A Flareon's Tale

Chapter Ten

(B's POV)

I looked up at the sound of an explosion but did my best not to jostle Flareon from my arms. Smoke rose in the air from a distance and other people walking down the street looked up in alarm as well. If something bad had happened, I would be in a predicament. Flareon was tired even if he wasn't expressing it that openly and Tyrogue wasn't that strong yet. Honestly, I should probably get out of here. A siren rang through the air sharply joined by several others as 5 police officers were led by an Officer Jenny as they raced towards the scene. The police can handle this situation. I'm going to head to Fuchsia City.

Before I left the city I stopped at the Pokemon Center. After giving my Tyrogue to the Nurse Joy I allowed her to run her healing over Flareon who slept through it. As I waited momentarily I heard a familiar voice from around the corner. I looked around the corner at the Communication Corner to see Ash, Misty and even Brock crowding around the screen. They were traveling together? As I looked at them I could see that their clothes were slightly burnt and Ash's hair was slightly singed. His Pikachu stood on his shoulder and looked quite healthy and much bigger then when I last saw it. It was ready for its next evolution.

After I stopped observing the groups attire I started to pick up more of the conversation they were having with whoever was onscreen.

"…..and that's why you guys should head to Vermillion City next in my opinion. I've been hearing some weird things about Saffron City right now. It might not be safe for you in that area with Team Rocket lurking.

"Don't worry Professor we can handle Team Rocket. We just dealt with them here at the Game Corner. They were imprisoning Pokemon in cages and selling them for profit! I was too strong in the end and beat them all! Right Pikachu!"

"Shut up Ash we helped too! Sorry Professor Oak Ash here loves to take credit for himself."

"Yea Ash honestly you had our help."

"What are you guys talking about? Of course I recognize I couldn't have done it without you guys. I'm just the best ya know of all three of us! I did beat both of you for your badges!"

"Yes you certainly see that as something to remind us of when we argue. But who cooks in this group and which one of us buys most of the groups supplies? That's why we're the grownups of this group."

"Now now children no need to argue with one another. Good job with Team Rocket guys. Now as I was saying earlier I think you should go to….."

I tuned out their conversation from their and walked back to the counter absently taking my partners and thanking Nurse Joy. If they were going towards Vermillion City, then I would probably meet them around Lavender Town. Depending on how long they took and if they beat Lt. Surge. I needed to get through Route 16, 17, and 18 and beat Koga.

(Time skip 8 hours later)

Route 16 was only a small annoyance with the wild Pokemon that impeded our journey. But Route 17 definitely had a surprise for me and my team, On Cycling Road I had to rent a bike in order to cross it and get to Fuchsia City. The bikers on Cycling Road aren't the smartest. For some reason they all have a multitude of Muk and Grimer. But their Primeape's provided good fighting practice for Tyrogue. He was getting bulkier and much stronger. Him punching me in the leg was no longer an annoyance but an actual pain I had to dodge. He was still only two feet tall so I dreaded if he evolved and kept his playful tendencies.

I was currently about to battle one of these stereotypical Bikers when he stopped me from throwing out Tyrogue. "Let's make this an interesting battle", he said, "I've seen you beat up all of my bros up there. You're a good trainer kid. I want that little fighting man you're gonna throw out if I win. But if you win I'll give you this Water Pokemon I caught with the item it had. Plus, the prize money. What do you say kid? Deal?"

I looked at Flareon to see him looking at me disinterestedly. Why bother even looking for his input sometimes? I smiled inwardly though. A water type would be a good way to round out my squad. If I didn't like it, I could honestly just release it back to its habitat. "You've got a deal", I replied. He smiled sinisterly before backing away to make space between us. As the waves crashed against the supports of the bridge loudly and the Wingulls cawed I could make out some Pokemon swimming in the distance. I hoped this was a cool Pokemon I was getting.

"Go Raticate!", he yelled! I threw out Tyrogue silently in response and he emerged as excitedly as ever before settling into his stance. "Tyrogue we're going to start with that team combo I've been having you work on alright!" Tyrogue nodded before rushing forward with a Tackle. "Raticate use Quick Attack followed by Tail Whip." His large Raticate bared its fangs before rushing my Tyrogue much slower than the speed he was traveling at. Tyrogue dodged by flipping over the tail and began rushing in a circle around Raticate. Seamlessly eight copies then sprouted from him and began running around Raticate. Raticate began to look around frantically while his trainer looked confused as to what to do. Suddenly all of the copies Tyrogue's fists began lighting up before several flashes of light could be seen zipping in and punching Raticate simultaneously. "Raticate don't just take that girl! Use Hyper Fang!" Raticate's fangs glowed a bright white before he lunged at one of the nearest copies but simply dissipated it earning her another volley of punches to the face. After two more minutes of bright flashing lights Raticate dropped to the ground bruised up and knocked out. Tyrogue stood in front of me victorious but tired. We would need to work on increasing how long he could hold Double Team continuously. His Bullet Punch was already at a high enough level of refinement. "Tyrogue come by me and Flareon for a rest. Flareon you're going to be up next."

Flareon stepped forward confidently smirking at Tyrogue as he passed by and settling on his haunches in front of us. Flareon had definitely been acting confident after his win against Erika. He had been listening these past battles and I hope that continued to be the case. We seemed to be closer too.

The Biker juggled another Poke Ball and smirked at us. "This was my starter when I first started my journey. Let's see how you handle him." From his Poke Ball came a tall Kadabra that looked down at us with a visible sneer. Kadabra immediately attacked with a purple ringed beam towards Flareon without warning. Flareon flinched and then immediately began snarling in pain before jumping back. I growled and yelled, "Hey you fool! You didn't even announce the start of the match!" He smirked before saying, "You're still a kid even if you look all serious. I'm playing for that fighting Pokemon you got and I don't want to lose. Kadabra, Psybeam again!" His Kadabra responded immediately shooting the purple beam at Flareon who dodged and began shooting barrages of Embers back at the Kadabra. Kadabra promptly used Reflect before waiting patiently for Flareon's next move.

The bridge was much too hard for Flareon to dig through as this was concrete. We needed to get close in order to eliminate his range advantages. "Flareon rush forward with Quick Attack and get ready for my next command." Flareon rushed forward and I began to plan out how we would get close. Reflect worked mainly on physical moves and ranged moves were only protected to an extent. Hopefully this Kadabra would be more focused on attacking Flaroen than throwing up Reflects to block his attacks.

Distantly in my mind I heard "Psybeam again!" as I saw multiple beams being shot at Flareon while he shortened the distance. But Flareon zig zagged and juked beautifully resulting in him now within leaping distance of it. "Flareon use Iron Tail and keep slashing at it!" Flareon's tail began to glow quite quickly and soon it was a glowing white as he whipped his body around in a circle before striking the Kadabra quickly in the stomach. The Kadabra recoiled before teleporting backwards but had to throw up a Reflect in order to block Flareon's continued barrage. "One, two, three, four… Flareon now use Ember followed by Fire Fang." After the fourth hit the Reflect wavered and Flareon then launched one of his large Embers toward Kadabra which shattered the shield making it recoil. Flareon then jumped forward to the open Kadabra and infused his fangs and mouth with fire. Very quickly after that the Kadabra laid against the floor unconscious. They were never known for their pain tolerance after evolving from a mainly nocturnal small Pokemon that loved to Teleport.

As the Kadabra was returned in a red beam of light the biker stepped forward with a deep frown. Without preamble he took out a Poke Ball and threw it towards me softly. I caught it and he stared at me for a moment before taking out a roll of bills and handing that to me as well with something in the middle of them. I took that as well before he grinned at me and nodded at me. I nodded back quietly before turning around and getting on my bike after returning Tyrogue. Flareon jumped in the front basket and snuggled in quickly. I pedaled away from him with a smirk on my face at my victory and the additional prize I got in the end. I wonder what it would be?

As I sat in a field next to Route 18 with Flareon asleep underneath one of the trees I contemplated my possible new partner. Well it was a Water Pokemon so it would have some uses. Like helping me keep Flareon in line. I glanced at him to see him pawing at his head while in what looked like a deep sleep. I released Tyrogue next who like always was looking for a fight. I patted him on the head and turned to look again at the Poke Ball while he ran to go bug Flareon. Probably would start a fight with him if I don't calm him down. I released the Pokemon into the water and waited for the light to fade away.

As the shape formed into its body I could tell it was small. Perhaps a Goldeen? But no as it slowly came together what swam in the water and looked at me curiously was a Horsea. That biker didn't know what he had just given me. Visions of a Kingdra majestically floating around launching Dragon Pulses and Ice Beams filled my mind. And I had a Dragon Scale from inside the roll of bills that he had given me. The Horsea immediately began shooting bubbles into the air while spinning in the water. It was certainly lively which would mean Tyrogue had someone to play with. I pulled out my Pokedex to gauge just how strong this Horsea was.

As I flipped open the red machine and it scanned it I began to hear some commotion behind me but I ignored it. That was probably Tyrogue waking up Flareon while trying to be sneaky.

(Flareon's POV)

I was having a really fucking good dream. A prairie that stretched for miles on end and Eevee everywhere. Everyone simply smiling and walking in the prairie enjoying one another's company. A nice breeze swept through the area carrying a faint smell of lilac. And then all of a sudden I feel something grabbing my fucking tail and yanking on it. Immediately I woke up and launched an Ember in the direction of the offender. The damn hybrid dodged out of the way and I rose to give pursuit. If anything he gave me some exercise at least. As I looked for where the human was I saw him crouched over a small blue Pokemon with wide eyes and a hole for a mouth in the water. It immediately launched a blast of water which drenched me that I was unprepared for.

I snarled in retaliation and reached for the flames inside me to fire a volley back. But they responded much slower than I've ever felt before. It was alarming to realize how much being soaked could weaken my fire. So instead I stalked forward so I could bash its head in with my Iron Tail. This insult would not be forgotten unless repaid in pain. B stood in my way as well as the pink hybrid who looked for once serious in the face of a superior enemy. "Flareon she's just excited to meet new friends. She's already soaked me as you can see and I'm allowing her to stay on our team. She's a Horsea and she's going to be one of our new partners so I expect you to treat her well."

I looked at the two of them and growled before stalking around them to get closer to this "Horsea". As the hybrid walked alongside me I sniffed the air as something unfamiliar met my nose. I began to growl again as I began to get suspicious of our surroundings. It smelled like human but I couldn't tell from where.

Suddenly a net came rushing out of the woods toward the three of us. I dodged it before a second one came and caught me by surprise. As I rolled to the floor I glimpsed the hybrid using his copy technique to dodge the nets while B was captured against a tree yelling orders at him, I tried burning the net but apparently the net was made with some metal and I simply burned my paws and feet. As I paid attention to the chaos in front of me again I saw the Horsea out of the corner of my eyes shooting accurate water blasts at any net that was shot towards her.

"Whoever's shooting nets at us why don't you come out and fight us like real trainers! You cowards! You had to attack me while I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings in order to have a chance!", B exclaimed.

From the forest a female voice rang out in response saying, "Watch your mouth fucking brat! Team Rocket doesn't have to answer to the likes of you." A blonde woman with pigtails and in all white with a large red R imprinted on her large chest stepped out from the woods. In her arms was a launcher of some kind which I guessed shot these damnable nets at us. She pulled out two Poke Balls before throwing one to the floor releasing a large red and purple spider. "Ariados will take care of your last two Pokemon so that I can bring them in. Especially that Flareon of yours." I growled in response to the woman's sentence and began thrashing more but the net wouldn't give. I looked to B's direction to see what orders he would give and he did not disappoint.

"Horsea I don't know if you're ready for this fight so return for now." A red beam of light came for her and swallowed her up back to the Poke Ball. "Tyrogue I'm depending on you buddy. Just focus on your opponent. Me and Flareon will be fine just do your best."

The hybrid clapped his hands together before settling into his stance looking more determined than I had ever seen him before. "Ugh kid will you just shut up for once. Look at that little Pokemon he's so scared right now of us. He just doesn't know it. Ariados wrap him up with a String Shot", she ordered.

The Ariados shot out a large speedy beam of what looked like webbing towards Tyrogue who dived to the right and had to juke left immediately to dodge the next volley. Soon he was diving and rolling all over the ground to evade the sticky webbing that landed all around B and I. "Tyrogue use Double Team and then use Bullet Punch", B ordered. Tyrogue immediately rushed forward with 5 other copies behind him as they all moved together in a single formation before scattering again to throw off who was the real one.

"I don't need to attack your Pokemon puny boy. I just have to attack you to knock you out and he has no one to order him around. Ariados use Signal Beam on the boy in the net."

I blanched at the killer tactics of this woman. Some humans really were out to kill other humans for their Pokemon. Meaning if I had the chance I should react in kind. Seeing her cruel smirk, I knew this woman had no remorse for ordering her Pokemon to harm B and perhaps kill him. Ariados quickly built up a small greenish yellow ball of light in front of its face before shooting out at B. Only for the hybrid to jump in the way and cross its arms in front of its body taking the hit for him.

B looked astonished at the action as he continued to struggle to get himself out of the net and was sawing at it with his knife. "Tyrogue I can take a hit! Focus on knocking out that Ariados. Don't worry about me I don't want you hurt."

Tyrogue shook his head before flinching as another Signal Beam rocked into his small body pushing him skidding back closer to B.

"Awww your Pokemon can take a few hits can it. What about if I shoot at both your Flareon and you can it keep up this charade of strength? Sooner or later he won't be able to keep blocking. Especially if I bring out my second Pokemon. Ariados again and on the Flareon this time. Make it stronger."

The spider turned towards me and this time a larger and brighter sphere of green and yellow intermixed was formed before it came rocketing towards me in a beam. I braced myself not knowing how it would affect me or not only to see the back of Tyrogue fill my vision. He took the beam with his crossed arms and began to skid back towards my position. I could see him struggling and shaking but looking back at me directly to see if I was alright. Those eyes….they were burning with determination and drive. Just like B's. I nodded back at him to show I was fine with which he responded with a smile. I let a small smile come across my face and it seemed to strengthen his resolve.

Letting out a fierce shout Tyrogue threw his arms to either side of him splitting the beam and ending the attack. Slowly a white glow began to envelop him as he began to get taller and longer. I looked up as he grew from the two and a half feet he used to stand at to around almost 5 feet in height. I glanced at B to see his mouth open in awe before a large grin came across his face. The woman looked distasteful at the scene but waited to see what would come out of the evolution. Slowly as the light faded way I now saw a taller Pokemon/human hybrid that was brown and wore purple attire. On his hands he had these big red balloons that surrounded where his fist used to be. As the light fully faded the hybrid now looked down at himself in awe before jumping extremely high in excitement.

Throwing out a few test punches they now truly came out as blurs to my eyes. I could definitely not read the speed of his punches now. He was punching almost as fast the long legged fool's kicks when we were training.

"Well a Hitmonchan would be quite the catch to bring in. I think I see a bonus in my future. Ariados, Sucker Punch let's go!", the blonde ordered. "Hitmonchan watch out!", yelled B.

Hitmonchan looked up from his self-inspection to see a dark blur come racing towards him. At speeds I was in awe at he dodged the first two slashes before pivoting back to dodge the last. He grinned in delight before a serious look overtook his eyes. White light immediately overtook his fasts as he threw a left and then right hook into the spider's face jerking it in both directions with the force of the attack. Suddenly Hitmonchan was pummeling the spider and several copies of him formed an immediate circle that spun even faster than when he had ever performed the move before. It was like a white light was twirling around the spider at several positions simultaneously as they rocked it with powerful blows.

Suddenly the tornado stopped and there stood Hitmonchan in front of the unconscious spider looking incredibly grave. Turning to look back at B, I could see he had finally sawed his way out of the net and was now scrambling over to Hitmonchan's side. "I'm really proud of you partner. You went from a midget Tyrogue to a fearsome Hitmonchan. You'll be one of the best fighters ever now!" Hitmonchan smiled with his human like face before a red light overtook the Ariados returning it back to the blonde woman. "Hmmm, she began, "That Hitmonchan of yours is vicious. My Ariados probably has some broken limbs. Oh well. I don't think I'm gonna fight you anymore. Watch your back little man. Team Rocket has its eyes on you."

I bared my teeth at her sudden retreat and Hitmonchan widened his stance as if to run and catch her. "You're not getting away after this sudden ambush. Hitmonchan Vacuum Wave!", B ordered. Hitmonchan threw his arm out in a lightning quick punch sending a visible rush of air hurtling toward the blond Team Rocket member. Thinking quickly, she dived to the right and behind a tree as the sphere of air hit the tree behind her and left a sizeable dent in it.

Immediately rising to her feet the woman ran off into the woods and a dark melodic laughter came from the woods. "You might've beaten me this time but you're still just a brat. Pray you don't have to face the deadly and beautiful Elaine once again!"

We waited for a couple moments to see if it was only a bluff before B raced to my position and began sawing at the net holding me. After finally releasing me did he stop and sigh before sitting down on his ass. He said, "That was a tough battle. Perhaps not even a battle but simply a fight for our lives and you defended both of us. You saved us Ty-Hitmonchan. We're incredibly thankful for that aren't we Flareon?" I snorted once but out of the corner of my mouth came a small smile. It seemed the hybrid was no longer a midget but a fierce contender now. I licked his large glove like hand and he batted at me playfully. "Now", B began, "Let's heal the both of you up before we head into Fuchsia city. Oh and before that let's actually introduce our new partner before that interruption."

We turned to the water as B threw a Poke Ball at it and Horsea came out again. She began searching for targets to shoot at before noticing the peaceful aura of the situation. She immediately brightened up and began twirling while shooting bubbles again. Hitmonchan came forward to pet her and I walked forward to analyze the little creature. Quietly from behind me I heard, "She will grow into a very strong Pokemon, Flareon. With her type advantage over you and her upcoming evolutions you might have found your match." I whirled around to glare at B while he stood behind me with his hands in his pockets. He met my glare with a steady look of his own. "There will be even stronger opponents in our coming future" …. As I listened Horsea began to wet her now bigger play pal as he began punching the water to wet her back with small speedy waves. "The gym leaders will continue to grow stronger and some might have Pokemon that dwarf even your strength. As strong as you hold yourself you need to get stronger." I began to snarl but realized he was only speaking the truth. I could have dodged those nets if Hitmonchan in his midget form could. If what B was saying meant anything he genuinely cared for my rate of growth.

"Just think on what I said partner. You were my first and I'm not going to give you away or trade you. We'll stay partners till our journey ends. That's a promise", B said. He then rose to his full height and with a small smile threw a Poke Ball at both Hitmonchan and Horsea. He sprayed me with one of his bottled Potions and immediately began walking. Why did he always have to be so dramatic about things? I caught up with his slow gait and as we walked through the forest thoughts came rushing to my mind about my current situation.

Honestly he wanted the best for me. On the other hand, I still felt a spike of resentment at being at the beck and call of a human child. But B cared for me and it seemed so did Hitmonchan with the effort they put into ensuring I was safe. B had just run out of his special Poke food when he had left the plant bitch's city. I now had the reason I was waiting for to leave. But looking back at those times made me realize that was a stupid reason to leave. Did I really want to leave this boy's company? Was I strong enough to fend for myself to ensure no one captured me ever again? Perhaps under B I should just get stronger before I decide to leave for my own adventure. I nodded my head slightly at that thought. Yes. Get strong enough that without a doubt you have nothing to fear from those around you.

After finishing my inner monologue, I looked up to see we were now in a small city or town. The town was sparse with trees surrounding it entirely and only some small buildings. As we walked an old human suddenly came out of nowhere holding his mouth and bumping into B. He fell to the floor from the contact and B helped him up immediately. "Ah sorry young man. I lost my gold teeth back in the Safari Zone and I was actually kinda dizzy from all this heat." At least that's the gist of what I understood. The man's speech was garbled from his lack of teeth. B nodded as if he understood before asking, "Would you like us to help you find your teeth in the safari zone? I can look into that for you since I'm heading in there." The old man garbled, "Oh yes that would be most beneficial. You seem to be a competent young man. I'm the Warden of the Safari Zone. If you help me, I'll reward you with something special."

B nodded and then we walked the man back to his house where he had fossils and collectibles in glass cases in his house. We then turned from his house and went to the Pokemon Center for healing. After that B led to me a large steel gate with high fences around it sealing off a large forest. From the surrounding air it had a more primitive sense to this place. It made me feel as if I was being teste and watched. B walked in quickly and I followed him without a thought.

Flareon

Level 35:

Move set: Bite (Dark), Ember (Fire), Tail Whip (Normal), Quick Attack (Normal), Growl (Normal), Fire Fang (Fire), Dig (Ground), Iron Tail (Steel)

Personality: Flareon has come to accept that there are definitely Pokemon that are stronger than him. But that he will only respect those with strength near or above his. His bloodlust has been curbed for those he knows are stronger than him but it is only hidden. Flareon has come to terms with his partnership with B. But still plans on leaving him once he gets to an appropriate level of strength.

Hitmonchan

Level 27:

Move set: Tackle (Normal), Bullet Punch (Steel), Counter (Fighting), High Jump Kick (Fighting), Helping Hand (Normal), Foresight (Normal), Bulk Up (Fighting), Double Team (Normal), Vacuum Wave (Fighting)

Personality: Fiercely loyal. Excited for new challenges and fights. Extremely confident. Determined to defend his comrades. Strong will. Loves to please trainer and Flareon. Expert boxer.

Horsea

Level 26:

Moveset: Bubblebeam (Water), Smokescreen (Normal), Leer (Normal), Water Gun (Water), Aurora Beam (Ice), Focus Energy (Normal), Agility (Psychic), Twister (Dragon)

Personality: Playful. Young and somewhat experienced. Very defensive. Hates to be ignored or left alone. Has a temper. Loves to be pampered.

AN

Alright so first off yea that's my bad it's taken so long. It was nice to see you guys still came and read this even though it took me like a month to get back on this story. College and work are the only excuses I can give you guys. Ok then so B now has his third Pokemon. It was between a Horsea and a Poliwag. But he was definitely getting a Water Type Pokemon that could grow to somewhat match or completely match Flareon. The coming chapters will continue to have Team Rocket butting in where they're not wanted. Gary and Ash might also butt in. But I've been enjoying the reads I'm seeing for this story. All you guys and girls in the UK and US I'm appreciative honestly.

Leave a review to tell me how you feel. Next chapter will see a very ninja like battle as well as some unforeseen consequences for our characters. Perhaps even some past insight into B's life hmmm? Be ready for the next chapter cuz it's gonna be a doozy.

Black Cat out.