Chapter 30: Rustboro. A Prelude to Drama. No, Seriously.
Blaziken, May, and Ralts left the reserve. Nuzleaf was once again napping in his pokeball. Ralts, like Jordan, had refused to even consider binding herself to a pokeball. It was far from a question of her loyalty, however. Just as Jordan had chosen to always be there for May, so had Ralts chosen to always be there for them. May thought it was wonderful that Ralts wanted to be so exposed to the world with her and Blaziken, and Jordan understood Ralts reasoning for the decision. Ralts wasn't comfortable being separated from May. Having lost her previous family, Ralts had elected to never let her new family out of her sight. Fear was as much a motive as compassion. Jordan understood completely.
While this development afforded Jordan a person to talk to at all times, it did make Jordan and May's love life all the more difficult. Ralts didn't know how far Blaziken's and May's love went for each other, and Jordan didn't know if she would be as accepting of such a coupling as Nuzleaf had. As for May, she believed that Ralts wasn't ready to know that May regularly had sex with Ralts' adopted brother. It was awkward for May to even consider what her pokemon would think of her if they knew of Blaziken's and May's trysts. Unbeknownst to May, Nuzleaf already knew, and saw it as an opportunity to indulge in sick jokes with Blaziken. Which was something Jordan didn't take kindly too. To sum it up, that was why Nuzleaf was in the pokeball, and not walking beside them when they left the reserve. Fortunately, Nuzleaf's subtle jokes had not alerted Ralts to May and Jordan's dirty little secret. Ralts' apparent confusion at Nuzleaf's insinuating remarks implied a certain ignorance. Jordan had begun to suspect that Ralts was even younger than May, and her apparent maturity was merely a byproduct of Ralts' hardship.
So, Ralts? Jordan asked his small blue companion as they left the reserve. Ralts looked up at him in reply.
Have you considered battling? Jordan asked her. Jordan, due to his rapid recovery, had once again entered the field. Nuzleaf had been grateful for the break from constant combat, and even more grateful that Blaziken had begun fighting again. Jordan had deliberately kept his battles low key. Jordan now had an understanding of his body's limits, and no intention of pushing them further than was necessary. The truth was, Jordan was afraid of losing control to his monster, but the conflict had a way of taking the edge off of the rage. Maybe indulging in a little violence under the pretence of sport had it's benefits.
I don't know Blaziken. It looks like it hurts. Ralts fidgeted nervously, fearing Blaziken's reaction to her cowardice.
It does hurt. It's also a lot of fun. You get to make friends, and sometimes rivals. But if you don't think it's your kind of thing, I won't push you. I can't promise anything from Nuzleaf, but I will step in if he gets a little too nasty. Okay? Blaziken put Ralts' fears of his ire to rest, but despite Blaziken's decision to not push, Ralts still felt compelled to make an effort. Ralts had seen Nuzleaf wipe the floor with many a trainer's pokemon. And when Blaziken had stood up to the plate in the last few battles, he made Nuzleaf look like a rookie. Even so, Nuzleaf wouldn't concede defeat to Blaziken. If anything, Blaziken's strength in combat motivated Nuzleaf to try all the harder to match his comrade's skill in conflict. It was inspiring just to be there with them, watching their teamwork and rivalry unfold. Ralts wanted to be a part of that team.
I'll give it a try, Blaziken. But I don't know how to fight… Ralts said self consciously. Blaziken looked down at Ralts.
I can show you how to defend yourself, but your abilities and skills are unknown to me. It would be best if we practiced just to see what you are capable of first. Blaziken stopped walking and took Ralts off of May's shoulder.
"Hey! Get your own Ralts if you want to carry one!" May swiped at Blaziken. Blaziken chuckled and placed Ralts on the ground. Stepping back, Blaziken folded his arms.
Hit me. Blaziken said to a stunned Ralts.
Wha? Ralts looked up at the giant rooster in disbelief.
Hit me. Not with a fist. You psychics have a different style of combat. Try using that on me. Blaziken explained, perfectly relaxed. Ralts gaped up at him. May was just as confused as Ralts. Looking between Blaziken and the tiny Ralts, May couldn't tell if they were discussing something, or preparing to do something else.
Come on Ralts, let's find out what you can do. Blaziken said patiently. Ralts shrunk away from him.
I don't want to hurt you… Ralts said quietly. Blaziken laughed.
I'm not worried about it, Ralts. Worst case scenario, I get a murderous headache. I can handle a headache. Now give me your best shot. Blaziken chuckled. Ralts tensed up.
Okay… well here I go… Ralts scrunched up her face and focused on Blaziken. Nothing happened. Blaziken waited for a couple more seconds. Still nothing. When a minute had passed, Blaziken had to interrupt.
Are you taking a dump, or are you actually trying to attack me? Blaziken asked, humorously.
Just a little more time… Ralts gasped.
Ralts, this is taking too long. If you were fighting, even a Zigzagoon would have ample time to dispatch you before you could complete your attack. Speed is every bit as essential as power. You need to-
NOW! Ralts unleashed all of the power she had been collecting, interrupting Blaziken's lecture. Blaziken was thrown clear off the road, and into the brush. Ralts took a deep breath, while May struggled to find her's.
Was that good? Ralts asked the still figure of Blaziken.
What just happened? Blaziken asked the sky in confusion.
I could've sworn I was on the road a second ago. Why the hell am I on my back in the bushes? Blaziken's internal dialogue wasn't as internal as the proud avian would have hoped. Pushing himself to his feet, Blaziken shook his head.
And there's the headache. Yep. Hello pain, did you miss me? Blaziken joked as he made his over to the panting Ralts and shocked May. May finally found her voice.
"What just happened?" May asked in disbelief.
I just got my ass handed to me by a four pound mushroom with one hell of a mental left hook. Blaziken laughed, and then clutched his head.
Okay, yeah. Back to the lesson. Don't do that. In a fight, you're not going to have time to pull that off. You need to be faster in the charge up. Trade in a little of the power for some haste. Let's try it again. Blaziken braced himself.
You're serious? I don't want to hurt you, Blaziken! Ralts shook her head. Blaziken shrugged.
I'll manage. Be faster this time. Ready? Blaziken said. Ralts shook her head.
I'm not going to hurt you. Ralts folded her arms. Blaziken sighed. Tightening his face, he strode over to Ralts. Flicking her on the forehead, Blaziken taunted Ralts.
Are you saying that I'm a pussy? Blaziken startled Ralts with his anger.
I never said- Ralts began. Blaziken interrupted her.
Oh, I see. You're the pussy. What? Was that all you got? Out of juice? Gonna limp wrist in contempt at me until I fall over? Blaziken shoved Ralts. May grabbed him.
"Blaziken, stop it!" May ordered. Blaziken removed her hands. Turning on Ralts, Blaziken renewed his assault on the bewildered pixie.
Come on pussy! Are you just gonna stand there with your mouth open, waiting for me to punch you? Do something coward! Blaziken pushed Ralts onto the ground.
"Blaziken!" May sounded terrified. Blaziken ignored her.
Are you that worthless? Are you just going to lay there in the road and hope that mommy comes to the rescue? Blaziken asked Ralts snidely. Ralts could feel Blaziken's rage building.
Stop it. Ralts said angrily.
Or what? Am I gonna have to kick your momma's ass too? Blaziken smirked at Ralts.
I said stop it. Ralts growled. Blaziken grabbed May's ass.
Make me, pussy! Blaziken fell on the startled May, handling her in a dominant manner.
"Blaziken! Knock it off!" May was furious. She started smacking Blaziken. Blaziken fondled May in her most personal of locations.
"Oh!" May's face went from livid to surprised. Ralts became enraged.
GET AWAY FROM MAY! Ralts screamed as she blasted Blaziken again. Psychic energy lifted the avian off the ground and hurled him bodily into the road.
"Blaziken!" May rushed to him, her irritation replaced by worry. Ralts was panting, struggling to get her anger under control.
Ow. Blaziken said as he pushed himself up.
Ow… Blaziken whimpered as he grabbed his head. May supported him as he staggered.
I think that's enough training for one day… Ow… Blaziken chuckled at Ralts. Ralts felt her fury fade to indignation.
You were pushing me! Ralts accused Blaziken. Blaziken smiled at her. It had been a facade. The anger, the assault and invasion, Blaziken had faked all of it.
Yep. Blaziken laughed, striding over to pick up Ralts.
I pushed you, and you pushed back. Good job, kid. Blaziken tossed Ralts into the air and caught her.
I haven't been hit that hard since last I faced Brendan's Marshtomp. Damn good job, kid. Blaziken smiled at the giggling airborne Ralts. May watched the exchange in shock. Pulling herself together, May finally found her voice.
"I take it that was training?" May asked Blaziken. Blaziken caught and cradled Ralts, turning to May with that look of joy he so rarely displayed.
You got it, May. And I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. Blaziken placed Ralts back on May's shoulder. Running a talon down May's face, Blaziken lingered over their contact.
"Blaziken…" May breathed. Jordan could hear the longing in her voice. A repercussion of Jordan's intimacy.
Not now, May. Later. I promise. Jordan placed a talon over May's lips and matched her glistening eyes with his tender gaze.
What's going on? Ralts asked, feeling abnormal emotions in the two of them. Blaziken cleared his throat, and Ralts could feel the forceful suppression of his emotions as Blaziken broke his touch with May. May however, was reluctant to conceal her emotions, and leaned slightly on Blaziken's talon as he drew it away.
Nothing Ralts. Turn off the feel next time, okay? It'll make it a little less awkward for all us. Blaziken said, bashfully.
I can't, and what's awkward? Ralts asked, getting agitated.
Just something between May and me. It's none of your business, Ralts. Blaziken said softly. Ralts felt slightly embarrassed.
I'm sorry. I wish I could turn it off. I didn't mean to pry. Ralts said sadly. Blaziken sighed.
How old are you, Ralts? By your species's standards? Blaziken asked, startling Ralts.
I just started adolescence. Like, just. I'm a little weirded out at what my body is going through right now. Ralts huddled up against May.
Younger than May? Blaziken asked. Ralts nodded.
A bit. Ralts admitted awkwardly.
Yeah, too young. It's my fault then. Don't worry about it Ralts. I'll try and keep a lid on it from now on, okay? Blaziken said reassuringly. Ralts looked up at him in confusion. Her questions died at the sight of Blaziken's soft eyes.
Oh… Okay, Blaziken… Ralts murmured. Blaziken nodded to himself, and started down the road with May and Ralts close behind.
If anyone had believed that the end of the reserve meant a break from the incessant trainers, someone was praying to the wrong god. Little sooner then when the trio crossed into the city limits, May and her team found themselves caught up in an unofficial tournament taking place in an old abandoned stocking yard in an industrial section of the suburbs. A group of trainers had decided to meet for the expressed purpose of dual battling. In short, one trainer with two pokemon simultaneously on the field battling another trainer with two pokemon on the same field. For May and her team, it was a new concept of battling. It required the trainer to be quick on their feet, able to differentiate between their two pokemon's abilities, and to anticipate the moves of the other trainer's pokemon. The mental requirements of the participating pokemon was no less overwhelming. Pokemon were not restricted to a single opponent. They could tag the same target, or single handedly engage both opposing pokemon simultaneously if they possessed the skill. In short, it was far more complicated and strategy orientated than the one-on-one battles May and her team had participated in thus far. How could May resist?
There she stood, smelling of campfire and wilderness, wearing clothes stained with food, sweat, grass, and a surprising amount of blood, yuppies to the left of her, street scum to the right, and May had the most confident face of the group. Some of man's less savory children were gathered here with addictions carved into their bodies, and attitude demonstrated with every motion. They were here to compete against the people from the other side of the fence. The pampered youth, who bore the same diseases openly, mingled with the crime ridden people of the streets, dealing for substances in low voices and and placing bets on this underground tournament. May didn't belong to either group, and very few trainers were even close to her age. Blaziken glared down the lot of them, assuring them that this otherwise helpless lamb was well defended.
Uh, May? I really think that we should keep on going. Jordan looked to his trainer in the hopes that she wouldn't draw too much attention to herself. One gangster made a lewd comment at May that almost resulted in Blaziken's involvement, had May not raised her middle finger in reply. This was greeted by whooping and wolfwistles. May was unperturbed.
"I want to win, Blaziken." May said in an undertone, staring at a group of people in the center of the makeshift arena. Jordan followed her gaze.
Uh-oh. The people in the center were collecting money from the participants. Already the the stack of cash must have been a couple grand.
"Five hundred to fight! Winner takes all! Runner up get's his five hundred back!" One collector called out to the crowd.
"Here!" May waved a handful of crisp bills above her head, much to the cadence of the other trainers. May smiled confidently back at them.
"We've never lost, Blaziken. We are the strongest here. Hell, we could be the strongest in the whole city. Let's prove it, and get paid." May said to her reluctant pokemon, a greedy glint in her eye. Blaziken facepalmed.
Oh-boy. Jordan sighed. The collector came over to May.
"You new?" He inclined with his head.
"Not from around here." May answered. A slow smile crawled up the man's face.
"It's six hundred for newbies." He said with that greasy smile.
"Bullshit." May said, detecting a ruse.
"You can accept my five hundred, or you can try your crap on some other sap." May replied with a coy smile. Blaziken got right up into the man's face.
Take it or leave it. Jordan's nostrils sputtered with flames.
"I'z cool." The man said, backing down with a smile.
"I'take ya' five hundred, just 'cause ya got guts." He said, slipping into a streety accent. Taking May's money, he waved her, Blaziken and Ralts over to the lineup.
"Whaz ya'name, kid?" The collector asked.
"May. May Bach." May replied with a smirk.
"Any relation to a Norman Bach?" The collector asked.
"My father." May replied.
"Hoo-ee! Remind me ta put a bet down on yo' side." The collector said with a smile.
"Better make it a big bet." May smirked again.
"Slow'dawn girl, ya gonna make me broke!" The collector shook his head laughing. Turning to the gathered audience, The collector called out for any other challengers. None came forward.
"All right! Let's rundown the rules for any new faces!" The collector hollered to the crowd, amidst the cheering.
"All contenders can bring four pokemon, only two may be used per match. We have a grand total of twenty three contenders, so with the addition of my man, WiseFly, that makes twenty four. That gives us twelve matches in the starting round, six in the follow up, three in the semifinals, and we'll pick straws from the losers of the follow up to determine who will get a second chance at the semifinals, making our fourth and final team, before the final round." The announcer took a breath, giving time for a smattering of applause.
"Now, 'cause we'all hardworkin, honest folk…" The announcer paused for a laugh from the crowd,
"...We gonna save yo some time. We gonna do the starting round and follow ups with all contenders competing at the same time. We will slow down match per match once we get into the semifinals, where things start gettin interesting, and ya gulls can start figurin out whoda put yo money on!" The announcer was drowned out to the cheers of the crowd.
"Contestants! Pick a dance partner, and start swingin!" Blaziken shot May an angry glance.
May, we only have three, and Ralts isn't competition material yet. Nuzleaf and I are going to be going solo. Blaziken looked at May with growing ire.
"Trust me, Blaziken. You and Nuzleaf are worth ten pokemon apiece. I have faith in you." May's eyes softened. Blaziken sighed.
May… I don't want to hurt anyone. I don't know what might happen if I have to push myself that hard. Jordan was feeling the pressure. Looking into Blaziken's deeply worried eyes, May suddenly realized his reason to fear.
"You won't lose control, Blaziken. I know you won't. I'm here, and Nuzleaf is going to be right beside you. You'll have all the support you'll need." May took Blaziken's talon.
"I trust you. Trust me." May said softly. Blaziken took a deep breath.
Okay May, I'll do it. Jordan exhaled.
Don't fret Blaziken. I can tell everyone's afraid of you. Ralts said, using the most unfortunate phrasing at a time like this.
Yeah, Ralts. I'm afraid of me too. Blaziken sighted their dance partner. Some punk girl with a perpetual scowl approached May.
"Get your pokemon out, hoe! Let's do this shit, beeyotch!" Their first challenger said.
If you looked just a bit more like a man, I wouldn't have any problem bitch slapping your ass to the floor. Blaziken strode forward, glaring at the punk girl.
"Right back at you, sassafras." May tossed out Nuzleaf.
Finally! I thought that you guys- Holy shit! You're the ugliest man-woman that I've ever seen! What the fuck is with that skanky hair?! Nuzleaf's tasteless dialogue had never been more at home.
Who the fuck are all these ugly fuckers?! Nuzleaf spun, looking around at the crowd.
Our competition. Two on two. You ready? Blaziken explained. Nuzleaf's confusion was replaced by an evil grin.
You mean... you and me, side by side, fighting together? Nuzleaf's smile grew.
Yep. Blaziken answered.
Oh man. This is gonna be sick. Save some for me, would you? Nuzleaf turned to grin at the punk girl.
Next round. I don't like her attitude. Anything she's got is mine. Blaziken felt his own confidence being bolstered by Nuzleaf's.
Whatever you say, captain. Nuzleaf threw a fist into his palm.
"Minun! Plusle! Take these fuckas out!" The punk girl threw out a pair of yellow rodents.
Ode to joy. They look like Pikachus. Blaziken said happily. Nuzleaf looked at him oddly.
"Blaziken! Stone Edge!" May shouted. Blaziken disappeared in an airborne blur.
"Minun! Give a helping hand! Plusle! Go for-" The ground exploded as a collection of stone spires converged on the Plusle, sending the yellow rodent skyward. Blaziken appeared in the center of the devastation. Sighting the stunned Minun, Blaziken kicked the newly merged spires' foundation, bringing down a rock slide on the Minun. Both of the punk girl's pokemon went down in the first attack.
I hate Pikachus. Blaziken growled as he strode past Nuzleaf. Nuzleaf grinned and shuddered.
Thank God I'm not furry and yellow. Nuzleaf chuckled nervously.
Stone edge? Is that what we're calling it now? I would've been happier with rock wrecker, but hey, you're the one with the voice. Blaziken joked as he slapped May's shoulder. The announcer rushed out into the field.
"AND FIRST BLOOD GOES TO MAAAAAY BAAAACH!" He shouted, lifting May's arm in the air.
"GIVE IT UP FOR MAY! SHE'S THE FIRST TO GO INTO THE NEXT ROUND!" The announcer led May off the field to sounds of cheering.
"Goddamn girl! I'm thinkin I'm gonna heed that advice! Yo! Jimmeh! Put three Gs down on my girl May!" The announcer hollered at one of the bookies.
"You get yourself a win in the next round, and I'll give you ten percent. That's three hundred for doing what you do best. That give yo a little mo incentive?" The announcer dealt with May. May just smiled.
"There's no need to be greedy. After all, I'm leaving with that stack." May said, cocky as ever.
"Goddamn, girl. I'm making it fifteen just fo that! Hey, Drumsticks! Yo, you that looks like a chicken!" Blaziken looked up, startled at being called on by the announcer.
Excuse me? 'Drumsticks?' Blaziken asked with a glare. Nuzleaf cackled behind him.
"You got some serious game! Keep it up, and I'll dig up some corn kernels for you!" The announcer said with a smile. Blaziken gave him the middle digit.
"That's twenty percent." The announcer turned to May with a grin. May grinned back. She was beginning to like this game.
The final contestants finished shortly later. Some had gone so hard at the first round that it had cost them their first team. Oddly enough, given the disadvantage of numbers, May's crew was in the best of shape, not even having gotten scratched in the first round.
"I don't know about you, but I want to see a melee! Contestants! Follow up round!" The announcer called out to the crowd and the combatants. There was a decisive race to not pick May as the contestants took to the field.
"Hey you! The fat boy with the magic marker fixation!" Unfortunately for the other contestants, May went on the offensive this round, picking out the biggest and ugliest contestant left.
May, that's not fat. And those are tattoos. Jordan sighted May's musclebound and skin painted opponent. Despite being called out by a teenage girl, the man still glowered at May in a murderous stare.
Hey buddy. Got something in your eye? Jordan stepped on the feet of May's opponent, and blew smoke in the man's face. The man didn't blink.
Alright then. Let's see what you got… Jordan stood back with his arms spread, goading the man with a cocky tilt to his head.
"God-DAMN, THAT ROOSTER'S GOT SUM BALLS! Let's see what WiseFly's got to say ta'that!" The announcer had clearly picked his favorite match. WiseFly reached for his pokeballs.
"MUK. HOUNDOUR. PUNISH." WiseFly's grasp of language suited his taste in body art.
"Fuck'em up Blaziken! Wreck that shit, Nuzleaf!" May shouted. This crowd was clearly a bad influence on May.
May, I'm going to wash your mouth out with soap if you keep talking like that. Blaziken warned her with a cold stare. May made a V with her fingers and stuck her tongue out between it at Jordan. Jordan would have turned red, but feathers provided excellent cover. That said, May laughed at the bewildered expression on his face.
When did she learn that? Nuzleaf stared up at Blaziken in wonder.
Shut up. I don't know. Blaziken said hastily.
Oh God. You have a barbed tongue. Nuzleaf's jaw dropped.
I said, SHUT. UP. Blaziken warned Nuzleaf in dangerous tone.
Fuck, May is kinky… Nuzleaf muttered. Blaziken punched him in the head. WiseFly finally found his pokeballs, and released his line up. A mound of filth and a hound festooned in bones appeared to challenge May's crew.
Alright, I'll take the pooch, and you take that purple shit. I don't want you playing with fire this early. Blaziken told Nuzleaf after seeing the Houndour belch flame.
Works for me. Nuzleaf limbered up, while Blaziken fell into a stance.
Me too. I don't want any of that funk on me. Blaziken said with a smile.
Goddamnit. Nuzleaf groaned, getting a closer look at the purple blob that was to serve as his opponent.
"Let's do this! Get'em boys!" May hollered. Nuzleaf began spitting seeds at the Muk, while Blaziken made a dash for the Houndour.
Nu-uh. Nice try. Blaziken said, scooping Houndour up into the air before he could engage Nuzleaf. Houndour flailed helplessly in Blaziken's grasp.
Play along, and I won't hurt you. Blaziken told Houndour as he lifted the mutt above his head. Dropping to a knee, Jordan put both talons around the far ends of Houndour. What Jordan was about to do was as laughable to martial artists as it was entertaining to spectators. Known as "The Backbreaker" in wrestling circles, this move was an overly dramatic and relatively ineffective way of snapping your opponent's back in two. There were far easier and faster ways of ruining your opponent's spine, but all of them were effective and discrete. Two things Jordan wanted to avoid in a display of showmanship. With a loud caw, Blaziken brought the hound down on his extended knee. Popping his ankle and his knee allowed Jordan to achieve the required jounce that made "The Backbreaker" look legit. WiseFly's face broke.
Good doggie. Now play dead. Blaziken told the Houndour, who was all too happy to comply. Blaziken rolled the limp mutt off of his knee. Turning to Nuzleaf's fight with Muk, Jordan discovered that Nuzleaf's battle had degenerated into a poop throwing contest. Muk hurled handfuls of stinking heavy sludge at the evasive Nuzleaf, and Nuzleaf spat seeds in the spaces between Muk's throws.
Need a hand? Blaziken offered.
Quick, before he gets any on me! Nuzleaf cried out in desperation as a mass of goop splatted sickenly next to him. Blaziken threw back his shoulders, and inhaled deeply. Throwing his upper body forward, Blaziken lurched with the torrent of flame that erupted from his mouth. Muk was engulfed in fire. A bubbling and popping sound reached their ears, even as a foul odor assaulted their noses. Muk sizzled into an oily puddle, ending the battle.
Holy shit! That stinks! Blaziken coughed, ending the gout of flame. Nuzleaf hacked.
I think we know what Norman's Slaking shits. When did you learn that crap? Nuzleaf looked at Blaziken in awe over his clutched nose.
Indigo League. I think it's called a 'Flamethrower.' Crowd pleaser? Blaziken asked.
I'll say. Nuzleaf shook his head as the announcer grabbed May's arm and raised it into the sky.
"THIS KID'S UNSTOPPABLE! GIVE IT UP FOR MAAAAAY!" The announcer was beside himself. The crowd roared her name.
"MAY! MAY! MAAAY!" May bowed to their praise with a flourish.
This isn't a ballet, May. Don't do that. Blaziken was licking the inside of his beak loudly.
What are you doing? Nuzleaf requested the reason for such an obnoxious noise.
I think my flamethrower needs some work. My mouth is all greasy, and it tastes like acid. Blaziken reported. May jumped into his arms.
"I told you, you could do it." May smiled her soft knowing smile at Blaziken.
"There might be a little something extra in this for you…" May fiddled with the bristles of Blaziken's chest.
Jesus Christ. Get a room already. Nuzleaf gagged.
May, stop it. Or else I'm going to need some pants. Some very baggy pants. Blaziken said nervously, placing May on her feet.
Keep it in your… whatever you call it. Please. Nuzleaf began to retch again.
"Wahooie! That shit stinks! WiseFly! Quit hugging ya dog ahn' pick this shit up!" The announcer shouted to the teary eyed Wisefly, who seemed relieved that his Houndour was alive and well.
"Two nothing kid! Two ass-picking nothing! Your boys play a top game! Your daddy set you up with the high class?" The announcer led May away from the other combatants.
"Not really. Blaziken sorta picked me. Annnndd… Nuzleaf kind of dropped into our laps. He was so cute as Seedot. You would've loved him." May gave the announcer the abridged version.
"Mmm-hmm." The announcer nodded slowly, clearly not buying into Seedot's cuteness.
"Well, whatever ya pleasure. Here's your twenty percent." The announcer handed May six bills.
"Now, May." The announcer's voice had changed again. Now he sounded as if he trying to assume a contemplative tone. May looked up from her split, curious.
"Next round, we got the heavy hittas. And I know, your boy Blaziken, is the heaviest of the hittas. So what say we enter a little business arrangement. Just like last time. Only a little bigger. What do you say?" The announcer had a way with words and money.
"Depends. What are you thinking?" May smiled coyly.
"Well, three K is kinda pocket change. I was thinking ten. Same offer. Twenty percent. That's two grand for you, just cause I like ya spunk." The announcer was beginning to sound suspicious.
"What are you playing at? You know that I'm going to win. Why even include me?" May asked. The announcer shrugged.
"In this business, we have rules. But the only way people abide by the rules, is if we have respect. Now this isn't your crowd, you don't belong here. But you already know about the rules and abide by them, but some don't. So to keep respect among the degenerates, some of us pick favorites. Our favorites keep the scum in line. You're my favorite. What I'm suggesting, May, is a long term business deal. Just you and me. Now, I might ask you to throw some fights, but both of us could get filthy stinking rich if you do. Whaddya say? You one of mine?" The announcer laid out his game. May's smile faded.
"No offense. I mean, I like you, and I like the money… But my ambitions are a little higher than this." May said hesitantly. The announcer raised an eyebrow.
"You talkin the gyms? And then challenging the league?" He asked, slightly amazed.
"It's what I've wanted to do since I was an infant. I want to go big." May said softly. The announcer dipped his head with a feeble laugh.
"Listen to me, May. Look around you." The announcer's voice had changed again. He spoke softly, using a brotherly tone that surprised Jordan.
"You see these people?" The announcer asked. May nodded, a little confused.
"Not one soul in here didn't have a dream at one point. Most of them tried, and got taken down. They gave it their all, and this is what they have to show for it." The announcer said. May looked around. Really looked around. May looked at faces, and saw painful history covered up in makeup and piercings. May saw scars, buried beneath tattoos. May saw guileless smiles born of drugs, because nothing else in life could provide relief. May saw people who had had their dreams come crashing down around them. And from the ruin of those dreams, crawled what barely qualified as survivors. May saw collective loss in every eye, felt shame shining in every smile, heard desperation in every spoken word.
"Every poor sucka here had a dream." The announcer's voice had gone hoarse.
"Everyone of them. Now you, you still have your dream. I can see it in your smile. I'd like to keep you smiling like that. Don't let your dream ruin you." The announcer finished in a watery voice. May felt pity for this downtrodden lot, but she did not feel demoralized.
"I appreciate your concern. I really do. But I can't stop here. So I'll tell you what. I'm going to crush the gym leaders, one by one. Starting here in Rustboro. When I'm finished with them, I'm going to the league. I'm going to do what my father failed to do. I'm going to finish it, and when I'm champion, I going to give every poor sucker who had a dream hope. I'm going to give them an example to rekindle their own dreams. That'll be my long term business deal with you. I'll bring hope." May gave the announcer her knowing smile. The announcer laughed softly, and rubbed his eyes. Shaking his head and blinking, the announcer turned back to May.
"Goddamn, May. You just about made me want to go back to college with that speech. Just about. Tell you what. You become the Hoenn Champion, and I will. Go back. To college. God's truth." the announcer offered May a hand.
"By the way, the name's Earl, partner." The announcer said shaking May's hand.
"Well Earl, you have yourself a deal." May said, smiling back at Earl.
"Wouldn't make it, if I didn't believe you could do it. You hear me, Drumsticks? I'm behind you and May all the way. Don't let me down." Earl said to Blaziken. Jordan approached Earl.
Don't give up on yourself, Earl. We will do it. Jordan offered Earl a talon. Earl raised an eyebrow before accepting Jordan's courtesy.
"You got a funky personality, ya know that Drumsticks?" Earl said, turning the handshake into an assortment of knuckle banging and hand grasps which Jordan was familiar with.
"A funky personality, but a good one." Earl and Jordan finished their hand lingo.
"Right. Jimmeh! Lay down ten big ones on the little lady for me. I bet she wins." Earl called out to his bookie.
"Still keeping it twenty percent. Just cause I like ya." Earl told May with a smile. May smiled back, and Jordan, Earl, and May turned to watch the finish of the Follow up round.
May did not disappoint. Just as Earl had predicted, May slaughtered her opponent's Ponyta and Toxicroak in the semifinals. But if Earl was laying any more money on May in the final round, he was keeping his twenty percent. May didn't mind in the least. She had already earned over two and half grand, and that was more money than she had ever held in her life. The sun had just begun to set as May, Nuzleaf, and Blaziken prepared for the final round. Their opponent was a four time victor at this event, and to him, May was just a young upstart. His Hitmonlee and Wheezing had decimated the semifinals, but his Gothorita and Loudred had gotten annihilated in the follow up round. He had entered the semifinals on account of the drawn straws, and his fresh team had not let him down.
"The moment of the night! I know y'all have been waiting for this! Some of you poor fools have even put your entire life's savings into it!" Earl dug into his pocket and pulled out his bookie's ledger.
"All nineteen dollars and eighty seven cents of it!" Earl tucked away his ledger with a shrug, much to the laughter of the crowd. May just chuckled. She knew Earl was sitting on an awful lot more than nineteen dollars.
"Our final fight of the night! IS! ON! OUR FIRST CONTESTANT IS THE FOUR TIME VICTOR AND LOCAL FAVORITE… BENNN LEEEE!" May's opponent sauntered onto the field. Even though he was only competing by the grace of lady luck, Ben Lee didn't show it in his body language. Releasing his two remaining pokemon, Ben gave his crew the spotlight.
"SPORTING HIS DREADED HITMONLEE AND THE INFAMOUS WHEEZING!" Earl gave the two pokemon their deserved kudos. The crowd cheered.
"IN THE OPPOSITE CORNER, NEW FACE AND LITTLE MISS GAME CHANGER, YES, THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR BANKRUPTING THE DOUBTERS! MAAAAY BAAAACH! May entered the arena, feeling a thrill like never before. Blaziken walked beside her, and Nuzleaf took the lead.
"PACKING HER KING OF CHAOS, BLAZIKEN! AND LET'S NOT FORGET ABOUT HER DEMENTED TAKE ON PINOCCHIO, NUZLEAF!" The crowd exploded with a shrill cheer, followed by the prolonged booing of the doubters. May smiled at the crowd. Blaziken calmly strode up to the line with Nuzleaf.
"AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS! WAIT! WHAT'S THAT? WE DON'T HAVE ANY SPONSORS? WELL, WHO THE HELL FORGOT TO TELL ME?!" Earl earned a last minute laugh with his candor. Earl headed past May for the confines.
"Hey, Earl. Did you bet on the winning team?" May asked. Earl smiled at May.
"Actually, I sat this one out. No offense, kid. You're good, but so is Ben. And I'm not a gambling man." Earl said with a sheepish grin.
"Will you put down three grand under my name? You can keep twenty percent when I win." May said with a smile. Earl laughed.
"LITTLE MAY WANTS TO PUT DOWN A BET! AND THEY SAY THE YOUNG ARE INNOCENT!" The crowd laughed amidst the jeering. Some people wanted to see a fight.
"Tell you what May. I'll put down three grand in your name, and three in mine. You inspired me kid. I'll take that chance. Win or lose, it'll be worth it." Earl gave May his real smile. May smiled back.
"And you say you're not a gambling man." May teased.
"Good God, when a teenage girl can see right through-" Earl was interrupted by the stamping of the crowd's feet.
"They haven't been this wound up in a while. Give'em a good show, May. Hey! Drumsticks." Earl turned to Blaziken.
"Watch out for Hitmonlee's first attack. Ben always starts him off with a finisher. Don't block it, evade. He'll hurt himself trying to land." Earl said to Blaziken, before hurrying off the stage.
Thanks, Earl. You might have just made three grand. Blaziken turned to Hitmonlee. The brown and beige pokemon had the stance and proportions of a kick boxer. Wheezing was a purple lump of pores and gas beside him. Earl had said Hitmonlee was the most dangerous of Ben's pokemon, so Blaziken challenged him with a glance. Hitmonlee's eyes narrowed.
"LADIES, loosely affiliated of course, AND GENTLEMEN, EQUALLY LOOSELY AFFILIATED! ARE! YOU! READY!?" Earl called from the stands. A cheer rose to answer him.
"THEN LET THE BATTLE BEGIN! FIGHT!"
Blaziken fell into a defensive stance, and Nuzleaf prepped for offense.
"Blaziken! take out-" Without any indication from his trainer, Hitmonlee lept into the air. Blaziken was prepared for the strike, and ready to evade. Unfortunately, Blaziken wasn't the target. By the time Blaziken recognised that his opponent's trajectory didn't include him, it was too late.
NUZLEAF! Blaziken shouted in terror. Hitmonlee came down hard on Nuzleaf, heel first. Jordan felt the ground shake at the moment of impact. Hitmonlee stepped off of Nuzleaf's prone form, and kick him off to the side. May made to run for Nuzleaf, but Earl stopped her.
"If you enter the field now, you forfeit. Blaziken still has a chance. Give it to him." Earl said calmly.
"But Nuzleaf-" May looked to the unmoving imp. Her heart told her to end the match and rescue him.
"He'll be okay, May. Trust me. We're underground, but no one wants to see their pokemon die." Earl softly answered her concern. May fell back. She gave Blaziken a worried look. Blaziken had fallen out of stance. Jordan looked at Nuzleaf with guilt plain on his face.
That should have been for me. I was prepared for it… Jordan saw Nuzleaf's chest rise and fall. He was alive.
Fodder eliminated. Just as planned. Hitmonlee chuckled at Blaziken. Jordan turned to Hitmonlee, and fell into an offensive stance as fury lit up his eyes.
Shouldn't have done that. Now nothing is holding me back. Jordan whispered dangerously. Hitmonlee's eyes narrowed.
"Wheezing! Hitmonlee! Go for the double whammy! Jump kick sludge wave!" Ben called out. Hitmonlee took to the air again. Wheezing belched forth a green wave of filth, flooding the vicinity with sludge and nasty. The crowd cheered. They thought it was over. They thought wrong. Blaziken took off after Hitmonlee, evading Wheezing's widespread attack. Hitmonlee could jump high, but Jordan could jump even higher. Grabbing Hitmonlee's leg, Jordan flung the surprised pokemon into his comrade's wave of sick. Catching even more air off of the maneuver, Jordan decided to indulge in a little imitation. Doing as Hitmonlee had done, Jordan used his height to create additional momentum. Swinging his leg above his head and aiming the heel down, Jordan gave the motion direction. Jordan fell down, heel first towards Wheezing. Such a move flew in the face of everything Kato had taught Jordan. It was far too reckless, but the power behind such a brutal and concentrated move was peerless. Using the flames and pressure of his wrists to generate extra thrust, Jordan descended upon his target. Bending his knee just so, Jordan was able to direct the entirety of his momentum into Wheezing. It was more of a stomp than a kick, but the force was unbelievable. Wheezing went down beneath the sheer power of Jordan's attack. The crowd went silent. The only sound heard was the hiss of gas as it escaped Wheezing. Jordan stepped off of his vile cushion. Hitmonlee rose from the fumes.
Fodder eliminated. Just as planned. Jordan told the injured Hitmonlee in an angry voice. Hitmonlee glared at him.
I don't take kindly to hacks. Nice touch with the flames, though. Hitmonlee reluctantly acknowledged his opponent's skill.
Then we are at an impasse. I despise those who are unwilling to learn. Jordan replied, rage in every note of his voice. Jordan fell into a defensive stance, Hitmonlee did the same. Not even Earl had a jab for a moment like this. The entire arena held their breath in anticipation. Who would blink first? Jordan was content to wait, and Hitmonlee was no less patient. The two stared each other down, waiting for some telling twitch to alert the other to the intent of an attack. Seconds passed. A minute neared completion. Finally, the two pokemon could stand it no longer. At the same time, Blaziken and Hitmonlee launched their assault. Full power backed each other's moves, committing them to the attack. Blaziken caught Hitmonlee's foot to the beak, and Hitmonlee took Blaziken's flaming leg to the gut. Both staggered and fell away, grasping their injuries.
It's too bad we don't like each other. Otherwise, we might start liking each other. Blaziken chuckled. Hitmonlee chuckled back.
You may have a point. Hitmonlee straightened out, just as Blaziken pulled himself together.
Next move ends this. Blaziken said, a foreboding tone in his annunciation.
Definetly. You gonna be the one to make it? Hitmonlee taunted Blaziken. Jordan was unmoved. Once more, the two combatants fell into defensive stances. Jordan assumed a relatively uncommon position.
What the hell is that? Hitmonlee asked, not recognising the poise his opponent had assumed.
Kempo. The art of self-defense. Blaziken answered casually.
What's a Kempo? Hitmonlee asked, smelling bullshit.
Come here and I'll teach you. Blaziken goaded. Hitmonlee harumphed. Once again the waiting game was played. When it became apparent Blaziken wasn't switching position, Hitmonlee attempted a feint. Blaziken didn't waver.
I'm waiting… pussy… Blaziken said gleefully. Hitmonlee grunted, fighting the urge to attack this upstart. Kato's words came to Jordan again.
Kempo. An underappreciated art. Common for it's simplicity, complex in its instrumentation. Kempo teaches the value of patience. Where as other forms stress speed and strength combined with finesse, Kempo advocates awareness and preparation. Many 'Experts' consider Kempo soft. It lacks the damage or flourish of other martial forms, but in practice, it hones the mind to fight for the body. Opportunity is a definitive principle of any martial conflict. Kempo specializes in outlasting one's opponent to provide the optimum opportunity.
Come on, Hitmonlee. I know you want to hit me. Stop glaring at me and hit me. Jordan thought to himself. Hitmonlee heard his unspoken request. Moving in, Hitmonlee aimed his kick at Blaziken's ribs. Jordan deflected the blow effortlessly, and never attempted a counter. Hitmonlee tried again, attacking from on high, his foot aimed for Blaziken's skull. Jordan sidestepped and threw Hitmonlee's leg out, still not taking advantage of his opponent's slight openings. Jordan wasn't going to waste time with counters. Jordan would use every split second to prepare for his next interception. Jordan needed a big one to end this match. Hitmonlee had yet to provide, but Jordan's unusual methods had him frustrated with their success. Hitmonlee attempted to break Jordan's guard again, and when Jordan thwarted him, Hitmonlee opened up with a rapid flurry of kicks. Jordan evaded and deflected each one, never taking advantage of his opponent when Hitmonlee struggled for balance. Jordan was luring Hitmonlee into a false sense of security. Again and again, Jordan foiled every attack, until finally, the passive mentality paid off. An enraged Hitmonlee attempted a power attack at close range, leaving him open and exposed to the opponent not even a meter away from him.
Now. Jordan switched stance faster than Hitmonlee could recover his poise. Jordan grabbed Hitmonlee's outstretched leg and joint-locked his knee. Never missing a beat, Jordan used the pain-response clenching of Hitmonlee's body to his advantage. Grabbing Hitmonlee's shoulder, Blaziken threw Hitmonlee to the ground. Using the weight of his own body, Jordan fell upon his opponent, and drove the wind out of Hitmonlee with a knee. A series of hard punches to what Jordan assumed was Hitmonlee's head, and the match was over. The audience had forgotten to inhale. It had happened so fast that it defied belief. Earl was the first to find his voice.
"AND THE WINNER IS… BLAZIKEN!" The crowd punctuated Earl's announcement with the loudest cheer of the night. May ran into the field and assisted Blaziken in reviving Nuzleaf.
"ONE LAST TIME TONIGHT! GIVE… IT… UP… FOR MAAAAY BAAAAACH!" May earned another loud cheer from the crowd. Earl ran forward to slap her on the back. Blaziken had some success in resuscitating his fallen comrade. Nuzleaf staggered to his feet.
Did we win? Nuzleaf looked over to where Hitmonlee lay on his back, and then spied the deflated Wheezing.
WE WON! YES! Nuzleaf grabbed Blaziken by the beak and headbutted him.
WHOHOAHO! Nuzleaf pulled Ralts off of May's shoulder and proceeded to give the giggling pixie a nuggie. Blaziken chortled. Picking up May and placing her on his shoulders, Jordan gave May the limelight. The crowd cheered as the four of them left the arena. Earl talked animately with May, barely able to contain his excitement. Earl went as far as to lift Nuzleaf off of the ground for a messy kiss on the cheek. Something Nuzleaf cried rape for.
"I told you you could do it. I never doubted you for a second." May whispered to Blaziken.
Thanks May. I wouldn't have even tried without your insistence. Jordan looked up at her, that rare joy glistened in Blaziken's eyes.
"I love you." May said in an undertone. Blaziken's talons squeezed May's thighs.
I love you too. Jordan smiled up at May.
May walked into Rustboro considerably wealthier than she had been when she had left Petalburg. On top of her bet paying off, the cash from the winnings had more than put May's account into the five digit range. Earl had begged May to stay, but seeing the smile he'd come to love grow on May's face, Earl knew better than to hope for an encore performance. The splendor of the evening had been soured by a rather unnerving spectacle. Upon leaving the arena, May spied three familiar red hoods eyeing her. Blaziken noticed, and stepped in between May and their unwelcome gaze. After that, May deemed it imperative to get to a hotel as soon as possible. Earl had stopped May for one final congratulations.
"Damn, May. I didn't know what to think when Nuzleaf went down. I thought for sure that Ben was going to target Blaziken first. I'm-" Earl stopped talking when May gave him a nervous look.
"What's the matter May? We aren't televised. Your daddy's not gonna know you was cleaning house among hookers and drug dealers." Earl said with a light smile.
"Earl… If anyone asks about me… tell them that I went back to Petalburg. Please?" May asked fearfully.
"Somebody tailing you May? 'Cause if anyone's giving you problems, me and the boys 'ave got ya back." Earl gave May a stern look.
"Earl, do not engage these people. Do not. Promise me Earl. I don't want them to hurt you too. If they think I'm in Petalburg, you'll be safer." May begged Earl. Earl looked at May with worry.
"You didn't piss off Magma, did you?" Earl asked fearfully. May shook her head.
"I don't know. They were looking at me funny." May said. Earl sighed in relief.
"That's 'cause you won. Don't worry May. The worst they'll do to you is try and recruit you. Just say yes and never show up. They'll lose interest. I've seen it before. Take care of yourself, kid." May took a shaky breath.
"Thanks Earl. You've been a good friend." May gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
"Slow down May! I'm still on probation!" Earl laughed.
"Get yourself gone, and never give up on that dream, kid." Earl said with his real smile.
"Better start applying to colleges, Earl. I'm doing this for you too." May turned to leave with Blaziken in tow.
"And that's the sweetest little thing I evah did see." Earl said after May had left.
May approached the finest hotel in the city. She and her team had earned it. The clerk at the front desk seemed a little perturbed to have a smiling, young, dirty girl patronizing the establishment, but once May had paid for her key, he was ever the gracious host.
"Our family suite, with full furnishings and a jacuzzi on the deck. Complimentary breakfast, and a fresh breadbasket to be delivered once daily upon request. Am I to assume you would like us to deliver said basket at once?" the clerk asked, handing May the room key.
"That would be lovely." May said, accepting her key. The clerk picked up the desk phone.
"Boulangerie? One breadbasket to be delivered to a Miss Bach, suite five seventeen. Hang on. Would you like the asiago and olive oil accompaniment?" The clerk asked May. May nodded with a giddy smile.
"Oui. I'll let her know. Au revoir." The clerk hung up the phone.
"It will be delivered to your door in half an hour. I'd offer you wine, but you are much too young. Sparkling cider instead?" The clerk asked.
"I'll give it a shot." May shrugged. The clerk made a note.
"All will be delivered in thirty minutes time. Our bakeries are some of finest in the region. Enjoy your stay, Miss Bach." May smiled and made for the elevator with her team right behind her.
"Dad doesn't like these places. He says that they're stuffy and overpriced. I think I could come to like it, though." May sniffed the loaf of bills she had won.
"Mmh. Yes, I do believe I could." May said, dipping into an exaggerated bourgeois accent. Blaziken facepalmed.
Paying for a week long stay at a five star hotel with bloodmoney. May, you define high class. Blaziken chortled.
"You guys earned it. A little bit of relaxation, some shopping, Maybe a bit of training… I saw a gymnasium in the hotel's brochure. And then… The Rustboro Gym." May's face hardened into that confident smile. The elevator doors opened onto the fifth floor. Black marble walls and elegant tapestries greeted the team on suite level. Locating their room, May stepped into what some would call a small palace.
"Good lord, no wonder why dad doesn't like this. It has taste." May joked. Blaziken followed, and found himself in an ornate living room.
"Well, I get the master bedroom. But if the bed is big enough…" May lit up, hinting at her desire with a smile to Jordan.
Dibs on the other room. It had better have a door. And something that makes noise. Nuzleaf booked it for the opposite room. May laughed at what she assumed was Nuzleaf's excited escapade. It never crossed her mind that Nuzleaf was making a hasty retreat.
"I'm going to take a shower. Both bedrooms have bathrooms, so everyone can get washed up." May laid the tired Ralts down on the sofa. The blue pixie had been dozing off ever since the group had left the suburbs.
"Take a nap, Ralts. Don't worry, we're all just a doorway away." May soothed Ralts deeper into sleep with a backrub.
So cozy… Ralts murmured, rubbing up against the sofa cushions. Jordan suspected it was Ralts' first time in a human dwelling.
Sleep well, kiddo. We'll wake you when the bread arrives. Blaziken said, stroking Ralts' cap. Ralts yawned cutely, and began to sleep.
Good lord, they're like infants. Jordan thought, smiling at Ralts. May cleared her throat.
"Blaziken?" May gave Jordan a seductive smile.
"We need to get you a bath." May leaned in, and whispered into Jordan's ear.
"Can I join you?" May giggled. Jordan's response was to pinch May's hip playfully.
"Come on, you." May made for the bedroom door and gestured at Blaziken. Blaziken walked over to May.
It feels like it's been a long time. Jordan pulled May into an embrace. May's feral side was released.
"Close the door. Quickly." May breathed. Jordan silently shut the bedroom door behind him. No sooner had it clicked shut then May tackled Jordan, her pent up lust for him driving May to dominance.
Jordan lay next to May on the bed of the master bedroom. The bread had been surprisingly good, and May had shared the sparkling cider with everyone. While Nuzleaf relished the food and drink, Jordan could tell he was uncomfortable inside the hotel. Nuzleaf's normal reckless abandon was subdued while he stayed within the suite. But Ralts had it even worse. Born and raised in the wild, without any human contact her entire life, Ralts was struggling to adapt to the claustrophobic settings presented by walls and a ceiling. Upon waking from her nap, Ralts immediately buried her face into the cushions of the sofa and started hyperventilating. She confided of a fear of the walls closing in. May and Jordan had managed to relax Ralts enough to get her to eat, but Ralts was ever on edge. Nuzleaf, perhaps due to his own feeling of displacement, or maybe even out of sympathy, had neglected to torment Ralts for her irrational fear. Much to May's heartache, Ralts had cried herself to sleep on the couch, while May looked on, helpless and unable to understand the reason for Ralts' misery. Soon after the troubled Ralts had been put to sleep, May, Jordan, and Nuzleaf retired to their rooms for their own rest. Or in May and Jordan's case, a little foreplay and the inevitable follow up.
Jordan pulled his sleeping lover closer. Their love habit had yet to be broken. Jordan had ceased to regard their timely shared climax as unreal. Now it just seemed comfortably miraculous. May made a cute sound in her sleep.
Oh, May. What are we to do? What are we going to do? Jordan whispered fondly to his naked lover. Running a talon down May's spine prompted an arching of her back against him. Jordan chuckled. He had never known a person to be quite so animate in sleep. May made another happy noise, and her hand clenched slightly.
What are you dreaming about, love? Shopping? I bet you're dreaming about shopping. Jordan teased.
"I do." May's soft voice broke the silence. Jordan's heart stopped. There was no mistaking that intonation. Jordan regarded May with wonder as a smile played upon her happy face.
May… My God May… You're so damn sweet. Jordan rubbed circles on May's back, feeling that painful joy again. Jordan snapped up in alarm. Something was crawling up the bed. Jordan froze as a dark shape worked it's way over to May, and wrestled it's way under her arms. May woke with a start.
"Ralts! Are you okay?" May asked the blue cap between her arms. Ralts nuzzled up against May. She was crying softly.
I'm afraid. I don't like the walls. I can't breathe! Please May, get me out of here! Ralts buried herself against May's bare chest and sobbed in weary misery. If May was uncomfortable with Ralts' intrusion and disregard for May's nudity, May didn't show it.
"Shhh… Shhh… It's okay. I'm here. Blaziken is here. We'll keep you safe, Ralts. I promise." May held Ralts against herself. Jordan rose and held May. Ralts was at the center of their embrace.
Close your eyes Ralts. The walls can't hurt you. I'd knock them down if they tried. Jordan ran a talon across Ralts' cap. Ralts quivered against May. Jordan lay May and Ralts down, and stroked Ralt's shoulder.
Don't worry Ralts. I'm watching over you. Blaziken said, trying to comfort his disturbed companion.
I'm scared… Ralts said weakly.
"Would you feel better if you slept with me and Blaziken?" May asked. Ralts gave a feeble nod. May smiled and curled up around her. Running a free hand down Ralts' back, May wrapped the other arm around Ralts' waist.
"I like this Ralts. Holding you before bed. It makes me feel good." May said, trying to bring peace to her little pokemon.
"Maybe we should do this more often. Would you like that, snuggle buddy?" May whispered. Ralts stopped sobbing. Ralts looked up at May and at Blaziken behind her.
Is that okay? Ralts asked, a hope filling her voice.
I wouldn't want it any other way, Ralts. Jordan said warmly, brushing away Ralts' tears. Ralts felt the love they had for her. May's motherly commitment to her hurting friend, and Blaziken's drive to protect those he cherished. The walls fell away from Ralts. Ralts reached out to touch May's face.
I love you May. I love you Blaziken. Ralts curled up against May, and slowly eased into sleep. May smiled softly at the sleeping princess next to her.
"It's sweet, isn't it Blaziken?" May asked. Jordan ran a talon down May's arm.
"We have a family. You and I." May huddled against Jordan.
"Sleep well, my love." May whispered, before a peaceful sleep took her.
I will, love. I will. Jordan rested his beak above May's head. Listening to Ralts and May breath softly in their sleep filled Jordan with that unfamiliar joy. Jordan remembered holding May the night they had left Littleroot, staving off May's tears and feeling that brotherly compassion again. Jordan recalled the night he and Ralts had met, and the comfort they had drawn from one another's understanding of loss. Jordan had once believed that such things were lost to him forever. Now, he knew better. May was right. Jordan had a family again.
I'll remember this moment, always. Jordan said quietly, closing his eyes. He joined May and Ralts in the beautiful oblivion of slumber.
Morning woke the three of them with soft sunlight spilling through the curtains of the master bedroom. Blaziken was the first to rise. Waking May with his gentle touch, Blaziken indulged himself and May in a reaffirmation of their love. The movements caused by such contact woke Ralts, alerting her to the activity occurring on the bed next to her.
What are you two doing? Ralts asked curiously. Jordan broke off the kiss with May prematurely.
Nothing Ralts. Nothing at all. Jordan swallowed his tongue. He could still taste May on it. May had been alarmed at Blaziken's sudden ending, but upon seeing Ralts sitting up and regarding them intently, May fought the rising blush. May cleared her throat.
"How did you sleep, Ralts?" May asked. Ralts' response was to clamber up May's chest for a hug. May giggled.
"Easy girl. Don't get too rough." May poked Ralts gently on the nose, getting a happy laugh out of her little princess. Seeing an opportunity in May's distraction, Jordan proceed to make things awkward again by giving May a massage.
"Oh… Oh that feels good…" May breathed as Jordan rubbed and pressed May's shoulders and neck. Working his way down, Jordan uncovered May's soft spot in her lower back.
"Right there… Oh…" May gasped breathlessly, arching her back against Jordan's knuckles. Ralts began to giggle.
If a massage gets you to make the same sounds that you do when we're having sex, I must be doing something right. Jordan thought humorously to himself. The sound of a television in the living room cut the moment short.
"And now on Indigo League, can Silver's Quilava best Jasmine's Steelix? The greatest battles from around the world, fought by the greatest trainers in all of the regions, brought to your living room by- IN-DI-GO… LEAGUE! The classic intro played out to a hard guitar solo. Both Jordan and May had been longtime viewers of Indigo League. In Jordan's case it had been something to watch while he rested between jobs, caring for his mother, and the constant practice of Kato's art. That said, what little Jordan recalled from Indigo League had heavily influenced his combat as a pokemon, and had provided him with a rudimentary knowledge of pokemon species. May though, had been a rabid fan. Still was, given how quickly she climbed out of bed and into a bathrobe. Jordan lifted Ralts and made to follow May, intent on discovering how the television had been turned on.
And what are you doing? Blaziken asked Nuzleaf.
Shut up. Steelix just dug his way below ground. Quilava is toast. Sprawled on the sofa, wearing a look of complete enthralment, Nuzleaf gaped at the battle presented to him by the television.
How do you know how to work a TV? Blaziken asked. Nuzleaf shrugged.
I got bored and started pressing buttons on that plastic stick over there, and this came on. Isn't it incredible? This battle is taking place thousands of miles away, and I can see it right here in this box! I can't believe it! Nuzleaf's wide eyed stare soaked up every pixelated detail. Blaziken keeled over laughing. Jordan couldn't stop cackling. Nuzleaf's awe for something as commonplace as a television set was absolutely hysterical. The mirth left Jordan breathless on his knees.
"What's gotten into you?" May asked Blaziken in surprise. Ralts regarded him with concern, and even Nuzleaf had pulled himself away from the television to look at Blaziken with worry.
Oh God, Nuzleaf. Holy shit. That… That's fucking funny. Oh Goddammit, you're so cute. Blaziken pulled himself off the floor and grabbed Nuzleaf. Lifting the little imp in a headlock, Jordan proceeded to administer a head nuggie.
You're so fucking funny. Jordan rubbed his knuckles vigorously into Nuzleaf's scalp.
GET HIM OFF OF ME! HE'S LOST HIS MIND! Nuzleaf thrashed in genuine terror. Ralts began to giggle hysterically at the flailing imp, and May found herself laughing as well. Blaziken tossed Nuzleaf onto the sofa with a happy sigh.
I don't know what I'd do without you sometimes, Nuzleaf. Blaziken chucked at the startled wooden doll. Heading into the kitchen, Blaziken helped himself to one of the stale rolls from last night's breadbasket.
Is May really that good? Nuzleaf asked, the group's humor finally relieving him of his panic. Blaziken raised a middle digit over his shoulder, not even bothering to face Nuzleaf when he did it.
Guess so. Nuzleaf settled down into the sofa to watch Indigo League. Blaziken hurled a half eaten roll at him. May perused the hotel's dining booklet.
"Blaziken, why don't you stop grazing, and get over here and tell me what you want for breakfast." May said, voice still tittering with the laughter.
The in room dining was exquisite. May and her team gorged themselves on all manner of breakfast dish. Eggs prepared in elegant ways, various smoked meats smothered in rich creamy sauces, sweet pastries both moist and crispy, and tangy fruits May had never heard of decorated the dining room table.
"I could get used to this." May said, settling down after the lush breakfast.
"I could get very used to this." May smiled to herself. Blaziken was still rummaging from Ralts' plate, who had decided that eggs, no matter how fastidiously prepared, were not items for eating.
That's gross. Ralts glared at Blaziken over the pear she was gnawing on. Blaziken shrugged.
It's food, Ralts. Good food actually. Blaziken shovelled another forkful of eggs benedict into his beak.
I take it you don't eat meat? Blaziken asked Ralts. Ralts shuddered.
If it had to die for me to eat it, I don't want it. Ralts said in a sickened voice.
That's a noble sentiment, by my diet requires B vitamins and lots of iron and protein. I'm not going to get those from a shrub. Blaziken replied.
Whatever. I understand dietary requirements, but with that said, I do feel a bit uneasy watching you eat the unborn young of something that could have been related to you. Ralts retched. Blaziken stopped eating from Ralts' plate.
Thanks, Ralts. You ruined a perfectly good breakfast for me. Blaziken dourly regarded the plate of eggs, feeling slightly nauseous. Ralts threw a mango at him.
You're welcome. Ralts said smartly.
Cheeky little… Blaziken bit his tongue, and skinned the mango. Nuzleaf dug into Ralts' unwanted plate with gusto.
Mmm… Your aborted relatives taste delicious. Nuzleaf smiled at Blaziken. Blaziken shook his head angrily.
I have a stomach full of quiche and souffle, and you have to tell me this. Fuck you, Ralts. Jordan wrestled with the rising urge to vomit. Ralts giggled while Nuzleaf smirked.
May pulled out her holocaster.
"Brendan?" May asked. A blue hologram of Brendan popped up over the table.
"Hey May. Are you in Rustboro?" Brendan's hologram asked.
"Sure am. Where are you at?" May asked.
"Um… about five blocks away from the pokemon center. You?"
"L'Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe." May said it with a flourish.
"The WHAT?" Brendan stumbled after the sixth syllable. May sighed.
"The Arches of Triumph, you philistine." May groaned, using the common name rather than the elaborate title that decorated the hotel's banners.
"What are you doing there? Meeting someone?" Brendan asked curiously.
"I'm enjoying some five star hospitality in the family suite. Want to get together and do something?" May asked.
"You're staying at the Arches? How? Why?" Brendan gaped.
"I'll explain later. Do you want to do something? Like go shopping?" May asked. Blaziken shook his head and chortled. Always with the shopping.
"Ummm… maybe later May, I've kind of got plans. I don't want to sound rude, but could you not call me until tomorrow? It's important…" Brendan explained cautiously. May regarded her childhood friend with a slightly hurt look.
"Sure Brendan… I'm sorry that I intruded…" May tried to keep the wounded quality from entering her voice. Brendan shook his head.
"May this is nothing personal. Please don't take it the wrong way. I need to do something, and I can't have my holocaster going off in the middle of it." Brendan said in a dire tone. May looked up at him.
"So you do want to hang out with me?" May asked hopefully.
"Of course! I'm just booked today. I'll call you tomorrow. What's a good time for you?" Brendan asked.
"Around eleven o'clock in the morning. That should give me enough time to get decent." May smiled at Brendan. Brendan smiled back.
"So soon? I thought it would take longer than that." Brendan teased.
"Shut up, Brendan. Go have fun. Call me tomorrow, okay?" May sought some last minute reassurance.
"I will, May. Take care." Brendan said.
"You too, Brendan." May hung up. She turned to Blaziken and the crew.
"Well, looks like you guys get to help me find some new clothes." May said with a smile. Nuzleaf and Ralts looked confused, but Blaziken looked horrified.
Please don't say shopping, May. I hate shopping. Blaziken begged May.
"Come on! I want to find an outfit for Ralts too!" May said, getting up from the table.
What's going on now? Nuzleaf asked in confusion.
Nuzleaf, get in the pokeball. Unless you want to be bored witless for a couple of hours. Blaziken sounded as if he were about to cry.
I take it shopping is a bad thing? Nuzleaf asked.
With a woman? It's hell on earth. Just get in the ball and spare yourself the misery. Blaziken moaned. May picked up Ralts and started heading towards the door. May paused when she realized that Nuzleaf and Blaziken weren't following her.
"What's the hold up? I've got money burning a hole in pocket, and a dire need for new clothes. Get a move on!" May said enthusiastically.
Yes dear. Nuzleaf, trust me. I'm trying to do you a favor. Blaziken warned Nuzleaf one final time.
I'll take your word for it. Nuzleaf conceded, and disappeared in a flash. May looked down in surprise at the glowing pokeball at her waist.
"Lazy gremlin… Come on Blaziken. You can carry the bags." May said, heading off.
Ralts, kill me now. Blaziken begged. Ralts looked up in surprise.
You're really dreading this shopping thing. Is it that boring? Ralts asked, worried.
Only to males. Blaziken said with a grimace.
The first place May stopped was a chain clothing store. Jordan hated these places with a passion. Everything from the trendy music, to the alluring odor, to the very people who patronized these establishments, Jordan despised every aspect of such markets. Nothing like an overpaid industrial model to offer you your prepackaged individuality with a pretentious smile.
Goddamnit May… Please, hurry it up… Jordan was utterly miserable the second he set foot into the building. May however, was only too happy to explore every inch of the store, trying on outfits she had no intention of purchasing, and criticising clothes she would never fill out. Jordan had feared as much. Ralts was overwhelmed by the constant movement and the various smells and sounds. Even though Ralts was in unfamiliar territory, she wasn't nearly as unhappy as Blaziken. May had Ralts trying on a variety of miniature outfits, something which aroused the pixie's curiosity about garments.
Why do humans wear clothes? Ralts asked Blaziken as May wrestled a plaid vest and skirt over Ralt's frame.
Originally, to protect themselves from the elements. I don't know when or why, but somewhere along the lines, humans started wearing clothes to cover sensitive parts of their anatomy. Nowadays, humans wear clothes to advertise their affiliations with certain sectors of society. Never made much sense to me, but to each their own. Blaziken explained. After having pulled the vest over a collared blouse, May fastened a tie to Ralt's attire.
"What do you think?" May asked Blaziken, stepping back. Blaziken rubbed his eyes.
Ralts, this is your call. Blaziken sighed. Ralts fiddled with her tie.
This is kind of itchy. Ralts said. Blaziken strode forward and adjusted the tie.
Better? Blaziken asked.
A little. Ralts replied. May swooned.
"You look so cute!" May ran a hand down Ralt's cap.
I don't know if clothes are for me… Ralts confided, attempting to stretch in her new attire.
They're not. But if you want to try them out, it would make May's day. Blaziken shook his head.
Do you think I look cute? Ralts asked, attempting to see the back of her vest by looking down and over her shoulder. Blaziken facepalmed.
It's confirmed. Regardless of species, women are all the same. Blaziken groaned.
Is that a no? Ralts asked, her voice concerned.
Good God, Ralts! You look great! Who are you trying to impress? Just get the stinking clothes so we can get out of here. Blaziken moaned. Ralts pulled off the vest and skirt.
I don't think green is my style… Ralts said, perusing the aisle for something a bit more fetching. Blaziken found the nearest pillar and began to beat his forehead off of it. May assisted Ralts in the search for a more becoming getup.
Why? Haven't I suffered enough? Blaziken whined.
Eventually, May and Ralts found garments that satisfied their needlessly complex tastes. On top of a brand new set of outdoor outfits to replace the ones that had been destroyed, May had also selected a black and white frock dress with a matching handbag. Ralts had settled on the frilly white collared blouse, but had opted for a simple blue skirt and red bow tie instead of the black straight tie and vest. Blaziken struggled to conceive of a reason for why it had taken four hours to purchase nine outfits. Jordan, on his infrequent trips to clothing stores, had purchased a similar amount of clothes in less than half an hour. For him, making such a simple transaction into an expedition was epitome of time wasting.
Holy shit, I thought it would never end… Jordan waited impatiently for May and Ralts to finish in the checkout.
"Did you see anything you liked Blaziken?" May asked, filling Jordan's arms with shopping bags.
Yeah, the coupon guaranteeing me a reimbursement for the last four wasted hours of my life. Oh wait, it expired four hours ago. Jordan did not take kindly to the shopping thus far, and May was just getting started.
"Come on! I need to go get a hair cut. Then we should go look at the jewelers. After that, we should-" May continued to ramble on and on about her various shopping destinations, completely oblivious to her lover's discomfort.
Why? God, why have you forsaken me? Blaziken moaned, overcome with melodrama.
For Blaziken, the day dragged on and on. For May and Ralts, it was an adventure. Ralts was surprised to discover a shared fondness for shopping with May. While at the saloon, May was able to convinced Ralts to get an ear piercing, though she was less successful in persuading Blaziken.
"Come on, it won't hurt. I promise." May begged Blaziken. Jordan's response was to indicate the holes in his head that served as ears.
Look, no lobes. No cartilage, no piercings. Blaziken explained. A wicked grin crawled up May's face.
"There are other things we can pierce…" May teasingly suggested.
No. Period. Blaziken said with a dour glare, accompanied by a shudder. Ralts gave out a cry behind May.
"Oh, don't worry. It'll only sting for little while." The body artist simpered. Clearly Ralts' new get up was a hit.
I can't believe you did that. Jordan shook his head at the gasping pixie. Ralts looked up at him with watering eyes.
Gold or silver? Ralts asked.
Pardon? Blaziken asked, bemused.
The earrings. Gold or silver? Ralts repeated. Blaziken gaped at her.
For someone who was born and raised in the wild, you sure take well to civilized consumerism, don't you? Blaziken buried his eyes in a talon.
Silver. With garnets. It'll suit your coloration. Jordan relented. Ralts smiled shyly.
I didn't even have to ask about the gemstones… Ralts teased. Jordan shook his head in self disgust.
Just plug the fucking holes so we can get something to eat. We skipped lunch, and now my patience is being consumed by hunger. Blaziken growled. Ralts giggled, she was finding Blaziken's outbursts and discomfort amusing. Unfortunately for Jordan, May decided to go to the jewelers before dinner. After spending another hour selecting a silver and gold diamond studded necklace and earring combination to compliment her new dress and handbag, May finally brought Jordan to the only business Jordan could condone patronizing. A restaurant.
Oh god. It was almost worth it for this. Jordan moaned as he tucked into a blue cheese and bacon portabella burger. Nuzleaf had been summoned for the dining, and was happily tearing into his own reuben rye sandwich. Ralts had selected a seven layer salad, and May gone for some sashimi grade ahi slathered in mango salsa.
"This is why I love the cities. You can get anything here." May smiled as she cut into the charred pink hunk of fish. Jordan inhaled the rest of his burger, and started on his fries.
I still prefer the cleanliness and solitude of the country. Blaziken said, beak filled with steaming spuds.
I just like to travel. Ralts said, mixing mayo and green apple slices with shredded cheddar for her salad.
I just love life. Nuzleaf grinned as he chomped down into his sandwich.
Fuck, I just love the food. Blaziken said, helping himself to Ralts' salad.
Amen. Nuzleaf cackled as Ralts swatted at Blaziken. At long last, the shopping spree was paying off.
After dinner had concluded, May and her crew made back to the hotel. Ralts was dozing off on May's shoulder, and Nuzleaf held himself as if he were bloated.
Eat too much? Blaziken asked the pair of them. Nuzleaf groaned in reply. Ralts could only yawn, and nuzzled herself closer to May. May was counting her winnings from the other night. Despite her extensive spending, May still had the vast majority left. They had yet to restock their food stores or medical equipment, but May intended to do that tomorrow. The intrepid young consumer was shopped out.
"Why don't we relax on the deck? We have our own personal jacuzzi." May suggested as they approached the Arches. Blaziken nodded good naturedly.
We might be able to watch the sunset. Oh yeah, we could also nab a fresh breadbasket. Blaziken approved of May's plan. Nuzleaf gagged.
Don't talk about food. We've been eating rich shit all day and it's affecting me. Nuzleaf covered his mouth.
Allergic to sauerkraut? Blaziken asked.
No, just too much food. I don't know how you pack all that crap away. Nuzleaf groaned.
I get a lot of exercise. Blaziken hefted the shopping bags.
Was it horrible? Nuzleaf inquired as they entered the hotel's lobby.
Intolerable. I expected as much from May, but Ralts was just as bad. Blaziken replied.
You could've gotten a T-shirt, or a piercing. Why do you have to be such a stickler? Ralts asked Blaziken wearily.
A, I would destroy the shirt the instant I got into a fight, and B, Piercings make for painful handholds. I'm not going to have either of those, thank you very much. Blaziken replied in a grumble. They caught an elevator and made for suite level.
"It was a great day. I think we can squeeze a good night out of the deal too. Extra sparkling cider?" May asked.
Please. It might settle my stomach. Nuzleaf groaned as he entered the family suite. Blaziken nodded to May, indicating the group's approval.
So what's a jacuzzi? Ralts asked as May head off to don her bathing suit.
A hot bath with water jets. It relaxes muscles and soothes the body. Blaziken explained. Nuzleaf gave him an odd look.
You sure know a lot about humans. It's actually quite eerie watching you interact with them. They understand you, and you catch onto their subtle behaviors. Nuzleaf said. Blaziken grew silent. His eyes held the tell tale dullness of his withdrawal.
It is kind of eerie, now that Nuzleaf mentioned it. You never really seem to have a problem expressing yourself to humans. And you have an almost unreal knowledge of the most outlandish and mundane human concepts. How do you know all of this? Ralts asked Blaziken. Blaziken shook his head darkly.
You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Blaziken muttered. Nuzleaf and Ralts exchanged a glance. It was a strange reaction given the innocence of Ralts' query. Something about the question troubled Blaziken greatly.
Something happen, Blaziken? Nuzleaf asked, concern in his voice. Blaziken said nothing.
Blaziken? Ralts asked hesitantly. May returned from the master bedroom, clad in her bikini.
Just… Please don't ask, guys… Blaziken trailed off. His depression was so apparent, even May picked up on it.
"Hey… Come on now. None of that. Let's have a good night tonight, okay?" May took Blaziken's beak and looked him in the eyes. Blaziken sighed and straightened himself. Shaking his head, Jordan attempted to free himself from those haunting memories.
Sorry guys. I'll try not to be a downer. Blaziken breathed out. Taking May's hand, Blaziken led her politely through the deck doors, and over to the covered jacuzzi.
What the hell was that about? Nuzleaf asked as soon as the deck doors shut behind May and Blaziken. Ralts looked terrified.
Nuzleaf… Something hurt Blaziken… Something hurt him bad… I could feel it. Ralts stroked her horn absentmindedly.
Something to do with his knowledge of humans? Nuzleaf asked, his voice going hollow.
That triggered it. It was a jumble of negative emotions, but confusion and loss were at the top of the list. Ralts explained.
Something happened to Blaziken. Something between him and humans. Something he doesn't want us to know. Ralts said. Nuzleaf shook his head.
What could it be? Blaziken has told me about every other terrible thing he's done. Nuzleaf wondered.
It wasn't something Blaziken did. It was something that was done to him. Ralts whispered. Nuzleaf punched the sofa.
Everytime I think I understand him, we dig up something new. How many skeletons does Blaziken have in his closet? How am I ever going to reach him through all of this shit? Nuzleaf muttered angrily. Ralts was quiet. May and Blaziken had uncovered the jacuzzi, and were playing with an array of buttons. May looked up from her tinkering and waved Nuzleaf and Ralts over.
Come on. Another mystery for another time. Nuzleaf said, striding over to the deck door.
Do you think Blaziken will ever tell us his whole story? Ralts asked, causing Nuzleaf to pause with his hand on the doorknob.
He will. Eventually. Normally I would push him for an explanation, but this one has personal written all over it. I'll give him time. Maybe he'll tell us when he's ready. Nuzleaf sighed.
Let's go, before they get suspicious. Nuzleaf motioned for Ralts to follow him out onto the deck. Ralts hesitantly headed after Nuzleaf. Maybe Nuzleaf was right. Maybe all it would take was time. Or maybe Ralts and Nuzleaf had no right to know the entire story of their mentor, guardian, and friend.
What are you, Blaziken? Ralts wondered, watching Blaziken assist May into a steaming blue vat of water.
What are you really?
