It was early morning just outside the small cabin frost coating the window smoke rising from the metal chimney. Inside cabin a small kettle sat on a stove top a shimmer of heat surrounding it. It was simple interior a hard wood frame bed and a small wooden chair little more than a stool. The only other furnishing was a small shelving unit with sheets and blankets of which a few where missing.

Tending the stove a male figure sat hunched over using a small log to tend the coals inside the stove the only heat source in the cabin. His mind preoccupied with only days having passed since the violent encounter at the tournament. Derek pulled out the log the end of the log partially scored by the heat.

As he waited for the water in the kettle to come to boil he that about the changes that had came into play. The first had been the physical change to Bridgette, the most noticeable thing had been the growth of her chest from solid C cup to a small pair of D cups, then again he noticed that largely because his Fetish. Another thing about it was that she had grown a few inches in height where before she was about the same height now though he stood eyes to nose with her. While everything else seemed to be the same her tail seemed to grow and shrink in size he just couldn't place if it was true or not.

From what he could gather her foresight ability which was unreliable at best she found herself among a cache of evolution stone. Among which was a psi crystal to which her foresight ability had drawn her after which she had teleport spammed the Pumara into the sky. No matter how good she could leap a drop from the height of a skyscraper was fatal. According to Bridgette the Catamount's head wasn't right and after hearing the medical examiners report, it turned out the Catamount was a real sociopath the part of her brain the processed emotional times wasn't wired right.

Thinking about the Catamount brought his thoughts to the Gladiatrix. Much to his shock she was actually a mute and currently in the custody of the Gigamax gym. Unlike the Catamount who was largely insane the gladiator girl could be rehabilitated though nothing could be done for her vocal cords as it had been to long.

There was also the mystery of what happened to the gangers that had been wrecked in near the locker rooms. During the riot caused by the gangers most of the finalist had largely been accounted for most of them had assisted keep the peace. The only ones that hadn't been accounted for after the riot was Derek and who ever Skull was. The only evidence of Skull's presence a had been the biker helmet with shattered face mask.

As for Derek that brought up the final change to his life after sneaking back to his motel room he had been confronted by the combined task force. It hadn't been pleasant encounter as the Myobu had slammed him across the room with her tails. She had tried to cook him alive calling him a monster that needed to be put down. It took the arrival of Claire, The gym leaders of Sapphron and Fight, as well as the Commissioner of the Sapphron department. It took all night to convince her and the Fight city department head that he wasn't the same as Water Spider.

Hearing the whistling of the kettle Derek pulled a tin cup from under the stool before taking hold of the kettle pouring himself a steaming cup. A he thought he remembered how Ryoma had vouched for him as he had watched the transformations from the field. It had taken hours after that for them to come up with a reason not to have him handed over to league officials for dissection. In the end they had made the decision to make Derek part of the task force to hunt down Shocker. It also helped that he was going to do that anyway and the bonus well.

Turning his head he looked at his bonus the body in the bed or bodies as it went as Claire and Bridgette lay together. As a stipulation to keeping out of the hands of league at least till the Shocker problem had been dealt with he had to be monitored. Claire of or course had volunteered to be the one to keep the eyes on him. He of course made no argument on the matter either because he loved Claire or because his body was still racked with pain. It hadn't helped that being what he was taking that much voltage into his body could have killed him. As he looked at the pair he noted that Bridgette was curled into Claire's bosom like a child.

Placing the kettle down on the floor he walked over to the window and using his finger drew a picture in the frost. "Mystery atop of mystery." As he finished he watched the water droplet roll down the image from his finger. "how are you doing this shocker, how are you creating things like me? With the number of gangers I've seen it's not possible for them to be all humans can it?" Taking his cup he took a drink of he hot water. "Do they have some sort of command structure? Also why did water spider call me Hopper one and not just Hopper? I know that Gangers are based on the hopper template but,"

"Nyah if you keep thinking bad thoughts my head hurt nyah," Woken more my his speaking than his thoughts Bridgette uncurled herself from Claire's belly. Sitting up in the bed she curled her legs under her he tail waving absently behind her. "Master Needn't nyah worry so much."

Smiling more to himself than her he quickly finishes his hot water before sitting down in the seal of the window. "I suppose your right I really shouldn't worry, I have plenty of support after," The sounds of Bridgette's stomach growl didn't let him finish his sentence causing him to laugh lightly. "Well then, I guess I need to support you then," Pulling on the handle of the door of the cabin he looked at the pair. "You don't have to fake sleep for my sake Claire," He watched as Claire rolled over onto her back. "You two don't have to worry about me this morning, I'm just going to take Gilda and Zala hunting with me. If really get hungry you can bust out the rations just watch the cheese."

Claire mocking at being annoyed hit him with a pillow. "Dork" lacing her hands behind her head she leaned against the headboard. "good hunting," She watched him walk out taking with him his empty pack as well as Gilda and Zala's balls. Once the door finally shut she sat up placing her hands on the head board pushing herself up even more. "We should see if we can find some wild Onions and potatoes if we're lucky well find some berries."

With a slightly bemused exspression Bridgette looked at the ceiling her tail finding it's way ontop of Claire's head. "I know someone who can help with that." Reaching onto the shelf she took hold of Alice's ball.

00oo00oo00

It had no chance but, the creature didn't know that. The only thing it really knew that winter was coming quicker than normal so the need to feed had grown. Raising it's head it's brown nose twitched filling with the smell of food. Rising off the ground it proceeded toward the smell only to late did it realize the trap it had sprung. It's view twisted as it felt the rope snap tight on it's hind legs blood rushed to it's tiny brain telling it the danger it was in.

Slipping down the tree like a snake from it's nest Gilda admired her handy work. Placing a bowel on the ground she took the rabbit's forelegs she moved out of the way taking the tip of her spear removed from it's haft for just this purpose. Slicing the rabbit's throat she allowed the blood to flow freely quickly filling the bowl she allowed it to overflow. "Zala, Master I seem to have made the first catch of the day."

Zala tossed haft of Gilda's spear down to her. "don't be so full of yourself sister," Leaping down from shadow of the branches she picked up the bowl of blood. "As it was your kill sister you should be the first to drink."

"To the goddess Hel," Taking the bowl Gilda touched the brim to her lip drinking of the dark red fluid. Allowing a small amount of the blood to roll down her chin she lifted the bowl. "master, as my master you have a right to drink."

Twisting a leaf in his fingers from his perch at the highest branch that could support his wait he looked out onto what he could see of the forest. "Though I may have a right, I do not believe as you do in blood ritual." Looking down he dropped the leaf. "Believe in what you will and I shall believe as I do."

Zala took the bowl offered her also sharing in the blood of the kill. "It's a pity we did not encounter a Doe." Joining Gilda painted her hand in blood staining the fur of the rabbit with it's own blood. "Rather do enjoy Doe and Donna meat usually so tender."

Gilda taking her spear blade cut the rabbit down and began to skin it. "Not me to gamey for my taste, though I used to help care for the Milktits and pasteurize there milk sometimes I wouldn't. A good sized Naga on the other hand would last us days after we dried the meat."

Zala licked her lips. "I do miss those nights sister," She grabbed Gilda by the hips pulling them together. "Suckling those lactating nipples tying you to the bed with your clothes. Remember that Beach bunny we found in the river. You smothered her between your legs while I worked hers we gave the Goddess Venus a true tribute that morning."

Still in his perch Derek rolled his eyes. "I had almost forgotten that you two would rather perform Sexual Cannibalism. Though I have to ask what would you have done had you encountered Claire all by herself before you bonded to me."

Gilda slipped her bloody fingers across Zala's cheek to which her sister suckled onto before looking up at there master. "If we had encountered her it's likely we would have gathered a hunting party. We could have easily seen her experience it would have been far to dangerous for just the two of us to try and take her. If she was with pups we would have stayed far away, a Denmother with children is far more dangerous than a lone one."

Leaning up against the trunk of the tree Derek plucked another leaf twirling it around like the first. "I've been meaning to ask, who are your goddesses? What do you think of the legendaries?"

Whispering Gilda nibbled on Zala's ear. "I must skin the rabbit." Hearing a moan of satisfaction she pulled away from her sister. "We have five goddesses, and as to the legendaries we don't see them as Goddesses but, powerful sisters to feared and respected though we do admit some of them aren't all there."

Zala nodded in agreement leaning against the tree. "As the first of goddesses is the warrior Kali, then the Huntress Hel, the lover Venus, the sorceress trickster Hild," looking up Zala when she heard scratching and saw Derek's arm had changed and it was digging into the bark of the tree. "And finally the mother of the four also the weaver Arachne."

Hearing the slight shift in tone Gilda followed the eyes of Zala spotting the change in Derek's demeanor. "Master, is there something wrong."

Putting on a smile letting his arm change back to normal. "Nothing, ust the name Hild bothers it has nothing to do with you. Sides I don't think one rabbit is going to feed one, two, three, six mouths. I'm wondering though do all your goddesses require a blood sacrifice?"

Taking the skin of the rabbit Gilda nodded at Zala who disappeared into the woods to hunt. "No just two of them Kali and Hel. Kali get's the heart of our enemies while Hel drinks the blood of our that which we hunt." Putting the pelt in her belt she bagged the rabbit. "We normally invoke Venus during the time of breeding or the binding of sisters. Though Venus can also go hand in hand with Hel mostly because we consider the two lovers."

"Which explains what you did to the beach bunny,"

"We also invoke the two of them when one of our Milktits evolves into a minotaura. Hild is who we invoke for magic and rituals she only requires that make and offering of sweet savor. As for the beach bunny we brought her to point of exhaustion before I snapped her neck." She climbed up into the tree with him. "As for Arachne she blesses us during child birth and when ever we take up a project such as tanning our leather. Spider breeds also hold a special place in her heart so when ever we encountered one we'd take them in. There was rumor a sort time ago that the Matron took in a Dryder as lover for a time."

Placing an arm across her waist Derek held her. "So what would happen if the spider wanted to leave."

Laying her head on his shoulder she smiled lightly. "We'd let her go, though not before trying to tempt her into staying, we'd use tamings, food, what ever we had at hand."

00oo00oo00

wandering through a field of wild wheat searching for herbs and tubers was not her idea of fun. Diana realized another thing as she walked she really should have trained for a marathon. She didn't even know if the Cheshire or The Flowergirl knew what a tuber was. She knew that they could find them considering the Flowergirl was a plant type.

Bridgette stopped following Alice well mostly her ass before popping her head above the grass looking back at Diana. "This is good exercise nyah make legs better. What tuber?"

Diana laughed as she climbed the hill rapidly trying catch up to the three of them. "food that's grown under dirt." Finally catching up to the trio she found Alice digging in the dirt finding a potato. "Do know the concept of clothes?"

"Nyah, Me not like clothes." Sitting hunched down on the ground her tail rubbed the top of her own head. "To binding nyah to pounce."

"you'd be surprised how much a bra keeps the girls from bouncing to much." Claire commented as she looked around watching for any signs of trouble. "Try being seven foot tall with E cups sure I got the muscle mass. I tried going without some support for a week it was a roof chase that finally convinced me to start wearing again."

Putting her basket down Alice adjusted her sundress showing that the dress had support built into it. "Moe," Looking at her basket she had already collected a few herbs and potatoes even managed to find a couple wild carrots.

"Only time the girls should be bouncing is during the hot and heavy. " Diana commented as she kneeled down plucking a root she knew instinctively had healing properties. "Which brings me to another question Claire, you've known him longest who was his first I expect it was you right?"

Claire reached down and plucked a piece of wild grass spinning it between her fingers. "It wasn't me really, up until a couple years ago I saw him like a surrogate son didn't start sleeping with him till I got him back. Three years ago Derek was kidnapped from where he was living half the year," She sighed. "I can't tell you where that is his right not mine, Well at the time he was alpha bonded to a girl there in that place, she died trying to protect him."

"Nyah that explains what he meant," Bridgette sat down with Alice who was half listening and half searching. "He said nyah that he wouldn't be the cause of another pointless death."

Snapping the weed in half Claire lifted her nose and sniffed the air around them. "He feels that's he's to blame for his families death. On top of that his lover's death also haunts him add to that what he did under the preprogrammed state. At this point I think he believes his hands are drenched blood so thick that he'll never be clean."

"Guess he sees himself as weapon," Diana sat down listening to the birds chirping. "No different than us real, at least" She looked sideways at Claire who was joining the other three in sitting on the ground. "he gets to make the choice on who he's aimed at for himself."

Bridgette scooted closer to Diana her tail resting on her shoulder. "Nyah then it's our job to remind him that he isn't just a weapon."

00oo00oo00

The dining table was lavishly set with candles burning providing mood lighting. The room was elegantly furnished in carved oak paneling polished with a shine. Hanging over head from a domed ceiling a crystal chandelier glittered reflecting the light from the evolution stones inlayed in the wood. The eight chairs surrounding the oval table three on each side with one on each end. The smells of the food wafted into the air filling the room even before the guests arrived.

He was the first to arrive in his military uniform a riding crop under his right arm a cold smile on his black lips. Taking his crop in his left hand he ran the free hand over the tallest chair at the head of the table. His name was Doemon Kahn he was an executive indeed the top executive with only one above him.

Behind the executive the mahogany doors to the dining room crept open and the remaining executives filed in. Leading the group of three was man in long brown leather jacket, blue jeans and a collared shirt. His skin was pale white with his hair tied back into dreadlocks. His name was Tiberius Stopher and was known as the executioner who was tasked with eliminating threats to the organization.

Strolling into room just to his left was Kumagawa the devil of the group his purpose only known to Doemon. He dressed simply enough a pair of khaki jeans, a lack of a shirt only the tattoos of chains circled his chest and back. His skin where it wasn't tattooed it was tanned as it had been on the day he encountered Derek. Tattooed on his back starting from his shoulder blades down to the center was a pair of bloody angel wings. Draped across his right shoulder was a dark blue school uniform jacket.

Just across from Kumagawa was a women dressed in a white lab coat, a bright yellow blouse, around her neck was a golden chain with ambrosia containing a sealed wasp. Hugging her hips where a pair of black bellbottom jeans held on by a yellow belt with a pair of wooden pumps. Her black hair was curled into a beehive with streaks of yellow running throughout. Her name was Dr. Mira Kage the only member of the executives to hold a Ph.D. Her purpose in the group was an understanding of genetic structures.

It wasn't long before the group members each gathered around the table taking a seat with Doemon at the head of the table. To his right sat Kumagawa who was easily filled his plate, on the left of Doemon sat Mira who unlike Kumagawa was in no rush to fill her plate. Tiberius sat separate from the trio only a chair between him and Mira.

"Before we start our meal," Doemon picked up a goblet of white wine swirling it. "I like a review of our recent failed operations."

Both Mira and Tiberius tensed at the mention of failed operations only Kumagawa remained calm already sipping his wine. "If I Remember correctly Bat, Spider, and Rat all fell under your supervision Doctor. Water Spider, Starfish and Salamander fell under your command Tiberius."

"Our primary problem it seems to be the Hoppers One and Two. We had recently retrieved Hopper two who was living civilian life in Dogpatch. We transported him to facility just north of Cerulesbian when he woke up during the education program. Escaped rather violently before retrieving his two girls finally encountering Rat inside a swap."

Sitting his goblet down Kumagawa nodded. "Correct, Rat had equipment matter replication circuit if I remember correctly."

Dr. Mira hissed at him from across the table. "That's correct it was in prototype stages, He was able overwhelm it by causing him to crash into one of the clones. Before you start about Bat he was tasked with creating a aerial combat unit. It was sheer luck that Hopper one encountered him Spider was supposed to supervise. He was also tasked with retrieving Hopper one using the gangeriods. He got arrogant activating the berserker function built in."

Tiberius bent his fork between his fingers. "Shortly after Hopper two escaped, I sent Starfish after him. I had thought that Starfishes flight abilities might be able to out maneuver him. I never expected him to use those same flight abilities to undo Starfish." He pointed his finger at Doemon. "You told me to force those Dark Elves so I sent in Salamander. As for water Spider that was an unhappy accident for both to be in the same city!"

Doemon looked down at his wine circling it. "I suppose we should count ourselves lucky that they where unaware of each other." Looking up he noticed the doctor trying to not look any of them in eye. "Doctor are you trying tell me something or do you need to use the facilities?"

"Hopper two, knows the identity of Hopper one though I am fairly certain he did make his presence known to Hopper one."

Doemon looked down at his food inhaling the scent of the food. "Are you, trying to tell me something or."

She grunted. "During his escape he managed to download a number of files from our systems. Including the identities of many of our subjects."

"I see," Doemon began to carve into his kattle stake taking his time with the cooked rare meat. "I also must that you've lost control of the twins. Your Pokegirl biogenic research lab has death trap run by those two. Though if we're lucky the twins and Hopper one will destroy each other."

She laughed. "You needn't worry the twins will be eliminated by Mole when he levels the lab. I'm already done with that line of research. After that if Hopper one arrives well he'll be buried alive in the rubble."

Tiberius sneered at that. "Greymore is mine, if Jackal fails in his mission I'll deal with him myself. I'll tare his head off with my bare hands." Calming himself down Tiberius took a bite of his food and swallowing "Snake will be cleaning up Salamanders mess," Whispering just loud enough to be heard. "Like we need any of her g-splice experiments."

Dr. Mira Kage hissed her eyes transforming into red compound eyes black antennae sprot from her forehead. "I am simply creating weapons for us to use against those who won't bow down to us. If you don't like it please come to one of labs and test yourself."

Tiberius snarled his eyes shifting like a big cat's would. "I would gladly come down to one your labs if it was you I got to tare apart and not one mongrels."

Doemon chuckled placing his half empty goblet down onto the table. "As it amuses to see you two fighting." He looked side long at the pair his black lips curling in puckering. "I would like to remind you we are trying to have a civil meal."

Scolded by Doemon the pair ceased there bickering allow the meal to eaten in a mild silence. Before long the maid Yvette's entered the dining room clearing the table for them. After that was down Tiberius and Dr. Mira stood followed shortly be Kumagawa. As the proceeded to leave Doemon raised his hand. "Wait a moment," The trio came to stop looking back at him, "Doctor, Tiberius you two may leave. Kumagawa I wish to speak with you a moment."

"As you wish," The other two allowed leave did so Kumagawa walked to his side. "what is it that you wish to speak with me about."

Hearing the doors to the room shut tight he smirked. "I'm aware of your involvement with spider and your history with Hopper one. While Tiberius has a personal vendetta against him, you have a twisted love for him. The Great Leader seems to understand but, I do not." Looking at his crop he pushed it against Kumagawa's chin. "If you continue to get in the way of our operations not even your mother will stop me."

Kumagawa chuckled. "I am fully aware of the consequences to my actions. You have my word that I won't interfere with important operations I will simply observe."

"Excellent," Removing his riding crop he stood up. "I have to make sure Tiberius and Mira understand me just as well." Pulling open the doors he and Kumagawa walked out the dining room the lights of the candles flickering out.

00oo00oo00

A jog was what she wanted, just to keep in shape really not that she needed it. She wasn't afraid of getting balled as the anti capture chip embedded in her neck. She hated the thing but, considering how far she was from precinct which while it wasn't that far a lone pokegirl in the wild. She knew she was a target the moment she had left the group but, she wasn't afraid.

It wasn't long that she had hit the two mile mark her powerful legs easily going the distance. She had noticed them about a quarter mile back, at first they hadn't following her which was the first thing that tipped her off. A lone very rare pokegirl ignored by passing tamers that wasn't normal at the very least one of them should be following her.

She was glad she had left while they where finishing brunch considering they had missed out breakfast with hunting and foraging. It surprised her that that the two dark Elves knew how to cure and preserve meat. Which brought her to the group that was following her. They weren't being very discrete about it either meant that they weren't very good at it or they needed something. Considering they'd managed to keep up with her for the past mile and a half she knew that they weren't normal.

Leaping off the edge of the cliff she landed in a long abandoned salt quarry her legs easily absorbing the hundred foot drop. Looking around she found it an old trench bucket rusted and pitted by three hundred years of disuse. Climbing onto the half pulled apart treads she took a seat watching as the eight of them landed easily as she did. "Took you bastards long enough,"

The leader of the eight pulled down the hood of his yellow rain jacket. His face was pop marked with scars his eyes gold an unnatural madness filling them. His lips pursed the tip of his tongue moisturizing them as it rolled out. His voice a deep growl as he spoke. "You belong to him, Hopper one tell me where I can find him whore."

Claire snorted looking at the group. "First off you have no room to talk, your just a weapon like I am." Sliding off the broken tread she cracked her knuckles. "secondly you arrogant fools think just because you've been altered means your superior to both humans and pokegirls. You tend to forget how dangerous we pokegirls really are." Looking at her hands she began to raise her internal core temperature.

Behind the growling man two of the men launched foreword shedding there disguises revealing them to be gangers. Claire not bothered by the change shifted her stance using the burning hands technique she shredded the two gangers into flaming hunks of slag.

Snorting flame from her nostrils she waved her hand palm up at them. The remaining gangers responded two of them leaping into the air while the other three charged. Taking in deep breathe she slammed her hand into the ground a crack spreading from her fingers red heat following until a cylinder of flame consumed one of the gangers turning it into molten slag. The first ganger that had been in the air came down a flaming nightstick ripping into it's neck setting it alight. Tearing the burning nightstick from the ganger's throat she kicked out with her right leg also alight tripping the other flying ganger. Recovered from initial shock of the flame tower that had roasted the middle ganger the other two charging gangers watched as the two flying ganger fell smoldering.

Standing up Claire twisted the nightstick around. "What are you two waiting for or can you actually feel something."

Before the two gangers could do something they where split in half as Jackal had grown tired of waiting. Fully transformed he stepped between the two fallen gangers. "You think just because you can destroy a few peons that makes you equal to me." Raising his claws the spark in the light. The metallic plates on his chest split open revealing several tubes. "Now die!"

Claire jumped back as the first two missiles impacted where she once stood. Moving quickly she grabbed hold the roof of the trench bucket pulling herself up and over just as the second set of missiles shredded the old machinery. Stepping up she watched as the black smoke rose and flaming shrapnel came down. "You made one, mistake with those missiles."

Even though he could barely see her through the crackling flames he did hear her. "Like I could make mistake," He chuckled as a cannon slid out of from another metallic sheath on his back. "I hate to repeat myself but, die!"

Dodging to one side before passing into the fire and quickly out of it Claire grabbed the barrel of the weapon. "I'm a fire type dumbass." Sheathing her fist in flame and slammed it into Jackal's gut again and again. Releasing him she watched him stumble back in pain holding his stomach. "I won't," She grabbed him by the head. "Let you hurt my master," Inhaling she released a wave of fire from her mouth not stopping till she felt red hot metal. "Stay down," She released the metallic skull watching the body fall. Stepping over the remains she walked away not bothering to turn around as the body exploded.

00oo00oo00

Derek stood just at the edge of the camp ground waiting it was late evening and he was running late. He had wanted to leave a few hours earlier not that he blamed Claire he'd been spending time with Zala and Gilda in the woods hunting. After everyone had eaten he had helped the two of them preserve the extra meat that had left. While he had been doing that Claire had decided to take a jog and told him not worry.

Derek though being who he was worried a five mile run shouldn't have taken long as it did. It was her thick orange and yellow tail that he spotted first. Walking up to her he looked her up and down and smiled. "You've been climbing can I see your hands?"

Claire who had been hiding her hand behind her back. "So how did you know."

"Claire we delta bond, I can't read your thoughts," reaching up he touched her cheek. "I can feel your feelings though. You want to hide something from me and somewhere deep down you know you can't." He chuckled weakly. "Besides your uniform is covered in white dirt. You toes and feet are covered in it as well." Taking his finger he took a taste. "Salt, you've been rolling around in a salt pit your puppy."

She laughed when he did. "I'll have you know when I was just a young Growlie I played in mud all the time." Sighing in defeat she brought out her hands.

Taking her gently by the wrist he turned them palm up looking at the damage. "Claire your fire resistant not fireproof. This looks like you stuck your hand in furnace and kept them there. Don't feel guilty just tell me what happened please."

"They'll heal just need to get some burn heal."

Derek shook his head. "that's not telling me how it happened, your avoiding it." Sliding his pack off his shoulders he unzipped it. "I can guess though if you're not willing. You where chased by a feral that you couldn't handle straight up." He chuckled. "Didn't think so, you where followed and had to defend yourself," The feelings he got from her lead him on the right track. "it wasn't yourself you where defending, Claire why."

"I had to remind them, that if they came after you they would have to go through me." Claire watched as he applied the burn heal. Even as the cool spray touched the raw burned flesh she could feel the stinging as the proteins in the spray peeled away the burnt flesh the hairs falling away.

"We'll have to get you to a center to get this fully healed. I know how much you dislike getting balled but, I can move quicker just by myself."

Cliared raised an eyebrow. "My hands are burned not my legs."

He chuckled kissing her. "And you just back from ten mile jog and while you could match my speed and actually go faster. Who tuckered out first though I haven't been on the run today. I need the exercise."

"if my hands weren't healing." she growled playfully. "Don't get yourself caught running to fast you'll get confused for a cheetit."

Raising Claire's ball he shook his head. "I promise I won't get spotted." Balling her he checked around him. "no one to the left, no one to the right." With no one to see him he put on a burst of speed which would cut down on travel time.

00oo00oo00

Two and half days that's what it would have normally taken to get to the point the was currently at. He managed to cut that time down into hours a rather easy feat considering his altered body. If he thought about it he still had at least another days journey on foot. Coming to a clearing he began to slow to an easy jog and then he saw it just parked off a main highway.

It was big, really it had to biggest rig Derek had ever seen. To the point where he had been running it caused him to slow down to a brisk walk just to take a look at. First thing he noticed where the strange shaped tires circular like normal but they also had spheres built in the eighteen wheels easily two thirds Derek's height. The next thing he noticed was that the trailers and cab where armored which could easily absorb a lot of damage. As he walked by he noticed that the three sections needed ladders to the climb into them.

Looking up he could see someone staring down at him. As he squinted his eyes Derek could make out that the man had a small ginger goatee with hair of the same color, he could also make out that man was where some sort of monocle over his right eye. He also noted that the man was wearing a black lab coat over white shirt. "Ah what the hell," Raising his hand Derek waved up at the man. "Yo mind if I come up?"

The man at the top of transport stared down at him for moment before cupping his hands over his mouth. "What!"

Rolling his eyes Derek cupped his own hands over his mouth. "Mind if I come up!"

The man reached up adjusted his monocle the lens inside mechanical apparatus rotating. "Sure! Just the take the ladder." Stepping back out of the Derek's eye line he tapped an almost invisible button of the monocle. Once he did he saw cutaway of Derek's body while largely incomplete it still showed a lot of information. "you would be an interesting case study."

Having heard the okay Derek walked up to the ladder taking to the climb easily enough before long he found a hand offered to help him up. Taking the hand he pulled himself up ontop of the middle trailer and not several hatches of the various sizes. "Impressive rig you've got here,"

The man grinned raising his arms. "Welcome to my home the MRL also known as the Mobil Research Laboratory. You can call me Jack Splicer!" As he announced his name small holes appeared in the MRL and fireworks went off. "G-Splice specialist par excellence."

"merle?"

Jack's head drooped as he heard him. "Not Merle, M,R,L," He sighed sticking his hands in his lab coat pockets. "Aren't you interested in what kind of research I do," As he spoke a cup holder on a pole rose up beside him. Reaching out he grabbed the cup of black coffee taking a sip. "Thank you Jem."

"actually no," Derek shrugged. "Though I am curious to that monocle your wearing. As to your employ, considering you introduced yourself as Jack Splicer I can only assume you're a splicer, someone who studies the ins and outs of G-Splices as such you probably have one or more under your care. I can also assume that Splicer isn't your real last name."

"Actually the monocle as you call it is a sensor device allowing me to do biological scans while in the field. While not as detailed as I'd like it's enough for basic information." Taking a drink of his coffee he looked at it. "Good coffee, brain fuel. Yeah Jack Splicer isn't my real name."

Materializing just adjacent the pair a near translucent woman appeared speared to have sort of pad in her hands and was running her fingers across it. "His name is Jack Albert Spencer, his a pure breed human." Tapping away at the virtual pad she just barely looked up. "Calibration almost complete we should be able to locate the source."

"Good work Jem,"

"Spencer where have I heard that name before," Musing over it for a minute. "Huh, Spencer as in Spencer heavy industries one the main manufactures of," Tapping his foot on the trailer it came to him. "Anti-Gravity trucks and other heavy equipment. I heard rumors they where a pure breed family not a tamer or pet owner in the lot. With the main offices located in the Slot League"

Jack grinned again downing his coffee. "Parents weren't very happy when I said I'd be traveling abroad. Threatened to disown me when I said I was going to become a pokegirl researcher." Reaching up he rubbed his goatee. "though You haven't told me your name yet."

Putting his hands in his pocket Derek shrugged his shoulders. "Derek Greymore not famous, just me. Though since this a Research center on wheel does that mean you have a healing machine?"

Adjusting his monocle the grin never faded. "Of Course, Jem could you boot it up for me." The translucent woman gave a nod before fading from view. "One of them is suffering from Burns correct. Also one them is either a feral or a nudist considering the lack of clothes."

"Yeah," Staying a few steps back Derek followed him inside the rig. As they walked threw the rig they passed into a few rooms. The first room they walked into Derek noted it was a bedroom which in of itself wasn't strange. He noticed that on a shelf where several plaster heads holding wigs of various colors and styles, also on the heads where fake noses. The second room they passed into found them in the medical center of the second trailer. "Lot of high tech equipment in here."

"Hehe I was a student of the infamous Washu got most of my equipment ideas from her." Jack walked over to round cylinder device with a plastic cover six red lights aligned with an semicircular slots. "Alright this is it." Flipping up the plastic cover he took out a small cleaning rag polishing the holders. "Jem set it on the standard healing cycle."

Leaning back Derek watched as someone in a blonde pony tail polished a all terrain vehicle. Just at a glance Derek had thought that the person was young man considering the way he no she carried herself. "Drag king?"

Leaning over Jack noticed what he was looking at and laughed. "You could say that, hey Aile get over here."

Aile adjusted her glasses walking out of the section of the trailer she had been working in. "look Jack I've still got a lot of work to do." She laid the towel the she had been working with over her shoulder. If someone didn't look to closely they couldn't tell that she wasn't a he considering how she was dressed. "If this is something stupid." She noticed Derek looking at her. "You should watch your heart just saying."

Rubbing the back his head Jack unhooked his monocle. "She's like that sometimes, Aile this is Derek Greymore he just visiting thought I might introduce you to him."

She shrugged her shoulders. "Introduction made I've got work to do," She punched Derek in the chest. "I'm serious though you should watch your heart it just might get you killed." Raising her hand she waved at them both. "Get his girls healed."

Derek blinked. "What was that about,"

Jack nervously scratched the side of his head. "Well she gets that way when I interrupt her. Anyways could I see your girls." Using one hand he took the monocle off while with the other he offered an open palm.

Reaching onto his belt he took off the balls containing his girls. "So how long will this take?"

"not to long depending on how injured." Taking the balls he placed them one by one into the slots on the machine. "here we go," Popping the lid shut each of the red lights shifted color into blue. "Once the light turns green they'll be healed."

Leaning back against the wall of the trailer Derek watched the machine. "Not that I don't trust you but, what level of healing cycle is that?"

Jack whistled putting his hands behind his head looking up at the welds in the seams. "Well I admit you have no reason to trust me. Some guy you met with a mobile research lab a scanning device over his eye." Jack kicked his heel against his toe. "Look I should report you to the league you're a walking talking forbiddentech Cyborg."

"Then I'm guessing," Looking up at Jack he smirked. "you realize that by the time you make that call I could break your neck. Then again if your running anything higher than a level two I won't just snap your neck you suffer."

Aile snorted as she picked up a wrecker bar using it to reach in where her arms couldn't go. "One of you better stop posturing or I'm going to bounce a wreck ball off both your heads." Putting the ratchet she began to turn the bolt. "Trust me I'll make it unpleasant."

Derek laughed rubbing his nose. "I've had wreck balls bounced off my head it's unpleasant. So anyway you said something about searching for something."

Jack nodded. "Yeah, I'm looking for the epicenter for the localized earthquakes. Lavendierre and the surrounding six mile radius had been experiencing stronger than normal geological shifts. Now before you say anything it's not ground or rock types when ever they release seismic attacks like earthquake it usually localized to within a few yards of the girl never extending more than mile. No these seismic shifts vary to much in depth and distance apart as well as radius."

"hm, What do you think might be the cause then?"

"Rumors, not that I'm saying that rumors are the cause but, there where rumors of an underground research complex built by the original mad man himself. It was said that he did his original G-splice production in the lab at the very least some of them. It was said that it was abandoned halfway into the war shortly before the old Chinese empire released there plague. Recently it was said that a team rocket research team was locked inside. I think, this my personal opinion on this, that they're covering there tracks. I'm hoping that by triangulating the epicenter of these shockwaves I can find the entrance."

"I've heard those rumors of research lab myself but, I always thought that they where rumors myself. They said that Lavendierre tower was built to honor those who had died inside of those labs. Though if it is real I would say that the entrance would be located in the catacombs under the tower that's where I'd hide it anyway."

"You sound like you make this trip a lot."

Slanting his head Derek confirmed it. "Yep, it's something of a yearly trip for me usually I hit Lavendierre just in time for the All hollows eve celebrations visit the family grave, then about late November early December I drop into Prussian for Christmas. rinse and repeat every year."

Making a Tee with his hands Jack called a time out. "Wait a minute back that train up you make this trip every year? Also your parents are buried in the tower? On top of that you make a yearly trip to Prussian why in world would you want to spend Christmas there? Got a family home there or something?"

"Almost every year since I was nine, My mother died three months before my 8th birthday and then six months and twelve days latter my father died of a heart attack but, I know better it was a broken heart. I'm currently 18, I know a little to start a tamers journey most start at either 14 if there feeling lucky, or at 16 in general practice, So you do the math and figure out how long I've been making this trip. As for the Christmas in Prussian I sort of got a friend he lives there most of the year."

"Tell you what let me show you something," Once the lights had turned green Jack flipped the lid open. "Aile is the Cyclone working?"

Aile shook her head. "It's not running but, I could start her up."

Taking back his girls Derek touched each of the balls finally coming to Bridgette's and as soon as he did she was released. "Should've known that you would release yourself."

"nyah, it was getting cramped in there." She stretched out showing off her body she knew full well that both her master and the other young man where staring. "Can we play nyah dress up master?" She didn't see it coming as the paper fan swatted her on the head. Pouting she turned around looking at Aile who was patting the paper fan in her palm. "Why you swat me,"

Derek rolled his eyes. "I do believe I can answer that," walking behind her he scratched between her ears feeling her tail tickle his chin. "You where showing off. We can play dress up latter when we're not so busy."

Flicking the fan over under her wrist Aile glared at the Cheshire. "Keep your Cheshire on a short leash I won't have her messing up all my hard work." Taking calming breathe she tucked her paper weapon away. "You wanted to see the Cyclone following me."

The trio followed her into the rear most trailer finding themselves inside portable garage and there sitting at the rear most against a wall was a bike. Climbing onto the bike she began to walk the bike off the rack brining onto the ramp. "This is the Cyclone a premiere piece of hardware. Designed for use off road use and on road speed. Hydrogen fueled giving it superb mileage, one canteen for 56 miles. Gyroscopic balanced for near vertical climbs. Twin head lamps designed to cut threw fog and rain repulsing ions. Capable of achieving speeds ranging from 60 to 200 MPH never had to open her up though."

"You almost sound in love with it," Derek ran his hand over the head of the bike.

Nearly at the same moment both Bridgette and Jack answered in stereo. "She is,"

Aile rolled her eyes looking first at Jack. "Bite me, not my fault you put me up to building these things," She then glared at Bridgette knitting her eyebrows. "And you just need to stay out of my head." Mumbling under her breathe. "I hate telepaths."

"I've had some experience handling bikes," Looking up her. "Mind if I take her out for a spin?"

"Fine," Sliding off the bike she rubbed the kattle leather seat. "Don't get a scratch on her." Walking over to a large red button she hit it causing the trailer to shudder as the ramp lowered and the door to open. With the ramp lowering she grabbed a helmet and tossed it at Derek. "You're going to need that."

Mounting the bike he caught the helmet. "I've got a hard head, Bridgette here." Handing the helmet over he undid the kickstand holding the bike balanced. "Keyless start." Starting up the bike he listened to the motor purr between his legs.

Taking the helmet she slid it on. "Nyah I don't like it nyah it uncomfortable on ears nyah make go flat." Climbing behind him she attentively placed her around her master. "Like this master?"

"Tighter," He could feel as she pressed her body firmly against him. Easing down the ramp finally clear of the trailer he opened up on throttle causing Bridgette to squeal in surprise.

Back inside the trailer Aile sighed. "Finally found her an owner damn,"

Jack blinked looking at her. "Usually you hold onto these things like a mother to a child,"

She snorted. "Even a child has to leave the nest at some point." She punched him in the shoulder. "He would be proud I finally found someone for her. Besides you know full well the full scope of the genetics that make up my body."

"Didn't you have a radio receiver and transmitter built into the bike?"

"Shut up."

00oo00oo00

Lavendierre was a small hamlet by league standards which meant little as it was a mecca liken unto the old American St Louis. Like the old city it resembled it was of two worlds with modern technology sitting side by side with spiritual matters. One just had to look at the skyline to see this as Lavendierre tower was mirrored in height by the massive radio tower the old and the new. One only had to roll down the central strip to see the cathedral sitting across from a small office building. A pizza palace cradled between a spice shop and a antique store respectively.

It was down one of these drifting roads that Derek came to stop and knew at once what he had been told was true. "Even with all the devastation these people continue to prepare for All Hollows eve." Idling the engine he walked the bike to the ruined store front that was still selling Pumpkins. "I expect a witches mass will be held just outside of town."

"Nyah witches mass?"

"Name's sort of misnomer," Finally released from Bridgette's death grip he climbed off the bike. "Various Magic type pokegirls such as Witches, Enchantresses, Sorceresses, even some Bonemaiden's gather in the local gravesites or in the catacombs under Lavendierre usually with there tamers and try to commune with the spirit world. Nine chances out of ten most of those tamers even up with a new ghost type or two. Heard story that a Imp showed up once."

The Cheshire skittishly climbed off the bike scooting closer him shivering. "Cold nyah, it creepy too."

"Which is why you should wear some clothes," Taking off his jacket he slid it on her shoulders zipping her arms up in it. "And it's not creepy, most end up devolving in mass orgies." He watched as her ears perked up. "No I not going to one there are other events too. If we're lucky we might get invited to the Hollows eve ball held by Sir Intregra in the tower. From what I hear she treats it like a masked ball you never really know who you end up with."

"Nyah you mean?"

He rolled his eyes. "Occasionally yes, guests have been known to slip off for a bit of debauchery." He watched as a so called wicked witch named so for there green skin came out of the spice shop holding a pair of viles. "There's also the trick'r treating as children and even some adults go out for some door to door candy. They're also the various parties that roll around from time to time. The local Celestials tend to hold twenty four or vigil against evil being rather prudish against it all. Though rumors abound that one or two might slip out to have some fun."

Only yards away standing in front of a ruined clinic having caved in due to quakes was a man standing in front of a steel cross. Mounted on that cross was a skeleton pained in bright vibrant colors it's ribs being splayed out like wings. The man was dressed in a stove pipe hat, with a black sports coat , black slacks with no shoes. The man's entire body was painted like that of a skeleton even his already black skin was painted a deeper black. "Brothers, sisters come unto me. In these trying times we must band together honoring our dead."

Derek watched as the man continued his speech. "Hm," He watched as spectral images curled out from under voodoo masks

"Nyah creepy." Bridgette's tail tickled the back of Derek's neck her arms trapped within the warmth the jacket.

"Hardly," Snorting Derek walked toward the crowd many of them scattering as the voodoo man finished his speech many buying charms to protect them from death. He knew Bridgette followed behind him in her make shift straight jacket.

The voodoo man looked directly at Derek his reds eyes glaring at holes nearly direct into his soul. Gliding off his stand he approached Derek placing his hands on his ears. "Forged sorrow, scored by desert sand."

Derek rolled his eyes reaching up hooking the Voodoo man's nose. "Leblanc sharing to much in public," Releasing his grip as he pulled down on Leblanc's nose. "Now where have you been old skull and bones."

"Far and wide from desert dune to mountain peak." Clicking his lips he lifted his head looking back at Derek. "from the vastness of the sea to the darkness of deep caves."

"Stop talking in riddles before I splash cold water on your face and ruin that pretty makeup. Last I saw you where running for you life. Not that I would blame you I would have been running with you had I not been thrown across the room. You don't want to know what happened to me after that."

"I'm not talking riddles," Leblanc stepped back shrugging his jacket. "I am telling you of my long journey. Many have known me few understand me."

"Uh, your giving me a headache." Rubbing his temples. "Like always. Go, go away find some hole commune with the spirit realm. Yours speaking voice make head hurt."

Leblanc chuckled sliding his fingers into his pockets. "It is been far to long, though I see it will be longer." Taking the stove top hat he bowed down. "I bid thee adieu and many greetings." Stepping back he disappeared into darkness.

A cold chil ran down Bridgette's spine. "Creepy nyah I couldn't read him."

Taking his fingers off his temples he looked her. "Not surprising," Tuurning back around he looked both waves down street before crossing with her bounding behind him. "Leblanc has the Dark Affinity blood gift." Checking the bike he found a way to lock it incase somebody got sticky fingers. "Though I admit he seemed more evasive than usual.

Bridgette looked at his back as he looked up and down the street. "Master you said you where nyah thrown across a room? Was that when you lost your first girl?"

He laughed sticking his fingers in he pockets. "Claire told you didn't she," Out of the corner of his he noted she was nodding. "Well yes, it was. In course of the nightmare my spine was shattered into tiny pieces of shrapnel by the impact. Truth be I shouldn't be walking let alone alive but my drive to live made me perfect. When they took me they completely replaced my spinal cord in fact most of my bones aren't original."

Unzipping the jacket from the inside Bridgette put her arms around him laying her head on his shoulder while her tail circled his neck. "Nyah master we don't have to talk about it."

"Your sweet Bridge, sweeter than I deserve." Reaching up he rubbed between her ears. "Tell you what, after I talk with the parents, I'll tell you the whole depressing story, tell it to you and all the girls." Looking up he stared at the Lavendierre tower home to ashes of his parents. "I feel like walking anyway."

00oo00oo00

Tamer: Derek Greymore

Age: 18

Rank: D

Harem

Primary

1. Cheshire - Bridgette (Alpha

2. Dark Elf - Gilda

3. Dark Elf - Zala

Noncombat

1. Flower girl - Alice

2. Nurse Joy - Diana

Special status

1. Den mother - Claire