Chapter Twelve: A Change of Plans

Avery's Pokémon

Eevee (Princess)

Nature: Rash

Gender: Female

Ralts (Lady)

Nature: Modest

Gender: Female

Now that I was dating Mabel I wanted her all to myself. In fact, I never wanted to stop kissing her. Sadly, we had things to do so after a few moments of soft, wet lip-locking we parted with matching exhales. I stared at her, wondering what I had done to deserve such a perfect girl. Mabel's cheeks were rosy red, her eyes shining. She couldn't be happier. It felt good knowing I could make her smile. I never wanted to see her cry again...

For a second, I just stared at her face, but my attention was stolen by a loud "Ralts!" And just like that our moment was over. My newest Pokémon grabbed at my leg and tugged at my jeans, clearly grumpy. Eevee - Princess- watched from a distance with a strange expression. Her big, brown eyes were narrowed, and her mouth was twisted into a grumpy little frown. Ridiculously cute... Mabel giggled as she glanced at both.

"Your Pokémon are so possessive!" With a soft sigh Mabel pulled away from me, her lips twisted into a little smile. "You didn't come here to kiss me, and your Pokémon clearly want attention so… I'll go get you what you need, Avery." I sighed with longing as Mabel walked away. My eyes ate up the sight of her cute little ass swaying. Normally I'd force my gaze away but today I didn't. My crotch stiffened a bit as I thought about the things I was able to do with Mabel, now. I really wanted her…

Lady grabbed at my leg again and I shook away my dirty thoughts. Leaning down, I scooped her up. I enjoyed her happy sounds, and the feeling of her warm little body against my chest. I kept an eye on Princess to make sure she was on her best behavior and not going to attack us again... Outwardly, the Eevee looked like she couldn't care less but I could see her watching us out of the corner of her eye. It made me a little nervous.

Mabel was only gone for a few minutes and she came back with a wooden box in her arms. Before I could ask her what it was for, she scurried out of the room again. I watched with vague interest as she basically went all around the house. At some point Baron started following her, his tail wagging. She filled the box with a variety of different things. Toys, food, blankets. Everything I would need to take care of Ralts, I presumed. Her next words confirmed that.

"I think that's everything. You can call me if you have any questions about anything when you're using them, of course. There's some medicine in there, too. Some basic painkillers, tablets of Potion mixed with herbs..." Wow, she didn't have to do that. My girlfriend really loved Pokémon. And me, maybe.

"Thanks, Mabs. That means a lot." I rubbed Ralt's domed head. "I wouldn't want anything to happen to her." Mabel beamed. "What?" I questioned her overly happy smile.

"Nothing." I gave her a sour look. She giggled. "I just...I love the way you treat your Pokémon, Avery. You care so much." I was about to respond when we both heard heavy footsteps. I glanced over. Omar was coming down the stairs. To my surprise he didn't have just a Munchlax with him, but also a Riolu who had both legs around his neck while it hugged his head. The Pokémon appeared very serious. Meanwhile, Munchlax just hobbled at the front, munching on a snack.

Omar noticed my curious expression. "Ah, yea. This is my other Pokémon. I have two. Her name is Rhea." Omar grabbed the little fighting type by the waist and basically stuck her out toward me. I blinked as I gazed at the little baby Pokémon. I wasn't exactly an expert on Pokémon, but I recognized Riolu as one of the few "infant/baby" Pokémon that existed. Most Pokémon are born strangely mature but these "baby Pokémon" are exceptions. They're immature and have very undeveloped mannerisms that change completely when they evolve.

Riolu's were extremely rare...I was sort of jealous. Not that I didn't appreciate having Princess and Lady...

"Mind if I pet her?" I asked, reaching my hand out slightly. Omar shook his head.

Rhea gazed at my hand curiously. Man... Riolu's are amazingly cute! The floppy black ears, the bright maroonish eyes and mask pattern on their face...Not to mention how small they are...Rhea didn't recoil as my hand got closer and closer. I sighed happily when I rubbed the Riolu's head, gently rubbing her floppy ears. The fighting type murmured slightly with pleasure, but pulled away from my touch after a few seconds, hugging Omar's forearm.

So shy… Omar gave Rhea a pat on the head. "Good girl." He gave her a light rub then turned to Mabel and me. "I'm going to head to the Club if you want to join me. Mabel, you're still coming, right?"

For some reason I didn't like his tone. It made me feel like I wasn't welcome. Maybe it was all in my head...Either way, he had invited her along originally and not me... It would be rude to insert myself into the equation just because I was dating Mabel now. I spoke up. "I'm going to come, probably. But in a few days. I want to rest up with Princess and Lady, get to know them for a bit. Feel free to go without me, Mabel."

I was strangely jealous, but I understood that I needed to bond with my new Pokémon and also create a little bit of distance between Mabel and I so I could clear my head and think about our situation from a rational point of view. So, instead of going with Mabel to the Pokémon Fanclub I decided I'd go later...

Mabel gave me a sad look. "Really? You don't want to go?"

"I do but I have things to do." She pouted, and I leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Listen, you go without me and we can call tonight, okay? You can give me all the fun details about what transpired." Mabel blushed and nodded.

"O-okay. That sounds good..."

I didn't really want her to go without me -and with Omar- but it was for the best.

"Now that that's settled, let's head out." Omar declared with a thumbs up. I tried my best not to give him a dirty look. I really was an asshole, thinking about him negatively just because he was hanging out with Mabel...I didn't think I was that type of guy. I really don't know myself, at all. I turned my attention away from Mabel and onto the box she'd left on the counter. I lifted it up with a loud huff, barely able to hold it with one hand...

"Hey, Lady...mind sitting on my shoulder?" The psychic-type shook her head and clambered onto my shoulder, burying her hands into my hair and leaning against me. Mabel burst into laughter when she saw this display of affection. I gave her a slightly resentful smile. "Jeez, all you do is laugh at me..."

"You're just so cute," she giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. I was stuck by the sudden urge to kiss her. I was used to that, feeling that urge...but for once I had the power to do something about it. The desire to. I leaned over and kissed her on the mouth once again, silencing her giggles. I enjoyed the soft little moan she let out, pressing our lips together. I pulled away.

"You're cuter," I declared, enjoying the way she squirmed and blushed. "I'm not going to make poor Omar wait anymore, though. See you both." I gave Omar a nod and a slight smile. Next, I said goodbye to Baron and then waved to both of Omar's Pokémon. "Come on Eev...Princess." Still carrying the mildly heavy box I knelt. Eevee dashed toward me and easily hopped onto my empty shoulder, sticking her chest out and licking her paw like she didn't have a care in the world.

Mabel followed me to the front door. "Promise me we'll call tonight?" She asked.

"Yep. I promise. See ya, Mabs."

"Bye, Avery." Mabel awkwardly tried to give me a hug, but apparently Eevee had had enough with our displays of affection today. She leaned down and gave the air a warning nip. The message was clear: She would bite Mabel if she came any closer. Ralts had warmed up to Mabel, but apparently my bratty little Princess hadn't...I cleared my throat.

"S-sorry, they're brats...especially Princess." Mabel shrugged it off.

"All good. Have a good night Avery..." I could see the disappointment in her expression. I wished I could do something about it but I wasn't exactly sure how to discipline a Pokémon, especially one like Eevee…I gave her a wave and headed home.

I set the heavy box down, huffing. I wasn't exactly physically fit – in fact, I was the opposite- and the long walk home was exhausting. The farther I walked the sorer my body got. I'd pretty much forgotten how messed up I'd been after my fight with Elton. Princess and Lady both climbed down my arms and hopped on the table.

"Avery is that you?" That would be my mom. She was coming out of the kitchen. For some reason she sounded nervous.

"Hey, mom! Sorry I haven't been home much. By the way I have a new…Pokémon…"

My eyes widened, and I trailed off when I realized my mother wasn't alone. She was with someone. A guy, more specifically. He was extremely tall and had vivid blue eyes and a bald head. His muscles were practically bursting from his cargo shorts and muscle tee. He also had a pure white smile. I didn't like him, or the way he glanced at my mom. And my mom. She was a nervous wreck. She was twiddling her fingers together. I once again noticed her full face of make-up. So that was why she'd been getting dressed up. For this guy. He was clearly half her age…Why was he interested in someone like my mom?

"H-Hi, Avery! Is that the new Pokémon?" She nervously stared at my Ralts, who tucked herself behind my back. Shy.

I nodded. "Yeah. Who is this?" I gazed at the guy.

My mom couldn't meet my eyes. "This is Mason…My, um…"

"I'm her boyfriend." He chuckled, walking forward and extending his hand out to me. I shook it, brows furrowed.

"Nice to meet you, Mason."

"Your mother has told me so much about you." He had a strong handshake. I pulled my own hand away, still staring at my mom.

"Did she? Cause she told me nothing about you."

My mom finally met my eyes. She sighed. "I didn't want to upset you."

"Why would I be upset? What's dad gonna say when he "gets back" though? He might be upset." I grabbed the box of supplies and headed past the two of them.

"A-Avery, wait! I know I should have told you but-"

"It's fine, mom." I snapped back, but I was…mad. Resentful. I don't know why. "Come on Princess, Lady. We're going to my room." They mewled their names as they trotted behind me. Apparently, they'd already been following me.

"Avery! Your mother needs to talk to you! I'm here today for a reason-You should really be nicer to your mother!" I felt a rush of fierce indignation at the sound of that guy, probably only a few years older than me, lecturing me. I stomped up the stairs and shoved my bedroom door open, completely ignoring him.

"Come on in, girls." Lady happily walked in, but Princess stopped and stared down the stairs. Then glanced at me as if wondering if I was going to go back down. I'd almost forgotten that she liked my mother for some strange reason… I felt a rush of irritation.

She showed no respect for me, but did for my mom? Why? "Come on, Princess. In." My Eevee gave me a dirty look but obeyed. I realized how rude I'd been, but I couldn't find it in me to apologize.

I sighed with relief when my door was finally shut. I buried my face in my hands. Zoey was going to flip out if she found out about this. I didn't give a shit about dad, but Zoey still loved the scumbag who abandoned us… I forced the negativity from my mind. Finally dating Mabel was the sign of happy changes in my life. I wasn't going to let what just happened change that. I slapped my cheeks. Stay positive, Avery!

I set the box down on my desk and began to pull some of the stuff in it out. I laughed in amusement when I realized one of them was a stuffed Eevee toy…Princess probably wasn't going to like that. "Here you go. Toys for you both." I set down a bunch of different toys. Rope toys, balls, plushies. Princess appeared to have no interest at all, but Ralts waddled over and started glancing at each with little gasps. She finally settled on the overly fluffy Eevee plush, hugging it with a delighted "Ra Ralts!" She walked over to Princess and showed it to her, clearly very happy.

"Eev," Princess muttered boredly, giving it an annoyed glance.

Lady grabbed the plush and struggled to climb onto my bed. I had to force back my laughter. She clearly couldn't get up with her hands full and yet didn't want to let go of the plush...I walked over and grabbed her, lifting her up onto my mattress. She giggled with delight and walked over to Princess. For the next five minutes my Ralts rolled around on the bed and squished the Eevee toy in her arms as much as possible. At one point, she even kissed it. Clearly, she'd never had something to call her own. At least not something so soft and warm and she adored it. The entire time... Princess watched with an expression of complete and total disgust. Weird that Princess had bullied her, yet the Eevee plush was the one she chose to play with...I wondered why that was. Either way, it was cute. I sat down on the bed next to them. Much to my delight, Lady clambered into my lap. And it made me even happier when Princess followed suit.

My heart soared. I pet them both, then grabbed my TV remote and turned it on.

It was still on the news channel that had been on last time I'd watched. Much to my surprise the topic was the same too. Pokephilia. My eyes widened when I realized who was on the screen. A very familiar trio. It was Jack's sisters, and they were being interviewed. And the headline was...Fantina- Pokémon Rapist? Wait...what was going on? I'd started watching late but I could make out what was happening. The sisters were getting interviewed about Fantina. Apparently their contest had been interrupted by the Jenny's coming in and leaving with the Hearthome Gym Leader in cuffs. I swallowed hard as I listened in.

"You all were very close friends with her. Did you have any clue that Fantina was taking part in such disgraceful, inappropriate activities? Raping a Pokémon is a seriously horrible thing, it's hard not to notice someone doing that. Did you see any signs?"

Lucia was visibly pale and Kiana looked pissed. Surprisingly, it was Marissa who answered. Her make-up was impeccable as always, and so was her nasty, sickly sweet smile. "Are you suggesting we knew about Fantina's activities and chose to hide it?" Her words were venomous. I expected the interviewer to back down. Anyone would when seeing cold eyes like Marissa's. But she didn't.

"Are you saying you didn't? Because my sources tell me that even just this week you were seen going in and out of her estate late in the night." My heart raced. "But I'm sure you were just...playing board games."

Marissa's smile twisted into a frown. For just a second. Then she smiled again. "My sister's often go to her for advice about contests. She's an amazing coordinator."

"Hmm. Interesting. You guys share a common trait with Fantina that interests me. You are all in your mid-twenties or so. And yet...no boyfriends. Why is that?"

Lucia's expression grew dark. "We don't have time for a social life."

Marissa giggled, and stepped in front of Lucia. She spoke directly into the mic and looked right at the camera. "And I, of course, do have a boyfriend. He's from Hearthome, actually. He's a sweet, modest boy with a rather grumpy disposition. He and I love each other very much." I knew immediately she was talking about me... It felt like she was looking directly into my eyes. "Just because you think you know everything doesn't mean you do. Pokephilia is a disgusting and horrible act. I would never partake in it, and neither would any of my siblings. I would immediately go to the authorities if I found out anything like that. Pokémon are precious. They are our friends. Taking advantage of them, forcing them to commit sexual acts...it's a horrible, sad thing...And Fantina, you should be ashamed..Anyways, it's time for us to go." And just like that the interview was over. The Interviewer was on camera now, her expression shocked.

"Well...you heard it here first, folks. The Heartwarming Hearthome Triad have very clearly disavowed the Gym Leader of their hometown, and also their friend."

For some reason...I felt disgust. Lucia hadn't opened her mouth to speak up for Fantina. Neither did Kiana. Even though Lucia was the one who told me to never look at her in disgust. The one who showed me what Pokephilia was...I trembled. Shaking, I shut the television off. I didn't want to hear anything about that garbage. I thought that...Fantina was safe. Roxanne had released pornos. Yet Fantina was the one who got busted? Unless Fantina did that too...

I pushed my Pokémon off me and headed to my desk. I was about to grab my laptop when I got a call. I wasn't surprised to see that it was Marissa. I sighed and answered the call. Her beautiful face showed up immediately. The big, exaggerated heart-shaped pigtail loops, the bright make-up. Her vivid eyes met mine. "I need a favor."

I curled my lip. "You won't get one. I saw that program, Marissa. How could you throw Fantina under the bus like that?"

Marissa's eyes widened. "I..." She shook her head and her happy smile reappeared. "That's unimportant. I got you your starter. A badge case, Pokeballs. You owe me."

Her rotten attitude never changed...I already knew what her favor was. "I'm not going to pretend to be your boyfriend so you can improve your image."

"Pretend?" Marissa asked, brushing her bangs from her forehead. She genuinely seemed confused. I gnashed my teeth. When would Marissa understand I had no interest in her!?

"I have a girlfriend. Okay, Marissa? Even if I liked you, which I don't, I couldn't do this favor for you. Have someone else do it!"

"Is that Avery? Can I talk to him?" It was Lucia. She appeared on the screen. It was clear just looking at her that she was depressed and anxious. Yet she hadn't spoken up for Fantina, either...

"Hi, Lucia," I muttered. "What's going on?"

"You saw the interview?"

"Part of it," I replied. "Why...how did Fantina get caught?"

Lucia rubbed her eyes. Sighed. "So...Pokelove. Pokephilia. There are a million words for it. There is a...society. As you know. Gym Leaders, politicians, rich people. It's a secret society. Very close-knit, very hard to get in. Or you have to just know people. Avery. Someone is snitching on people. But very specific people. People who speak up about Pokémon rights. People who humanize them."

I furrowed my brows. I vaguely remember Juliet mentioning something like that...About how humans and Pokémon were once on the same level, and yet our relationship with them has degraded to the extent of capturing and collecting them for entertainment. And of course, Baron was an example of how that can go wrong... I shook my head. "Why...why would someone snitch? Wouldn't that be outting themself?"

"In a way." It was Marissa who answered. "Honestly...there could be so many different reasons why this is happening. We don't know any specifics yet. But we all have to be careful." For once, Marissa was serious. She had a dark expression. "We're just lucky. We haven't uploaded many videos. And those that we did hid our identities. Others aren't so lucky. First they got Burge, and then Amara Harmon...now Fantina...the only connection is that they were both very vocal about Pokémon rights and are Gym Leaders. That's it...Why this person snitched on them specifically we don't know."

I was still disgusted with her. The convincing way she'd disavowed Fantina...but I decided to let that go. I'd maybe do the same thing in her shoes...I'd only recently gotten into this strange new world. I had no right judging them for this. "So what happens now?"

"I'm not sure. Honestly." Lucia whispered. "I don't think Fantina will be in trouble for long."

"Why is that?"

"Because we're very, very wealthy and we're going to arrange for her to be freed. Of course...she might still lose her position as a Gym Leader and Contest Judge. But that's better than prison..."

I sighed and sat down on the bed. Eevee trotted into my lap. Marissa's eyes widened when she saw the display of affection. "But...how?"

I raised a brow. "Huh?" Then I remembered that she'd trained Princess to hate me. I ruffled Princess's hair poof and chuckled. "Princess and I started to get along. Sorry your plan to try and fuck me failed, as usual."

Marissa's expression twisted. "Hmph. Whatever." Lucia glanced between us, then sighed. "Anyways, Avery. I tried to be nice but you're being very rude to me. If you won't "pretend" to be my boyfriend willingly then I'm afraid I have to take drastic measures. Your sister- she makes porn, right? Pokémon porn?" I flinched. "If you don't pretend to be my boyfriend I'll personally make sure they land in police hands. How does that sound?"

Was I seriously being blackmailed about Zoey...again?! I gazed at Lucia, my heart starting to hammer, teeth grit. "You're gonna let her do that?"

Lucia avoided my eyes. "I'm sorry Avery but we're all going to be under fire soon. If you could just go on a few dates with Marissa-"

I wanted to chuck my Pokétch across the room. "I have a girlfriend now!" I interrupted. "I can't just pretend to be someone else's boyfriend! Especially a celebrity! If Mabel ever saw..."

Marissa's face darkened. "You chose that four-eyed dweeb over me?"

I rubbed my temples. I was getting a damn headache! "Marissa. I am a four-eyed dweeb as well." I pointed at my glasses. "Why can't you find someone else?"

Marissa crossed her arms on her chest. "I won't accept anyone but you. Period. End of story." Could you get more fucking selfish!? "I'll be back in a few days with Lucia and Kiana. Your answer better be yes. If it isn't...well. Maybe I'll do worse than leak your sister's vids." What the fuck did that even mean!? I didn't want to know...She looked so smug. I wanted to punch her in the teeth. Unlike with Juliet, I'd probably actually do it. I'd had enough of her pushing me around! Ever since we were kids!

"Sorry, Avery." Lucia sighed, shaking her head. "I just..." She didn't say anything else. Marissa gave me a twisted smile. Then, just like that, she hung up on me. I held my head. Forced the anger back. I had a few days. I could get out of this...I trembled. Why...why was everything going bad again? I couldn't sacrifice myself for my sister's dumb decisions again! But I also had to protect her! Why did this have to happen!?

"...Eevee..." A soft mewl. An even softer nuzzle. I glanced over. Eevee was staring at me with big, soft eyes. Did she understand what had just happened to me? And she wanted to comfort me- even after I was kind of mean to her earlier? I'd thought she was so mean but...I really was wrong. I held her in my arms and shockingly, she didn't pull away. She just leaned into me. I breathed. Forced myself to stay calm. The smell of her fur was a comfort. My serenity was disrupted by a message. It was, of course, Marissa. God forbid she leave me alone after threatening my sister. Was blackmail a thing that uptight rich cunts seriously do frequently? Damn it all...

[Btw. Your Eevee has the same name as Jack's. Did you two seriously name your Pokémon the same thing? Fix that.] And then... [You better not have put your precious thing inside that girl. It's bad enough that Lucia got to see it first...now this? I really do love you, but you're really bullying me right now Avery! You're really pushing me and I'm trying so hard to be a patient, good girl but...I have my limits, you know. :/ Anyways, XOXO talk to you in a few days... 3]

I was overwhelmed by an explosion of different emotions. The mere mention of Jack's name...the fact that I'd somehow forgotten his Eevee was also named Princess, the fact that I was somehow being the bully in this scenario! More than anything, I was sick of nasty women messing around with me like I was a damn toy! And I was pissed Lucia didn't stand up for me, or Fantina! Why couldn't someone else be pestered by these crazy ass women!? And of course there was the even bigger problem. People were being targeted and arrested. And Amara Harmon was one of them. I sighed and collapsed on the bed.

Lady came over now. She put the Eevee plush aside and hugged me. Both my Pokémon were basically holding me. I forced a happy expression. Just to make them less worried. "Don't worry guys. I'll figure my way out of this. Thank you for being kind." Princess avoided my eyes. Trotted away. Damn it, we had to change her name...how could I forget that Jack had told me that? I never listened to that guy and it showed! "Hey, Princess. We need to change your name."

She glanced over, eyes wide."Eev!?" She didn't like that at all.

"Don't take it personally! I just...one of my friends named his Eevee the same thing, okay? I don't want you to share the same name!" I don't think it's possible for someone to look more offended than Eevee did at that moment. Her eyes clearly said "How dare you give me the same name as some lowlife"! She truly was a princess. It was a shame my douchebag friend stole the name first... "We'll come up with one. It'll be really good. I know you're mad but I can't handle you being pissed at me right now so please...take your anger out on me later. I'll...let you beat me up. As much as you want...okay?"

I honestly didn't expect it to work. Yet, it did. Apparently, the excitement of the day wasn't over. Because my Pokétch started ringing again. I seriously was going to break this thing...It was... Speak of the devil...Jack. I didn't want to answer. Actually, I refuse to. I began the rather difficult process of unstrapping it from my wrist. I got a message from him as I did so.

Jack: [Dude! Mabel is going to join the Pokémon Fanclub!? Maybe she really is gonna get that knot in her!] What the hell did that mean? I hesitated, then typed back a response.

Avery: [Explain?]

Jack: [Explain what? The Pokémon Fanclub is a bunch of Poképhiles. I told you that, dude. Remember? They're the ones that made the Pokeporn Club. The website and everything. They fund it and stuff. You should come to the club, they're recruiting rn (which is why I'm here) We haven't hung out in a while and Mabel's here so...now's better than never to try to get with her, right? Unless you're still insisting she's too young. Seriously dude, who cares? Anyway, you won't believe it! Juliet messaged me last night. Said she wanted to hang out soon. I was thinking about it and I'm def gonna convince my mom to get her sister out of prison. Think she'd get with me if I did that? Seriously tho, I miss you! You're my voice of logic...I'm frickin blabbering on, haha. Come hang out! I'll come pick you up!]

I had to reread that about five times before I fully understood what I was reading. I...seriously never listen to Jack. I've always brushed off everything he said like it was nonsense. He had mentioned the Pokémon Fanclub being made up of Pokélovers. I remember when he did it. And I remember when he said his Eevee was going to be named Princess. I was a bad friend. He was a worse one, he sexted my sister, but that didn't change the fact that I was a much bigger asshole than I realized. That'd become painfully obvious to me recently. I pretty much hate Jack, but he was having fun at the Pokémon Fanclub while his sisters were being interviewed in a very terrifying way...

Avery: [Your sisters were on the news. They're going to be home, soon. Apparently Fantina was arrested for 'Pokémon Rape'. They're kind of under scrutiny rn, apparently. You should make sure they're okay.]

He responded quickly. [...What? I'm gonna come pick you up. We seriously need to catch up...Thanks for letting me know. Otw]

Well, that backfired. I really, really didn't want to see Jack right now.

Jack: [And hey. I...I need to talk to you about Zoey. She might be in danger.] I wanted to message Jack back and say that his crazy fucking sister was the reason my sister was in danger but I didn't say anything. He was apparently on the way. Maybe we could resolve everything when he arrived. I doubted it, but...it was worth at least talking to him. Maybe. I guess I was going to the Pokémon Fanclub afterall. I'd gotten a weird vibe from Omar, was he a Pokephile? Or just a quiet guy? Either way I didn't really want Mabel to be there without me. I was going to be the one to introduce her to being with Pokemon, if anyone. And I was hardly ready for any of that stuff, I doubted she was. Omar knew how opposed to this type of stuff she was, everyone in class knew, he had no right trying to bring her in on the action.

Avery: [Make sure Mabel comes with you. I don't care what you have to say...Say Avery really needs to talk to her.] I restrapped my Poketch to my wrist.

"You guys want to come out with me? " I asked, standing up. I reached over and grabbed my jacket, pulling it back on. Eevee nodded eagerly, I thinks she just wanted to go outside, and Lady did too but...I could see she was exhausted. Her nod was lazy and slow. "Hey, Lady. I'm going to leave you behind. Okay? I want you to be safe." She shook her head but I leaned down and held her shoulder. "Listen! You're still injured. You can do whatever you want here, okay? And I know you don't like your Pokeball. Would you rather go in there?" She shook her head. "Then...play with as many toys as you want and..." I grabbed my remote and turned on the TV, flipping it to a kids channel. "You can even watch TV."

Lady stared up at me. "Ralts!" She was still protesting.

"Be a good girl." My firm tone seemed to calm her down. She lowered her head, mumbling. "Good." I rubbed her domed head. "I'll be back soon." I leaned down and picked up Eevee, heading for the door. She didn't struggle at all. "I'll bring you back ice cream, Lady! How does that sound?"

"Ral?" She was clearly confused by the word.

"Ice cream is delicious. You'll love it," I replied. "Now lay down, rest that head, and watch some television. Tomorrow, we'll do all kinds of fun stuff! I promise! See ya Lady. Be good!" She was still sitting on the bed, staring at us. Then, she waved her little hand. I hurriedly trotted down the stairs. My mom was sitting on the couch with that guy. They were way too close to each other! I completely ignored my mother's attempt to talk.

"I don't care what your plans are tonight. Can you watch my Ralts, please? She's injured and I need to go out. Considering I've been the one taking care of Zoey in your place the last few days you owe me." I stormed past the table.

"A-Avery? W-Why are you being so mean to me..?"

I froze. The tremble in her voice made my heart ache but I always had been too soft on her. Zoey was the one who was sharp-tongued. I wanted my mom to be happy, but not with a guy my age and not without talking to us first. Her kids. Her responsibility. Because she wasn't being a good mother, because she didn't want to work - I had to take care of Zoey. Because she wasn't keeping a closer eye Zoey was...making porn. And I'd been blackmailed not once - but twice- because of it. "You're forty-two, Amy." I clenched my fist. "This guy is what...twenty-five? Don't screw around with me. You think Zoey would be okay with that?...You think I'd be okay with that?! Give me a damn break."

I walked outside, slamming the door shut behind me. I sighed. I...didn't want to leave on bad terms with her. Then went back inside. "I love you mom. Okay?" She was staring at the door with tears in her eyes, clutching her chest. Her eyes widened when she heard my words. "Please make sure my Ralts is ok. She had a concussion and needs someone to take care of her."

"Okay," My mom replied, a tremble in her soft voice. "Love you too, Avery. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Mason...Can we talk about this later?"

I didn't want to talk about him. I wanted him out of my life. But I wasn't going to keep being mean. I'd gotten my point across. "Yeah. Later." I smiled at her. Her frown twisted into a happy smile and the tears disappeared from her eyes.

"Have a good night. I'll take good care of L..Lady, was it?"

"Mhm. There's Pokémon food in my bedroom." I gave her a wave and headed out the door. This time, for good. I stroked Eevee's head, sighing as I sat on the front steps, waiting for Jack (and hopefully Mabel's) arrival.

"You think I was too mean, Eevs?" She twitched her tail, ignoring me. "Yeah. Maybe I was." I rested my chin on her head. I was surprised she let me. I buried all the bad thoughts in the back of my head and hugged Eevee tight. Whatever happened, I wasn't going to let myself drown in shitty situations again.

I'd learned something. From accepting Mabel, from fighting Elton. Bad things kept happening because I let them, but when I was the one to take action good things happened. I met Lady, I started dating Mabel. I need to take control of my own life. I can't let people shove me down and control me.

Whatever happened...it was going to happen on my terms. Especially "dating" Marissa, letting Jack into my life, and all of the other bullshit I feel shooting toward me.

Check out my other fic, Deep-Freeze! :)
-K9