. Isn’t that rightfully cute? Sure, maybe you should leave them Eric, let them have a go at it and the worse is they ended up killing themselves.”

“Shut up, Will!” Sally shot back.

Eric had the urge to rub his forehead in annoyance. “...dammit.” He cursed silently.

“...your team, I’m guessing? Either way, I think it would be in all our interest if you came clean.” Jonathan simply said.

“Jonathan’s right you know,” The Mightyena added.

Eric contemplated the best course of action, yet if he knew if he resist, it might be bad in the long run. He decided to submit. “...what do you want to know?”

“Let’s start with names, then move on to what happened,” Jonathan smiled before holding out a paw. “Jonathan Trace, Baltimare Guard. These are my teammates, Heat, Howl, and Echo,” Jonathan started, gesturing to the respective Pokemon. “And this is our friend, Trixie. She’s helping us out for now,” he finished, gesturing to the mare.

".....I guess I was right, the Lucario is a human, considering he is the only one with accessory and the only one with human sounding name. But that raises another point....what is the guard from other city doing here? As far as I know Baltimare on the eastern seaboard of Equestria....I’m getting curious.” Eric muttered silently.

He decided to ask. “Baltimare Guard? If my knowledge is correct, this city is not Baltimare, it’s Vanhoover. What are you doing here?”

“I’m assuming you’re the former human of this group, correct?” The Aura Pokémon asked.

“Yeah, what of it? I don’t see any relevance in your imminent questions.” Eric replied curtly.

“I am, or rather, I was the officer in charge of Fox’s case back on Earth. While I don’t think this was one of her actual heists, in that she isn’t directly responsible for it, I’m pretty sure she had a hand in this one, and so far, you seem to be the only person who can confirm this.” Jonathan asked.

Eric raised an eyebrow, he had already recalled an image. “The one who wore a cavalier hat?”

“That's right. Know any other Phantom Thieves who wear that and WEREN’T caught before this whole transfer?”

Eric sighed. “....no, I only saw this female Zoroark who does look like the Phantom Thief Fox judging from the hat and the cape she wore. I assumed it was her.”

“A Shiny Zoroark, right?” The cop questioned further.

“Yeah, she is.” Eric confirmed.

“Then it’s her. She literally just evolved after her first heist on this world, back in Baltimare,”

“Alright, so can you tell me what happened?” Eric noticed the Lucario sounded eager.

“I was going back after I saved this stallion from an angry Tentacruel, then when were just passing the museum, I noticed one peculiar thing in the dead of the night….the door is wide open. I decided to investigate inside and found a Sceptile wearing some kind of uniform and Weavile attempting a robbery. I ordered my team to stop them and they did, the Weavile and Sceptile were nearly knocked out. After that, it was chaos, as suddenly this flocks of Pidgeys suddenly appeared everywhere and the Shiny Zoroark appeared. I assumed that with how the Weavile and Sceptile disappeared before she herself appeared, they’re her accomplices.” Eric had maintained his straight tone and face as he explained what happened.

“Yeah, sounds like Fox’s usual entrance. The Weavile we’re aware, but the Sceptile is new. Though...a Sceptile in uniform...where have we heard that before...” Jonathan nodded, while musing the last part.

“That PLA Pokemon!” The Combusken exclaimed.

The Hydreigon was surprised, yet he didn’t show any indication of that. “Dammit...I knew I should have recalled that uniform before...PLA, huh?” Eric sighed. “What was he doing with Fox? More questions than more answers....but one thing for sure...why would he wear a uniform that would made anyone recognize him at first glance?” He silently brooded to himself.

“Right! So he’s in league with Fox now, huh?” The Lucario agreed. “Anyway, you were saying?”

Jonathan’s voice broke Eric broke out of his brooding. “....I tried to stop her, but…..she hardly fights fair. My Reuniclus, Will was knocked out by a Hyper Beam from the ceiling and, Sally, my Salamence….she still tried to….fight the thief even after receiving two Ice-type attacks.” Eric recalled as best as he can.

The Lucario had to blink twice as the word registered. “She what? That was a very dumb move. Fox is a thief, so don’t expect her to play fair when it comes to battles. Furthermore, insisting on fighting after taking two Ice Moves...not the smartest thing to do. You should have called her off,” Jonathan shook his head at the end.

Eric continued, giving no indication that he had heard Jonathan. “Sally can be stubborn, I would have called her back with her Pokeball if I could to prevent her from pushing herself, but that is out of the question now. In the end, I ordered Sally to stop her the best she can with her limited strength. We failed and she left as I tended to them and carried them back here that night.”

“Well...it was a good effort either way. Most civilians usually stay OUT of Fox’s way,” Jonathan nodded. “Thank you for the info. Is there anything else you can tell me?”

He tried to think of something else, Eric couldn’t recall anything anymore. “...nothing more that is relevant, she’s probably already long gone by now.”

“Alright then. Thank you for your time, and sorry to bother you,” Jonathan nodded, before they left the house. “Alright then, next we’ll check on the border guards. Maybe they can tell us where she went...assuming they saw her that is…”

“Here’s hoping,” The little bat commented.

Eric sighed. “...I know better than to hope. Things usually go downhill in the worst possible way.” The Hydreigon mumbled.

The supposed ‘cops’ left almost as soon as they were here. “...so that’s why this...Jonathan went all the way from Baltimare to here. He’s in charge with the many Fox cases. I thought I should remember the name from some newspaper before.” Eric mumbled as he shut the door and turned to face Sally and Will exchanging metaphorical blows right in front of the sofa facing the door.

“Yeah, great job there, Sally. Anymore then I might have the urge to kiss you.” A sharp growl made him shut up. Will put his arm up in submission. “Just saying, woman.”

Ignoring the exchange between the two Pokémon, Dominus decided to ask from his perch on the the sofa’s headrest. “Dude, who were those guys? Looks like a bunch of weirdoes if you ask me.”

“Yeah, I can clearly see that. Great evaluation, anything else that we obviously know that you would like to add?” Will quipped.

As much as the eagle wanted to retort, the Braviary decided to ignore that. “So, dude, c’mon spill it.”

“...Put simply, they’re not here for me. They were just here to ask me something.” Eric said curtly.

A relieved sigh escaped Dawn’s mouth. “Okay, okay, these guys are not there for you. Good to know, but that brings up one question...Why are they looking for you in the first place again?”

“....they were looking for the thief we encountered a few days ago.” The word ‘thief’ brings up unpleasant memories, even Sally silently snarled.

“Oh? The one where they had a lady guy along with his gay-ish boyfriend, and the so-called Queen of the Parfum Palace along with her purple liar cat?” Will grinned.

Sally just facepalmed while Dominus gave him a blank stare. Fortunately, Eric ignored him entirely and spoke. “....yeah, those guys.”

“Bingo,” The Reuniclus clapped a couple of times. “Looks like another fated encounter is inevitable. I’m so happy that I’m going to laugh so hard that Arceus can hear me. Yeah, those wannabe cops gonna get into trouble.”

Will’s happy thought is quickly brought to a halt. “....doesn’t matter, the annoying thief is their problem now.”

“What why?” Sally asked with an incredulous expression.

Eric sighed. He knew Sally is not going to like the next part. “Basically, they’re the ones in charge of capturing Fox back on earth. Given the fact they just came to us for information from all the way to Baltimare-“

“Wait, wait, wait,” Eric was cut off by Dawn. “All the way from Baltimare? Are you serious!?” The mare asked with a scratch of her head.

“It is, if they went this far coupled with the fact they’ve been doing Fox cases back on Earth like there’s no tomorrow, I just assumed they’re some sort of...hard-boiled...cop.” Eric shrugged. “Either way, we’ve done what we could. And I don’t want us to ged involved with the police or any form authority during our little...spectacles. Let them deal with it.”

“Whoa, there, looks like my expectation is wrong after all. I expect nothing less from the brooder who took care of us.” The Reuniclus’ tone was dripping with full sarcasm.

Sally pointed at Will with a snarl. “You, shut up! And Eric...” Sally whined. “We can’t do that. Remember what happened back at the museum?”

“Yeah, right, as if we could forget that, woman. Good enough to know your brain is still in the right spot enough to remember.” Will pointed at his head and motioned a circle.

A simple glare shut him up. “Please, Eric?” Sally shot her trainer a pleading look. She could see that even with his unchanging expressions that he is having doubts. “We can't stop now."

Her trainer bit his lip as he came at an indecision. “Are you sure about this, girl?”

Sally nodded resolutely. “Eric, you know better than to let that thief walk around like that. Those cops you mentioned don’t know what they’re up against. It’s up to us to take care of scum like those guys!” Remembering the thieves that had her soundly beaten is already enough to let her temper to flare with a silent snarl.

“Hmmm....what should I do then?” The Hydreigon glanced at Will.

Sensing it, he replied. “Whatever you say, I’ll follow,” Will shrugged.

Next, Eric’s eyes found a certain Volcarona peeked his head out from the back of the sofa to the right. “.....sure, I mean, I will if everyone goes.” He replied softly.

If there is one thing that he admired about his team, is their loyalty to each other. No one would go forward without the other. “....alright, then, guess we’ll go through this. Everyone agreed after all, it’ll be bad for Sally if I decline either. Besides...Alex is here....he should be able to handle them alone if that is necessary. Sally’s had a point...in a way.”

Eric made his decision. “Alright, we all agreed, I guess we can go through with this.”

Will grinned before crossing his arms. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re officially back in business.”

Sally smiled, knowing that her trainer would come through after all. “Thanks Eric. I knew I could count on you.”

“...Don’t mention it, girl.”

“Right,” Will quipped with a sarcastic eye-roll. “If we’re going to do this, what’s your brilliant plant this time, my intelligent brooder? Something about boring us to death here with your silence or the second part, where your brain kickstarts to develop a plan to let us put an end to the so-called menace to society thieves? I willing to bet on the latter.”

Dawn just shook her head with a sigh. She knew this is getting nowhere fast.

“Grandpa, you’re so sarcastic, you know that!?” Dominus groaned.

“Join the club, kid. When did I ever oh-so-graciously mentioned that I’m anything lesser than that?” Said the Multiplier Pokémon with his insufferable grin. “Did I mention your brain cells also need some work if you have such a hard time figuring out a simple answer.”

A momentary blank stare is made toward the Reuniclus. “....you know what, dude?” Dominus looked at Eric in resignation. “I’m not gonna deal with this. Leave me out of this one, actually, leave me out of anything that has anything labelled with Grandpa Sarcastic all around.

Said Hydreigon raised an eyebrow. “....do you really want that?” Eric knew that with how much of a fanboy Dominus is now, he would actually jump at the chance to help bringing the thief that got the better of him to justice.

“Yeah, better than to deal with Grandpa Sarcastic all the time.” Dominus mustered a simple annoyed-filled glance at the aforementioned Reuniclus.

“Thank you for your compliment.” Will quipped idly, earning him a snarl from Sally.

“Besides, I’m still all battered from my fight with little guy yesterday. I figured Dawn would want me to sit here for now?” Dominus glanced at Dawn, still at her work table.

“Uh, right, right, yeah that.” Dawn scratched her head. Dominus had to slightly chuckle at her reaction.

“....I’m not little, please, uhm, stop saying that?” Alex said timidly, unheard by anyone.

Eric knew that was pretty reasonable, considering his still fresh bruises. Will’s sarcasm reinforced the decision. “....I don’t know whether I should be grateful to Will or not. He can be so obnoxious at times I wonder how Sally kept her temper in check. Regardless, things turn out better this way. “

“...alright, Dominus, and I agree that you’d better stay here.” But his stare turned sharp. “So don’t follow us, okay? This is not a normal thief we’re dealing with.”

“Yeah, I know, chill. Whoever this Phantom Burglar or something of that ilk was, I’m sure you guys will do fine this time.” Dominus smiled.

“...Alright, we all agreed that Dominus, given his injuries should stay and watch Dawn. Sally,” Addressing the Dragon besides Will in front of him, he spoke. “I’m going to need you to tail the cops from before and it shouldn’t be too hard to find them. I’m going to describe them for you so listen closely. One is a Lucario, the second is a Combusken, third is a Mightyena while the fourth is a Noibat....the fifth and final strangely...a pony with a magician hat and cap with silver mane and blue-ish coat. They are all travelling together and should be easy to find. You get all that?”

“Got it!” Sally nodded, eager to catch the scum once and for all.

“....Time’s running out. If we’re going to do this then I need you to tail them for a little while right now. Their investigations on Fox’s whereabouts might give us a sign on where she might be.”

“Don’t worry, you can bet that I will find the information to arrest the scum.” Without another word Sally walked past Eric who glanced over his shoulder at her. “Wish me luck on this guys.”

"Oh right yeah, I’ll be wishing for you good luck all the way.“ Will quipped.

With a simple annoyed grunt, Sally walked out and let the door shut itself.

Eric sighed. “....sometimes I worry about her.” He muttered to himself once more.

“...I’ll go clean house again in the meantime.” The trainer picked up the broom he leaned on the wall beside the door before floating off.

“There they are.”

It didn’t take long for Sally to find the one Eric described again. Being in a group together with each member being a different species of Pokémon tends to make you stick out like a sore thumb. It helped too that she had flown up high and scanned the entire suburbs.

Sally precariously followed the cop and his gang as best as she could. Being in charge of surveillance alongside Larry easily allowed her to maintain distance while making sure not to lose her quarry. Being a part Flying-type also increased the distance of her vision.

The Dragon had been hiding behind one roof at a time as she tailed the gang of cops. She always flew to one roof as soon as the distance between them increased.

It wasn’t long to find that the gang seems to be meeting with another stallion of a grayish coat. Sally flew in as close as she could and landed behind a roof just to their right before straining her hearing before peeking over to see the Lucario speaking to a guard judging from the uniform.

“Alright, so you say you think you saw a suspicious figure that night dart into the woods?”

“Yes. That’s right. I would have followed, but as things were I felt it best that I didn’t since at the time I was the only one on patrol at the time, I didn’t want to leave my post for what I thought I might have seen,” The guard confirmed.

“Alright then…” The Lucario pulled out a sheet of paper. “If she really did exit through this way, that makes her likely destination...Tall Tale.”

“Then we’d better get going before she can jump towns again,” A Combusken said.

“Right, let’s hurry,” The Lucario nodded toward the rest of his gang before they all quickly headed for Vanhoover’s exit.

She grinned. “Gotcha!” The Dragon quickly flew back home to relay the news.

The afternoon went by as Eric sat on his usual spot on the sofa facing the front door. Meanwhile, his other two team member Will and Alex was relaxing on one of the two sofas laid facing each other.

Dawn just stared at everyone as she felt the tension surfacing, thus her agitation returned. She never could bear with awkward silences.

The mare took a deep breath. “Hey-“

And then the door got slammed inside, surprising Dawn and revealing Sally herself.

“Eric!” All attention quickly focused upon the Salamence who had barged through the front door. “I’m back and you might want to hear this.”

“Right, welcome back, Sally.” Will said idly. “Did you enjoy making a fool of yourself out there by getting caught or did you really have any information that you should share with us?”

Already everyone stared incredulously at the Reuniclus, except Eric. Sally growled. “Shut up. This is an emergency, go trash-talk to a tree.”

Will raised an invisible eyebrow. “Right, I guess as a gentleman it’s my duty to allow ladies to speak first then.” He floated back and bowed mockingly. “After you, milady.” His tone dripping with sarcasm.

Momentary deadpan stare later, Sally’s paw once more collided with her face. “Just shut up before I make you a fish food.” Sally growled, her temper already flared again.

Eric is glad that Sally saved him the trouble of fixing the situation. “I wish Helen was here.” He muttered, missing his other friends already. “I was....hoping they’re alright....they have to be.”

“....Will.” The warning tone is visible all around.

Will just shrugged. “Yeah, yeah, sure.”

With a nod, he turned toward the Salamence who is standing before the door. “Sally?”

“Right, I just heard it straight from them. They were talking to some guard that says the scum is heading toward the woods and the Lucario deduced something that the scum is heading toward the next town closest to Vanhoover.”

Eric had to admire the Dragon’s hearing. It was after all one of the perk being on the surveillance for a long time. “Good job, girl.” Sally visibly beamed at the praise.

The Hydreigon put a head under his chin. “....next town, huh? Hmmm, if I remember it correctly from the world Atlas from the books....it had to be...” Eric mused.

“Tall Tale?” He said out loud.

“Huh?” Everyone stared with confusion at the Hydreigon except Will who had already figured it out.

“Sally said the next closest town, I just thought that it was Tall Tale. One of the well-known center of tourist and history which had to include some priceless artifact, it’s one of those thieves heaven.” The former human explained.

Dawn had to admire his observations for actually noticing it. What made her more impressed is that he actually know what Tall Tale is known for. “Observant as always.” The mare sighed.

Dominus nodded. "You said it. Dude's got one sharp mind there."

“There’s no such thing as stupid or inobservant. Anyone can be good if they try hard.” Eric replied. "...you two are the same."

What Eric had said almost always the truth, so Dawn decided to take his words for it. “Well,” the mare scratched her head. “I’ll take your word for it.

Eric continued where he left off. “...hmm, if it’s in Tall Tale, that means she’s somewhere within those city.”

“Tell me what to do, Eric. I’ll find that thief if you say it.“ Sally looked eager for some reason.

Wil whistled. “Wow, what a genius, good thinking. What’s wrong with your brain cells this time? Got blown away by the wind earlier?”

Sally pointed at Will with her teeth gnashed together. “One more word out of you-“

“Everyone...not now.” Eric instructed firmly. “Alright....it’ll be useless to find a thief that is a master of disguise, if I still remember correctly, within a search area as wide as a city like Tall Tale. It will be a literal needle in a haystack. But that can be taken care of.”

“Meanwhile....Alex,” Eric’s voice cut through Alex and surprised him. “You’ll play an important role in this later. Make sure you get your part perfectly, okay?”

“Uhm...are you really sure? I mean, er....” If Volcarona had fingers, Alex would have bit down on the nails by now. Instead, his short legs twitching is a sign of his nervousness.

“Right, I’ll hold your hands and I’ll be the one to drive all the scary bad guys away.” Will quipped.

“Will, I don’t need you adding ‘taking care of Alex’ on top of the garbage pile you slowly stockpiled. So....Shut. Up!” The Dragon threatened.

“I feel so much better already.” The Reuniclus shrugged, not fazed by the threat.

Eric had to resist the incoming urge to rub his forehead. “....please, can we get on with this?”

“Sure, I’m anxious to get to the best part. The part where you will lay out your plan to either catch the thief or make us their chew toy.” The Reuniclus leaned his entire body upon the backrest. “Don’t mind me, though just a speculation.”

The former human decided to take that as a sign to continue, barring the sarcasm. “Alright, here’s my plan for finding Fox, Sally, continue monitoring the cops and if you see Fox go back here in an instant. I’ll think up of a plan in the meantime. Sounds good?”

“You got it. Hold the fort while I’m gone. Any scum in my sight and I’ll report back.” And the Dragon left again without another word through the front door. A sound of beating wings is heard afterwards.

All is silence again which is acceptable as Eric wanted some peace and quiet when he planned something.

Someone wasn’t having any of it. “Uh...Eric?” A single glance behind him revealed Dawn who was scratching her head. “Can I talk to you for a second?”

Eric couldn’t help, but raise an eyebrow. “....what brought this on? Is she being concerned about me again? If so...right, it might that way. I’ll deal with it now.” He mumbled.

The Hydreigon sighed. “....sure. What is it?”

Dawn quickly pointed toward the direction of the front door. “Let’s talk outside.”

“Go on and have a date, brooder. I’ll be cheering for you all the way.” Will remarked.

The Multiplying Pokémon put his arms up defensively. “Hey, just saying.”

Dawn had to sigh at the daily obnoxious display, silently wondering how did a Dragon even managed to keep her temper in check. Regardless, she had more pressing matters to attend to as that is a question for another day.

Dawn opened the door and led Eric outside before shutting it again. Eric turned around to face Dawn properly as she stood before the door. Of course, this lead to another awkward silence that caused Dawn’s agitation to slowly return full force.

Seeing the mare’s agitation, he decided to break the ice first. “....what is it you want to talk about?”

“Right, right, about that....” Dawn grinned while scratching her head awkwardly. “Uh....how should I say this?”

“....is this about my plan?” Eric offered.

That made the mare sigh, he can be so observant at times. “Uh, yeah, that. Are you sure about that?”

Eric already had an inkling to what she had meant. He decided to play along for a bit. “....what?”

“I....” Dawn was unsure what to say next. She was at a loss of words. “....ah, to Tartarus with it. I get it that you’re some sort of vigilante, but going after the same thief who had beaten all of you down easily? It all just screams ‘bad idea’ to me.” Just as she said that, her hoof met her mouth. “Sorry, sorry, sorry, my mouth.....”

“....it’s not a problem.” Inwardly, Eric cursed and wondered how his team lost to a thief with like that so easily, but he didn’t let it show.

The Hydreigon turned left, facing away from her and stared up at the clear skies. “....Wonder how much peace in the world back in the day....before criminals ran rampant....if criminals even ran rampant in the first place.”

Dawn had noticed her friend starting to brood again. “Eric? What’s wrong?”

“....nothing, just brooding as usual.” His honesty sent shiver down her spine again. “And about your distress. I appreciate it, but....I can’t let this slide. I don’t want an infamous thief like her to run around and cause trouble for whatever reason Arceus brought her here. And I’ll be honest..... part of this is because Sally insisted that we go after that thief while she’s still in the adjacent town.”

The moment the name ‘Sally’ left his mouth, suspicion was all over her face. “Wait, wait, wait, what do you mean by that?”

The Hydreigon glanced left at the mare with an eyebrow raised. “...what is it?”

“What does Sally have to do with this? Is she somehow sore that she got beaten by a thief?” Dawn asked incrediously.

The Hydreigon bit his lip. “....it’s nothing like that.”

“Then what?” She felt her own curtness and she immediately cursed herself for running her mouth again like that. “Sorry about that...I was just....you know.”

“It’s not a problem, you were just concerned which I appreciate.” Eric replied.

Now Dawn felt bad for intruding like that. “Alright, alright, I understand. I know I can’t persuade you out of this, but...be careful okay?”

Eric frowned at the implication. “....Trust me.... I’m already careful.”

That wasn’t enough to convince Dawn, but she felt it was better than nothing.

“Alright, this is getting boring.” Sally groaned.

If one think that tailing someone for various reasons is fun, they are sorely mistaken. It was unbearable that Sally had to fly high all the time to avoid risking being spotted by those Pegasi or anyone who happen to look up, but what made it even more annoying is that she had been following them for a few hours yet nothing had happened.

“I really wish that stupid bird was here now. At least we can do shifts.” Sally muttered as she palmed her face.

She had tailed them all the way to this city, Tall Tale, yet just her luck, there seemed to be something going on this evening, and it was attracting not just ponies, but Pokemon too. Naturally, with how big the crowds had gotten, keeping track of the Lucario and his team became pretty much impossible.

“Ah, what the hell!?” Sally had spotted the group moving toward the show, yet because of that, it resulted in her losing her quarry. “The crowds....where are they!?” Her head is on a swivel, trying to find any sign, anything that resembles a Lucario or anyone else within the group.

For all her efforts to find the group again, it was for nothing. She sighed. “I lost them….I can’t believe this. Will is never going to let me live this down.”

She flew back toward Vanhoover to relay the news, knowing it was futile trying to find a quarry within a crowd. “I’ll be back tomorrow to finish this.”

The door slammed inside again to reveal Sally with a frown on her face. Her eyes found Eric who sat on the sofa. Alex is beside him fast asleep on his side with his back turned to her. Dawn and Dominus was nowhere to be seen.

“I lost them in the crowd.” Sally stated sorely before shutting the door with a simple flick of her tail.

Cue a mocking whistle from the premier sarcastic Pokemon. “How did that happen, woman? Did you lose your lunch mid-air and had to buy yourself a few breath mints? I’m surprised such stunt is actually performable by an expert flyer like you.” Will quipped.

The Dragon snapped her head irritably at the Reuniclus. “Not another word! I’m not in the mood to deal with your trash-talk.” Sally walked and stopped before the sofa where Eric sat. “What now?”

The trainer put up a head under his chin. “...how did you lose them exactly?”

“They were in a crowd, how was I suppose to track them like that? If that stupid bird was here, at least there will be additional eyes to help me.”

“So additional eyes makes it into four-eyes, huh?” Will clapped sarcastically. “Seriously, what are you, a comedian? Well, you did a pretty good job at it.”

A death glare shut him up. “Shut! Up!”

Eric raised an eyebrow. “Will, not now and Sally....try to be a little bit detail-ish.”

Said Dragon facepalmed. “Look, there’s this sort of show or something that attracted a bunch of crowds. You can guess what happens next.”

“Hmmm....this complicates things.” Eric muttered. “...I guess there’s still a chance, though, considering they travelled in a group with variety of species. Those things. Of course, I’m one to talk. Regardless, the chance is still there. Where they would go? Hmmm...I can think of one place...”

“No matter,” Eric quickly cut Sally off with a raise of his arm as she tried to say something. “As I said, the group sticks out like a sore thumb. Scan around the area around the police station if you can Sally, my feelings tell me it might be the first place they might go seeing they will try to contact the local law enforcement first when it comes to dealing one of the most wanted person back on Earth.”

A clap heralded Will’s incoming sarcasm. “Impressive observation once more, my dear brooder.”

Eric ignored him entirely. “....Sally, I need you to-”

“I got it, I already know what to do. I’ll be back over there tomorrow morning and watch the area around the guards station.”

Eric nodded in confirmation. “...yeah, try not to lose them again tomorrow.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I’m not going to let that scum just walk away again. I won’t!” Sally declared boldly.

“Oh, mommy, I’m scared hold my hand. I’m really, really scared for a moment there.” Will grinned before turning over .

He is completely ignored for his troubles as Sally lay curled up on the carpet with teeth gnashing together, resisting the urge to toss him out the door.

“.....Sally, girl.” Eric’s voice cut through the silence.

Looking to the left, Sally found her trainer had sat down beside her. “Yeah, what is it?”

“.......are you really sure this is what you want? We’ve done what we could, we could just let the cop and his fellow team member handle it from here on out while we focus on other things.”

The word had struck a chord in Sally’s head. “Eric,” Sally looked up at her trainer. “You’re saying we should just give up?”

“....I’m not saying it like that, it’s just that you said you wanted for us to stop back at the beach? Although, I’m a hypocrite if I mentioned that I haven’t decided to do ‘that’ again.”

“Exactly.” Sally nodded. “If thieves like her managed to get into this world, who knows how many other scum out there managed to get here too. I know I wanted us to stop, but we can’t let this slide either. Let someone like that scum thief run around and scum will follow her example.”

Eric couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “....are you trying to get me to agree with you, girl?”

Sally let out a sheepish grin, knowing she had been made by his observant side. “Maybe a little, yeah. But I’m completely serious about the example one.”

A few seconds of silence occurred before Eric sighed, followed with a shake of his head. “.....alright girl, and I do think you have a point in what you said earlier. I think we can hold on to it for a few months.”

Sally smiled. One thing she knew that her trainer is quite the dependable sort. The Dragon had never once witnessed anyone dissatisfied with how he was running things.

“....Personal experiences say that things will go from bad to worse. It’s never gets easy, that’s just reality.” He whispered.

“What was that?” Sally had sworn Eric had started brooding again.

“....nothing.” Though, he knew Sally would have probably knew what it was. Eric brushed a head on the back of her head back and forth.

It was at this moment Sally’s melted into her trainer’s gentle touch. A soft-sounding purr emerged from the back of her throat. Oh, how she wanted this to last forever.

Pretty soon, both of them fell asleep. Eric’s head propped at the edge of the sofa while Sally still remained as curled up as ever.

Play this as closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUmtn-BMB6o

Chapter 12 : Blitzkrieg, part 2

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"In the eyes of many, sometimes of what we did, make us looks like villain in more than one instances, but I'm not going to deny that. I guess, that's why I will never raise myself into a hero status. In order to erase one evil...the harsh truth is that sometimes we have to do lesser evils to get rid of it. I never like it all this time and never will. - Eric Angelo

Play this as opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLaA3ozGz7Q

Early in the morning, Sally’s form was as small as a dot as she closed in on the city of Tall Tale once more. Her stubbornness allowed her to see through this to the end.

Once more, the Salamence is bored as hell. With literally nothing to do, but just hiding behind one roof after another as she followed her target closely. Made even worse that they haven’t even said anything interesting at all. All they had done so far was walk through the town, before entering the police station and nothing else.

“If all they planned to do was just go into the station, maybe I should just come back later. Something interesting is bound to happen later.” As if on cue, her stomach growled. “Oh yeah, I forgot breakfast too.” The Dragon had forgotten the fuel for her stomach and she decided that it was high-time to fill her stomach with nourishment before attempting another stakeout.

And yet, she was utterly frustrated the moment she had returned and found out they were still in the station. The only difference was that the station was seemingly active from where she could observe them due to the guards constantly moving around. This routine was repeated several times, fly back, return here all the way until it was sunset. Only her sheer stubbornness to see that scum land in jail hadn’t allowed her to just call it quits due to the lack of inactivity.

Her luck quickly changed in an instant.

“Hey, did you hear the news?” A voice caught Sally’s attention. She peeked over the roof of the guard station and noticed two cops or the sort standing

“Hear what?”

The Dragon strained her hearing as hard as he could to make sure she could hear every inch of the conversation.

“That a thief is attempting a burglary of the mayor tonight.”

“What thief? Scratch that, how did you even know there’s a burglary tonight?”

“C’mon, every guy in the station knows about it. Some sort of fellow named Foxy or something? Guy must’ve have a poor sense of names if he chose a name like that.”

Sally couldn’t help but be surprised when the guard had said that. “Foxy?” The Dragon whispered with a questioning face. Unwilling to let this chance slip, she resumed her eavesdropping to get every bit of information.

“What kind of thief would announce their presence like that? Is he nuts?”

“Don’t know, seems to me this thief was either an amateur or just really stupid. Who sends notices telling everyone they’re about to steal something?”

“Heh, you got a point there. Hey, wanna grab a beer after our patrol is done?”

“You read my mind, pal.”

A satisfied grin couldn’t escape her lips. She had got her know. “Gotcha!” With a single wing beat, she quickly took to the air and headed back toward Vanhoover’s direction.

“Fox,” Sally growled. “I will get you this time.”

“Eric!” Sally exclaimed as she slammed the door in again, revealing everyone in their respective favourite position like before.

“Hey, hey, watch it, I just replaced the hinges!” Dawn sighed with exasperation followed with a scratch of her head.

Sally had the decency to rub her head with a paw. “Sorry about that, Dawn. But that’s not important right now. Eric,” Sally turned to face her trainer who is raising his eyebrow. “I saw her, I saw her just now!”

Almost instantly, the atmosphere of the house changed from relaxed to tense. “Whoa, you saw Phantom Thief Burglar or something?” Dominus asked with astonishment

“....are you sure it was her?” Eric asked calmly, as if the news hadn’t fazed him.

“I’m 100% sure it’s the same scum!” Sally growled. “That’s not all, it looks like she’s been playing those stupid tricks on the cops again!”

As if on cue, Will whistled. “Fantastic, the so-called graceful lady is up to her woman child shenanigans again. As if dressing up like the Parfum Queen herself wasn’t enough, she had to play pranks. I pity the poor sods who got the end of her tricks.”

Silence followed as everyone gave him a blank stare, Eric just remained as expressionless as ever.

Dominus face-winged. “Okay, dude, I don’t know what to say to that. But you’re nuts.”

“Thanks for the compliment. Appreciate it so much that I couldn’t help, but swoon my mind out.” Will quipped.

Sally wanted to retort so much, yet Eric’s voice broke through her . “...Sally, just...continue where you left off.”

Shaking her head, she added. “I don’t have anything else to say really. That’s the best thing I can describe in the dead of the night high above the whole thing.”

With a sigh, Eric floated up from his sitting position.“....then we should get ready. I’ll explain the plan along the way.”

The word ‘plan’ had caused Sally’s head to perk up. “You already had a plan?”

Will rolled his eyes. “Oh, the brooder always had a plan for everything. Plan for this, plan for that. He exceeds beyond your expectations again, Sally.” Will’s tone left none other than sarcasm in it.

Eric had the common sense to ignore the jab at him. “....alright, everyone, gather at the front yard.”

“Great, we’ll be having a party!”

“Uhm...what about me? Am I,uh, coming too?”

Everyone stared at the voice in question in question who is seated at the sofa right beside Eric. It was Alex again.“....sometimes, I wonder why I forgot he was even in the room.” Eric muttered.

“....you are coming, Alex. We need you.”

“....er, are you sure?”

“I’m pretty sure.” Eric assured with a nod.

“....okay, if you say so.” The Volcarona timidly floated toward the front door.

“I’ll be holding your hand in the meantime.” The Reuniclus plastered another insufferable grin as he exited out the door, followed by Alex whose head bowed low, and a snarling Sally.

The former human was just about to follow his companion, but a voice called out to him. “Eric,” Said Hydreigon glanced over his shoulder to see Dawn with worry on her face. “I know what I said before, I won’t stop you, but...but...” The mare fumbled with her words. “Ah, I just wanted to say be careful, I don’t want to see my friends get hurt more than they should have.”

“Yeah, dude,” Dominus stood beside his partner. “It wouldn’t be that cool to look at if you somehow got back to us with bruises instead of victory. Simply, that is totally uncool.”

The two stared at each other for a moment. “....we’ll be careful, but I can’t promise you that we’ll be back unscathed.”

Dawn scratched her head impotently, knowing that Eric can be resolute in his decisions, but at least he never lies. “Alright, alright, I’ll say it again, be careful, alright?” With a simple nod, Eric floated toward the doorway.

“Good luck, dude. Make sure the thief gets what’s coming.” Fortunately, Eric had heard the Braviary’s parting word before he shut the door.

Everyone had already gathered, and waiting for him. No words were exchanged as the Hydreigon got onto Sally. Will and Alex followed his example behind him.

The former human glanced over his shoulder. “Everyone ready?”

“....Uhm, I think?” Alex answered uncertainly.

“Oh sure, I’m wounded and in need of a medical attention.“ Will commented sarcastically.

Eric took all those as a cue to begin. “....alright, let’s go! Tall Tale, girl, and fast.” The Hydreigon commanded.

“Got it!”

Just before she could beat her wings, the Reuniclus seated on her back decided to switch back to sarcasm mode. “As a gentleman, figured I’d like to point out that some of us couldn’t fly or float from up-high. Kindly try not to let your wonder stunts make us to fall to our death, eh?”

With a massive beat of her wing accompanied by an annoyed snarl, she and her passenger took flight. The Dragon’s mind was focused only on one thing and that is to catch the so-called scum by the name Phantom Thief Fox.

“....where did you last see them!?” Eric exclaimed over the roaring winds to make sure everyone had heard him.

The sun had long set over the horizon the moment the time spent between Sally getting her trainer and her team and going back here. The sky was now inky black dotted with infinite amount of stars above.

“I didn’t really see them, all I heard is that a heist is supposed to take place somewhere later tonight!” Sally replied with a yell.

Will screamed over the roaring winds. “Thanks a lot for bursting the happy bubble, woman!”

Sally growled as her temper began to flare and she began contemplating a way to get back at the Reuniclus. One option involved dropping said sarcasm factory off her back, but that would also involve dropping her two additional passengers who are innocent. In the end, she just stayed quiet with a frustrated look, opting not to give Will the satisfaction of a response.

She had flew around the city and making sure her eyes were glued toward the buildings and roads below for any sign of the Fox. So far, her luck wasn’t that good, all she sees is just the occasional ponies milling around down there.

Will sighed in boredom. “Great, is this your plan, Sally? By making sure we’re bored to death before the grand encounter? I heard that ear wax is one way to make sure to make sure that information wasn’t correctly processed by your eardrums.”

“Hey, I know what I heard, so shut up and let me-“ The Dragon cut herself off from making any retort as her eyes found a familiar shiny Zoroark with the entirety of her gang running toward the direction of a big warehouse. “There they are!” Sally exclaimed.

Instantly, all thoughts of boredom and such vanished into the roaring winds. Everyone quickly scanned the ground except for Sally who had already found the target of her anger.

“Where?” Eric questioned as he tried to spot the slippery thief.

“It’s the-“

“Never mind, I saw them.” Eric cut Sally off as he spotted a fox-like figure with a flowing mane tied into a ponytail enter a warehouse following a group of Pokemon.

“I couldn’t really see them clearly, but I think it’s....her. No doubt that Sally could see them clearly otherwise she wouldn’t shout out with confidence....” The Hydreigon spotted a group following by several other beings he couldn’t really see up high. “I think the thief was being followed by a group of...I don’t really know, I can’t see them clearly. Regardless, since we’re here, now’s the chance to get her. I have to make sure our situation won’t get worse like last time.”

“This is it. Alex,” Startled at being addressed once more, he meekly looked at his trainer in front of him. ”I need you to get off here now.”

His eyes nearly bulged out. “...I, uhm...uh...”

Eric glanced behind him with a raised eyebrow. “....what is it?”

“....I’m not really sure...I mean, I’m not saying it’s....uhm, not a good idea, it’s just I’m not really sure I could, er, fly in the air?“ The Volcarona mumbled.

“....Alex, your kind could literally learn the move Fly, I’m sure you will be fine.” Eric assured.

“....are you sure? I mean, I if you’re sure....then, I’m okay.” Alex got his answer in the form of a nod.

“Be careful, Alex. Do five Quiver Dances in a row and enter the warehouse silently, make sure no one sees you. The additional speed should help you with that. After that, get behind a certain Zoroark and wait for my command. You got all of that?” Eric questioned.

“...okay.” The moth nodded softly.

With a nod of satisfaction, Eric turned toward another matter. “Now, Sally,” Eric pointed toward the ground beside her face. “Land us there.”

“Hold on then!” The Salamence quickly dived as her remaining passenger held on to her.

The ground came closer and closer within her dive. At the last second, she spread out her wing and beat downward to reduce momentum, thus allowing her to land safely with a thud. Eric looks no worse for wear as he dismounted his ride, but Will nearly fell off her back when he finally got his bearings back.

“Sally, I love you and all. But try not to make someone nearly fell off to their death next time.” Will quipped as he shook his entire body.

Sally silently snickered. She had given him an indirect payback.

“....Sally, keep doing aerial surveillance. If you see the chance to bust in, then do it, girl. We have surprise on our side this time.”

“You got it, Eric!” She left without another word. Eric could see she’s circling the entire area like a hawk spying upon a prey and waiting for an opportunity to strike.

“Alright, Will, with me. Let’s go! We’re cutting off her exit.” Eric floated forward toward the open double doors of the warehouse.

“Will, let’s peek inside and see what’s going on first.” Eric flattened himself on the wall to the left of the doorway

“And here I thought we’re going to saunter in and announce our presence like a pair of idiots we are.” Will chuckled ash hid behind the other wall to the right of the doorway.

Both of them peeked through the door on either side of the doorway. Inside, it was chaos. Ponies ran around to get away from the epicenter of the chaos: a rampaging Aggron, one which several Pokemon were fighting.

That’s not all that had messed up Eric’s day. What made things worse, is that the cop and his gang was also there. Eric realized it was the same one due to the fact he noticed the band on the Lucario’s wrist.

“....the cop.” Eric bit his lip as he cursed in annoyance. “Dammit, this makes things a lot more complicated. I never wanted to involve myself with any form of law enforcement and today is not different. What to do?.... the cop was in here already with Fox, so he could just capture Fox while we watched from the distance. But on the other hand, I didn’t really know if the cop could even capture a slippery thief like Fox.....hmmm.”

His decision was reached with seconds. “...Will, I think it’s best to-“ He was cut off when he heard the sound of a crash a distance away that sounded from the ceiling.

Everyone in the vicinity in turn, also stared at the source which revealed a gaping hole through which a Salamence just went through. What really got their attention was that the Salamence was charging straight at the Aggron, bashing him sideways across the place and causing the metal Pokemon to slide several meters away, knocking him down, and leaving him unconscious on the floor.

Will whistled. “I give her an A+ for one devious way to make a grand entrance. Seriously, I think she got off on this kind of stuff everyday it makes me jealous I couldn’t think of this sooner.”

Just like that, Sally had overridden his decision with one simple entrance. “....too late.” Eric sighed. “....let’s do this then. Will ready yourself.”

Will clapped his hands before rubbing them together in a mock deviousness. “Wonderful, let’s give them a make-up they will never forget.”

Meanwhile, Fox, her gang and Jonathan with his team stared at the now unconscious Aggron. “Well that was convenient.”

Sally had heard the blasted voice of the same scum that she and her team had encountered a few days ago.

The Dragon had landed, hard, causing a blast of air upon impact on the ground. She wasted no time to glance to see the same poker face that had her

Sally quickly whipped her entire body around and snarled at her foe. “Fox!”

“Friend of yours?” The same Lucario who she had been tailing asked with a bemused face toward the thieving scum.

“Maybe? Maybe she’s a former human I crossed?” The scum shrugged.

She couldn’t help but allow an additional growl to escape her lips. Not only the scum acted all fine and dandy in front of the cop, but the fact she didn’t remember her only grates her temper even more.

“Flamethrower!” Eric’s voice commanded. As his Pokémon it was her duty to take a deep breath and unleash her signature punishing flame upon her adversary.

The attack never hit, as Rascal countered with an Ice Beam, both attacks canceling each other out. “Now I remember,” she chuckled as she recognized the voice, before calmly looking towards the source of the voice. “I honestly didn’t expect to see you again after Vanhoover,” she said towards the Hydreigon.

“You?!” The Lucario Eric remembered as Jonathan gaped.

“....what is that cop doing here?” Eric bit his lip. “....Dammit, this won’t bode well for any of us if he’s here.”

Eric merely stood calmly as if he hadn’t heard that the officer was addressing him. At this moment, Will had joined his side as he made his entrance.

The Multiplying Pokémon decided it was his chance to address the enemy his ‘way’. “Well, looks like the lady decided to have company this time. Did the big bad boys scare you?” He taunted.

That got a reaction from the Fox’s gang in the form of snickers, yet the thief herself hardly gave any reaction. “Oh, nothing of the sort. We just happened to have the same target at the moment,” Fox shrugged.

Will clapped sarcastically. “Congrats on finding such an excellent companion, lady. Honestly, and I mean honestly, I’m surprised that you could find a boyfriend in one night, especially with that attitude. Nicely done there.”

“Now hold it right there!” Will merely gave a sideway glance to the cop who had picked this moment to speak. “I’ll have you know I have nothing to do with this thief, and I don’t take kindly to being used as the butt of your...insults,” he said indignantly.

“Yeah! You should watch it!” Jonathan’s Combusken partner agreed.

The Reuniclus chuckled. “Look, it’s the child investiga-” He was quickly cut off by his trainer.

“Will….please for once….not now.”

“Whatever you say.” Will shrugged.

“Can I help you? You’re obviously here for something,” The thief asked.

“hmmm....how should I answer this.” Eric mumbled.

“....just knocking you out and arresting you.” The Hydreigon replied simply, unwilling to divulge anymore information with the cop around.

“Yeaaah...I don’t think so. I’ve got nothing to say to a lousy trainer who can’t tell when his Pokemon should stop,” Fox huffed, before adding. “Besides, Johnny-boy has first dibs I think. Speaking of which, I’ve already gotten what I came for. Mayor Grumble is finished. So adieu,” Fox chuckled, as she was about to toss down another smoke bomb.

Unfortunately for her and her gang, Eric gave no such chance when he saw Alex was right behind the gang. “...Heat Wave.” He commanded.

“Duck!” Fox shouted.

Either out of sheer luck or just skill, Eric hadn’t expected them to actually duck beneath the wave. Fortunately, Fox’s mean of escape rolled away into nowhere. “That was close.”

However, due to her proximity, Jonathan and his team had heard her and quickly hit the deck. “Hey! Watch it!” The tiny Noibat shouted indignantly.

Eric gritted his teeth. “....they’re getting in the way. I had to get them out of there now.”

“All of you, move out of the way!” Eric exclaimed before moving to address his team of the threat. He wasn’t going to repeat last’s time mistake. “Sally, Will! Watch everything carefully, if the shadow doesn’t match the object, aim for it. Remember, watch the ceilings this time!”

“Got it!” The Salamence replied with a nod.

The Lucario and his team decided to take Eric’s advice to heart. “Listen to what he says!” All of them moved out of the way to the side.

Meanwhile, Eric wasn’t surprised that Fox or her gang didn’t move from her spot. “See ya later, Johnny-boy,” Fox chuckled as she and her team jumped away from the source of the wave behind them. They turned around to see whoever they are up against....nobody was there except one Salamence several distance away who is glaring death at them.

“Okay...this might be problematic.” Fox commented.

“Yeah...it definitely will be.” The Liepard beside her nodded.

“....looks like Alex is doing well in hiding himself. That’s good, I don’t want him to reveal himself until it was forced.” Eric muttered.

“Hey, you guys seriously still with this guy? Come on, you can do better than that,” Rascal commented to Sally and Will.

The Dragon felt insulted. To think that some measly Weavile would pretend to know her better than her trainer just further angered her. “Don’t tell me who I want to be with, scum! He’s my trainer, and I will always be by his side.”

“What she said.” Will agreed with a bored-looking glance. Though, even if he did act like that, Will knew he would always stay by his trainer’s side.

“Forget it, it’s useless talking to them. What matters now is knocking them out.” Eric said in a calm, yet dark tone.

“It’s fine. We’re done here anyways” This time Fox raised her hand.

Eric didn’t need any gut feeling to know she’s up to something. “Stop her! Stone Edge and Focus Blast at her feet!” His team quickly responded. Will placed his arm forward and readied a blue sphere while Sally summoned a myriad of sharp stones that floated around her.

The attacks were rapidly shot towards the gang of thieves, forcing them to jump back to avoid potentially one stray stones hitting their legs.

Fox sighed in bemusement. “Alright. If you’re that persistent, I suppose we can humor you for a bit.”

“Yay, looks like the lady about to perform some more cheap tricks.” Will clapped his hand. “Can you wait while I grab a pillow and popcorn before I’m going to be amused by your imminent magic tricks.”

The entire gang looked at said Reuniclus blankly. “...is he always like that?” The same Sceptile from the previous encounter deadpanned, indicated by his PLA Uniform.

“I don’t know if I want to know.” The Liepard added with a bemused stare.

“I don’t want to know either. With how chatty the lady’s gang can be, I’m not gonna ask stupid questions.” Will shrugged in return.

“I think that’s a yes.” The Liepard deadpanned. “Then again, with a motor mouth like that, I bet they just ignore him. Heck, any SANE person would ignore that.”

“Wow, look, there’s actually someone who could turn my inconsiderate sarcasm around. Congrats, cat lady, if only your parents were here to witness such achievement. They would be in tears.”

“Wouldn’t know. Haven’t seen them in a while. Yours?” The Liepard replied with a sour face.

“Oi! Are you two gonna keep trying to talk each other to death or something?!” the Weavile butted in, a vein on his forehead, while Fox seemed...amused.

“Why hello to you to, lady guy. Did you enjoy dating with your match-up there?” The Reuniclus pointed at the bewildered Scep who in turn looked toward his Weavile teammate in confusion. “But let’s go into the main topic, did you ever learn not to butt into someone’s conversation? Conclusions: Looks like there’s no one to supervise with how impolite your are. Such as pity too, if only there were parents around to help their kids.”

“...” The Weavile went into silence. Then, he turned to Fox. “Can I rip this guy in half?”

“Sure. Reuniclus reproduce via subdivision anyway,” The thief shrugged noncommittally.

“...I dunno if I should be happy or scared about that,” The Weavile added with a grimace.

Eric watched on with a small degree of annoyance while he tried to resist rubbing his forehead. “Will, stay quiet for a moment. This isn’t the time.” Eric hissed under his breath.

“Yeah, whatever, make-up session about to start anyway” Will shrugged. “Of course, by rearranging their face.”

“Alright then. Showtime,” Fox smiled before turning toward her Sceptile. “Sceptile.”

“Gotcha,” He nodded, with a simple spin, he had unleashed a Leaf Storm upon Eric and Will. At the same time, The Liepard dashed through the haze of leaves straight for Will.

Yet, Eric and Will had made no move to counter them. Eric had seen Alex right behind them again and know it was time for said counter attack. “Again, Heat Wave, Alex!” Eric emphasized the command by pointing one arm to the gang.

“Switch!” Fox shouted in response. The Sceptile and Liepard immediately canceled their attacks and the entire gang jumped as high as they could over the hot air that passes underneath them.

As soon as they landed, they put their heads on a swivel for the source of the attack. They see the Hydreigon and Will and Jonathan and his gang to the side, yet not Alex.

Yet despite the odds, Fox chuckled. “I see you clearly have another teammate. Care to join us?”

It didn’t take one to be a genius for Eric to realize that Fox was baiting him. “.......no.”

“The guy’s a little shy, but don’t worry, he’ll stick around for the ultimate dish. After all, he’s such a good chef.” Will added with a grin.

Eric had noticed all of them had suddenly stared blankly at him and Will. He merely raised an eyebrow. “....I’m guessing with how they are looking at me like that….they must be planning something.”

It wasn’t planned that the gang decided to cook up. It was Fox building up laughter and she laughed hard. “Not bad. You’re better than last time...or maybe last time was the fluke,” Fox mused. “Alright then, I guess we’ll have to get a little serious. However, do watch yourself to not demolish this building. There are still some people in here.”

Eric had realized this from the start, yet he could see that the support pillar was still alright. “....you first, Fox. I’m not falling for it this time.”

“...I’m not kidding. That Aggron made this place pretty unstable, and thanks to fight that happened right before you showed up...yeah, we’re in a safety hazard right now,” Fox simply said.

“Then why don’t you try by knocking us out? Surely, it would be simple for the Phantom Thief Lady Fox to knock out a simple idiot like me and made a mad dash for freedom? Or are you really that stupid not to figure it out? Huh, figured as much.” Will shooked his head in mock disappointment.

“Well then, let’s have some fun,” The Weavile took a deep breath in the same manner as Sally before letting out a punishing cold in the form of Icy Wind.

Eric won’t give the attack the chance to even get close. “Alex, Heatwave to cancel the Icy Wind!” The familiar Heat Wave came crashing down upon the Icy Wind from above, causing it to slowly dissipate.

“Hm? Well that’s annoying, Weavile’s Icy Wind at full power can’t be canceled out by simple flames. Seems to me you’ve got a strong one this time. Mind if you join the party? Its rather rude to keep hiding when everyone knows you’re around,” The Liepard said idly.

“Oh, now you guys think we’re rude?” Will put one arm over his chest mockingly. “It seems we have hypocrites on our hands, look who is currently dodging attack like they have all the time in the world. You should really sit still, be pretty and get yourself fried.”

“No thanks. I prefer this temperature just fine. Speaking of which, are you sure you should keep using Heat Wave here? Those support pillars don’t look very strong anymore.” Fox pointed out.

“Then why don’t you use those tricks to bring their state back to what it is once, huh? Oh, I get it, it seems the lady is running out of tricks, honestly, I’m shocked. For a lady who claims to have grace and class had actually faltered for a moment in the face of being crushed. Besides, I think you should be more worried of the chef around here somewhere.”

Despite Fox pointed out what might have been a fact, Eric didn’t show any signs of worry, in fact, if the building came down, he had two Pokemon who could use Psychic anyway. Just enough for all of them to escape. After all, he had a Reuniclus in his team.

“...you all have issues, don’t you?” Fox deadpanned. “Even the authorities back on Earth didn’t try to kill us. And we’re on the most wanted list.”

Unfortunately, Eric completely ignored her when his eyes found that Alex had gotten behind the gang again. “Heat Wave! Don’t leave one standing, knock them out!” Eric commanded Alex who had gotten behind the gang of thieves once more.

Instantly, a punishing wave of heat was shot with a simple flick of Alex’s wing before flickering out of existence once more.

“You know, this is starting to feel like a luau. Too bad we got stuck playing Fire Limbo!” The Liepard commented as she ducked alongside her teammate.

Eric sensed the groaning of the support pillar, he chewed his lips. “That Heat Wave is no good anymore. Might as well go with the other….”

“Yeaaahh...I REALLY think we should all do this another time. I’d rather not have it signed on my grave: Died cause a stubborn trainer insisted on fighting in crumbling building,” Fox interjected, her usual humor disappearing. She really wasn’t liking this guy right now.

“Yeah, thanks for revealing that, lady. It was quite eye catching, at least the brooder still got one more card left, just enough not to collapse the building.”

Eric had already thought of one more move that is collateral damage free. “Bug Buzz!”

Alex quickly came into view once more behind the gang then the unexpected happen...he was hit by a Shadow Ball that came from the side. “...what the?” Eric’s eyes laid instantly upon the source of the Shadow Ball who revealed to be from the Mightyena who stayed at the side with his team.

“That’s quite enough!” Eric had given no reaction, he merely glanced at the Lucario to the side. “Are you people INSANE?! We should all be getting out of here, NOT fighting like a pair of Fletchlings over a berry!” The Lucario said, hoping to restore some sanity to the situation.

“I’m with Jonathan. I think we can put trying to catch me on hold till after we’re AT LEAST out of this building,” Fox and her team nodded in agreement.

“No…” The voice of the Salamence behind the gang caught their attention. “I’m not letting you get away again, scum. Not. This. Time!” She snarled

Eric chewed his lips, he knew it would eventually come to this, but he didn’t want to. Once Sally is set on something, he knew there’s no stopping her. At least he knew Bug Buzz won’t collapse a building, what he didn’t expect is that the cop decided to intervene with Alex.

“Are you kidding? Look around you, woman! Does this LOOK like a good place to try catching Fox? She won’t go down easily, and she is NOT worth risking our lives over, especially when we can do this once we get out!” The Combusken said in exasperation.

Sally’s head snapped toward the Combusken with a growl. “Shut up, Combusken. This doesn’t concern you.”

“Actually, this DOES concern us,” The Lucario intervened. “I’ve been watching this fight, and from what I’ve been seeing and hearing, I’m starting to wonder if most of the damages to the museum back in Vanhoover were YOUR doing. You all have shown little restraint in using what might be lethal force, casually talk of maiming people, and completely disregard the situation, namely the fact that we have more important things to worry about rather than Fox at the moment!” He growled out the last word.

“I know I should be a little insulted that I’m suddenly second banana, but I’m with Jonathan. I’d prefer you try catching me when we’re not in a potential death trap.” Fox voiced from behind the cop and his gang.

Eric did see their point and his resolve faltered for a moment, but as if by cue, the Salamence looked back at Eric with a pleading look. Eric shakes his head. “Alex, Bug Buzz, no more Heat Waves or anything Fire-type.”

A look of horror spread across the everyone’s face, except Sally and Will. “Wait wait! Isn’t that just a little excessive, dude?” The Sceptile asked with a frown.

“Don’t you dare! You’ll hit all of us, you overgrown barbeque!” The Noibat, Echo screamed.

“You deaf, little lady? And I’m gonna take that as a yes. When the brooder told you to get out of the way, he mean it. You seem to lack brain cells to comprehend how to get away quickly. Besides, we’re out of range, not going to hit us. Probably just minor discomfort.”

“...that does it. We started here chasing after Fox, when we should really be chasing after you all right now! With how you lot are acting, you’re a bigger threat than Fox was!” Howl growled.

“Now, Alex, take them down!” Eric ignored them and the screeching sound came, before he quickly covered his ears.

However, thanks to the distraction that Jonathan afforded, the Fox gang was able to make a move, and right before the attack hit, they jammed something into the closest people they could reach, Jonathan’s group. The attack hit, and when it ended, everyone was still standing.

“And I thought you could get obsessive,” Fox chuckled as she pulled something out of his ear. “I only just met this guy once, and he’s already crazy obsessed.”

“What? What did you do just now?” Jonathan blinked, still surprised that the attack hadn’t hurt as much.

“Earplugs. Never leave home without them,” Weavile smirked as they all removed said earplugs.

Eric had to prevent himself from rubbing his head. “....earplugs….that thief. Is she really that prepared or is it something else? ….I’m going to bet on the former.”

As soon as Jonathan got his bearings back, he immediately glared at Eric. “That does it. You all are under arrest! Charges include attempted arson, possibly endangering lives, and attacking officers of the law!” He said before flashing his badge. “Come quietly, and I promise things will go easier for you,” he said, before adding, “The same goes with you, Fox. Despite what you’ve done today, I’m afraid I still have to arrest you.”

“Awwww….and here I was hoping I could get a free pass for exposing the Mayor.” Fox pouted.

“Oh, looks like the kid is playing investigators again. Figured you would done so sooner or later.” Will quipped.

“...and one account of possible mental instability for the Reuniclus,” Jonathan deadpanned with an annoyed look. “So how will we do this? The easy way, or the hard way?”

“If they pick the hard way, I’m helping you. Personally, I find them a little disturbing too,” Fox added.

Eric began thinking his options inside his mind. On one hand, he could just let Fox walk away so no one would die, on the other hand, that would mean surrendering himself to the cop or he could continue this and hope for the best since he knows by taking Fox outside mean she would have a higher chance of getting away. He tried to think which one is best, and ultimately came to one choice.

“.....this is why I didn’t want to involve myself with any form of law enforcement. They always thought they were the good guys.” Eric muttered with a frown. “....no choice, then.”

The Hydreigon was about to raise his arms in submissions. But that was interrupted by a voice shouting. “No, Eric!”

Eric looked at the source of the voice, it was the Salamence again. “We can’t give up! Not yet! Not until the scum is brought down!”

“Sally….” Eric bit his lip.

“Great, there she goes again spouting off the word scum like one would use a coma.” Will remarked with a chuckle.

“Geez. What the heck did I do to get to this point?” The Zoroark groaned. “I mean, all I did was beat you guys in a fight. Hardly anything to get so worked up about.”

“Yeah, tell that to someone who fights fairly which I mean you, lady.” Will mockingly pointed an arm at Fox.

“I never said it was a fair fight.” Fox said with a frown.

“...I want to ask, but somehow I know I won’t like the answer,” Jonathan said with hesitation. “Look...Ms. Salamence, I don’t know what your beef with Fox is, but can’t it wait till AFTER we’re not in a place that might collapse at any minute?”

“No way! I won’t let the scum get out of the building and get away! We will knock her out right here!” Sally countered resolutely.

“...sir...your Salamence...needs help. So what is your answer?” Jonathan sighed.

“....I don’t even know what to do anymore with Sally insisting to keep at it…..it wouldn’t hurt to try.” Eric mumbled.

“Sally….maybe we should just…” Eric tried to persuade his Salamence.

But she wasn’t having any of it. “Eric, we can’t! I’m not going to let this scum get away! Scum like her is what make everything worse! Scum that should be wiped out!”

“...wow, since when did I suddenly get the same treatment as the madmen with doomsday weapons? I’m honestly a little insulted,” Fox deadpanned. “Listen here you, I’m a thief, yes, that I will not deny. But I’d appreciate it if you didn’t lump me in with the psychopaths and other nut jobs that were left on Earth.”

“Shut up! You and they are the same! Eric, you can’t give up!” Sally shot her trainer a pleading look.

Eric gritted his teeth. He shakes his head once more. “I’m sorry for this, officer, but….Alex, Bug Buzz again.”

“Hyper Beam!” Fox commanded, with the Liepard subsequently turned around and unleashed Hyper Beam upon Alex who had appeared behind them again. Eric were relieved that it was not necessary because Alex quickly vanished, the effects of five Quiver Dances still in effect. “I kinda figured we’d go this way. If this building collapses and kills us, I’m HAUNTING you for the rest of your life...provided you didn’t die as well.” Fox groaned, her voice thick with annoyance.

“I’ll add ‘resisting arrest’ to your charges.” Jonathan growled.

".....dammit. This quickly goes downhill all the sudden." Eric growled in silence.

Play this as battle theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Uj3dsDfeV8

“Echo, find him, then use Air Cutter!” The Lucario nodded toward his Noibat.

“Roger!” Echo said while concentrating. Her head snapped to the side before bringing her wings back and flicked both forward, launching the aformentioned Air Cutter.

Fortunately for Eric, no sound of impact is heard.

“While we’re at it, Shadow Ball and Ice Beam!” Fox ordered. Both attacks are launched by the Liepard and Weavile toward Will and Sally respectively.

“You too, Howl. Shadow Ball. And Heat, Flame Charge!” Jonathan added.

“Sally, fly up and use Stone Edge!” He turned to address Will. “Will, Double Team and counter with Focus Blast. And Alex, use Hurricane!” The Hydreigon quickly moved out of the way.

Both them and the unseen Volcarona obeyed their trainer without a word. Sally quickly flew up and dodged the Ice Beam and summoned another array of sharp stones while the Reuniclus literally….multiplied, although only copies and prepared a Focus Blast. With the array of stones prepared, Sally launched it toward Rascal and Heat, while Will aimed the Focus Blast toward only Howl then a blast of powerful wind came. Turns out, Alex had used a Hurricane attack.

“Okay, this is getting a little annoying,” Jonathan grunted as him and his gang rolled with the attack.

“Blizzard!” Fox commanded mid-roll, for which the Weavile immediately executed the command the moment he rolled out of the attack toward the landing Salamence.

“Alex, work with Sally. Heat Wave to cancel the Blizzard!” The Volcarona appeared in front of the Salamence, preparing to use Heatwave to support his teammate.

“Not happening! Echo! Dragon Breath!” Jonathan shouted, as the Noibat intercepted the Salamence. The Dragon Breath hit, although not as effective as they hoped to be as the Dragon hardly flinched.

“Toxic, Liepard!” Fox added, the Liepard obeying and firing the attack at both Alex and Sally while they were preoccupied.

The ball of poison hit and splattered across the Volcarona’s face causing him to blink out of existence again. The second ball was easily avoided when the Salamence merely tilted her head aside and the ball hit the Aggron lying on the floor behind her instead.

“Again,” Fox simply said, as another Blizzard and Toxic was fired, both aimed at Sally.

“Howl, Dark Pulse! Heat, Sky Uppercut!” Jonathan ordered, aiming them at Will again. Howl fired first, but this time making the pulses in a wider range, while Heat followed closely behind it, his claws glowing.

“Not good! Will let the attacks hit! Sally fly up and use Dragon Dance!”

Will just grinned as he felt himself launched into the ceiling and the pulse of darkness hit his entire being. Admittedly, Sky Uppercut didn’t hurt much, compared to Dark Pulse at least, but still his grin is still on his face. Sally dodged the attacks aimed for her by gracefully spiralling upward, this in turn caused her eyes to glow red for a moment.

“Toxic, then Venoshock,” Fox calmly said. To Sally’s surprise, she was hit in the face by a glob of poison, followed by intense pain as the poisons were suddenly aggravated.

“Sally!” Eric gritted his teeth. Things are getting worse with the officer suddenly joining the fray, then a dull thud sounded beside him. Will just fell from the ceiling. “Pain Split, Will. Aim at the Liepard!”

“Not happening! Leaf Storm!” Fox shouted, before she threw a Shadow Ball herself.

“Bite, and Aerial Ace!” Jonathan added.

Echo darted immediately, hitting Will before the attack could be launched, followed by 2 hits from the Leaf Storm and the Shadow Ball, ending with Bite to the arm. “Just give it up already! Save us the trouble and your Pokemon the pain!”

“Will!” The Hydreigon exclaimed out of worry, yet he instantly noticed that the Mightyena is still attached to Will’s arm. He got one idea. “Use Thunder then strike the Combusken!”

If the Mightyena eyes could have opened any wider , his eyes would have rolled out of their sockets As he realized his teeth were still firmly clamped on the Reuniclus’ arms. Will grinned. “One fried...(cough) dog, coming up!” The smell of ozone started to enter the dog’s nose.

“Flame Charge, Heat!” Jonathan barked, however, the target was not Will, but rather, his arm, allowing him to get Howl out, allowing them to evade MOST of the Thunder attack. They still got a decent blow, unfortunately, sending them spasming to the ground.

“Help them out! Pursuit!” Fox shouted, to which Liepard charged forward as well.

But they forgotten the fact that there’s still one enemy and that enemy appeared in front of the Liepard. “Now, Hurricane!” The poisoned Volcarona send a large blast of wind that sent the feline flying back.

“Venoshock!” Fox followed up, as two more shots came from the ceiling, hitting Alex in the split second where he just finished the attack.

The Sun Pokemon is helpless as he fell down and hit the floor with a thud. “Alex!” Surprisingly, the moth still floated up, although with difficulty. “....are you okay?”

“I’m okay...’cough’ ‘cough’, I mean, I think so…” Alex nodded softly.

“Seriously, let’s stop this already,” Fox sighed. “Your team is at a disadvantage...and we’re STILL in a crumbling building...which I think is getting worse.”

“She’s right. This is getting us nowhere,” Jonathan agreed.

As much as Eric hate to admit it, he knows he was in over his head and was thinking of just going away and forgetting all about this. And yet, his stubborn Salamence was still having none of it. “I’m. Not. Letting. You. Get. Away!”

“...is she serious?!” Fox said, disbelief all over her face..

“...she isn’t going to shut up till we knock her out, is she?” Jonathan sighed.

Eric chewed his lips, he just hoped for the best at this point. He knew that Will was the most wounded out of his team so far, and he knew Will was badly wounded out of everyone else, and therefore not about to end the fight quickly. “Will, finish the Pain Split, aim for Fox this time. And Alex….ready yourself.”

“Dude, you got a problem,” The Sceptile deadpanned, then he launched an array of sharp leaves at Will.

Sally, quickly came forward and landed in the path of the Leaf Storm before firing her signature Flamethrower at it. Alex came to assist as he appeared with Heatwave ready, burning all the leaves away.

The Pain Split was fired, but Fox merely slammed something into the floor and smoke suddenly rose up around her.

“Just as Eric had expected, the Pain Split had missed.

“This is getting ridiculous. Johnny-boy, let’s end this.” Fox reappeared right behind the Lucario.

“Yeah...I guess you’re right,” Jonathan sighed.

In that instant, all of them quickly charged up all sorts of elemental attacks from hands, mouths, paws and etc. Barrages of Flamethrower, Venoshock, Leaf Storm, Blizzard, Hyper Beam, Dark Pulse, and even a Shadow Ball were unleashed upon the opposing Pokemon.

“Dammit, Alex use-” Eric didn’t need to finish the command as Alex flew forward in front of everyone else, then he cast a transparent barrier. The attacks pelted the Protect barrier without any risk of breaking through. The attacks settled soon and the barrier flickered away, but the caster on the other hand had collapsed into his side and slipped into unconsciousness. The poison finally did it’s job.

“Alex!” Eric went toward the fallen Pokemon and clutched the moth to his chest. “....he passed out from poison….dammit.”

“Last chance. Give it up already.” Eric looked up to see the impromptu foes had tensed again.

For once, Will hadn’t yet made any sarcastic remark, he merely breathed heavily behind the group while Sally looked at her fallen teammate in sadness. Then the pain from the poison shot through her again, causing her to grit teeth. “No….not gonna happen. I’m going to finish this for Alex!”

The Dragon was helpless when a Shadow Ball collided against her face. “Are. You. A. Freakin. IDIOT?!” Fox shouted, her patience finally running out. “Look around you. Your friends can’t fight anymore. Our teams have been hurt, though not as badly. And we’re STILL in a building that looks ready to crumble! And for what?!” As if on cue, a pillar had crumbled down.“See?”

Out of the smoke from the Shadow Ball which had collided directly to the Dragon’s face, revealed Sally’s unamused face who quickly turned to a look of pure hatred. All of them suddenly took a step back with fear on their faces.

The Hydreigon realizes what this means. “....she’s using Intimidate on them. Attack power will decrease. Additionally, their morale.” Eric muttered through his lips.

Sally was utterly angry now. Not only the cop had harmed one of her teammate, but he also had the gall to assist someone like Fox. “Eric, give me my order! I will crush them!”

“Choose your orders carefully!” Jonathan growled while tried his best to ignore the effect of Intimidate, as he and his team tensed up. “Wrong choice, and I WON’T be held responsible for what might happen!”

“...........” Eric stared with a straight face while still clutching the injured Volcarona to his chest. “.....I can’t let this continue. Will is injured from those attacks, Sally is not badly hurt, but poisoned, and now Alex had passed out. Things never go exactly as planned. It’s time…”

With eyes closed, Eric spoke.“.....stand down!”

Sally was shocked to say at least. She glanced over her shoulder to her trainer. “....what?”

The Hydreigon bit his lip and he opened his eyes. “Stand down, girl! It’s over, it’s not worth it.”

“But…..” The look her trainer gave her forced her to sigh and nod her head in compliance. “....fine!”

“Good,” The Lucario nodded in satisfaction. “Now let’s get out of here!”

“I agree! Let’s go!” Fox agreed, soon she and her team turned tail and ran for the nearest exit. “See you guys around! You better not die!”

Eric had noticed the entire support pillar started to crumble away. One had even collapsed entirely. “....this place won’t last much longer after all.” Just then, he had noticed a flash of red in the corner of his eyes.

Glancing at Sally, he knew she had fired a Flamethrower just now straight toward the object of her hate. It was then, his eye caught something....amusing. He didn’t show it, but inside....he was smirking. “Hmmm, she would have a hair problem later on.” A smile had actually tugged his lips in the process.

“...you really have problems…” Jonathan deadpanned when he saw that, but shook his head, before running towards the exit with his team. Along the way, they noticed that Green Lead was still embedded in the wall. “...I really want to leave you, but that’s not what I should do,” he sighed, before pulling out the corrupt pony from the wall and running out with him.

“We should (cough) get out too. Unless, someone plan to make (cough) a cream splatter out of us.” Will floated out the door.

Sally for once, agreed, but the smile on her face couldn’t be missed by Eric who she had passed on her way to the exit. For in fact, she had noticed what had been set alight by her ‘goodbye’ Flamethrower. It was already satisfying enough even if the thief had gotten away from her clutches.

And with that, it was only Eric the only one left in the building. “....so I was right, things never go to plan after all.” With a sigh, he stared upward toward the collapsing ceiling.

“Eric, what are you doing staring up at the ceiling? C’mon!” Sally called out from behind him, but the voice seemed distant.

Eric had made sure that Alex was tight within his arms, then turned around and floated toward the door. He didn’t pay the debris that starting to collapse all around him as he exited the warehouse with Alex.

End theme

All of them stared in silence as the building collapsed. One by one the could hear the groan of the metal pillars that had kept the ceiling itself in check finally toppled alongside the roof.

A few minutes later, nothing had remained of the building except a pile of cement, metal, and rebars.

“Wow, quite the reconstruction we got going there. I’m sure the city workers will be happy to know that they're lacking one (cough) building." Will coufhed several times after the end of his sentence.

“....we’re done here, and the thief can be anywhere by now. Let’s-“ Eric was quickly cut off by a pained grunt had caught the former human’s attention.

Eric had remembered what had caused it. He took a glance at the Salamence at his side that she had gritted her teeth. “....she’s still in poison. This isn’t good, we had to get back quickly.”

“...we have to get out of here fast, all of you are severely injured.” Eric laid the unconscious Volcarona atop of Sally

“Yeah, thanks for pointing that out, major brooder.” Will quipped sarcastically as he climbed on top of Sally without any additional sarcasm.

“Hurry, I-“ Sally gritted her teeth as she tried to hold the pain at bay. “I don’t know how long before I pass out.”

Eric would have gotten on Sally and high-tailed it back to Dawn’s home before the poison took it’s toll on Sally. The only thing that had prevented him from climbing on top of her was that he saw something in the corner of his eyes. Turning his head, he saw what seems to be...two ponies conversing with each other, one was crawling while the other was on top of him. He couldn’t get a good look before the other had flown away somewhere.

His attention was currently focused on the other pony who was laying on the ground and was no unmoving. “....wait, here a moment. I won’t be long.”

“Watch out, people, here comes the Hydreigon. Prepare to wet your pants at his sheer intimidation factor.” Will cross his arm accompanied by his

“Eric!” Sally’s whining were drowned out as her trainer focused on finding out whatever it is that he had seen.

The closer the distance was, the clearer the figure laying on the grass on his stomach. Eric found that it was indeed a pony, a pony who is wearing an expensive suit.

Leveling himself as low as possible, he gently turned the pony around before checking his pulse. He was relieved to find the pony unharmed, but he did notice a paper which was inside the breast pocket had slipped out of it and into the grass.

“Hmmm?” Picking it up, he held it in front of his face. “....folded paper?”

Turning it all around, revealed it that it is folded with no sort of writing on it, but he knew it would mean there’s writing on the inside. “What was a pony with an expensive suit doing out here...was he in the building just now? ....since I was here, might as well check it out.”

Opening the paper had revealed the contents to be much more dirty than he thought. It was some sort of contract.

“....corrupt mayor with contract to the criminal elements in this city. I would think the criminal ran amok in this city with a corrupt official to supervise.” Eric had neatly refolded the paper before slipping it back into Grumble’s breast pocket. Glancing around, he had not seen anyone who seemed like a cop to him, so it would seem he knew it was up to him again to bring this pony to a station. “....but...Sally and the others....” A silence went on for a few seconds, then he made his decision.

Soon, he dragged the corrupt official by the scruff of his neck toward town. His sense of duty compelled him to deliver the pony toward any form of law enforcement.

“....I can’t believe I’m doing this. Forget about bringing the pony to a station, that would take too much time. A simple cop to drop this pony off should be enough.” Glancing to his left toward the direction where he remembered to have left his team, he bit his lip. “....please, hold out a bit longer, guys.”

“Hmmm....I think that’s the police station. That was surprisingly easy to find.”

No sooner than a few minutes into town had Eric found the station down the street to his left within the rows of building. Like Vanhoover, it sticks out like a sore thumb, owing the fact it was the biggest building around it and it had some bars for windows.

Eric could see the congregation of several guards in front of the station. He could see it as clear as day that all of them were either anxious or just sweating with fear. He made no effort to announce his presence as he dragged the pony onward.

Soon, one guard had had heard and in turn, noticed the coming of someone in the distance, the other guards soon took notice themselves. They all went beyond from surprised to intimidated in an instant when they looked upon the weirdest Pokémon they had seen to date stopped a few feet in front of them. They could see he was dragging something behind him.

With a gulp, he tried to address the three-headed Pokémon “Hey, what are you-“ Then something heavy was thrown forward, revealing itself to be their mayor, all broken and battered.

The look of surprises in their face would be amusing had it not been Eric who had seen it. He released the scruff of the neck he had a death grip all this time when dragging said mayor behind him. Eric left without another word.

Strangely none of them paid the Hydreigon any heed as he left the mayor in front of the baffled guards.

“....it’s up to them now.”

A pained grunt sounded through Sally's lips. She could feel her vision starting to swim uncontrollably. Any minute and she would be unconscious. “Eric...where is he?”

Will was about to make another sarcastic remark when he had noticed someone coming their way. “Oh, there’s the brooder, wonder what sort of fun he had just now if he’s taking his sweet time. Pity he didn’t invite us.”

“No time,” Eric wasted no time to mount on Sally as soon as he’s close enough. “Sally, back to Dawn quickly!”

“Got it!” A simple beat of wing and they soon took flight back toward Vanhoover within the night skies.

“....it’s time to go back.”

Play this as closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUmtn-BMB6o

Chapter 13 : Darkness Inside

View Online

The burden of reality can be so harsh at times that people would wish to just delve into their own world and make it go away in their mind. However, that would be called...denying. I had faced the truth so many times that I had lost count, but at least I know I wasn't so strong after all. Only a strong man can deny what is in front of him, even if the truth split your skull open and seep their way in. The same could be said for another type of strong, where you have no trouble accepting the truth - Eric Angelo

Play this as opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLaA3ozGz7Q

Night had fallen, the stars and the moon itself adorning the skies across the expansive universe. Nothing would escape it’s beauty this night for everypony has yet to sleep.

Within those very skies, was a figure with several other forms upon it’s back slowly gliding it’s way through the countryside visible below. Yet upon closer look, the figure revealed itself to be a Salamence with three more figures on it’s back. A Hydreigon with a Volcarona clutched close to his chest, and a Reuniclus who sat behind the Hydreigon.

Not a single one of those passengers expected a slight turbulence in flight that startled them. However, said flight was quickly corrected back to it’s straight course.

“Fantastic, after a hard days work and suddenly we find ourselves about to become stains on the ground. We avoided one problem and yet we’re about to decorate the ground. Arceus, what did you just do to make our day so wonderful when Fox suddenly got a boyfriend to help her?” Will snarked as his body glowed blue again, signifying another recover that healed his injuries.

Eric swore that if he listened closely, Sally was gnashing her teeth. Yet he knew she was too tired and in too much pain to retort. His worry got the better of him. “.....Sally, girl....can you manage?”

“Don’t...” She was cut off as another sharp pain shot through her, yet she willed herself to maintain a correct course. “Don’t worry....I’m going to....get us...agh...home.”

“....don’t push yourself if you can’t hold out. We can walk the rest of the way and I’ll carry you the rest of the way if I have to.” The Hydreigon replied.

“Aww, how sweet of you, brooder. Give her a pat on the head and this will make her day a lot better.” Will quipped from behind him.

“Eric...don’t worry....I’ll...get...us back!” Sally countered.

It was clear to anyone who saw it that Sally was trying to maintain consciousness. “....she wouldn’t be able to last much longer.” The Hydreigon muttered. “...dammit, I knew that cop was trouble. This is why I don’t want us to get involved with cops.” Eric cursed silently.

With a few minutes of flight, Sally’s eyes found her destination. “Guys...we’re...here!” The Dragon grunted in pain due to the sheer poisonous substance that had been reeking havoc in her body.

Her words rang true when the Hydreigon looked up and saw that the coastal city, Vanhoover is indeed within sight. The expansive tourist city seemed to stretch on within the darkness of the night. Little dots of lights swarmed the entirety of the city streets, house and skyscrapers let out

“.....looks like this is still early in the night....after all, those dots of lights are just signs that its still early.” The Hydreigon brooded in silence.

Will couldn’t help, but felt tension leaving his shoulders. “Finally, (cough) home sweet home. Oh, I want to marry it.”

Yet Eric knew that it is still far from over. “....not yet, we need to get there unharmed. ....but nothing was ever really simple.”

“And I was just in a good mood. Breaking was the first thing on my list to do tonight, congratulations for breaking it by the way.”

Unfortunately for Will, his trainer didn’t give him the benefit of a reply. His mind solely focused on his team’s two injured members and getting back to Dawn in one piece....mostly.

Flying over the city and toward its edge was easy because there are no skyscrapers in the way and finding the suburb was easy considering the city was still lively this time of night.

All of them saw their destination at the edge of the suburb, a house with a whole meadow behind it. Without saying a word, Sally dived as gently as she could as to prevent herself from crashing in the event of another Arceus-wrenching pain.

The Dragon eased and stabilized herself moments before she had touched the ground and landed on all four paws gently.

Eric and Will dismounted their ride with Alex still clutched close to Eric’s chest like a baby within his mother’s arm.

“Home sweet home, I’m missing it already.” The Reuniclus added sarcastically.

“.....let’s just get inside and treat all of you.” Eric could sense that Will was about to retort, but he was never given the chance. “Will, that means you as well, I don’t want any permanent injuries to resurface later on.”

“Thank you so much for caring about this sarcastic idiot.” Will added with a roll of his eyes.

“....Sally,” Eric took a momentary glance behind him. “....can you manage?”

“Don’t....worry.” No matter how she put it, even Eric knew she struggled to even from those words.

Eric made a reluctant nod as he flicked his head toward the front door before floating forward. Will had wasted no time to follow his trainer with Sally right behind them.

Meanwhile, just like Alex before her, her vision swam uncontrollably. The last thing she sees before she gave into unconsciousness was the dirt underneath her paws. The poison had finally done it’s job in aggravating Sally’s injuries

Both trainer and Reuniclus heard the dull thud behind them. They didn’t want to turn, yet they already knew what was coming anyway. A simple glance told them all they needed to know, Sally had finally fell prey to the poison.

“Sally!” The worry was clear in Eric’s tone.

“Oh, now she decided to stand there and become a welcome mat?” Will added sarcastically.

Quickly, both went to Sally’s side, and as per the usual medical procedure Eric put a head underneath her neck. He was relieved to find that the pulse was there albeit subdued like any unconscious creatures would give off.

Eric looked up at Will. His eyes told the Reuniclus everything.“.....she’s fine.”

“Yeah, great, it comes as a big surprise to me. That woman is stubborn as a mule anyway.” Will added nonchalantly.

With a simple shrug, the now-recovered Reuniclus floated up to Dawn’s house and knocked on the door three times. He didn’t need to wait long as the doorknob turned and the door slowly swung inward to reveal the host of the house they stayed.

“Will?” Dawn scratched her head in confusion.

She was about to let Will in, but she notices one peculiarity. “Wait a minute, where’s Eric and the rest?

“Lady Dawn, as a gentleman, I would just love to continue this conversation. As luck deems to give us this night,” Will floated aside so Dawn could bear witness to what is going in her front yard.

“Celestia!” It took her no time to quickly zip toward them with a worried expression on her face.

“....we had an important matter to deal with.” Will finished with grin.

Dawn’s household soon became filled with heavy activity as soon as said hostess found out that her friends had been injured once more. This time it seemed Will had been spared from such a beat down, yet Sally and Alex weren’t so lucky.

Both unconscious Pokémons were quickly moved inside. Sally was laid down on the carpet where she usually curled up while Alex was laid face-up to the ceiling.

“Dominus! I need a first aid-kit, there’s one in the bath-” Dawn could never finish her words as said Valiant Pokémon was gone as if he had the devil himself on his tail.

Dominus was back in a few seconds with the box’s hanging precariously within his beak. “Already got it, Dawn!” The Braviary dropped the box in his beak before the mare’s hooves.

With a wordless nod, Dawn had handed over said box to Eric as she watched him does his magic again. With nothing else better to do, they just stood there. They didn’t need to wait long however.

“....it’s done.” The mare and her partner leaned beside Eric to see the results of his handiwork.

Soon the two Pokémons that were bare of anything are now clothed with bandages. Alex’s mid-section was completely bandaged up while Sally’s neck and right front leg was mummified.

It was yet another shoddy job from one with average knowledge of first aid, but it had done it’s purpose well.

“....I’ll be in the kitchen...I’ll prepare dinner for all of us.” Eric was just about to make his leave, but a wing on his shoulder stopped him dead on his tracks.

“What happened, dude?” The eyes told Eric that he is not going to let him go unless he had all the answers.

“It went pretty well all things considered.” The condescending voice of Will had came from the spot he usually sat, in one of the two sofas in the other living room. “Trust me, oh, I wish you were there. To see all of us get our butts handed to us by some thief and her boyfriend.“

“No one asked you, grandpa.” The Reuniclus just shrugged. “And how did you remain unscathed through this?”

It was a fact that Dawn herself missed, how come he is the only one unscathed. She knew that Eric was some sort of leader, so her guess would be that he stayed to command like how he did with Alex two days ago when he battled with Dominus. The fact remains that the obnoxious Pokémons were unscathed throughout the journey through the meat grinder....mostly.

“Finally, you noticed. Did you know that there are some Pokémons out there who are blessed with the ability to use Recover? Of course, you wouldn’t. I mean, if you had just read some books and put everything in that brain of yours, I’m pretty sure you would have known kid.”

“....You know what, forget I asked.” Dominus swore that the Reuniclus was really getting on his already damaged nerves. “By the way, how did you guys ended looks like you guys went through a bar fight or something?”

With a sigh, Eric turned around to let out the storm. “Simply put.....it went badly.”

A momentary blank stare later from Dawn then her hoof met her face. “I figured as much.” The mare sighed as she tried to come to terms with the news, but this leaves one question. “So..... how exactly did it go bad?”

“....nothing.” The answer served to fuel the mare’s curiosity, until Eric continued. “...it was supposed to go well....that is until I saw the cop and his team. As you would have guessed, it quickly went south.” Eric replied with tiredness visible in his tone.

“The cop?” Dawn questioned watch a scratch of her head.

“What, the weirdoes yesterday?” Dominus got his reply from a simple nod.

“No, just a bunch of kids playing investigators....” Silence followed in regards to his sarcasm, that is until he grinned. “Of course, they are. Who goes around strutting through the street with the so-called badge of authority hanging on their hips?”

Dominus only gave Will a blank stare of unamusement. “Can you be much more informative, grandpa obvious?” The Braviary’s tone was thick with sarcasm.

“Your welcome by the way.” The Reuniclus finished coupled with the condescending grin.

Dawn’s hoof quickly met her face. “Anyway,” She said with more curtness than necessary. “What does the cop yesterday has to do with this?” The mare asked in disbelief.

“In other words, he fought alongside the thief and we got....” Eric pointed toward the direction of the unmoving Sally and Alex. “....defeated as a result.”

Those words caused Dominus’ temper to flare a bit. “Why those no good cops!” He growled.

“About time you figured it out. Congratulations, kid, you just won a lottery.” All Will was getting was a snap of Dominus head and the glare coming his way that made him put up his arms in defense.

Meanwhile, Eric was deep in thought. “....I don’t really know why the cop would defend Fox. Three likely answers, he was related to her, or he knows something about her that I don’t, or he just wanted to see me captured for....property damage. I’m not going to deny that it was partly our fault, but why would the cops prefer to fight alongside the thief really?” The Hydreigon mused silently with a head underneath his chin.

“Eric?”

“Hmmm?” Said Hydreigon glanced at the mare.

“I think you’re brooding again.” Dawn pointed out.

“....yeah, sorry about that. Anyway, is there anything else you want to ask?”

“Well...not really, no.” Dawn replied.

With a nod, Eric simply turned around and floated toward the kitchen door. “....I’ll be cooking the dinner then. Just wait until I’m done.”

“In the meantime,” A yawn came out of Will’s mouth, the battle took a lot more out of him than he thought. “....I’ll be taking my beauty nap. Wake me up if the house is on fire.”

“Oh yeah, I’ll wake you up alright.” Dominus mumbled a sarcastic reply as soon as he heard the soft snore coming out of the trash-mouth.

“Eric, wait...” Dawn was already unsure, yet what she about to ask didn’t serve to abate her agitation.

Now was the only time to get answers and the one who could give it is still awake and she decided to take her chances. With eyes full of determination, she stood up and walked over to Eric. Said Hydreigon had seen her coming from a mile away as he made simply glance over his shoulder at her.

Eric knew what was coming, but he simply raised an eyebrow. “....yeah, what is it?”

“I...uh....er...I was going to...” Dawn scratched her head as she tried to get any decent sentence out of her mouth, yet it was failing due to her nervousness. Finally, she just resolved to tell it straight. “To Tartarus with this! Eric, I just had to know, okay?”

It didn’t take much for Eric to figure out what she had meant, but he just decided to play along just to be polite. “....what is it about?”

“What’s with Sally this morning?” Straight to the point question, nothing was hidden. “She seems....what was the word for it?”

“....hell-bent?” The Hydreigon offered.

“Uh....what?” The mare was confused at whatever it is just mentioned.

“Tartarus-bent.” Eric corrected quickly, the knowledge he had gathered proved to be useful.

“Yeah, that.” Dawn couldn’t help, but scratch her head at her slip-up. “But the point is, why is she so Tartarus-bent about a thief? There are a lot of other thieves out there and.....and...you get what I meant. Aside from that, why did she seems to....”

“Beg me to go after her?” Eric offered with an eyebrow raised.

“Not the way I put it, but yeah, begging when you declined to go after the thief yesterday morning. That’s so....unlike her.”

“Dawn,” Dominus’ teen-like accent cut through the conversation. “That’s pretty much only just icing on the cake. So yeah, sorry about this, but I don’t think that’s the whole story.” Dominus nodded.

Dawn had realized her partner took the words right out of her mouth. “Yeah....that.” At the end, Dominus proved to be the better speaker than her.

“C’mon, we’re friends. It’s not cool to keep secrets from each other, you know? I won’t be a good friend either if I force you. If you want, just tell us a little bit and we’ll work it out from there.” Dominus finished with a wing-slap to his own chest.

“...whoa.” The mare couldn’t help, but marvel. Dawn had realized what Dominus had just said. Whenever he opened that beak there seems to be some sort kinds words coming out of it, sharp contrast to Will’s constant sarcasm as far as she was concerned.

“...hmmmm…”

In her momentary surprise, she had forgotten about who it is Dominus had addressed. Dawn’s eyes found Eric once more and inwardly, she thought he was gonna scream at them both, or just plain lash out with colorful words when she had accidentally pried again.

Yet her worry is unfounded, when Eric simply sighed in surrender. “....I’ll tell you...” Eric replied simply.

“Eric, I know about you and Sally want to do and-” Dominus cut himself off when the latest word had been processed by his brain. “Wait...what?

“I’ll tell you two if this will keep you at ease. This is Dawn’s house after all.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” Dawn couldn’t believe this for one second because she knows that he usually kept quiet about a subject like this. But the eyes of the Hydreigon tell differently. “Are you sure about that?”

“.....I don’t want to trouble you. If this will make things a lot more clear, then I don’t really have a reason to keep it from you any longer.”

“Uh...thanks?” The mare didn’t really know what to say otherwise, she could only scratch her head like usual.

Eric closed his eyes for a moment to take a deep breath. “....okay. Where should I start?”

“Well, start from the beginning, dude.” Dominus added.

Seeing as his friends anticipation seems to rise, he didn’t want to disappoint. “....alright, like any story, let’s begin from the start....”

“Mommy....” The little Bagon cried out.

A loud bang nearly led to the Bagon’s heart jumping out of her chest. “Hey, quiet in there!”

The Bagon only whimpered in response toward the man who is guarding the cage she was in.

She could only stare helplessly at the environment around her. It was all just a simple clearing bathed in the moonlight in the middle of a woods. What caught her attention however was that the two men standing side by side guarding her cage seems to be carrying some sort of long things she didn’t want to find out.

As far as she knew, they were bad men and putting her in a cage spells out trouble. The thought alone was enough to send shiver down her spine.

“Man, I don’t really get it.” The man on the right spoke. “What’s with all this secrecy? I mean, all we had to do is catch a Bagon.

“Don’t know.” The other man on the right shrugged while putting a cigar on his mouth. “Bagons are supposed to be rare in Unova. The fact the boss went all out just to get a Bagon means that this guy is hardcore collector or something. And you know the boss, call him on something rare and he get it to you no problem. And if he went that far, then that means this guy must be paying us some big bucks.”

“Man, that’s one scary son of a bitch.” The second man whistled. “Wish I had that kind of money. Mansion, servants, luxuries. The best dream a man could have.”

“Yeah me too. Can’t wait to get out of this dump.” The man in front of the cage pulled out a lighter then setting the end of his cigar alight as he inhaled the gassy substance before puffing it out.

“So now what? We just supposed to wait here until the boss comes back with the crate and the van?”

“That’s the idea, yeah.”

And that was the peak of her fear. Her entire body was overcome with fear at the thought of being sold to some random human like a slave. “No, please, mommy. Help me....”

Another startling bang caught her attention. “Shut up, I told you to be quiet! Stupid little-”

“Hey,” The one guy on the left tapped his friend’s shoulder who is currently busy trying to get the Bagon to be silent. “What’s that over there?”

“What’s what?”

“Over there, don’t you see it?” The man in front of the cage pointed at a spot in the blue skies.

His friend stared into the sky toward the direction where the guy in front of the cage pointed at. “I don’t- wait...is that?”

“What is it?”

“I don’t know, I think it’s a-“ His eyes went as wide as saucers when the object came close enough for his vision to make out.

“SALAMEN-“ He is unable to finish his shout as his face and his partner’s ended up on the receiving end of a whirling tail slap that sent them crumpling aside and into dreamland.

As soon as said Pokémon finished the maneuver, she slid across the ground and digging trench before coming to a stop before the cage where the little Bagon had been held in.

She stared in awe at the stunt the Salamence had just pulled off. But the awe was broken for another glorious sight, her mother came for her rescue. “Mommy!” The sight of her mommy in front of her was enough to broke her fear of the bad men.

The same could be said for the mother who had witnessed her baby within the cage. “My little Dragonling!”

“Stand back!” The Salamence let her tail glow a lavender hue before whirling around.

With one clean swipe of Dragon Tail later, the cage bars dented inward. The gap was large enough for the little Bagon to slip through and ran to her mother. “Mommy!”

The mother was happy to oblige and was about to embrace her daughter. “My little Dragon-“

“Hey, the Bagon’s escaping!” The voice of the bad men broke the reunion.

This prompted a feeling of a pinch to be felt on the scruff of the Bagon’s neck. Not having the time to react, her mother bit down and flung her upward and she suddenly found herself landing perfectly on her mother’s back.

“Hold on tight!” With a quick beat of her wing, she took to the skies quickly just as she glanced back at the ground and saw the humans aiming something at her.

Her eyes widened quickly as she banked, allowing something to zip by the space she had occupied moments ago. It wouldn’t take a genius to know what would happen if she got hit by that. More soon followed the first one. The Salamence took evasive maneuvers.

Hailstorm of bullets zipped by her form, many narrowly missing their targets. Yet, her complicated zigzagging flight path had helped keep their aim unsteady. Soon enough, the bullets stopped in intensity, though only a few still zipped by her before dying down completely.

With one final glance at her daughter’s kidnapper, she quickly blasted toward the horizon at full speed.

“Mommy, are the bad men gone?”

With their daring escape, the little Bagon rode on her Salamence mother as they glided across the sky accompanied with the occasional beat of the Salamence’s wing. So far, the Salamence didn’t see hair nor hide of those men who had kidnapped her daughter.

She had troubles tracking them all the way from Hoenn, but now she had gotten her precious baby back and that’s what matters.

“They are, my little Dragonling. Don’t worry mommy is going to ge...get us..home!” Her voice seems strained for some reason near the end.

“Mommy?” No answers were given, only a simple groan.

And it came abruptly, she was helpless as her ride immediately took a turn for a diagonal dive. The little Bagon screamed as she held on for dear life the best she could.

“Mommy! Mommy!” She cried out in desperation. “Mommy, we’re going to crash!”

Unfortunately, her words were unheard and the ground was closing in fast. With that fact settled in, she braced herself. As expected in the event of a crash, it caused the passenger to be launched forward from her sitting position and tumbled away. She came to a stop moments later with a groan of pain all over.

“Ouch...” She couldn’t help, but let a small tear escape her eyelids due to the pain.

After a few seconds, she slowly brought herself up and ignored the pain the best she could. Looking all over herself, she spotted nothing, but superficial injuries that is not fatal toward Pokémon. She would recover in no time.

But this leaves her with the matter about her mother.

“Mommy? Are you oka-“ The moment she turned around is the moment where it will be burned into her memory forever. “MOMMY!” She ran toward her downed mother as fast as her legs could carry her.

Her mother as how she put it, was a mess. She lay crumpled onto her side but that wasn’t the worse of it, the prize goes toward the pool of blood that is slowly widening underneath the Salamence.

The closed eyelids fluttered open to witness her daughter crying her tears out right in front of her. “(cough) My little Dragonling?” She said with labored breaths.

The voice of her mother brought her out of her crying fit and embraced her mother’s muzzle. “Mommy!”

With her vision filled with blue, she giggled. “I’m (cough) so glad you’re okay.” She weakly reached out toward her daughter, but by then a wrenching pain around her chest seized her coupled with a coughing fit that sent a paw straight toward her mouth to cover it.

The sight horrified her daughter even more when she saw what happened. “Mommy!”

Weakly, she lifted the paw away. She could see the sticky substance underneath her paw. Blood, she had just coughed up blood.

The Salamence took a look at the source of her misfortune. The pain was the most intense just a little below her collarbone, and that’s when she witnessed the extent of her injury. There it was, the injury that had been there the whole time, a bullet hole just beneath her collar bone.

The Salamence knew what this meant and she accepted it.

“Mommy!” the voice of her daughter brought her attention back to her. “You’re going to be okay!”

”I’m...sorry, I won’t be able to protect you, my little (cough) Dragonling.” The cough sent out more blood out of her mouth. “....can I (cough) ask you a favor?”

“Anything!” The answer came before she could even think.

“Don’t blame yourself or anyone else for...my misfortune.”

“But, mommy, those bad men-” Whatever she wanted to say was silenced when a paw was put over her mouth. The same paw that still had the metallic blood on it.

“Ssshh, it’s (cough) okay now.” Even with all the pain inflicted upon her, she cooed with the gentleness of an angel. “This happened outside what we’ve expected to happen. Find yourself a trainer, he would be able to take care of you. Remember above all, live your life to the fullest.”

”I will, mom. I’ll become a strong Salamence like you! I promise!”

”I know you will…” Her lungs couldn’t take it anymore, she coughed up more blood. “I can’t (cough) take it anymore.....One last thing and the most important one..... don’t blind yourself with vengeance. I know that after this you might think that (cough) all humans are bad, but the action of the few don’t dictate the actions of (cough) the (cough) many. Please, remember that.”

Her words flew out from one ear and out the other. ”Forget about that, mommy! I swear, I’m going to save you. Don’t you worry.”

Her little daughter’s bravery sent happiness through her and that was enough. “Be safe (cough)(cough) my little, Dragonling....and....be strong...we’ll see each (cough) other again soon.” The words had been said. The Salamence gently closed her eyelids.

“Mommy?” She poked her mother in the muzzle. “Mommy?” She remembered what her mother told her about the day that this will eventually come for all living beings, she had hoped this was not the day.

“Mommy....Mommy....you’re sleeping right? Please tell me you’re sleeping?” She prodded her mother’s face in every way she could, yet no response was made. “Please....please...say something....anything.”

The little Bagon knew what had come and no amount of begging will bring her mother back. Yet she kept trying. “Please....please...”

“Mommy....come back...please...come back. ” A silent sob escaped her and the tears fell freely across her mother’s face.

That night, the seed of hatred had been planted.

She didn’t know what was worse, either it was that the rain that had decided to accompany the already gloomy atmosphere or the fact that her mother had just.....left her. Honestly, she didn’t know where she had wandered off after the event that had been painfully burned into her memory nor did she care.

Without thinking, her path led her straight out of the forest. With nothing else better to do, the little Bagon trudged her way toward the town.

The little Bagon was now nearing the outer edges of the suburbian part of the city. Looking over the environment from her elevated spot, she just saw houses after houses, nothing too big or small. Once more, she trudged on. However, with her attention elsewhere at the moment, she is helpless as she tripped on rock jutting out from the grass. The result caused her to trip and roll down a small hill, unfortunately landing on her jaw causing her to cry out in pain.

It took her a few minutes for the pain to die down and got up on her feet again, tears visible on the corner of her eyes. She’s surprised to find that she’s staring at the back of a house. The Bagon stared up at the sky to see the moonlight trying to penetrate through the cloud, she decided to go in there to get some rest.

After crawling through below the wooden fence from where the ground caved in a little. The backyard seems to be quite small. It’s also seemed rather plain, except there’s a just a single tree with a swing attached to a branch.

After a looking around, she spotted a hole in the wall of the house, near the right corner. Seeing as there nothing else in to sleep in, she made her way over and crawled into it. When she’s inside, she felt the tingling sound of some coins in here. Other than that, the hole is actually big enough to house a Galvantula.

And she closed her eyes to let whatever nightmare take her.

The first rays of the morning sun beamed over the horizon and straight into the city. This in turn, caused said beam to glare into the alcove where the Bagon was currently sleeping.

The rays of the sun was draped over her face, causing her to slowly lift her eyelids to see a new day had come to greet her. The little Bagon tried to get up, but the size of the alcove itself made it into a difficult task.

After squirming herself off her side and sitting up properly, she tried to crawl toward the exit of the alcove, only to found herself face-to-face with someone else’s face.

They stared at each other for a long while, until the boy with the dark brown hair spoke. “Who are you?”

The shock and surprise came immediately that she backpedaled away until her back hit the end of the alcove.

“Whoa there, take it easy, I’m not going to hurt you.” That caused her to whimper.

“B-bagon!”

Once the sun had properly let out a few lights into the alcove, the boy could see the form of the Pokémon inside. “A Bagon?”

The whimper caught the boy’s attention once more. “H-hey, it’s okay. You don’t need to be scared. You look hungry, you want something to eat?” The boy offered. Silence was all he got.

“So you don’t want...some food? I got some nice berries that you can choose here. Want to try them out? I promise they’re delicious.” The second silent treatment was given.

“Well, I got the berries in the kitchen. I’ll be back in a jiffy.” The little Bagon could hear footsteps and the creaking of a door latched to unoiled hinges.

With the human gone, she crawled forward with caution to make sure he won’t be coming back soon. The footsteps returned quicker than she had imagined and she backpedaled back again. A plate was suddenly put down right in front of the alcove. A glorious sight consisting of berries on the plates made her drool.

“I figured you might be hungry. So I brought you some berries.” The boy crouched down and put the plates full of all sorts of berries in front of the alcove. “Here you go.”

“Go on and eat, they won’t bite.” The boy chuckled.

Unfortunately, he was given no other reaction than a whimper. “C’mon, I told you, it’s fine. Really, I won’t do anything.” The silent treatment was still in play.

The boy sighed at the Bagon’s unwillingness to come out. “Well, if you won’t get out. I’ll leave the plates here, I’ll get them later. You’re free to eat anytime.”

She could hear footsteps going away from the spot beside the alcove before she heard a door creaking shut. The Bagon sighed in relief that the threat had gone, now she could focus on getting out of there.

Only to find that her stomach had disagreed with her via a growl.

Eyeing the berry on the plates....she figured a few bites wouldn’t hurt.

Days have passed without much going on. Other than the fact that the house now had one uninvited guest in the form of a Bagon. The boy had always come and gone, bringing more berries for the Bagon to eat. Whenever he come back, the berries would have been gone. The thought alone made him smile, but the little Bagon has yet to leave her comfort zone.

The fact that the Bagon was still in the alcove to this day, caused the boy to take a more direct method on getting her out of there.

“C’mon, won’t you get out of there and meet me? I promise, I won’t bite.” The boy sitting in front of the alcove said as gently as he could.

It was proven to be useless, however. The Bagon remained resolute to just stay in the alcove for fear that the human will do something similar to the bad men from before.

The whimper caught the boy’s attention. “I know you’re scared, but don’t worry, I won’t do anything to you. C’mon out and meet me.” The boy motioned for her to come out. All he got was more whimper with the Bagon remained in there.

“C’mon. It’s easy. Just walk out of there and say hi. I swear with all my heart that....huh, that sounded clichéd there. Anyway, I won’t do anything to you.....except petting you that is.” The boy rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

With no reaction other than another whimper, the boy sighed at the unprogressiveness.

The little Bagon was scared. She knew that the human had been no less than kind to her the days she spent in here. He had given her food when she sees that there is no reason for the boy to do so, he could have stuck his hand in, dragged her out a long time ago, but that didn’t happen. What exactly happened was that the boy didn’t do anything besides giving her some space and giving her food. But right now, she wasn’t taking any chances.

A dull thud broke her train of thoughts. She could see a leg sticking forward to the right of the alcove. “You know,” The boy spoke again as he sat against the wall beside the alcove. “I was once sad like you, not wanting to get out of the room or eat. I wonder where I had messed up, I just wanted to know that. I kept thinking that it was my fault those bullies attacked me and I ended up trashing them.”

“Then mom, entered my room and gave me a lecture. Ha, you know how it goes, a mother lecturing their child, it was cliched.” The boy chuckled, and the Bagon could share his sentiments. “And what she says was something she probably got out of a movie, but I still could see that she had meant every single word. Just don’t blame yourself for what had happened, learn from it and move on.”

Those words had resonated within the Bagon’s mind. Was she really blaming herself for the fate of her mother all this time?

The boy stood up and “Just so you know, you don’t need to be scared of me. You can come out whenever you like.” The boy let out a parting smile headed toward the back door.

“....Bagon....” The sound that he had longed to hear came from behind him. Turning around, he saw the Rock Head Pokémon squirmed out of the alcove and out into the afternoon sun.

He couldn’t help, but let a gentle smile adorn his face. “See? Wasn’t so hard was it?”

This was his first time seeing her form at full and she was a mess. She was ragged and smeared with muds all over. “Whoa, how did you end up like that?

“B-b-Bagon!”

He didn’t know what she said, but the fact didn’t escape him that the Bagon before him was shivering. “Why don’t we give you a bath?”

“Ba-Bagon?”

“Don’t worry about it, I’ll make sure the water is not cold.” The boy’s smile could replace the sun itself.

Somehow, that didn’t abade her worries.

Compared to the rain she had been a few days ago, this was best described as heavenly. She let the warm water and steam wash away all of her worries. Another fact she enjoyed, was that whenever the boy decided to rub her back, she couldn’t help but let out a purr comparable to that of a household Purrloin or Meowth.

“Gon....” She let out a gentle purr as the gentle rub went down across her back once more.

“Told you that you would like it.” The little Bagon had no choice but to agree.

The bathing process went on with a breeze, nothing that a simple soap rubbed all over hear couldn’t get rid of mud and dirt. She was lifted out of the bathtub with some bubbles still clinging to her form. She saw something overtook the top of her vision with yellow. With the towel draped over her head, the boy went to work in drying her off from the water by rubbing her here and there.

Once he was sure that the Bagon underneath the towel, dramatically, the boy pulled off the towel off the Pokémon. “Tada! All clean and sparkly!”

True to word, the Bagon was all sparkly after she had received one of the most satisfying baths ever. The high-quality soap itself is responsible for making her scales reflected off the light of the bathroom.

Even the Bagon herself was impressed. “Gon, bagon!” She let out a squeal of happiness.

The boy smiled as he stood up from the small chair he sat down on during the process of bathing. He unplugged the hole and let the water within the tube wash away before hanging up the towel on the rack attached to the door.

As soon as she was done, he picked up the Bagon into his arms again before they were out of the bathroom. Pretty soon, they found themselves in a living room with a low-height table glass with a rose inside a vase and a plate full of berries on it between two sofas facing each other.

The boy sat down while putting the Bagon beside him. He reached toward the plate and put two berries between his fingers and dropping them before the Bagon.

“Bagon?” The Pokémon tilted her head in confusion.

“Well, go on, eat.” Eric motioned. “You haven’t eaten anything before the bath. Berries don’t bite, you know?”

She is happy to oblige, making sure to eat slowly this time. The two berries quickly found themselves within the Bagon’s stomach. She sat down in content, allowing a belch escape from her throat.

The boy merely chuckled. “Looks like someone’s full.” That caused her to blush.

The boy slapped a palm to his forehead which drew the Bagon’s attention. “Oh, yeah, I almost forgot to introduce myself. Lucky us, I didn’t forget, huh?” He chuckled alongside the Bagon. “Anyway, the name’s Eric. Nice to meet you, Bagon.”

“Bagon!” She cried out excitedly.

Eric smiled at the Bagon’s excitement. He was glad that all the effort he put into befriending the Pokémon was not in vain because the Bagon has opened up to him. Just then, he realized that he is of that age. And with a Pokémon right now standing in front of him....he knew he could kill two birds with one stone.

“Hey, Bagon.”

“Gon?”

“I have an idea, but first I need your agreement with this.” Eric leaned forward with his elbow propped on his legs. “Will you agree to become....my very first partner and Pokémon?”

The Bagon’s eyes went wide in an instant. Her legs move to bolt away from the boy.

Sensing this, the boy put up his hands in defense. “Not like that. I mean, all I’m going to do is put you in a Pokéball and with that you can become my first Pokémon. There’s nothing painful about it and I promise I will let you out from time to time. All I’m asking you is to be my partner and friend, we’re going to travel together, do battles together, and become the strongest together. But,” Eric sighed. “I won’t force you to do this, either. You had your whole life ahead of you, I’m just helping you. If you want to leave then I won’t stop you.”

“What do you say?” The boy held out a hand for her. “Will you be my partner and friend?”

She thought about it. The Bagon had heard of Pokémon being captured by human by some sort of ball-like device. She shuddered at the thought of being put into another cage, even if it’s a different one. But seeing the boy’s eyes, they were....different from the bad men. She could see anticipation and nervousness for her upcoming decision. She realized another fact as well, these last few days, Eric had been nothing but kind to her. It was completely different from the look the bad men gave her, essentially, they were full of nothing but malice and disgust for her.

The Bagon was still unsure, however. She was about to decline out of fear alone that at that time, the boy’s words rang through her mind again. Don’t blame yourself for it.”

But she had misheard the voice, it wasn’t Eric’s voice, it was someone she knew very well. Swiveling her head around, she saw nothing, but the house’s appliances, walls, etc. There is no else beside the boy and herself.

Eric just stared at the Bagon in confusion.

The collateral had been done, the words kept ringing through her ears. Don’t blame yourself, don’t blame yourself and more. She closed her eyes as she took the advice to heart

Deciding to put her trust in the boy, she had made her decision the moment she opened her eyes. “Bagon!” She slapped her tiny arm into Eric’s palm in agreement.

“Great, but that also leaves us with another thing,” Eric put his hand underneath his chin in thought. “How am I supposed to explain this to mom?”

“Bagon, gon, bagon?”

“Hmmm.....well,” The boy shrugged. “Not like there’s anything I can do about it. I’ll just tell her the full truth. She’s bound to return about-“

As if fate decided to drop in the bomb, here comes the voice of the person Eric had just spoke about. “Sonny, I’m home!”

“.....now.” Eric finished.

Without warning, the door opened inward to reveal two figure standing side by side. One is a woman whose appearance and figure could make stars jealous and allure men who had crossed path with her. She is in her mid-thirties wearing a lavender vest with a white blouse underneath , black jeans, lavender high-heels and icy blue eyes, but her most noticable feature was her long blonde hair, with a long bang that almost covered her right eye. It also had about four rubber bands on it and one hairband with a Key Stone inserted into it keeping the rest of the strands from falling onto her face, all of them are lavender in color.

The second was a Garchomp standing beside the woman and wearing an ornate metallic armband on his right arm with a Garchompite inserted into it.

The woman had her mouth opened in order to say something. She never got the chance due to the fact that she witnessed her son looking back at her alongside a Bagon she didn’t know of. She was willing to bet said Pokémon was a wild one.

The boy’s head went on a swivel as he eyeballed his mother and the little Bagon sitting beside him. The atmosphere is thick with silence because no one really know what to say. The Garchomp beside her merely crossed it’s arms.

Eric decided to be the first to break the ice. “Mom....I can explain.”

“Now I wonder where had my berry supplies had gone to these last few days, hm? Seems like I found our culprit.”

The situation had gotten tense the moment Eric’s mother stepped into the house. She is now sitting on the sofa on the other side of the glass table with her Garchomp standing behind with it’s arms crossed. A few minute of explanations later and the woman had gotten a grasp of the situation.

Eric’s head rubbed his head sheepishly. “Uhhhh....sorry, mom.”

“It’s okay sonny, problem solved. But you gotta make sure to inform me first, okay?”

“That’s out of the way.” Her attention quickly shifted toward the Bagon sitting up on the glass table. “What are we going to do about the Bagon, sonny?”

This was it, the hour of reckoning. Eric steeled himself. “Mom....” The boy closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I want to have the Bagon as my first Pokémon. Pretty please?”

Another silence was added into the conversation. The boy’s mother slowly looked up toward her son with a smile. “Weell….” The drool in her tone was noticed by everyone in the room. “I don’t really see why not.”

The answer given was enough to make the boy’s day. “Yes!” Eric let out a fist pump.

“Buuuut,” Eric’s mother drooled. “Are you really sure about this?” The mother gave her son the look that any mother could give.

“I’m sure, mom.” The boy stared back at her mom.

The atmosphere got thicker as the result. It went on for a few seconds, and it gone as soon as it come when the boy’s mother let out a ear-splitting smile.

No warning was given when the Bagon was suddenly lifted off her feet and was given a bone-crushing hug. “Then welcome to the family!”

The Garchomp sighed before rubbing it’s head with it’s claw while the boy smiled sheepishly as the life was crushed out of the Bagon.

Once the hug was finished, the poor Bagon who’s face was now almost green was dropped to the glass table. She took a much needed breath into her poor lungs.

“Bagon!” Her breath came in labored. The familiar feeling of a hand running down her back returned, she couldn’t help but purr.

“There, there, easy now.” Eric smiled as he rubbed her back to ease her breathing.

The boy’s mother smiled. She could see ther her son bonded with the Bagon already. “Sonny, I think it’s time to do the thing to make someone your official partner now.” Eric’s mother smiled.

“Oh yeah, that....wait a minute,” Eric felt around his pockets for the item he seek. “Uh...I don’t have-“ Just then a hand stuck out in front of him with the item he needs on the palm, a Pokéball.

Looking to his forward, the Pokéball was in the palm of his mother. “Go on, sonny.” She encouraged.

Without a word, the boy took the Pokéball. He saw that her mother had vacated her seat and was now heading somewhere. “Wait, mom.”

“Yes, sonny?” His mother beaming smile was infectious.

“Where are you going?”

“There is no way I’ll let a new member of our family starved to death. No can do, sonny, I won’t allow it.” Her mother skipped away from the living room with her Garchomp chuckling behind her, but it sounded more like a growl in human ears.

The Bagon stared at the female human just now. The feeling that she gave off was just....weird.

The feeling of a hand on top of her head turned her attention back toward the boy. “Yeah, she can be very childish for an adult.” The Bagon agreed in no time.

“So....ready for this?” The boy held up the Pokéball in front of her.

In truth, she wasn’t ready. She had heard of those Pokéball. They are supposed to be some kind of device that stored Pokémon into it. She tried to discern whatever feeling that is to come. None came to mind.

Seeing the Bagon’s worried face, the boy smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle.” When she tried to say something, the Pokéball tapped her head and she felt herself being sucked into it.

The feeling she had was...indescribable, but it was also comforting for reasons unknown. She didn’t resist during the entire process, allowing the ball to shake three times within the boy’s grip before a soft click is heard. Now, she is officially the boy’s Pokémon.

With a simple flick of Eric’s wrist, the ball was thrown upward and it opened up to release the energy-turned Pokémon captured just now. The white energy coalesced right in front of him, forming the shape of the Rock Head Pokémon and the white glow went away in a shower of sparkles, revealing the Bagon.

“Bagon!” She cried out excitedly.

Two hands wrapped around her midsection and Eric lifted her up before him. “There not so bad, was it?”

A nod came, she felt like she had the best sleep so far in her entire lifetime.

“Don’t forget about the ritual, honey!” Eric’s mother sing-songed as she from somewhere.

“I won’t mom!” The boy yelled a reply. “And that’s taken care of, we had to do the ritual!” The Bagon tilted her head at the mention of ‘ritual’. Before that, Eric must know one thing. “Hey, Bagon?”

“Gon?” Said Dragon looked up with a tilt of it’s head.

“Are you a boy or a girl?”

“Bagon!”

“What?” The boy looked down in confusion.

“Bagon, gon!”

“....sorry, but I don’t understand you.” The boy rubbed his head sheepishly. “Can you make, uhm, gestures?”

If her arms had been big enough, the little Bagon would have facepalmed. Instead of trying to get him to understand what she had said, she simply pointed to her left. Eric’s head turned left to stare at his mom who was still on the phone with someone on the other line.

The boy was still confused about what she meant. “I don’t get-” It immediately came to him when he thought about his earlier question. “Oh, a girl. You’re a girl!” An excited nod came from the Bagon.

“Hmmm, how about....Sally?”

The little Bagon stared at her new trainer in confusion. “Gon?”

“Sally, you’re a girl, right? Here in our family, we always give our Pokémon human names to show that we are family and equal. What do you say? You like the name?” Another nod. “Then that’s will be your name from now on. Welcome to the family, Sally! I hope we can be best of friends.”

For some reason, the Bagon’s burden had been eased off her shoulder by just hearing that. She simply closed her eyes and let herself fall into the black void of sleep.

The boy patted the Bagon’s head.

“Thank you.” Eric heard another voice. It was female, but it was not his mother’s. He looked toward the source in front of him.

He involuntarily shivered when he registered the sight in front of his eyes just behind the sofa. It was a Salamence, but not by any means normal because he could see through her. The only thing that kept the boy from backpedaling was the fact that the sofa was in his way.

“Please, take care of my daughter.” The voice was ethereal, hypnotic.

The figure smiled one last time before fading away, leaving Eric all by his lonesome, wondering what just happened.

Silence, silence stretched on through the kitchen as Eric was currently cooking a dinner for his hostess and friends. “...a few days later I heard the news that a dead body had been found near the place that I lived. It was reported to have been a Salamence. I assumed it was....her mother’s considering she showed up at the alcove where I stored my money all dirty and ragged. It wasn’t until I asked Rey.....a friend to initiate a Psychic link that my suspicions were proven correct.”

The two occupants currently on the table stared slack-jawed at the story told by their friend who is currently cooking their dinner. They didn’t really know how to react properly other than to initiate a blank stare at the back of the Hydreigon.

Dawn could already feel the Salamence’s pain, to witness such an event right before your very eyes. She couldn’t imagine if she herself had come to experience it. “... I’m....sorry to hear that. Celestia, I shouldn’t have asked...now I feel ba-“

“It’s nothing really. There is no need to be angry at something that is already been done. The best thing we can do....is just move on.”

“Still, I-“ A growl caught her attention. As usual Eric gave no sign of hearing it.

A deep growl that is not heard before came from Dominus beside her. “What. The. Heck!? Those sickos, what kind of crazies would do something like that!” He nearly roared, but sensible enough to keep his voice down.

“....the one who plagued our world. It was what motivated me to become a vigilante in the first place. But like all evil, they are weeds, rip one out and it will grow back.” Eric replied with his eyes closed in resignation.

“I get that, but,” If Dominus had fists instead of wings, he would have clenched it until it bleeds. “If I could go back! I’ll be gladly teach those sickos a lesson. No one murders one’s mom and gets away with it!”

“....that’s impossible. As Arceus said, only the good ones are brought here. With that, I just assumed that all the bad apples and weeds are left behind in our old world.” Eric explained while absentmindedly putting a salmon onto the plates.

“Yeah.....I wish I could pound their faces in, but you’re right dude, it’s just not possible anymore. Man, I feel for Sally really. No wonder she is so bent on taking down the Phantom Burglars.” Dominus sighed, he didn’t feel hungry at all anymore.

“...I know the feeling.” As if on cue, Eric turned around with two plates held aloof by his two arm heads, on top was your typical Salmon with severals pickles and vegetables.

Eric simply put the dinner before Dawn and Dominus, but their eyes strangely lack the luster that they had earlier this night. The Hydreigon returned later with his own plate and sat down.

As if some force had sucked all the previous activity in the room, silence descended upon the kitchen like an unpredicted storm.

Dawn was simply too focused on what Eric had said to even become agitated about it or eat the dinner in front of her. Dominus himself was unspared, instead of his perkiness whenever he saw Eric’s heavenly food, he slowly lowered his head and chewed on the Salmon silently as his wings couldn’t support spoons or forks.

Both facts didn’t went by unnoticed by Eric. “....are they still thinking about it?” It was all that prevented the former human from rubbing his head. “.....I can’t really blame them. After hearing something like that, even I could barely stomach it when I first heard it with Estelle’s help. All it take was always one blow to one spot to make even the strongest fall. No one was without a weakness, including me.”

The former human decided to take the initiative to destroy the gloomy atmosphere. “....look, just.....forget about it. There’s no use in dwelling on things that already happened.”

“How can I just forget about that?” Dawn asked incredulously. “I mean, one of my friend's mother just got....just got.....” The mare silent cursed her tendency to fumble with her sentence.

This time Eric wisely decided that it’s best not to let her finish the sentence. “....just forget about it, move on.”

"How? How can I just forget that?"

“...that’s why learn from that. I know for a fact that it is a terrible incident, and it shaped her to what she is today, a hatred toward all things criminal. But she also learned something,”

“What is that?” The words quickly flew out of Dawn’s mouth that made her thrust her hoof into her own mouth.

Eric took a deep breath before he spoke. “.....so know what it feels like to be helpless, to just stand there and can’t do anything. You saw how protective she is right?”

“....was it really that? Helplessness? Or am I deluding myself? ......I’ll never know or I’ll just find out when the time comes.” Eric muttered.

Both the mare and the eagle turned to stare at one another, their mind already knew what their friend had meant.

“Yeah, yeah,” Dawn scratched her head as she recalled one memory regarding a certain rhino and the event leading up to that Pokémon sent flying by a simple punch. “She always....got angry whenever you were in danger.”

“Dawn, no offense, but that’s an understatement right there.” Dominus cut in.

“None taken.”

The Braviary nodded. “But yeah, girl’s got one heck of a protective streak there. At least, if what I saw yesterday morning was like that too.” Dominus recalled to that scene before Eric had confronted the cop, he had saw Sally jumped to her feet the moment Dawn mentioned someone was looking for Eric.

“...she’s like that because of what I told you just now.” Eric sighed. “But I won’t justify any of her actions from that reason, I’ll accept full responsibility if I have to, because I’m her friend first and caretaker second.”

That is...actually pretty sensible. Even if this shapes her to what she is today, it seems better than nothing. But because of that, she didn’t want to lose her new friends either now she knows what Sally had gone through.

With how fast Dominus agreed, the mare was outvoted. Dawn sighed. “That...strangely makes a lot sense. I’ll take your word for it.”

Dawn sighed, she didn’t know what do anymore considering the news she had heard. “I pity the poor girl. I wish I could do...do....I don’t know.”

“You and me both....you and me both.” The Braviary added with a sigh. “I was wishing we could help her, dude. Anything is fine.”

“.....the feeling of.....helplessness....I know what it’s like....standing by as you watched your beloved die in front of you is not something that a kid should face. These two.....they are my friends, I won’t get them in my ‘side activities’ if I can help it.” Eric muttered to himself.

No further words were exchanged during the rest of their dinner.

The gloomy atmosphere permeated throughout the house. Dawn and Dominus headed upstairs after filling their stomachs with nutrients for the night.

“....I’ll see you guys tomorrow morning.” They agreed with a silent nod. Both wanted nothing more than to just pass out on their beds, partly from exhaustion from the earlier event and partly...from hearing that stories.

The thought alone made them shudder as they decided it was time to enter the slumber land.

The Hydreigon stood above the sofa he usually slept in before sitting down with a sigh. He saw Alex laid down on the right armrest and gently laid an arm against his belly. He smiled

“.....tonight has been exhausting.....now the earlier adrenaline already got out of my system.” Eric’s eyes drifted from Alex, to Sally and to Dominus. The Hydreigon rest easy knowing that at least they would be walking fine in at least two days. “....all you have done your best....you guys deserve some rest.”

As the former human leaned his head against the headrest, his mind flew back toward what he said to Dawn and Dominus earlier. “.....forget about it and move on.....then why can’t I seem to forget it no matter how much I try. Dammit, is it really getting to me? Maybe....just maybe it was the feeling that makes it hard to forget.”

“....dad...”

Eric’s mind soon went blank as he joined the other inhabitants of the house in their deep slumber.

Play this as closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUmtn-BMB6o

Author's Notes:

Here we are, Sally's inner darkness has been revealed. You gotta feel for the poor Dragon

And yes, there is a real ghost in there, people. There are many instances of real ghost in Pokemon, so I figured why not this one time. I also had a thought, Ghost-type Pokemons aren't really dead, if they did they wouldn't be able to breed with other Pokemon type.

I also want to notify one thing. I promise you this, Eric and Sally will change, be patient guys. And Eric is not crazy. He wasn't always like that and he'll change for the better.

His brutality does match up with his Pokemon form after all (Brutal Pokemon indeed) and I'm not gonna deny that.

As usual, forgive me if I went and go done all those gramatical errors again. My mistake

And that's it for now guys, any likes for those who likes my story is greatly appreciated

Hope you guys enjoy!

Chapter 14 : Derailed

View Online

"Treasures are like a shooting star, they won't last forever and will come and gone before you know it. Dreams and your greatest moment in life are no different, either they will last within a second or last an entire lifetime, all that depends on how lucky we are. It is important that one should treasure what is most important to them all they can before it is taken away. Or it will be one's greatest regret - Eric Angelo

Play this as the second opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G167-ZBmlIw

Another day in Vanhoover had began. Pokémon, ponies, griffons, minotaurs, etc had began entering the streets the moment the sun had peaked over the horizon. The good vibe was there, they knew they could feel it. It began ever since the crime lord had been taken into custody under unspecified evidence.

All of them had heard of what happened to him, assault they say. But they didn’t care about him nor the property that had been smashed. Once they have heard who he is underneath all the facade, all they cared about was that the threat to their society was gone for good.

Each city inhabitant were waving and greeting each other more. Even a Hydreigon, whose face had already been established among the inhabitant was not spared from their morning greeting.

Said Hydreigon floating away from the street and toward the house at the end of the street with a paper rolled up inside his right head mouth. Once he reached the front steps, he rapped the door a few times before helping himself inside the house of Solar Dawn where he could see the hostess is currently working on something on her work desk.

Play theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUKaKn7D-Hk&list=PLXrZe4zBmzYMx-kdkH408JlYPwWNjM1qO&index=10

“.....morning, Dawn.” Eric floated into the house while holding a bundle rolled up papers.

The Bat Pony glanced up, smiling when she saw Eric. “Good morning!”

An eagle-like Pokemon flew into the room from the kitchen before perching beside Dawn. Upon spotting the Hydreigon, a smile nearly split his face. “Eric! Good morning!” The Braviary greeted the Hydreigon with much enthusiasm.

It’s been two days since they have been told the truth of the matter regarding Sally, he was surprised they could actually forget about it easily. They didn’t talk about it anymore the moment all was said and done two nights ago.

“...it was either that or they just suppress it much more easily than I thought. In a way, Dawn and Dominus were a lot stronger than me.” He muttered through his lips.

“....hey.” Eric greeted, though lacking the usual warm greeting that most people would have. “How’s my team doing?”

The mare flicked her head upward, indicating somewhere behind Eric. He glanced over his shoulder to see one Dragon, one Multiplier, and one giant fire Moth still out like a light before the sofa on the carpet. Will laying on top of Sally while Alex propped against her side. “They’re quite the heavy sleepers, aren’t they?”

“This was still early, I assumed they are still asleep. And I know about Sally being a heavy sleeper. One of my team is also one, but a lot worse. I always woke up first to prepare breakfast for them if needed.”

Dominus whistled. “A dedicated trainer is a cool trainer in my books.”

“....A trainer has to be dedicated to the care of their team. Otherwise, the general view on them would be quite low.” Eric agreed.

Then she remembered about her new partner, Dominus. She had also dedicated herself to taking care of him. Glancing to her left, she spotted Dominus attempting to preen himself using his beak. It would appear though that he’s not as skilled as he appears to be. The Braviary blushed a sheepish smile when he noticed his new caretaker stared at him at how badly he attempted to preen himself. Dawn had to admit he’s still cute even as a Braviary.

“Anyway, where were you? I thought you would usually prepare breakfast at this time?” The mare asked while scratching her head.

“Out for a little stroll and for some newspaper.” He put his right arm head up, indicating the newspaper stuck within the head’s mouth. “Found this on some benches instead.”

“Out for a little stroll?...what’s that gotta do with a news-” Dawn quickly registered his latest sentence in her head. “Wait, wait, wait, why are you even getting a newspaper?” The Bat Pony scratched her head, not getting why would he try to find any interesting thing.

Eric glanced the mare’s way with a look. “....it’s quite simple. To keep myself informed of any event in the world.” Eric didn’t say another word before setting himself down on the sofa. His team still lay out cold like a light in the morning.

“Keeping yourself informed, huh? Nothing really exciting happens in Equestria, except some mind blowing incident about some Lord of Chaos really.” Eric gave her a stare that could bore straight through and out the back of her skull. Her smile turned sheepish before she scratched her head. “On second thought, a lot of things have happened these last few days.”

Eric nodded. He opened his newly acquired newspaper. He found out Dawn had been correct, there’s nothing really interesting really. The one that certainly caught his attention is the thievery in the museum that he had attempted to stop. The guy he paid a ‘visit’ to gone to jail. And also the most recent is the Tall Tale Heist, where he almost caught the thief, but failed. It was truly a sour night to remember.

All of that was forgotten when he remembered the ‘message’. “.....I’m sure wherever she is right now, she’ll remember the burnt mane. Zoroark loves to go around with their mane like that. All it did, is just asking to get a bull’s eye painted on it.....every species does have their pros and cons.”

“Hey, Eric.”

“Hmmm?” Her voice caught his attention again. His eyes glanced upward over the papers to see her speaking.

“Uh, so, why are you so keen on keeping up with the current information really? It’ll probably just the same story about Pokemon getting dropped into Equus since this...Arceus or whoever announced it.”

“....how to explain this....” Eric sighed as he thought of an answer. “....let’s just say a trainer is required to also keep themselves well-informed. Otherwise, they won’t know of any events regarding Pokémon that might be happening or if it concerned us as a whole. We need to stay well informed. That’s how I knew about the thief in the first place.”

The mare scratched her head. “Keep themselves informed?” A nod is made. “If the thing you just told me is like that, then being a trainer is kinda...kinda...”

“Hard?....it is Dawn, you don’t get to relax often. You have to dedicate yourself to it. Remember to both care and train your team so they would become the best.” When Dawn thought to it, it does make sense. Being a friend, you have to dedicate yourself for the best of your partner and friends.

Eric returned back into his newspaper. He skipped some few uninteresting pages where it just stated about some daily even that probably won’t caught anypony’s attention, but to the most dedicated. Then he found one interesting page, about Canterlot and the deals happening there right now.

“Hmmm?” His eyes found a picture about a Pokemon. He decided to take a closer look. It was a picture of Pokemon laying on its back in a hospital bed. There are several other Pokemon surrounding said Pokemon, obscuring Eric enough so he couldn’t tell what species he is.

“.....they seem familiar.” Eric noticed something on the cupboard beside the bed in the picture. When he saw it, his eyes widened to almost dinner plate sized. “.....that pocketwatch.”

Eric floated quickly enough to the desk where Dawn’s working on her archeological book. Dominus is absent from her side. “....Dawn, I need to go.”

She glanced up from her work to suddenly meet the face of Eric. Dawn frowned when she look at his face that screams, ‘we got trouble’. “Uhhh....why?” She scratched her head in response.

“....I need to go. To Canterlot.”

That was enough to pique her curiosity. “Canterlot?” The Hydreigon nodded. “Why would you even want to go to....Canterlot?” Before she could say anything else, Eric in turn promptly opened up the newspaper again and showed her the picture.

A head slapped the paper. “....I think I recognize one of them.”

“So..... you wanna go over there and check it out?” The mare scratched her head.

He nodded. “....yeah,” Eric flicked the newspaper onto the sofa. “I wanted to make sure if that’s the right guy. It might be nothing, but....I just want to make sure.”

“But, but, it’s about almost a day worth of travel. And that is even by train, we’ll get there by tomorrow. Not to mention this is a….” Looking over the newspaper date, she nodded. “It’s a day old newspaper. So basically…. we don’t even know if the guy you’re looking for is...is...what was the word?”

“The right one?” Dawn nodded. “....don’t worry about it, I can handle it.”

Seeing another resolute, she realized that her argument would fell on deaf ears again. Dawn simply sighed. “If you say so, I guess I can spare a few bits for two tickets.”

“....you’re paying? For the train?”

“Uh....yeah? Is there something wrong?”

“...the last thing I want is to inconvenience you. I could fly over there with-“

“Can I come with you?” A shy voice asked behind him.

He glanced over his shoulder. Knowing who it is. “.....Alex?” The Sun Pokemon apparently had woken up ahead of his fellow teammates.

Said Volcarona shied away from the gaze of the Hydreigon. “Uhm, if you don’t want to. I guess I can…”

“....no, you can come.” The moth’s head perked up at the reply. “Just stay close to me, ok?”

“...okay.”

“Right,” His gaze switched back to the mare. “Dawn, I’m sorry if this inconveniences you, but…..you know, I could just fly over there with Sally-” Hesitation coloring his tone which is out of place for a stoic guy.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down there.” Said mare waved her forehooves back and forth. “Don’t finish that sentence because I know what you’re thinking, Sally’ll take a nosedive out of exhaustion before she can even reach Canterlot. That’s not even counting the return trip. No way, no way, you’ve done enough to help me, now it’s my turn to help you. I’ll come with you. Isn’t that right, Dominus?” When she saw that her partner was nowhere in sight. She looked around in confusion. “Dominus?

The Valiant Pokemon replied with an enthused nod. “M ere!” That’s what it sounded to her at least as he flew back into the room through the kitchen again, carrying what appears to be two bananas in his beak.

Perching beside Dawn again, he dropped the two bananas on the table. “Are these for me?”

A cheery nod coupled with a smile answered her. “You look hungry. Figured that some of you premier bananas will get you back into shape. Not cool to look if my partner faint.” That caused a smile to go into Dawn’s face as well.

“Thanks, Dominus. You’ve been a great help.” The Braviary let a soft smile enter his beak as she rubbed his head feathers.

“.....are you sure?” Eric’s voice brought Dawn back toward the current problem. “It’s probably wrong to assume I know him. I’m just basing this on a picture.”

“Don’t worry. I’m just glad to help a friend. After all,” Glancing at her partner, she added. “Didn’t you say that Dominus’ kind is dedicated toward their friends?”

Eric answered after some silence. “.....good point. Sorry for the inconvenience though.”

“No problem. Alright, shall we be off?”

The Hydreigon curtly nodded. “.....let me finish few things first, then we can-“

“What about breakfast?” The shy Volcarona added. The room went into silence. “Uhm, is there something I said? If so, I’m sorry about…”

“....no, you’re not. I’ll go prepare the breakfast.” With that, Eric floated into the kitchen without another word.

“Uhm, what did I say?” The shy moth asked. The Braviary facewinged.

Meanwhile, the newspaper lay open on Dawn’s singular sofa. Focusing on one particular picture, the above title reads, Two Pokemon found! One possibly in coma!

End theme

They all arrived at the train station of Vanhoover soon enough after finishing with breakfast. Eric wanted to go to Canterlot as soon as possible in order to confirm his theory and he got his wish soon enough as Dawn went in to four tickets to Canterlot.

“Hey, dude.”

“Hmmm?”

“I gotta ask something.” Dominus took Eric’s raised eyebrow as a sign to continue. “Are you really sure it’s fine leaving the house to Sally and that annoying grandpa?”

Eric thoughts went back a few minutes earlier.

“Our lucky day, looks like we’ll be the house taker of this fine house. Let me get an apron for this woman beside me and she’ll look like a regular housewife. Already loving the image too.” As soon as he finished, he found himself kissing the floor when someone had pushed him.

“Shut up!” The culprit, Sally growled. “Anyway, why are we the ones left behind here? You could run into trouble for all we know and we wouldn’t be there to help.”

“....well, I have reasons to do it.” Eric raised an eyebrow.

“Oh really? I wonder what are those reasons are? Care to tell us or are you just going to stand there looking like a life-like statue?” Will’s muffled voice came from the floor as he floated up while dusting himself off.

“.....the reason is simple. One, I wanted to travel light and I won’t even be there that long. And two, someone had to look after the house while we’re gone. Will you got an arm and Psychic powers, perfect for house cleaning duties. And Sally, I know-”

“So what am I supposed to be the housemaid now? Feels like I’ve just won a prize or something. Oh, well, aren’t I the lucky one.” Will snarked. Sally grinded her teeth strong enough to grind diamonds to dust.

Unfortunately, he was ignored for the better sake of their sanity.

”As I was saying..... I know this sounds flimsy, but I want you to….look after Will and the house too when I’m gone.”

“What!? Me?” Sally pointed at herself, to which Eric nodded. “No way, I’m gonna take on a legendary anyday of the week rather than get stuck with-”

“Oh, no really, that is not a flimsy excuse, Sally. In fact, it’s one of the best reasons out there to have ever existed.” Will folded his arms across his body. “You hear that? Looks like the brooder had given us two valid reasons. So let’s relax, I’m sure everything will be fine for our dear brooder.” The Reuniclus’ tone was heavy with sarcasm as he glanced behind him at his Dragon teammate.

That drew a death glare from Sally toward the Reuniclus’ way.

The Hydreigon had to resist another headache. “....another reason is that I don’t want Will to go around throwing sarcastic remarks at everypony he meets. That just screams looking for trouble... Not like I’m going to tell him about it though.” Eric muttered through his lips.

“....so yeah, I say we should go to the beach and I’ll be playing babysitter while you go and have your Bagon moment again. I mean, nothing is more good than relaxing and getting ourselves another severe sunburn-“

If a glare could drill, the back of Will’s head would have a hole right now. “Shut your mouth before I take you skydiving again.” Sally turned her attention back toward her trainer. “Eric, are you sure about this? I mean, can you squeeze in just two more passengers, please?” Eric simply stared at her. Seeing that, Sally bowed her head in resignation. “Fine.”

The Hydreigon nodded. “....alright, see you two later. Take care while we’re gone.” He turned around and floated toward the door.

Will shrugged. “Well, glad to see that we’ll be doing spring cleaning for a day. I’m looking forward to working closely with-“

“And please,” Eric’s voice had taken a different tone as he glanced over his shoulder at the two. “....I know enough of what will happen if I left someone like Will with someone else like Sally to take care of something as simple as a house. So I’ll say this, don’t wreck the house, please? The last thing I need is a homeless pony when we come back.”

“Brooder, you’re worrying too much.” Will let out a grin as he looped his left arm on Sally’s neck. “I’m sure we’ll be best of friends while you’re gone. We’ll be having tea party, we’ll be grooming each other-”

“What!?” The Dragon exclaimed and wrenched away from the arm looped around her neck. “The last thing I need is for someone like you to groom me!”

“Oh, look, the woman is complaining again. How cute.” Will added with an eye roll. The Dragon beside him was livid.

Just seeing those two, Eric had second thoughts already. Eric opened his mouth to say something when another voice cut through their conversation. “Eric! C’mon, the train’s about to depart!” Dawn’s impatient voice came from outside.

“Brooder, I think your date is waiting for you. Don’t wanna keep a woman waiting.” Will grinned.

“....alright, I’ll be leaving, but I’ll say this again, don’t wreck the house or demolish it or do anything else that involves ruining it. Understand?”

“Got it, Eric!” Sally nodded.

“Roger that, sir brooder.” Will saluted sarcastically.

With a simple nod, he floated out the door and shut it. He felt as if he had made another mistake as he floated to rejoin Dawn. “......Somehow, I doubt that.....too late now. Prove me wrong you two.”

“....to be honest....I’m not really sure either.”

Dominus face-winged. “Pairing Sally with grandpa sarcastic is just asking for trouble, dude. It was just another ticking time bomb to me.”

Eric reluctantly agreed with a nod.

“Mph, go it!” Dawn’s voice caught their attention. She trotted back toward her group and presenting the tickets in her mouth.

“Our tickets?” Eric questioned, taking one from her mouth. The image on the piece of yellow paper was just a simple locomotive.

“Mmmhmm,” The rest were quickly taken in Alex’s Psychic and Dominus’ beak. Leaving only one is Dawn’s mouth and spitting it out to her hoof. “I arranged for the four of us to travel to Canterlot. So it should be leaving-”

A whistle blowed. “Right now…”

“....alright, let’s go.” Eric didn’t say another word as he floated toward the open train cars.

“....okay.” The Volcarona followed his trainer shyly, the ticket floating alongside him because of his use of Psychic.

“Let’s do this.” The Braviary mumbled through his beak and flew toward the conductor. Followed by Dawn.

A conductor meanwhile, is checking each passenger's ticket and returning the most recent one to a grey Earth Pony. “Here you go, sir.” The pony made a nod of confirmation, taking the ticket before stepping into the train.

“Next,” Only when he did look at the next one in line is a three-headed hydra, he meeked. “.....w-w-w-”

Eric merely raised an eyebrow at the pony’s visible fear of him. “.....I guess he hadn't heard of me.”

“Don’t worry, he’s with me!” Dawn’s voice called out and she trotted forward beside Eric. “Despite his uh... appearance, he’s nicer than you think.” The mare offered a sheepish smile and scratched her head.

Eric didn’t say a word for he knew that without something like Dawn’s necklace, the stallion wouldn’t understand what he was saying. Instead, he just presented the ticket toward the trembling pony. The unicorn took it with trembling hoof and went on to check it out. After confirming that it was valid, he handed it over to the hydra who made a nod before floating into the train.

The same could be said for one fire moth, eagle, and a Bat Pony. The first two, they had him scared shitless. He trembled as they obliviously handed him the ticket. After a little checking here and there, the pony confirmed their tickets are valid.

“Thank you, sir.” The Volcarona made an unseen smile with his tiny mouth and floated inside.

“Cool, thanks!” Dominus quickly flew, following the Sun Pokemon inside.

Unfortunately, none of those words were understood by the conductor.

As for Dawn, the stallions trembling had slowed a little. Not by much considering that she kept some seriously scary company.

“Is there something wrong?” That jolted the conductor out of his daze.

“N-nothing.” It is most definitely not nothing. He took the ticket from the mare and checked it. Once that is done, he quickly handed the ticket back to the mare.

“Thanks, sir.” Dawn nodded before trotting into the train to join her friends.

Once he was sure the weird bunch is gone, the stallion took a much needed breath into his almost empty lungs. He didn’t realize he had stopped breathing after laying eyes on such serious company. “I think I need a new job.”

Finding a seat in the frontmost compartment wasn’t that hard due to the fact that a number of ponies seem to not have heard about their new three-headed passenger, and as such decided to slink away a little. They took the seat closest to the door leading to the kitchen with Eric and Alex taking the one to the right of the aisle with Dawn and Dominus on the other.

Awkward silence followed as soon as they took the seats, with ponies whispering away in their corners. How the mare kept such company, who are they, and are they going to eat us, etc.

Seeing as how staring can get Dawn aggravated, it is not helping she’s the center of attention now. Of course, her loyal partner noticed this and decided to start a conversation.

“So, why are we going to….whatever this place we’re going again?” Dominus asked out of nowhere.

This caused Eric to stare to the Braviary again. “Is he trying to start off a conversation? Better to see where is this going first. Might as well indulge them while I can...” he muttered.

“Uhm, I think Eric said it was...uhm, Canterlot if I remember correctly.” The bug beside Eric decided to answer for him.

“Canter-wha?”

Seeing her partner’s confusion, Dawn decided to explain. Though, someone beat her to it. “Canterlot. It’s the capital of the country of Equestria and where the government resides.” Eric answered. “It stands on Mount Unicornia carved on the side of the mountain, but really don’t ask me how that is possible, possibly the ‘magic’ Dawn has told us about. Mostly its made out of marble judging from the whiteness of the stonework. It is also where the diarchs of Equestria resides, Princess Celestia and the recently reformed Princess Luna who rules this monarchy country. That is also where most unicorn nobility reside.”

Dawn’s mouth was hanging open, wide enough to let a fly in. She was so stupified that Eric had basically explained what Canterlot is better than her. Had he just perfectly recited information a lot better than a native Equestrian by just reading a few books?

A whistle broke her out of that trance she was in.“Man, you sure got a good memory there. That’s so silly of me.” The Braviary grinned sheepishly. “Why are we going there again?”

No longer in awe at Eric, Dawn had to admit, she was getting curious too. What’s so important about the Pokemon in the picture that it gets Eric all riled up early in the morning?

The Hydreigon sighed, bowing head low before looking at the questioner with a solemn look. “....do you really want to know?”

“Well,” Dawn officially joined the conversation. Partly to get out of her nemesis, the awkward silence. “Dominus’ right, you know? You haven’t really told us why do you insist going to Canterlot.”

That was it, they asked him for the reason why they are going for Canterlot. “No avoiding it, better tell them sooner than later. This way I could avoid the fallout.”

“.....you’re right, there is a reason for me wanting to go to the capital. One very good reason.”

Dawn was fidgeting, Dominus is grinning. “Then don’t keep us waiting, dude.”

Eric looked onward in silence. Dawn scratched her head in agitation as she waited for her answer. Just as she wished, it came. “....the one in the picture....It’s because.....he’s my dad.”

Reactions can vary with earth-shattering revelations. This time, it shocked and surprised both Dawn and Dominus. The same could be said for the timid fire moth.

Alex regained his senses faster than the other two. “H-how….Eric...is it really...Mr. Angelo?” The moth asked with disbelief coloring his face.

A simple nod answered the bug. The moth let out a soft sigh of relief. “I’m glad Mr. Angelo is okay.”

“No, no, no, wait!” Dawn’s shrill voice of disbelief caught the moth off-guard. “How can the Pokemon in the paper be your dad!? There’s no resemblance whatsoever from what I can see.”

Eric sighed. “.....I knew it would come to this. Never expected it to be quite soon.” He muttered.

After the last few days, she already got used to his tendency to brood and mutter. What concerns her right now is that why is the Pokemon on the paper can even be her friend’s dad. There was supposed to be some kind of resemblance if they did, unless he was adopted.

Instead to answer her question, he simply said. “....Arceus possibly did this.”

“What?” Dawn asked dumbfounded.

“Yeah, I don’t understand what you mean with that, dude” Dominus agreed. “Can you explain further?”

Closing his eyes, Eric explained it the best way he could. “I mean, it is possible that we, former humans, have been transformed into Pokemons that best fit our nature. Hence why the difference in species even if we’re related.”

Dawn and Dominus made an ‘o’ with their mouth and beak respectively. “Now it all makes sense.”

“I agree with you there, Dawn.” Dominus nodded. “Didn’t see resemblances, but…. still looks cool enough to me, so, not complaining.”

“One problem.” Eric glanced at Dawn, who continued on despite the stare. “How can you be sure he’s your dad?”

“.....he had a pocket watch with an ornate symbol on the lid on. It was in the picture, just beside the bed he was laid.” He replied simply.

“Pocket...watch?”

Dominus tilted his head. “Okay, I don’t get it. What does a pocket watch have to do with your old man?”

“Uhm, Mr. Angelo carries a gold-plated pocket watch with him at all times. All of us knew.” Alex interrupted.

“Most of all,” Eric continued where Alex left off. “I know that pocketwatch in the picture. There’s no mistaking the gold plating and the carved circle lining. And there’s only one person with such a custom, one-of-a-kind pocket watch, after all, the hole right in the center of the metal lid is for opening and closing the watch itself. The center of the lid is hollow, so he usually puts his Key Stone inside.”

“....so now,” Eric glanced out the window. “I just wanted to make sure it’s him.”

Dawn scratched her head. “Okay, okay, okay, let me get this straight. Basically, the Pokemon in the picture is your dad. Then we’re following that trail that might even be wrong just because you saw a pocket watch that looks similar like the one your father carries around?”

Eric sighed with a shake of his head. “.....I told you, Dawn, we’re basically following a breadcrumb trail that might not even be right just as you said earlier. But you still insisted to come along. I appreciate it, but it might be a waste of time.”

“No such thing as a waste of time when it comes to helping friends, dude. We stick by each other.” Dominus added.

“Uh, yeah, that.” Dawn scratched her head with an awkward grin. “Not the way I would say it, but….yeah, Dominus’ right. We’re friends, Eric, of course, I’ll help you out the best I can. You’ve helped me out before, and I help you out.”

The Brutal Pokemon went silent for a moment. Then his expression made way for a small smile. A smile. “Thanks you two. I really appreciate it.”

“Don’t need to thank us, dude.” Dominus nodded. Seems everything decided to go smoothly.

Though someone decided to break it. “But,” Remembering the Pokemon in the paper, she could still see the state of it. One wouldn’t need to be a genius to figure it out. “The Pok...I mean, your father...he looks hurt. Being laid in a bed is a dead giveaway.”

“......” No one made an attempt to reply here. Eric just stared at the window while Alex is leaning back beside Eric with a solemn look on his features.

“Uh, Eric?” The mare grinned nervously while scratching her head. No one expected an awkward silence to suddenly follow.

“.....I don’t know, should I tell her now or maybe later? Hmmm….it might be easier later when she sees it for herself. No avoiding it anyway.”

Noticing the Hydreigon’s moving mouth, Dawn concluded that Eric muttered to himself again. She sighed, and there she was expecting an answer that never came.

“Mr. Angelo is hurt badly.” The voice of Alex turned all eyes toward him. Being the center of attention, the shy Volcarona attempted to make himself smaller in his seat. “Uhm, did I say something wrong? Sorry, maybe I should-”

“He’s hurt!?” Dawn almost jumped out of her seat. “With what?!”

Eric had to prevent himself from rubbing his forehead. Seeing no other way to defuse the situation, the Hydreigon caved. “....Alex, please continue.”

“Uhm, okay? Mr Angelo, he’s, uhm,....he’s in coma and-” The fire moth said with the smallest volume possible.

Unfortunately, Dawn’s and Dominus eyes bulged out of their sockets when the word ‘coma’ came out even if it’s nearly inaudible. “COMA!?” Both shouted simultaneously. Realizing they had spoken together, they stared before returning their attention to the Volcarona

The yell caused the Volcarona to flinch and slinked back a little. “Uhm, yes?”

“Seriously?” Dominus said with disbelief. “Ok, dude, that’s just messed up. No one deserved that kind of thing.”

“Uhm, he is hurt. Pretty badly. I don’t like seeing him like that....actually, I don’t want seeing anyone get hurt.” Alex added.

“No one wants to see their dads go ill like that, little guy. It’s just wrong. Heck, if it was me, I would stand by my old man, not leaving him.”

“Uhm, I’m not little.” The Volcarona said with inaudible voice.

“But, but,” Dawn scratched her head faster in agitation. “How did he get into coma in the first place!?” Dawn shouted. When she saw how the Volcarona and the Hydreigon both made grimacing faces, she knows that she had gone too far. “Oh, sorry, that came out wrong. I shouldn’t have pried.”

“No, it’s okay.” Dawn’s eyes were a mix of astonishment and disbelief. Did he just actually forgive her for prying? “You were curious, I understand that.”

Inwardly, the Bat Pony is glad that Eric can be quite understanding.

“But seriously, what kind of incident that get your dad into-” Dawn felt feathers quickly covered her mouth before she could finish that. Glancing beside her, the culprit revealed to be her Braviary partner.

“Dawn, not cool.” Dominus had shook his head. “Ease off the dude, he’s been through a lot.”

When the wing had removed itself from her mouth, she began apologizing. “Sorry, sorry, you know how I can get. So... sorry, I had gotten really curious.” Dawn scratched her head sheepishly.

“....it’s no problem. And I don’t really see problem with that....I’ll tell you both in time.”

Dawn was expecting a lot of reaction, but not that. “Uh....you will?”

“I just...just need time to get my thoughts in order before confirming it was my dad.”

“Alright, alright, take your time.” Dawn nodded, understanding his situation. Anyone with a heart would. “I can wait.”

“Thank you.” Dawn felt Eric’s gratitude of allowing him to gather his thoughts.

Remembering one more thing, Dawn added. “Oh, before I forget,” Everyone looked at her instantly. This of course, caused her to get nervous, nonetheless, she continued. “The train is set to leave at 1 PM, right?” She got a nod from both Alex and Eric. “If I count it right, then the train would arrive approximately tomorrow morning or midnight if there’s nothing wrong on the way.”

“Then I’m going to take my power nap!” Dominus quickly collapsed his head onto the seat’s headrest. “Wake me up if something cool happens!”

Dawn stared at the Braviary in bewilderment, then scratches her head with a grimace. “I don’t understand Pokemon sometimes.”

At the prospect of sleep, the Sun Pokemon looked left at his trainer. “Eric?”

“Hmmm?”

“Uhm, if it’s no trouble, can I sleep and please wake me up later?” The Volcarona had all, but screams cute timidness.

“....I don’t see why not.” Eric nodded neutrally. “And sure, I’ll wake you up when we get there.”

Once again, Alex is grateful to be blessed with such caring trainer. “Thank you, Eric.” The Volcarona closed his eyes as he gently drifted off into the dreamland. Unhardened, anyone would have d’aaawed at the cute little snore he’s making.

“Alright,” Addressing Dawn this time, Eric tilted his head left to her. “What about you, Dawn?”

“Seeing everybody else seems to take a nap, ah, might as well.” The mare shrugged, before laying her head against the headrest. “Don’t try to force your eyes open this time, Eric. Just….relax.” With that, she joined Dominus into the lands of dream.

The compartment suddenly gone silent with Eric’s conversations partner suddenly going off into their dreams. With a sigh, he decided to take Dawn’s advice to heart and lay his head against the headrest.

“Maybe, I’ll deal with getting thoughts into order later. She’s right when I need to relax.” Eric muttered.

The Hydreigon couldn’t help but let out one last word. “....dad, please let it be you.” He finally closed his eyes, as the train blowed its whistle. Destination : Canterlot.

Eric was sleeping peacefully in the train...until it was interrupted by a sudden jolt, sending him out of his seat, though he was able to stop himself from getting acquainted with the opposing headrest.

“....what was that?” Glancing around, he still spotted a few ponies a short distance away that were separated by empty seats. And of course, they’re still asleep.

Looking to his left and outside the window, something peculiar had happened. The fact that the land outside had stopped passing by allowed Eric to come to one conclusion. “....why has the train stopped?”

A groan sounded beside him. Turns out poor Alex had fallen out of his seat. “Oh, my head.” Alex shakes his head furiously before floating up. Looking around, it seems Dawn and Dominus were still glued to their seat for reasons unknown.

“....you okay, Alex?” Waking up face first on the floor is not exactly comfortable.

“I think, I’m okay.” Swiveling his head left and right, he also noticed the peculiarity, but he wanted to make sure. “Uhm, Eric, what just happened?” The Volcarona asked.

As if on cue the moment Alex finished those words, they could hear the engine slowly roaring to life again. The moonlit plains that had stopped passing by had started moving again. Then a door opened, allowing a stallion to pass through. He seems to be in a hurry judging from the pace.

But the situation calls for Eric attention to be on the moving train instead.

“....now, it’s moving again?” Bewildered by the turn of events, Eric stared at the plains that were once again rolling by. “....just what is happening? Is there something wrong with the engine? If it did, there was supposed to be some kind of announcement.”

“Eric? What’s going on?” The timid Volcarona asked nervously.

“....hmmm, maybe. I should do it just in case. No use sleeping again anyway. Things like these that happens always have something else happening according to my experience.”

“Eric?” The Volcarona wanted to know if Eric heard him.

Shaking his head slightly, he replied. “It’s nothing. Why don’t you go back to sleep? I need to check something.”

“Uhm, well, won’t you be needing my help?” The timid moth asked.

“....no, it’s fine.” Eric waved the offer off without looking. Attention still focused on the landscape. “If it’s nothing, then I’ll go back to sleep. Simple as that.”

“If you say so...but please go back to sleep soon. I don’t want you to get hurt.” The Sun Pokemon reminded, worried for his trainer.

“...he’s worried about me? I’m the one who is more worried about him. Though, I do appreciate the concern.” The former human muttered.

“Of course….” Then the moth seated himself again before allowing himself back into the realms of dreams.

“.....as long as nothing happening, then I can go back to sleep just fine.” The Hydreigon muttered. “....my experience tells me whenever something strange happen, then a chain of strange occurrences will follow.”

Getting up from the seat carefully, he took the aisle down toward the back of the compartment. “I should try checking if something is out of place in the back. The engine is the conductor’s concern. Having a derailed train would be the least of my concern if I didn’t check.”

Lucky for the Hydreigon, most of the passengers were asleep when he passed by. Reaching the back of the compartment, he slid the door open that leads outside. A coupling is visible that connects the compartment.

“....hmmm, nothing seems wrong. Alright, I should check another one.” With everything checks out on this part, he slid the door open that leads inside the second compartment.

He had done the same routine for the next couple of cars, checking the couplings and making sure that something that might cause a derailed train was no longer there.

Meanwhile, the state in which the passengers is in remains in their blissful ignorance in the last couple of cars.

With the third coupling checks out and Eric already in the third compartment, he poised to move into the kitchen. It wasn’t hard to know considering the sign is on the sliding door.

Just as he moved to grab the handle, something peculiar happened again. Mainly, some sort of...clattering?

“Hmmmm, what was that?” Eric wondered, getting closer to the door to hear better. “…..did something just...clatter?” Something is in the kitchen, but what?

Eric intended to find out, quietly, of course. The last thing he need was some kind of panic to occur in a cramped space like this.

The noise was getting louder and louder, whoever it was, he or she reminded him of the event of the museum heist. That’s not what concerned him right now, however. “I’ve encountered that thief two times already, either out of coincidence or something else. I shouldn’t really deny the possibility that she could here…..if I’m lucky...then she’s not here.”

Now floating right in front of the door, he reached out toward the handle. But he stopped for a moment to glance behind him. Seeing no one attempting to sneak up on him, he nodded. “Things are bound to get ugly after this.”

He grabbed the handle and slid the door open as slowly as possible. With the small gap made, it allowed him to peek whoever it is inside. The sight that greeted him….was oddly cute. A small Sylveon was waving his feelers around, picking up different packagings of medicine, checking their labels, and then throwing them away afterwards.

“....what the? Why is a Sylveon here? More importantly….why is he….of course.” Eric figured it out quickly. “...thief. Should I call Alex?….That won’t do, he might be gone before I got back.” The Hydreigon muttered. Taking a deep breath, he added. “I can’t believe I’m about to do this. 4x weakness, I need to remember that.”

“Okay, here we go.” He slid the door open. But instead of a thief running, he just got a blank stare from the Fairy type, who proceed to continue his routine of grabbing and throwing.

“Sylveon, stop it.” The Hydreigon ordered, tensing himself up should the Pokemon attempted to make a gateway. But the Sylveon ignored it, and continued grabbing the medicine, but this time, throwing the packs at the Dark type.

Eric quickly tilted his head, allowing the pack to fly past it “I’m serious, stop it!”

“Food poisoning… yeah, this should do.” The Sylveon read out loud, before looking at Eric, and giving him a fake smile. “Flash.” A bright light came out of the Fairy type’s body

“Gyaaa!” His reflexes caused him to reel back and cover his eyes. Yet when he opened them back, the Sylveon was already exiting the room, running away from him.

“Hey, stop!” His instinct screams to give chase and chase he did.

Into the next compartment, he saw a tiny cream colored figure running towards the next cart. The Sylveon glared back, and with one of his feelers, he shot a small Moonblast which was aimed for Eric’s main head.

With honed reflexes, it allowed Eric to deftly dodge the blast by ducking under it, before quickly continuing the pursuit. “I said, stop!”

“I don’t have time to deal with a punny Hydreigon like you. Didn’t your hoard teach you to not mess with Fairy types? Oh right, your kind is not smart enough to know when they are at a disadvantage.” The Sylveon jumped, and released two bigger Moonblasts from his feelers, which rapidly flew towards the Dragon type.

“Oh, no.” He leaned aside as the first Moonblast flew inches past his face and awkwardly ducking beneath the second one. “....that was too close. Feels like I’m out of my league this time.”

Looking back at his offender, he found that the Fairy decided to make a break for it while he was distracted. “Dammit, he’s just distracting me.” With how Fairy can do massive damage to a Hydreigon, Eric had to prevent himself from rubbing his head. “Just what was I thinking when I decided to go after a Fairy? I should’ve brought Alex along.”

After some more chase, and more close calls from the Moonblast attack, they arrived what appeared to be a luggage cart. Eric went inside and searched for the Sylveon around the many different packs.

“Yoohoo,” A voice said in a feminine tone. Eric looked behind him, to see the Sylveon jump at him with shining feelers. The Sylveon opened his mouth, readying a Yawn attack. But he was stopped short by a swift Eric, who grabbed him with one of his head-hands.

With the cream cat in his grip, he proceeded to slam him into the hard-wooden floor of the compartment, a grunt followed. Now, the Sylveon is all, but helpless as his assaulter pressed both arm heads onto his barrel to held him down.

The Brutal Pokemon gritted his teeth as he tried to keep the squirming cat in place. “Sylveon, for the last time. Sto-” Whatever the Hydreigon was about to say was cut off when he felt something on his back. A tall bulky figure smacked his neck with a bat, which injured Eric, yet didn’t knock him out like the pony expected to.

“Hey, what the?” He glanced behind him and saw another one coming, yet this one was a smaller female unicorn, with wild violet hair. The unicorn shot a beam at Eric’s head, releasing the Sylveon.

Eric shook his right arm rapidly. “Aaagh! Son of a...” Turning around to face his attacker, he had seen another swing was arcing toward the side of his skull.

The earth pony felt satisfaction when the stick had hit his target, however the satisfaction left like a leaf in the wind when he saw the three-headed monster had grabbed onto the bat with his left head. There is nothing he could do as he felt the bat he held onto got dragged forward, and in turn himself toward the Hydreigon who in turn headbutted him, wrenched the bat out of his hooves then slamming it onto the side of his head in retaliation that sent the pony tumbling aside.

With the immediate threat had been taken care of, this brings the former human back toward his original objective. Glancing behind his shoulder, his target is making off with another unknown mare up and over the trap door on the carriage’s ceiling.

“Hey!” But as he turned to chase them, he felt something coming toward his head. Swiftly, he ducked underneath the swing and elbowed an incoming mare violently, causing a spurt of blood to gush out of her nose before collapsing like a brick.

"...that’s over, back toward chasing the Sylveon.” Eric quickly exited the cart and into the intersection between the compartments. Seeing as it was wide enough, he floated upward with a small beat of his wings.

As expected, he spotted his quarry. “Get back here, thief!”

“You still chasing us? Great. Get out of this Hydreigon, we don’t need more trouble.” The Sylveon jumped, and threw a Moonblast that rapidly flew towards Eric, landing on his paws, he kept advancing with the unicorn.

Giving up was not on Eric’s list that night, considering he had allowed the same thief to escape his grasp before, he was determined to stop him again this time. Deftly dodging the Moonblast, he pursued the Sylveon and whoever the unicorn was.

They advanced some more, and a green-looking slim figured appeared in the horizon. The Sylveon ran faster and stood next to the mysterious figure, who Eric identified as a shiny Scizor.

“Stop right there” The Scizor ordered. “We don’t want to cause any more trouble, just leave us alone and go back to wherever you came from, Hydreigon”

“....get out of my way….” Eric warned. “I had enough trouble chasing down that thief around, so I’ll repeat, get out of my way.”

“Stop chasing the Sylveon, and I will. You don’t even know why he did what he did, we needed that medicine,” The Scizor replied, the former trainer could feel the Scizor’s wing buzzed in anticipation.

Eric had to raise an eyebrow at that. “...and why did he do it?” He added curtly.

“Because if he didn’t, I would have died.” The unicorn mare explained. “I was poisoned, I needed it.”

“.....why I should I believe you? Those guys attacked me earlier, instead of helping me, you ran. So….they must be with you.” The Hydreigon didn’t believe every single word they said, since he figured that the guys earlier were distractions so they could escape.

“Those guys were not with us, I swear!” The purple unicorn exclaimed. But the Scizor held up his pincer as a sign to silence her.

“Pockets, go with Layton. This guy won’t believe us, most Hydreigon can only understand one thing: violence. Frederick, I’ll need your help.” The Scizor sighed, getting ready for the battle.

“Yeah sure, I’ll keep the range attacks going, you do the physical damage. This guy shouldn't be able to hold too long,” The Sylveon deadpanned, as his feelers started shining.

“Ugh, I’m beginning to doubt this was the best idea. Not only is there a shiny Scizor now, but the thief is helping him. Dammit.” He cursed while tensing himself up for any attack incoming.

“X-Scissor!” The Scizor’s pincers started glowing a light purple, as he rapidly advanced to hit the Dragon type.

The X-Scissor poised to strike Eric, but what the Bug type wasn’t expecting was that the one he supposed to hit slinked aside before he felt a sharp slap on the back of his head. But that wasn’t the worse of it, the moment he was dazed from the strike, something looped around his neck before hefting him toward the Sylveon’s direction.

Now he lay helpless as his opponent had used him to cover himself, essentially, a Pokemon shield. A Moonblast hit the Scizor, dealing minor damage yet protecting the Hydreigon.

“....give up, Sylveon. I got your Scizor friend.” Eric growled.

“I really don’t care bout him to be honest. Oh yeah, you should probably dodge the incoming hit.” As the Sylveon finished talking, the Scizor’s wings started shining, revealing a Wing Attack that sent Eric back.

“Ah...dammit, that was careless of me.” Eric cursed as he felt a bruise starting to form.

The Sylveon let out condescending grin.“You shouldn't really mess with a champion.”

His expression doesn’t show it, but he was actually surprised when the word ‘champion’ uttered. “...champion?” Judging from the Scizor form, he had an inkling of who it was from the typing alone.

“Indeed, I am Steven Stone, former champion of the Hoenn region.” The Scizor explained, before releasing another X-Scissor, “And you are keeping me away from my objective!”

Once the sentences had been registered by his brain, his wings almost stopped in mid-flight. “....champion? Hoenn? Is he really....Steven Stone, the Steel Master?” He shook his head quickly. “No, it’s too quick to believe in his words.”

“.....Steven Stone….and how do I know you’re the real Steven Stone? People bluff a lot these days.” Eric growled. Clearly, he didn’t believe if the Scizor in front of him is really the champion or not.

“And why should I tell you? The only thing you’ve been wanting to do is to stop me and the Sylveon. Speaking of which…” Steven ducked, as the sylveon jumped on his back, releasing two small yet fast Moonblast, which rapidly went flying towards the Hydreigon.

His reflexes kicked in, tilting his head left and right as the Moonblast flew by, not seemingly fazed even a little. “.....I just tried to stop him from stealing some medicines. That’s vandalism, and I...don’t like it.”

The moment he finished, the Scizor glared at the Sylveon beside him. “Did you even care to explain what we needed the medicine for, Frederick?” The Sylveon just shrugged. “I should’ve imagined. We needed the medicine urgently, a friend of ours was under a Poisoned status, and we needed the medicine before it was too late.”

“.....hmm, that’s new.....nevertheless, one can’t be too careful. I shouldn’t really trust someone just because they said so, it’s just asking to be lied upon.”

The Hydreigon went silent for a moment upon this revelations, yet this silent was broken quickly. “.....why should I believe you? I don’t even know if you’re the champion or not.”

“Layton, you ready?” Steven asked, looking at the Bunnelby besides him.

“My body is ready, reaching destination in 3...2...1…” From behind Eric, a silver chunk of metal floated swiftly towards them. Upon reaching Steven’s side, it revealed four spider-like legs and a golden “X”, with two cold red eyes. A shiny Metagross.

“As I said before, I am Steven Stone, former champion of the Hoenn region. I didn’t want to steal that medicine, but I had no other choice. I apologize deeply.” Steven sighed, resting his arm on the shiny Metagross that lay besides him.

The Hydreigon remained stoic as ever, but inwardly, he is way too surprised when the Shiny Metagross appeared. Eric only knew one human who would have a Shiny Metagross as the star of his team, and that person was standing right in front of him. “....so you really are Steven Stone.”

“And according to Layton, you must be a former human too, am I right? Please tell me your name.”

Telling people his name? If a stranger asked him to do so, he wouldn’t unless they proved themselves harmless or trustworthy. But this was a champion after all. They are known to be kind and trustworthy. “...Eric...Eric Angelo. Just your regular trainer.”

“Eric Angelo, it’s a pleasure to meet you. In that case, there is no point in this fight. I’m looking for someone, another former human, a famous thief, you might have heard of her, goes by the name ‘Phantom Thief Fox’, as you would suppose, she is a Zoroark now. Do you have any idea where she might be?

“Oh...I know her quite well….a chance encounter if I might add.” Eric muttered, loud enough for the former champion to hear him.

“You’ve encountered her as well? Then you must know how she behaves in her Zoroark form. In that case, Eric, would you mind helping me catch Fox?” Steven stretched his arm, opening his pincer and signaling a shake of hands.

Looking down at said pincers in question, the atmosphere tensed as the champion waited for Eric’s response. Then he felt his pincers being grasped by an arm head. “Of course...Steven. But I will need to get my Volcarona.”

“You have a team here? Excellent, the more, the better. Come then, I’ll get my group ready as well. Let’s catch this thief once and for all.”

With gritted teeth, Eric floated through a compartment while muttering to himself. “....I can’t believe this, my prediction came true, Fox is on this train. Just what has the world gotten into around me?”

Eric could ask himself that question forever, but he had more pressing matters to deal with. It mainly concerns a champion, and the very thief that he’s been trying to catch, but failed. Although the last attempt to catch her was more of an insistence from Sally, he also wanted to catch her deep inside.

Such this brings him to this situation now where he is willing to catch Fox, but no Sally this time which he is silently thankful for actually deciding to bring Alex instead.

“....either way, I’m catching her this time, at least Sally’s not here to continuously be stubborn in the event it's better we stop.” He muttered as he finally entered the compartment where his companions is sleeping.

He floated closer to where the visible fire moth was resting comfortably. Eric reached out a head to shake the Volcarona awake, yet he flinched at the last second.

“.....maybe I should leave Alex out of this. Last time I duke it out with the thief....it didn’t end well due to the cop’s interference.” He was about to pull his arm back when he thought back on his earlier encounter with the former champion. “....but if we don’t help, there’s no way he’ll be able to stand up to her. I know, I’ve already got the end of her tricks two times already.....”

In the end, the Hydreigon made his decision. “....sorry for this Alex, but I’ll make sure to keep you safe.”

Eric reached out again and grab ahold of one of Alex’s tiny legs. “....Alex....” He shook the bug lightly to get his attention. “....Alex wake up...” The former trainer shook him harder this time.

Eric didn’t need to wait for long as the Volcarona’s eyelid lifted to reveal his bleary compound eyes. “Eric?” A yawn escaped his tiny mouth. “...have we...uhm, arrived already?”

His question earn him a shook of his trainer’s head as a reply. “...not exactly.”

“I.....” Shaking his head slightly, he was able to look up to Eric with clear vision this time. “...then why did you wake me? Did....something, uhm, happened?”

“.....unfortunately, Alex....we have a thief to catch…..again.”

Play this as the second closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoomnFqserc

Chapter 15 : Train Trip Nightmare

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"Sometimes even the simplest mistake, even the simplest misunderstanding can be....catastrophic, I had to learn that the hard way. Whenever we make mistakes, our initial instinct was to deny it. At times, it was easier that way. It is always our duty to take responsibilities for our actions. Just like a simple mistake can be catasthropic, even the smallest difference one make can be substantial in the long-run" - Eric Angelo

Play this as the second opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G167-ZBmlIw

“Alright, now to meet with Steven.” Eric advanced through the carriages. Looking behind him, his Volcarona was as nervous as ever if his shakes was anything to go by. “....Alex...”

He looked up at his trainer. “....uhm...yes?”

“....you’re good?”

“....yes, I mean...I think so?”

That was enough for Eric’s satisfaction.

The last time they had met up with Steven was when they had visited their carriages. It was there they had brought up plans that will be instrumental in the capture of Fox. When Layton, Steven’s Metagross had detected the location of Fox and her gang, they had went on ahead to attack Fox head-on while he and Alex will be attacking their rear in a pincer maneuver. Such plans would ensure there are no escape routes considering every train car is one-way to either directions.

They travelled through to catch up while being stared at by the other passengers, while Eric paid them no heed, Alex was another thing. All he wanted now was to hide behind Eric to escape the curious gazes of the passenger.

Such thoughts were derailed the moment he bumped into Eric, who had stopped all of the sudden.

Alex stared in confusion, wondering why his trainer stopped dead in front of him. “Uhm, Eric? What-“ He was promptly cut off by a shush.

“....I hear something.” Eric had sworn he heard some form of shouts, which is why he strained his hearing, blocking all other sounds except the one he sought.

“Well well well, I was wondering when we’d see you. What was it Mr. Stone called you again? Layton, was it?” The first voice was that he recognized from his previous two encounters, Fox.

“I am impressed by your memory. Many years have passed since… the banana incident. There is no way you can escape, Fox. Steven is coming this way at this very moment.” Eric recognized the second monotone voice to be that of Steven’s Shiny Metagross, Layton.

“We’re on a train, tin head. There are plenty of ways to escape.” Another voice, Eric pegged it to be the Weavile from before. “Sides, if you haven’t noticed, you’ve got the clear disadvantage. 3 Dark-types against 1 Psychic-type. Sounds like a slaughter to me.”

“Phantom Thief Fox, a title said to be transferred from generation to generation. Known for being stealthy and almost uncatchable, they are-“

The former human had heard enough to get a clear picture of the situation. “....they’re up there, Alex.”

Alex tilted her head aside at whoever it is Eric referred to. “Uhm....”

The Volcarona’s trainer merely emphasized by jerking one head up toward the direction of the ceiling. “....Fox and her fellow thieves are up there with Layton. The latter is in trouble.”

Just the name alone was enough to send shudder through the Bug’s tiny body when he remembered what they had done to him before, yet he steeled himself less he would disobey.

“....alright, we’ll attack them by surprise. No more attacking them head-on like before, that will only get us into more trouble. Now, I’ll need you to-“ Eric pointed to a window on his left side. “To get out the window and stay there. The moment I shout out one of your moves, you are to float up and blast the center area with the attack I shouted.” Eric turned around to face Alex once more. “....Alex...you got that?”

He had heard, but he went from nervous to fearful in a heartbeat. “...yes.” He answered timidly.

However, a pair of heads found themselves gripping the Volcarona’s shoulder. He looked up toward his trainer’s pupil-less eyes. “....Alex, I’m....you don’t have to come if you don’t want to.”

Alex’s compound eyes widened. His trainer couldn’t have been thinking that. “But...what about,er, the plan?”

For a moment, Eric looked away in hesitation, face with expression no one could describe. “....you’ve been poisoned by Fox before and received a lot of damage that I’m sure you don’t want to repeat anytime soon. How about this, I’ll talk to Steven and I’ll see if I can cancel this plan of ours, okay?”

“But...but, won’t they be..uhm,mad at you?” Alex had already pictured Eric getting X-Scissored by a Scizor.

“Getting out of this uninjured for all parties, including Steven and the company he brought is more important. I learned the lesson the hard way dealing with a thief like Fox. We have to know when to advance and when to give. They can be sore at me later, but getting out of this unscathed is top priority. So, I ask again....how about I talk to Steven about canceling this?”

Now the Volcarona felt bad for even having such thoughts. “....okay.” For a moment, Eric looked relieved until he had heard the last word Alex had yet to say. “....uhm, what I mean is, I’ll do it. Is that...okay?”

The carriage went dead silent for a moment before Eric continued. “...Alex, really, I won’t hold it against-“

“...It’s okay.” Alex interrupted. “You’ll protect me. I know you will.” A tiny smile as bright as the sun itself was seen by Eric.

It was all it took to let his defenses crumble. “....okay. But listen to me closely, okay? I don’t want a repeat of two days ago happening again to you of all Pokémon.” Alex nodded. “...alright, let’s get into position.”

With Alex mind had made up, the fire moth floated to a window and squirmed himself outside. Eric himself floated down the carriage to take position.

“Weavile, Blizzard. Liepard, Dark Pulse. As for me, Shadow Ball!”

With a grunt, Eric lifted himself to a see a scene which left him stunned for a moment. There she was, Fox and her gang consisting of only the Weavile, and the Liepard and their back turned to him. Eric would be suspicious right now regarding the location of the other members if only Layton wasn’t in a precarious position. The two Dark Pulses and one Shadow Ball that’s heading toward him was stopped dead in their tracks the moment he jabbed each one with an attack that consist of his front legs glowing white.

Eric noted his sluggish movement, it didn’t take long for him to figure out why. “....dammit, he’s slowed down from Hammer Arm. Speed decreased three times in a row is not helping.”

“Now!” Fox’s shout caught his attention just in time to witness as she threw several of her rounds object. It exploded to unleashed to contents which consist of sticky webs that wrapped around the Metagross’ legs.

“Dark Triangle!” The Foxes moved closer together, and unleashed three Dark Pulses that resembles a triangle each which became one to create one massive pulse.

Eric growled a curse underneath his breath, he moved to stop them. Fortunately, he didn’t need to.

“Not so fast!” Came a familiar voice said from behind the immobilized Steel Type. A shiny Scizor who was Steven Stone himself rushed in front of his friend, as a lime-green neon-like sphere surrounded him. The attack slammed into the sphere which did no good to it before dissipating. “It seems like I arrived just in time, huh bud? Get out of that mess and come help me out.” Steven exclaimed, brewing a Tailwind which sped his Metagross up.

Eric felt the effect as well and took that as a sign to make his move. He floated forward as silent as the Tailwind itself.

“I hate it when our opponents arrive in the nick of time like some cartoon hero.” The Liepard growled while she sticking her tongue out in annoyance.

Steven tensed himself. “Give up, Fox. We don’t need to do this the hard way. There are more reinforcements coming this way, if we don’t stop you, they will.”

Eric nodded as he caught on. “....that’s right, keep them talking, Steven.” The Fox gang were as oblivious as ever to the threat that slowly loomed behind their backs.

“We can handle Ponies easy.” Rascal snorted. “What are they gonna do? Buck us to death? Heh, I’ll turn them all into ice sculptures before they get the chance.”

Still oblivious, Eric was now right behind them. He tensed his arm for a knockout blow.

The Scizor noticed this. “I never said anything about ponies.” Steven chuckled, showing himself confident on his actions. “That Tailwind was not just to speed Layton up.”

It was the cue, Eric quickly pulled his right arm back and punched. Unfortunately, he was punching the air itself because the target which is the back of Fox’s head had tilted aside, allowing him to nick her arm instead. The gang of thieves rolled forward to avoid anymore retaliations.

Once they got a good look of their attacker, Eric saw Fox’s expressions changed from amusement to annoyance. “You again?” she deadpanned. “Okay, two times was a coincidence, but this...this is getting ridiculous.”

The former human would not waste the chance from their momentary distraction, he snapped his head to the side. “Bug Buzz!” Just as planned, his youngest companion floated up from the side of the train, catching the gang off guard.

Not wanting to be deaf as well, he pulled back and jammed his two arm heads into his non-existent ears.

With no time to pull out their earplugs, the horrible screech blasted their eardrums. Were it not for it being muffled by the sound of the train itself, they would have gone deaf.

The former human heard the horrible noise even with his ears blocked off, but at least he didn’t get the worst of it. It died down soon. Once Eric was sure he wouldn’t be deaf the moment his ears were unblocked, he unjammed his non-existent ears. Alex had floated to his side during the chaos.

“I see you’re all as charming as always.” The Liepard deadpanned.

“What I’d like to know is what you two are doing working for Gray Hat.” Fox made a show of nonchalantly cleaning one of her ears.

Their reaction was not what he expected, he had expected them to be unconscious. “...what the? Alex’s Bug Buzz is a powerful one. And they just...brushed it off? .....no, they must be acting like it didn’t matter because in that moment I never saw them pull off an earplugs or even expected either me or Alex to show.”

Steven’s voice brought him back from his internal debate. “Who the heck is Gray Hat? What on earth are you even talking about? Explain yourself!”

“....Gray...Hat? Is this Fox’s next target...in this train too?” Eric sighed. “......that’s the only possible explanation she is on this train.”

“Oh, only the crime lord who’s trying to get a ring that will let him blow up mountains with just a thought. Speaking of which, here,” Fox said, before tossing Pocket’s ring towards Steven. “That wasn’t my target. Turns out it just happened to look a lot like the ring we were after.”

The champion neatly caught it within his right pincer. “You think I’ll let you do whatever madness of a plan you are pulling off here just because you gave me this ring back?” Steven deadpanned.

Eric didn’t show anything, except the slightest of frowns was there. “.....a crime lord? With all she’s done so far, she’s not really giving us a lot of reason to trust her. I figured she must be trying to bluff her way, considering she’s up against a champion of all people and backed by myself and Alex.”

“....Try it, just try to give us one reason why should we believe you?” Eric growled. “But you won’t, seeing as you’ve never given me a reason to believe anything, in fact, all you’ve given me is just another reason to go after you. Besides, we already let you get away for a second time, it won’t happen again.” Looking at his Volcarona, he added. “Alex, ready yourself.”

“Uhm, okay, if you say so. Sorry for what’s coming Mrs and Mr. Thieves.” Alex said softly, as the bug’s wings started to flap faster.

Fox’s expression changed from annoyance to a deadpan one. “Like I said before, you really need help. Even Johnny-boy isn’t this obsessive, and he keeps getting heat for not catching us.”

Eric ignored her jibe entirely, instead, focusing on one thing only : knocking her and her team out. “Heat Wave!” With a simple flick of the wings, a blast of heat came forward to scorch the thieves.

“Watch it with the Heat Wave!” Steven exclaimed, as he quickly back stepped out of the range from the punishing heat. “One hit from that, and I’ll be out!"

“Don’t you have any restraint?” The Weavile shouted out just in time to hit the deck alongside his team.

“He’s right. First it was the museum, then the warehouse, and now this train. Are you TRYING to get someone killed in the crossfire?” The Liepard growled.

Considering the distance, Eric knew Heat Wave wouldn’t be good anymore. He bit his lip as he bitterly remembered the warehouse incident. “Sorry about that, Steven! Alright, Alex, you heard him, no more Fire-types attack like before.”

“....alright.” The timid moth replied.

“Finally, I was afraid you’d set this train on fire just to catch us, ya nut!” Fox said in annoyance.

Their momentary distraction had given Steven just enough time to feel the arrival of someone else to join the party.

“Moonblast, go!” Steven called. From behind him, a Sylveon jumped into the air, shooting a large pink sphere towards them.

“Oh crap. Weavile, Liepard, Rock Smash the roof! We’re sitting ducks out here!” Eric noted the desperate tone in her voice. Her two Pokemon obeyed, smashing their glowing paw and claws into the roof, and blowing a sizable hole from which they fell into the train, right into one of the less crowded train cars.

“...not going to happen!” Eric muttered.

Snapping his head toward his new companion on the other side of the roof, he shouted. “Steven!” That got their attention because the Hydreigon saw the slightest of nods.

Eric jumped alongside Alex, followed by Steven, Layton and Frederick. Inside, they saw Fox and her gang and quickly move in for the knockout.

Their plans for doing so was derailed the moment, Fox rounded on them and threw three more round objects. Eric didn’t have a chance to yell before it exploded and covered them in a field of electricity, his three impromptu companions also weren’t spared.

“..w-w-what?” Eric noticed his own stutter as well as the fact his body was unwilling to listen to his brain.

“Layton!” Steven called, looking for his metallic friend

“This appears… to be a modified paralysis status effect. My… calculations indicate that… the effect is temporary… yet extremely effective.” The Metagross stuttered, the field of electricity surrounding his body.

“Like em? I call them Shock Bombs. Don’t like using them much, but they’re effective,” Fox chuckled. before they turned towards the door. “Later. Come along, colt. Your parents would kill me if anything happened to you.”

“Get….back...here!” The Hydreigon gritted his teeth as he lay on the floor on his side. Looking at the Volcarona beside him, it seemed like he wasn’t going be moving for a while either. “...dammit!”

“Stop right there, Foxy! You ain’t gonna go pass through me!” The shout and the laughter that followed had given Eric the strength to move his neck to see what’s what. There, standing before the doorway, was a navy blue unicorn barring the Fox’s path. It was one of Steven’s companion, Pockets.

“Oh come on, we already dealt with the bigger Pokemon. What’s one pony gonna do to us?” The Weavile said through his fit, while Fox just sighed.

“Me? Nah, I won’t do anything, my body will though. Layton!” The unicorn’s eyes turned a pale white, before returning to normal, with the exception of the pupils now being a soft red color. The former human realized what had happened, he craned his head around to see Layton’s eyes were glowing pale white. “Transfer complete, initializing… magic.” The unicorn said, on a now robotic and deeper voice. From the horn of the unicorn, various neon blue beams shot towards the gang, aiming for each of its members.

“Not happening.” Just then, an unknown pony jumped in front of the gang.

Eric was well aware what would happen if a less durable pony took a hit like that. He moved to stop the beams, but his body says otherwise. Try as he might, it still refused to move. “....dammit it all...”

Fox herself was wide-eyed at the unexpected action. “Kid...what are you doing?”

“I’m helping!” The kid replied with a...smile on his face. This only further horrified Eric and made him struggle even more.

Fortunately, Eric’s struggles was unfounded because inches away from impact, the beam dissipated, much to his relief. “Non-Pokémon combatant appeared, unauthorized to harm. Awaiting orders from the main unit.” Layton said robotically through Pockets.

“Yeah, not happening.” It was all the Weavile said before his Ice Beam froze the unicorn on the spot. Immediately, the Fox gang went straight for the door again, while Fox made sure to pick up the teenage unicorn along by the barrel.

“Come on, we’ve gotta hurry!” With that, the Fox’s gang left through the door.

Nothing Eric had done could stop them. He merely cursed under his breath.

Only now did he realize was that the words came out perfectly, no stutter.

“...Everyone, we can move again!” Eric exclaimed, as him and his Volcarona stood up from their position, Steven and his group doing the same.

“….that was faster than I expected.” Eric tested his various limbs, arms, necks, wings, they all worked fine. “….I estimated half a minute. Next time, I had to keep her talking.”

“Alright, Alex, we-“ His words died down on his throat when he saw what looks like to be a herd of ponies coming through their way. “….oh no…. Get out of the way!”

The herd of ponies stampeded through the carriages. Eric managed to narrowly grab one of Alex’s wing and pressed him against his chest in the nick of time. Any slower and Alex would have been flattened on the floor with hoofprints all over.

Once the stampede had disappeared to the other carriage, Eric was still not about to let Fox get away. “Steven, we have to go!” He floated toward the direction where Fox had gone, unknowingly still clutching the wide-eyed Alex.

Soon Steven and Frederick followed, eyes showing determination.

Eric had his head on a swivel, as he passed one carriage after another, looking for any signs of Illusions in the mix. He was wise to the trick by now, all he had to do was to look to the shadows to see if they match up or not. So far nothing, all the ponies he had laid eyes upon all checked out.

Eric didn’t want to admit it, but he had the feeling his quarry had gotten away…again. “Do you think she got away? There are no signs of her anywhere”

“Don’t worry, this is a train after all. There aren’t many hiding spots where she could be. Let’s keep looking,” Steven replied

The Hydreigon glanced behind him slightly as he digested Steven’s words. “….he’s quite optimistic. But…he does have a point, there is no way Fox could jump off this train and walk away from it even if she is now a Pokemon…..unless she had something ready.”

“...you’re right. Be ready, Alex, watch everything carefully. From now, we’re in her territory.”

“....okay.” The Volcarona sighed. Just as everyone else, the Bug type wanted to get this over with as soon as possible.

“Steven, Eric.” A voice Eric recognized as Layton’s called through the mental link. ”I sensed one of Fox’s companions in the final carriages of the train, nearby the luggage cart we were located before. I’ll arrive as soon as possible, as I am currently dealing with some... minor trouble.”

Layton’s last two words caught Eric’s attention, yet he held off his curiosity in favor of catching Fox.

“Ready to catch her once and for all, Eric?” Glancing back, the Hydreigon saw an unmistakable grin on Steven’s face.

He returned the favor with a nod. “....ready…” He nodded to the Volcarona beside him who buzzed his wings faster in anticipation.

“....it looks like we’re halfway there.....and still no sign of her. Seen anything peculiar yet?” With every passenger carriages they passed, the more alert Eric had became.

“Not much… until now, we have some company.” Steven informed, as some ponies stood up, with weapons on their mouths, wings, and the occasional unicorn levitational spell. Other ponies appeared from the neighbor wagons as well, also carrying a variety of weapons like whips and swords.

Only now did Eric realized the wolves in sheep’s clothing. “…dammit, sometimes I’m just too focused on one thing to notice anything else.”

“I think we angered the staff, can’t blame it, we did kind of made a mess here.” Frederick deadpanned, as his feelers started to shine, preparing to attack.

Before the Sylveon could do such thing, Eric beat him to it. “....Alex, forget Bug Buzz. Instead, Rage Powder!”

“...if you insist.” The Volcarona said softly, releasing bright red powder to the surrounding ponies. The effects were as he predicted, their eyes narrowed at the weird moth and closed in on him.

The Hydreigon realized these ponies were now beyond reasoning. Just as he wanted. “Get out of the way!” Eric ordered, and the rest of the group did as said, while the angry ponies on the other hand, crowded right below the Volcarona, who flew all the way to the ceiling to avoid the deathly weapons trying create holes on him.

With all the ponies gathered below the fire moth, Eric brought out his strategy. “Now, Bug Buzz right underneath you!”

Alex followed Eric’s order by angling his wings toward the direction of the floor, as a horrible screech was sent, releasing various smaller yet still powerful waves around him. The henchmen were all paralyzed as their eardrums got blasted by the waves of the loud and high-pitched screech, sending them all unconscious on the ground.

Floating up toward one of the unconscious ponies, Eric made sure to check his eardrums Seeing no blood came out of the ear along with everyone else, he concluded their hearings would survive the night.

“Watch it, Eric,” Steven’s voice caught his attention. Eric turned his eyes over his shoulder. “They may be trying to attack us, but try to not overdo it. Have to admit though, that’s one powerful Volcarona you got there, I can only compare it to Alder’s, although still not quite there yet.” He heard a chuckle behind him.

Thought Eric appreciated the praise, he knew they had better things to do. “Thanks, but we’re on a timetable, Steven. We have to hurry or else we lose her for real.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not the type of guy that can be left behind. Frederick, lets go!” Eric could hear footsteps behind him accompanied by a drifting wind. He realized it’s another Tailwind because the light feeling had returned.

As they reached the final wagons, Steven attempted to open the door that lead to the two final carts. But as soon as he opened it, a powerful blast destroyed the roof. Such an event caused Eric to grab Alex and shielded him from the fragments of woods and dusts that washed over with his back. As the cloud of dust disappeared, Eric glanced behind him, there the Zoroark, a Weavile, and a Liepard that had eluded him advancing to the other cart.

“....there she is.” Eric muttered. Slowly releasing the Volcarona from his grip, he slowly advanced toward them.

“Miss Fox, wait!” That same familiar voice stopped the Hydreigon dead in his track. He realized th voice belonged to the same unicorn colt who had accompanied Fox’s gang earlier had jumped from a hole in the roof. As he tried to catch up, a whip grabbed his leg, bringing him to the floor. Tracing the lines of the whip brought the Hydreigon’s attention to a bulky earth pony with his back on their group.

The colt’s whimper was enough to send Eric into action, but a blur passed by him had done so before him.

“Bullet Punch!” Steven’s Scizor form rushed towards the grunt, as various weak yet repetitive orange colored punches struck the earth pony, leaving him standing in place. It wasn’t long before he collapsed.

“Eric, you and your Volcarona go ahead. Frederick, go with them, we need to stop Fox before she tries anything.”

“Alright, you heard him, we’re going ahead!” Eric exclaimed, as they all went by Steven, but not before adding. “And be careful, Steven, there might be some ponies left.”

They floated further, followed by Frederick.

Final stretch, Eric saw their targets. Fox, her Liepard and her Weavile, standing before a gray unicorn. The scene alone kicked his instincts to overdrive.

Looking to his side, Eric motioned Alex forward with a flick of his head, he obeyed and got right behind the gang.

“Well, at least we go the-”

“Bug Buzz!” For the second time that night, their ears were once more assaulted by the deadly screech that came from directly behind them. When it died down, a Hydreigon barged in, followed by a Sylveon and a Volcarona floating backward to join up with his trainer.

“Good lord, man! Do you HAVE to keep doing that?!” Fox’s Liepard shouted in annoyance while all three of them were holding their ears. As the gang got back on their feet, Fox noticed that something was missing.

“The ring!”

“....ring?” Looking around, Eric spotted no such object.

“Looking for this?” The stallion answered his question when he held up a ring of value on his hoof. His malicious grin was unmistakable to him.

“...gee, thanks for that distraction, ya maniac! You’ve ruined EVERYTHING, and now there is a high chance we are all gonna die! So thanks for ruining the day, hero.”

Now Eric is confused, he didn’t know what’s what anymore. “What are you talking about? All I see is you thieves stealing someone’s ring.”

“Oh, you foolish Pokémon, there’s no such thing as a high chance, you see, there are no chances here. You are all, most definitely, going to die.” Gray Hat raised his hoof, getting the ring closer to his horn. “And that weird Pokémon is right, here, there are only thieves stealing MY ring.”

“No! Don’t let him put that ring on!” The voice made Eric’s head snapped straight toward the ring that was slowly raised toward the horn.

He shut out everything else as his trainer instinct kicked in. “Alex, Will-o-Wisp!” The Volcarona let out several blue fiery orbs toward the stallion. It was all in vain, the Will-o-Wisp stopped mid air, surrounded by a red aura, before they were snuffed out.

“It’s too late, behold, the power of the ancient ring!” The unicorn started floating, and as if gravity was nothing but an obstacle, the things around him started floating as well.

Only now did Eric realized the gravity of the situation he had unwittingly unleashed. “....oh...shit…”

“Once again, thanks for ruining everything, hero.” The Weavile deadpanned.

“Enough, Weavile.” Fox turned to Steven and Eric. “Okay, we’ve got a crazy pony who is more than ready to kill us with ancient powers that can blow up mountains. Truce?”

Eric wasn’t sure about that, but seeing the situation was created because of his own stupidity, he had no choice but to work together. He nodded.

“There’s no other way, Fox. We need to get to an open area, do you think you can lead him to the roof?” Steven requested, getting his wings out and preparing to fight.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Fox said as she quickly rummaged through where she kept her bombs. “...and I know just how to do it”

“Hey lame brain, I bet your mom was so retarded, she named you after the first thing she saw.” She taunted.

“WHAT DID YOU SAY ABOUT MY MOTHER? YOU… DESPICABLE THING,” In his anger, all sorts of sharp instruments floated around him within the ring’s red aura. “DIE YOU SCUM!”

Then his entire world went pink with a splat across his face.

“Whoops, too slow, PINK hat!” Fox laughed. “Heh, no wonder you need that ring. You probably couldn’t catch a snail with your power normally!” She laughed, before running up the ladder and out the hatch to the roof, her team following closely.

“YOU DESPICABLE THING!” The crime lord’s horn glowed and a red beam was fired toward the gang who swiftly dodged it. Although, the ¼ part of the roof had somehow flung into the night sky.

Fortunately, the gang had jumped out of the way to avoid a flying lesson. “You know, we’ve REALLY been tearing up this train’s roof. I wonder how nobody has called the authorities yet.” Fox commented as the Unicorn burst through a good chunk of the roof at the end. Fortunately, this left ample space for them to fight. “A little help would be appreciated here!”

“Eric, Alex, Frederick. You go and help her, put as much pressure on the unicorn as possible. I’ll think of a plan to shut him down!” Steven shouted.

Eric was so engrossed upon the spectacle that only now he realized was staring. “...right, let’s go!” The three of them went up straight to the roof to join up with Fox’s gang.

He was going to fix this situation one way or another.

Play this as battle theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOQjsir2SeM

Now on the roof, Fox’s gang had an impromptu aerobics lesson due to the fact there are deadly silver instruments trying to turn them into a pincushion.

Seeing his temporary allies in trouble, his trainer instinct kicked in. “Alex, Protect!”

“....right.” He flew forward, up and over the gang, a barrier of fiery color followed. The silverwares pelted it before harmlessly falling.

Now with the crime lord distracted, the Hydreigon seized the opportunity to attack. “Sylveon, Moonblast the Unicorn!” Frederick jumped over the Hydreigon before firing a pink orb toward the empowered unicorn.

Unwilling to be left out, Fox herself went into action. “You too, Liepard. Hyper Beam!” Said Liepard opened her mouth to unleash a massive beam.

“You are all weak! WEAK!” A simple flick of horn and all attack stopped in their tracks before fading away into the air. “WHY CAN’T YOU UNDERSTAND? YOU ALREADY LOST!”

“Great, killed by a pony. This is how I end? Meh I expected worse.” The Sylveon pushed further by letting his feelers do the job of flinging smaller Shadow Balls.

“Sorry, but I don’t intend to go that easily.” The Weavile pushed on himself by blowing a Blizzard onto the crime lord.

The crime lord was distracted with the ice and shadow balls that pelted him. The Hydreigon won’t disappoint. “Alex, Quiver Dance, then Rage Powder, draw his attention away!” Now the Volcarona flickered out of existence. The pony never see it coming as a powder is spread all over him, turning his vision red.

“You won’t escape. DIE YOU PITIFUL BUG!” The effect were a lot more potent than Eric had imagined because Gray Hat launched massive beams toward Alex.

“Alex, dodge! Don’t let those hit you!” His fears were unfounded, Alex managed to keep himself on the move, every beam nicking his wings instead. “Hyper Beam, now!” The Volcarona gathered a massive energy right in front of him. Due to the effect of Quiver Dance, the beam itself was enough to engulf almost a ¼ of the roof.

“Dark Triangle!” Fox’s gang unleashed the same combo move before with Layton, only this time the target was a pony.

Their efforts were for naught. The pony surrounded himself in a dome of the ring’s red aura, all attacks were instantly absorbed. The shock wave that came out sent them sprawling onto their back, but Eric held his ground.

He looked up just in time to grab a blue and red blur that had impacted his chest. “I got you!”

Shaking his head slightly, the moth looked up at his trainer gratefully. “....thank you for, uhm, catching me.” Eric nodded in return before releasing the bug from his grip.

“Hey, anyone wonder where Stone went?” Fox couldn’t help but ask.

Now that she had mentioned it, Eric looked around in their immediate surrounding, yet no sign of a lime green carapace was around.

“Meteor Mash!”

Layton’s familiar voice was like a music to Eric’s ears. He looked up to see a silver blur flew above their heads, showing four iron claws surrounded by a yellow star, rapidly spinning like a massive iron top. The Unicorn tried to stop him, but due to his speed and power, one glowing claw managed to hit.

The unicorn grabbed the Metagross, and launched it towards the rest of the team. Layton slowed down, and revealed his four legs, landing next to the shiny Scizor that are his partner.

All that, and not even a grunt was heard. “....what the? Did he just...shrug of a Meteor Mash from a champion’s Metagross? That ring of his must’ve boosted all of his abilities, not just magic.”

“Guess that power boost wasn’t just his magic…” Shade groaned in annoyance.

“Toichi was right, we can’t do any sort of damage to him unless we separate him from that ring.” Steven informed.

“That’s kind of what we were hoping to do from just now.” Shade idly said.

“Of course, it would have been sooo much easier if someone didn’t insist on attacking us like a starving Growlithe on a piece of meat,” The Weavile’s voice cut through his composure like a knife through butter.

“Weavile, one more time, and you’re in time out after this,” Fox warned.

“No, he is right, it was kind of my fault. We’ll do it!” The voice of the Hydreigon caught their attention. “For the moment, Alex has the best chance of distracting him. Due to the effect of Rage Powder, the unicorn will focus his attention on Alex. All of you try to think of something up, we’ll play cat and mouse for now.”

“Great, that’s just what I needed. Fox, I’ll need you to let Layton into your mind, I have a plan, but if he hears us, it won’t work.” Steven prepared himself by allowing his pincers to glow with X-Scissor attack.

“...fine. But it better be communication only,” Fox nodded, though she still focused her mind to keep up her mental block against anything other than receiving and sending thoughts.

After hearing what he had to say, Fox nodded. “Sounds good to me. Let’s go.”

Eric himself had heard enough over the mental link to learn his steps.

“Hey, Gray Hat. You know, if what they say about the ring is true, then you must be really weak if you haven’t been able to take us out yet!” Frederick taunted, signifying the start of their plan.

“SHUT UP!” Gray Hat intended to shut him up by ripping a large metal bar, with the pointy end aimed at him.

“He’s right. In fact, here’s a present for loser.” Fox chuckled, before chucking a Shadow Ball at him from another angle, while he was in the middle of the attack.

Like before, he shrugged it off. “YOU PESKY BRAT!” He prepared the bar to be shot at Fox instead.

“Will-o-Wisp!” Eric ordered. Alex shot off three more ghostly fire toward the crime lord.

The orbs was surrounded and snuffed once again. “ENOUGH!” Gray Hat screamed, two more metal bars joined the first one and shot toward each of the taunting Pokémon.

“Hammer Arm!” Layton stopped the pointy metal that would have stuck Frederick to the roof.

“Ice Beam!” The Weavile barked as he froze the bar aimed at Fox solid, while Shade smashed it with a Rock Smash. He then fired another Ice Beam at Gray Hat, nicking his hoof.

“Heatwave!” The next command allowed Alex to call upon the familiar punishing heat upon the bar. It became molten metal on the spot and dropped onto the roof.

“GAH! YOU ARE SO ANNOYING!” His anger was well off the charts. Trees were uprooted and now floated before him horizontally.

“Everyone, around us, dodge or attack but whatever you do, don’t let him throw you off the train.” Layton warned before smashing a trunk to splinters that was heading for him.

“Don’t need to tell us that.” The Liepard said before ducking as another tree that passed right over her.

They all did as the metal saucer said, Both Eric, Alex, and Frederick went flat as a tree was thrown horizontally at them.

“Weavile!” Fox shouted.

“On it!” he said, before using Blizzard to freeze it solid, followed by Shade destroying it with a Dark Pulse, followed by a second one that hit the crime lord on the chest.

Eric noticed Gray Hat too focused on obliterating his foes with the trees, he didn’t notice the attack that had struck him. “....dammit, at this rate, we’ll get thrown off the train for real. We gotta to move!” Eric muttered silently.

And here I thought that was a ring that only powered up magic. Not defense. So how is the plan coming along? We can’t last forever here.” Fox asked over the mental link.

“I’m on the move, we just need to reach him, keep his attention on you. Eric, on me!

“Will do.” Fox mentally, before she threw another Shadow Ball at him.

”Alright!” The former trainer pair charged at Gray Hat. Both from the opposite side of the roof.

“YOU THINK I CAN’T SEE YOU? YOU PESKY BRATS, I SENSE IT ALL!” Dropping the trees in favor of his red beams to pulverize.

Eric proved himself to have no trouble dodging the deadly beams, his reflexes was sufficient enough to do so. But Steven on the other hand. Concerned, he glanced for a moment to see his companion had dodge and weaved through the beams just like himself.

His concerns were unfounded, he focused on not getting killed himself.

“YOU ARE ALL PESTS ON THIS COUNTRY, ON THIS WORLD. YOU DESERVE TO DIE!” With another flash of magic, the sound of groaning metal registered in their ear before it snapped. Levitating it up, a metal sheet was before the crime lord. To Eric’s horror, it broke apart into smaller sharp pieces that are flung at them.

Everything around him seems to go into slow-motion, his survival instinct kicked in once more when the sharp pieces were flying at them. He opened his mouth as a soft glow came, followed by a Dragon Pulse that blasted all the metal pieces away.

Shaking his head slightly to get his bearings back, Eric quickly went forward first. “Time for the finishing blow, Steven!”

“Ok, lets finish this!” Steven exclaimed, as he started flapping his wings, brewing a Tailwind which speeded Eric up. “Fox, now!”

“You got it! Close your eyes!” Eric wisely decided to do so. Briefly, he could see the flash from beneath his eyelids. Opening his eyes again, his quarry was growling softly, most of all, his eyes were closed as he tried to rub the irritation away.

Now it was his turn, Eric floated next to the unicorn, and looping an arm around the unicorn’s neck. It held secure because the crime lord struggles were futile.

“Steven, finish it now!” The Hydreigon exclaimed as he struggled to hold the Crime Lord in place.

The former champion did as he shouted as the thorns on his pincers glowed a bright white, he opened the pincers, and aimed for the horn. “BUG BITE!”

With one final chop, a metallic sound is heard, followed by a scream of pain from Gray Hat. Eric looked down at the crime lord’s hooves to see his horn was on the cold roof, ring still looped around it and the glow quickly fading.

“....it’s done.”

End battle theme

Eric released the unicorn from his grip, watching him try to pathetically attempt to put his horn back.

The Hydreigon was about to move in to take it, but a familiar Zoroark beat him to it. “I think this has caused us enough trouble.” Fox simply said as she casually yanked the horn out of the now powerless pony’s grasp. A simple flick of claw later and a web bomb dropped on him, now fully immobilized in the sticky substance. “Show’s over.”

“Give me the horn, Fox. I’ll give it to the authorities.” Steven ordered, opening his hollow pincer.

“I’ve got a better idea. I think this thing has done quite enough already,” Fox simply she tossed the horn into the air. “Hyper Beam.” The ring and the horn is no more, courtesy of Hyper Beam from her Liepard.

Eric nodded, relieved that the mess he had caused had finally cleared up. “...dammit what was I thinking....” He mentally beat himself at his stupidity. “....next time, I really needed to be careful. It was a one mistake I couldn’t afford to make again…..it can be...catastrophic.”

“Did...did it work?” The same unicorn colt asked from the mental link, his voice is shaky.

Eric decided to take the backseat for now.

“It did, thank you, Kid. Without you, I wouldn’t have known what to do. You are a hero,” Steven replied, sitting on the roof and letting out a loud sigh.

“H-happy to help.” The colt smiled weakly, finally crawling out of his hiding.

Every single Pokémon jumped back into the train car, the now cocooned Gray Hat carried along beside Fox and her gang..

“Yo, Steven, I heard some crazy explosions going on up there. You guys Okay?” Pockets asked, seeing the dusty and injured Pokémon.

“My readings indicate that we are all on a stable condition. In other words, we are Okay.” Layton replied.

“Well, glad that’s over with.” Fox’s Weavile sighed in relief.

“....not entirely over.” Eric sighed in preparation on what he was about to do.

"....yeah....that was tough. But you're still a fugitive, Fox, and even if you helped or not, I have to arrest you.“ Glancing at the Volcarona beside him, Eric nodded. "Alex....you know what to do."

Timidly, the Volcarona added. “Sorry, everyone.” It didn’t stop him from buzzing his wings in preparation for another horrible screech.

Eric could tell they were anything, but happy. “Why you dirty, double crossing…” A gray-furred arm stopped whatever the Liepard was about to say.

“Enough, Liepard.” Fox sighed, and raised her arms up in surrender. “After all that, I’m way too beat to want to deal with these two. Sides, I’m fresh out of bombs I was carrying. So its better this way, right?”

“....that was easy.” His neutral expression made way for a frown. “...way too easy. My two times encounter with her screams at me that this isn’t over...yet.” Eric mused to himself.

“Don’t worry Fox, I’ll try to help you out in court, if there’s one in this place at least. Maybe reduce your sentence a couple of years, who knows.” Steven shrugged, absentmindedly flapping his wings.

“Much obliged.” Fox nodded as they started to walk out of the train carriages, led by the former champion and Hydreigon away.

To Eric’s surprise, the unicorn colt whose name escaped his notice had suddenly fell onto his side. He was about to move, but prevented himself from doing so. He let out an arm in front of Alex to prevent himself from doing anything other than watch.

He didn’t dare move a muscle, fearing it was another trick. As far as he was concerned, the boy was just fine a minute ago, nor did he have anything that could be seen as a lethal wound. For him to suddenly act up screamed suspicious to him.

The entire Fox gang was another thing though, they gathered around the ‘injured’ colt.

“You okay, kid?” The Weavile asked, crouching low before the colt.

“Layton, analyze his body! Frederick, get ready to run back to the medicine room!” Steven ordered, as he walked towards the young unicorn.

“Steven… I suggest you back off. There’s nothing wrong with-”

“You were really cool Mr. Stone, but sorry. I owe Miss Fox more.” The cold smiled regretfully. None within Eric’s immediate vicinity could react fast enough to avoid another shock therapy from a thrown bomb hidden within the colt’s mane

“....aaagh...again!? Dammit....I was ....right, it was a...all just an.... act.” He silently cursed.

“Oh, did I forget to mention? I was out of bombs, but the kid wasn’t. I’ll leave Gray Hat to you all. Adieu.” Eric was helpless to stop Fox and her gang from making their getaway by dislodging the coupler connected to the luggage car two train cars by destroying it with twin Shadow Balls from the Liepard and Weavile respectively, leaving the two remaining train cars to be left behind by the rest of the train, the Fox gang waving to them as they disappeared into the distance.

“....damn...got..to….chase...her!” His body refusal at a time like this to move was starting to annoy him.

“No… leave her be… we won’t be able to catch her in… time.” Steven sighed.

Steven’s word rang true, even with the paralysis effect ended quickly, it won’t matter because the distance was growing larger by the second. It didn’t take long for his muscle to unlock themselves, he and Alex floated up and stopped before the doorway to stare at Fox who waved from the distance.

“Besides, she did her part. I’m sure someone else will get her one day, or maybe not. Let destiny decide. If Arceus brought her here, it’s for a reason, right?”

“....I guess….no, there has to be a reason. Otherwise...she would’ve been left behind....but why? Just what is her purpose?” He mumbled to himself. It was an answer he couldn’t hope to get because right now, all the answers was with Fox. But one thing was now sure for the former human. “.....she helped us. When I misunderstood the situation and attacked her gang and herself instead and messed up….she helped us instead of running away like before…..I guess she…” The Hydreigon struggled to get the words out. In the end, he acknowledged reality. “....isn’t as bad as I thought, otherwise she wouldn’t be here and run away the second the situation got out of hand.”

“I suppose you are going to Canterlot?” Steven added, allowing Eric to break free of his self-indulgement.

“....I am,” Glancing over his shoulder, he added. “We got business in the city, mainly concerning a family member. I’m sure you can put two and two together.”

“Great, we’ll be able to give both our testimonies to the authorities to get this guy in jail.“ Steven stepped aside, allowing Eric to see the state of the immobilized crime lord, who was crying and cursing under his breath. “Besides, I’ll need help calming the ponies over the first carts.”

His eyes widen to a few degree. Slowly, the Hydreigon and his Volcarona looked at each other. As if linked with each other’s mind, they both uttered a single word. “....Dawn.”

And they raced by the befuddled Steven and his group.

The trainer and his companion rushed through the train in a mad dash to ensure that their two other friends are alright. However, their path is blocked by a tall earth pony with a uniform matching that of a train conductor.

“....what now?” Both the trainer and his Volcarona tensed up in preparation for trouble.

“Uhm… excuse me, sir. We got words from Express Route, CEO of the company of the same name, and uhm… owner of this train He wants to have a word with you and your group.”

That...wasn’t what Eric expected to come, but it didn’t give him any reason to let his guard down. Looking at the engineer in question, Eric raised an eyebrow at the offer. “Any particular reason why?”

“Sorry, sir. He didn’t tell, but he says it’s important. You can meet him at his office in Canterlot station, please be there.”

The offer was surely tempting, but what was it that required the trainer and his Pokemon direct presence at the office itself? This dilemma caused the Hydreigon and Volcarona to trade glances before Eric spoke. “Alex…..?”

“Well,” If the Volcarona had fingers, he would have played with it in nervousness. “I don’t mind, er, I mean, if Eric wanted it….I don’t mind.”

Nodding wordlessly, Eric answered the pony. “Then we don’t see why not.” Without another word, the pony left the cart the same way he came, his job is done.

“.....hmmm, that was unexpected. And...CEO? What could the CEO possibly want with...” He shook his own off to free himself of such thoughts. It can wait later.

“...let’s go, Alex.” With that, the pair went back toward the frontmost passenger cart, where their two friends are waiting.

When the sliding door slid open, the Hydreigon immediately came face-to-face with a Braviary that bumped into him, sending them both careening back, clutching their snout and beak respectively.

“Not cool, dude. Watch where you’re bumping into next time.” The teenage-accented voice sounded.

Eric in turn also rubbed his sore snout. “....sorry about that, Dominus.” The voice jolted Dominus out of his rubbing spree.

“Wait a minute,” The voice behind the Braviary cut in, revealing herself to be Dawn when she poked her head out. “Eric?”

“Dude! Where were you? You were like, missing from the spot you and little guy supposed to sleep back there.” The Valiant Pokemon jerked his head toward the aforementioned seat.

“I’m not little…..” The moth said softly.

“More importantly,” Dawn cut in. “You and Alex disappeared, and we didn’t get one of the most pleasant wake-up call, what with a stampede passing over.” The Bat Pony inadvertently remembered the stomping sound that had awaken her. “So, what did we miss when we were asleep?” Pure curiosity overrode Dawn’s politeness for curtness.

“.....nothing.” Just like that, another ‘nothing’ is made as a reply.

Judging from his expression combined with the horde of ponies panicking and practically flooding into the front most compartment of this train, it was anything, but nothing. A friend can be enigmatic sometimes.

“Dude, with the carts practically flooding with panicked ponies earlier, I’m gonna take a wild guess that it’s definitely ‘not nothing’. What’s the secret, Eric?” Dominus asked with a questioning expression.

Dawn awaited her three-head friend’s response. Inwardly, she wanted to know as bad as Dominus could. What did they miss when they were sleeping like a pair of drunks?

Eric sighed, knowing there’s no avoiding this, not with a lot of ponies witnessed what possibly the worst train ride in history of this planet. “....this is going to take a while, we should sit down first.”

Dawn and her partner couldn’t say no to that, they all went back toward their respective seats.

“....alright,” Taking a few deep breaths, Eric spoke. “Where should I start….”

With that, came the long winded explanation that span at least an hour worth of it. The pair listened intently on their friend’s story, about everything that has happened on this train while they were sleeping.

By the time it was finished, their expressions were a mix of awe and disbelief. Considering the outrageous story that were drilled into their heads, it’s possible.

“Did that just happen? All of it?” Dawn almost couldn’t believe whatever the Hydreigon just explained. Were it not for the fact that her friend always tells her the truth whenever asked, she would have thrown such story out the window.

“....yeah.” Eric curtly replied.

Silence occurred once more, but an excited squawk broke it. “That’s so cool! You freaking met a champion, and you two got to kick some mob boss butt! Beyond cool in my book! Eric, why didn’t you wake me up, dude? I told you to wake me if something exciting happens.” Dominus bowed his head in sadness. “Too bad, I seriously wanted to see you and little guy in action...and I missed it again.”

Dawn sighed. “....I think that hardly counts as exciting.” Then a crackle of something coming to life halted all conversations.

“Arriving at Canterlot, don’t forget your bags and children, folks!” The conductor yelled through the intercoms. Not one pony couldn’t heard him in the train. In a jiffy, the ponies quickly went to work, packing their bags, making sure their friends and family are with them, etc.

Looking toward the horizon, the sun was starting to rise, erasing the night sky. Only now did he realize, he haven’t fulfilled one of his primary needs...which is sleeping. He and Alex spent half the train ride going all over the place, totally forgetting their needs for a rest.

As a result, now he felt tired. Alex wasn’t spared, judging from the cute yawn he let out.

“Okay, that sure was fast for a slow-moving train.” Dominus said.

“Kinda have to agree.” Dawn scratched her head. “Didn’t feel like we’ve been travelling that long.”

Eric resisted the urge to rub his head. “You two were asleep the entire time, of course, your minds will think it’s fast.” The Hydreigon pointed out.

Dawn scratched her head in embarrassment, knowing full well that Eric is right. “Yeah, kinda forgot about that.”

“....It’s okay.” Looking out the window to his side, he could see that Canterlot is already within sight. “At least...we’ve arrived, all safe and sound.”

The mare deadpanned. “Uh, Eric, if I recall your explanation, we hardly arrived here safe and sound. At least, not if what you’re saying all actually happened.”

“....I know,” The Hydreigon replied without looking back at her. “I’m just pointing out that we at least got here safe and sound, no one is hurt or left behind.”

“I...kind of agree. We all made it. And none of my friends is...uhm, left behind?” The timid moth added. “Yes...well, I think so.”

Sighing, Dawn knew once again that Eric and Alex is correct. “I swear, you’re always right all the time.” With a solid train whistle, the train made a full stop at it’s destination for tonight : Canterlot.

The group stood up from their seats, followed by other ponies who quickly grabbed their belongings and filed out into the aisle and out of the train. “Well, we’ve arrived.”

“.....before we go to the hospital in the newspaper.” Eric cut her off. “I would like to visit some kind of office that belongs to the CEO of this rail company.”

“What?” Dawn and Dominus gaped at the same time.

“Well,” The voice of one Alex caught their attention again. “Apparently, a quiet pony, say something to Eric….”

That bring about more questions than answers. “....I don’t get it.” Dawn scratched her head in confusion. “What did you mean by ‘say something to Eric’? Is there something wrong again?” Dawn glanced at Eric, expecting an answer.

Seeing her gaze, he proceeded to explain, only to be cut short by the Braviary. “Could say the same thing, Dawn.” Dominus nodded. “So, what something, little guy? Can you explain clearly?”

Their expectant gazes made the Volcarona wanting to disappear into the floor. “...Uhm, he said something about….er, meeting the Express Line boss in his office in Canterlot?”

Silence went into play. But it was shoved aside when the words registered into their brains. “.....WHAT!?”

Eric flinched at the intensity of their voice. “I should know they would say that. It is quite the surprising revelation.” The Hydreigon muttered.

“Okay, just what really happened while we were sleeping?” The pony scratched her head in agitation.

Shaking head in a grimace, Eric muttered. “Possibly…. my worst train ride ever.”

Play this as the second closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoomnFqserc

Chapter 16 : Sorrowful Reunion

View Online

What defines…true pain and suffering? Was it the greatest amount of abuse our body can take and feel to the point of begging for death? Or was it the greatest amount of mental abuse that our minds could take until the brink of insanity? Both aren’t right in my opinion. True pain and suffering differ for each person. Fortunately, few would see themselves through it and unfortunately, I have experienced what could be considered my own true pain and suffering. Pain was the sensation that our mind consciously tried to avoid, whether small or big, but as part of our life, it will be with us until the day we die. - Eric Angelo

Play this as the second opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G167-ZBmlIw

“So, everything is under control. We just have to accompany the ponies to the police station and give testimony of what happened. We also apparently need to talk with the manager of the train-line. But besides that, we’re all good”

Eric was currently knee deep in a conversation with a shiny Scizor, who also happens to be the former champion of Hoenn. He had arrived not two minutes ago, and stated he was there to check on him after he and Alex had run off on them.

So far, what Steven said had been a shower of relief, even if he didn’t show it.

Without Steven noticing, he glanced his way momentarily.“.....I guess he really is a champion. So far, he’s been there to help like any champion would....but.” Eric sighed with eyes close when he remembered his screw up. “.....was he somehow....ticked off with me? .....only one way to find out.”

“....Steven….”

That did the trick, his voice had gained Steven’s attention. “Yes, Eric?”

It was now or never for the Hydreigon. “....about earlier....sorry I screwed up.” Eric admitted, head looking downward miserably. “I really shouldn’t have...I didn’t really know what that ring did. If I had known….I should stop now, I’ll probably just try to think of some bad excuse.”

The former champion was seemingly deep in thought, then he turned those steely eyes at his way. “You did what you had to do. You didn’t know what the ring did, but you knew Fox was involved and that she always means trouble. You did a great job back there, I wouldn’t have managed to take down Gray Hat without your help. Given, you need to work some more, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We’re all far from perfect, and we all make mistakes. But what’s important is that we fix those mistakes, and we try to improve, learning with every mistake. That’s the beautiful thing about errors, you can learn from them to become a better self. Like when you search a cave system for the first time, you’ll most likely end up in dead ends or natural deadly traps, but that’s part of the job, to find those and avoid going through them again. So don’t beat yourself up for a mistake even I could have made”

Hearing that was another burden lifted off his shoulder, enough to let out one of his rare smiles. “.....you’re right. I shouldn’t sulk like that.”

“Great, anyways, now that the ponies in the train are all good, and the crew agreed to help with Gray Hat, I believe we’re going to go our separate ways soon. It’s been a pleasure, Eric Angelo.” With finality in his tone, Steven nodded once before turning to exit the cart.

But Eric couldn’t let him go just like that, not until he says one thing once he sees the opportunity. “.....hey, Steven…”

Once more, the champion was brought to a halt and turned to face Eric. “Yes?”

“.....here goes nothing.” He took a few silent deep breaths before speaking.

“…Do you mind if I challenge you to a battle, in the event should we meet again? I always wanted to challenge champions, both ex and current ones.”

“I’m afraid that, I…” Eric noticed the hesitant tone, expecting the worst. But Steven wasn’t done. “Can’t say no to that. After seeing your Volcarona in action, I’m sure it will be an interesting fight. But first, I’d need to reunite with my team, as Layton is the only one I’ve encountered so far. So if we ever meet again, I’d be glad to have a battle with you.” He smiled before continuing his way, but not without leaving noticeable trail of sparkles distinctive of a shiny Pokémon.

The cart Eric was in went silent, before he left a confident smile on his face. “....glad to hear that.”

“...after all....fighting champions....was one of my goals....but not at the moment.” With a sigh, he moved to join his companions on the other cart.

“Eric....is this really the city?” Alex body was shaking like a boat in the middle of a typhoon once the sight of such many ponies registered in his brain. Fortunately, a pair of arm was there to calm him and held him close.

“....I think it is.” Eric raised an eyebrow as he exited the train car, digesting the sight before him as he held the shaking Volcarona close to his chest. “....so...this is the capital city of Equestria?”

It was white, white as far as the eye can see. Almost every single building in sight was either marble or brick walls painted white to match it’s surroundings with the occasional gold lining. Ponies, mostly unicorns were milling around in their tuxedos or dresses of variety of colors. Although the most peculiar thing that caught Eric’s eye were most that stuck their noses up in the air.

Before he could question such an action, Dawn explained. “Yeah, Canterlot.” The mare stepped before Eric and presented the sight before him. “Where most nobles reside.”

“....so it seems that I was right, they are nobles. With the way the stuck up their noses like that....most of them are....obnoxious.” The Hydreigon muttered.

An obnoxious yawn came from behind Eric, revealed to be Dominus who stepped up beside him. “What’s next, dude?”

The former human took a simple glance to his left. “....hmmm?”

“I’m sure as heck know we’re not going to stand here all the time. So, where’s next?” The Braviary leaned his head forward beside Eric in anticipation.

It didn’t take him much to make a decision, once he took the location into heart with a single glance. “....we should go over there first.” He said out loud.

Not getting what he meant, Dawn scratched her head. “Uhhh....what?”

“.....we should go to this CEO first. Best we get it done first, then we can go to the hospital later. My dad won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.” Without any further words, Eric move to lead the way once more.

“....after all, it’s best to get all things not related to dad’s finished as soon as possible. I don’t want anything else to rise up and get in the way for us.” He whispered to himself.

Although, Dawn’s protest brought him to a halt. “Wait, wait, wait, hold one there. If we’re going to find the CEO or this building you mentioned, then I should ask around...for.....directions?“ Before Dawn could finish whatever she was about to say, her three-headed friend pointed to something behind her. She glanced over her shoulder to see what her friend meant.

The building is a blue, tall four story building, a sign with a cartoon-looking train logo speeding like a bullet accompanied by an inscription underneath which reads, ‘We take you from anywhere to everywhere in no time’

“Well, there’s the building, dude. Never imagined didn’t take as long as I thought.” Dominus rubbed his head at the absurdity of it.

Dawn meanwhile was baffled. “Uhhhh....yeah, that.” She didn’t know what else she could say.

“.....well,” Eric floated over Dawn, before flicking his head toward the direction of the building. “We should go.”

“Right behind you, dude.” Dominus talons click clacked across the floor to join up with his friend, grabbing the still baffled Dawn along the way.

The offices inside was a maze of cubicles for the entirety of the first three floors, coupled with birds coming and going with letters and workers trotting around either carrying paperwork or folder with files inside.

And now, the four was watching the door labeled CEO with trepidation as they sat on the available seats.
It wasn’t long before the secretary who was sitting behind the desk beside the door came up to the four. “Sir?”

Eric looked up to see a regular white earth pony mare in front of him. “....yeah?”

“Mister Express Route is ready to see you, sir.”

With a sigh, the Hydreigon floated up and toward the doorway. Eric glanced over his shoulder toward his companions. “....wait for me, this won’t take a while.”

Alex tried to do his best in an attempt to sink to the floor with all the ponies walking around. “....okay.”

Dawn and Dominus nodded with a smile on their faces.

Eric replied with a simple nod before crossing into the office itself where he spotted an old blue pegasus sitting behind the table, looking expectantly at his newest guess. His office had a classical look, with many detailed furniture in the walls. There was a big leather sofa behind a carefully carved wooden desk, on it, a blue pegasus colt ordered some papers.

The office descended into silence when the door shut on itself. The former human decided to take the initiative. “....you wanted to see me?”

“....wait...can he even understand me? I don’t exactly have a spell to translate.” Eric frowned. “For all I know I might sound-”

“I can understand you, Mister Angelo.” The pony replied with a grin.

The former human expected the worst to happen, but not this time. Express Route seems to be your regular CEO. “....I see, that makes things a lot easier. Can you please tell me why have you called me here, Mr. Route?” Eric opted to go straight to the point. He had one other thing to worry about now.

The pegasus chuckled at the Pokémon’s simple, yet straightforward words, “Well Mister Angelo. I already exchanged some words with Mister Stone, regarding the destruction of one of my trains. Thieves, explosions, illegal ancient artifacts. Quite the chaotic adventure you had, don’t you think?”

The Hydreigon’s eyes slightly narrowed at the mention of the former champion. “...I take it Steven was summoned here as well?”

“Indeed. You know, we need both your testimonies due to legal procedures, a pain in the flank if I say so myself. But has to be done. So please, if you will”

The Pokémon nodded. “...certainly.”

Eric done his best to explain what happened in his part of the whole fiasco. Starting from how he got onto the train the first place, to his third encounter with Fox and meeting a former champion. It all ended when he explained the same thing he thought the former champion had explained to the Pegasus before.

“....that’s all there is to it. Part of that mess was because of my fault…..I’m willing to take responsibility for it if you want?” Through all of this, Eric had maintained a neutral face, not really caring which decision the old stallion will pick.

The stallion looked at him with a face of confusion, “Well, the way I see it, and according to Mister Stone. If there’s one to blame, is Mister Gray Hat. You did what you had to do. Why would you take responsibility for saving the lives of dozens?”

“....I’m just that kind of person that’s all.” The Hydreigon replied. “If it’s a mess I’ve made, then I’ll take responsibility for it. No one else should.”

The Stallion downed his head, and began laughing, the laugh becoming louder and louder. “I can’t believe it, my boy! Just as I told Mr. Stone, If I’ve learned something in all my years living in Canterlot, it’s that whenever a hero saves the day, there’s destruction. You, Mister Angelo, you are a hero. You saved my train, the destruction is just part of the job!”

A momentary silence descended onto the office. Eric shakes his head. “....I’m no hero, never will be, Mr. Route, I’m just doing what someone else would do in my position.”

“Not many would risk their life, taking on a power drunk unicorn wearing an ancient artifact. You saved lives, didn’t you?”

Already, Eric got a hint on where this is going, yet he decided to play along. “....A few times before, yeah. Mr. Route, I’ll change my statement, I’m only doing what’s right. I’m no hero, never will be.”

The stallion nodded, a wide smile on his face, “My friend. You will never be a hero in the future, because you already ARE a hero. You saved lives, fought evil, sided with other heroes. Did you know that Steven Stone and his partner are known as the ‘Heroes of Tall Tale’? You are not a regular being in this wide world, you’re a hero.”

The room descended into another silence while Eric resisted the urge to rub his head after getting a glimpse of what the old stallion see in him. “......if you say so, Mr. Route.”

“Quite the humble one, aren’t you? Cheer up my friend, being serious and stoic will only take you to stress and ultimately to madness!” Express Route took a yellow envelope from his desk.

Seeing the yellow envelope, Eric had already gotten an idea why a CEO would summon him to a personal meeting. “....is that the real reason why you’ve summoned me? Not just for a statement?”

“Heroes deserve to be rewarded, don’t they?” he chuckled, before taking a small, cardboard golden ticket from it.

The former human raised an eyebrow at the sight of a ticket. “....I take it that’s not a normal ticket given out?”

“It isn’t my friend. Its a Golden Ticket, I usually give it to close friends and family, but this is a special case. You present it in any station, and you’ll be able to board any train anywhere for free, as long as it is on Equestrian grounds.”

While Eric was glad for the reward, he felt he had imposed upon the CEO. “.....you’ve given me too much credit. I don’t deserve a reward really. As I said before, I’m only doing what’s right.”

“And that exactly deserves a reward, Mister Angelo. I won’t take no for an answer, I believe that may be of use for you.”

That last statement held some form of bite in it. Denying a reward even when said giver insisted on it would seems impolite. Eric had made his decision. “....alright, if you won’t take no for an answer, I guess I’ll take it.” He closed the distance and reached out toward the special ticket.

“Wonderful. My friend, I’m afraid that I have business to attend, I’d like to have a longer conversation but it’s not possible as of now. Besides, I believe you have some business yourself in this wonderful city.”

The Hydreigon nodded as he took the ticket from the stallion’s hoof. “....I am, it’s important for us to deal with it right now.”

He went over the ticket one more time to get a good look at it. Seeing nothing that requires immediate attention, Eric looked up again. “....what about the crime lord? Gray Hat? Is he being put in a trial?”

“Your testimony is more than enough, both yours and Mister Stone’s. We’ll deal with it ourselves, don’t worry, the legal system here is not that strict, we have unicorns in charge of finding out if someone’s innocent or not. Quite the wonderful world isn’t it?”

Wonderful is not the word Eric would describe upon the world as he sees it, but saying otherwise would risk offending the stallion. “...it is, Mr. Route.”

Then he resumed the flow of the original conversation. “....is there anything else that needs to be addressed?”

“....I see. Alright, if there isn’t anything else, then I bid you good bye. Thanks for the hospitality, Mr. Route.“ With a grateful nod, the Hydreigon turned to head toward the door.

Looking at VIP-like ticket, Eric frowned at the thought of given a reward when there is nothing special about what he does. “....I’m never a hero.”

However, beneath all of that, the feeling of being praised instead of being labeled a monster was….enlightening. To be called a hero, instead of something akin to that of a …..criminal, just like what the cop had said to him a few days ago.

“.....hmmm, the first time I’ve ever been rewarded for something like this…..somehow it felt...good. The world tends to give everyone unexpected surprises, whether it is good or bad depends on how lucky we are. In the meantime….” He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment. In the darkness, he could see the face of the one he seek. “....I’ll be right there.”

Opening his eyes, he crossed the doorway which opened toward his waiting companion on the other side.

All three Pokemon and one mare exited the building and out of the station proper. Early in the morning, ponies piled up the streets one after another, almost giving no room for the weary.

“We’re going to the hospital now?” Dominus folded his wings in a manner similar to a pair of crossed arms.

With all is said and done about the CEO trouble, his mind was focused on his father. “.....yeah, we should find the hospital mentioned in the paper.”

“Alright, I’ll go ask around for the place.” She moved to stop a passing pony, but she halted herself at the last second when she forgot a crucial information. “Wait, wait, wait, was the name of the hospi-“

Fortunately, Eric answered for her. “Saint Celestial Hospital.” He offered without so much as a glance. “....it’s on the paper that mentioned, my supposed dad?”

“....yeah, that.” Dawn couldn’t believe she had forgotten that, but resolved. “Right, wait here while I ask around for a bit.”

Eric simply answered with a nod.

“Sure thing, Dawn, we won’t be going nowhere.” Dominus let out a reassuring grin that looks cute than cool.

Such a thing was not missed by Dawn, who let out her own amused chuckle. “Alright, be right back, you three.” She instantly lost herself in the flood of ponies seeking works.

And so, for the second time that day they had waited for the next pieces to fall. The only the sounds of inaudible conversations and the sound hoof falls was there to accompany them as they wait for their pony companion to return from her task.

During that time, Dominus’ mind was racing about the prospect of meeting his friend’s father for the first time. Not only that, he was a human, which means he also had a partner Pokemon if his three-headed friend’s Salamence partner was of any indication.

He took glances at Eric who does his best to imitate a statue, not once moving his gaze from the flood of ponies. His mind was racing with questions, what was he like? What is his Pokemon form? With each questions formed, he took a glance to his right at Eric. Unlike Dawn, however, he is not one to let curiosity get the better of him so he decided to put back into his mind.

Unfortunately for him, Eric had found out the extent of his curiosity when he fixed a gaze to the Braviary. “.....is there a problem, Dominus?”

Said Braviary blanched when he was caught red-handed. “I-I, no, not me.” He let out an innocent whistle.

Unfortunately, the fact he tried too hard was enough of an indicator for Eric. “....if you have some troubles just ask, we’ll help.”

The tiny Volcarona on Eric’s chest softly nodded. “I, uh, I mean, we would be happy to help.”

“Whoa, not that, dude. I don’t have problem, just some questions that’s been nagging me and all. Nah, don’t let me bother you, though.”

Eric had connected the dots soon, but just decided to play the innocent card again. “....questions?”

“Dude, what I mean is, I’m not going to ask some questions like my partner did, you know? Notice that Dawn tends to blurt out the words she was curious about?” His friend nodded. “The answer’s there, Eric. Not going to get you mad like a rabid Houndoom.” Now Dominus waited for his reaction.

Unsurprisingly, his face didn’t betray his hidden emotions. “.....it’s not that I’m angry. Uncomfortable was the better word for it....but that shouldn’t stop you from asking some questions. If you want to know, then ask, this is a free world after all.”

Now Dominus had to approve his point, after all, who’s to stop anyone from talking? “Well, sorry about it anyway.”

“...no need to be sorry. If you have some questions then ask away, like I said, this is a free world. No one was going to sue you for merely asking questions. But that depends on the person, anyway.” Eric motioned for him to ask away.

“Well,” With the excitement gone, Dominus recited the one question he had thought up minutes ago. “What’s your old man like?”

Eric knew what he meant, but he decided to play along. “....hmmm?”

“Your old man, what was he like? You know, personality, handsome or not, and all that.” Once he realizes what he had said, he chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of his head. “Forget what I just said at the last.”

And he did, instead focusing on the former. “.....he is....possibly the laziest person you’ll ever meet.”

Dominus expected a lot of things from Eric’s father, but that wasn’t one of them. “Huh?”

“It is true,” Alex cut in. “Mr. Angelo was always kind of, uhm, relaxed when not doing...anything?” He glanced up to Eric for confirmation, to which he nodded in return.

“Eh, for real?” Dominus wanted to make sure these two were not trying to fill his head with tricks. Seeing the look on Eric’s face told him it was anything, but a trick. “Wait, is he really lazy?”

A simple nod gave him the answer.

All Dominus could do at the moment was let his jaw hang agape. “Dude,” He whacked his head once just to make sure he was hearing things straight. “Lazy was the last thing I expected you to say about your old man. No offense, there.”

Eric sighed. “.....it’s not a problem, I know it was unbelievable, but.....he is like that. But lucky enough, being an adult forced him to curb his relaxation many times over and over again to take care of the family. I’m grateful for that.”

Dominus grinned in appreciation, it seems his friend’s dad was not as bad as he thought. “Now that, is a perfect old man right there.”

The Hydreigon nodded his head at the praise before continuing. “....anyway, as to answer the rest of your question. He is quite the good guy, if a little silent back in his youth, you can say that my tendency of being silent stems from him. He is, like all trainers are supposed to be, good with Pokemon.”

“Sounds like the perfect old man to me as far as I’m concerned. Some would kill for that kind of dad, you know?”

“If you say so....” Alex murmured in agreement as he clutched close to Eric. “I hope that Mr. Angelo is alright. I can’t...uhm, stand it.”

“....me too, Alex.” Eric’s mind couldn’t help, but let the image of a certain human and Alakazam to appear once more, causing him to clutch the moth tighter. “....me too.”

An immediate trot was not missed by Eric’s ear. Glancing upward, he found Dawn was approaching them, visibly smiling with a small springs to her steps.

Eric was not about to let disappoint her by beating around the bush. “.....Dawn, you found what we needed?”

“Yeah, I got it. A noble said that the hospital was in the worker’s district a few blocks away from the noble’s district. It’s not far.” Dawn turned around to point at the flowing river of ponies in front of them. “All we have to do is follow the crowd for a few minutes, turn right when I say so.”

The news had lighten the load on Eric’s shoulder, even if his face didn’t show it. “....wasn’t that far away. It seems that luck was on our side....for now anyway.” He muttered.

“Then what are we waiting for, dude?” Dominus’s feather bristled with anticipation.

“.....alright.” Eric nodded before turning to Dawn. “....let’s go, Dawn can you lead the way?”

“Sure, just follow me closely.”

The four lost themselves into the flow of ponies, Dawn leading the way toward their destination : Saint Celestial Hospital.

Travelling to their destinations was not as easy as they thought. This is the wee morning, which means rush hour was there to obstruct their easy path toward the hospital. It wasn’t helping that some of the ponies were still getting used to the fact that there are some kind of three-headed hydra-like Pokemon among the crowd and gaped.

Eric paid them no heed toward the glances made his way. Dawn, however, wasn’t so lucky. Her being in the spotlight didn’t do her mood any favor, but this time Dominus was there to help her lessen her nervousness.

A few minutes later, they had exited the flow of ponies to stand before marble-walled five story building that is the destination they seek. Right on top of the double glass doors leading to its interior.

Dawn, finally free from the curious glances, now could think clearly and stated. “There it is, the hospital.”

Sure enough, the sign says for itself : The Saint Celestial Hospital. They had arrived at the place where Eric’s father is currently resting.

Without waiting for their consent, Eric had led the way now. With curious glances at each other, they shrugged and followed their former human friend inside.

The inside of the hospital was commonplace among all of them, ponies in their patients scrub, either trotting around or dragging around their IV’s around. Some are wheeling around on their wheelchairs. Nonetheless, the environment was gloomy typical to that of a hospital.

Eric’s attention became solely focused on the snow white nurse with yellow mane on the other side of the reception desk. He floated forward, still unconsciously clutching Alex close to his chest.

Once close enough, his right hand-head found it’s way to a bell and smacked it once to get the nurse’s attention.

It did, her work was interrupted as she glanced upward with a smiling face. It was gone as fast as it came when she came almost face-to-face with possibly a pupil-less hydra. Had it not for the fact, she held herself secure to the desk, she would have fallen backward on her chair.

Eric was not in such a mood for chit-chat. Just seeing the mare’s horrified expression, he decided to get to the point, for both their sakes. “...miss, can I ask for information?”

“I-I-I....” The nurse was at a loss of words.

Eric waved a head to regain her attention, then repeat. “....can I ask for information?”

Unfortunately, the nurse was still as dumbstruck as ever.

Face hiding his slight irritation, he muttered. “....sorry about this, miss.” He snapped the waving head forward and snapped close to her muzzle.

That did the trick, the sight of a head nearly closed in on her muzzle jerked her head backward reflexively, in turn also bringing her back to the real world.

He heard hoofsteps and click-clack of talons behind him, yet his attention was full on the mare. “.....alright, may I know of a patient who came here possibly eleven days ago. One Pokemon was carrying another in his arms?”

“I-I...” Then a realization struck the mare. “I-I think....I m-m-might have k-known where t-they are.” She stuttered.

Satisfied with the information, he motioned her to continue.

“H-hold o-o-on a s-second.” Without further ado, she opened the logbook the size of an arm in front of her with a solid thud.

Eric waited patiently as the mare scanned the required informations about the last few days ever since the mass exodus had happened.

“Eric.”

“....hmmm?” He glanced downward at the less-shaky Volcarona.

“Uhm, I think the miss is...finished?” He said uncertainly.

The Hydreigon turned around to face the shaky mare once more. Who had just finished, judging from the book that now had laid shut just like Alex said.

The glance made her way had not lessened her fears. But she trudged forward. “I-I may have s-s-some information about t-those Pokemon.”

Eric carefully masked his intention to hurry along and leaned forward. “....where are they?”

The nurse decided it was better to follow his wishes. “Y-you could find h-h-him at the fifth floor, r-room n-number 512, east wing, s-sir. Should I-I ask for-“

Before she could continue, Eric cut her off.“....no thanks, we’ll find our way ourselves.” He shot her down before offering a nod of thanks instead. “....thank you for the information, ma’am.” Without another word, he floated toward the hallway to the left of the desk.

The mare behind the desk couldn’t think of a better way to be grateful than to heave a sigh that the object of her fear was gone.

Dawn stepped forward to ease the mare. “Sorry if my friend was....scary.” The mare scratched her head at her poor choice of words.

“It’s n-n-not a problem, ma’am.” The nurse herself noticed her earlier stutter in her speech was almost gone, she wore a weary smile. “Although, h-he does seems....u-u-unusual for fearful looking."

“Took the words right out of my mouth, lady.” Dominus agreed. “I’d say we should go before we lost Eric. Let’s go, Dawn.”

“Uhhh....right.” She led the way toward the hallway Eric just took, not before saying her thanks. “Thanks for the help, by the way.”

“No problem, have a good day, ma’am.”

“Eric, wait up!”

Dawn’s voice was enough to halt the Hydreigon’s advance into the staircase at the end of the small hallway. He glanced over his shoulder to see that his two companions are catching up.

Once they had caught up, Dawn moved to say something, yet Dominus beat her to it. “C’mon, dude. Is not cool to leave us behind you know. You said it yourself, your old man won’t be going nowhere.”

Realizing he was once again, acting like a fanatical bloodhound upon a single objective, he sighed. “....sorry, I just wanted to find my dad as soon as possible....”

“Understandable, dude.” Dominus nodded twice. “If it was my old man, I would come running all the same. Like you do, but don’t leave us hanging either.”

“Yeah...that.” Dawn sighed at her lack of conversational talent.

“....I’ll try.” He hoped that answer was as good as any for now.

Both Dawn and Dominus fortunately decided to take that answer to heart.

No further interruptions in the way, Eric led the way into the staircase. They climbed stairs after stairs leading up to the fourth floor, patients and hospital staff passing by on occasions. Once they had headed up their twelfth staircase, in front of them was the doorway with the sign number ‘5, East Wing’.

They entered into the hallway proper, wooden doors on each side marked with numbers on top and windows for visitors and patient alike to peer either in or out. But Eric’s attention was solely on the number plating, scanning for number

Dawn and Dominus reserved to just follow.

“...Eric.”

“....hmmm?”

“It’s.....uh, do you think that....Mr.Angelo might be here?” Alex couldn’t believe himself that he had actually asked that. He wanted to just disappear into the confines of his trainer’s arm.

Eric sincerely hoped that they haven’t skipped hospital for somewhere else with better equipment for treatments. “.....let’s hope so, Alex. Otherwise, we will have our work-” The former human stopped himself and turned right to face a wooden door.

Dawn had noticed, so does Alex and Dominus, but strangely they didn’t question him. The mare was curious. “Eric, what-“

Instead of answering her, he pointed at something above the door he stopped in front of. She followed his arm to gaze whatever it is he wanted her to know.

Now Dawn get why Eric had stopped, the plate numbered ‘512‘ on the door they nearly passed by on the right side of the hallway was a sight for sore eyes.

“Oh...yeah, that.” Once more, Dawn was speechless for possibly the dozenth time that day.

No further words were exchanged, Eric opened the door to reveal its interior and....something he had expected...his father.

Opening the door revealed the interior, . However, his attention was not to praise the decorations of the room, but it was on the Golduck lying on the bed and an Alakazam without his spoons wearing a chain-link necklace with a crescent-shaped silver claw at the end standing right beside the bed, eyes vigilant.

Now those eyes were diverted from the Golduck and boring straight at the Hydreigon. “Who are you?” He stated matter-of-factly, body tensing up in preparation of a fight.

His voice tells Eric what he needed to know, the question remains if the Alakazam will recognize him or not. He bet on the former. “.....Reynard.” He said simply.

“H-hey, Reynard.” The Volcarona on his chest waved one of his tiny legs to gather the Alakazam’s attention to him.

Alakazam were known to have 1000 IQ due to their brain continuously producing brain cells to support such an IQ. It didn’t take long for him to recognize the owner of both voices.

His eyes widen for a moment and disappeared as fast as it came. He bowed courteously. “Master Eric, Master Alex, it pleases us that both of you are unharmed. I had been worried since the event Lord Arceus had arranged for us.”

What he said was not missed by the Hydreigon’s sharp observation. “....both?....us?”

“Ah, yes, forgive me. I was quite overjoyed that my attention was solely on you. Putting that aside, I believe I have discovered one of Master’s Dave wayward partners seeking him in this city.” He presented the serpentine figure currently coiled up on the floor on the left side of the bed.

Alex’s eyes widened to almost the size of dinner plate. “Ah, that’s her.” He muttered softly.

The form was unmistakable, only one Milotic would come running toward the Hydreigon’s father. “.....Anna....”

Reynard nodded sagely. “Correct, it seems she had been teleported close to Canterlot. Once she heard of the news that we are currently at this establishment, she found us. Day and night, we have watched over Master Dave for news of his condition. She has yet to wake up from her last night's slumber.”

Current problem has been solved for Eric, a new one arises in the state of his father. “....about that. Was he-“

“Eric, don’t stand...I mean, float at the door, we want to get inside too.” Dawn’s curt tone reverberated throughout the room.

Understanding, Eric floated inside and away from the doorway, opening the path for his two companions to help themselves in.

“Ah, guests.” Once more, Reynard bowed as a sign of courtesy. “May I know the name of the guests that I will welcome?”

“Name’s Dominus, Dawn’s partner.” The Valiant Pokemon made sure to step closer to his partner for emphasis.

But Dawn’s baffled expression prevented her from forming a proper greeting. When she saw the picture, she had expected him to be quite fierce, especially with those scowl she had seen before. Instead, in front of her, was a downright butler-like Pokemon whose eyes was so soft you couldn’t help, but feel safe.

Noticing her usual baffled expression, Dominus rose to action. “Dawn,” He bumped her, breaking her out of whatever trance she is in. “Don’t dilly dally in front of the dude.”

Shaking her head once, Dawn took a deep breath before speaking. “Uh..yeah, sorry about that. I was really surprised for a moment there. I thought you were

“All is forgiven, madam. It is out of place, indeed, that an Alakazam would act politely, is it not?”

“Uhhh...yeah, I think so?” Dawn said uncertainly, thus allowed her habit to scratch arose once more. “But anyway, my name’s Dawn. Solar Dawn.”

“Ah, a thestral, otherwise known as bat ponies in common tongue, yes?” Reynard bowed before continuing. “It is an honor to welcome the mare and her partner who have accompanied Master Eric for so long.”

“Uh....thanks?” Dawn scratched her head, otherwise not knowing how to respond to that one.

Dominus merely facewinged.

Not wanting to wait, Eric floated forward to speak. “.....let’s get back on track. Is my dad alright? Was there an occasion he actually opened his eyes, Reynard?”

He hoped that Reynard would say something, anything that is not what he is currently thought about. However, his hope was ruined when Reynard shook his head twice. “Unfortunately, Master Eric. No such event had occurred and I had stayed by his side the entire time.”

“....I see.....that...wasn’t so surprising....after all, merely teleporting into another world and gaining the bodies of Pokemon is not going to cure a coma.” Eric couldn’t help, but whisper.

“Can I see him?”

“Of course, Master Eric. Your father needs you.” He stepped aside to let the young adult have a time with his father.

Unsurprisingly, the form that had been laid on the bed was a Golduck, just as the picture had described, but a few feet taller than a common one. Seeing him up close, Eric noted the peaceful look on his face, as if he had left this world....so far, it was half-right. Eric’s father, Dave was neither dead nor living....but in a coma.

“Mr. Angelo....” Alex couldn’t take it, he turned away. Such a sight was still too horrid for the young Volcarona.

Eric noticed one peculiarity. “....Reynard...where is the Mega Pocket Watch?” He spoke, without once turning his gaze from the Golduck.

Hearing footsteps, Eric glanced to his right to see Reynard with his back on him picking something up from the bedside table. Turning to face the Hydreigon, Eric found that the Alakazam was holding the object of his desire...a golden pocket watch with an empty round slot on the lid of the watch.

“It’s that...Mr. Angelo’s pocket watch?” Alex said uncertainly.

Hearing that, Dominus nearly leaped out of his seat once he had seen a genuine gold plated watch that could hold a Key Stone.

“Whoa....that’s so cool.” Dominus drooled.

Dawn herself was speechless, it was a rare sight to see genuine gold. “Yeah.”

“Here it is, Master Eric. Your father’s pocketwatch.” He held out an arm with the pocketwatch on it toward Eric. “Do look after it.”

The thing that his father treasure most had been handed over, who is Eric to disappoint? He picked the golden pocketwatch, inspecting every nook and cranny for signs of scratch or fake. No such luck either way.

Satisfied, the arm that held his father’s prized item once again wrapped around Alex. It wasn’t unnoticed that his friends were running on steam.

“....Reynard.”

The Alakazam’s head perked up at the call of his name. “Yes, Master Eric?”

“....can you get us beverages of any kind? There should be some in this hospital. This place does have cafeteria, right?”

Reynard remembered what he meant in a second. “Yes, if I recall, this hospital do have such an establishment for the sick.”

No words of reply was heard, instead he turned his head to look at Dawn who was sitting near the window. “...Dawn, Dominus?”

The mare waved her hoof frantically. “No, no, really, you don’t have to do it. We’re fine. I don’t want you to think that we’re having a break while your dad was there.”

“....I don’t really see that kind of problem....I think we’re all tired from the trip the night before. I think....a little tea or either coffee break would be good for refreshments. There are no law against having a break when we’re all exhausted.” Their three-headed friend said without so much as a glance their way.

In the end, Dominus answered for both of them by shrugging. “Ah, what the heck? I don’t mind. Dawn, what about you, partner?”

Dawn in the end sighed in surrender. “I guess I could do that too.”

“...so, Reynard?” Eric made a simple glance over his shoulder at Reynard.

He answered with a bow. “Understood, Master Eric, I shall return with beverages that you have requested. Please excuse me.” With a polite nod, he exited the room and shut the door as quietly as he could as he disappeared to finish his task.

The room descended into silence, nothing was there to start up anything nor do anyone want to, except Dawn.

However, her wish was granted for a conversation. “...Eric.”

“...hmmm?” He glanced down at Alex who is still in his iron grip.

“...will Mr. Angelo....be okay? I mean....I, uhm, there’s a chance, right? After all this time.” One could mistake his tone for that of an ant, but Eric heard all of it.

That was an answer Eric couldn’t provide, no matter how many times he tried to reassure himself or those around him.“....I don’t know, Alex. If this hospital had the means necessary to cure my dad, they would have do it...by now anyway. After all, patients well-being are supposed to be priority for every hospital in existence.”

“Dude, you gotta cheer up.” Dominus chimed in as he laid a wing across his shoulder out of nowhere. “If I know about old men, they can be pretty stubborn. I’m pretty sure your dad is one.”

“....now that I think about it.....dad is pretty stubborn back in his trainer days....at least that’s what he told me. Must be the main reason why he held on this far.” The thought itself was encouraging enough to warrant a soft smile.

“.....I suppose....that’s true.” Eric nodded softly, glancing at Dominus on his left with thankful eyes. “.....thanks.”

“Thank you, er, Dominus?” Alex said shyly.

“Hey, what friends are for, little guy? We help each other through and thorough.” Patting the Hydreigon once, he left to sit beside Dawn once more, who was content to just watch lest her mouth run on itself again.

With Dominus at her side again, she asked. “Dominus, you weren’t....what was the word for it? Uh...I got it...bothered with Eric’s dad?” She made a mental note to ask his name later.

“Honestly, Dawn? I think the dude’s been dealt with a lot of bad hands. No way, anyone should go through that.”

“Well....yeah.” Dawn didn’t know what to say. Sally was one thing, and that she quickly forgot, but two in a row? That only made it harder to forget.

The click of a latch, brought their attention to the door, where the familiar Alakazam who is in the process of entering the patient room. “I have returned with the beverages requested.”

True enough, within his arm was a tray holding several steaming hot cups of tea. He walked delicately as not to allow any accident or spill to happen.

Close enough to the bedside table, he put it down before turning to everyone else. “It is served, please enjoy yourself, sirs and madam.” Reinard bowed before standing vigilant beside the bed once more.

“Thank you.” Dawn nodded in thanks.

Both the mare and the eagle stepped up to the table to grab their share of tea.

Dead silence overtook the room. Eric was still on the side of the bed, unmoving, arm wrapped around Alex and within one head, clutching the golden plated pocket watch like death itself. Dawn and Dominus just sat on the available seats just below the window, waiting for anyone to break the silence.

Unfortunately, so far it was not going to happen. As no one in the room was willing to break the status quo, much to Dawn’s dismay. Once more, the silence had taken hold of her nerves.

In the end, she did anything to break it, and that is to speak her curiosity out. “Eric...”

“.....hmmm?” Eric turned his head her way.

“Can I ask something?”

Eric got a good idea what she was going to ask, as he had good grasp of her personality. Otherwise, he played along. “.....what is it?”

“What exactly did happen? To your dad, I mean.” Realizing what she said too late, she put a hoof over her mouth.

Dominus stared at Dawn like she had committed the worst crime ever known. “Dawn, I know you’re curious and all, but really, that is not cool.”

“Sorry, sorry, I didn’t meant to.” This time, Dawn cursed her big mouth.

However, Eric was not one to let that raise his temper. “....it’s not a problem, as I said before, there is nothing wrong with being curious.” Hearing closely, Eric could hear a sigh of relief. He continued. But,you’ve heard of Sally’s past. I’m going to ask you again....do you want to know?”

Dawn was about to say something, but a polite cough from Reynard caught their attention. “May I suggest something?” Seeing Eric’s nod, he continued. “What if we show them personally using my power over the minds?”

A raised eyebrow was Eric’s first reaction. “.....I don’t think they should see something like that, Reynard.”

“Understood, Master Eric. After all, it was not for the faint of heart.”

Dominus got the general gist of what they had said, Dawn, however, is not. “Wait, wait, wait, see what?”

“....what he means is that....Reynard is a Psychic-type Pokemon. He could show you what happened exactly, far more vivid and almost life-like than storytelling if you took his offer. You could see it almost accurately.” Eric explained.

Right now, the mare was scratching her head furiously.

“....in other words, allow him to modify your brain a little to receive foreign brainwaves that is not yourself in order to see what Reynard wanted you to see.”

“Let me get this straight, Reynard is...is..”

“An Alakazam, your Psychic-type truly.” Dominus offered with a roll of his eyes.

“Right...that. Anyway, if he is like Will, then he could...” Dawn struggled to get the words out.

“Get into your brain and makes us see what he wants us to see like the dude said? Pretty much, Dawn.” Dominus said offhandedly.

“I wouldn’t exactly say that, but, yeah. He’s going to use that power of his to show us what exactly happened that made Eric’s dad look that way?”

A slap of both wings voiced Dominus’s agreement. “Exactly like that, Dawn.”

Somehow....that didn’t bode well with the mare. Story telling and first hand experience are a league different after all. Ultimately, her insatiable curiosity won over. “Can you...I mean, could you…?”

“Of course, I shall prevent such a thing from happening. I assure you madam.” However, Reinard raises a finger. “But...it is fair that I shall warn you first, madam. What you are about to witness are something not for the faint of heart. I fully recommend that we took the path of story telling instead of seeing it first hand.”

Looking at each other for confirmation, Dominus shrugged.“Sounds a fine way to me, dude.”

Dawn, seeing her partner had agreed, she herself nodded. “Well.....okay.” Her voice hesitant, yet she drove onward.

She was interrupted when Reynard cut in with graveness in his voice. “Choose wisely, sir and madam. As I said before, it is not for the faint of heart.”

With the last warning registered, they yammered away at their own personal space. Eric and Reynard was waiting for them to finish their discussion. It wasn’t long before the yammer died down and into silence before they found themselves on the other end of two resolute gazes.

“We’re good to go, dude. Me and Dawn agreed to do it. We wanted to know what happened to Eric’s old man, might as well get it done now.

“Not the way I would say it, but, yeah.” Dawn agreed wholeheartedly.

Upon hearing that, the Alakazam let out a warm smile before bowing in appreciation. “I am honored to have you both as Master Eric’s companion. Truly excellent friends. But,” With a simple thought, his two signature spoons appeared in mid-air and deftly caught both. “Shall we proceed?”

Dawn and Dominus looked at each other for certainty in each other’s eyes. One look was all they needed, and that was to follow through with their desire. After all, their curiosity is insatiable, and there is only one way to quench it.

“We’ll do it.” Dawn spoke which Dominus agreed to as well by nodding.

“Very well,” Reynard shut his eyelids and released the spoon from his grip, however, instead of falling, they spun about around himself ominously. “I must warn you, if this become too much, do not hesitate to call for my name, I shall pull you both out.”

“Wait, what does that-“ Dominus got cut off when he felt as if he were wrapped by a warm blanket. Glancing at his partner revealed that she was wrapped in a Psychic glow shared by all Psychic-types.

And their entire world went black.

Play this as the second closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoomnFqserc

Chapter 17 : Darkness Inside II

View Online

How far are we all willing to go? For our ideals? For our beloved ones? For our believes? It differs for each person in the matter of how far are they willing to go. Will they commit an atrocity? Will they commit themselves wholly to their ideals and believes? Or will they willingly threw themselves into danger without thinking of the consequences? …..Sadly, I was the lattermost - Eric Angelo

Play this as the second opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G167-ZBmlIw

“Lady, be quiet!”

Eric, back then, a boy of 18 years with dark brown hair, a jacket with a simple white shirt underneath laid face down on the ground. His attention were on the middle-aged woman beside him who was whimpering like there’s no tomorrow.

“Please, lady, be quiet!” He hissed through gritted teeth. His words could not reach her, her whimpering continued endlessly.

A sharp click came from above them. For a moment, Eric’s heart leaped to his throat because he knew what that sharp click was.

“YOU TWO, SHUT UP!” A demanding voice reverberated through the lobby.

The lady instantly zipped her mouth shut, Eric wisely done the same and made sure his face was stuck to the floor.

Their position offered them no amount of comfort. The fact that this was forced by the crooks waving his gun all around the lobby was not helping.

Frustration was written all over Eric’s face at the hopelessness of the situation. As much as he wanted to help, every scene that goes through his head inevitably ended up making the situation a lot worse.

Footsteps came next, Eric tilted his head up to see that the crook who had threatened them earlier walking away to face the door access to the vault beyond. “How’s it going in there?”

“Five minutes, just wait there.” Another deeper voice echoed back in response.

It was not the reply he wanted because of his evident growl. “It’s already five minutes, c’mon, we’re on a timetable here!”

“You try and hack these control panels yourself, let’s see how you get it done faster!”

“Well, hurry it up, my arm’s starting to hurt!” The first crook emphasized by a shook of his gun arm.

“Geez, hold onto your panties! This is difficult!”

“You try waving your arm around for more than ten minutes, see if that helps!” The crook yelled back with no amount of frustration in his voice. “Arceus dammit, sometimes I hate him.”

Done with the matter concerning his partner, he returned to the task at hand, mainly to make sure no one decided to do anything funny. “You hear that, people?” He yelled to ensure everyone will heard his message. “Try anything in that timeframe and I’ll make sure you’ll be meeting Arceus a lot faster!”

Frustrations welled up inside the young adult. He was supposed to protect people, not laid down helpless. But he is more afraid if he acted out of character, the others around him might get the repercussions.

In the end, all he could do is growl. “Dammit....”

His day had gotten a lot worse when a familiar bout of whimpers came again beside him, from the same woman from before.

He needs to keep this woman in check and fast. “Lady, be quiet! They’re going to hear us!”

The accursed whimper continued, Eric looked around frantically, wondering if the crook had heard her. He focused on her again quickly. “Be quiet, lady! They’ll do worse to us this time if they hear us!”

The lady was scared. No, terrified was the better word for it. Her mind was a jumbled mess, and the outlet came in the form of her whimpers, Eric realized that now.

“Shit....” He cursed at his rotten luck when he realized no amount of words could stop the terrified whimper of the woman.

To make his day complete, he heard the familiar footsteps heading toward their direction before stopping short of their head. The young adult hissed in a desperate gamble to shut the lady and secure their safety.

“I TOLD YOU TO SHUT UP! DO I NEED TO FILL YOU WITH HOLES?” The other patrons in the lobby flinched at the intensity of the yell.

However, instead of his desired silence, it fueled the lady’s terrified whimper.

Eric cursed again underneath his breath. “Lady, if you don’t want to die then stop whimpering!?”

“I-I c-can’t...can’t do t-t-this!” The whimper made way for a stutter.

The young adult’s momentary surprise was cut off by his desire to prevent this from becoming much worse than it already is. “Yeah, you can, lady! Otherwise we’re both screwed!”

“ARCEUS DAMMIT! SHUT UP!” Eric could feel that the gun was no more than an inch right now before them. “NOBODY ELSE MOVE!”

Sweats was running down Eric’s forehead when the whimper became louder instead. “Please, lady, if you don’t want to die, be quiet!”

It backlashed, this whimper was even more louder. The crook shouted something in their ears, but he shut it out in favor of the woman’s growing fear. The sign itself was clear, Eric’s only chance was to utter two words : “Oh, no.”

The woman screamed, and due to the vastness of the lobby along with their proximity to the source, it went off like a war drum in their ears. The woman made a mad dash toward the exit due to fear overtaking her being.

Once the ringing in both ears gone, he glared at the retreating figure of the woman. “I SAID DON’T MOVE!” He threatened, but the woman was beyond reasoning. His temper flared to dangerous level. “YOUR FUNERAL, WOMAN!” And he took aim.

Just as he pulled the trigger to let out a piece of deathly metal, he could see that his shot went wide and hit the ceiling instead. He realized now what had made it that way, a hand had slapped his aim upward. Before he knew it, another hand had gripped his arm alongside the first and struggled.

Not taking chances, Eric’s flicked the safety on. His caution was founded to the fact that the gun’s owner keep on pulling the trigger desperately. But despite his best attempt to grab the deathly piece, their strength was near equal, no one could best the other.

Not wanting to waste the surprise attack momentum, Eric promptly let go. The result was just as he desired, the crook stumbled backward. The young adult dashed forward, grabbed the arm holding the gun and let out several right hooks to the owner’s face while Eric kept him rooted on the spot. Next, he kneed his stomach, causing the man to spit out saliva, but Eric wasn’t done. His face become a punching bag one last time that the force whirled him around, and a frontal kick send him to dig trench across the tiled floor.

Whipping himself around, he found his face was starting at the end of his own gun, only now he realized his gun had been taken the moment the struggle is renewed. The crook was about to try an old trick regarding the safety when it went out the window due to a sharp click that he took as a sign that the gun safety was off. He decided it was wise to remain in that position, less the kid really was going to shoot him.

Eric knew what a gun could do, knew that it’s purpose was to take a life, but he wasn’t going to use it that way. This time, it’s purpose was something else, to ensure that the crook before him will not try anything.

“Let’s repeat the game from before. You say, and I quote, ‘don’t try anything funny’.” The young adult finished with the barrel now pointing down toward the crook. Eric felt that the threat would lessened the chance of retaliation, and he made himself convincing for that part.

But the crook smiled, turning into a chuckle a second later. Not a reaction Eric wanted. “What’s so funny, pal?” Eric had answered his own question when he felt a piece of metal collided with the side of his skull. He dropped like a sack of brick, revealing another man wearing a similar balaclava.

“...that, ‘pal’.” The crook finished. He had gotten up, and snatched his gun away from the young adult before dusting himself off. “You like playing heroes?” He didn’t expect the boy to suddenly wake up and tell him otherwise, but he felt that payback was appropriate. “Then I’ll show you what happened to heroes!” With a sharp click, now it was the unconscious Eric that ended up at the end of the barrel.

His partner hadn’t given a reaction to his now-angered partner’s actions.

A flash of movement caught the corner of his right eye. He looked at the source too late to warn his partner as another, older man within a light brown suit jacket elbowed the side of his head. He could have sworn to have heard a crack there for a second. He wasn’t spared because with another flash of movement, the air had vacated his lung and he had learned to fly backward before crashing on his back.

Dave, one leg jutting out backward and one still standing to support himself was red with anger. “Stay away from my, son!”

For the second time this day, the crook had felt what it’s like to be struck by something to that of a sledgehammer. Shaking his head, he could finally get a picture on what was happening.

His partner was on his back on the floor, and he took aim. That did not happen, however, because an unfamiliar man in brown-ish suit whirled around and kicked the gun away from his grip, continued with a soccer kick to his partner’s side that sent him skidding across the floor. Not wanting a repeat of that scene, his partner stood up and assumed a fighting stance.

And they threw themselves at each other. It was clear that the crook had underestimated the man in suit, for every two strikes his partner had made, the man had countered with more of his own.

He cleanly dodged and weaved his partner’s strikes, kicking his side before whirling around and backhanded him across the face. He wasn’t done, closing the distance again, the man in suit grabbed a fistful of hair and slammed his face into a bone-crushing knee strike and shoved him forward to the floor.

Their dance resumed, it was clear that the old man was winning. His partner tried to strike again, only for him to slink beneath the strike and slammed a fist into his stomach. No behind him proper, the man swiped his jacket off and wrapped it around his head, taking him on a merry-go-round before releasing him from the impromptu ride and gain an acquintance with another tile. The man in suit dismissively wore his jacket once more while the crook got up with an effort.

For all the man’s skill, he had made a mistake. He thought he had knocked him out with that skull-crushing elbow, unfortunately, it did not.

Now that his attention was on solely on his partner, an opportunity flashed. Beneath his balaclava was a face with fury written across it and he took aim toward the two struggling men. Not caring for the proximity of his partner, he pulled the trigger.

Meanwhile, Eric suffered the mother of all headaches. Every movement felt as if there’s a ton of weight was dropped on his limb. The best he could do was to flutter his eyelids open, even then, the images couldn’t be processed correctly due to his impromptu nap. All he could see were two figures that seems to dance against one another across his vision.

Opening and shutting his eyes several times ensured that each time his vision cleared up until the fifth time when he could see correctly. He had wished he had stayed unconscious then because the scene of the wide-eyed expression had been burned into his memory as he fell with blood running down the left side of his head.

The echo of the gunshot was followed by the screams of all the other hostages. They decided it was better to take chances and get out than staying in place where a murderer was in the room with them. Most stumbled against each other in their mad dash for the safety of the daylight beyond the door, either way, the robbers were helpless in their attempt to herd their chaotic hostages.

Though, Eric was still rooted to his spot, staring at his fallen father. “....dad.” He crawled forward, limb as slow as a Snorlax. Once he closed the distance and seeing what had been done to him, words couldn’t describe what he felt right now. “....dad.”

The two bank robbers meanwhile were in a state of panic after the latest fiasco involving the unexpected departure of their hostages. They were literally no one left in the lobby to act as a deterrent against the horde of cops waiting to throw them in a cell far away from the sun light.

A crook was pacing to and fro with a sense of urgency coming from him. “C’mon, what are we waiting for? We gotta get out of here!”

“Will you shut up for a moment and let me think!?” The second crook retorted with no less frustration.

“The cops will be here any minute, there’s no time!”

“Oh, you want to walk out there without any deterrent to prevent the dozen or so Stoutlands and Herdiers from mauling us? Be my guest!” He emphasized with a sharp flick of his head toward the door.

The first crook’s adrenaline level shot through the roof. “Ah, shit,” He glanced around the lobby like a head on a swivel. “What should we do!?”

The second crook was wracking every corner of his brain for an answer to their situation. “Just let me think for a moment!”

“....dad.”

Faint whisper registered in his ear. Seeing the teenager’s crouched form, he sees and attempted to seize an opportunity. “We might actually still have a chance to get out.”

His partner would have let out a baffled expression had it not for the balaclava in the way. “How?”

A hand simply pointed toward the sobbing teenager.

The first crook’s face instantly turned into a frown at the reminder. “Ah yeah, the kid.”

“Think he’ll be of any use to us?”

Disturbing thoughts went through his mind. “We could certainly use him.” Grin was fixated onto his face beneath his balaclava as he walked over to their potential hostage.

Meanwhile, Eric had stopped the flow of his tears a few seconds ago and continued to stare at the limp form of Dave, with blank, unblinking eyes . One would mistake him for a life-like statue unless they listened closely to the sound of his breath.

The source of his misfortunes were well aware that he is still alive and breathing, therefore an opportunity to get out of this situation in one piece.

Heavy footfall came behind the young adult, until it stopped short a few feet before his back.“Get up!”

Much to his dissatisfaction, the teenager had not registered his latest order. The first crook frowned beneath the mask. “Get up!”

Once more, no reply was heard, only the echo of his own voice. “Are you deaf, kid? I said, GET UP!” He made sure to yell the last part as loud as he could to gather the teenager’s attention.

However, the teenager ignored him still.

The crook was not amused at the lack of reaction. “ARCEUS DAMMIT! I SAID, GET UP!” His hand flew to yank the kid out of his daze, he got what he wanted, but not what he was expecting. The teenager whirled around and before he knew it, the metal piece in his right hand was gone and he found himself staring down the barrel of his own gun.

“....you’ll pay!” The stare could give a trained military man nightmares was directed toward the crook.

A loud bang echoed throughout the lobby.

A pair of eyes belonging to an Alakazam shot open. As a Master Psychic, he could feel it, the dread outside of his Pokéball resting place. As a loyal partner and friend of his trainer, Master Dave, he felt compelled to get out of his resting place.

He struggled and struggled in an attempt to get out of the cramped space he is in.

A satisfying click was heard and once more he could feel his entire being was sucked outside of his resting place. The feeling of fresh air flowed across his body, he took that as a sign that he is back in the real world.

“Alakazam!” Letting out his signature cry, he quickly set up a Psychic field to ensure all within could understand him. “Master Dave, Master Eric, what-“ The sight that greeted him nearly rolled his eyeballs out of his skull. “Oh my Arceus.” Reynard was never one to speak a god’s name, however, this situation calls for it.

To his left was a wailing man wearing a ski mask while clutching his stomach which now housed a piece of metal which had bored into him a few seconds ago, he is short on breath and gasping for more. His attention was called elsewhere, before him was his master’s son, Eric. It horrified the Alakazam to see him sitting down on the stomach of a similar man with a gun clutched within his right hand, all bloodied and him continuedly using said item in an attempt to cave the crook’s skull in.

The crook’s ski mask was still on his person, otherwise everyone would have been treated to a beaten and bruised face. “Sto-“ His sentence was never finished as his face was currently used as a punching bag.

“Shut up!” He let of another series of beatdown.

“Pleas-please...stop, I give....have...m-m-mercy!”

The crook’s eyes laid upon the face of his assaulter who frowned. He nearly breathed a sigh of relief, only for he wasn’t given the chance because his face was pistol-butted again.“....mercy? Tell me, did you show my dad mercy just now? The one you just possibly killed?”

The crook remembered now, the limp form from before, the one his hot-blooded partner had shot. “It...wa-wasn’t...me!” He croaked.

“I DON’T CARE, YOU BASTARD! YOU KILLED MY DAD! YOU KILLED HIM, YOU HEAR ME! KILLED HIM!”

He realized too late as the action of his partner alone serve to conceal his fate.

The teenager breathed heavily while making sure the robber below him felt every piece of his anger. “I’ll make sure you pay! Just like your friend had paid his due!”

“YOU’LL PAY!” He pulled his arm upward as far as he could and make sure the grip of the gun was facing down. With a howl of fury, he let out his anger in that one downward swing.

Only....he couldn’t, not because he had a change of mind, but because he couldn’t...move his arms for some reason.

He stared upward to witness a blueish aura that is known when a Psychic Pokémon is in play wrapped around his arm. Try as he might, his arms wouldn’t budge an inch.

“Master Eric!” A familiar voice serve to pull him out of the daze. He glanced over his shoulder and saw his father’s first and long-time partner, Reynard the Alakazam crouching beside the limp form of Dave. His blue-glowing eyes stared at the teenager to convey disappointment. “Please, do not cross the threshold! This is not what your father wanted!”

Reynard’s word struck a chord deep within the young adult’s mind. Sensing the lack of struggle, the Alakazam let go of his Psychic grip over his friend’s son arms, but kept himself vigilance for any sign of renewed murderous intent.

Eric’s arm went slack and limp on his sides, letting the piece of metal clutched like death fell and clattered on the floor when the horror dawned on him.

He had nearly committed an attempted murder not two seconds ago.

Whether or not the two crook’s were guilty or not, no justification could be given for what he had almost done. He lifted his now-bloodied hands up to his face, staring into the deep, red abyss, seeing his own reflection, of what he had almost became...a murderer.

Eric heard a voice call out to him, but felt as if it’s a mile away. His face a grimace, face at the palms of his hands, slightly marring his face with blood, but he didn’t care. The same voice called, he felt it was a few feet away this time. He whimpered at the mere thought of becoming a monster to society.

The third time the voice called. It was as if someone had shouted it directly into his ears, making it ring. “Master Eric!”

“Huh?” Peeling away the blood-marred hands from his face, he turned his shaking head toward the one who had called for his attention, Reynard.

He was tending to the crook he had shot moments before when he realized Eric was in the process of a breakdown. “Your father needs you!”

Only now does the sight of his father’s limp form was processed. “...ri-right.” Shakily, he pushed himself up and walked over to his father.

He covered the distance faster than he even thought. Eyes are not upon his father, his breath promptly stolen from him as fear seized him. Eric is afraid of the fear that if he had tempted fate by checking his pulse, it would only confirm what he had feared.

Fortunately for him, he didn’t need to because beside him Reynard had done so for him using his Psychic scan.

Reynard gasped before turning to the human beside him. “Master Eric, it’s a miracle, I had sensed his pulse!”

Eric had heard, but his mind was on something else. All the events that had lead to this point kept on replaying in his head, trying to find what went wrong. Only, did he realize the gravity of the situation, that no matter how many times he had searched what went wrong, what happened had already been done.

The reality sunk into him. Closing his eyes, he sobbed, letting the dam inside had broken and tears came.

By the time the cavalry came, all they had witnessed was a single human with his hands on his face and an Alakazam beside him, left arm draped over his back and whispering words of comforts.

In that moment, their visions of the real world have returned full force so does the breath that leaves their lungs, leaving them stumbling over. Lucky for them, a warm feeling of something wrapping around them had guided to place them back onto their seats. Once the worst of it was over, Dawn and Dominus took much needed breath into their emptied lungs.

Then a smell of tea found it’s way into their nostrils when a teacup appeared right in front of them, in the hands of Eric who’s face was still blank. “....take your time....it’s never easy for me either.”

Just when she and Dominus was about to just swipe the cup right then and there, only then the corner of their eyes had registered someone else beside him. Slowly turning their gaze to the figure, they were left speechless by the beauty and the sheen that reflected off the serpentine figure.

“Oh my, are you hurt? You are staring.” The Milotic said in a motherly tone. Her hair-like fin was delicately manipulated to place themselves onto her guest’s forehead.

It took all of Dominus’ power not to blush right there. He quickly covered his face with his wings.

Dawn had no such luck. “I..I...what are you?” She blurted out, only to realize too late and covered her mouth with her own hooves.

“A Milotic,” Eric explained, drawing their attention, except Dominus who decided it was best not to stare. “They are also called, Tender Pokemon. They could calm down fights by releasing some sort of energy to calm any hatred or feelings of anger of any creatures, humans included. Also, the reason you are staring is simply because they are called the most beautiful Pokemon.”

Hearing’s Eric explanation, it was Anna’s turn to blush in embarrassment. “Oh, dear, sorry if I have that kind of effect on you both. I should go now.” She chuckled nervously before slithering away from both so they could gather their wits.

Dominus mumbled something incoherent beneath his wings. Something about a ‘no problem’.

Once the Milotic was a far enough distance away, Dawn could think clearly once more, mainly about her experience. “But anyway...wha....what was that?” Dawn was still breathless, and no one could blame her, not after seeing....that.

“.....you could call that....my greatest failure. And the event that made me who I am today, the nearly emotionless and brooding person.”

“Dude, that’s....” Shaking his head to clear the horrific image, he swiped the cup and emptied the contents into his gullets. “First, it’s Sally and now....” He clenched his beeks together, remembering the culprits that did this to his friend.

“I, I....don’t know what to say.” She took the cup herself and emptied the contents and sighing in relief at the refreshments. “

“Me too, dude. Sally was one thing, but yours.....man, I don’t even want to know if that happens to me.” The eagle bowed his head low, lamenting such cruelf fate that has befallen onto his friend.

A pat found it’s way onto Dominus’ shoulder. Looking up, he locked gazes with Eric. “.....don’t be sorry, it’s not your fault. It’s partly my fault, no matter how you see it.”

“Spoken like a true trainer.” Reynard agreed behind Eric, whose spoon is now once more absent. “Nonetheless, please forgive me, sir and madam, for I do not wish to to impart such a memory to you. If there is anyway for me to repay you two, I shall see to-“

“No, no, it’s okay. Let me just....” Dawn took a deep breath. “Calm myself down a little.”

“Say, where’s Alex, dude?” A simple arm pointed to their left allowed them to discover that the little Volcarona is happily asleep. “.....just how long were we standing around like a statue anyway, dude?”

“.....thirty minutes, it wasn’t that long. You both were standing straight up during the session.” Eric’s face was blank as ever.

“Wait, wait, wait, we’ve only been standing for thirty minutes?” Dawn’s jaw nearly hung agape at the implication before shaking her head to clear her thoughts. “I thought we’ve been there for hours!”

Reynard answered quickly to abade her curiosity. “It is the truth, madam. The mind can be such a delicate thing, what one may perceive can be different from what others perceive. One of the reasons why, we, Psychic-types must not abuse our powers needlessly.”

That explains a lot for Dawn. “I guess so....”

“Now is the time we attend to another matter. Now that you have discovered Master Dave’s location, what do you plan for us next, Master Eric?”

“.....I don’t know. Move him to Vanhoover?” Eric glanced behind him with a raised eyebrow. “....but that’s assuming they do have the equipment in the train needed to carry patient around. And that’s if we had enough money.”

“I...don’t think we can actually do that.” All eyes find themselves onto the mare who said it, instantly sending her into a nervous fit again.

“...hmmm?” Seeing her expression meaning that she knows something. “....is there something you want to say, Dawn?”

“I don’t....know, I mean, I don’t think.” She once more fumbled with her own words, then Dawn furiously shook her head. “Ah, I’ll just say it. No, the Equestrian Railway does have something like that, but...but, I...don’t exactly have enough money to help out.”

“It cannot be done, then. I fear it might be too dangerous to move a comatose patient either way, and we do not have the money necessary for such an attempt to be made.”

Once more, Eric had entered his self-indulged mode. “.....what should we do, then? One trouble has been taken care of, and another has risen. Should I just...stay here or.....do we another option right now?” Eric had realized where he is now. “....we’re...in a new world.....that’s right. If we had failed to find anything back on Earth, it might be possible in here. Magic, cures, equipment....so many things to be tried upon.”

Then Eric realizes what he must do.“....how about we...scour Equestria for some sort of cure?”

The Alakazam had seen where the young master is going with this, nodded. “Ah yes, it might be possible.”

“Wait, what?” Dawn interrupted, not having an idea where the conversation goes. “What did you guys just talked about?”

“Well,” Anna voiced beside Reynard. “This is a new world, dear. If the old world do not have a cure for Dave’s condition, then this world might have one.” She smiled at the prospect of her recovered trainer again.

“That’s....kinda true, actually.” Dawn said sheepishly as she scratched her head, the possibility went over her head.

“Then I say we go for it.” All attention quickly went to the Braviary beside Dawn.

“....are you sure about this, Dominus?” “...I mean, this is itself is still quite....far-fetched.”

Dominus decided to fix Eric with a steely gaze. “Dude, your old man is in coma, you been dealt with some bad hands. Best I can do is to help you now.”

“Then, I’m helping too.”

Dawn’s voice was unmistakable for Eric. “....Dawn? Are you really sure? I don’t want to trouble-”

The mare interrupted by waving her forehooves. “No, no, you’re not leaving me behind. You’ve been like what? Always helping me whenever I needed it? Like I said, it’s my turn to help you. Not to mention, your dad needs it too more than ever.”

Eric had no words to describe his gratefulness to his newfound friends. The best he could do right now is to fix them a small smile. “....thank you.”

“No problem, dude, what are friends for?” He stood up and patted the Hydreigon on the shoulder.

“All in agreement, then. This leaves us with one question left remaining. What do you require us to do, Master Eric?” Said Hydreigon merely glanced behind him with a raised eyebrow. “With Master Dave currently resting and waiting to recover, we are at the moment yours to command, Master Eric.” Reynard elaborated.

“As long as your father is in coma, we are happy to follow you, dear.” The Milotic smiled softly. “Do not worry, we will not abandon neither of you. Our loyalty stays with you both.”

Eric put a head under his chin in thought. “....hmmm, I think with that....Reynard and Anna are....a part of my team....for now. What should I make them do? There are so many things. I could have them go with me, it could lessen the time needed to find either the equipment, needs or the cure for dad. Or.....have them stay with him for now, and gather any team members if some of them come across. I think the latter is the best.”

“....Reynard, Anna.” The Hydreigon turned to face the two Pokemon. “Here’s your order, just guard my dad for the moment and don’t forget to gather his team at anytime you can. We’ll deal with the search, because no one else could guard him otherwise.”

“As you wish.” The Alakazam bowed courteously. “We shall keep watch of your father, then as a side task, we shall gather any of the missing team member of Master Dave’s team.”

The Milotic fixed a motherly smile on her face. “Yes, Eric, dear. We will take care of your father as best as I could.”

“....then that’s our next move. We’ll be the ones to search the cure, and before you ask.” Eric held up an arm as a sign of silence. “We won’t go around Equestria like a headless Torchic either. First, we’ll find information where the likeliest place to hold the best thing to help dad then we go to the place and ask around. The last thing we need is to randomly go around, that is just a waste of time.”

“Wise thinking, your father and mother would be proud.” Reynard praised with a smile, although one thing remains. “Still, I must ask, Master Eric.”

Eric raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “.....what is it?”

“How do you plan to travel the entirety of Equestria? It comes to mind that the pass for a ride on the Equestrian Railway does not seem cheap.” His eyes found themselves locked on Dawn’s

One thing came to Eric’s mind. “......I think....I might have a solution for that.”

“How so?”

In response, the Hydreigon merely pulled the Golden Ticket he had received from the CEO of the Equestrian Railway itself, Express Route.

Reynard’s sharp mind instantly caught on to what the young master had in mind. He nodded sagely. “Ah yes, with such object, it is possible to travel the Equestrian Countryside.”

“Although, dear,” Anna chimed in, who also slithered closer to inspect the VIP ticket. “Wherever did you get this?”

It finally came, the hard part of the explanation. “....it’s just a thing.....that I received from a CEO after I helped take care of a crime lord in charge of some excavation of illegal artifacts. It happened on the way here, on the train.“ The Hydreigon purposefully left out the part about Steven and Fox as to prevent unneeded questions for the time being, or having to repeat it again when the full team is not here.

Upon hearing that, both of Dave’s Pokemon came to a grave realization that their trainer’s son had still done it.

“Eric, dear, what possessed you to do that?” Anna’s motherly tone struck a chord in Eric’s heart.

“Indeed, I had suspected that you would want to avoid unnecessary troubles. I certainly did not expect this attempt at such an early stage. It as Anna had said, dare I ask why?”

“....it crossed my mind....once.” The former human answered cryptically. “...to just stop all of this. Thinking this a new world, just to start anew.....it went out the window....fast.”

“Oh, my, what happened, dear?” The Milotic used one of her hair-like fins to hold up Eric’s chin to look her in the eyes.

“.....it’s not exactly...good, but I’ll tell you....right after everyone has gathered.” He answered with some hesitation.

Reynard could and will, probe the young master’s mind with the help of Miracle Eye, but he did not. After all, it is considered one of the worst offences out there for a Psychic Pokemon to freely probe the mind of another with reckless abandon. The Alakazam are not the type to do that, the mind is the private part of one’s being.

Reynard and Anna reserved to just take that answer....for now. “Of course, Eric, dear. Take your time.”

“.....and so for now....we will be heading back now. Since we don’t have anything to do for now, but to plan our next move.”

“Whoa, so soon, dude?” Dominus tilted his head in question. “We kinda just arrived here, you know?”

“He’s.....right.” Dawn said sheepishly, coupled with a scratch of her head. “We’re kinda tired. From....from...ah, you know what.”

“.....I don’t want to waste time......” He glanced I want to get searching as soon as possible. But if you want a night rest after the travel, then I’m fine with it either way.”

“They are right, Master Eric,” Reynard cut in. “I sensed that you are in desperate need of a rest if Master Alex himself is of any indication.”

Said Volcarona still snoozing himself to catch up for staying-up the whole night during the travel.

“Dear,” The hair-like fin of Anna laid on his shoulder, making him lock gazes with her again. “There’s nothing wrong with resting for a bit.”

With those motherly eyes of hers full of care for their well-being, it was hard to say no. Eric merely sighed. “....alright, we should rest for a while. After that, we should go.” Looking at his watch, he found that it was now 12 in the afternoon after he set it to match Equestrian timeline. “.....it’s the afternoon, I think now would be the best time to take a nap, then we’ll go at nightfall. Reynard, does this place accommodate for visitors staying here?”

Said Alakazam nodded in confirmation. “Correct, Master Eric, although like all establishment in regards to the treatment of the sick, visiting time is unlimited, barring the night, of course.”

The Hydreigon sighed.“.....then we should take a rest, just like you two suggested.”

“Best thing I’ve heard in a long while, dude. Though sleeping....yeah, I don’t wanna go over there, dude.” He shivered just at the mere thought of the flashback.

The Milotic had that covered. “Then I shall sing a lullaby to accompany you to sleep.” Anna’s smile could literally outdid the sun itself.

“Wait, what?” Dawn was confused again, resulting in another scratching fit.

“....don’t worry, it’s nothing. Just relax.” Eric himself sat on a stool beside his father’s bed, seeing as there are no more sitting facilities around here, but this one left.

Then Anna....sung. Her melodies wafted through the air like the smell of sakura in the springs. Dominus and Dawn found themselves unable to act, just listen at the beautiful melody that came from the Milotic that somehow....calmed them, all previous experience completely forgotten. Then, their eyelids, almost as if gained a life, had shut themselves closed on their eyes, shutting them from the outside world as the leaned their heads back on the window.

Not even Eric himself was immune to the effect of Sing, his eyelids soon unable to stop themselves from drifting shut. Before he could fully find himself asleep, he made sure to let his upper body to fall onto the bed mattress.

The last thing he had seen before he fell asleep on the bed was the sight of his comatose father. “...dad...hang on.”

The Milotic was at the last of her verse just as everyone in the room fell asleep, almost everyone. Reynard was spared due to the effect of Safeguard he had casted over himself.

“Reynard, dear, what do you think of Eric?” Her hair-like fin was manipulated to act like hands and placed themselves onto the Hydreigon’s forehead.

“I....do not know, however, I sensed, distress, desperation from within his tone alone.” Reynard shook his head in regards of the young master’s situation. “Although, my most immediate concern that he may lost his way. ”

That mere prospect caused Anna to let out a whimper of sorrow. “I do not want that to happen, dear. Please, not to him, he had suffered enough.”

“I do hope so as well, Anna. Such a life should never be attempted by one such as he or anyone on this Earth. For such a life has a way of following you....wherever you may go. That is why we must assist the young master as best as we could before it is too late, and hope he does not lose his way.”

The Milotic manipulated her hair-like fin to stick them together before she closed her eyes. “Please, Arceus, bless our trainer’s son and his companions during their search for they do not know what is ahead of them.”

“Amen.” Both bowed just as Anna finished her short prayer.

Play this as the second closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoomnFqserc

Chapter 18 : Unexpected Visitors

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Nothing was ever so simple. The appearance of good things can be the break we need, to disguise the many problems we had. But that is only a temporary solution. We can't run away from our troubles just like we can't run away from our past. In order to rid ourselves of those troubles....we have to face them head-on. - Eric Angelo

Play this as the second opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G167-ZBmlIw

“....we’re back.” The Hydreigon stated as he exited the carriage he was in a moment ago.

Their short visit to the capital city of Equestria, Canterlot in search for Eric’s comatose father, had proven fruitful. Not only did Eric discovered that Dave was alright and taken care of by the hospital staff in St. Celestial Hospital, Reynard was there as well to ensure his good health.

With his father’s body not being movable due to the railway company operating the trains lacking carriages that could be considered adequate to move patients, they have left no choice, but to return and discuss their next course of action.

And a night of train ride later, they’re back in Vanhoover right in the afternoon.

A yawn came from next to Eric. Dominus was stretching his wings out after a long night of immobility. “Ah, that feels so good!” Moving his body in every way, he got a satisfying crack from his spine and neck. “Lucky for us, huh?”

“...hmmm?”

“That we got to go on a train ride for free, dude.” Dominus cracked a smile. “Sure is convenient, huh?”

Looking at the ticket in question, he remembered that the ticket was given to him by the railway company CEO as a token of gratitude after helping catching an infamous crime lord. The date in question mentioned that the expire date was three months from now, enough for their purposes.

“....it’s sure is.” He simply nodded.

“Dude, cheer up,” He slapped the back of the Hydreigon for emphasis. “I’m sure your dad will be fine. He’s a tough old man!”

One thing he noticed, it seems Dominus tried too hard to cheer him up despite all the things that happened a day earlier. However, he appreciated the thought. But now is not the time for such things, what they need now is rest.

Glancing to his right, his eyes locked on his companion. “....Alex, you okay? Do you need me to carry you?”

The Volcarona beside him let out a cute yawn from his tiny mouth, blinking the lights out of his eyes. “....no, thanks...I think I’m...fine?”

Eric nodded in confirmation.

A third yawn drew their attention. Dawn had just exited the train. “We’re back home?”

“....it is, we’re back in Vanhoover.”

The mare sighed in relief. “Thank Celestia.” Her mind inevitably flashes back to yesterday, doing everything she could to forget about it. But fate still says otherwise.

The silence alone was enough to tip off Eric. “....are you still thinking about yesterday?”

As usual, she got caught red hoofed. Dawn scratched her head in nervousness. “Yeah...”

“....don’t worry about, it’s....my problem.” Eric bit his lips as he uttered the word.

Her head perked up, did she hear things now? “But, but-“

“...I’ll take care of it. You don’t have to worry about it. You already done more than enough, Dawn.”

“Uh, dude and dudette,” Dominus chirped in, cutting Eric off. “I think we best go to Dawn’s house pronto? You know, two certain volatile Pokémon in there waiting to explode and tore it down?”

“...uhm, that...won’t be good...right?” Alex squeaked.

“Nothing is ever good when it comes to grandpa sarcastic, little guy. Learn that the hard way.” Dominus didn’t hear Alex mumbled the reply nor was he paying attention. “So I think we should go.”

Meanwhile, the image of an obliterated house came across Dawn’s vision, leaving only Sally and Will standing on the pieces. She instantly shuddered and once more scratched her head due to nervousness. “Uh....I think we should go.”

The Hydreigon nodded in agreement. “....I agree, let’s go.” He needed to make sure his friend’s house had stood intact during their journey away from it, ASAP.

In the streets of the suburbs, ponies and all other species are mingling together, even Pokémon included. The changes that had been dropped onto their planet was certainly strange, but a welcoming one. At this day of their life, everything had all, but returned to normality that had cloaked their lives before, minus the strange beings.

However, two anomalies that they haven’t seen made every living thing in the street go dead silent or stopping themselves in their tracks, eyes curiously following the newcomers that had walked through their neighborhood.

“Oh, Kenny,” The voice was female, one could mistake for the song of an angel, yet also possessing a childish tone in it. “Where do you think they are?”

The first anomaly was a Goodra with one hand shaded her eyes as she goes to a full tracking mode for the one she seeks. The Dragon-type was an anomaly indeed, for it’s appearance are not typical of that of a standard one. This Goodra instead of pudgy, was considerably slimmer. This Goodra have two sets of antennae atop their head that are capable of retracting. However, behind the front pair of antennae, a purple headband was worn across her head just behind the two with an empty round slot on the side, three more purple rubber bands was found on her person ; two near the tip of her two larger antennae each, squeezing them while the last was found near the tip of her tail, causing it unable to form a proper curl at the end. Last, but not least was her fiery earring attached to the left side of her head. Other than that, her other appearances was standard among her own species.

Her appearance meant two things to the Pokémon littering the streets : Beautiful was one of them, and the second was that their hearts was beating like a wardrum for reasons that had escaped them.

“I don’t know,” The second voice was rough, mature, indicating a male. The voice belongs to another Dragon-type, one that looks more simplistic. “Are you sure they are here?” The voice cast doubts on his trainer due to her more....quirky nature.

It is a bipedal, dragon-like Pokémon that is primarily dark blue, with a red underbelly that covers from the middle of its abdomen, to its jaws, and then to the undersides of its arms. Underneath the red is a gold diamond shape as well a gold cross on its snout. Garchomp has appendages that resemble a jet or plane's engines, giving it an appearance similar to a hammerhead. It has four fins, one on each arm, one dorsal fin and another on its tail that resembles a shark tailfin. It has spikes on its hind limbs and arms as well as sharper claws than its previous evolution. Its eyes have black scleras and gold-colored irises. Itspupils have shrunk. His only accessory was an black ornate armband worn on his right arm, a similar empty round slot found on the Goodra’s headband was there.

One thing run through their mind for each species upon witnessing the Garchomp who accompanies the Goodra : Intimidating for ponies and the other species of Equus, charming for the female population of Pokémon

“Kenny, how could you?” The voice replied had I’ve read the newspaper just fine, it is said they are here.”

However, the Garchomp was nonplussed, for such tactic didn’t work on him anymore. “Best we keep our eyes and ears open then, yes?”

The Goodra couldn’t agree more.

The ponies and other species of Equus didn’t know what to make of them. The first Dragon-type was certainly cute in their eyes, but for her companion....he let out an aura that screams ‘intimidating’, ponies decided to slink away the moment he is near. Even the Pokémon saw fit to agree, due to their more instinctive nature, they are able to detect something unnatural within the Garchomp, something beyond their standard for Garchomp.

Their behaviour did not go unnoticed by the Goodra. “It’s okay, fellow ponies and Pokémon, we are not here to give you bodily harm. Sorry if we acted like a pair of stalkers, please carry on.” She let out her tongue on the side as a harmless gesture.

They understood what she said....everyone except the species of Equus. The Pokémon relaxed, the Equus species did not but more on the Garchomp side.

Her Garchomp companion sighed, and faceclawed. “They don’t understand us, so please stop embarrassing yourself.” The last thing he need was his trainer running off to somewhere to hug these so called adorable ponies.

“But they seems so scared. It’s wrong to leave them like that. So maybe...” Her eyes found the skies to be the hottest topic right now while playing with her fingers.

Her companion simply shook his head in acceptance of their situation for he had feared gone true. The Garchomp decided to look around the neighborhood to loosen the grip from the atmosphere had on him.

Fortunately, this served a lot better than he had expected because his eyes had found themselves locked on a group of Pokemon, with one mare with odd bat-like wings among them. But that wasn’t what caught his attention, because it was solely on the watch worn by the Hydreigon and the Volcarona beside him.

Kenneth connected the dots soon. “Hey, I think I....” He cut himself off the moment he turned his head to look over his shoulder. His trainer had a smile crept across her face, threatening to cut it in half.

That was all the signs needed for the Garchomp to step back and enjoy the show.

“ERIC!” Her voice cut through the entire district.

“....hmmm?” The voice registered in Eric’s head soon enough, allowing him to turn around to witness a sight most disconcerting.

A Goodra, full of accessories was there, but his immediate attention was drawn to the fact that the Dragon-type was closing in a mile a minute on him.

Instinct took over, his body tensed up in preparation for an assault, brain ready to find the command suitable for Alex to deal with their unexpected arrival.

Eric found himself gritting his teeth at change of scenery. “....a Goodra? Who is it? Why is it going at me at full speed?” He shook his head out of such thoughts, it can wait later. “...for now, I need to focus.”

The Goodra was certainly fast on her feet, covering the entire street within one burst of speed, arms stretched out ready to give a hug. The unexpected happened in the form of an uneven concrete, the Goodra tripped and she flew through the air....literally. And she landed on her stomach and slid across the ground, kicking up dust along the way before coming to a full stop just before the Hydreigon.

The entire square went dead silence as the night. If one were to listen closely, only the chirping of birds accompanies the weird atmosphere.

Eric did not knew how to address this situation. One moment this Goodra came to him like the force of a hundred Tyrantrum, the next it was here, on the ground before him.

Nonetheless, he decided to take the initiative by going straight to the point. “....are you okay?”

The next thing he knew, he got caught off guard and the Goodra had glomped him in a hug.

Meanwhile, Dominus was having a game of pinball with how fast his eyes were going all over the place. He stopped himself before his eyes could really become a pinball. “Okay, dude, what just happened?”

Dawn couldn’t answer, mouth still agape, she herself did not know the new arrival who had enveloped Eric in hug, The surprise written across his face was enough indicator that he himself didn’t know what’s going on.

The Hydreigon was unamused at the situation he found himself in. “....sir, I think you got the wrong gu-“ A finger had found itself cutting him off at the mouth.

The head that laid across his shoulder retracted back to look him straight in the eyes. “Hello, remember me?” The grin that threaten to cut her cheek was a good imitation of an Electrode.

The form Eric didn’t recognize, but the voice he did recognize immediately. “....mom?” Looking all over to make sure his eyes didn’t trick him, he found himself believing her on the first try, due to the absurd amount of rubber bands on her.... larger antennae and near the end of her tail this time instead of hair he had known her to wear around, possibly bought since all other accessories beside your signature were left behind.

“Right the first time, sonny!” Eric found a hint of relief behind those now green eyes of hers. “I’ve been looking all over for you and Joe and your dad! How you’ve been?”

Once the immediate surprise wore off, he resumed his stoic expression. “...just fine.”

Just the sight of her son stoicism was enough to convince her that this Hydreigon was 100% her son. That and also the fact he wore a brown watch with a similar empty round slot for a Key Stone to fit in.

Sounds of immediate footsteps was heard. “I see we’ve found Eric, Sylvia?”

Tilting his head slightly to the left of the Goodra, he was treated with the sight of another new arrival drew one name within the Hydreigon’s head. “...Kenneth.”

“Uh-huh.” She nodded with excitment of a child finding a long lost object.

The Garchomp folded his arms across his chest. “I’ve never expected you to be a Hydreigon, kid.”

“....I didn’t either.” His answer was simple and to the point, but that was enough to confirm for Kenneth that he is the real deal. No one could act more stoic than his trainer’s son.

“Uhm....” The soft, shy voice of one bug made his appearance beside Eric known. “Mrs. Angelo, Kenneth...it’s...er, good...to see you two okay...again?”

Her mind found that the cutest immediate object was the fire moth floating nervously beside her son. Releasing her death grip on Eric, she crouched low to address the bug. “Alex! Good to see you! Oh, you’re still the same shy cutie I remembered,” The Goodra’s fingers found his cheeks and lightly pinched them. “Can’t wait to treat you to my poffins again!”

The bug decided to hide his blush by finding the concrete beneath them interesting.

Meanwhile, a bat pony and her Braviary companion’s mouth went slack. Did their friend just said what they thought he did?

The pony and his partner made sure to stare to each other to confirm the scene in front of them was not some sort of hallucination. Locking gazes for a moment told each other everything. “MOM!?”

Their simultaneous shouts had an effect they didn’t desire, as all eyes locked on the two. Dawn looked down to escape those nerve –wracking gazes while Dominus decided to get answers from the horse’s mouth.

“Okay, dude, mom?” He pointed at the Goodra. Next he pointed at the confused Garchomp. “Kenneth? This Braviary here needs explanation.” He beat a wing against his chest, explanation made mandatory.

Dawn was inwardly thankful, Dominus had saved her from embarrassment by being unnecessarily curt again.

Kenneth’s curiosity piqued his interest. This Braviary was certainly new. “Who is this? A new team member perhaps?”

“A new team!?” The Goodra was horrified at this new information, she grabbed her son’s shoulder and locked gazes with him again. “Eric, why didn’t you tell your mommy you had a new team member. This requires the ritual!”

Eric slowly shook his head once before removing the death grip that made his shoulders numb suddenly. “....not quite. Dominus was my friend and a partner of a friend of mine.” He simply pointed an arm to the slack-jawed bat pony watching the spectacle. “Her name is Dawn, she had offered her house for us to stay for quite some time now. She’s quite nice, although she might let slip of her curiosity at times and being curt, but that doesn’t stop her from being a good hostess and friend.”

Only now did the aforementioned mare realized that her friend was pointing to her direction. Just enough for her to close her gaping mouth before a fly could find it’s home there.

Meanwhile, the Goodra was thrilled, her son had made friends with the one of the locals. The way he vouched for her told Sylvia everything she needed to know, it is rare for her son to show more than a benefit of doubt for everything.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” The Goodra slipped and headed to the mare with an additional spring in her steps.

Now she stood before Dawn. Eric’s size was imposing, but that is partly due to the fact that he took flight all the time. But this....she wondered if every Dragon Pokémon was this tall. She felt herself so small.

“Uh.....hi?” She internally groaned at her botched greeting and she simply scratched her head out of habit and cursing her habit at becoming nervous once at the center of attention.

What the Goodra did was the last thing she expected, she simply grabbed her right forehoof and shook it wildly. With each shook comes the numbness that took it over.

Nonetheless, her childish excitement overrode her sensibility. “Hi, I’m Sylvia, nice to meet you, Dawn! Sonny spoke highly of you, you know. Rare thing for him to do that nowadays.”

Dawn was helpless as the Goodra shook her numb to the state of numbness. All she could do was nod her head. “Uh...yeah. Nice to meet you too...I guess?” But what Sylvia said on the last part of her sentence had brought her back to that scene, where it all had began for her new friend. She understood his feelings all too well and didn’t hold it against him if he didn’t trust her at first.

The Goodra let go of her forehoof. She sighed inwardly, anymore and she wouldn’t be surprised if her leg had suddenly come off.

“Oh, don’t be so shy, we’re all equals here. That reminds me too, also, thank you so much for having sonny stay with you for a couple of days. I figured it must be harrowing experience?” She added playfulness in her tone.

Dawn didn’t miss it, she could feel that Sylvia and herself was going to get along great. “It was nothing. He’s been quite the polite guest. In fact, he’s been helping me all the time.”

Sylvia giggled at Dawn’s words. “Yes, that sounds like what sonny would do, alright. As for you, young mon,” Her gaze found itself locked on the Braviary. “I believe I haven’t introduced myself to you, silly me.

Their gazes locked, Dominus felt a chill going down his spine. “Huh, me?” He pointed at himself in confusion.

For the sake of leaving those two to do their thing, Dawn quietly slinked away to watch the event unfold.

Dominus didn’t know what to say, he didn’t expect his day going down like this. With their gazes locked, smile is gone from the Goodra’s face, his imaginations going wild. What was she going to do to him?

After a momentary silence, that grin returned to adorn her face. “Oh, look how cute you are!” The Goodra felt the need to glomp the Braviary in a hug which she did.

Dominus didn’t know how to react to this one, he had expected many things, being hugged is the last one on the list. “Uh, cute?”

“Sure you are, one of the cutest Braviary ever. What’s your name, young mon? I think I remember that Eric said something about you?”

The smile she let out was enough to sent away any fear he had on her just now. “Name’s Dominus. Yeah, nice to meet you, Miss Sylvia.”

“Dominus, cute name for a cute Braviary. Did anyone ever tell you that you’re quite cute?”

“I think Dawn did say that a few times.” The Braviary couldn’t help, but let out a nervous chuckle while rubbing the back of his head.

A polite cough from Kenneth interrupted their conversation. “I think we should move elsewhere, we have seemed to draw too much attention to ourselves.”

The bat pony wanting nothing more than to discover the secrets of earth right now, the same could be said for Alex. All those eyes did nothing to ease their nerves.

Eric couldn’t help, but agree with Kenneth. After all, Alex was already looking like he wanted to sink into the earth. “....I agree.” The former human grabbed the quivering bug and held him close to his chest for comfort. The quivering died quickly.

“....let’s go.” He flicked his head to a direction before heading off.

The others soon followed without another word, intent to get out of hundreds of prying eyes.

With their unexpected arrival, they figured a change of environment is a necessity due to how many prying eyes were eyeballing them as they go. And now, they headed through the suburbs back toward the comfort of Dawn’s home, eyes from curious bystander still following them wherever they go.

Strangely, most of the male Pokémon gazes rested solely on the Goodra following behind Eric. He pretended not to notice for he knew any actions taken right now will only serve to embarrass anyone close to him.

“Eric?”

“....hmm?” He glanced beside him to find his hostess trotting beside him with the gleam of curiosity in her eyes he recognized. “....what is it?”

“Your mom’s...sure is...what’s the word for it?” She scratched her head as she sought the correct word.

“....interesting?” Eric offered with a raised eyebrow.

“Yeah...that.” She grinned sheepishly again at her clumsiness. “I mean, for your mom to act like a kid whereas you look more....mature? It seems unrealistic to me. No offence.”

His silence and simple nod told her that none is taken.

“Dawn,” The Braviary beside his partner chirped in. “I think that’s the worst understatement ever.”

The mare agreed, scratching her head as a result of the dilemma they found themselves in. “Alright, alright, but it’s still odd to me that-“

“Hey, what are you guys talking about? Can I join in?” The childish female voice sounded behind them.

Dawn and Dominus nearly froze on the spot when they realized they had been talking about their friend’s mother behind her back.

Thankfully, Eric saved them from such fate. “....it’s nothing, mom. Just talking about how we should accommodate you for the time being

The Goodra felt flattered. “That’s kind of you, sonny. But it’s not necessary, you know?

When her three-headed friend mentioned that again, nervousness wracked her already gut-wrenching nerves. A vision where rubbles that is her house flashed across her vision, because of....she thought better than to think about it, best hoping that she won’t be homeless by the time her house was in sight.

Dawn sighed. “I hope so.”

“.....hope what?” Eric had heard, but he decided to play along a little.

“Hope, Sally and Will didn’t turn my house into a ruin when we get there. No offense, but I don’t want to become a bum, okay?” The curtness in her voice was both usual and unusual.

Her eagle partner could feel for her, being homeless is not something you should experience. Eric had heard, and himself feared for the results.

But their fears came to nothing because coming down the streets toward the end of the road, Eric, Dawn, Alex and Dominus laid witness to something surprising. The infrastructure that is Dawn’s two-story house is still intact and unharmed.

Their minds were a flurry of question, but one stand out : Were the unofficial guardians of said house hadn’t made it their playground during their time away?

Once this fact was digested, Eric sighed in relief. “...glad they didn’t actually remove it from existence. For once, they didn’t do anything bad together.”

“Took the words right out of my beak, dude.” Dominus voiced his agreement with a nod.

“Uh-huh,” It was the only thing Dawn could do except stare slack-jawed and scratched her head. She make sure to look all over to ensure it is not a trick of the light. It didn’t vanish or turn into rubble that much she can confirm.

The Goodra and Garchomp trailing behind them was curious as to why they stopped and gaped at the house on the end of the road. “Excuse me, everyone. Why did we stop?”

The Hydreigon shook his head. “.....nothing, let’s go.”

Unfortunately, the Goodra knew her son better than that. “Sonny, what’s the matter? C’mon, you can tell mommy everything.”

“....it was nothing, mom. We’re...surprised...surprised that Sally or Will didn’t take the whole house down when we were away.” All the scenarios he painted in his mind had not expected his outcome.

Sylvia should have been happy to the fact that Sally and Will were okay as well, were it not for the mention that her son had literally....left the two of them together...to guard a hostess’ house. Her logic indicated that is the worst idea ever. Looking over the house, she rubbed her eyes to make sure it is still standing instead of reduced to rubble.

She decided to just take his word for it. “I’m not gonna ask how is that even possible.”

“Agreed.” Kenneth nodded. Not wanting to know how pairing a jerk and someone with a temper problem could result in anything around them still intact.

For the lack of better word, Eric could share their sentiment. “..... alright, with that out of the way,” He turned around, facing his mother and her Pokémon. “That’s Dawn’s hou-“

Then an explosion went off behind him, scaring the daylight out of everyone around the streets, smoke cloud followed. Eric didn’t want to know what that was, but for the sake of sating his curiosity, he turned his head slowly.

To his relief, the house is still intact. But the immediate problem came from the smoke cloud rising on the hill.

It came to him that the source of the smoke came from the spot where he had Alex battle Dominus a few days prior. “....the meadow. Could it be....?” His mind already had a clear picture on what was happening. He resisted the urge to rub his head in annoyance. “...those two...did they do this the moment we were gone?”

Sylvia and Kenneth themselves made no reaction whatsoever for they had figured out what happened. Honestly, to them, a mere smoke cloud was the best when it came to pairing a temperamental Dragon and a snarking Psychic.

“Eric?” Dawn knew that her friend is in full self-indulgment mode. All she could do was watch.

“...let’s go.” He flicked his head toward the direction of the source.

Play this as battle theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p2W7mcmClA

In the middle of meadow ways behind Dawn’s home, laid a meadow, home to many bountiful blades of grass as a result of nature. However, it has become some sort of battlefield as of late if the scorch marks and smoke cloud from that shrouded the center of the battlefield were any indication.

Out of the smoke, came a bullet-like impression of Sally with a snarl decorating her face. Her opponent, hidden in the smoke, aim to please, he build up a sphere of darkness within his right hand, once at full power, a simple flick and it went flying into the smoke.

Sally still charged on through the smoke with the same manner as a Bouffalant, only now did she realize her mistake. The Shadow Ball came flying fast toward her face. As a last ditch effort to avoid it, she tucked in her wings and hit the deck, it flew wide just above her.

However, the secondary effect of such maneuver is that she slid across the ground straight toward the offender, Will.

He was dumbstruck enough to allow Sally to beat her wings in one solid thrust and she somersaulted over him. Her tail glowed dark purple to sign that a Dragon Tail incoming, she extended it forward and it slammed onto the back of Will’s head that sent him sprawled on the ground.

Sally meanwhile, grinned at her successful hit and landed gracefully before spinning around to face the disoriented Reuniclus.

He got up, shaking his head to get rid of the woobly feeling. Turning around, the insufferable grin that infuriated the Salamence was still plastered on his face. “Sally, I just found a new discovery again.”

“What?” She didn’t hide her barely disguised mirth.

“The most promising discovery of the day is that you hit like that of a girl. Nicely done by the way, a little more and it’ll be a world-breaking record. Haha.” He snarked, ensuring to droll his forced his laugh at the end.

The trash talk caused the Salamence to grind her teeth. She was already having many thoughts on how she is going to put him in his place today. “Oh, yeah?

The Flamethrower hit the target dead on, her satisfaction was gone as soon as it came when it flickered away. Looking around, the source of her temper was all around her via Double Team. The copies slowly encircled her in a manner made to entice the opponent to strike out.

“It’s rude you know, to interrupt someone when they’re talking.” Every copy voiced as one, making it somewhat distorted. The real Will got the opposite reaction, instead of anger, it just made her want to punch his lights out even more. “Didn’t your crush told you to behave?”

The blush that threatens to overtake her cheek didn’t went unnoticed by the Reuniclus, that only serve to widen his grin even more.

“T-that’s none of your business!” Her voice quivered.

“Oh, you think? Ah, the joy of secret of young love, only to be cruelly discovered. Bla bla bla and all that stuff.” The copies chorused.

Sally replied by simply untucking her wing, a sign that she was about to take flight, but not without parting words. “Just shut up!”

Instead of flight as he had expected, her tail, now he noticed was glowing with solid grey color was dragged along the ground as she spun a full circle. Dust kicked up as a result, reducing the real Will visibility.

During his momentary distraction, Sally had shot through the smoke skyward. The chorus of copies followed the trail of dust left behind in the Salamence’s wake. Once reaching to a satisfying altitude, she flipped once in the air, and dove, faster than ever. Looking closely, Will could swore her eyes glowed red for a moment.

“Dragon Dance while taking altitude, very obvious, I must applaud you.” The real one and all the copies glowed blue, preparing to intercept the speeding bullet with the use of their Psychic.

Their hopes are dashed for a streaming flame rained hellfire upon them in a continuous stream that made sure the copies were singed proper. Sally continued her Flamethrower, aiming for every single copies until none is left, but the real one.

With every copy flickered away, so does Will’s growing dread. He could feel the singular gaze had rested upon him. Sally threw him a wicked grin as she continued to dive.

“There you are!” And she dove to ram herself into Will with Return.

Getting hit by a Dragon Dance powered Return was the last thing on the Reuniclus’ list. He decided to take chances and threw several Shadow Balls in succession. They proves useless as Sally’s honed agility and reflexes proven enough to dodge each and every single one.

Sally couldn’t help, but feel smug. “Keep trying, won’t do you any...” Her breath had been taken away when she realized a bolt of electricity is heading for her face. “...good?”

“Surprise!”

The Thunder struck, blinding all those who stared into it’s direction momentarily. To Will’s dissatisfaction, Sally reflexes proven enough to move her face out of the way, the electric attack singed her cheek instead. However, it had proven enough to throw her off course.

“Second surprise!” A simple thought and glow later, he had seized Sally in his Psychic grip. “Third surprise, make-up! Please accept this gift nicely, will you?”

Another simple thought, and her entire body shot downward out of her own will, ready to crash into the ground at high speed on her stomach.

“Ack!” Sally trashed all she could, to no avail, Will’s grip on her was as secure as a noose around her neck.

To her only consolation, her eyeballs could move, providing her with enough visibility to start looking around. She realized two things, Will was there, floating near the ground, and her head was facing toward him.

The Salamence grinned a wicked smile as she thought up of a plan. With strenuous effort, she managed to crane her neck to the Reuniclus’ direction and opened her mouth, unleashing another hellfire toward the Psychic.

The resulting effects were instant, Will yelped as he backfloated to avoid being fried a new one, his Psychic grip over his teammate had ceased to exist. Seconds before she hit the ground, she stabilized herself, opening her wings and skimmed low over the blades of grass toward Will for a counter-attack.

No time to dodge, he quickly conjured another attack in his palm. With the distance decreasing faster than he anticipated, looking at the ball, he just resolved to do one thing instead, he pulled the arm back and pushed the hand holding the Focus Blast forward.

Seeing the attack incoming, Sally, instead of continuing her charge, thrust her wing upward. It sent her down on the ground, the momentum caused her to skid across the ground in a 180 arc, in that moment, her tail glowed a solid grey and it extended to meet the Focus Blast head on during her spin.

Both attacks collided. The resulting impact causing a large explosion to occur which sends shockwave from the epicenter and smoke to kick up, concealing everything which is currently happening in the center.

Seconds after the show of fireworks, two figures shot out of the smoke in opposite directions. Sally, looking none for worse flipped, landing neatly before skidding backward to a full stop. Will on the other hand had no luxury of footing thus send skipping across the ground like a stone thrown across the water before he stopped himself by planting both arms into the ground.

Shaking her head and regaining orientation, Sally send out a smug grin toward the Reuniclus for a direct hit. “Will, I thought you could do better than that? Or were you getting rusty?”

Once the initial shock wore off, Will coughed several times, plastering another one of his grins, something Sally didn’t expect.

As if on cue, the Dragon’s body seized it’s function for a moment as her muscles locked in on itself. Electricity rippled across her being for a moment. “What? Thunder Wave?”

Will tsked several times with a shake of his head “Lesson one, my fair lady, Sally, -” His view of the sun was quickly overtaken by a large bodymass. The next thing he knew, a massive blow was applied to the left side of his face that send him flying outside of the battlefield.

The Reuniclus attacker skidded to a stop, waving her the foreleg which had Brick Breaked Will to get rid of the numbness caused by Paralysis. “Lesson two, don’t talk in the middle of a battle.” She could feel herself getting sluggish at this, nonetheless, it didn’t stop her from trying to punch the annoying Reuniclus’ lights out.

Will coughed several times again, even if the Brick Break dealt non-effective damage against him, it still hurt a lot to be on the receiving end, especially from someone with great strength like Sally.

Only now did he realize he was horribly outmatched. A simple thing like this won’t stop someone like Sally, just like Poison from Fox didn’t really stop her. “Oh, woe is me, glad to see you still kicking up to punch me into next week.”

“You know me all too well. I won’t let any paralysis stopping me from kicking your butt.” She took up her stance once more, faltering momentarily when her muscles seized up.

She sprang forward, intending to finish this quickly before her Paralysis could hamper her efforts even more.

But she found that is not necessary now as someone else done it for her. “STOP!”

End theme

The voice startled her so much that her muscles locked up again, causing her to crash jaw first that send her sliding across the ground in a similar manner to an Empoleon. She stopped short before her annoying teammate.

The voice that grated her nerves had returned to finish it’s job. “Loving the Empoleon style skying by the way. Must be nice to have such a smooth belly for such a task.”

“Shut up before I feed you to the fish.” Sally growled out the words.

He leaned himself closer to the flattened Dragon, grin going even wider. “Looking forward to it.”

The annoying sarcasm was really getting to her, a vein had popped itself on her head. She had the mind to follow up on her promise. Speed as fast as lightning and Paralysis forgotten, her head butted itself against his, coupled with a scowl of frustration. “Okay, let's take you for a dip."

"I'd love that, but-"

Two pair of hands grabbed the back of their heads and pulled them apart. “Now, now, let’s not have a fight, okay? Especially now that we’re having a happy reunion and all that?” The voice giggled.

Only did they register the female voice of the newcomer, slowly turning their head to the side, revealed the face of a smiling Goodra.

Her voice and a quality of childish tone to it just now was enough to tell Will everything, meanwhile, Sally was still as confused as ever, not being the sharpest tools in the shed.

“Who are you?” She asked as if it’s the most obvious question on Equus.

The Goodra beside her was dumbstruck.

The Reuniclus beside chuckled. Wondering if her brain alone could land her a job without Eric. “Really? Earth to Sally or Sally to Earth? Wow, good to know your brain is still functional enough to miss something so obvious.”

Her head snapped toward Will, tempers flaring a moment ago. “Oh, for....can you speak straight for once!”

Her wish is granted. “She’s Sylvia, the brooder’s mom? Remember now or do your brain needed to be checked up by yours truly?” Will offered, however, it was anything but sincere.

Digesting the information quick enough, her head snapped to the still smiling Goodra, back to Will and back to her again. Once she had make sure she is not seeing things, she looked her over for any identifying marks. Sure enough, the same accessories was there, all except the Key Stone that was supposed to be inserted on the side of her headband.

“Sylvia?” She questioned with a tilt of her head.

With an ‘oomph’ her body and Will’s was seized by a hug. Sally could swore that she heard cooing that of her mother embracing their child.

“Oh, missed you two so much.” After several more whispers of relief, she lets them go. “So, how you two have been? Sally still trying to punch your face in, Will?”

“Fine.” Standing up, the Paralysis still raked her body inside and out, causing her to steady herself using one leg.

“Oh dear, are you okay?” She lowered herself to check up on the Salamence. Turns out she was hit by a Thunder Wave.

“Yeah, she’s okay, don’t worry.” Will said offhandedly.

Sylvia giggled, now she knew that this is the real Will the Reuniclus. None could defeat his knack for sarcasm.

“...mom!” The voice drew their attention to the Hydreigon floating closer toward them with a familiar Volcarona floating close by his side. Stopping, he took only a moment to get a grip on the situation. “How are they? Any severe injuries?”

“Nice to see you too, brooder. Your endless kindness moved me.” Will snarked, flinching at his excess bruises.

“Don’t worry, sonny. Only a mild case of Paralysis. Give it a day and it’ll be gone before you know it. As for you,” Turning her head at Will, a momentary glance told her it’s merely a flesh wound. “Just some bruises, nothing major.”

Eric simply nodded, Alex sighed with relief.

“Riiight," Will drooled. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, miss." He finished with a grin.

“Can you please, stop it with the sarcasm before I throw you down the mountain!” Sally yelled in frustration, trying to get up, but her muscles take this as a right time to seize her muscles up again. Before she could hit the ground, a pair of arm supported her neck. Looking up, the arms belong to someone else she recognized. “Kenneth? You’re with Sylvia?”

Kenneth held his arm securely around her neck. “Good to see you, Sally. I trust you’re well?” The Garchomp tilted his head.

Sally merely nodded. "I'm okay, but not because of some Reuniclus let his trash mouth ran wild again."

A short clap from Will was made. “Well enough to do a happy reunion, I need to barf someplace now.” And he did, he floated off without a word. “Have fun, you two!” He sing-songed.

“Still snarking as always?” Kenneth pointed out rhetorically with a raised eyebrow. Although, he didn’t expect the Reuniclus to retort anyway, for he had a ward to be taken care of.

“Guys!” Dominus landed with Dawn followed shortly after, wheezing desperately for breath. “Don’t suddenly run off like that, dudes. Not cool.” Looking around the battlefield, he found that it was decorated with scorch marks and the occasional small craters. “Say, the heck happened here? Did Groudon come through?”

“Oh, nothing like that, silly.” Sylvia waved off with a giggle. “Just some feud that Sally and Will settled with a battle, you know, like they always-“

“BATTLE!?” Dominus’ shout sent bells ringing off in their ears. Eric and Kenneth strangely unaffected. “How come did I miss that smoke, if I knew! Aw, man, I missed it....again.” His body slumped with the sorrowful revelation.

“It’s okay, it’s okay.” The Goodra patted him. “How about I give you my herbal tea special? My treat!”

“How about,” Dawn chimed in, holding a forehoof up for attention. “We talked while we’re all inside the house, okay? I’m too tired to deal with this.” She said curtly, not wanting to spend anymore time outside with how tired she is as she is not used to flying.

Eric nodded in agreement. “....this way.” Instead of Dawn, he led them away from the scorched meadow and toward the comfort of Dawn’s home.

Going inside through the backdoor, Eric and Dawn expected to find assortment of garbage or dust to litter the floors. To their surprise, it was actually all clean, no garbage, dust or anything. Plates are washed.

“....hmm,” Gazing all around the kitchen/dining area, he found them quite spotless. Satisfied, he nodded. “I guess Will is cut out for domestic work after all.” Inwardly, he knew this wasn’t Sally’s doing. She’s good at battles, but anything beyond that...mediocre.

Dawn was speechless and she scratched her head. “Yeah.” She didn’t know Will was capable of such a work, not that she was complaining.

“And I expected grandpa sarcastic to suddenly left trashes littering the floor like the trash talker he is.” Dominus deadpanned, unimpressed by the clean state of the kitchen.

“Hello?” Looking back, Sylvia was outside with Kenneth, waving her arms innocently.

“Oh, right,” Dawn made way for her new guest to come in. “Please come in.”

Sylvia and Kenneth threw her a smile as they helped themselves in, the Garchomp still shouldered Sally with him. Once they got inside, they took in the sight of such modest, yet the homely nature of the house. The Goodra and Garchomp could feel that they could relax and let their troubles go away for a while.

“Quite the house you have, miss.“ Kenneth complimented, impressed at the homely nature of the house.

Dawn didn’t know what to say, instead she just scratched her head in embarrasment, a habit that Sylvia noticed.

“....mom, Kenneth.” Eric called, opening the drawers containing the kitchen wares.

“Yes, sonny?”

“You guys go and make yourself comfortable. I’ll go prepare something for us in the meantime.” Leaning against the counter, he could see the tea ingredients some ways back. He raised his altitude for a bit, and grabbed it just in time for fingers to wrap around his arm. Eric knew whose fingers are those and simply threw the Goodra to his side a glance.

“No, can do, sonny. It’s mommy’s job to be in the kitchen. I’ll go prepare to food okay? You just relax and let mommy do the rest.”

Eric remained neutral as usual, but deep inside, he knew it is impossible to say no to his mother. “....alright. We’ll be waiting in the living room.”

“Sweet, and Kenneth, go and relax too. That’s an order.” Sylvia admonished, although the childish tone in it ensure the lack of power.

However, as her Pokémon, Kenneth is compelled to obey. “As you say, Sylvia.” He chuckled, realizing how tense he is as of late.

Unknown to him, he still has an irritated Dragon in his care. “Kenneth, I’m fine, you can let go of me now.” As if on cue, electricity rippled across her once more, ensuring her muscles remains uncooperative for the day.

“Still stubborn as always.” The Garchomp mused, his attention still on the mare. “Miss? May I know where the living room sat? ”

“Oh, uh...it’s...” She fumbled with her words, resolving to just point at the door leading to house innermost area. “It’s over there.”

“My thanks.” Kenneth gratefully nodded before slowly helping Sally toward the door and into the living room.

“....we should be going as well.” Noticing Alex had let out another one of his cute yawns indicated the trip spent the rest of their energy. “...Dawn, Dominus, you two should rest too. It’s been quite the trip.”

“No complains there, dude.” The Braviary flared his wings out, hearing several cracks from them. “Never thought a train trip would be that long.” Dominus yawned before crossing the doorway to take a well-deserved rest in the living room.

“Guess, I’ll be going too.” Dawn grinned sheepishly, joining her partner for a R&R.

With nothing else left to do, Eric decided to join up with the others. “...let’s go, Alex.”

“....okay.” He floated off.

However, Sylvia’s voice stopped him. “Before you go, sonny.”

“...hmmm?” He raised an eyebrow in response just as he turned around.

“What did he mean just now by ‘trip’? Now that you mentioned it, it” She playfully put a two fingers on her chin in thought. “All of you came from the train station weren’t you? Where

Eric knew it had come to this and there is no hiding it.

Noticing his hesitation, she sought to give him a little push. “C’mon, sonny, you can tell mommy anything.”

Her reply was a momentary silence before her son spoke. “....the short version or the long version, mom? Which one do you want to hear?”

Caught off guard for a moment, she chose the former.

Eric breathed in to calm his nerves, even if he didn’t show it. “....basically, we went to Canterlot, the capital of this country.” He purposefully left out the part regarding a certain thief on their way to the marble city.

The Goodra had heard all sorts of things about the mountainside city. To think that her son was there left her excited to no end. But she stayed quiet, wanting to hear the rest of it.

“...after we arrived at Canterlot, we went to hospital and-“

“Hospital? Why would you go to a hospital? Is there something you’re not telling me? Injuries, maybe?” Looking all over the Hydreigon again with scrutinizing eyes.

“....yeah, hospital. And no, I’m not injured, so please stop that, mom.” His mother merely giggled. “...anyway, we were merely there searching for someone.” He paused, wondering how Sylvia would take it.

“Someone, sonny?” Sylvia tilted her head in curiosity.

“....we’ve found....dad ....and Reynard.... is keeping watch over him. I couldn’t bring him back here now...he’s still in Canterlot. I wanted to avoid moving him here for now because.....because I’m afraid the journey might prove strenuous to his comatose body.”

Her smile disappeared in an instant. “....Dave?” A nod. “H-how is he?” Her son’s silence was enough of an answer for her. “I see.”

“....I’m....sorry, mom. He’s still....”

She took his arm and pulled him into a hug, letting several tears to escape her eyelids, relieved that her husband was alright. “Why do you need to be sorry? You did everything you could, you know? So you don’t need to be sorry. It just...happened, so don’t worry, okay?”

Within his mother’s warm body close gave him a source of comfort. “....thanks...mom.”

Letting her son go, she put her fingers and squeezed his shoulder while giving the smile that any mother would have. “Go to your friends now, I’ll take care of things here.”

With a nod of resignation, Eric crossed the doorway and left Sylvia to do her thing, atmosphere became that of a depressed one.

Eric didn’t have the desire to say anything nor do anything while awaits back in his designated sofa as if his willpower had been sucked out by the revelation he had made.

Looking around, Dawn was back in her workplace, doing one of her contracts again for pictures requested by her clients. One thing he noticed, just like him, her face was a mix of depressed and tiredness written all over it. To the left, Will was resting his bruises on his own designated sofa, head against the armrest and resting while Alex was in the other sofa, also asleep alongside Dominus. Sally was in front of him, the occasional electricity rippled while she slept through the Paralysis.

Kenneth simply leaned himself on a corner a little ways to the left of the door in front of the Hydreigon, watching the spectacle unfold. Ignoring Sylvia’s order to relax.

“I heard everything you said, kid.” Out of nowhere, Kenneth said. “I’m sorry. It’s the least I can do.”

Eric leaned his head against the headrest, staring at the ceiling in thought. “....don’t be. All of it was my fault in the beginning. Maybe...just maybe, if I had just stayed in that spot....forget it, I can’t keep blaming myself like-”

“That is no way for you to say things like that. You’ve done what you could for you father. Besides if it weren’t for you then that woman might have died.” The Garchomp admonished.

Kenneth’s only reply was silence from the former human.

He sighed, uncrossing his arm before walking toward the sofa and sat down just beside the former human. “You remember what you used to say?”

“...what?” He asked curtly, not bothering to look at the Garchomp.

“Yes, something about in saving one life, you saved a thousand more in the future. You saved that woman and her ‘descendants’ gets to live a good life.”

“....I did say that, yeah.” Eric nodded, remembering that line he used to live by. “...its something out of a cliched comic book now that I realize it.”

“I think you’re wrong on that one. It’s something you created yourself.” The Garchomp disagreed. ”One thing I need to ask....were you still...doing your ‘side activities’?”

“......yeah.”

Strangely, Kenneth haven’t made any reaction other than a frown. “Were you still....excessive perhaps?”

“....once again, yeah.” Eric figured there’s no use denying it any longer.

“Eric, you know that your mother does not condone-“

“Okay,” The door burst open to reveal the cheerful Goodra on the other side, holding a tray full of steaming hot cups. “Refreshments ready everyone!”

The words refreshments from Sylvia was like a dinner bell. Dominus instantly shot awake, barring Will and Sally who was still taking a power nap after their battle and Alex who was just too tired to lift his eyelids. Dawn herself was curious, after tasting the heavenly that is Eric’s cooking, she can’t wait to try out Sylvia’s own.

Once the initial surprised weared off, Kenneth turned toward Eric again. “We’ll talk about this later, alright?”

His reply was a simple nod. It is a much agreement as Kenneth could get, he vacated his seat and went into the living room.

“Okay, everyone,” Sylvia skipped over to the living room, with gracefulness befitting a Gardevoir, she spun around and put the tray on the table, without a single spill. “Knock yourself out!”

A smell that sent Dominus to heaven for a second filled his nostrils. He clapped his wings together. “Don’t mind if I do.” He was always excited when a delicious food was within sight.

Disappointment filled him the moment he laid eyes upon what is on the tray. They are just....cups...of steaming hot tea. “Hey, dude, what’s this?”

“Tea, of course.” Her smile never wavered.

He deadpanned. “I know that. Sorry, miss, but I kinda expected cookies.” He

“Oh, it’s okay, but looks can be deceiving you know.” The Goodra gently pushed her tray to his direction. “Why don’t you try it out? I’m sure you’ll love it.”

“I advise you do, kid.” Kenneth voiced just as he took a seat on the other sofa, just beside the slumbering Will. “It is as she said, looks can be deceiving. Especially this one.” Without another word, he took a cup and emptied the contents down his throat.

Unwilling to offend her nor the scary-looking Garchomp, the eagle decided to take her word for it. Picking up a glass from the tray, he gave an experimental sniff to ensure his nose didn’t trick him. The heavenly smell was still there as before. With a noncommittal shrug, he put it against his beak and let the contents flow.

When the liquid hit his tongue and into his throat, the taste was....pure bliss. “Cool, the tea is just....” He squawked, drinking a bit more, letting the hot liquid slosh around his mouth first before swallowing. “....so awesome!”

Sylvia’s smile now threatened to cut her cheeks again. “Glad you like it.”

Now Dawn was really curious. Simple tea had that much effect on her partner? She intended to find out for herself.

“Can I try?” Dawn came out of her workspace, drawing attention to her which she suddenly went nervous about, muscles almost locking in place.

“You’re the hostess, Dawn. You don’t need permission to do anything in your house, yes?” Sylvia smiled coupled with a tilt of her head

She scratched her head to the fact the mare had forgotten this is her own house, hardly needs permission to do anything. “Uh....yeah, sorry about that.” She let out a sheepish smile.

Sylvia giggled at the mare’s clumsiness. “No worries. Now,” She presented the tray holding the remaining.” How about tasting one?”

“Oh, yeah, you should, Dawn. This tea here is beyond cool and to the realm of awesome!” Dominus suggested, just in time to grab another tea and emptied to contents again into his stomach, ignoring the temperature.

Just like Dominus before her, just the first drop hit her tongue, she felt like she was in heaven for a moment. Unlike Dominus, however, she consumed it slowly as to prevent her tongue from being fried.

Once the last drop has been emptied into her stomach, she was almost in tears as her tongue begged for more. “Wow, it’s...it’s...” Dawn was struggling to fumble with the right words.

“Delicious, isn’t it?”

“Understatement right there, miss.” Dominus chimed in, prompting a giggle from Sylvia and a head scratch from Dawn.

“Oh, please call me Sylvia or Sylvie. We’re all friends now, okay?”

However, Dominus were in too much of a bliss to care. “Sure, Sylvia it is then.”

Sylvia smiled, glancing over her shoulder toward the last member missing from this party. “And sonny!”

“....hmmm?” During the conversation, he was deep in self-indulgement mode, hence not really paying attention to the whole spectacle to his right.

“C’mon, the tea party is about to start, you can go indulge yourself later. For now, let’s relax, okay?” She motioned her son over.

With a slight tug at the edge of his mouth, he moved to join them in their tea party. “....alright.”

The night time had came once more, evident by the glowing moonlight filtered through the window Eric glanced up upon. The remainder of the time they had spent at home was to simply talk to their hearts contents over tea. He smiled as he remembered the almost magical taste of his mother’s tea. Sooner than expected, everyone the house was quickly knocked out, Will was asleep beside him, Alex was asleep on the other sofa alongside Dominus, Dawn had vacated the premises for the comfort of her bedroom upstairs.

Knowing he was the only one who is fully awake, he decided to join them in their slumber and headed over to his designated sofa as his usual resting place.

“Eric.”

“...hmmm?” He glanced over his shoulder at the Goodra who is still up and running despite everything.

“Can we talk for a moment? Just as soon as I finish this.” She gestured to the tray holding several cups on her person.

Eric noticed her tone had gotten serious all the sudden, it’s the cue for him to oblige to her wishes. “....alright.”

“Great, wait for me then.” Sylvia skipped to the kitchen door while Eric had sat in his designated sofa once more.

As soon as he sat down, she skipped through the door and made herself comfortable beside him on the same sofa. “I heard everything when you were talking with Kenneth.” She stated with a small smile.

Eric wasn’t surprised there, one moment they were talking and the next Sylvia burst through the door as if she had done that intentionally. He knew the fact that she is his real mother due to knowing she is still as sharp as ever during her days as a trainer, reinforced when she detected something amiss in two conversations two in a row today. Coupled with the fact she knows her son better than the back of her own hands, she caught him red handed.

“....what is it about, mom?” He decided to not beat around the bush and go straight to the point.

“Your talk with Kenneth, that’s what!”

The Hydreigon once again had the urge to rub his head. “....I mean, which part?”

“Why were you doing that again? You should’ve just quit. But the more pressing matters is that your method! You said it yourself, you’re still as excessive as ever.” Sylvia’s words were like a hot knife through butter for her son, any mother would have that kind of effect on their children.

If Sylvia looks closely, Eric had made the slightest of movement in the corner of his mouth.

Sylvia secured his fingers around her son’s cheek and turned his head to gaze at her directly. “Eric, look at me. Answer me honestly, why were you still doing this?”

“....” Silence was all that she got.

Sylvia sighed at the unprogressive state, she decided to use her motherly method. “Whatever your reasons is, I won’t be mad at you about it. You’re still my son and it won’t change anytime soon, okay?”

The Hydreigon’s mother knew just the right words to strike a critical hit on his defenses. It instantly crumbled. “....alright.”

“Great, now can you tell mommy everything?” She gave him an encouraging smile.

The eyes of Sylvia was not something Eric wanted to see when he explained, he reserved to just look anywhere, but her. He nodded as he took a deep breath to signify the start. “....at first, I thought maybe...maybe when I saw how the inhabitants of this world were so...happy, I thought we could finally just stop. Go back to what we were doing.....defeat the champions.”

She crossed her arm. “What made you go at it again, Eric?”

“......I encountered....a certain someone.”

“Certain someone?” Her mind was racing with childish excitement.

As if reading her mind, Eric botched her imagination quickly. “....nothing like that. What I mean by a certain someone, is someone from our old world, Earth....got here. Someone who could be considered a criminal and unworthy of being here. But...I’m one to talk.”

A solid slap on his shoulder made him think otherwise. “Don’t say that. You deserve everything to be called worthy. Why, everything you’ve done up until now was enough to be called worthy right?”

Eric had no say in the matter for he knew she was right. Despite his faults, he had never harmed a criminal just for the sake of his own amusement.

“Anyway, who’s this ‘certain someone’?” She leaned forward in anticipation.

“....have you ever heard of Fox? The thief that had been hanging around Kalos? Exposing all sorts of underworld activities just as I do?”

That smile of her died instantly. Sylvia had heard of the infamous Phantom Thief from the newspapers. “Fox? You met her?”

“....more than met her. I tried to stop her, just like I tried to stop every criminal like usual and...” He bit his lip as he remembered the day like it was yesterday. “...it ended up badly for us. I should’ve just ignored it instead of playing hero and put everyone in danger.”

“It’s not your fault and you know that. They followed you out of their own violation right? Even when they were told to wait?” She unconscious squeezed his shoulder harder.

“I know it’s not my fault, but I still felt guilty about that.”

“Then you still have have a heart. In fact, if you didn’t feel guilty at all, then there is something really wrong with....” She poked his chest. “...this here.”

“....if you say so, mom.” He nodded after some hesitation.

She resumed her smile. “After that, what happened?”

“.....I made sure that Sally and Will had properly rested, of course. But seeing someone like Fox had managed to get here in Equestria just....kick started my desire again. So....did you know what happened to the crime lord in Vanhoover?”

“No, I mean, I just got here. How am I supposed to know anything about....” She cut herself off when she saw his face made a simple glance at her. It tells her everything. “Oh...I see now. You beat them up again, don’t you?”

“....yeah.” He replied simply.

Her smile had gone again, replaced by a frown. “You know I don’t condone excessive violence unnecessarily like that. I never did say in all of your life as a vigilante that you could beat up criminals excessively. I only said that you shouldn’t push too far.”

It was the third time she had caught him red-handed, truly a trainer at heart. “....I guess I really did go too far on those guys.”

“You already did go too far several times in the past already. Even if you said you didn’t beat them up again after they are unconscious, your method of putting them in that state....it was unnecessarily violent.”

Putting a finger under the Hydreigon’s chin, she forced him to lock gazes with her soul-piercing eyes. “Look, Eric. I’m not saying that you try to change right now, just change a little bit at a time, okay? The last thing I want you to do is to end up doing something you regret later.”

The last thing he wanted was to disappoint her. He had done quite enough in his lifetime. “...alright.”

“With that out of the way, what was the ‘exact’ reason for you to start doing this again? This is after all a chance to start again, you don’t have to do this, just let the guards or any law enforcement in this planet handle them.”

“.....I really can’t tell what it is.”

Sylvia tilted her head questioningly. “Then what is it?”

“....maybe the reason I started it again was because I felt it was the right thing to do, or maybe I’m too far into this to stop now...and...” He stopped himself which Sylvia noticed. “... maybe... because of the deep-seated anger I’ve kept suppressed deep inside me. I don’t really know, but I’d like to think it was because I merely felt it was the right thing to do.”

Sylvia herself agreed on his self-assessment. After the dreadful event that had made her son this way, she could feel that her son had changed a lot in so many ways, not just in personality, but also in his views of the world.

“....I never much care about justice anyway because of the deep corruption in its vein. I just care about doing the right thing. Again and again. It was never about punishing the wicked for me....just the satisfaction of doing the right thing is enough. Besides, I….won’t justify anything I did in the name of justice, it’s possibly the weakest justification there is. To speak justice when what I’m doing is not in the right either.”

The way her son had said that made her smile. Eric had grown in so many ways. “I guess you really did grow up to be a hero. You really are your daddy’s son.”

That statement alone made Eric frown. “.....mom, I’m no hero, never will be. I’m just a guy doing the right-”

She quickly cut him off by putting a finger over his mouth to silence him. “And you keep telling yourself that despite your actions and words says otherwise. What was that you said earlier? Doing the right thing and will never justify your actions with any reasons, hmm?”

“....I don’t want to brand myself as the hero. You said it yourself mom, I was unnecessarily .....violent at times.” As much as Eric didn’t want to admit, she was right.

“You just made a mistake, you can change that, you know. If you make a mistake, then do everything you can to fix it. Wasn’t it you who always wanted to take responsibility if anything happens?”

Once again, she was right. He had no reply because of it.

Taking the silence as a yes, she continued. “Anyway, aside from those things, I’d like for you stop doing all of those ‘side activities’ that endangers your life, partly because....” She looked away for a second before rounding up on him again. “I don’t want a repeat of what happened to your daddy. I don’t...really.”

“....I know that.” The image of her mom crying over his father’s body that day...had torn his heart out.

“I know you do, but I know I can’t stop you. What choices you’ve made is none I can change. The only thing I can do is support you and try to coax you out of it.” The Goodra felt she didn’t really need to hide the last part anyway.

“....mom.” Eric could feel safe in his mother’s touch, to just forget every burden he carried for a moment...and rest.

“Come here, Eric.” Once more, he was pulled into the warm embrace of Sylvia’s hug. “What kind of mother am I if I can’t try to coax you out of it? The least I can do right now is support you while trying to coax you out of it. I know that you don’t blame yourself, but you can’t keep doing this either. I’m not asking for you to stop immediately, I’m asking you this, as your mother, to be careful....and please, stop the unnecessary violence thing too, I’m worried that if you go too far, one of these days....” She cut herself off, knowing Eric will get the hint.

The Hydreigon remembered the feeling that day, it was the same feeling now. He felt like a baby being held by his mother’s arms the first time, safe and comfortable.

“....thank you. You’re the best.” His eyelids slowly drifted shut as he was being embraced.

And soon, the Goodra let herself being embraced by the darkness of the night as the need for rest overtook her. But not without some parting words. "No problem....sonny."

Both mother and son slept in each other's embrace.

Play this as the second closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoomnFqserc

Author's Notes:

Aaaaand there we go, folks, after yet another trip across the Equestrian countryside, the four companions have once more reached the place that is their home, Vanhoover.

Along the way, yet another surprised from life had made itself known to them. That's right, in the form one of the Angelo family that had revealed herself. In other words, Sylvia Angelo the Goodra has revealed herself, also known as Eric's mother as well as her Garchomp companion, Kenneth.

And this is the truth, no tricks, a polar opposite, that much is true. The childish, easily excitable mother against the stoic and hard to read son.

With this, one family problem down, still two more to go.

And this is it for this chapter, sorry for any mishaps in this chapter on my part.

Hope you guys enjoy! Any likes is greatly appreciated.

Oh, and here is the second O'Mega Artwork, featuring Sylvia and her Garchomp, Kenneth :

Chapter 19 : Plan of Action

View Online

All of us would do anything, absolutely even the most senseless thing in an attempt of either protecting or saving those that are most precious to us. So many people have fallen to this machinery called love. That fact is unavoidable even to myself as I had prepared myself to go to the ends of the earth to save my dad - Eric Angelo

Play this as the second opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G167-ZBmlIw

Another day, another wave of oddness had struck the city of Vanhoover in the form of one Goodra walking through the streets with a happy smile on her face and the excitement of a child, as she had a bag slung over her shoulder. If one were to look closely, they could have sworn they saw her spring with every step she took.

Of course, that alone wouldn’t have garnered much attention in itself. But another companion of the Dragon had made herself known, head bowed low, wings tucked in, and a saddlebag was visible on her person.

That alone was enough to warrant enough attention that the mare accompanying the Goodra didn’t want, for she never did enjoy being in the spotlight like this. However, the crowd couldn’t help but stare at the mare because of the recent turns of events had converted her domain into one big boarding house for groups of Pokemon.

Noticing her friend was falling behind, the Goodra glanced over her shoulder and motioned for her. “C’mon, Dawn, time’s a wasting,” The Goodra called over her shoulder toward her companion. Face still adopting the smile that could brighten everyone’s day.

The mare however, didn’t seem to be one of them. “Slow down, Sylvia.” Dawn said through her gritted teeth, focusing on her happy place. That only helped a little, as the feeling of everyone staring at her was getting on her nerves. “Celestia above...”

The inner trainer within Sylvia took over due to her new friend’s distress, so she slowed down as per the mare’s wishes. “Dawn? Something the matter?”

With the speed now at a more comfortable level, Dawn answered, followed with a scratch of her head. “It’s....it’s nothing.”

Sylvia had noticed the curt tone taking it’s place over her usual one. She tilted her head. “Dawn, what’s wrong? C’mon, you can tell me.”

Looking over at the Goodra, her smiling face had struck yet another chord within her heart. How hard she tried she didn’t know, but found that she couldn’t say no to that kind of face, for that face had an image of a mother smiling down upon her child as she sat down and listened to his/her troubles.

So different in attitude, yet the same. She found that she could place her trust upon the Dragon, just like her son before her. “How am I supposed to say this....” Dawn tried to project the thought she had. “I have some...some....trouble, okay?” Her tone was undecidedly curt again as she gritted her teeth. “I don’t like being the center of attention.”

Sylvia had leaned forward in excitement, knowing where this is going. “Yes? Go on.”

The mare opened her mouth to say...nothing. “I....I....sorry...what I mean to say is that I was...I was....“ Dawn cursed herself at her lack of conversation skills, once more missing whatever it is she had intended to say.

“Embarrassed?” Sylvia had offered with a smile. “No problem, Dawn. Then I’ll keep my excitement to a minimum then!”

Now she found herself staring at the former human with a jaw-dropped expression that says it all. It meant, ‘is she for real?’

Her expressions was not missed by the Dragon. Sylvia decided to provide an answer to this conundrum. “Yeah, I know, like mother, like son. Kinda like father, like son, only backwards.” Throughout all of that, Sylvia had never lost her smile as she rubbed the back of her head. “Oh, look, we’re here. What do you know?”

Frowning, she looked forward. Indeed, they had arrived at their destination : the Marketplace. With Dawn’s domain turned into an impromptu boarding house, she had little choice but to go to the market in order to purchase newly needed necessities for her and her guests requirements.

Sylvia, sharp as ever, called her companion out of her stupor. “C’mon, Dawn, the foods aren’t going to buy themselves.”

“Uhh...right.” She nodded briskly and soon joined her companion in purchasing their daily requirements.

As any other marketplace before this, it was littered with stands on either side of the streets. With every stands, it housed several known foods in the form of vegetables, fruits, and all other variety with each different ones manned by the inhabitants of the city.

The appearance was understandable, because it’s location was found within the suburbs district of the city, but to top it all off, there are, of course, a singular building market where all the necessities

Nonetheless, both were here and they needed to shop for whatever necessities required to support them.

“Hmmm, where should we look first?” Sylvia shaded her eyes as she let her tracking mode take over. “They have all these important stands, I can’t choose.”

Dawn was unsure herself, they had come here to fill up the drained up kitchen supply, yet she herself couldn’t choose. “I....don’t know.”

Hearing her friend’s plight, it was up to her now. But there was no need to wait, for Sylvia had spotted the first of the goods, within the supermarket. “Alright, let’s go buy something, I wanna serve something for everyone!” She told with unspoken glee as she wanted to try her recipe. But first, she needed the money for the purchase itself. “Dawn, dear, do you have some money?”

Pulled out of another trance she was in, she answered. “I, uh...sure.” The mare fumbled with her saddlebags, operating things with mouth weren’t easy after all. Yet, she managed to open it and pull out a respectable amount of bits which found themselves onto her hoof. “Here it is.

Nodding in appreciation, Sylvia led the way. “Thanks a lot, now, c’mon, Dawn!”

“Hey, hold on!” Moving with three hooves still harder than she had thought, yet she managed to catch up to her friend on the entrance to the establishment.

Sylvia led the way inside, followed by Dawn. The internal part of the building was of a respectable size, aisles and finally the stands holding all sorts of items that form aisles. Ponies of all kinds and other species were happily browsing the stands for their needs.

Sylvia was all but ready to join up in her fellow shoppers hunt for necessities as her heart filled with excitement. And of course, she spotted her first quarry, a stand filled with all sorts of fish. “Yeah, fish, I needed those.” Much like her son before her, she had the need to learn all the new things this world has to offer, and that includes the lack of Magikarp, but the fishes serves the same purpose nonetheless.

Putting back the bits she had fished out, Dawn joined up with her companion without word. Now that with all her hooves free, she could easily keep up with the surprisingly light footed Goodra.

“Hmmm, let’s see.” Sylvia mirrored Eric’s thoughtful mode which is a finger to the chin. “One, two, three fishes....yeah, three should be enough.” Picking up the number of fishes required, she had stored them within her own shoulder-slung bag for later.

“Say, Dawn, do you need something? I’ll be happy to shop them for you.” Sylvia added cheerfully.

“Well,” With how the Goodra got everything covered, she felt that she had not needed to intervene. “Not really, besides, I don’t see anything that needs...to-“ She cut herself off the moment she saw the ultimate prize.

Noticing the change of demeanor, she waved a hand back and forth in front of the mare’s face to knock her out of whatever stupor she is in. “

Dawn could almost literally feel the drool gathering at the edges of her mouth at the sight of her favourite of all fruits, bananas. “Alright, alright, I want some bananas.”

If Sylvia had heard correctly, her friend demanded some bananas, and she is to serve them. Following her gaze, she found the item needed for her friends demand. “No problem, Dawn. One express banana coming up.” She giggled before skipping over toward the bananas and lifted a bag big toward the mare.

Only now did Dawn register the sight of all the bananas nearly shoved into her face. Looking around, she spotted the Goodra’s goofy face who smiled at her. “Here you go!”

“I mean...I mean, not that many.” The mare was at a loss of words as she did another of her signature head scratch, cannot believing that Sylvia offered a whole bag worth of bananas.

“Then how many do you want?” Sylvia merely tilted her head in question.

Giving it some thought, the mare came up with a number. “Let’s see....I...uhm...” Once more, she fumbled with her words. “....ah, to Tartarus, four to five is enough. I always eat bananas after breakfast.”

A horrified gasp followed the statement. “That means, I missed yesterday’s bananas for you. Then I won’t forget it this time.” Dawn almost swore that she could see fire in her eyes.

Said Goodra neatly picked five bananas before depositing them into her bag before skipping over and put the rest back into it’s place. “And done! Now I need the second ingredient.” Her eyes in tracking mode, she tried to find the ingredient within the sea of ponies and stands. “Where are you?” She walked off, but not before beckoning her companion to follow.

Resuming their search for whatever Sylvia had in mind, they soon found themselves upon rows of cabinet that store in perfect synchronization rows upon rows of yellow jar. “Ah, there we go,” Sylvia lifted a jar full of yellow content into the air before deftly catching it and depositing it into her bag for later purchase. “Two down, one to go.”

Hearing that, Dawn just had the urge to question it. “One more?”

“Of course, now I need some seasonings and we’re good to go!” Emphasizing with a solid thrust of her arm, she skipped ahead to find the last of the ingredients.

“H-hey, wait up!” She moved herself to join up with her friend, only to find her standing over some leaves. “Are they the last ones?”

“Yeah, last one!” She said cheerfully, depositing the seasonings needed for her special treat. “Now onto the cashier!”

No matter how much she tried to keep up, the Goodra was faster than she looks. She herself had nearly exhausted the stamina that was supposed to be saved for the trip home, yet she witnessed a sight at the cashier that seems doable, Sylvia was barely winded, face still adopting that sunny smile of hers.

“I really need to exercise.” Huffing and puffing for breath, her wings itself had twitched in response to her exhaustion.

Her need to catch up was unfounded, for a pair of hands had clicked the saddlebag of her bags and it quickly found it’s way onto Sylvia’s shoulder.

“Wait, wait, wait....what?” Once she was sure that her eyes did not trick her, she did a double take to the fact that her bag was one Sylvia’s shoulder. “Sylvia, what are you doing?” Her habit had shown itself once more, in the form of a scratch to her head.

“No worries, I’m no thief, there is no way I’ll make off with your bag. Although that would be funny.” Sylvia giggled. “Anyway, you seem winded, I’ll be happy to help for a while.”

While the mare was happy that her burden was relieved off her shoulder, she is not one to be a fool of a hostess and let her guest carry her weight. She scratched her head in nervousness. “But, but...” Before she could say anything, a finger found it’s way onto her mouth

“Now, now, let your friends help, okay? It’s in my nature to help after all, so I couldn’t help it.” Her tone had noticeably changed from childish to a mother softly scolding their child.

Now Dawn had been reduced into a putty in her hands, she couldn’t help but agree. “Alright, alright, if you insist.” Now she had seen the resemblance between the mother and the son, even if at first sight didn’t show it at all. “But, are you sure about that?”

“Don’t worry about it, always happy to help.” Sylvia giggled as she skipped beside her friend. “Now c’mon, I bet the others are already starving, and I’m not about to let them starve, you know?”

Chuckling at the Goodra’s apparent childishness, Dawn just let it slide in the end. “Alright, alright, I’m coming.”

In the queue, they had literally attracted dozens of witnesses willing to burn the image of a Goodra accompanied by the famous Bat Pony of Vanhoover there. This is not the situation that Dawn had wished for because it made her nervousness return with the force of a hundred Minotaur.

Unfortunately, Dominus wasn’t there to help, but fortunately for her, a friend in the form of a Goodra was there to comfort her with regular pats on the back.

“That would be 200 bits in total, sir.” The mare of the greenest of grass said

“Thank you, come again!” She smiled at the latest pony who had bought and paid for their groceries. Now the next contender came for her to deal with.“Alright, can I help....you.” Taking in the sight before her, instead of the usual pony and the uncommon griffons or minotaurs, instead the cashier was greeted with the sight of a smiling Pokemon wearing what appeared to be a lot of...manebands?

Taking up an uncertain facade, the mare behind the counter addressed her. “Can I, uh, see the groceries....ma’am?” Honestly, she didn’t know the Pokemon’s immediate gender. Before she knew it, two bags worth of groceries was dumped onto the counter. Looking aside the bags, she saw that the odd Pokemon was merely smiling, much to her chagrin.

Nonetheless, with wariness, she deposited the contents of the bag. before taking account of each and everyone coupling with a total bits needed in order to purchase the groceries.

Whatever words or language the Pokemon had spoken, she couldn’t understand, much like every other Pokemon that she had met. But it seems somehow, the Vanhoover premiere Bat Pony had understood, if the nods every now and then were of any indication.

“Here you go, ma’am. 455 bits in total right?” The mare added it with a scratch of her head in uncertainty.

Wrapper in her own uncertainty, she took the bits and deftly counted them like a well-oiled machine. Nodding in satisfaction, she turned toward the two buyers. “It seems everything appears to be in order, ma’am. If you can just give me a....” Her words weren’t formed fast enough because the items she had deposited out of the bag somehow had found themselves inside the bags again and slung on the Pokemon’s shoulder.

Saying the Pokemon’s equivalent of a thanks, the Goodra bowed her head as a sign of gratitude before she vacated the premises.

The mare beside her chuckled nervously while she scratched her head again. “Uh, sorry about that. She’s just like that.” With that, she removed herself from the queue to rejoin her friend.

Once the pair of shoppers had left with their purchases out the door, the mare said with a sigh of relief. “What a weird couple...” They would have heard had they stayed a listened just for a second.

Like a pair of happy shopper they are, both exited the supermarket, one still with a smile while the other with a neutral face. Although, looking closely, the bags that are on the Goodra’s person are fat full of their purchases for whatever her guest had in store for everyone.

Sylvia had skipped ahead of Dawn in all of her childish excitement, but not before turning around and stated. “Done and done. Now, what do you say we head back and I’ll treat everyone, hmmm?”

The last couple of days, she got to taste what appears to be a food that is appears to be made out of heavenly material, courtesy of her new guest. Not to mention bananas as a dessert to top it all off, things would get really interesting once they get home.

Requiring all of her self-control to not embarrass herself in public there and there, she resolved to say a simple : “Well, alright. I suppose we could.”

The answer had satisfied Sylvia, now all she had to do is to get home. “What are we waiting for then?!” Joyfully, the Goodra almost had a spring in her steps as she led the charge homeward.

With the goodies safe within their respective bags, and no words were exchanged they went toward their next destination : Dawn’s household.

“We’re home, everyone!” Sylvia’s cheery voice had rang through the house, scaring the daylights out a certain Braviary and Salamence which also indicate her and the hostess return from their market trip.

True enough, in the main doorway into the household, the Goodra and the Bat Pony was carrying bags choked full of all variety of foods. Although, the most strange sight was a banana that was seen poking out of Dawn’s saddlebag.

That only give Eric one conclusion. “....she must’ve bought that thing.....considering she does have an affinity toward bananas.”

“Perfect timing!” Will snarked nonchalantly from his seat as he turned his attention upon the Hydreigon who was sitting silently and witnessed the sight of the pair’s return. “Hey, brooder, want to get up and prepare some food? Some of us are starving here. As much as I’d love to watch Sally’s thin figure, I don’t want to starve too.”

In an instant, said Dragon had rounded up on him. “What did you say?” The Salamence growled.

“I said, I love you.....of course, I said, I’d love to see your thin physics. Oh, I’m surprised that is quite hard to comprehend.” Coupling with a roll of his eyes, Will had to top it off with his signature overbearing grin.

That was not a good combination against someone with a temper problem. “You little....”

Dominus sighed from his perch on the seat’s headrest. “Dude, it’s in the morning, can you guys....”

Eric had turned off whatever argument was about to come for he had enough on his plate already. “....alright.” With a sigh, he stood up to prepare the food necessary to energize them.

Before he could so much as lift an arm, a firm grip had found it’s way onto his shoulder and pushed him down back onto the sofa. “No, can do, sonny!” The Goodra said with an admonishing tone, but it seems to lack authority due to how childish it is. “Let mommy take care of things, you just sit here and wait, okay?” She let out a heart wrenching smile that could move mountains.

Due to their circumstances, Eric had yet to get rid of his house caretaker mentality he had adopted the moment he and his team had found Dawn’s home as a place to spend their nights in, partly stems from his need to repay the hostess. That was no longer necessary, with how the Goodra insist that every household problem will be dealt by her from now on.

Kenneth, who had watched the spectacle, merely chuckled as he leaned beside the door. “I advise you do, kid. Your mother are as stubborn as you after all.”

“Kenneth....” Sylvia complained while giving him the sad look she could pull off. He had long built immunity to it.

It had succeeded toward her son, however, for Eric could not put up defenses against it. He sighed while resisting the urge to rub his head. “....if you say so, mom...”

She clapped her hands together in joy. “Perfect,” Noticing something brewing to her left, she called out. “And no fighting, you two. Be friends.” She sing-songed the last part, with that, her form had gone into the kitchen alongside Dawn to store their purchases.

Sally had been startled the moment she and Will had been addressed, losing whatever retort she could think of. Meanwhile Will was in his usual nonchalant pose. “Well, of course, milady.” He snarked. “That would be the last thing on our thoughts.” Everyone knew that was more snarky than sincere.

The Dragon was about to renew the argument, yet one look from Sylvia dissolved any thoughts on such a thing. “Fine!” She grumbled, stomping off somewhere.

“Round one, I won, yeah.” The Reuniclus lifted an arm nonchalantly.

Kenneth just faceclawed before resuming his arm folded posture on the wall.

Meanwhile in the kitchen, both Goodra and Bat Pony quickly emptied the contents of their bags and put the whole thing in the freezer of the fridge for later use. With that concludes their minor search for the missing supplies, and now onto the next problem, breakfast time.

“Phew,” Sylvia had wiped the sweats free from her eyebrows, developed in the times she had carried two bags worth of groceries at once. “I think that should do for now. Thanks again, Dawn.”

Dawn found herself smiling, she never could have lug all that with her own strength alone. She found herself saying thanks. “No problem, ”

“Awww, don’t mention it. Say, Dawn, how about you do the sketches of yours while I prepare my special dish?”

Just like that, her friend had offered for her to be exiled from her own kitchen as she left her childish friend do whatever it is she is going to do to serve breakfast to them all. But judging from the previous day dishes, then it is one to look forward to.

So she decided that arguing would be meaningless, besides, if that little display she had witness correctly, then the Goodra was possibly as stubborn as her son. “Well...okay, I think.” She didn’t know what to say, other than to scratch her head some more.

A solid clap meant Sylvia was satisfied with the arrangement. “Wonderful, now, off you go, dear.” She made a mook shooing gesture and sound that it sounded more childish than filled with authority. “Whatever I need, I’ll call you. Oh, and don’t worry about a thing, I won’t break a thing.”

Chuckling at her friend’s antics, she just resolved to finish whatever sketches for some clients before the expected deadline arrive, where they have to once more, traverse Equestria. After all, she had promised her three-headed friend.

Sylvia, one hand on her back, paced back and forth drill-sergeant style as she investigated the slightest of problems to be rectified. “Fish done, seasonings done, veggies done, butter done, frying pan done, wooden board and knife in place.....everything is ready.”

In short order, she had picked and dropped all ingredients and the tools necessary to provide the breakfast she had envisioned. Now all she need was a method, and the magic of her hands to do the work.

Flexing her fingers, she let her memory do the rest as she giggled in anticipation. “Let’s do this.” Her hands shot toward the knife and veggies.

Humming a tune, her hand had sliced the veggies into smaller pieces without mercy before her. Next, was the fish, they were not spared from a cut to ribbons fate. The frying pan found it’s way onto the stove and it’s underside felt the fire dancing underneath, heating it up. Once it heated up to the temperature of Sylvia’s desire, she had slid the sliced-up fish into the frying pan before adding some cooking oil cue the sound of boiling fish. Opening the yellow jar from before, she scooped up a small piece of the yellow content, revealing itself to be butter and she had neatly dropped onto the pan, where it melted into the fishes. All she had to do now is to ensure that her dish won’t end up as a pile of soot.

The dishes had been prepared, and such the buttered fish were placed neatly on each and everyone all the way to the eight dish before the sliced vegetables were applied to add to the taste. Once that was done, she rained down seasonings just at the right amount to bring out the best once it hit the tongue.

Looking over at the row of dishes, she put a finger on it and sucked. Giggling at her success, she shouted. “Breakfast’s ready! Anyone interested?” Finishing the word, she could feel the slight change in draft blow past her.

In a flash, a door opened, dust followed and a familiar Braviary was sitting in the spot he had always took whenever a food about to be served. Looking closely, the are signs of droll on the edges of his beak. But that is not the source of Dominus’ immediate attention because his gaze was solely on the food that is placed on the palm of the Goodra.

Noticing the eagerness of said Braviary, Sylvia skipped toward the table and in one swift movement, placed the dishes ready on each seat of the table.

The smell that is best described as heavenly quickly spread like an overflowing water through the kitchen and into the house proper, kickstarting the rest of the occupants appetite.

Taking deep breaths in, Dominus had savored the smell of the grilled fish before him, one with visible vegetables sliced-and-diced into smaller pieces with some sort of yellow gel been added into the mix.

Face begging, he looked at the smiling Goodra who was waiting for the eagle to start it off. “Can I?”

Sylvia put her hands behind her back, an image of cuteness especially coupled with the pink apron. “No need for permission, Dominus. Dig in!”

The Braviary need not another push, for he had already dug his beak into the tasty fish before him. Once, he tore a bit of chunk out, he let it swirl inside his beak first to taste as much as he could before letting it flow into his gullet.

Hearing the previous call for breakfast, Dawn poked her head in to find that Dominus had fancied himself to start before the others. Looking at the Braviary in question, she found that his face was stuffed full of unchewed food, obviously trying to taste every single corner of it.

And she found the image to be cute enough for her to chuckle as she scratched her head.

Hearing as sharp as a bat, only now Sylvia found that the hostess had enjoyed the sight, she called out. “Dawn, come in, breakfast ready and it won’t wait for everyone, you know?”

Whatever trance she was in was quickly ditched as she took her usual seat as well. As expected, the type of cuisine served by her new guest, had caught itself into her nostrils.

A slight glance was enough to tell what it was. “Grilled fish?” Dawn knew what it was, her son had served her the same one, yet she knew the difference from the smell alone.

“You will never know until you try!” Sylvia skipped over to the kitchen to attend the rest of the dishes. “So, eat up, you two.”

Just as Dawn had began to dig into the delicious food, Eric had entered the scene. He took a look at the kitchen occupants before silently took a seat himself, food already in front of him. He knew what it was, and thus wasn’t all that surprised. After all, his mother was a great cook herself.

Taking the knife and fork required, he maneuvered both to slice a part for him to feast on, all the way without saying a word.

“I swear to Arceus.....” Dominus let his tongue do the work of tasting every single piece of the food he had place into his beak. But, of course, like all food, it must be swallowed, so he did. After the slow swallow, he had turned to look at Eric as he stated. “Okay, dude, no offense, but this is one of the best foods, I’ve ever tasted.

“....she taught me to cook, so it’s obvious that her’s was better....so none taken.” Eric nodded to indicate that he doesn’t take offence, much to Dominus’ relief.

Dawn couldn’t help, but agree with Dominus’ assessment as well as silently thankful he had spared her from saying anything, for she feared that she will something amiss again. The food that Sylvia had prepared was on a whole other level than that of Eric. She doesn’t mean that she hated his, but when it comes to comparison, Sylvia was as a whole, a lot better.

“Oh, Dominus, stop it.” She giggled. “You make me feel embarrassed. Although, thanks for the praise by the way. And sonny, I’ll have you know that I don’t want any self-doubt or feeling of inferiority, okay?”

Eric’s mom knew just the right words to remove from the dump he is in. “....of course, mom.”

Had she let her sight home in on the Braviary a bit longer, she would have saw his blush.

“You were never one for being embarrassed, Sylvia.” Kenneth pointed out as he made his presence known leaning against the doorway.

“How could you, Kenneth?” The Goodra put on her best sad face to move his heart.

Kenneth huffed in amusement, once more showing his immunity toward the assault. “I do remember that I’m always the one to pull you out of trouble when we were both young.” He chuckled as he remembered the old days.

Sylvia merely giggled at the thought. “Ah, yeah, to feel young again.”

“Anyway, I should mention that all of us in the back also awaits for your breakfast. That is if you didn’t forget the first time.” Knowing his trainer, she probably did considering her excitement had blinded her to the real goal back then.

“Of course not, forgetting it is the last thing, I’ll do.” Two dishes found it’s way onto the Goodra’s waiting palm. Walking over to Kenneth, she leaned forward with two dishes waiting. “For you, Kenny. Pick one!”

The Garchomp took one of the two plates, he could feel his throat screaming for food to be swallowed. “My thanks.”

One hand, free, she picked the rest up and exited the kitchen. Skipping out onto the rest of the house, Sylvia wasn’t surprised to see the argument between Sally and Will had been renewed while Alex was trying his best to make sure he disappear into the floor.

“And I’m a Yeah, real professional, girl. Next time, why don’t you try kissing his face while you’re at it? Oh, that will be quite the scandal!”

“Don’t change the subject, Will!” Sally snarled, her paw met her face. “Can you please, for the love of Arceus, stop flapping that trash mouth of yours. If not, I’m going to-“

“Yeah, yeah, feed me to the fish, throw me down the mountain, etc.” His insufferable grin had returned as he turned his back onto Sally. “Do I need to list it all? Oh wait, I already did. Haha.”

This only further enraged the Salamence, and in turn causing her to return with vigor unseen before.

“Uh...” The soft voice of Alex tried it’s best to cut through the argument. “Can you guys....stop?

Try as Alex might, but his voice was drowned in favor the continuity of the argument.

Only Sylvia’s divine intervention had managed to give death to the argument, by the way of the heavenly smell as well as her childish voice. ”Now, now, why have I told you two about fighting?”

It was one thing Sally was always unsure, it was her trainer’s mother. The way she stared at you made you want to kneel and beg for an apology. “S-sylvia.”

Mockingly , dusting himself off, Will floated up straight. “And here I was spending my time having some friendly conversation with this woman here and in an instant, the conversation went out the window. Perfect timing, swell, really.”

All he had gotten for a reply was a frustrated snarl.

But Sylvia was undaunted. “Ah, that’s so sweet of you, Will. Anyway, how about my treat?”

Instantly, Sally’s mouth almost watered into overflow while Alex stared eagerly onto the food that awaits for no one. Will was his usual nonchalant self, but inwardly, he simply couldn’t wait for the food to be gulped down his maw.

“There we go,” A simple swipe across the table later and the dishes had been laid out in a perfect row beside each other. “Eat up, guys!”

Their wish had been granted, the food had been placed on the living room table, waiting to be swallowed by three hungry Pokemon. Sally, had ducked in eagerly, yet in a controlled way that she won’t accidentally spill anything outside the plate. Being the eager one, Alex had lifted his plate using Psychic and dug into it mirroring Sylvia’s own childishness.

As far Will, he was about to dig in as well.....that would have happened were it not for the slippery fingers that had seized his plate at the last second.

Will didn’t have a chance to say anything as Sylvia wagged her fingers disapprovingly, sunny face and all. “Ah, ah, ah, before that, first you gotta do something for us, Will.”

“Oh, great, this’ll be fun.” The Reuniclus swung his arms into an arm fold. “What is it this time?

“Apologize to Sally, if you don’t mind.” Her smiling face had not allowed more argument.

His mind that has been made to withstand mental assault had been shut down with three words. “I think I must be hearing things now. That’s right, I must’ve, something scrambled my-”

“Will, this is very real, you know? The real world and all that. What I just said is very real.”

He was going to do anything to gulp the food down, but not that! Will had adopted a look of horror for one of his sarcastic streak, but this one was much more real. “No, no, no, no, anything, but that.”

“No, can do, Will. C’mon, it will be easy. Just say, I’m sorry and we’re all back to being friends.”

“But,” Looking at Sally or Alex for salvation, he found his hopes were dashed. Instead, Sally had the grin of a winner while Alex was unwilling to intervene.

Sylvia just smiled expectantly.

Sally, who was always on the receiving end of Will’s streak of trash talk, leaned forward to absorb it all in. “Yes!?” Her voice carried anticipation as well as a grin.

Alex had felt for Will, even if he is a jerk, he decided to intervene. “Sally, uhm,” The Volcarona fumbled with his tiny legs in nervousness. “I don’t think we should....”

A paw held up had silenced him. “Hold on, Alex, I want to hear this.” Her grin had almost cut through her cheek. “Well? C’mon, show that excellent gentlemen attitude of yours.”

Right now, Will wanted to imitate whatever Alex did to remain inconspicuous. “Thanks a lot for the support guys. Real swell to have you both as a team.”

“Oh, Will, is not that hard. Just say, ‘I’m sorry,” then everything will be fine again.” Sylvia deliberately waved the plate back and forth in order to catch hold of his desire.

As much as Will hated to admit, they had left him little to no choice. So, he spoke. “I’m....I’m....”

The two females had leaned forward, one was smiling, the other had a grin.

“I’m...I’m.....sorry.“ He said through gritted teeth.

Everything went dead silent....but iwas broken when a laughter of amusement came.

Hearing that was music to Sally’s ears, and thus her laugh was heard all over the house. Paw pointed at Will, she said in-between laughs. “I-I can’t b-believe this! The trash mouth apologized. Oh, I’m gonna die!” Tears were escaping her eyes.

Even Alex couldn’t help, but giggle. It is rare to see Will, the living incarnation of a snarker had apologized for his wrongdoings.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.” Will skulked, his appetite suddenly went out for lunch itself. “Next time, woman. Next time....”

“Yeah, next time, I’ll feed you to the fish for real.” Feeling good, she dug into her food with renewed vigor.

Will scooped his food like a person whose energy had been drained with Giga Drain.

“Now, I hope you two behave now!” She leaned forward on the other side of the table, hands on her hips. “

Sally was beyond happy after that hilarious show, so she showed her thanks. “Yeah, thanks Sylvia!”

“...thank you.” Alex said quietly.

The Reuniclus mumbled something incoherent.

Satisfied that a feud had been dissolved, Sylvia returned to the kitchen to eat up the fish she had prepared in advance for herself.

“So, sonny!” Sylvia’s sing-song voice called out to him, just as he was cleaning his own dish.

Breakfast had come and gone in a flash, everyone had returned to their daily routine....at least, what could pass on as a daily routine for the guest of Dawn’s home. Meanwhile, the hostess herself had moved in to finish what sketches she had started.

The mother and son duo, however, had volunteered to run dishwashing duty. Try as she might, but her son had refused to sit by and let her do all the work.

In the end, she had relented, and allowed him to help a little.

Noticing the tone, Eric could guess her intent just as much she could read him. Once more, he choose to play along and turned around. “......yeah, mom?”

“Now, that we are all here....well, except Joe that is.” She smiled sheepishly. She stared at the ceiling in contemplation.

Sylvia could guess the look he had given her, it merely screams, ‘Elaborate’. She could read her son so well, that she might as well knew the back of her own hand.

“Your mommy just need an answer to one particular question!” She put her hands onto her hip, putting her best smiling expression, before leaning forward in anticipation. “What are you going to do now?”

Eric had an answer to said question, he had discussed this with Reynard after all. But he needed to know what exactly she meant. “....which part? Going after Joe or trying to find a way to heal dad? Mom, you know that I will go after the latter. We both know that Joe could take care of himself.” He vividly remember what the person could do even by himself.

Not surprised he had read her in return, she slapped his shoulder in appraisal. “You know me too well, sonny.”

“....so....” He took a deep breath to signify what is to come. “...what exactly are you trying to say, mom?”

“Nothing....nothing at all.”

Eric merely raised an eyebrow at her answer, never betraying the surprise that had overtaken him for a moment. “....then what is it?”

“Remember what we talked a couple of days ago?” A nod had answered her. “And of course, I expected you to follow through with it, okay?

Now Eric knew where the conversation was going. “....don’t worry about that, mom. I’ll....tone it down, I promise.” Who was he to disappoint his mother? that was the last thing he will think about.

“Of course.” With that, she put on hand on the Hydreigon’s head and smiled. “Mommy’s counting on you to do that. Now with that taken care of-”

She found herself suddenly cut off. “....but that leaves us with another thing...who is going to take care of the house this time? And I know mom,” For the second time, her words died in her throats. “....pairing up Sally and Will was like pairing up a bomb and a timer with Will being the timer. So....who’s going to take care of the house?”

“Leave the house to me.” No hesitation was found in her voice as she pointed a thumb at herself as a volunteer. “After all, that’s what all mommy do, right? Take care of the house while everyone was away...” She sing-songed.

Raising an eyebrow at the offer, he knew that there is a catch. “....what are you trying to do, mom? Aside from behing the house’s guardian for a while, there must be a particular reason....right?”

Once again, she was caught red-handed in their impromptu battle of wits. “Sonny, you’re still as sharp as ever.”

“....and you’re still sharp yourself, mom.” He nodded in agreement, she is not to be underestimated.

“Well, anyway, the reason was that...” Her face become that of a frown, an expression Eric didn’t want to see. “....I want to visit your daddy...and to at least keep an eye on Joe. Because he might have noticed the news and might have gone to the capital to find Dave.”

Eric found Sylvia’s assessment to be straight on the spot. He nodded. “.....considering Joe’s job....I think having yourself keep up with the news of the world is pretty important...so...he had to have been there either before, right now or in the future.”

A snap of finger had indicated that his assumption was correct. “Exactly as I thought, sonny. Joe will find his way to Canterlot sooner or later, and I plan to have Reynard or Anna tell him to find us here. Who knows, our fellow team member might just find themselves flocking there, thinking to find us as well.”

“.....right, that will kill two birds with one stone as well as not waste precious time.”

“Where exactly are you going anyway, sonny?” She tilted her head, mimicking the curiosity of a child.

The million dollar question had been given, now it was up to the Hydreigon to answer, yet he came up blank. “....I still haven’t thought of that exactly. I still tried to find where’s the best place to search.”

This in turn, put Sylvia herself as she strained her brain to think up of a solution to this problem. A moment later and she slapped her hands together as took her gaze back to Eric. “I got it, sonny!”

“....you do, mom.” He wasn’t surprised, when it comes to smarts, they are equal. “....what is it anyway?”

“Manehattan, sonny. The biggest city in Equestria, best bet to find a good doctor is there, a thriving metropolis with lots of equipment that couldn’t be found anywhere else, right?”

Finding that his mother had the correct assessment, he nodded in agreement. “....that’s right, although that’s a big city, we’ll be there for a little while than probably expected.”

“And don’t forget to free your roster up to near zero. What’s with that being a big city and all, and without Pokeball, it will be quite a hassle, right?”

“.....that’s exactly what I just thought, mom.....how should we do this?” He put a head underneath his chin as he tried to think of the best answer. “....at the very least, I shouldn’t bring all of them into the train car, it will be cramped enough as it is with Sally’s own big stature. It’s best we keep this to only one companion, and one who could help find our way and locate their way back to us in such a big city.”

“You’re talking about Will, aren’t you?”

Nodding at her correct assessment, he continued. “....right, but I need to speak to Dawn first.”

“What for sonny?”

“.....she and Dominus have volunteered to come with me on this endeavour, which I don’t exactly guarantee finding the cure. They insisted anyway.”

The thought of such powerful loyalty had sparked the feeling of friendship within the Goodra. “Now that’s what I call a nice bunch of friends. How about I call Dawn here and we’ll discuss how to-“

“Huh, what?” Dawn confused voice rang out before said mare’s head poked into the kitchen. “....did someone call my name?”

“Speak of the Giratina!” Sylvia exclaimed as she rounded on the mare. “Dawn, what do you say that I’ll be the one to take care house, while you and sonny go do your thing out there, hmmm?”

Switching her gaze toward the Hydreigon beside the Goodra, he merely shrugged and said. “.....just leave it.”

And she did, for such questions will be hollow soon enough. Entering the kitchen proper, she faced the mother and son duo in a questioning gaze that spare no formalities. “So...leave the house to you...Sylvia?” She scratched her head at the prospect of leaving her house in the hands of another Pokemon. She didn’t even know how her house had remained intact through their trip to Canterlot.

“Of course, when it comes to house cleaning, you don’t have to look far because I’m the woman you’re looking for!” Sylvia said with utter confidence in her.

Now Dawn cursed herself for not thinking things through when she volunteered to accompany her stoic friend on his journey. “But, but-“

Her uncertainty reach greater levels, Eric felt the need to intervene.“....Dawn, one thing you should know. This time, it won’t be like both Sally or will, I guarantee that the house will be safe in my mom’s hand. And who knows, it might be more spotless than I could ever do in her hands.”

Hearing this bit of information, her eyeballs moved back and forth between mother and son. She scratched her head as she unable to come to a decision.

Even if she could, she found herself unable to say anything as a Goodra had leaned her face forward and smiled. “Like I said, dear, don’t worry. When it comes to house cleaning, I’m the woman for the job!” She said with pride.

Uncertain still, she switched her gaze toward the son for answers instead. All she had gotten was a simple nod telling her it was fine. Her defenses had been crippled and the son had dealt the final blow, she sighed. “Alright, alright, if you say so, I think I can believe you.”

“That’s good to hear, dear!” Sylvia had leaned back to clap her hands together, while her son simply nodded.

That leaves two questions for the mare, partly from her insatiable curiosity. “But...” She scratched her head for emphasis. “Where exactly are we going again, Eric? I haven’t exactly figured-“

“...Manehattan...” Eric answered simply.

Sylvia nodded excitedly. “That’s right. Manehattan, is the biggest city in all of Equestria, right? It will be a trove of hospital as well as library. I think finding information there where everyone flocks to sounds good to me. So I’m sure that will be the best place to start for you two.”

She wasn’t going to ask how the Goodra had known about Manehattan because Dawn’s mind was on the fact that she knew where the Goodra was going and she does have a point. “Uhhh....yeah, right.” A simple word and her question had been answered, now for the second one.

Hearing the question, Eric had glanced over to his mother, who has yet to lose her cheerful expression. Noticing the gaze given to her, she simply tilted her head forward.

In turn, Eric sighed as he braced himself. “....I think bringing Dominus with you would be a good idea, the ma...ponypower can be of a help, and he is your partner, he could protect you. As for me, I think it’s best to avoid a full team, it might bring unwanted attention to us and we might lose each other in a big city like Manehattan. So....I choose to bring Will with us.”

The second one had been answered, and she couldn’t believe it. Now she stared at her three-headed friend like he had grown another trio of head. “Wait, wait, wait, let me get this straight. You want us to go to Manehattan...with Will of all pon...pony...I mean,-“

“...Pokemon,” Both mother and son corrected.

“Right that, but bringing Will to a bustling metropolis with lots of ponies in there?” She shook her head while applying a hoof to the face at the absurdity of the idea. “Celestia, I couldn’t even imagine...” The mare trailed off.

The Hydreigon raised an eyebrow at the statement, and he pressed forward. “....don’t worry about him....because I’ll deal with him if he starts throwing sarcasm left and right.” He said ominously.

Somehow, the tone had brokered no argument and with an added secondary effect of sending chill down her spine. The Hydreigon can be so honest that it actually send shivers instead of sending wave of relief.

She nodded almost mechanically. “Uh, okay.” Dawn had smiled sheepishly while showing yet another view of her bad habit. “But when exactly do we leave anyway?”

Glancing over to his mother, she had left the decision making to her son once more. He sighed. “....tomorrow, we’ve been doing nothing for the last two days including this one. But, if you can and only if you had finished whatever you need to do, Dawn.” She tried to say something, yet a head has been held up to silence her. “....I think, this trip can wait a little bit if you still have business to take care of.”

For his troubles, Dawn had waved her forehoof back and forth in disagreement. “No, no, no, I’m fine. The client gave me a pretty long time to finish his order, so I don’t think that will be a problem.” A thought had occurred to her. “Unless, we’ll be spending a lot of time out there and going from one city to another then there won’t be a problem....” A look of horror flashed across her face when she realized the implication. “That’s....that’s not going to happen....is it?” Her uncertainty transformed into the form of a familiar head scratch.

Another glance to the Goodra later told each other what they needed, and Eric translated. “....no, we’ll be heading back and fro from our destination and back here. And with this,” Pulling a familiar golden ticket, he flashed it at Dawn knowing she’ll know. “I don’t think we’ll have any monetary problem when it comes to getting us tickets. Who knows, it might even reserve us VIP seats.”

Sylvia tilted her head back and forth as her eyes scanned the golden ticket for anything that might come across as strange. None could be spotted that she knew of, more importantly, this topic was not

The gaze had penetrated deep, yet his defenses stood. “.....I think it must’ve slipped my mind. Otherwise, something happened on the trip to Canterlot...more or less.”

Only someone sharp like Sylvia would notice the difference between half-truth and full truth. And now her son was speaking half-truth. She adopted her game face....which is her pleading look. “Sonny.....” Sylvia sing-songed in order to find the truth the motherly way.

The stoic wall crumbled. He sighed at how easy Sylvia to worn down his walls. “.....alright, what I meant to say is....on the trip to Canterlot, it turned into a nightmare. We encountered Fox for the third time and ended up assisting in the capture of a crime lord. Because of that, we were summoned to the owner of the Equestria Railways then we were given this as compensation for our troubles.”

Jumping headfirst into danger was her her son’s most recognizable demeanor. But she felt he wasn’t telling her everything, but being cryptic has always been her son’s attitude, so it was better than nothing. “Hmmm, oh well, I guess it couldn’t be helped now. But of course...” Sylvia trailed off to let the implication sink in.

Of course, Eric read her and deftly caught on what she was trying to say. “....right.” He nodded.

Not knowing what just happened, Dawn was more than willing to let it slide if it means not getting in the way between a mother and a son. The feeling stems partly from her unwillingness being in the spotlight for too long.

After the wordless exchange, the mother and son’s gazes had returned to Dawn, much to her displeasure. “So, Dawn, what do you say?”

She sighed at her pointless chatters, her friend had this all figured out after all. “Okay, first, I’m gonna talk to Dominus about this....”

“Of course, Dawn, take your time. Me and sonny, won’t be going anywhere now, won’t we?” Glancing knowingly at her son, he gave a simple nod. “See?”

“Okay. By the way, other than that I agree.”

“.....I’m going to talk to Will. I’ll talk with you two again later.” Wordlessly, Eric had left the room.

Giggling, Sylvia spoke. “Always the unpredictable. That’s my son to you.”

Unsure what to do, Dawn decided that a head scratch was pretty viable. “Uh...right. I guess I’ll talk to Dominus now.” Once more, she mentally cursed herself at her lame excuse.

Before she could leave the kitchen, she had heard Sylvia call out to her. “Dawn,” Stopping herself, she had glanced over her shoulder. “Thank you by the way.”

Frowning, she replied. “For what?” Dawn’s tone switched to her curt one.

“For going with my sonny on his endeavour. That’s so sweet of you by the way, I’m glad you two get to be friends.”

Not expecting a thank you as well as compliment, Dawn resolved to smile and nod. “No problem, Sylvia.”

With that she left, door left open.

Seeing, she had killed two birds with one stone, now was to take care of the third bird. Skipping over to the door, she poked her head out to see her Garchomp had taken his pose next to the doorway again with arms folded.

A single look later, and Kenneth had known what it was he desired. That is to talk.

“So what do you say, Kenny?”

Once Dawn had agreed upon the decision the mother and son duo had cooked up, Sylvia had vacated the premises for a one-on-one with her Garchomp, Kenneth. After explaining the status quo on her faithful partner, now she awaits for his decision.

Said Garchomp was still heavy in thoughts, his trainer was given the answer soon enough. “....I agree on your assessment, Sylvia.” Kenneth had agreed on his trainer’s decision. “After all, it will help us in the long run. I shall assume that you need.”

“Please, Kenny?” She put on her best pleading face, eyes closed and a smile in place, coupled with the palm of her hands stuck together in front of her.

How could he say no to such a face...he could, actually, but he was compelled to obey due to her being his trainer. “Of course, you can leave the matter to me. I shall travel to Canterlot early the moment the sun peaked on the horizon.”

“Perfect.” The Garchomp was rewarded with a solid pat on the shoulder. “I’ll be counting on you with this.”

“Do not worry, Sylvia. I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for Joe.” He made sure to flex his shoulder after that muscle-numbing slap. He could never knew how her son had gotten used to it. “By the way, I hear that Eric will be leaving soon?”

“Yeah, you heard right, Kenny.” Staring at the back door leading into the house, she couldn’t help but thought of how her son was going to handle such endeavour, she could only pray to Arceus for his blessing.

“For what reason exactly does he felt the need to leave? I didn’t find the appropriate one.” The Garchomp folded his arms as he awaits his answer.

But what answered him was a frowning expression instead. “Oh, Kenny, I really hope that you stopped being so serious at times. You’re quickly becoming like sonny, you know.” Her frown made one wanting to kneel and beg for an apology.

The Garchomp could not believe she said that thus administered one faceclaw to the face. “The last thing I need to let down my guard when I’m supposed to keep you out of trouble.”

Hearing that, Sylvia quickly adopted the expression of innocence, smiles and all that. “Aww, Kenny, c’mon, what’s wrong with a little relaxation every now and then. Now, smiiiile!”

The second faceclaw was properly applied onto Kenneth’s face. How did the conversation gone from his trainer’s son to his demeanor he would never know.

Much to his blessings, Sylvia corrected the course of the topic back into it’s previous one. “Anyway, you don’t need to worry about that. I’ve already talked to sonny about that, and I’m sure that he won’t be doing it again anytime soon.”

“Yes, I never did continue our conversation, with what you have done so in my stead, Sylvia.” Kenneth wasn’t surprised, because he knew that as a mother, Sylvia is very dependable.

“So you’ve heard everything then, Kenneth?” A simple nod answered her. “That makes things easier then.”

“Indeed,” One thought came that concerns the well-being of Sylvia’s son. “Though, may I ask something?”

“Hmm, I don’t remember giving you to command to ask me for permission.” The Goodra held up a finger as she spoke. ”Rule number one, Kenny, dear, no need for permission, Kenny. Ask away.”

Said Garchomp resisted the temptation to apply another faceclaw. Instead, he just asked. “Will Eric be travelling alone? If that’s the case, then shouldn’t we-“

“No, he won’t.” Kenneth was abruptly cut off. “And if he did, then this mommy needs to give him another talk.” She patted her own chest for emphasis, face still adopted a smile.

Nodding, Kenneth continued. “And the second one. What exactly does Eric hope to accomplish by doing such a travel?”

“Oh, he’s just going to traverse this country to search for something to cure Dave, nothing more nothing less.” As if she didn’t say something unbelievable, her face was still as sunny as ever.

“Sylvia, did you just say what I thought you just said?” Kenneth made sure to strain his hearing as to ensure his ears had not tricked him.

“Yep!” Her childishness went through the roof. She hoped Kenneth would agree.

“Such a journey won’t be easy, not by any standard. It will be long and a hard one.” He knew that Sylvia of all people knew, with what being a trainer and all, it takes dedication. “And it won’t guarantee a cure can be found.”

As much as she didn’t want to admit it, Kenneth was right. Three years searching for something back in their own world, and they came up empty.

Her frown was that of a hurt child, it made Kenneth wanting to apologize. “I’m not really sure either. All I did was give him advice, nothing more. The rest is up to him.”

“You’ve done what you could do. And you were right on the latter, the rest is up to him now. I know enough that he seems to have inherited his stubbornness from his mother, he won’t do any half-measures.” He chuckled at the reminder of that fact the his trainer back then is very stubborn. “Although, like you, I do worry for his general health.”

“Me too, Kenny,” Gazing over her shoulder, she could hear the beginning of another argument once she strained her hearing and blocked everything else.

Inwardly, she had hoped that her son maybe, just maybe discovered something that may assist them in curing Dave from his state between life and death. “I do hope that he finds something.” As if her heart was screaming out for help, she put her hands on it.

“Trust your son, Sylvia. Trust him, just like you always did. He had pulled through many troubles before, what’s to stop him from doing so again?” As much as Kenneth wanting to agree, the last thing he need is to have his trainer doubt herself on top of her son doing so himself. “He will need us, now more than ever and I shall pray to Arceus to bless him on his journey later on.”

Hearing her life-long partner says that made her frown thrown out the window. “Aww, Kenny, you’re so sweet.” Before Kenneth could sigh in annoyance, she continued. “But thanks for caring anyway.”

“Don’t mention it, Sylvia. Now come, I’m sure that they awaits us.” He brushed past Sylvia and opened the door before going inside.

Before she could follow, the strangest urge to look up at the sky was there and she followed it. Now she was staring at the clear blue skies that is

Knowing that being in the dumps won’t help, she resolved to exterminate every last self-doubt in herself as well as her son. She knew she will need every confidence if he were to follow through.

And thus, she re-entered the house to make sure things are in order.

The day of departure has arrived which is today. Exactly as planned, the four, Eric, Will, Dawn and Dominus arrived at the train station early in the morning the moment they had sated their hunger. Just as they wished, there are hardly any crowd that would hinder them.

A conductor doing his morning shift, spotted the group of Pokemon and one mare was heading right for him. But he sees that they passed straight from the ticket booth and held his hoof up in the process.

“I’m sorry….sir...and...ma’am.” He was unsure of their gender, but continued regardless. “I’m going to have you to check into the boo-”

Instead of replying to his request, Eric simply held up the ticket he would need to secure a ride to his and his companion’s destination.

“Sir, is that?” Shaking his head, he held out a hoof. “Can I see that, please?” What he requested fluttered onto his hoof as he do a quick check over to ensure it was legit.

Knowing a real Golden Ticket when he sees one, the conductor resumed his posture and addressed. “I see you have a Golden Ticket, sir! That would mean, free ride for all that accompanies you. Which class would you like to take?”

Dawn was...unsure, as this is the first time she was offered a class instead of the usual ones she took. Taking a sideway glance at everyone else, she tried to confirm what they wished. “So, guys…..what exactly do you want for a carriage?” She scratch her head in nervousness.

“.....I’ll take whatever that you wished, Dawn.” Eric shrugged, not caring for their seating in the slightest.

“What the brooder had graciously said for us….” Will waved off nonchalantly.

“....But if you want, considering this a free ride, we could get a VIP seating.” Dawn Hydreigon friend finished.

Perking up at the prospect, Dominus squealed excitedly. “Yeah, VIP sounds good, dude.” His face went all dreamy.

That...never cross her mind

“Well….okay.” Turning to face the conductor with the decision, she stated. “I think we’ll take VIP, sir.”

Nodding at the request, he gestured for them to follow. “Follow me, please.” He trotted off toward the back most of the carriages.

The four looked at each other before following the pony conductor. They found him waiting beside the doorway leading into a single carriage, although just a few glances inside through the windows let them know it was not a regular carriage.

The pony presented the carriage with a hoof. “Here we are!” He smiled before letting said hoof slid the door open into the carriage for theirs to take. “Please call me if you have any question. Excuse me.” He politely led himself off their backs.

“So, this is where we’ll be staying for the ride?” Dominus poked his head inside to find that the structure was….more than he could imagine.

Inside, there two two sofas that faced each other along with a table with the image of the sun and a moon and a few seats just beside one of the windows with a great view to the countryside. The sun and the moon also found it’s way into the designs of the carpet the covers the floor of the carriage.

All in all, this made the Braviary a happy mon.

“Happy for you too, kid.” Will snarked off outside.

“......c’mon, let’s get inside.” Eric said from behind them as they all agreed.

“Sonny!”

Eric didn’t need to turn around to know whose voice it is. Glancing over his shoulder, he found jackpot, a familiar Goodra was sprinting toward their location.

“Wait up!” The equivalent of a Rhyhorn was closing in on him fast.

Turning around, Eric stood his ground unflinching, his other companions, however, was growing unsure and starting to step backward a little to ensure safety.

“Uhh….Eric,” She called out, growing more concerned as the seconds went by. “I think we should-”

“....no,” He shook his head as he awaits his mother’s arrival. “We don’t need to this time.”

It was proven a few seconds later that Dawn’s concern was not necessary and this time, Sylvia’s brake was functional therefore was able to stop in time right in front of the unconcerned Hydreigon to make sure she didn’t create a heap of Pokemon and one mare under her.

Without appearing the least bit winded, Sylvia quickly reached toward her back before shoving something toward Eric. “You didn’t carry this!”

The thing she meant, revealed to be a saddlebag, only with a longer strap which should be suitable for a normal bag for any humanoid Pokemon.

“.....mom, I don’t think I’ll-” His mouth promptly shut by an admonishing finger.

“Then how will you carry some stuff, hmmm?” She tilted her head knowingly before removing her finger from his mouth.

Eric knew when it’s time to surrender, it was now. “....if you say so mom.” He sighed before taking the saddlebag and secured it across his shoulder. “....by the way, what’s inside. I know enough about you, mom, that you will disguise something.”

Sylvia let out a hum before putting both hands on her hips. “You got that right, inside you’ll find your daddy’s pocket watch.

Eric frowned at her actions. The last thing he remembered was that it was supposed to be secure in Dawn’s home, definitely not out here.

“....mom, I’ll take the saddlebag, but definitely not dad’s pocket watch. It’s too precious to us all to be risked.” Just as he was about to reach inside the saddlebag and grab said pocket watch, and a hand prevented him from doing so.

“Your daddy would want you to have it, you know?” Sylvia hoped that her son would get the implication.

And he did, without another word, he took the pocketwatch. Giving it a lookover before he let out a small smile directed at his mother. “.....then I’ll look after it for him when he comes back.”

She practically beamed the moment she saw the smile alone. “Come here.” Her arms found themselves around her son and hugged. “Be careful, sonny. I mean it, mommy, don’t want you to break promises now.” She patted his back.

He returned her pat and embraced the feeling of closeness. “....you too, mom.”

Dawn smiled at the heartwarming scene while Dominus folded his wings against his chest. The only exception was Will, who made a gagging gesture against the ground.

“All Express Railway attendant, trains will be leaving soon. Please attend to your seats!”

As much as Eric loved to be in this motherly embrace, he knew it’s time. “.....I have to go, mom.”

“I know, just let mommy get a few seconds of hug.” Sylvia smiled, letting her son go a few seconds later. “There you go, sonny. Take care now.” Before he could even float into the carriage, his cheek was patted. “Have I ever told you that you’re the best son ever?”

“....you already did.” He floated backward just before his arm slid the VIP carriage doors close, but not without a few parting words. “....several times even before this. I’m….sorry…...if I couldn’t be the son you always imagined to be, mom.”

Her face quickly adopted a cute mask of innocence. “What are you talking about, sonny?” A train whistle quickly drowned out the surround sounds, causing the need to speak up. “You will always be my perfect son!”

Another whistle and the sound of train engine starting and several loud hiss followed. The train, slowly, but surely starting to move itself down the rail tracks.

“CAREFUL, SONNY! AND STAY OUT OF TROUBLE YOU HEAR!?”

His reply, instead of words, was a mere nod, but it was enough to convince the Goodra. She skipped across the station to let out a few finals wave to see her son off just as the train finally got out of the reach of the station and toward it’s destination.

She stopped herself at the edge of the station, staring at the carriage her son was in as it slowly becoming more and more of a dot instead of a locomotive. The only sound that accompanies her was a series of footfalls, indicating that someone was approaching.

It was Kenneth, arms folded and staring at the distant locomotive. “Trust in him, Sylvia. He’s stronger than he looks.”

“I know, Kenny.” Sylvia smiled by knowing how her son had grown so much. But she had other business to attend to, and she’s not going to break promises now if not ever. “Anyway!” Her right arm reared back.

A pat on the back that nearly popped his eyeballs caught Kenneth off-guard. He rubbed the spot where the pat had nearly send him doubling over as he stared at the source of his discomfort in bemusement.

If she had noticed his stare, then the Goodra didn’t show it. She merely smiled with hands behind her back. “C’mon, Kenny, we got work to do, two Pokemons to meet, etc. No time to waste!” And she skipped off, almost leaving him behind, but she spun around again to re-face him. “C’mon, Kenneth! Don’t just stand there!”

The Garchomp merely sighed at his trainer’s wild nature, otherwise smiled before moving at a reasonable pace to rejoin her.

Play this as the second closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoomnFqserc

Chapter 20 : The City That Never Sleeps

View Online

What would any of us do should we saw what we would call....injustice in front of us? Help them or leave them be? Most people would go for the former as the answer because to serve justice. But as far as I know, there is no such thing as justice in this world of ours when one thing after another had been let off for variety of reasons including the most petty ones. Only the right thing matters anymore in this world....world where the illusion of peace exist - Eric Angelo

Play this as the second opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G167-ZBmlIw

“So….” Dawn stepped to one of the windows in their VIP Lounge, idly watching as the countryside pass by. “What do we do now?”

Hearing her question, Eric answered. “…..now, we just wait until we arrive at our destination.”

A huff was heard beside him, revealing itself to be Will who haughtily crossed his arm. “Oh, you hear that Lady Dawn? Wait, the magic word has been given, that is just fantastic.“ Shaking his head at the notion, he leaned backward to gaze at the roof. “Now, please excuse this gentlemen while I take my power nap.” Without another word, his mind left the waking world.

Seeing this all from his seat, Dominus couldn’t help, but sigh at the absurdity that is the Reuniclus. “I still don’t understand how you can even stand this grandpa.”

Out of nowhere, a bubbly arm was raised in defiance to what is said just now. “Thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it a lot.” The reply made by the half-delirious Reuniclus only serve for Dawn and Dominus apply their respective appendages into their faces. Nonetheless, Dominus looked at Eric for answers

And Eric’s silence was all the reply Dominus received, minus the raise of eyebrow.

Getting the hint, the Braviary passed it off as another phenomenon of nature. “Okay, rhetorical question, dude. I’ll stop now.” Leaning his head back into the seat, he found that the VIP Seat is soft and plush compared to the regular seating which was made of less enjoy-worthy material. He had done the same thing Dawn did and gazed out into the expanse countryside to rid himself of boredom. It didn’t help as much as he had wished.

Dawn, ever the uncomfortable toward all things silence, made her fidget and would restlessly move her eyeballs back and forth toward one thing to another.

This hadn’t gone unnoticed by either Eric or Dominus who had spend an extended period around her to get a gist of her general behaviour. However, Eric sensed what is coming and decided to play along for now. After all, conversations was not his strongest suit.

And the Braviary made his move. “Say, dude?”

It has began, so Eric had to act clueless. “….hmmm?”

“What are we going to do once arrived at Mane-what’s it name again?”

Even at day one, Dominus had trouble memorizing the sometimes ridiculous names of any famous locations in this place.

“…..Manehattan.” Both Dawn and Eric offered simultaneously, causing the former to look at him incredulously

“Yeah, whatever, I’m not exactly as smart as you are, dude.”

“….how about we make sure we know where we stay first?” He suggested. “….after that, we can plan our next move there.”

That suggestion only made a visible frown on Dominus’ voice. “I thought we’re going to go searching over there and here and everywhere when we stepped off the train. Was there a change of plans no one told me about?”

“……I didn’t say that. Manehattan is a big city, we can take our time there. And travelling from Point A to B takes a lot out of you, so staying at the hotel the moment we arrived should get rid of any exhaustion we have.”

“I can agree with that, dude.” Nodding, he turned to Dawn for confirmation. “What do you say, partner? That sounds good?”

Scratching her head in contemplation, it didn’t take much to convince her. “Alright, I guess we’ll be finding a place to stay first.” Dawn hadn’t thought this trip through, glad to know her three-headed friend had done it in her place.

“….are you sure, Dawn?” The last thing he needed was to take her hostess for granted when she had already gone through all this trouble to help.

“No, no, no, I can ask around again, see what everyone knows.” Dawn offered, remembering the time she played tour guide back at the capital.

He found he couldn’t argue, what with Dawn being the only pony around who could immediately understand Poke Speak. “….alright.”

The uncomfortable silence had returned within the carriage when none of the passengers inside had more to say. Resulting, in another anxiety attack on Dawn’s part.

The urge to rub his head returned full force, which he didn’t give into. “…..Dawn, look. You could sleep it all off. Your anxiety should be gone that way.”

The reaction she had made include blush and jaw drop at being found out.

“Dude has a point, Dawn. Besides, I’m beat, and no way I’m gonna stay up for the rest of the ride.” He made his point known by letting himself fall backward onto the plush sofa.

Unsure once more, she scratched her head. “Uh….oookay?”

“…..just relax, Dawn, nothing good can come out of anxiety.”

That gaze had the desired effect instead of another bout of nervousness. She sighed in submission. “Okay, okay, you’re right. I’ll try to relax. Might as well sleep too while I’m at it.”

“…..go do that, Dawn. Sleep is the best way to forget troubles.” Although, he wouldn’t mention it, at times his sleep was haunted by his dark times back then.

“Sweet, dude, you’ll be joining us too?” A nod answered him. “Then this Braviary needs a power nap, and this time, please wake me up when something exciting comes up.….I can’t believe I said what grandpa had said.” Head now laid down, his soft snores could be heard.

Dawn had to chuckle at the cuteness of it all. Her partner can be downright cute at times, as said by Sylvia. But now, she was going to sleep, exhausted or not because anxiety is her greatest enemy at the moment. “I’m gonna turn myself in. It’s still a long ride anyway.” She repositioned herself so that she will be tucked into the seat proper, in the same manner as a cat would.

“Also, what Dominus said, wake us up if something happens, okay?”

“….alright.”

“Thanks, Eric. Go get some sleep.” Her head laid down next, and she drifted into sleep.

All that is left is now for their final friend to join up with them, for Will had already slept in advance. But not without one last thing to be confirmed.

Eric turned his gaze to Dawn, to Dominus, then finally to Will. Their eyes shut tight, indicating they are now in unconsciousness land. With privacy on his side, jammed a head into his saddlebag to swipe a certain something.

That something was a familiar golden pocketwatch belongs to his father. Just seeing it alone brought what little comfort he hadn’t felt once he left his mother’s embrace.

With a click, the lid popped open to reveal a complex and mostly ornate designs on the inner side of the lid as well as under the transparent glass that showed roman numerals instead of regular numerics. Even the clock hands were modeled after the wings of a Swanna. The opened lid only not revealed that, but something else in the form of a fluttered paper that is attached to the inner side of the lid.

Reflexively, he swiped the fluttered thing before it could escape his reach. The moment he did said action, he saw what appears to be a piece of the folded paper and unfolded the lower half. Familiarity washed over once that part reached out toward something in his memory, then relief at knowing his suspicions were confirmed true. It was still there.

“…..I thought this was gone forever…..with how many human belongings had disappeared the moment they appeared here, that’s not a very fair assumption.” With that in mind, he understood why the photo was brought along. “…..pinned inside the pocket watch during the exodus….and it was brought along as well. Lucky enough, it was true. Wish I had checked this earlier.”

Unfolding the picture, it was still the same as he had thought. It brought back happy memories, but it also brought along unwanted ones that he wanted to forget. Most of all, concern for a certain someone he hadn’t reunited with.

“….where are you now? …..he should be fine, worrying about him won’t solve anything anyway.”

Paper folded once more and secure in grip of his right mouth, he sighed in content. “…..I know he’ll be fine.” Gazing out the window revealed it was still meadows as far as the eye can see, with the occasional forest. “….I should get some rest, it’ll be a long road ahead otherwise.”

Head leaned backward, he began to drift away into unconsciousness, knowing that someone would be fine in the end. “…..you better be okay.”

And he joined his companion in their dreamless sleep.

“Uhhnngg….”

Dawn couldn’t do it, no matter how much she shut her eyelids away from the world.

Looking at the clock, she found out it was a few minutes past 5. Hours now she had been drifting in and out of consciousness during this whole trip, and it only renew her exhaustion with each awakening.

Looking at her companion, Dawn found that they are still able to sleep soundly. “How can they sleep so easily at a time like this?” She scratched her own head as a result before trying to fight down the tinge of annoyance that they could find rest easy even a time like this and for her own fault for unable to rest knowing that there are still tension in the atmosphere.

Then, a slight quake from a faulty rail-line rocked the carriage they were in slightly, but otherwise nothing harmful had occurred. However, one thing fell out of place, and that is a paper in the grip of Eric’s head. The previous tremor had dislodged it’s secure grip thus allowing it to flutter free about.

It fell to the carpet in front of her, with all of this, Eric was still deep in his slumber.

She tried to tore her gaze away from the tempting object, but it was little to no avail. Her curiosity had won over in the end. “Ah, to Tartarus with it.” Trotting over, she swiped the picture with her mouth before unfolding it.

Dawn bore witness of what appears to be….unknown to her at the moment. It’s a picture what appears to be….ape-like thing wearing all kinds of shirts. One was obviously female, if the long blonde mane and feminine features were of any indication. The second was another who wore some sort of…leather? It made her inwardly gag at the mere notion, but thankfully she quickly tore her gaze to take a gander of his short and spiky mane. The third was obviously wearing a silky trenchcoat of some kind of the deepest black, having the same blonde mane as the female. For the finale, the fourth, had the same color of mane as the second one, but his mane was purposefully grown and wore some sort of suit with a tie and a scarf fitted into his dress shirt.

The second thing caught her eyes was….it made her eyes widen at the background which revealed to be “Wow, this looks…looks….what was the word for it?” Cursing herself at her moments of confusion, she silently wished Eric was there to finish her sentences.

The third thing that’s relevant above the space-like background was the words etched into the upper part of the photo, it says, ‘Forever, we shall be. Toward Eternity!’. There are also a sun rising in the background that lit up the whole image.

She flipped, turned the picture over to see what other secrets it had in store. Little did she know that there’s a gaze that bore down her back, so he made his presence known. “….Dawn.”

Startled at the voice that had greeted her, she rounded up on the Hydreigon who had revealed himself to be awake. Her mouth sagged with relief when she thought a hostile force had come. “Eric, Celestia, don’t do that. You scared me!” Her hoof made it’s way to her chest to calm her raging pump of life.

If he had regret, Eric didn’t show it. “…..sorry.”

“Wait, wait, wait, how long have you been watching me?

“…..long enough…but five minutes if you want to know specifics.”

His honestly was like a brutal prod to the spine and she shivered, indeed. “Ooookay…..” She was unsure what to say, so she scratched her head.

Then his gaze turned toward the object Dawn had in her possession, the photograph. “…can I have that back?”

Noticing, the item he required, she scratched her head in nervousness. “

“….it’s okay, you were as curious as ever, I can’t get angry over that.”

Now that he had mentioned it, Dawn realized one thing. “Sometimes I wonder if you even get angry at all.” During the time he stays, not once was she shown ever losing his temper, the status quo remained even now.

She wasn’t given the benefit of an answer because Eric’s decision to stay silence, only his gaze directed at the photograph telegraphed his desire. So, she reached out the hoof that had the photograph on it for Eric to take. And he did, he took it.

However, her curiosity didn’t end there by deciding to push her luck. “What is that anyway?”

“……hmmm?” Eric had a feeling he knows what she wanted.

“What is that photograph really? They appears to be…I don’t know.” she scratched her head in her confusion.

“….I guess I should just tell her right now and get it over with. It’ll be better in the long-run.” Eric muttered to himself in thought.

Noticing his self-indulgement mode, Dawn stayed quiet and let him be for the time being.

She didn’t have to wait long. “….if you want to know, that’s a family photo. A human family.” He decided to left out a certain part to the photo’s creation, because he figured she wouldn’t have sufficient knowledge to understand the concept of editing.

But her mind decided things were too much in the zone of unknown to be left out. “But, but,” She pointed a hoof at the photograph. “The background! How can they stand in space!?”

“….it had come to this….but explaining things….will be difficult.” He sighed at the irreparable situation he was put in. “……..Maybe I should tell her about who is in the photo as well if she decided to ask. Better to finish things now.”

“…..it’s complicated to explain, but….let’s just say that it was not exactly in space per se. The photo background was….changed.” He was satisfied he came up with a synonim for ‘edit’. “ And we do have the technology to do it.”

Her expression was as expected, it’s a combination of shock and a jaw drop.

Seeing her expression, he decided to not break her further, so resolved to get things back on track. “….anyway, that’s not the point, what is it exactly that you want to know about to photo?”

“I….uhhhh…” She shook her head to gather her scattered wits and thought about what she wanted to know. She had one thing in mind. “Who are they in the photo?”

The silence had been most uncomfortable for Dawn, fearing she had said something that she shouldn’t again.

But Eric, noticing her distress, made his answer quickly. “….they are…..my family and myself…as a human.”

The atmosphere grew silence. It took a while before Dawn had processed the information that had been shoved into her face.

So she did the only thing she could do right now, widen her eyes to the size of dinner plates. “WHAT!?”

Even with the startling yell of revelations, Eric didn’t as much as flinch as he took a stock of her chaotic emotions.

“Wait, wait, wait, let me get this straight, that…” She pointed a hoof at the picture held in Eric’s right head. “Is your family? But, but…how?”

Raising an eyebrow, he sighed before stating calmly. “….human, I’m a human once….I did mention once, I was a human, so of course, that extends to my family. Although, other than that, I think pure Pokemon outnumber us humans here.”

Now that she thought about it, it was during their first meeting. How could she forget that? She scratched her head sheepishly. “Sorry about that, must’ve slipped my mind.”

“…..it’s not a problem.” The photo was quietly slipped away into his saddlebag for safekeeping. “….is there anything else you want to know?”

She frowned the moment she heard the offer. Thinking that family were all about privacy. “Wait a minute, are you even sure about that?” Dawn wasn’t about to make herself another source of embarrassment should she asked the wrong questions.

“….better to do it now than later. I don’t want to delay.” He shrugged, not caring either way.

His reasonings is sound. So, she nodded, plus this gets to satisfy her cat-like curiosity. “So…..which one exactly are you?”

She recalled the image of a leather clad, spiky-maned man with the color of an oakwood. “That was….you?” Dawn was unsure what to say.

Only his nod of confirmation confirms her theory. She figured out the other one easy enough, for one to possess such a long mane would means female, and that also means, she’s Sylvia. The other two, she’s quite unfamiliar, but one of them bounds to be his dad.

Dawn, however, feared whatever repercussions if she allowed her mouth to run. So, she decided to stay quiet for the time being.

But it was revealed to be a wise decision, because Eric is a sharp person, he would be able to detect whatever her desire from expressions alone. He did that, yet he didn’t say a thing.

The mare sagged herself into the seat as she stared out the window toward the rolling hills of the countryside with Eric. The other two Pokemon was still sleeping soundly which means, the foreboding silence returned full force to gnaw at her being.

Uncomfortable once more, Dawn did whatever she could to rid herself of this silence of an atmosphere. “I need to ask something, Eric.”

A simple glance was made her way. “….what is it?”

She opened her mouth to say something, yet nothing came out. Dawn wanted to start a conversation, but had no means to start it’s course. Then one question popped out, her mouth moved. “Eric, do you think that we will find whatever we’re looking for here?” Only now did she realize what she had said, and covered her mouth once more.

Her reply was silence for a few seconds, then answer. “…..I won’t put much hope into it. But I will hope….just this one time, that thing will go our way. We need it.”

It won’t take a genius to sense the slight distress in his tone because Dawn had sensed it. Removing her hooves from her mouth, she solemnly nodded. “Well, for your dad, I’ll help.”

Inwardly, he was glad she says that. He didn’t know if he had the strength needed to bear the worst if it came. “…..thanks, Dawn, I really appreciate it.”

“No problem, you’ve always helped me, now it’s my turn to-“

She promptly cut off by a faint hiss in the distance and the booming sound of static in the PA system. Then a mare’s voice leaked through. “All passengers….”

“Huh, what?” Dominus, still in his delirious state, rubbed his eyes to glare at the offending sound.

But the PA system continued despite the glare that could burn and melt it away. “We have arrived at our destination, all those who intend to get off here, don’t forget your bags and children. Thank you for riding Express Railway, have a nice day, folks.” Then the static comms had disappeared.

Will himself had woken up much more gracefully than Dominus, but himself also uncomfortable at the rude awakening. “Yeah, real smooth ride. Real smooth awakening too, can’t wait to ride here again.”

Once he glared enough time, he turned his groggy eyes toward Eric. “So, dude, that means we’re here?”

But his friend didn’t return the stare, only an answer was given. “….it is, Dominus. We’re finally at Manehattan.” He gazed out into the ever expansive city.

“…..so this is the city of Manehattan.” Seeing it in pictures was nothing compared to witnessing first hand as soon as they exited the train station and into the city proper.

“It is, Eric. Manehattan, the biggest city in Equestria.” She stepped forward to present what appears to be the gem of Equestria’s international affairs : Manehattan.

Skyscrapers that dotted the city skies that could number up to dozens. Ponies, griffons, minotaurs, and all sorts of species could be seen littering the streets up to hundreds or possibly more. Everywhere you go, there are no shortages of individuals that could greet you.

A whistle of appreciated came out of Will’s lips. “Need to give whoever brilliant architect who designed this place an award. Who designed this place? The queen of the sun?”

“Manehattan is also-“

“…..Manehattan, also called Big Apple right?” She opened her mouth just in time to see Eric cut off whatever explanation that build up her throat. But seeing he got things in hand, she stepped down. “The center of all international trading in Equestria. This city also numbered all the way to millions of inhabitants, above every other city in Equestria. It goes by another name, The City that Never Sleeps, because even after nightfall, anyone could see that the city would shine like a Christmas Tree. It’s also home to the famous Statue of Freedom by the Prance right?”

“…..And I think this is more or less the same like Castelia City, minus the statue.” He added, unknown to everyone present.

“What are you a tour guide, brooder?” Will decided this was the best time to decorate the scenes with sarcasm.

But everyone decided to outright ignore him, Dominus stepped forward to let out his eagle gaze upon the crowd. “Have to admit, though, dude, The City that Never Sleeps sure fits the name. This place looks lively and waaay packed!” Dominus saw ponies, and ponies as far as the eye can see.

“Thank you, sir! For stating the obvious.” Will just had to chuckle at the Braviary’s antics just as Dominus had to glare at his own.

“…..alright, we best get moving. Dawn,” Turning to face the mare, he addressed her. “Do you know which way to go or

“I’ll go ask around.” Flagging down a random pony from the streets, Dawn and him started yammering away of all sorts, well away from their current position.

“What are they saying? I Can’t hear a thing.” Dominus leaned side to side to get a grip of the conversation. It was useless, however, the rumble that is the crowd

“Pretty sure it says, lovey dovey all over the place.” Will made sure to gag as to emphasize said conversation.

“….she’s returning.” Eric had stated true, Dawn returned to them with a smile on her face.

“I know a hotel, it’s just down a few blocks from the station. That way!” All heads followed her hoof pointing to their right.

Not one to beat around the bush, Eric motioned for her. “…lead the way, Dawn. We’ll be right behind you.”

Unknown to the group, a crimson, slitted eyes had observed their movement carefully, before releasing a satisfied hiss.

Ever the sharp one, Eric noticed the gaze that drilled into his back. “….hmmm?” Glancing over the shoulder, baring the curious ponies who gazed his way fearfully every now and then, he found no source of his discomfort.

“Eric, dude!” A faint voice belonging to Dominus was heard over the rumbles of crowd.

“…hmmm?” Looking back forward, Dominus had waved his wings at him, gaining a few odd looks from fellow pedestrians.

“Dude, don’t just stand there and-“

“I’m happy to know that you are spending our time by standing around like a statue, but aren’t we on business?” Will crossed his arm haughtily.

Dominus glared at Will for stealing and modifying his line.

Hearing their shout, he glanced backward to ensure no harm would come their way before floating forward to catch up.

“…..is this the hotel, we’re looking for?” Eric asked, meanwhile, he took note of the structure and decorations at heart.

The hotel was quite simplistic yet charming with it’s rustic grey walls. Balconies were visible on every wall, and through every corner of the hotel itself and ponies flooding in and out of the building in droves. And finally, the signs which had been carefully and beautifully made says, ‘Starlight Hotel’ in Italic with every curves made clear to emphasize grace.

“….let’s get inside, then.” Dawn nodded, and led the way once more.

The group made their way inside, and of course, this move caused the same amount of attention to be made their way with every guest that had converged in the lobby. It causes anxiety for the bat pony of the group while the others were walking straight as if the gazes were not to be worried.

Nonetheless, the group managed to find their way to the front desk. Dawn slammed her hoof onto the bell and comes in the receptionist.

Although the receptionist was to always maintain his composure at all times when addressing a guest, but this one caused said well-developed composure to go out to lunch. Just seeing the Pokemon this new guest had brought along caused him to earn his own fur cold sweats and they were supposedly a normal sight by now.

Resuming his professional posture, the staff quickly asked. “Good afternoon, welcome to the Starlight Hotel. How may I assist you, miss?”

“I’d like a room for…uh…” Turning around, she made a simple mental math before resuming the conversation. “Room for four.”

“Of course, madam. What type of room would you and your friends would like to have?”

“I would like us to have, uh….” Now she wondered if she brought enough bits for this trip, but just to be safe. “Standard. Standard should do fine.”

“Do you have or need any request that we could provide in the future?”

Unsure about that, she turned again toward the decision-maker. A head shake from Eric emphasized that it was not necessary. Dawn shook her head at the receptionist. “No, we don’t need one.”

“Ah, yes, please excuse me for a moment, madam.” The The company of guest just stood silently to await for the receptionist’s return and he did moments later with a smile to boot. “Thank you for waiting, miss. We happen to have a room that will certainly suit your needs. It’s in the second floor, but still offer a wide view nonetheless. Room 212 to be precise, would you like to take it?”

Glancing over her shoulder, a nod from Eric, an equivalent of thumbs up from Dominus and a shrug from Will was all she needed. Smiling, she nodded at the pony. “Right, we’ll take it.”

“Here is the key, madam.” Said keys were in sets and dropped onto the table. Dawn picked it up. “Please return it to us should you happen to go out to ensure safety and privacy.”

Taking the keys in hoof and securing it in her saddlebag, she nodded her thanks. “Thanks for the help, sir.”

“You’re welcome, madam. Would you care for a bellboy to escort you?” The pony indicated toward a smiling grey pony with a red uniform.

Turning around for confirmation, instead she was met with a simple shake of a head from Eric.

“No need, we can find our way just fine. It’s in the second floor, so it wouldn’t be too hard.”

“In that case,” The receptionist courteously bowed. “I bid all of you farewell. I hope all of you would enjoy during the duration of your stay.”

Eric nodded his thanks as well as Dawn before the group vacated from their spot in front of the desk. The receptionist let out the breath he had unknowingly stowed inside his lungs.

With that done, they made their way upstairs for the lack of elevator in Equus. It wasn’t long before they reached their desire floor, the second floor of the building and in a hallway with many doors littering each side.

All members of the group except Will kept their heads on a swivel to make sure that they don’t miss the room assigned to them.

Dominus’ eyes caught onto something and called. “Hey, guys.” He had halted unknowingly, causing the other three went on ahead without him. But hearing his call, they returned and stared at the object that caught his interest. “You think this is it, dude?”

Just seeing the numbers alone confirmed it for Eric. Room 212. “…..it is.”

Now with the room in front of them, Dawn quickly took out the keys and clicked them into place within the lock. And a click later, the door was unlocked to them and they bore witness what’s inside.

A simple, yet lovely room, just like the rest of the hotel was there. As per their request, inside they found twin beds, that are enough to house all four of them. A balcony on the far side would give them a wide view of the surrounding area.

Nonetheless, this room would be good enough for their purposes. Not too over-the-top and not too bad either.

“So what do we do now, dude?” Squawking at the soft mattress, he made sure his perch was comfortable before continuing. “We’re in the hotel now, so planning our next move and all that?”

“…..not yet, as sort of a….ritual that we arrive at a new place for an extended period of time, I always do recon.”

“Wait, you do?”

“For real?”

Both mare and partner said simultaneously. This in turn led them to stare at each other.

Lucky enough, Eric’s voice broke them out of the trance. “…..I am.” Eric had said, before he spun around to head for the doorway. “….as I said, I’m going to take a look around.

“I could come and help, dude. Just let me get his off and-” He struggled to secure the saddlebags strap within his beak while his talons clicked closer to Eric.

But a held up head prevent him from travelling further. “…..there’s no need for that, I can handle this one myself if I lack a team member to do reconnaissance.”

“Are you sure about this?” Dawn frowned with a scratch of her head. The last thing she needs is a lost member that needs to be found.

Her worry is unfounded, however, when Eric remains unmoving. “….I’m sure, I can remember places well enough.” His tone was firm, Dawn didn’t need to ask further. “…..I’ll be back in a little while. Get some rest and we’ll talk about plans after this.”

Leaving them to their lonesome, the Hydreigon made his way to the doorway before exiting the room. All they heard is just the clicking of a door being shut, then silence.

Soon enough, it was broken by an overbearing voice. “Well, just the three of us happy threesome. Funny isn’t it? Just the three of us, here of all places, and may I say that-“

“Yeah, and I’m happy Braviary knowing I’m stuck here with you.” Dominus slumped onto the carpet knowing his day is done.

While Dawn groaned at how the sarcasm infection had quickly spread to her partner.

”Hey, if you have suggestions, kid, I’d love to hear it. Not that I mind that, of course, otherwise, leave smart talks to adults, unless you want spanking?” Will said as he slapped his hand together for emphasis.

With a groan and a facewing later, Dominus just left the annoying Reuniclus to his own little world, much to his amusement.

Now all by his lonesome, Eric had advanced through the inhabitant littered streets as silent as he could be. But his appearance had garnered more than a few attention than he wanted, but otherwise one he was willing to ignore unless they decided to mob him.

As he floated around, he tried to take a stock of the surroundings just as he had said to Dawn and Dominus in absence of a proper reconnaissance expert which he didn’t bring along. But he tried to keep it as low range as possible by only taking memorizing the area around the Starlight’s location.

A couple of blocks later and nothing of interest had happened, just a different district yet the same amount of inhabitants which crowded in hundreds.

Had he not paid attention to his surroundings he would have missed what is said faintly through the airwaves.

“Buddy, can you repeat that?”

He had halted his movement the moment the faint sound and a grunt what appears to be pain followed was heard. Of course, he would have ignored it, if not for the fact he heard the sentence loud and clear and would appear….hostile.

“….better check it out.” So he floated backward through the crowd on the sidewalk to the estimated origin of said sounds which is an alleyway.

With how the many ponies literally crowded the streets it wasn’t farfetched to say that not one would notice the thing that has been going down in the alley.

Three ponies, one is an earth pony, two is a unicorn, one officer, a unicorn as well, the latter helpless against the three as he was shoved against the wall not from his own free will.

Seeing someone in trouble and leaving them to be was not within Eric’s thought at the moment. The situation calls for action, and he took it. Floating in the alleyway proper, he tried to call out on them on assault, yet his mouth stayed shut, knowing it’ll be pointless thing to do with the language barrier still present.

He glanced at a wall beside him, and thought of an idea. He rapped on it three times.

A knock reverberated throughout the alleyway. The thugs stared at each other in confusion, then the ominous sound returned three times. They found it’s origin and traced it behind them….and nearly fell backward in doing so.

There he was, Eric, who had watched all this going on had simply made his presence known by knocking on the wall beside him. With their attention gained, now he moved to phase two, threaten them into submission.

Removing his arm from the wall, he glanced over his shoulder to make sure no surprises would come crashing down onto his back. Satisfied at this privacy, he turned his eyes back to asses the situation.

“…..three thugs, and one downed officer? What’s an officer doing here of all places with some thugs?” Seeing the thugs slowly trying to be as small as possible, he pushed back the questions for the time being. “…..I’ll just have to ask one of them….if this doesn’t go south first.”

Meanwhile, to the thugs general relief, the fearsome Pokemon had not yet made a move, and instead stared at them with it’s unnerving pupil-less eyes. It caused them to regain what little courage they had against the beast. “H-hey, freak.” Regaining his voice, Eric noticed it still had a trace of quiver in it. “You best get yourself scarce,

Eric would move to say something, if the fact that the language barrier hadn’t made things difficult. So, he decided to make motions instead.

His two arms moved, causing the thugs jump backward out of fright, but that didn’t slow him down because of his need to make the point across. Eric pointed at his head, wrapping an arm around himself in a chilling manner before ‘shooing’ them with a flick of his wrist.

Anyone looking closely and carefully would have got the message ‘chill out and get lost’ across.

However, the thugs are not the brightest tools in the shed to notice such things. “I’m warning you, freak. Get scarce before we stop playing niceties with you!”

Eric made his message known that he will not be going anywhere by rooting himself to that spot. And to their displeasure, he tried to get his previous attempt at message clear.

The lead thug grinded his teeth at the Pokemon’s thick-headedness and so lose his temper. “Page?”

The blue earth pony, whose teeth was also grinding itself to dust, turned to his leader. “Boss?”

The earth pony smiled wickedly, with his friends to back him up, why should he scared of this freak of nature? “With pleasure, boss!”

Without prior warning, the blue one had cleared the distance in a single charge. Eric simply leaned aside and let the pony bull his way past him before shoving him forward via the back of his head. As he was careful to watch his strength, the pony merely stumbled forward.

Eric fixed a calm gaze that could send chill down someone’s spine. And it did, the two other thugs stepped back involuntarily.

“….they’ve made their choice…” He floated forward as he attempt to drive the lesson into their heads the old-fashioned way. But at this moment, a voice of discontent flashes through his head.

‘You know I don’t condone excessive violence unnecessarily like that.’ The voice of his mother rang out through his mind.

Eric, of course, remembered. Most of all….he promised. Unwilling to break said vow, he backed down. “….I’ll give them another chance.” He made another ‘shooing’ motion to indicate the offer to make themselves scarce was still in play.

But the purpose of said motion was lost on the thugs, when the first one who had decided to pull him made another go for headbutt. Sensing, immediate danger, Eric leaned aside again to let the impression of a Bouffalant to hit the spot he was in before.

The pony had quickly made a 180 degree spin to face him again. Eric could’ve sworn he saw steam leaked out of the nostrils of said pony.

“….dammit, they’re making this difficult.” Eric muttered a curse in taking his fighting stance. “…..well…I really shouldn’t expect anything else since these kinds of guys never did the smart thing and get lost.”

His self-indulgement session was over the moment he heard a shout of rage and three ponies came barrelling forth, two with bricks in their telekinesis.

And so, he made his move as well, much to his discomfort at the expected result of the previous conversation.

Two brick came flying forth, he flicked both away simultaneously. In their surprise, the two unicorns didn’t realize two heads had seized their neck before it was slammed onto the hard concrete, knocking whatever air they had saved in their lungs. Eric wasn’t done, the same earth pony tried to bull him into oblivion, but his target had slinked aside from his trajectory path then a simple push on his flank later and his brake went out the window and his face made acquaintances with the ground.

Gathering their scattered wits about, the two unicorns in front of the Hydreigon, and one earth pony behind the same Hydreigon made glares that could melt steel.

Eric was far from being unnerved from said gaze. Instead he did something they didn’t expect at a time like this. He flicked his wrist again, therefore the ‘shooing’ motion was made.

If one looks closely, they could see veins about to pop from their skulls. “This freak….” Something snapped in him. “That’s it, get him boys!”

Eric silently wished to rub his head before getting his head back in the game. Like before, they didn’t learn a thing when it appears charging together was the tactic that they had tried once more.

The first strike was made, Eric’s body reacted properly, he dodged the first two strikes easily enough before slamming his right arm head to the side of the second unicorn’s head that sends him into a daze. This leaves another opportunity for Eric to dodge the offending bull behind him and causing said bull to ram himself into his own dazed partner. Then the first one, the boss, came at him with the intention of a raging Dragon. But as far as it would appear in his attempt to harm, Eric, said Hydreigon dodged his attacks pretty easily. He made his move by grabbing the pony’s arm, letting himself fall and threw him off with the advantage of momentum.

Hearing the hoof-falls, Eric turned, the same earth pony had made another go at him. Inching ever closer, the earth pony grinned when his target didn’t move at all then he raised a hoof for extra kick in his charge and he punched. The hoof found it’s mark, but instead of the mark he had intended, it found itself to be within the maws of the Hydreigon’s right head. He struggled…and struggled, but try as he might, the Dragon refused to budge. To his surprise, the Hydreigon did return his hoof, but letting go means his own hoof collided with his face. As a finale, a pain spread through the back of his neck before he fell onto his face, unconscious after that strike to his neck.

The last of the thug, the leader who had been thrown off Eric, had watched the horrible even that his buddies being brought down like dominoes, decided the wisest thing to do is to turn tail and run. So he did, tail tucked tight, he spun around and galloped away from the danger zone. He would, if only there are no offending obstacle that he crashed into, causing him to land onto his haunches.

Then he heard a faint hiss, similar to that of a snake. Looking closely at said obstacle, he found that it was mostly green in color, but the fact that it seems….serpentine was not lost on him. And he choose to let his head move upward in an attempt to find the owner of said serpentine form. He immediately regretted it.

Eric breathed easily now that the immediate threat has been taken care of. He is not about to forget the last one just because he had an easy time dealing with them.

“My, my, you certainly keeping yourself busy, Eric.” A sultry voice broke Eric out of his thoughts.

Glancing over his shoulder, there, the last thug was wrapped around in some kind of vine, unmoving and eyes wide, although one could tell that he is pretty much alive by the shallow breaths he took. But what really drew his attention was the owner of said vine. Tracing it back to it’s original source, it came to a stop somewhere inside the back of a Serperior that greeted him.

His mind instantly debated how to handle the new arrival. “….a Serperior…could it be? Better make sure first, before doing otherwise.”

He was more curious than threatened, but tensed his arm again as necessary if it weren’t who he thought it was. “…..who are you?”

“Eric, don’t tell me you don’t recognize me?” Her face made the slightest of hurt.

There’s only one who would act so sensually even in times of danger. “…..Helen?” A flash of surprise and relief went across his expression before disappearing as fast as it came.

“Oh, Eric, you do recognize me.” Slithering across the alleyway that will certainly caught the eyes of those with manhood, she slid to a stop before him before slid a vine to brush across his chin. “You’ve become quite the handsome Pokemon, haven’t you?”

Not one to beat around the bush, Eric asked, ignoring the vine just now. “How you’ve been Helen? Did you get into trouble starting from day zero to the present?”

Now she knew, this is Eric for real, because for one to easily brush her off is quite the feat. Not to mention the stoicism and to-the-point attitude. “I can’t say I have. This city is most receptful when it comes to welcoming us, Pokemon.”

This day certainly had gone uphill for Eric, Helen had returned and fully intact if one was willing to overlook the scuffle with the thugs and all. “….glad to hear that.”

Helen giggled before slithering around to wrap a part of her serpentine form across his back before whispering into his ears. “I take it, you’ve found our friends as well?”

“….of course. They’re back in the in the hotel. But for now, we need to-”

“Oh, fantastic, a certain brooder went and goes to a party without a me. And hey, Helen, happy to say that you are as sultry as ever.”

Her head rose up as she heard the owner’s voice. “Speak of the Giratina,” Both heads turned upward to look down at the end of the alley to witness the Reuniclus casually strolling down the alleyway. “Will, I see you’ve been….yourself as ever.”

“Nice to see you too, Helen. I’m touched, you actually addressed me.” Looking around the mess Eric had made, he pouted insincerely.

“…..what are you doing here?” Eric asked dully. Considering that it’s Will, he wasn’t surprised he found his way over here somehow.

“Just here to make sure you’re not in trouble, otherwise Sally will make sure I cry uncle, you’re welcome and by the way….” Trailing off, he spread his arms, indicating the fallen thugs. “What with you been partying without me again? Okay, I’m hurt, Eric. And here I thought we’re best buddies and all.” A whack across the back of his skull caused his eyes to pop open.

The Serperior ‘tsk-ed’ before freeing Eric from part of her being. “You and him….are hardly that close.” The vine that is used as an impromptu whack-tool slithered away. “What do you want to do with these ponies? I’ll be happy to…take them off you hands.” She made sure that Eric could see the wink before leaning her face close to his ear.

Her face was at a distance too uncomfortable for Eric. So he shook his head before backpedaled to regain comfort zone. “…..no, that’s not what I wanted. What I wanted is information. I’ll talk to-“

“What, you want me to apply the ‘treatment’ to said gentlemen there?” His arm was pointed around the alleyway to the ponies whose faces met the concrete.

“…..should I?” Eric put a head under his chin thought, before shaking his head at the thought alone. “….no, I shouldn’t. I promised mom, and I won’t.”

“…..no, just set up a telepathic communication with the officer behind me.” Said pony squeaked fearfully when the Hydreigon fixed him a sharp glance. “Other than that, just tie them up for the officer later.”

That odd move alone caused Helen to raise an eyebrow, but otherwise didn’t say anything on the matter.

Ever the gentlemen, Will bowed courteously to honor said request. “Oh, right, that is certainly a wise move. I shall get right on it, sir.” The Reuniclus earned another whack to the head.

Helen had recoiled her vine back to brush a “As soon as you put a halt toward your sarcasm, then I shall.”

Grumbling, at his apparent mistreatment or something, his body glowed blue for a moment before it died down. “There you go, one happy conversation between Pokemon and pony is ready. I’ll get the popcorn in the meantime.”

The former human nodded in satisfaction. “…..Will, Helen, take care of the thugs. Leave them immobilized, but otherwise don’t do anything to them.” His gaze was specifically on Will alone.

“What, no thanks?” Will spread out his arms in a mocking shocked expression. “Smart moves should be rewarded.” A vine wrapped around his being, dragged him toward the farthest of the currently dreaming ponies.

They were off, so he spun around to face officer proper. This move caused him to back up, fearing what sort of malevolent creature is capable off.

But what he said next, put such thoughts to a halt. ”….Can you hear me, sir?”

No longer backing up, instead he stared at the Hydreigon like he is the most interesting thing in the world. Was he hearing things now? “What was that?”

”….let’s just say….one of my teammate…..” He jerked a head over his shoulder. “Made this possible, to speak through our minds.”

He….honestly didn’t know what to say. But with the appearance of the wildest things in your dreams within a day turns most of your world upside down, so he nodded dumbly.

”…..anyway, I need to ask you something, officer, if you don’t mind.”

“W-what kind of question?”

”…..the one that relates to the fact that….” He leaned aside to let the officer take a gander of said unconscious ponies who wished him harm just now, only to be saved by a Pokemon. “They attacked you and seems to want something. But cornering an officer of the law, no matter if they’re alone or not, tend to bring down the entire police force breathing down on your neck. There are three options why they did this : One, they are just your small-time thief with no real goal other than steal. Two, they want something from you because you got in their way. Third, you’re a corrupt cop who got cornered because you didn’t hold up your part of some shady dealings. Which one was it, officer?”

The officer blanched at the fact that the Pokemon could read him so fast that it would make somepony’s head spin. “I, uhhh….” He was at a loss of words.

“…..I’m not going to hurt you. But if you happens to be a corrupt cop, then I have to ask you to….surrender yourself.” That was the first time, he had said that. It goes well and beyond his normal modus operandi.

“W-what, no, I’m not a corrupt cop for Celestia’s sake. I’m just a new guy.”

”…..why are they threatening you, officer? Did you steal something that are valuable from them or something else that relates to shady dealings I’ve said before. Or was it….you’ve either seen something you shouldn’t?”

The Pokemon raised valid points, one which was correct. He had been found out, the police pony decided to get it over with, rather than being at the end of this Pokemon’s wrath. “You’re right. I think I did see something that I….shouldn’t.”

“I take it this is about some shady dealings? And they don’t want witnesses?” Eric felt this is some sort of cliched move on the mob’s part.

Nodding in confirmation, he continued. “Yeah, but that’s all partly because I’m the…new guy that I tend to stick my muzzle into things that are none of my business. Within a few years of my service, when I saw a crime by some thugs barging into some stores for example, I decided to intervene only for my partner to shove me backward and warning me not to interfere. This happened in several instances that I was assigned with a new partner. So, I was angry….angry that my fellow colleagues were all….bought out by….I don’t know by whom.”

Eric heard this kind of thing before, a cop bought out, willing to look the other way as long as you had the right amount of ‘paper’ ready to be sent as gifts to those cops. These kinds of things disgust him to the core, yet he showed no reaction toward the fact.

Whatever he was thinking about ended when the officer continued. “So I’ve been seeing all these unsolved cases pop up over the years, but they were always that way because I know that my colleagues….” He trailed off, Eric had understood the implication. “So, I decided to some investigating of my own, and I ended up seeing something I shouldn’t.”

The silence of uncertainty emanated from the officer, which Eric wouldn’t want as he got closer. He motioned the officer to continue.

“I saw something that I shouldn’t…I saw the docks.”

”….docks?”

“Yeah, the docks, when I read the casefiles, it always ended at either the docks or the mansion of a pharmaceutical CEO out of town. I don’t want to wander around the grounds of some influential people so I decided to I would do some investigations on the docks by himself.”

”….by yourself?” Eric knew it wasn’t the smartest of moves, even if he had attempted to do it a few times, but that was because he had hand-to-hand training for self-defense. This cop on the other hand, didn’t seem all the buffed out, seeing as he was made powerless by three thugs.

“I had no choice, I wanted to clean out the police force. Even if some of my friends weren’t corrupt, they were too afraid!” He shouted out, only gaining Eric’s reaction not beyond a slight raise of eyebrow.

But he wasn’t as apathetic as one would concluded at first sight. ”….I’m sorry to hear that, officer.”

Not expecting this kind of Pokemon to say things like that, he nodded in acceptance of what had happened.

”…..after that, what happens next?”

“I know what’s going on in the docks, but most of all, I’ve seen who seems to be the head snake of the operations.”

By now Eric had figured it had to be someone of influential origin to be able to make even almost the whole MPD look away from the questionable activities. So, he listened intently.

“It was….it was…Medicine Bits.”

”….Medicine Bits?”

“Yeah, the CEO I mentioned earlier? She’s the head snake. No one in the whole force knows who it was that pulls her string, but no one cares as long as the pay is good. I saw her at the docks earlier this day and because of that, I got caught as well and well, here I am.”

It made sense, a dock would means it’s a good place to smuggle things in and out of the city. With a mob control over it, they would have unlimited access to goods from all over the world. Not to mention this is Manehattan, the trade center of Equestria. This is the perfect set up, a dock owned by the CEO of a pharmaceutical company who also happens to be influential, making this CEO practically untouchable by the law. Those she couldn’t bribe, she would….’persuade’ to an understanding, like what happened with this officer. In a big city like this, mobs bound to be loose.

Hearing the information, he took it to heart. But Eric felt that he has everything he needs to know, so he turned around. ”….thank you for the information, officer. I’m sorry again about your colleagues, that’s the least I could offer. By the way…” He floated around the ponies, who have know found themselves each immobilized by vines wrapped around them like a lasso. ”These guys are all yours now.”

The three-headed Pokemon left with his companion without another word, but one question remains. “Wait!”

Fearfully, he asked. “Why did you ask me about this?” Whatever the Pokemon had in mind, it couldn’t be good.

”…..I just wanted to know, that’s all. After this, I’ll decide my actions, but for now.....I'll think about it." With that said, Eric nodded his goodbye before leaving the cop to his thoughts.

The cryptic sentence hadn’t abated his curiosity one bit. But he felt, asking for more was like asking for a death wish to be granted.

As he was left uncertain of the Pokemon, the Hydreigon and his companion left the alleyway and left the criminals to his care.

“….hmmm, was he lying about everything he said just now?” With the news that a mob had basically had the city in it’s pocket, he figured that no one could be trusted on these parts, including the officer. “….there’s only one way to find out, even if I don’t like it in the end. But doing that means….” Briefly exiting his train of thoughts, he glanced at the hotel, remembering the mare and Braviary inside. “….that would means deviating from our supposed purpose of coming here. But…..”

Leaving things the way they are, in other words, the black status quo, it made his heart scream out. But the options given to him was not the easiest to decide.

Thankfully, Helen had delayed that at the moment. “So, Eric, we are heading to a hotel?”

“….yeah, our friends are inside. Probably waiting.”

That got the snake’s attention. “Friends? You mean, our teammate’s type of friends?”

“Oh, no, Helen, my dearest.” His tone took on another sarcasm mode. “This one is much more interesting, I’m pretty sure. Oh wait, back up, did I mention that one of them happens to be a handsome bird? Oh, I’m pretty sure that one looks like a star-personified. You’ll be given love at first sight. Oh, the wonders made my heart-OW!”

Another whack made sure he stayed silent as he nursed the small bump on his bubbly head. Helen glanced back at Eric for answers

Sensing her gaze, he answered. “…..you’ll see.”

Dealing with cryptic sentences from her trainer was nothing new to her, so she took his word for it.

Once they had arrived and dealt with the minor business regarding hotel’s booking is over, they had gone up the stairwell toward their room in the second floor. Other than minor encounter with hotel staff and other guest, the trip had gone smoothly and now Eric stood before room 212.

Meanwhile, a conversation took place in his silence. “Yeah, right, and I’m a blind mon. Otherwise, I’m in perfect health.” Will finished with a roll of his eyes, only to receive reprimanding whack.

The vine retracted to be placed across Helen’s chest before raising her head up high. “Do be quiet, I’m merely expressing interest.”

“Oh, alright, I’ll put that into my sultry friend’s business to be addressed later, thank you very much.” Ducking just in time, Will’s overbearing grin returned to annoy the snake to the next level.

Voice still level, Helen rubbed a vine across her face. “And you wondered why Sally tried to beat you down all the time. ”

“Nah, why would she? With us being bestest of friends and all. She’ll be smiling in no time when I sung out my words.”

“…..guys, can we please stop this?” Eric’s voice broke through all argument. “We’re in a hotel, stop doing things to embarrass yourself.”

The Reuniclus shrugged toward the accusations. “No, we’re just having a good old conversation buddy-to-buddy here. Nothing interesting here.”

Ignoring the jab, his head instead found it’s way to the knob. He found that it wasn’t locked, proving the two is still inside.

Glancing back at Helen, he stated. “….Helen?”

“Yes?”

“…..try not to appear too intimidating, but otherwise act like yourself. And of course, that means lowering your head to almost pony level not with mine.” Said head was as he had stated, it was eye-level with his, well above a pony’s head.

“I try to, dear.” Her head lowered to a reasonable degree which wouldn’t appear intimidating.

Satisfied at her height adjustment, Eric turned the knob and the door was pushed inward.

Inside, both the mare and her partner moved to remove Dawn and Eric’s belonging from their respective bags, which wasn’t really much. But their attention removed from the objects when their figure quickly perked up when she heard the click of the door as it creaked open. They move to greet their three-headed friend, but stopped the moment they caught sight of a giant snake behind him with the eyes of the bloodiest of crimson and slitted pupil.

Both made a reaction the Hydreigon fully expected. One, Dawn was intimidated when those bloody pupils bore into hers, as if her soul was currently read. Two, Dominus’ blood rushed into his cheeks, turning them tomato color.

Eric sighed when the realization that even the adjustment doesn’t help much. “…..before you ask, this is a friend. A Serperior to be precise.” He floated aside so Dawn could get a more clear look at the snake before her.

Her eyes roamed all over the serpentine body and found them quite nearly, if not as captivating as the Milotic that she encountered in Canterlot. Dawn found herself, couldn’t tore the gaze away, same could be said for her partner, whose face couldn’t help, but

Of course, said Serperior was not one to miss such telltale signs and laughed. “You have quite the interesting new friends. Their reactions tells much.”

When the words registered, he found out that his current behaviour is a sham and hid his face away into his wings, mumbling all sorts of ‘sorry’.

“Well, will you look at that, our kid is having a . Excuse me, while I gag at this romantic scene now.” Once again, he ducked just in time to avoid having another reprimand.

Instead, the Serperior found the reaction quite endearing. “Oh, you’re reaction are much cuter than I expected.” She slithered inside, before Eric shut the door to secure their privacy.

Dawn, now pulled out of whatever trance she was in, managed to blanch. “Uh, wait, wait, wait, did you say friend?”

Instead of giving answers, Eric decided to take action. He extended an arm out toward the Serperior closing in on her. “….Dawn, Dominus, meet Helen. You don’t need to be scared of her even if she appears so.”

“Thanks a lot for the info, brooder, real helpful.” Will had threw himself into the soft mattress and stretched.

He was ignored in favor for the event happening between Dawn and Helen. Now that she was close enough, the blood-red eyes that could gaze into your innermost depth was at full view. It wasn’t helping that the fact, the snake was quite…bigger than she had expected, further adding the intimidation factor.

Sensing the foreboding aura, Eric had moved closer to ensure that nothing would happen in-between the two.

Dawn couldn’t say a thing, the intimidation she felt as well as the silence was slowly asserting over her being. So she did the only thing she could. “Who are you?” She blurted out. Then her hooves found themselves over her mouth.

“Wow, Grade A greeting. Very impressive, I must say.” Will snarked from his spot, earning a sharp glance his way from Helen that almost freezes his soul.

Once the snarker had been taken care of, her gaze re-fixed itself on said mare, who did her best not to flinch.

Dominus had freed himself from his blushing spree and let his presence known. “Hey, Dawn, you there?” No reply was given. “Speak to me, dudette.”

Then she did the one thing, Dawn didn’t expect, a vine was extended out before her. All tensions immediately melted away. “Wait….what?”

“I take it, that I’m too intimidating?” Her head was lowered to the point that it was almost pony-level. “Please forgive me then, and let me reintroduce myself. My name is Helen, Eric’s second team member after Sally before me. What’s yours?”

Looking at the vine that was offered, she felt that she should do it. And she offered her own hoof, which the vine promptly wrapped around in. It shook said hoof much to her surprise. “My name is Solar Dawn. It uncoiled and slid back toward Helen.

“I do hope we can become closer as time goes on.”

“Emphasis on closer being more sensual? Arceus, what has this world gone into? And here I was expecting instant foreplay.” The gaze that could freeze his soul solid returned. “H-hey, no need for that kind of glare. Just stating facts.”

“I’m heterosexual, Will. And you have no business in knowing my love life.”

“Although, you do have quite the interesting body that many would be captivated about.”

That was the last thing Dawn had expected, her blush came full force onto her cheeks. “W-what? Wait, wait, I think you got it wrong. I wasn’t that attractive….right, guys?”

A soft giggle came out of the Serperior as her amusement made known. “It was just a joke, dear.”

Suddenly, the urge to rub his forehead was there for the snake’s trainer.

“It would appear that we would get along just fine. I’m looking forward to our mutual friendship.” A vine found itself petting the mare on the head, leaving her confused.

Then the Serperior’s next victim, Dominus was in her sight. “Well, what do we have here?”

“Perfect timing to get all dirty. Not that I don’t mind, please continue.” His hands made a biting motion.

Due to his sarcastic comment, Dominus didn’t take him seriously, instead opted to let his eyes roam her figure again which just serve to make his face a tomato-like impression.

Of course, Helen noticed this and taken the initiative. Leaning her face close

It took all of his willpower to ignore the ‘suggestive’ approach the Serperior had taken. “I-I-, ex-excuse me?”

A hearty laugh from one Reuniclus was made. He was literally clutching his sides at putty Braviary scene.

Dominus willed himself not to screech at the source of his embarrassment. “Shut up, grandpa.”

She would have continued her approach to this Braviary had it not for an arm that quickly slinked around her form. It tugged her away from the Braviary.

Turning around, her trainer secured an arm around her form. “….Helen…stop it, you’re making him flustered.” Tugging once more, she found he will not argue.

“I’m just playing around, it’s nothing. Although, the offer’s still there, Dominus. I’ll be waiting.” Leaning her face close, she brushed his beak with a vine then she did the last thing he wanted her to do…..kissing his forehead.

He didn’t faint, but he was catatonic for the time being, eyes wide and staring ahead in an impression of a thousand yard stare.

Helen giggled at this cute reaction before winking for a final offense. The Braviary put a heart over his chest before dashing away into the bathroom. A sound of running water and splash is heard later.

Another mad laugh reverberated throughout the room that made Will fell of his bed as he tried to rein in his laughter to no avail.

“….Helen quit that, she’s our hostess’….” Pointing at the still wide-eyed mare, he continued. “Partner, if you get what I mean. Stop those….things you do. It’s uncomfortable enough as it is.”

She made a pouty face before twisting around to face her trainer proper. “If that is your wish. Then, I’ll gladly do it.” She fluttered her eyelashes before sending a hot breath straight to his neck.

As always, Eric had wisened up against Helen’s trick so the hot breath was nothing than annoyance now. Then he released his arm around her, letting her know that she’s good to go.

Winking, suggestively, she slithered herself closer to the bed before a door slamming open caught everyone’s attention.

Dominus staggered out of the bath, face and head feathers all soaked. “Okay, dude, that was….” The dreamy look on his face. “…good……” Realizing what he had said, he whacked his head against the doorway. “…no, bad thoughts, thoughts.”

“….I wouldn’t call it good.” In the end, he rubbed his head. The Serperior had turned another one into a putty in her vines.

Turning to a more immediate problems at hand, Eric clicked a head toward Dawn, who was still in a state of trance. “….Dawn!”

“I, uh…what?” Rubbing her eyes, much to her comfort Helen had already stopped her assault.

“….anyway,

“Is that why you have come here, Eric?”

Glancing over to her, he nodded. “….that’s right. And this in turn, I didn’t expect to run into you at all as well. I’m glad you’re alright.”

A soft giggle was let out. “We could call it, taking out two Pidgeys with one stone.”

Will had decided this was time to intervene. “Wow, Arceus had a great timing for things after all. Such divinity, I think I just might laught at it all. Haha.”

“Shut up, Will.” Helen ensured that Will could feel the extent of her gaze first hand.” Can’t you see we’re in the middle of a conversation here?”

Will held his hands up in mock innocence. “Just saying, snake girl. Don’t get your coils tied up over it.” He could her gaze soften and his body moveable again.

“Make sure of that. Oh, I almost forgot.” A vine had, out of nowhere whacked Will in the back once more, somehow stealthily escaped his notice. “For being sarcastic again.”

Dawn was in no mood for this, she was tired, got flustered and Will’s decorating the atmosphere with his attitude didn’t help. “Can we please get this over with?” Her voice took on a curt tone.

“Dawn’s right, dude.” Wiping the remains of water from his feathers, he slinked past Eric to stand beside his partner. “If you got a plan, now’s the best time to share it with us.”

Dawn requested a plan, Eric’s brain quickly went into overdrive. He put a head to his chin in thought. “…..hmmm, I got two simple things for plans. One, we could just ask around. And second, being the largest city with the largest population in Equestria, there’s got to be a library around if asking around didn’t work out.”

“…..alright. I got a simple plan, ask around for a while tomorrow. If there’s any hospital, then some of them bound to know something.”

Before they could argue, he held up a hand to indicate silence.

“….I have another. If that doesn’t work, we’ll go with it, but first….we need to find out if there’s a library here.” His gaze fixed on Dawn, slightly startling her, but knowing what he meant.

She nodded in agreement.

“….then we all in agreement?” His eyeballs moved between both Helen and Will then Dominus.

“Of course, dear. Wouldn’t want to miss out all the fun, would we?” Helen winked.

“Hey, dude, you know that I’m with you right?” Dominus slapped a wing across his chest. “Wouldn’t wanna left a friend behind too.”

“What both of them said.” Will finished.

“……that’s good enough for me, then. Alright, it’s decided, we’ll be heading out into town tomorrow morning after our daily routine to ask around for information.”

A nod from each respective companions was made. That satisfied Eric enough, however, his mind was on a different matter now as he left them to their own musing while he did his.

Then out the window, he find himself gazing into the city proper, but his eyes quickly zeroed in on one particular location.

Even in the afternoon, his eyes couldn’t miss the activities within the location if the movement of the crane was any indication. “…..hmmm, maybe….just maybe, I could do quick check…..but later….tonight.”

The moonlight shone through the window, revealing night time had taken over Equus once more. It was 9pm, the time ponies would let themselves in and would slumber to await morning time. Unfortunately, Manehattan is no such place, it was called the City that Never Sleeps for nothing.

Nonetheless, the city was bathed in Luna’s moonlight to compliment the buildings and skyscraper across the city that glimmered in the darkness.

All this was visible on the balcony Eric had taken position in. “….hmm, it’s really is a carbon copy of Castelia City in a way. There’s almost no other coastal city like that otherwise.”

But this night, he had more pressing matters, one he didn’t tell his companions about. Glancing over his shoulder, he had already ensure they wouldn’t be waking up anytime soon.

Shrugging his shoulders. “…..alright, this will be a check in, nothing more, nothing less. After that, I’ll plan my next move tomorrow.”

He floated toward the bedside table and swiped the keys under the table light and slinked away from the beds. All this and none was disturbed from their slumber, not even a visible coiled up serpentine figure on the floor.

From there he made his way to the doors, but he sensed the all too familiar gaze boring down onto his back.

“Oh, dear, where is it you want to go this night? And without me no less.” A certain Serperior’s voice purred.

“….Helen, I thought you were asleep.” A simple glance over his shoulder, he looked at the approaching Serperior neutrally. “.....and of course, you know where I’m going.” Eric silenced himself as he let the implication sink in.

“Ah, the docks, yes? Then let me come to accompany you.” Helen’s eyes became half-lidded.

“.....no….let me deal with this one by myself.” His tone left no room with argument. “It’s better that way.”

Detecting the tone, she wasn’t about to give up. “Oh? Please give me a reason why?” She leaned her face dangerously close to her trainer, smiling seductively.

Her gaze that could freeze Pokemon and ponies alike hardly affected her trainer, partly because she didn’t really put much effort into her soul-stealing gaze.

Eric carefully pushed her away from his comfort zone. “....I have to. In case something bad happened again, at least no one

“I don’t know what went on exactly back then, but the last thing I wanted is some brute scarring that husky face of yours.” Her smile is gone, replaced by a steely gaze. “I know you were doing some of those ‘side activities’ of yours again. Something happened to made you want to really go alone this time right?”

Silence was her only answer. “I shall take that as a yes? Please, let me come with you. I promise that any brute won’t even so much as scar our skins.”

Ignoring her advances, he give it some thought. “.....hmmm, what should I do? It’s...better off that I….tackle this solo this time, lest that….happened again.” He silently bit his lip when he remembered the source of his guilt. “.....but I know for a fact that Helen….won’t let me go either….not without dragging me back anyway.”

Eric sighed when he realized he was only left with one choice, the one he tried to avoid. “....alright, you can come.”

She brushed her vine across his cheek as she slithered by. “Now, let us go.”

Face still as neutral as ever, he joined her soon. Their destination is only one place : Manehattan Dockyard.

Play this as the second closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoomnFqserc

Chapter 21 : Troublesome Syndrome

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What would any of us do....once we've given the life of someone in our hands...would we save them, or would we condemn them? In the end, whether we save them or not, is up to the holder of that life or whether if that life in our hands belongs...to a monster of society. But, sadly, it isn't our place to play judge on people for what they've done. Life is the most precious thing that you can find in this world of ours, it's the one thing that allows our world to grow and prosper through the years. It is irreplaceable and can't be bought. That is why all lives...must be preserved....even those of a monster, those that corrupt society - Eric Angelo

Play this as the second opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G167-ZBmlIw

“What are we going to do once we reach the dockyard?” Helen inquired with a tilt of her head.

They had soon left the hotel they were staying in, and was on their way to the Manehattan Dockyards on the easternmost side of the city. It is where Eric had suspicions regarding the suspicious activity as said by the officer this day afternoon. He had gone to check it, unwillingly brought Helen into the danger as she insisted.

But he had hoped the simple purpose would ward off the danger. “....we’re just going to investigate, in and out. Nothing more. After that, we can discuss our next move.”

Investigate was a word that is alien to Helen’s ears. It wasn’t what she expected to hear once he had set his eyes on something. “Investigate, you say?”

“....yeah, just investigate for once…” Eric sighed before continuing. “...at least before we plan our next move.”

Helen frowned at this unusuality, but nodded to her trainer nonetheless. “As you say, dear.”

In the nightfall, trekking the city through the streets of the suburbs were much easier than it was in the downtown area where even at this time, it would still be crowded, as it wasn’t the city that never sleeps for nothing. There were only a few ponies, Pokemon or any other species that didn’t even pay the two attention as they went toward their goal.

A few minutes later, they had stood before the dockyard. Of course, it was a docks, but with containers after containers dotting the background of the area on the other side of the fence blocking entry, with a few cranes visible on said background as a plus. Otherwise, the city behind the two would be much more entertaining than the dreary docks.

After the few seconds of survey, the fence that blocked their entry was guarded. But they seemed nonplussed due to the fact that the guard was currently off into dreamland just beside the guard post.

“Want me to deal with him?” The vixen smile overtook her face again, coupled with a lick of her lips.

“....I’ll deal with this.” Eric floated forward as silent as he could until he was right in front of the guard.

Just as he was about to raise his fist to ‘tap’ the napping guards in the face, he reigned it back in once he imagined the nagging voice of his mother chiding him for his behaviour and use of unnecessary violence.

With his mother’s voice to guide him, he let his arm slacken, something that caught Helen’s eye.

“Eric?“ Her voice lost all the flirt in it, replaced. This wasn’t his usual behavior when making an entrance, that much she knows.

He floated up the guard, sizing him up, then he tapped the guards shoulder to jolt him out of his daydream. As per the expected reaction, he woke up, only to feel something snaked around his neck as his breath went out his throat when pressure applied onto it. He gagged on for breath, helplessly flailing his hooves to smack his attacker off, but the arm held secure.

As the pressure continued, so does his consciousness simultaneously went away. Before that happen, a serpentine figure approached across his now blurred vision. Something soft was placed over his mouth.

“Sweetie, please do us a favor, go to sleep.” Helen blew a kiss on his forehead just as the pony left the waking world.

With the form went slack in his arms, Eric laid him down gently before checking on his pulse. He was relieved, both by the pony that was still breathing and he could remember the proper chokehold technique.

“That was….certainly unlike you.” Helen remembered all the entrances her trainer made, none of it included stealthy one like this just now.

“.....I know,” He sighed, when he floated over to the wheeled fence. “....Helen, let’s try to keep this under wrap this time. Avoid unnecessary fights unless necessary, if you have to knock one out, do it quick and efficiently, alright?”

Helen’s eyebrow raised at the odd order, now she questions whether this is the real Eric. After looking him over, to spot any peculiarities, none she could spot immediately. He still acted the same, all the way, minor the odd command just now.

In the end, she shrugged. “As you wish.”

With a nod of approval, Eric heaved as he dragged the fence to the side a few feet, allowing a gap to reveal itself. Eric slinked inside, followed by Helen slithering in. He shut it back up again, to ensure that no one would try funny business when they’re inside.

“....alright, we’re inside.” Looking around, all he spotted were just containers after containers. No way forward, but he spotted two ways. “....we’re in some kind of storage area. I saw two ways, left and right. How about we split up and get a grip on the situation?”

“Excellent, I propose I take the right side and I shall….re-educate the ones there with your new method, yes?” She winked suggestively at the last part.

“....then go. I’ll take the left.” Before Helen, could slither away, he called her once more. “ And remember what I told you before, avoid unnecessary fights if you can. Only fight back when there is no other choice. I don’t want a repeat of what happened before, so please, be careful, Helen.” Eric’s face was still carefully blank, yet his eyes says otherwise.

Helen saw it and nodded. “Oh, you say the sweetest things. Don’t worry about me, dear, because they should fear me more if they scar your face.” She winked. “Do be careful, Eric.” Finally, Helen slithered off.

Eric decided not to disappoint and took his side as well.

Quickly, he had split up with Helen as they focused on their respective task. He would go left and Helen would go to the right. He knew it was better than to enter the maze and lost themselves in it.

His train of thoughts halted itself when he heard several voices around the corner. Flattened himself against a container, he peeked around, spotting just two guards.

“....how should I do this? Avoid unnecessary fights...but how?” Looking all over for additional options, he spotted the edge of the second containers just above him. “....I could skim over them. I could fly after all and avoid all those troubles.”

Deciding to take the chance, he floated up. Once high enough to peer over the container, he quickly dropped low again. His heart nearly leaped out when he saw how close the guard was over the edge, but he was lucky enough he was looking the other way. Peering over again, there on the containers, guards trotted around on top of the containers, eyes strangely...vigilant.

“....how? I just got here…..the security is quite tight…..either someone else is causing trouble….or they’re hiding something.” He sighed at his, yet another unfortunate moment and lowered himself down. “....looks like flying on top is out of option.”

As soon as his altitude reached ground level, he heard hoof steps and flattened himself against the wall again. Peeking out, a guard was heading his way. Just as the guard turned around the corner, a pair of arms seized him and something smacked onto the back of his head, turning out his lights for the night.

Eric peeked out again, spotting one guard, heading the opposite direction. Unconsciously picking up the baton held by the guard he knocked out, he flew out as fast as he could toward the other one.

His plan was to get close enough, and give one good smack behind the guards head. His hope was dashed when to his right, a container door opened. Acting quickly, he threw the baton over the head of the new guard and hit the ground. Just as he wanted, the guard’s head snapped toward the sound.

Not wanting to waste opportunity, he backhanded the back of the guard’s head and he dropped like a sack of brick. However, the other guard heard all the noises generated and swiveled around. Too late does he realize that a big, three-headed hydra is close enough to wrap an arm around his neck and squeezed.

Once the form limped, he let go, making sure to check his breathing. Satisfied, he is okay, Eric shook his head free from the momentary adrenaline.

“....I really need to get used to this whole stealth thing. I haven’t done it...not since Joe taught me that is.” With a sigh of resignation, he advanced carefully.

On Helen’s side, she slithered forward at the speed of a speeding car, easily covering several distances at once. Then her ears registered the sound of several ponies speaking.

Her vixen smile had returned. “Ah, our first batch of fools for the night.”

Just like Eric, a group of guardstallion emerged from the maze of containers to patrol it’s edges. They consist of at least four of them and slowly turned toward her direction.

Helen quickly slittered forward, they stallions realize too late as something big slithered between their legs. This resulted in them tripping over and landing on each other, resulting in a heap of legs and limbs.

“Hello boys.” The sultry female voice had gained their attention, they all looked over their shoulder and saw the Serperior.

With the sight of a giant snake, they all scrambled off the ground and onto their hooves. For some reason, the look on the Serperior’s face made them shiver.

“Well, let’s have some fun, shall we?” Helen licked her lips suggestively.

For Helen, it was much simple, for her physics allowed her to do things her trainer couldn’t. The guards were too terrified to react, that a giant snake was inside with them. This allows Helen to slither around them, and coiled them within the confines of her body.

They wanted to scream if they could, if not for the vines wrapped around their muzzle. “Do be quiet, yes?” Satisfied her quarry won’t be struggling, she squeezed once just hard enough and keep at it.

The result was just as predicted, they all went limp in a few moments without much struggle. She lets them go, giving one last kiss of goodbye on one’s stallion’s muzzle….directly.

Helen looked toward the downed stallion with a disgusted expression. “My trainer tasted better than this.” She grunted.

The Serperior heard a whimper, turning her head toward the source to witness the stallion she had backhanded before had leaned his back on the fence. It is obvious the stallion is scared half to death with how he was shaking.

The Serperior smiled before slowly slithering forward to meet the stallion face to face.

“S-s-stay back! I’m warning you!” Helen still moved forward regardless.

Helen coiled her tail around the hoof held out to placate the snake from advancing, a touch so delicate that it would feel like a mother embracing their sons. She slowly set it down aside, before slowly lowered her head beside his head.

“Sleep…” And sleep he did. The stallion’s eyes rolled up to the back of his head and slumped before promptly wet himself on the ground.

With a disgusted face, she left to resume her task.

As the night goes on, both Hydreigon and Serperior was gracefully slid their way through the heavily guarded docks toward the inner area. It wasn’t long until their path converges and they came face-to-face with each other once more.

Straight to the point, the Hydreigon asked. “....how was things on your end, Helen?”

“Oh, nothing much, just that I’ve found out that they weren’t quite delicious as they are comparred to you.” The snake slipped her forked tongue over her lips at the last moment in a flirting gesture.

Much to Helen’s displeasure, Eric simply nodded. “....same here, then. Let’s go onward.”

“Uhh, I think we have a problem, dear.” Helen look toward the source of the trouble to her right.

The moment he laid eyes on what Helen is currently seeing, Eric already didn’t like where this is going. “.....it’s an open area.”

Helen nodded in agreement. “Yes, quite wide.” Looking around, there are no enemies, but she wasn’t convinced. “What shall we do, Eric?”

Eric quickly pondered his options. “....I could fly upward, but if I do that, I would leave Helen behind. No, that’s not the way I wanted it to be. Best I could do is to do some recon first like I would command Sally or Larry to do before.”

Eric fluttered his wings in prepartion for takeoff. “....wait here a moment.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.” Helen winked suggestively, which Eric ignored once more.

Eric took off just enough to quickly duck below the containers if necessary. Poking his head out, he couldn’t see anyone over the container’s horizon that is waiting for them. He was still suspicious, but he had no choice so he quickly fluttered down to Helen’s level. “....I guess we have no choice, but to push through.” Eric replied, with discomfort present in his tone. “....alright, follow me and watch everything carefully. If there’s anything wrong tell me quickly.”

Helen giggled at her trainer’s courage as she was flattered. She rewarded him with brush of a vine on his cheek. “Of course, I shall be right behind you.”

The trainer and his Serperior nodded to each other before going into the danger zone that is the open area. So after entering it proper, the two made sure to put their eyes and and ears on a swivel for incoming threats because they are like a sitting Swanna out in the open. So far, nothing had happened and they were halfway across toward the otherside.

“....keep a lookout, we’re almost there.” Eric said at the lowliest of whispers just as they reached the end.

As soon as he finished the command, a noise of straining metal meet their ears.

They glanced at each other in puzzlement, so they glanced upward at the origin. There it was, a container dangling precariously by the crane was right above them. More noise of straining metal and snapping of it later, the gravity took the container straight toward them.

Reflexes took over, wings pushed backward and he dove forward. The container grazed the edge of his athropied legs just as it met the ground, kicking up dust.

Shaking his head, he coughed to get the dust out of his lungs before assessing the situation. “....Helen?” Looking around,

“.....HELEN!” He banged at the container that serve as the obstacle between him and his Serperior, to no avail. However, his eyes quickly scanned it’s height, which weren’t that high.

“Don’t worry, I’m here and unharmed!” Helen’s voice quickly brought relief onto the Hydreigon.

However, he is not one to stand around. “...hold on, Helen.” Straining his wings, he started to flutter upward toward the top of the container.

He would have, if not for the fact that a knife had managed to stick itself right beside his head. The action had startled the daylights out of the Hydreigon and quickly turned around to asses his attackers.

It was just two ponies, one with a sledgehammer, the other with a knife dangerously floating around the air with the intention to slice him a new one. But what drew his attention was that the two ponies eyes, they seems to lack life as their pupils were dilated almost to the point of overtaking the irises.

“.....what?” He didn’t have a chance to question them, because both ponies threw themselves at him.

And all he could do was sigh. “....dammit.”

“Helen!”

She didn’t know what just happened, only that her body reflexes overtook all action and quickly she jumped backward out of what would have been the object that would crush her.

Shaking her head to get her wits together again, the Serperior had heard the voice of her trainer calling out. However, the container was in the way.

“Don’t worry, I’m here and unharmed!” She called out and hoped her trainer would caught on.

Helen had such method to deal with obstacles. “Should not be a problem.” She smiled a vixen smile as her tail end glowed dangerously green, signaling a Leaf Blade.

The sounds of falling containers had drew her attention away from the offending container to the fact that a container was dropped into this empty wide space she is in. No warning was given when the container blasted open but what seems to be an explosion from the inside, startling the Serperior.

So now, she turned her Leaf Blade toward container, awaiting the threat that lies within.

“Oh, Darmanitans? But they don’t seem quite themselves.” True enough, the Darmanitan’s eyes were almost completely dilated as if their actions were not quite themselves.

Her musing was cut off when two stares stacked up onto her, therefore acknowledging her presence. Lumbering in her direction, Helen noticed that the right Darmanitan quickly gained speed….until it was the living version of a fireball.

The Serperior quickly slithered around the Darmanitan using a Flame Charge before she countered with a Dragon Pulse that sent him blasting toward the wall. His buddy followed, beating his chest like a gorilla and charged at the Serperior with a maddened gaze.

A barrage of Fire Punches is initiated, for all the good it does to the Darmanitan, it was useless against his opponent. Helen danced between the strikes with the grace of a pigeon, yet she knew the next attack was almost unavoidable with how close she is and with the Darmanitan opened his mouth as a sign. She lowered herself as low as she could and slithered between the Darmanitan’s leg.

She emerged to the other side with her foe turning around to face her with a snort. With another deep breath, he prepared a Flamethrower. Unknown to him, Helen smirked and jerked her tail back, thus the Darmanitan soon landed on his face, turns out she coiled her tail around his legs the moment she slithered between the limbs. He is helpless as the Serperior blasted him with another Dragon Pulse.

Both foes got their bearings back and soon resolved to charge together with Flame Charges. Yet, the Serperior stood there, not giving any reaction whatsoever.

Inches away from the impact, the Regal Pokemon bend herself backward and the meteor-like objects collided with each other followed by a thud.

They were recoiling from the collision with each other, and the snake saw an opportunity. The Serperior allowed her tail to glow green and spun. The Darmanitan got their legs sweeped underneath them and both crashed onto their backs, but their foe was far from done. Seeing them both on the ground, she did yet another spin, colliding her Leaf Blade to the Darmanitan and send him flying like a golf ball and the second Darmanitan wasn’t spared from such a fate either.

“Do me a favor, dears. Be asleep!” Jamming her tail into the ground, she unleashed plant roots after roots with spikes toward the Darmanitan couple.

They got up just in time to witness their impending defeat. The roots collided with their targets due to the close proximity of the other and they were sent flying ways away.

Unjamming her tail, she stayed in her spot to ensure that her quarry wouldn’t let out a surprise attack the moment her guard was down. A few moments later, confirmed that they were, indeed, unconscious.

But she was the careful one, so she double-checking to make sure that her foe would not be standing up again, she held her head up high as a sign of victory. “Quite pathetic bunch, you two are.” The snake slithered away toward the container that was blocking access toward her trainer.

Then she felt it, something that gazes down on her. But she couldn’t retaliate, due to the after effect of Frenzy Plant and before she even realized what happen, something collided against her back and she was sent flying.

Helen’s world rolled over and over again before it came to a stop. The pain that had been unleashed upon her back was above well what she had thought. She knew Darmanitan were powerful, but she never imagined getting hit by a super-effective Flamethrower point-blank would be devastating from them.

Gritting her teeth, she pushed herself off the ground to glance at her opponents. Helen noticed one anomaly, however. “Where’s the other one?” Her question was soon answered when she felt a presence behind her, yet she reacted too late as a pair of muscular arm wrapped around and pressed her against the chest of a Darmanitan who had gotten behind her.

Try as she might, the grasp of her captor wouldn’t budge as she was bear hugged from behind. Not even when the vine she had wailed onto the captor could release her. “Release me!” And then a punishing heat had covered her entire being that sent her onto labored breaths. Her captor had increased the heat around him and therefore, blanketing them both within punishing temperatures.

Her breath was labored, black soot all over her body, but she trashed even more. The Darmanitan tightened it’s grip in the process, sending air out of her lungs and sapping her strength.

Instead of giving up, however, she prepared herself to unleash another attack that will surely broke herself free. The attack was evident by the shiny glow that overtook her tail.

Then a flash caught her attention, the other Darmanitan, now in front of her had positioned himself for another attack. All signs lead toward the flame licking his lips.

“Oh, dear.” She mouthed as the Darmanitan let out the build up heat at her.

This was officially, not what Eric wanted to go through again. Behind him, he could hear the raging battle between Helen and something else. He wanted to help if he could via giving her commands, but not with two seemingly crazy ponies swinging tools of death at him.

He quickly floated aside and dodged the first vertical swing of the hammer. Unexpectedly, he swung it to the side, causing the Hydreigon to hit the floor and rolled aside when the hammer hit the spot where he was before.

Eric got up quickly and began analyzing the situation. “...I can’t let that hammer, hit me, it might ended up breaking more than a few bones if it did.” He muttered as he ducked beneath a diagonal swing.

He floated backward, dodging each swing as he did so by a hair’s breath. In doing so, he had spotted upon a metal sheet that are a few inches thick at least. Knowing the need for a deterrent, Eric quickly picked it up, just in time to put it between him and the hammer swing that would’ve crushed his neck or skull. The force of the blow reverberated through his arm.

Eric charged forward, ignoring the second blow that had smashed into the sheet and made a dent on it. The stallion was helpless as his face was bashed by the metal sheet, sending him onto the ground. It didn’t help his matter when Eric dumped the sheet on him.

His eyes widened by a few inches when he realized he’s missing another potential sort who wanted him dead. He turned around too late as he received a cut onto his back. Eric jerked his elbow backward as a retaliation toward his sneak attacker before stumbling forward.

“Son of a...” He cursed. The Hydreigon groaned as he put a head over the wound, before bringing it up to his face. The trainer is relieved it was merely a shallow cut, evident by the small amount of blood. “....well, lucky that I managed to react in time.”

Eric wasn’t given any chance to finish thoughts as the mare whom he had elbowed charged accompanied by a madmare scream. The Hydreigon tried to dodge as best as he could away from the knife in telekinetic grip, but the flailing knife strikes makes it pretty much unpredictable. Eric had managed to do it anyway, albeit with a few close calls regarding the knife hovering too close for comfort toward his neck.

The former human quickly retaliated, grabbing the stabbing leg, he punched and slamming his elbow two times into the mare’s face then he introduced her face into the floor.

Unwilling to let his guard down again, he backhanded the stallion who had managed to sneak upon him to his left, Eric realized the consequences of such action too late. His lip opened it a silent scream, by backhanding the stallion, he had managed to divert the swing of the hammer away from his head and into his stomach instead. This in turn, sent him crashing hard onto his back.

He groaned, the hammer slamming into his stomach was much more painful than he realized.

“....are they...are they ignoring it?” His fears came true when the other pony got up when he just slammed her head into the cold, hard, floor. “....Dammit, they are ignoring it, she should have clutched her bleeding nose instead of advancing toward me. She should have been knocked out by that. That drug must’ve done more than just makes them more suggestable to commands.”

Eric floated back up awkwardly, shaking his head twice to get rid of any daze from before.

Sooner than later, he had another dance with death. He knew he couldn’t hold on forever on merely dodging alone. Eric survived thus far because he kept on backpedaling. The Hydreigon could deal with unarmed opponent just fine because he is still able to block with his arms, but not with opponent wielding all sorts of tools for murder. Blocking could possibly result in injury to his arms or worse.

Spotting a can of sauce, Eric bit his lip. “....any distraction will do.” He picked it up and chucked it toward the mare who received her present straight between the eyes.

Dodging a diagonal swing from the mad stallion, Eric slammed his arm into his chest before unleashing a right hook that sent the stallion stumbling back.

He felt a weight brought down onto his back. What’s worse is that his eyes found a knife hovering a few inches away from his vision with the sharp edge facing at him. Another scream caught his attention as the other crazy pony with the sledgehammer took the opportunity to let out a bellow and charged, intending to smash his skull in.

Sensing danger, his survival instincts kicked in once more. He felt the rising of a familiar urge to defend himself from the threat before him.

Eric’s eyes widened to a few degree. “....no, no, I can’t!” He mumbled.

The crazy pony closed in on him faster than Eric had anticipated. He knew he had only a few seconds to think of a way. Only a few inches away, the pony held the sledgehammer high up and brought it down.

“I have to stop him now!” He muttered.

With no other way he could think, he brought his arm forward. Surprisingly, the Hydreigon managed just in time to hit the stallion straight between the eyes, it disrupted his concentration, causing the hammer swing to change direction diagonally and grazed his skull before slamming into hard cement.

With one threat of impending death had been dealt with, Eric moved to take care of the second threat, mainly the other crazy pony who is clinging like death on his back. The knife that were hovering a few inches before is closing in to his neck.

Eric’s reflexes allowed him to act quickly by grabbing the offender’s left foreleg that are wrapped around his neck then he heaved the leg forward. The result of such maneuver is that the pony quickly sailed over his head and into the body of her recovering comrade, both falling into heap shortly afterwards.

“...now or never!” Eric mumbled and he floated forward quickly before the couple. He quickly moved onto the mare who had rolled off her comrade and onto her back, grabbing her head before slamming it into the hard cement as hard as he could for good measure.

Just in time once more, Eric backpedaled to avoid an upward swing that could crush his chin. The stallion got up, unfazed by the blow into his face from before or a weight crashing into him.

With another mad scream, the stallion charged. In his daze, he swung it horizontally, allowing Eric to duck beneath it. Before he could let another swing, Eric left head had grabbed onto the shaft and forcing it down.

“....this won’t be the wisest move I’ve made.” And brought his other arm down on the shaft as hard as he could. The resulting impact splintered the wooden shaft into two.

Eric shook his arm rapidly. “....I knew that would have happen and yet I went through with it.” Breaking the shaft proved much more painful than he first thought.

But the threat of the still conscious crazy stallion had brought his head up. Said pony was now unarmed, yet, his craziness drove him to even use his hooves as he sprinted toward the trainer.

Grabbing the lower half of the broken shaft, Eric smacked the stallion’s face that sent him stumbling back for more than a dozenth time this night. Unsatisfied that the stallion was still conscious, Eric moved forward to finish this once and for all.

The stallion felt a firm tug on his mane. The next thing he knew, his foe’s head crashed straight into his own forehead. As if that wasn’t enough, his foe’s skull crashed straight between his eyes next that sent him stumbling back.

The stallion is disoriented, the Hydreigon saw opportunity. Eric brought up the sledgehammer half-lower shaft as far back as he could. The pony was helpless as the shaft crashed into the right side of his head which also splintered upon impact, his body couldn’t take it anymore, he fell forward like a brick.

Glancing at his opponents warily like he did with the minotaur before, still tense whether or not they will get up again.

“....maybe I should check them. I didn’t want to accidentally harm them more than necessary.” Ultimately, he just resolved to roll, the stallion’s body around and checked his pulse. It was subdued, but the pulse was still there, regularly beating. “....looks like he’s still with me.”

The former human’s eyes fell upon the unicorn mare a short distance away. “....I should check the mare as well.” With him floating above the mare, he brought himself as low as he could and checked her pulse. He sighed with relief when she’s okay, he was worried he might have accidentally hurt her when he slammed her head down as hard as he could.

“....alright, then whe-“ Eric cut himself off when a slight draft of wind caught his attention.

Glancing behind him, all he could spot was the same container that prevents him from helping Helen. This was not the case however, because half of the container….literally split in half, revealing a Serperior, tired, bruised with obvious burns all over.

“....Oh, no. Not again!” He floated over to her to check. Close enough, the Serperior was even more of a mess. “What happened?”

“Don’t worry, the buffoons just….startled me.” She lifted her head to peck him on the cheek. “But I’m okay now, thanks to you.”

Ignoring her advances, he looked over at the makeshift arena, spotting two unconscious Darmanitans on the grounds. Now he knew where the burns came from. “....dammit, this isn’t looking good…..what should I do? Continue on or pull out for now? ….I can’t….not after what happened with Sally, Will and Alex before. I might as well prevent it right now.”

“....alright, we should get out of here now.” Putting one arm under her chin, he lifted her head with him acting as a support.

But Helen pulled away, leaving Eric confused with her. “I’m fine, we should continue….onward.” She said with a strained voice before slithering onward with an obvious limp.

“.....are you sure?” Eric glanced over his shoulder at her. That last thing he needed was her condition getting worse for the night. “I think we should call this off for the night. We can continue on tomorrow because the security...is tighter than I thought.”

“After that kiss? I’m...fine, trust me on this.” She winked before slithering onward, begging him with a vine beside her.

“.....dammit, this is getting worse.” He muttered, before he could turn around fully to join up with his companion, his eyes were glued to what remains of the containers. What really caught his attention was the contents inside….it’s a crate cut in half. “....what the?”

Before he could question it, the contents inside the crates poured out which is a white powder. He instantly connected the dots. “....just as the police pony told me. This is illegal drug smuggling business.”

What remains of the obliterated crate he scanned, he could make out two words. “....Dodge City. Hmm, must be where it comes from….but how...and why?” He silently mused to himself.

“Eric, come, we don’t want to waste time.”

Trains of thought halted, he turned around and floated beside his companion to resume their investigation.

“....Helen, are you sure you’re alright?” More and more, he was getting concerned if her labored breath was any condition.

Said Serperior was currently gathering air into her lungs to continue with their investigation. “Don’t...worry, dear. It’s just a scratch.” She looked up at Eric, before she frowned. “Eric?”

“....hmmm?” He felt a presence behind him just as Helen called. So he gazed over his shoulder.

Out of nowhere, from the corner, a crowd of Pokemon had seemingly came out with a few ponies mixed into them. Graveller, Geodude, Tyranitar, Sudowodo, Ryhorn, etc.

Although, what caught their attention was the eyes. It was the same eyes that they had encountered a few minutes earlier, all the dilated almost to the point overtaking the entire iris.

“Those eyes…..it was the same as the Darmanitan I had fought.” Helen, for the calmness befitting a lady of war, she had shivered going up her serpentine form.

Eric quickly recalled what she had meant, the dilated pupils was what gone through his head. “.....yeah,” Remembering it had given him the chill. “....I fought two ponies with those eyes as well. It was as if, they were in the hands of a puppeteer….like a zombie. But they were obviously not one, as I felt the pulse of a pony I fought earlier, they were still alive.”

Helen slithered closer, coils tensing to shield her trainer should the moment come. “Undead or not, let us deal with them.”

Before she could, Eric put up a hand. “....wait, let’s try to reason with them first. If not, then we’ll deal with them.” He doubted it would happen just from seeing their faces, but he was going to try.

Helen frowned again at her trainer’s unusual attitude, but complied anyway.

Eric took in deep breaths, and spoke. “....everyone, can you please move aside?” Only now, did he notice how dumb he had made the request.

And to no avail, the crowd of Pokemon mixed with ponies were all pouncing like a stray cat toward their meal.

“....dammit, bring them down, but not too hard! Leaf Storm!” Eric emphasized the command by pointing at the direction of the horde.

“Understood!” Closing her yes, she summoned myriads of glowing leaves which slowly fluttered off into the ground. Her eyes shot open, and the leaves pointed toward the pouncing enemies and flew toward them.

The Pokemon were quickly peppered with leaves, the ponies weren’t spared either. Due to the majority of them was either Ground or Rock-type, they went down with a single Leaf Storm, the ponies not withstanding due to the fact they are not Pokemon, therefore, not as durable.

Soon, the ground was littered by unconscious bodies of both ponies and Pokemon mixed. Eric floated toward one of the ponies and looked down. “....Helen, did you...?” He hoped she got the implication.

And she did. “Of course not. As you had said, there will be no casualties.” Eric inwardly sighed at her unfounding his fears. But she had more to say. “Although, the more important matter is that the Pokemon and ponies. What made their eyes dilate to such extent?”

“....I don’t know. But there has to be a reason for it….what was it?” Eric put a head underneath his chin as he pondered the situation. Quickly enough, he recalled something important. “....I think….it was the drug.”

“Drugs?”

“....I saw some in the container you cut before. It was a drug, I’m pretty sure about it.”

“What sort of drug would let out those kinds of….” Her vine sweeped across the area littered with unconscious ponies and Pokemon. “....bizarre undead reaction?”

“....must be a hallucinogenic properties for them to have those eyes.” Eric rubbed his head in irritation, this far and still no answers, just a simplistic clue instead. “......there seems to be more questions than answers…..I think we should call it quits while we still can, Helen. I don’t want to put anymore danger into our situation more than it already has.”

“Ah, sweetie, I appreciate the gesture.” Eric felt another vine brushed underneath his chin before the soul-stealing gaze was fixed onto his own. “But don’t let me hinder you. I will be fine.”

Hearing that, Eric was unconvinced. So he continued. “....are you sure?”

“Quite sure, can we please move on?” Helen gestured onward with a smile, despite her wounds.

With a sigh, the trainer complied with her wishes. “....alright, but be more careful from now on.”

Satisfied at the answer, Eric turned around to lead the way with Helen slithering closely behind him and avoiding the mass of unconscious bodies. They gingerly avoided disturbing the sleep the bodies were in. Soon, they had managed to set themselves free from the mass of sleeping figures and stood before the warehouse.

Eric slowly and carefully poked his head in and surveyed the inside of the warehouse. So far, there are no enemies or…..zombies, except more containers that are stacked inside waiting to be exported. “....I’ll go in first, stay behind me.”

Eric stepped into the warehouse proper, wary of any impending threat that might jump out from anywhere. Helen herself was wise enough to not make a sound as it might attract more of those zombie-like figures to their location.

“You again!?” The voice had startled them so much that they nearly jumped, but regained their wits sooner than later.

They turned to meet the sight of a Lucario, Combusken, Mightyena, and a Noibat.

Seeing the four alone brought back memories. “.....they seems familiar…..I think I’ve seen them somewhere...but where was it?” Eric strained his mind for the answers he needed.

“Eric, who are these people?” She asked as she retracted her vine.

The moment Helen asked that, Eric analyzed the group with his observant eyes. “...he said, ‘you again’...did I know him from somewhere?” His eyes fell upon a simple silver band on the Lucario’s right wrist. He resisted the urge to rub his head. “....of course, I should have known.”

“Officer Jonathan.” Eric said out loud.

Helen nearly blanched. “A police? My, my....” The snake put up a vixen smile that seemed flirty.

“And what might you be up to this time, Eric?” Jonathan said sternly. “Not about to cause more property damage that could endanger lives, I hope.”

“Dear, we’re simply doing the community a service. Trust us in this handsome.” Helen winked, followed by heavy breathing.

“Oh that I don’t doubt. I do have to give you credit for delivering Grumble to us,” Jonathan said, acknowledging his previous actions. “However, like last time, its not the motive I’m concerned about. Its the method.”

“....let’s go, we’re wasting time. I don’t want to end up you hurting even more if we wait around.” Eric ignored him entirely and floated forward, unwilling to explain himself to a cop.

“I look forward to meeting you again, handsome.” With that the Serperior slithered away as well in a not-so-graceful way due to her earlier injuries.

“You really know how to get on people’s bad sides,” Eric felt something around his arm and glanced back to see the Lucario had his arm secure in his paw. “As an officer, I can’t allow someone as shady as you to run around...at least not until I have all the facts.”

“....even if I explain myself to you, I don’t think you would understand anyway. Please, let go of me, I’m trying to catch someone.” Eric tugged his arm, but the Lucario didn’t let go.

“I deal with one of the most whimsical thieves to have ever lived on a daily basis, and as it so happens, we have a truce to catch someone as well. Very likely, the same person you’re after. So try me. I doubt you could possibly top her,” Jonathan shrugged.

“.....I don’t really care about anyone’s opinion on my methods. As long as I didn’t harm them more than necessary then it’s fine, a line which I already crossed when my cover was blown.” The Hydreigon answered calmly, then he tugged his arm free. “...like I said, I don’t want to bother you or fight you. The two of us had someone to catch. Let’s go.”

“I’d like to be able to do that, but as it is now, I can’t,” Jonathan sighed. “As I said, your motive may be right, but your methods are wholly questionable. If I let you walk away, then I’ll be turning my back on the oath I swore to uphold as a police officer,” he said, as Heat jumped in Eric’s way. “You say you didn’t harm them more than necessary, yet you still endangered the very criminals you say you try to apprehend within reason. Getting smashed repeatedly in the face and dragged through the ground definitely counts as excessive force. So do us a favor, and come quietly. I promise you’ll get off easy if you explain.”

Eric stopped himself in his tracks, carefully watching the crossed-armed Combusken in front of him. “......you’re not going to let this go, officer?”

“Not a chance. Not unless I see proof that I should,” Jonathan said, his voice hard as steel.

No way out as far as he could say. He sighed in surrender, willing himself to avoid trouble unlike last time, lest he wanted to get chewed out by his mother or even putting Helen into more danger zones. “.....what do you want to know that I know about?”

Helen stared at Eric, now she really wondered if this is even the real one. The Eric she knew was by far unwilling to share information to those he didn’t trust. Either this one is an impostor, or...he had changed...somehow.

“Eric? Are you sure about this?” Helen questioned as herself surveyed the situation. It was four against one, her current wounded situation wasn’t exactly helping either. It made sense her trainer would choose this path.

“....I know that I’m acting out of place right now, but please Helen….” Looking at her straight in the eyes, he pleaded. “....trust me on this. The last thing I want is for us to get into more trouble.”

The voice that reached out to her was definitely his, it was unmistakable. She smiled and brushed a vine under his chin. “But of course, why wouldn’t I trust my dear trainer? Go get them, sweetie.”

With a nod, Eric turned to face the Lucario proper, fixing him with his best neutral look on his own. “...make it quick, I don’t want to waste time, not with my Serperior needing medical attention.”

“Alright then, let’s get started,” Jonathan nodded.

“Mind if I join in?” Came another familiar voice as Fox suddenly appeared on a nearby ledge, her team behind her.

“...one moment, please,” Jonathan sighed, before turning to Fox. “Did you find anything?”

“Our target? No. But I did manage to thrash more of Medicine Bits’ shipments. Nobody’s gonna be taking part in those drugs...not after what we did to them,” Fox chuckled.

Eric wasn’t going to ask how, or why Fox was involved. He just resolved to let out an annoyed sigh while rubbing his head.

“Alright then,” Jonathan nodded, before turning back to Eric. “For starters, you can tell us what you’re doing here? Manehattan is pretty out of the way.”

That one….Eric couldn’t exactly answer straight, at least not the first part. “....I was here trying to look for something for my ailing dad. Then I got sidetracked momentarily when I rescued a police pony from some….’persuaders’. I learned this place from the cop then I wanted to check to see if it was as illegal as the pony said. It seems it was.” His mind was momentarily brought back to those crates inside the container Helen had cut in half with Leaf Blade.

“Alright. Fair enough,” Jonathan nodded.

“You seem pretty cooperative this time,” Fox mused, just a little suspicious. “Any particular reason why?”

“.....let’s just say, someone chided me for my…..methods.” Eric said cryptically. Twisting the truth as far as he could to prevent them catching on.

“...fair enough I suppose,” Fox shrugged. “And you’re right about this place being suspicious. the owner of this place, Medicine Bits is another crime lord, only one specializing in drugs. You’ve already seen the Pokemon zombies wandering around here. Well, that’s the end result of an overdose of her drugs, to cut a long story short.”

“We’re here to take Medicine Bits down, so we’ve agreed to an alliance of convenience,” Jonathan explained.

With that much knowledge on their fingertip, Eric connected the dots fast enough to send someone spinning. “....so that’s how the security was so tight…normally because to spend that much manpower guarding one place is inefficient. We were the bait for you two, huh?” His face was blank, carefully hiding his slight irritation.

“Nothing of the sort,” Fox waved off. “In my case, I just finished raiding the main factory when I found this secret passage to this place...right as you came barreling by. So yeah, call me opportunistic if you will,” she chuckled.

“...we had nothing to do with it,” Jonathan sweat dropped. “We were on a raid of our own, and had to fight through security when we ran into Fox.”

“....anything else? If not, then I have to do things right now, then bring my Serperior back for some medical treatment. Use me as a bait again if you want, but leave Helen out of this.”

“My, what are you talking about, we’re in this together.” Helen leaned her face closer again and rubbed her cheek against his. Eric lightly pushed her away, Helen made a disappointed ‘awww’

“Oh don’t worry, I don’t plan on making a habit out of it. Sides, its not like I made you do anything you weren’t already planning to do,” Fox waved off, a small part of her enjoying this...though the rest of her quickly squashed it.

“....then we’re done here. What I said is the truth, trust me or not is your call.” With one arm carefully hoisting Helen up, they made their way toward the crime lord’s perceived hold out : a cargo ship.

They exited the warehouse to witness that a cargo ship was within sight. Strangely, it was just a stretch of cement block between them and the ship, and only a few containers were visible.

Eric floated, supporting Helen all the way. “....there’s no one here.” Looking at Helen, he asked. “....you think it’s a trap again?”

“Judging from our situation so far? I’d say yes.” Helen sighed. One doesn’t need to be smart to be able to sense the general feel.

Eric sighed, knowing that anything never go easy. “....well, we just have to prepare ourselves. I don’t want anymore surprises right now.”

“I (cough, cough) fully agreed on that, dear.” Helen smiled, not having the energy to argue either. This was partly her idea after all.

“...can you stand?”

“I think (cough) I (cough) can.”

Helen’s wound was sapping what remains of her strength, Eric could tell by simply hearing the presence of a cough that had appeared just now. He knew he had to speed things up and with the conversation earlier wasting what little time they have wasn’t helping.

They were at the deck of the ship now, they were expecting to meet all kinds of resistance on their way here, yet on the deck of the ship, they still saw nothing. Just metal floor that stretches out to their left and right.

Looking around, even Eric’s eyes couldn’t spot anything that seems out of place. His eyes found the ship’s bridge. His eyes widened. “...over there.”

Helen’s attention turned toward the section of the ship he pointed at. “...is that-”

Eric’s eyes were firmly glued toward the crime lord. “….who is…that mare? Is she the one….?”

“What is that fool (cough) doing?” Helen asked as she strained her eyes to see whatever it is their target is attempting to do.

“You!” The intercom had crackled to life. “...What do you think you’re doing?”

Eric didn’t as much as gave the crime lord an answer.

“You come into my base, wrecked all of my and caused possibly hundreds thousands of its worth of property damage, then to add insult to injury….YOU DESTROYED MY STOCKS AND BONDS!” They could hear heavy breathing transmitted through the intercom.

“....I guess Fox really outdid herself again.” He sighed at the implication. “...honestly I have no idea what she said just now.”

“Eric, this is a trap. I could (cough) feel it.” Helen grunted.

“...I know.” Eric muttered. “Things were almost never easy after all.”

“So,” The mare at the intercom took a deep breath to calm his rage. “I think it’s high-time for me dispose of you personally.”

Just as he said that, a pony came out from the doorway into the bridge. “...it’s him!” Eric remembered the pony he had encountered, the one who had commanded the two crazed ponies to attack him.

“Now! Bring me their corpses!” The crime lord ordered.

The sadistic smile from the pony couldn’t be missed. “With pleasure!”

As if on cue, they heard something that sounded like footfalls on metal. They looked at the direction of the metal gangplank and realized that it some blank-eyed Pokemon were making their way up. Finally, a small bulkhead right beneath the bridge glass panes also opened up to reveal several ponies whose eyes seemed focused while holding a few Ursarings on leashes.

“....we’re surrounded,” Eric gritted his teeth. Glancing around, he couldn’t see anyway out. “...no choice, back-to-back now!”

“(cough) Eric, what do you need me to do?” Helen slithered closer as she faced the incoming blank-eyed Pokemon to the left side of the ship toward the direction of the bridge

“....” Eric sighed. “...for now? Defend ourselves the best as we can.”

“Well (cough)....I guess we get to fight together if this is to be our end.” Inwardly, she felt satisfied to be close to Eric one last time.

Then the incoming brainwashed Pokemon jumped like a moth drawn to a flame.

However, before they could do anything, several attacks shot through the air, and hit them, knocking them all back.

“Sorry we’re late. We took a wrong turn to where the party was,” came Fox’s voice.

Turning to the source of the sound, they saw Fox and Jonathan (the Zoroark helping the Lucario stand due to the wound on his leg), and both their teams.

“Looks like you guys could use a hand,” Jonathan chuckled as they eyed the assortment of zombie Pokemon and Ponies.

The former human nodded. No one is getting in or out now. “...Helen, can you manage?”

“I (cough) might be able to.” Just seeing her head bowed low was enough to trigger Eric’s worry.

“Here’s a better idea. Take a breather,” Fox said as she and Jonathan’s team stepped forward. “Alright everyone, let’s do some crowd control. Area attacks again!”

“You got it!” they all grinned, before a wide array of attacks were fired, hitting a large number of opponents, blowing them all away. However, unsurprisingly they got back up.

“Tch. There’s got to be a way to stop them from constantly getting back up,” Jonathan grunted. “Do you think we can use those web bombs of yours?”

“I didn’t carry enough. And they can only hold so much before they break eventually,” Fox said, as both of them jumped out of the way of a few stray attacks.

While this was going on, the rest of their team was wiping the floor with the zombies. “Sorry for the headache,” Howl said, before blasting several of the Pokemon with Dark Pulse.

“Just try to keep it to a minimum!” Heat added, before hitting several of them with Rock Smash on the head, knocking them out instantly.

“They’ll feel this in the morning,” Echo chuckled as she fired a concentrated Supersonic,

During the general chaos of the situation, Eric kept a solid survey of the situation with back planted close to Helen who assisted. So far, they have no need for act, because their impromptu allies had assisted them in their defense.

“Get down!”

Duck he did, just close enough to let a Hyper Beam pass by and grazed his head by mere inches. Before he could celebrate his successful dodge, he traced the beam to a new target.

His entire world seems to slow down as he came to full realization where the beam headed towards.

“Stupid Pokemon and stupid thief. Ruining everything I worked for.” Medicine Bits incessant grumbling was unheard in the chaos. She had made sure to slink away from the bridge and across the ship toward safety while her buffoons of pony power will keep them busy.

A flash to her right dashed the hope from her, turning toward the source, a bright beam was heading toward her. Nothing in her long line of preparation could prepare her for this. She decided to cover her face and braced.

A slight draft of wind, and an explosion is heard, kicking up dust.

Was she dead? She could still feel her five senses, which means she’s still alive and kicking. Opening her eyes and uncovering her face from her own hooves, she nearly tripped backward when there is yet one of the more scarier Pokemon was in front of her.

Before she could scream her heads off, he fell forward, smoke rising from a spot on his back.

Medicine Bits didn’t know how to react, here it is one Pokemon went into the way of the beam that was supposed to struck her. A groan caught her attention, looking at the downed Pokemon, he is still conscious.

Nonetheless, she wasn’t one to waste opportunity. She grinned at the Pokemon’s stupidity. “Idiot. But thanks for being my idiot for the moment!”

However, when she turned to run, she suddenly found she couldn’t. Looking down, her eyes widened at the sight of the thick coating of webs now covering her hooves.

“My my, got caught in a sticky situation, are we?” came a voice that purred dangerously close to her.

That voice caught the mare’s attention, her mind told her not to look, yet she did it anyway and looked up. That prove to be a mistake once her eyes made contact with a pair of blood-red slitted ones, her body, even with every effort she put into it, refused to follow the brain’s command to move.

“Care to repeat what you just said to my precious trainer, you ungrateful bitch?” The venom in Helen’s voice was enough to melt steel, all injuries forgotten momentarily.

Likewise, the two other teams who were approaching backed off a bit, yet one thought was shared. “Dead mare in 10 seconds” they mentally gulped, and decided wisely to stay out of the way.

“I will check my trainer, do keep yourself in place. If there is so much as a single hair is gone from his face….” Helen licked her lips to ensure the implication sink in. “....I’ll make sure that you will go through your worst fear!”

“....s...stop.” Eric’s voice surprised the Serperior.

Glancing behind her, she found herself relieved that her handsome trainer got back up although it was obvious he was in pain. She moved herself to help when he nearly doubled over.

Once a vine is secure around his shoulder, she asked. “Oh dear, are you okay?”

“.....I’m….fine, don’t worry about me. What about you?”

“You’re still you as always, worrying about myself instead of yourself.” She made sure to peck his cheek as a token of gratefulness. “Thank you for caring.”

But their exchange was interrupted by the familiar voice of the Lucario addressing someone. “Medicine Bits. For production and sale of illegal substances, illegal use of said substance, and enslavement of sentient beings, you’re hereby under arrest,” Jonathan stated as he grabbed her hooves, and ripped them off the webbing, before looping them over her back, and cuffing her. “You have the right to remain silent, and everything you say will be used against you in court....and don’t bother denying it. We both have undeniable proof.” He added, looking towards Fox, who shrugged before handing over the evidence she had gathered.

“Make sure not only the local police get that, kay? If I were you, I’d send it to Fillydelphia, somewhere she DOESN’T have her hooks in.” Fox stated, but Eric had seen she was reaching toward something behind her back.

“....where are you going?” Eric breathed in air that has been expelled from his lungs with discomfort.

“Don’t cha know? I’m not done yet,” Fox chuckled, before throwing down a smoke bomb, and when it cleared, her team and her were gone.

“Gah! Dammit Fox! Come back here!” Jonathan growled as he chased after her...with a limp, but not before mashing Medicine Bits into the webs again, this time making her FACE get stuck in the webs.

Seeing the mare was in need of help, he floated over and roughly pulled her out before looking over at the cop who is quick enough to chase down Fox alongside his team. Eric wanted to mention about the Dodge City clue, but kept it to himself anyway. They still didn’t give him much reason to trust them nor proof it otherwise.

“....let’s go….we’re done here, Helen. Be careful not to aggravate your injuries. If there’s anything wrong, tell me, alright?” The mare protested as the Hydreigon dragged her by the back of her shirt collar, shouting protest along the way.

The pain had returned once the adrenaline had worn off, but Helen had enough strength to slither. “But of course (cough), sweetie.”

After a little backtrack, they had re-reached the entrance to the mob’s dockyard, however, this time, they brought along a guest in the form of a trashing mare.

“....hmmm, bringing this mare along might not be the smartest thing to do. If anyone spots me either dragging or carrying a mare on my shoulder, they would think that something was up. So….it was either go through an entire city with millions of inhabitants….or just wait for the officer.” Eric quietly pondered his choice with eyelids closed. As soon as he opened them again, he had made it. “....I guess, we’re going to wait.” He quickly stopped where he is.

Helen noticed the action and stopped herself once she had noticed his silent brooding. “Eric, what are you (cough) thinking?”

“.....I’m thinking….we should wait for the cop to bring this mare in himself. If you get what I mean….” Eric trailed off, waiting for Helen to caught on.

Said Serperior eyes widened for a moment as realization hit her. “Ah, yes, quite the wise decision.” The snake decided to slither around Eric and put her face close to the mare he was dragging about.

“....Helen?” Eric hoped that she wasn’t going to do whatever she wanted to do.

“Don’t worry, Eric. We’re just going to have (cough) (cough) a little fun, aren’t we little bitch?” The tone coupled with the Serperior’s gaze made the mare completely frozen on the spot once more.

Helen brushed a vine underneath the mare’s chin and on her cheek and Helen’s eyes became half-lidded. “So now that we are here….waiting for the officer to come and rescue the damsel in distress….how about we….” The half-lidded eyes quickly shot open for the mare to witness the soul-stealing gaze that made her nearly choke. “...have a little fun.” Helen let out her forked tongue in a hiss.

Eric knew Helen didn’t even hiss that much, but if she did….that means you better start praying to Arceus. But he knows her like the back of his hand, so she wouldn’t take it that far

But before she could have her way with the mare, the sound of footsteps was there and approaching fast. “....Helen, they’re here.”

“Oh, that was quite fast. Consider yourself lucky, bitch.” The venom in her voice would match her own literal one before she retook her position beside Eric.

Mere seconds later, the officer and his team that they had awaited for quickly came running toward them before stopping with heaving breaths.

“....looking for her?” The Hydreigon nonchalantly asked, throwing the mare within his grasp onto Jonathan’s feet. “....you’re the cop. Take care of her.”

Jonathan just picked up Medicine Bits, completely ignoring her protests since frankly, he didn’t give a damn about what she had to say at this point. “Any particular reason you didn’t just do it like you did with Grumble?”

“.....because there weren’t any cops around the area. I’m not a cop, dragging around a mare in front of everyone in the city that never sleeps is bound to give me more trouble. You’re a cop, you can go drag an innocent-looking civilian and no one will bother you, simply saying it’s police business.” Eric explained in detail.

“...I’m not THAT blunt normally, but fair enough,” Jonathan sighed, before hefting Medicine Bits over his shoulder. “And I’ve decided that we’re not turning her into the police...at least not in this city...” he sighed as he started walking away...but not before knocking Medicine Bits out with a quick strike to the back of her head. “The last thing I need right now is you making a scene,” Jonathan grumbled. This was why he hated playing vigilante.

With his job is done, he turned. “....then we’re done here. Let’s go, Helen. I’m going to look that wound of yours.” He flicked his head toward the exit then made his way toward it.

Helen was in agreement, but not without a few parting words. “See you later handsome! Take (cough) care.” She slithered to join her trainer.

“...wait. You seem really interested in stopping criminals and the like,” Jonathan sighed, a small part of him wondering why he was bothering. “But why are you doing it this way? There are plenty of more legal ways to do what you do.”

“....do I need a reason to do the right thing?” Eric’s back was still onto them, not bothering to glance behind him.

“No, but I think it helps to do it in a way that doesn’t make you look crazy,” Heat deadpanned.

“Oh, but that is just the part of his charm. Strong, silent type.” Helen pushed herself into Eric’s comfort zone again, only for him to gently push her away.

“.....what she mean to say, I always thought….cops are just either too incompetent or are just too much of a glory hound or…..too corrupt to care. So….I don’t really bother dealing with the law….sometimes they just got in the way. And there is only a few people you could trust who is working with the law.” Right now, Eric was staring at them over his shoulder to watch their reaction.

Unsurprisingly, the officer simply shrugged his shoulders and went his way followed by his team. Leaving them both to their lonesome.

Eric had sighed, before turning to Helen. “....c’mon, Helen. Let’s get you back to the hotel so I can patch you up.” The Hydreigon had slinked an arm around Helen, and one to lift her neck up so he could help ease her burden.

The snake, wasn’t at all in discomfort by the close proximity of her trainer. “Of course, dear.” Feeling flattered by the action, she pecked his head as they went their way back into the city.

Play this as the second closing theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoomnFqserc

A New World, A New Dawn

by Uber Reaper

Prologue : ???

Chapter 1 : When Dawn Break....

Chapter 2 : ....A New World Appears

Chapter 3 : The City Where Nature Thrives

Chapter 4 : Introductions

Chapter 5 : The 'Sarcastic Psy Master'

Chapter 6 : Relaxation Time

Chapter 7 : A Troubling Act

Chapter 8 : A Chance Encounter

Chapter 9 : The 'Dancing Sun'

Chapter 10 : Metamorphosis

Chapter 11 : Blitzkrieg, part 1

Chapter 12 : Blitzkrieg, part 2

Chapter 13 : Darkness Inside

Chapter 14 : Derailed

Chapter 15 : Train Trip Nightmare

Chapter 16 : Sorrowful Reunion

Chapter 17 : Darkness Inside II

Chapter 18 : Unexpected Visitors

Chapter 19 : Plan of Action

Chapter 20 : The City That Never Sleeps

Chapter 21 : Troublesome Syndrome