ty gaij for being an amazing betafollow my gkeaguy

hope you enjoy

showdown part 1/4

You know when you set your eyes on someone and just get that feeling like you are fated to be connected?

That happened to me when I first laid eyes on this beautiful soul.

I met Alice in Jubilife City when I was being bullied by some of the other girls at the Jubilife Trainer school. She was the only one who stood up for me. She challenged all three young trainers to a Pokemon battle, and I watched in awe as she absolutely destroyed them with her Gastly; a Pokemon they'd been unprepared for. Before that I could never muster up the willpower to take them on with Static; my precious Shinx. Alice changed that.

After that first initial "showdown", we took them on over and over, and won every time… eventually, I didn't even need her there to win. It was my first real friendship. From the very beginning, Alice understood me. We were both targeted by the sadistic, mean girls at the Jubilife City Trainer's School. Me, because I had no confidence and Alice because she is just so strange. Both her appearance and her personality however, I didn't find her strange-looking. In fact, if anything, she looked beautiful to me.

Her eyes are a strange velvet color, not contacts like my own gold ones. She always has these big, black circles around them that always make her seem sleepy, it's adorable in a sense. Her bushy, thick black hair usually hides her face and flows all the way down to her ankles. On top of all that, she has the palest skin I'd ever seen. Pure, alabaster white that was almost doll-like.

She scared the other students with her eccentricities, and despite knowing her for years now, even I get scared by Alice .

She is confident to the extent that she's reckless. She likes to push herself to the edge. She enjoys the thrill, and the adrenaline rush that comes from the danger of terrifying situations. I used to avoid her when I felt that fear, but now I try to accept her. All of her strangeness, all of her issues. In a way I admire that dangerous, risk-taking side of her.

If she were a boy, I would probably be in love with her. No. I think I'd still love her regardless, even though she's not, and that scares me… Because I know I'll lose her if I tell her. Besides, she already has someone else.

' Why can't I just be normal? And why is Alice dating a guy like this?'

Alice's current boyfriend was the definition of garbage in human form. He had long, golden hair and a smug, punchable face. His actual name is Christopher Styles, but he goes by "Chip." His good looks are his only good trait. The rest of him is rotten to the core.

"What the fuck do you mean you don't want to? Just because you invited your slutty little friend? I told you no distractions Alice! Dane is getting impatient! If I can't get this film out tonight I'll probably lose my damn job! I already owe him, I need you tonight!"

' Why does he have to yell so damn much?' I rolled my eyes. I couldn't help but find Chip's desperation pathetic. Without Alice, his films definitely would've been a flop. Serenely, seemingly unaffected by his rage, my best friend smiled back at him.

"Christopher. Your film success doesn't matter to me right now. This is a vacation, yes? We will have it done by tonight but for now I have plans with Zoey." Alice turned her strange smile toward me and beckoned me over. Hesitatingly, I walked over.

I flushed when Alice wrapped her soft little arms around my shoulders and snuggled me close. Alice turned her lazy, dark-rimmed gaze onto Chip who was glowering at the two of us… But more at me than Alice. The blonde man's eyes lasered into me, making my face heat up with a blush; fidgeting where I stood. I had a feeling he already knew how I felt about Alice, and he didn't like it one bit. He also seemed to not like how she refused to be bullied when I was by her side. That's why I was here. I couldn't stand the thought of them alone for so many different reasons.

' Gosh, why does Alice have to smell so good and feel so soft? ' Her gentle, lilac-like scent was drifting into my nostrils, and I resisted the urge to inhale deeply.

Alice wasn't done speaking: "Chip...This " slutty little friend " has never left Hearthome in her entire life, save to go to school. She wants to see Solaceon. So we'll go sightseeing...and when we come back, you can call your little friend and we'll see about that film of yours."

Chip grit his teeth, his hot stare burning into us. He looked like he wanted to hit me, but he didn't. He wouldn't dare. Not with Alice around. Instead, he scowled and stomped out of the house with his camera bag, slamming the door shut behind him. I sighed with relief when he was gone, shaking my head.

"Why are you dating someone like him?" I asked for the millionth time, not expecting a real answer.

"Because you never ask the right questions," Alice answered, cryptic as usual. "...And because he pays for whatever my little siblings need. Food, clothes...all I have to do is play with a Pokemon on camera. Sometimes I even get to cum… outside of that he's not really my boyfriend. You know that. I need him."

I sighed. She didn't need him. I busted my ass off during the years I was in Jubilife, and I became the best battler from our class. I'd long since surpassed Alice as a trainer and that was just with Static. Now that I had this newly adopted Pokemon; an adorable little Litleo, I had a feeling I could accomplish even more. If she would just go on a journey with me, I'd take on the gym challenge. With the money I earned I'd take such good care of her, and her siblings.

"Alice..." I murmured. She met my gaze and cocked her head curiously."Please… you don't need him. If you just mmmPH!-" Her arms tightened around my neck and pressed her tiny, soft mouth against mine. Interrupting me the way she always did when she wanted to shut me up. My anxiety and aggravation fizzled away and my brain felt like much, melting out through my ears.

"Alice..." I whimpered. That frustrating, familiar wet heat was building between my thighs. Distracting me.

My shaggy-haired best friend ran her fingers across the Pokeball on her belt, licking her lips. They say a trainer resembles their Pokemon after a point. That was very true for Alice. She was the spitting image of her Gastly, Vexa, right now. I shuddered as I realized what she was suggesting. She wanted to let Vexa out, and play with me. The way she always had since those days in Jubilife, sharing our overnight bunk… my hands clasped together as I bit back my moans and writhed. She loved watching our Pokemon go down on me, even more than she liked being pleasured herself.

My face burned. I couldn't get any words out. I only nodded.

"Vexa, go," Alice murmured as she tossed her dusk ball. It hit the ground, bounced, and released her ghost-type starter. The sphere-shaped little ghost appeared with her familiar, sly smile, floating in the air a short ways away. She grew excited as she peered at the two of us, her tongue lolling from her mouth. She'd been a source of guilty pleasure for so long now, the mere sight of her brought a familiar ache and tingle. Alice unashamedly referred to the Pokemon as her girlfriend, and when I wasn't around, they spent all their time together.

"Let's play with that new Litleo of yours later~" Alice murmured excitedly in my ear, nibbling on my earlobe. I whimpered, shivering at the contact, my body unbelievably hot. "I want to watch you squeal while he licks you up, but for now..."

Alice reached over and gently pushed my thighs apart. She jerked my shorts down my lean legs, running her fingernails up and down my toned skin; my panties following in tow. I shivered and twitched, my breath growing heavy. I stared at Alice, with her lecherous expression and those big, dark violet eyes full of endless, chaotic, dizzying affection. Her Starter Pokemon floated over, cackling wickedly. Her huge, spectral tongue was dripping saliva, like she was anticipating a delicious meal. I gasped and flinched in shock as Vexa Licked one of my wet thighs. That huge tongue was impossible to get used to, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't love it~ Vexa giggled at my reaction; finding it amusing, before licking my face next.

I couldn't help but smile at the overly-affectionate ghost-type. She was so forward compared to my shy little Static, who's still currently in his pokeball. I wouldn't let my starter out around Chip, who tended to insult the little cat for no good reason. Static was sensitive, and I would never subject him to that sort of treatment. I honestly considered Static my boyfriend, in soooo many ways, but even I know that...well, Pokemon aren't humans. Nobody would ever accept our relationship.

My thoughts were drowned out as Vexa ran her tongue against my lips, giggling madly, trying to slip it into my mouth.

"H-Hey, stop that you two… Zoey, you're only allowed to kiss me…" Alice whispered. My mind was hot and hazy as the other girl cupped my face and drew me into a deep, wet kiss. Our tongues tangled together as Vexa drifted down and shoved her round, ghostly form between my thighs. Her tongue unfurled, and dipped between…

"A-Arceus, oh Arceus!!!"

As that familiar, impossible pleasure flooded me I lost myself.

Juliet Harmon has been quite a fan of Zoey's blog, essentially the private journals of a young girl exploring herself. It was beautifully innocent, and sometimes very sad. Zoey Higgs was the adorable little sister of Avery, and among other things she wrote about him often, she was desperate for her big brother's attention. In her blog entries she referred to him as A. Often they went like this:

" A works too much, he's never home."

"A told me he didn't like my outfit today, why doesn't he ever call me cute?"

"A didn't notice my new hairstyle at all"

"A doesn't even try to understand me, he hates me!"

Zoey Higgs made entry after entry about her older brother, who to this day failed to understand her. No, refused to understand her. Avery was pigheaded, more than that he was oblivious and dense. Juliet knew that very well. Despite being a pretty boy, his self-image was destructive, and he never saw how the world is outside his own head. He was constantly anxious and concerned with his thoughts and the past. Unable to make any real decisions.

Zoey's blog started out innocent enough. Then, something changed. Zoey stopped talking about Avery, and the focus of her affections seemed to divert to two different people. Her little friend with a Gastly, a girl named Alice who she claimed in her journals she met in Jubilife city during school, and the other was an unknown male that Juliet now realized was Jack. She referred to him as "W", which most likely stood for Wainwright. It seemed she was using the boy as a stand-in for her own brother. "W" was kind, he was the one who showed her the website, and he bought her things. The truth of the matter was painful… She was clearly desperate for male attention, which made sense considering both the masculine figures in her life- Avery and her father- were never there for her. Juliet understood what that was like, longing to have a man take care of and praise you for your hard work, and the pain of it going unnoticed. Juliet's own father had been a neglectful, abusive piece of shit that worked her like a Ponyta and never showed even a hint of fatherly affection.

At some point, Zoey's diary entries slowed. Videos and pictures suddenly started being uploaded. Even those started out innocent enough. Solo vids where her face was hidden, her Shinx's little muzzle buried between her thighs. But, with each new video, the comments for "more" or specific demands became vast. The journal entries died out completely, as Zoey complied to strangers demands.

Juliet had reached out to Zoey to discourage her when she first noticed Zoey's "content change." Her messages were ignored, which made sense considering she was just another stranger on that site. She should have been more persistent, for she knew firsthand the dangers of being a child in this scene and just how many predators there were. She could've prevented all of this from happening. Juliet shouldn't have assumed that just because the videos were with a cute female friend that there wasn't a male holding the camera. Juliet had felt something was wrong, and she'd told Avery about it, but who could have known how right she truly was? She should have pursued it, relentlessly, when she noticed that Avery didn't make it stop. When the videos continued…

Juliet truly believed that everyone involved was at fault, save for the sweet innocent girl in danger right now. But, Juliet also knew that dwelling in the past was pointless. The future was all that she could control. That's why she was doing this.

The journey to Solaceon was a long one. Surprisingly, Jackson Wainwright didn't make for a bad traveling companion. Juliet chalked that up to the tall ginger boy simply feeling guilty. She truly had no doubt that he was the "W" from Zoey's diaries, but he was to serve a purpose for her, so she didn't confront him about it. He was quiet and contemplative, save a joke here or there, and he paid her little to no attention. Instead he played with his silver-furred Eevee to pass the time, or glanced at his Poketch worriedly. He only said one thing of importance during the two-day trip.

"Zoey's not responding. But I think she's seeing my messages."

That was probably a good thing, as it indicated she was at least still being active on her social media, but Juliet was nervous nonetheless.

Juliet and Jack arrived in the tiny, rustic town of Solaceon after two full days of traveling on foot. His shiny, silver pelted Eevee was stuffed in his backpack with her head poking out. She was glancing around in curiosity, big brown eyes like those of a child and ears twitching to and fro. Named Princess, she was a quiet and curious one. Honestly, Juliet hated that the bastard had such an adorable little starter, not to mention such a unique one but well… she wouldn't trade her own Angel for Princess for all the money in the world.

Angel, Juliet's Absol, had raced on ahead of the two humans. She was smelling the fresh air, her muzzle and tail held high. Her thick, shiny white pelt was blowing gently in the light wind. The air in Solaceon still smells vaguely of berries, dirt, farm animals, and fresh grass... A strange mixture of scents, but one Juliet found pleasant and comforting nonetheless. Angel was fascinated by this new place, and the innocent desire for adventure glittered in her ruby eyes. Juliet couldn't help but smile, even if she wanted to be anywhere but here. Solaceon was technically home. Or at least what Juliet had once considered home when she and her sister had entirely different last names.

Juliet Barnes. Amara Barnes. Harmon suited them more, though Juliet had never been quite able to forget where she came from. How could she? That was why she was here. Christopher Styles.Chip.

Juliet truly couldn't believe she was actually here again. She never wanted to come back. She hadn't spoken to her family in years. Sprinter was here, in the custody of their father. It was here that Prince, the Pokemon that'd stolen her virginity, had been euthanized. She hadn't seen it, thank Arceus, the sight would have haunted her for the rest of her life but even knowing that it happened in part because of her….

She shook her head. No, it wasn't her fault. It was all because of Chip. That bastard...

Juliet shook her head, and stared about, whistling for Angel to return to her side. The Absol pouted but trotted over. "We'll explore later," Juliet promised and rubbed the top of her head. For now, she had to focus on getting her bearings and finding Zoey Higgs.

Solaceon was different from when she'd left it. It was less of a small village and a bit more modern. Some of the tiny buildings she'd grown up seeing were rather large now, almost looking like apartment complexes. The news company building had once been one tiny building, now it was incredibly tall and had multiple-floors, the roof shining a vivid red, a symbol of a pen and paper carved into the entrance. There were still vast stretches of farmland surrounding Solaceon, but the tiny houses that riddled the fields seemed to have become some kind of mini estates. Apparently, Solaceon had seen some money recently.

Jack looked about. "Who the fuck vacations in Solaceon town, anyways? Way better places to see."

Juliet preferred it when he had his mouth shut. "Someone who is a fan of Moo Moo milk or something, who the fuck cares?" Juliet snapped, "Just shut up and stay focused Jackass."

The Wainwright brother sighed, his pale blue eyes avoiding hers. "Alright, sure, whatever."

That was incredibly dull of him. What the hell was going on with Jack? Usually he loved being demeaned by her. Well, she didn't have time to worry about him right now. If he was truly apologetic for what he did to Zoey, was pouting the way to redeem himself?

"Let's start searching now then," Juliet murmured, starting to walk into town.

"…Wait a sec, Juliet. I was thinking… isn't there, like, a news place here? A pretty big one, right? One of the biggest newspapers in Sinnoh."

Juliet froze. Her dark eyes flicked over to the ginger, freckled boy. She understood why he thought that was a good idea, and she'd thought of it herself but...

The founder of the Solaceon news station, the Pokemon News Press, was cold and vicious. He relentlessly pursued stories in the most disgusting ways...Because of him, the last name Harmo- Barnes, had a horrible and perverted reputation here in Solaceon. Everyone knew about young Juliet and Tauros. Everyone talked. As a child she'd walked around with Amara and heard the whispers from people she'd once considered extended family. Hurtful things like how she was "Such a filthy girl she spread her legs for a Pokemon," and how her parents had "Raised a pervert, who liked to copulate with farm Pokemon instead of working the fields like a normal girl."

And no matter how much Juliet begged, her own version of the story didn't get out. No matter who she told, no one believed her. They accused her of lying, making stuff up to hide her shame and the local newspaper reflected that. In every published story, Chip Stylish was never involved. Not even mentioned. Juliet had gone to the head journalist and told her side, gave the man a detailed description of Chip and where he came from, but the man had skipped town and he'd made sure to keep a low profile while he was there. There was only one piece of real evidence, and Juliet hadn't had the guts to show them the video as proof. She'd been too ashamed, she still was.

Just knowing that video was out there, with her old name "Juliet Barnes'' tagged underneath it… the fact made her sick to her stomach. It's the reason she had avoided males, and especially male Pokemon, for so long. She left dating, romance, and sex to her sister. She wasn't completely out of the scene, she uploaded some Solo content and a vid or two of her and Angel, but she kept a low profile. Amara Harmon was huge in the Pokephilia scene, but Juliet was too young to be prominent even if she wanted to be, which she didn't. Even so, every now and then someone recognized Juliet and walked up to her in the Hearthome Fanclub. They riddled her with questions about her first time with Tauros, and talked about how they were huge fans of Chip Stylish's work- how "awesome" it was that she was featured in one of his debut flicks and what an amazing actress she was but what a shame it was that it got cut off right when it was starting to get good.

Juliet shifted uncomfortably as the ugly, vivid memories of her young teen years flooded her. Amara had literally taken her away from all that. The abuse of their parents, the hateful eyes of the townsfolk she'd grown up surrounded by. But even in Hearthome she hadn't truly been able to escape it… Jack himself had been one of the people who'd seen the video, one of her original fans. He was always pestering her to make more. It was all so horrible.

She wished Avery were here… he'd probably scowl in that adorable way he always did and talk about how much he loathed all of them, Chip and Jack, and shower her in affection and hold her. Her heart hammered, her weakness for him in her swelling. She couldn't do this, not without him… If only she'd been able to get into that cursed mansion. If only Noella hadn't turned her away...

"The thing is… I don't think it's a good idea to go there..." Juliet whispered. A spike of self-loathing rushed through her, black and acrid. She'd promised herself that she would come into this strong-willed. That she wouldn't fold and turn back into the weak, pathetic girl she'd been when she first lived here, but she felt her doubts and insecurities threatening to swallow her up.

Angel nudged her, staring up with concern, incredibly worried.

Jack was oblivious to her emotions. The tall, preppy boy crossed his arms on his chest and glowered at her. "Why not? Shouldn't we report this and get the Chip guy locked up for good anyways? Not just for messing with Zoey, but for what he did to you, too. I mean, I've seen the vid. And, well… you claimed it wasn't acting so he literally rap-"

"F-Fine! Just shut up about it… I suppose we could try it, but I doubt anything will come of it!" Juliet snapped. She marched away, biting her bottom lip, and Angel stalked after her. She had to get her head straightened out! There were more important things than her own heart and pride at stake here. For all she knew, Zoey was on her knees being broken by Chip right now. The same way she had. Her heart hammered. She'd do anything to stop that. That included revealing that she was back in town, as well as bringing up the past.

Perhaps Dane, the man in charge of the News Station, knew where Zoey and Alice were. Maybe he'd listen to Juliet now, and help her get the real story of her past out. And of course, he might be able to help her find Zoey. But, she wouldn't mention the girl by name. She didn't want the youngest Higgs family member dragged into the same shit she'd been years before.

" Juliet fucking Barnes , in the flesh. I can't believe it." The huge, buff man chuckled. Dane Sullivan had changed a lot from what Juliet remembered. He was clearly filthy rich now, out of touch with the farmers and civilians she saw around town- the ones that she'd grown up with. Because of his articles, they'd turned against her- a mere child. But, she bit her hatred back. Even so, Angel sensed her feelings and was on edge.

Dane had his medium-length, jet black curls swept back and gelled. He wore a white, button-up shirt tucked into black dress pants. The top buttons were undone revealing his curly-haired chest. His long, thin mustache was impeccable. His vivid hazel eyes were pretty and piercing behind his rectangular glasses. He had streaks of white at his temples, the only sign of his middle age.

A beautiful, large Staraptor sat on a perch behind him. It peered at them with beady, cold eyes, yet still managed to appear disinterested. Angel met it's intimidating gaze, clearly matching her owner's feelings, anxious as can be.

Dane was sitting in a big leather chair, smoking a cigar, and he peered at them with intense interest, a tiny notebook and pen laid out on his desk

"It's Juliet Harmon now ," Juliet spat back, and Dane smirked.

"Right. I must say, you look amazing. A real woman now... Those red lips? Irresistible~"

"I'm flattered, Dane, but I didn't come here to flirt with a man so old he could be my father."

Dane took a puff from his cigar, chuckling slightly. There was a strange twinkle in his eye. "That's disappointing. So... what can a small-time journalist like myself do for ya, kid? What brought you back to Solaceon?"

Juliet crossed her arms. "When I came to you as a child, I came to you with a story. A real story. About what happened to me. Not the bullshit my parents fed you."

Dane let loose a thick, dense puff of smoke. "Ah, yes. I recall your whimsical, childish story of a "strange man" that dated your sister and then seduced you, convincing you to have sex with a Tauros. Gibberish. I investigated, and it was all bullshit. No one saw this man. It's a small town, people talk."

Juliet grit her teeth. "He was my sister's boyfriend, Christopher Styles or...Chip Stylish. He was from the big city he was trying to lay low while he made a video of us and-"

"Then where is this video? You didn't have it then, and I bet you don't have it now. Unless…?" He stared at her expectantly, cold eyes hard as ice chips. Juliet withered and swallowed hard. She stepped back, her stomach pinching and rolling around. Her head started to ring as her eyes grew hot with tears. Why?! Why did Dane refuse to believe her still?!

Angel nuzzled her leg to assure her, but it did little to help. She didn't want anyone else to see that damn video! The video that ruined her life! She clenched her fists. "I… I don't have any video but...it was real, Dane. Oh Arceus please… please listen to me."

Dane shook his head. "Your dad found you that night. There was no one there but you. " That man" is a character you made up. You couldn't handle the pain of Tauros inside your young body, so to cope, your childish mind made up some crazy fantasy story to bury your guilt and your pain. We've been over this, Juliet. Even your assigned therapist agreed. You need to accept what happened so that you can move on. Mentally. You're crying right now, you're clearly unhinged… and your story still hasn't changed. There's still no proof of your wild claims, it just sounds to me like you made a huge mistake and you still can't own up to it. I'm sorry Miss Barne- My bad, Harmon, but I'm not impressed. This story is outdated, there's no reason for me to write about this. To pursue this. Stop wasting my time."

Jack had been quietly observing the exchange. She'd asked him not to say anything, to keep Zoey's name out of his mouth. She was almost thankful when he spoke up, his face red with rage. "What the fuck are you talking about? Why would she make something like that up? It's not bullshit, and… she may not want to show you the video, but there is one."

Dane's eyes flashed with interest. "Oh? You've seen it? And are you willing to show it to me?"

Jack hesitated. "Well…"

Juliet shook her head. " No, Jack. I told you this would be useless," She whispered to him.

He stared at her in disbelief, then sighed. "Nothing to show," Jack muttered lamely. Dane stared at him, unimpressed.

"So, I believe we're done here. " Dane let out another smelly, thick cigar cloud and stroked his Staraptor's neck. The great bird preened and cocked its head at them.

Juliet bit her lip. "W-Wait, have you seen two girls come through? About fourteen? One with a Shinx and one with a Gastly?"

Dane hesitated. For just a second too long than necessary. His eyes tightened and grew cold. "Nope. Maybe ask around town? I'm usually shut in here. As you saw yourself this company has grown a lot. Rarely leave, always busy. But good luck, hope you find your girls." He pressed a button under his desk. "Bertha. Escort these people out."

Moments later they were being escorted out by a quiet, chubby woman that Juliet recognized from her childhood. She led them through the quiet halls and back outside. Jack demanded answers the second they made it outside again.

"Why the hell wouldn't you show him the video?! Chip talks in it, shows himself? That's proof! Why not go to the police?!"

Juliet ignored Jack's accusing tone. She was quietly contemplating. She interrupted his tirade. "Jack… something isoff about that guy."

The redhead paused. "Yeah, he's a real douchebag. Stupid mustache too..."

Juliet shook her head. " No, not just that… I mean I got really bad v ibes. He reacted weirdly when I asked about Zoey, don't you agree?"

Jackson's face bunched up in confusion as he pondered. "Hmm. Well.. I guess he did kinda hesitate… you don't think he is involved with Chip?! That'd be crazy! "

Juliet shrugged. "I don't know yet. But…I wonder where he got all that money from. Newspapers aren't exactly the sort of thing that makes you big money. Maybe he's not involved with Chip directly, but… maybe Chip paid Dane to lie for him. Both now, and back then. Maybe Dane lies for him about other things, too. I want you to investigate him further while I search for the girls."

Jack nodded. "On it."

The truth was, there probably wasn't much Jack could find out. Juliet just wanted space from the boy, time to think. She led Angel away, and glanced back. Jack marched back to the building, and proceeded to ring the front door's buzzer. Juliet shook her head and continued on.

"Let's find these bastards, Angel."

"Sol!"

Most of the Solaceon townsfolk recognized her. That made sense. She wasn't that different physically, most of the changes were mental. She was far prettier and older, sure, but she was still the dark-skinned, dark-haired girl they'd all seen grow from a baby to a preteen. Some of them were straight-up rude, blatantly ignoring her and her questions. It hurt knowing they still hated her. Others tried to pretend they hadn't supported her being socially ostracized years ago, trying to start eager little conversations she simply didn't have time to partake in.

Finally, one man, somehow both fat and thin at the same time and with a thick red beard, nodded.

"Mhmm! I seen em! How about we enjoy a cup of lemonade and I catch you up! Been so long, Juls, I'm happy to see you're well. We were all so wrong about you. So very, very wrong." The bearded man with the cowboy hat shook his head, scratching at his jaw. His Psyduck peered up at Juliet and Angel curiously. "Ah this is Chiddy, he was hatched soon after you left. Bout to evolve into a Golduck, most likely."

"This is urgent, I really need that information…" Her words went unheeded.

"I haven't had such fine company in so long, golly I'm excited!"

Juliet sighed. It appeared she was going to have to socialize with this lonely man in order to get the answers she needed. "I suppose catching up over a drink wouldn't be so bad," she shrugged.

His yellow teeth gleamed and he gave her the thumbs up. "My place has become a lot bigger, so much to show you! You remember me, right?"

Juliet thought deeply. "Uhh...Rick, right?"

"Close! It's Ricket! Ricket Pence! You really remember me!?"

Juliet found the man's humor a little infectious. She smiled back at him. "I remember you had the best Pecha berries in town."

"That's still true! But, well, let's get going! I wanna get started showing you the farm! Then we'll see about your girls and that lemonade."

What Ricket had to show her wasn't all that interesting, in fact, it was downright boring. The only detail that stuck out to Juliet was that his farm was vast now, much bigger than what it once was. The Barnes family farm had been one of the biggest, but it was way larger than that. Which got her wondering.

"Hey...what happened to my family farm? I...don't plan on visiting, but I'm curious."

"Been absorbed," Ricket responded in a jolly tone, his blue eyes gleaming, "bought sum' o' it myself!"

"A-Absorbed?"

"It's best you speak to your pops yourself. Now, let's get some lemonade and continue that conversation from earlier!"

A few minutes later the two were seated inside Ricket's modest home. It was big, but nothing special, and the silence between them was awkward at first as Ricket struggled to start a conversation about something that didn't involve farming. Finally, he cocked his head, then his gaze narrowed and he grinned at her. "I'm a huge fan of 'urs!"

"A fan of mine?" She froze. "Fan of...what, exactly?"

He started sweating profusely. "Y-Know…"

"I don't think I do."

Ricket took his hat off and wiped the gleaming sheen off his forehead. "M' bad. Not tryna be weird. I just wanted to tell you that well...I saw your most recent video, lil Miss Harmon! I love the new name, very fitting. Barnes never suited ya, if ya ask me! When I first saw it I thought to myself 'That just can't be the Juliet that I watched grow up!"

The dark-haired girl stared at him in horror, her mouth agape.

"Curious though, you only been with a female Pokemon or a toy since ur' debut… hardly fitting for a "Pokemon Porn League" star. That a preference of yours or sumthin'?"

Juliet felt hot. Embarrassment and shame was flooding her. "I-W-Wait, I didn't come here to talk about Pokelove-"

Ricket was still blabbering. "No offense, but I am a slightly bigger fan of Amara's. Not cause you're less cute! She's just got wayyy more films. I always thought to myself "it's a damn shame Juliet isn't in more of these, I wish I could be the first man she's with!"

Juliet had had enough. She slammed her hand down on the table and stood up. "Shut your fat mouth! Listen, those girls… where are they!? I've wasted enough time, I've seen your farm, I've listened to your annoying ass go on and on about the career I don't even want so tell me the info I came for!"

Ricket visibly withered. He gathered his hat against his chest and pouted. "H-Hey now, you're all tense! Relax, I ain't gonna blackmail you or nuthin'. Nor am I some stalker or creep… you see, I joined up with some people recently, the new Fanclub in town… got myself involved with some of the fun activities you did years ago. It's been around for about a year you see... I don't know if you noticed yet but you and Amara are huge here now, specifically Amara. Lots of people all hurt in the bum about her being locked up just for loving a Pokemon, lot more feel mighty shameful about ousting you outta town all that time ago. Didn't quite realize myself til' I had my first Pokepussy that it aint that bad… being with a Pokemon that is."

Juliet was being assaulted by different thoughts and emotions. This was information overloard! A branch of the Fanclub had opened up here of all places? Why did she have a feeling that Dane had something to do with it?! And why was it a bad feeling!? She should be glad that the fan club and its image of poke-love was spreading, yet she was disturbed by this. Maybe because it was this creepy fuck revealing it to her.

Ricket was a real blabber-mouth, he still hadn't stopped talking. He seemed almost bashful as he continued to speak. "I suppose I should bring up the real reason I brought you here…" The red-haired, greasy farmer leaned over the table and leaned close to whisper..."I got a new Tauros that needs… breaking in. Can make a pretty penny off a film like that, what do you say? Your videos a bit of a hit in the "private ring" here, if you catch my drift~ Every guy's been waiting for your great return to the industry! No one wants to watch boring old videos they can find anywhere of a girl with her hand between her thighs, or a poke licking her puss. Real excitement comes from-"

"Shut the fuck up!" Juliet snapped. It was this exact energy that caused Zoey to be preyed upon. She wouldn't be surprised if this scumbag watched the girls videos. She wanted to kick him in the balls, slam her heels into them over and over! No way was she doing some sketchy film with him, the fact that he even had the audacity to ask made her sick to her stomach! "I'm all set. I'll find the girls on my own." She got up and turned to walk out of his house. But his fat, sweaty hand caught her wrist.

Angel immediately jumped up from where she was resting on the floor, her red eyes glowing fiercely, her teeth bared. Her head-blade began to glow as she crawled toward Ricket, but the man's Psyduck walked between her and the man, staring at her with what looked like confusion. But even a clueless Pokemon like Psyduck could probably feel the aggression radiating off of Angel right now. Juliet glanced at her. "Don't, Angel!" The Pokemon reluctantly relaxed, lowering her head slightly, but staying on guard.

Ricket beamed. "G-Good girl. C-C'mon now...You came up to me for a reason, I know what you want, details bout' where those girls been...But I ain't gonna give that info for free, you see! You scratch my back, I scratch yours…

Juliet's stomach turned. She was going to be sick…

"Even outside the two girls, I know you want this! I seen that there Chip Stylish video, y'all were desperate for that Poke cock! I know you've still got that in you! Got a fresh one for ya, can't you help a man out? I'm sure you'd be a perfect match! He's young and sweet, he'll be a hell of a lot more gentle! And… you do this for me and I'll tell you exactly where those two young ladies went!"

"I said I'm not interested!" Juliet snarled, "Let me go or I'll have Angel here cut your hand off!" I'll find them on my own!"

"C'mon now, stop being difficult!"

"Let me go Ricket. I'm only asking one more time."

"I-It's okay to be with a Pokemon, Juliet, I promise you I've got no-H-HEY!"

Juliet gave Angel a nod. The Absol let out a hiss-like bark and rushed forward, her body blurring as she thrust her glowing head forward. Her blade-like head piece rushed through the air, and Ricket barely had time to react.

"C-Chiddy, protect!" The man's psyduck intercepted Angel, easily deflecting the swing from her head-blade. The absol snarled viciously, her eyes gleaming with bloodlust.

"Juls! You crazy fuckin' bitch! You just lost your biggest fan! I'm not a bad guy you know, those girls… they were exploring the ruins!"

Alice was supposed to meet her back at the entrance of the Solaceon ruins after talking down Chip, who was pestering them about filming again, but the girl wasn't here. This was supposed to be a vacation for the two of them… she was so frustrated! Of course Chip had to go and ruin it. It'd been twenty minutes since the girl had abruptly left after being spammed with calls and texts. Zoey checked her Poketch for the umpteenth time, sighing heavily. Alice hadn't even looked at her last message! Where was she?

Something was off… Alice never left her hanging.

Zoey had a bad feeling she couldn't quite place. Something that wasn't jealousy, something else entirely. It was like pinpricks in her tummy.

She paced back and forth.

Koal and Static stared at her curiously. Probably wondering why she was just walking back and forth, not saying anything. Koal seemed to be getting restless, staring into the ruins that the five of them – Alice, Vexa, Zoey, Koal, and Static- had only just begun exploring the deep, dark depths of before Alice was "summoned."

"We'll go back inside soon, Alice will come back. Anytime now," Zoey explained to him.

He huffed.

Even with her anxiety, Zoey couldn't help but smile. The newest edition to her team was incredibly adorable. She couldn't believe someone had abandoned him! He had the prettiest, warmest brown eyes in the world and his fur shined so brilliantly! Not to mention all that muscle bunched up underneath his pelt. He was going to be an amazing battler, she had a feeling… Koal seemed to grow excited as Zoey continued to stare, jumping up.

"Lit! Lit! Litleo!" He started poking Static with his paws.

The thunder cat sighed, rolling his eyes. Zoey had to hide a snicker. Her little starter couldn't begin to handle young Koal's energy. He could barely handle Zoey's!

The days of bullying in Jubilife City had stuck with him all these years. He'd gone from being battered and broken while trying to protect her, to completely dominating his opponents. He handled it all with a strange maturity. The two of them had been determined to become stronger and stronger, and the more powerful he became, the less attention he needed. She didn't take that personally though, she liked it... Static was fiercely defensive of her, always quiet and contemplative, keeping watch for any threat. He didn't let Chip get anywhere near her. She always assumed it was because he was a man, he reacted the same way to Jack. Static clearly saw her as his mate.

How would he react when Zoey started playing with Koal, too?

Speaking of Jack… Zoey checked for a message from Alice again, then sighed and flipped to Jackson Wainwright's message log. She was shocked to find more than thirty unread messages.

We're in town! Where are you!? You're in huge danger, please call me, please respond!

A ton of other similar messages flooded the screen.

Zoey had promised Avery that she wouldn't talk to the boy… but this sounded important. She hesitated, before she hit the call button on her Poketch screen.

Jackson picked up immediately.

"Z-Zoey! Oh thank Arceus… where are you right now? I'm near the Pokemart, can you meet me there?"

Zoey heard the sound of crunching grass. She turned and was surprised to see a woman approaching her. When she looked closer, she realized it was not a woman at all… just an older girl. She had beautiful skin, somewhat dark, with matching eyes. She was curvy and had ruby-red lips. There was a large, majestic-looking Absol with a sleek pelt with her.

"Zoey Higgs, right?"

"I'll call you back Jack." Zoey hung up, and greeted the approaching girl.

"Yes, I'm Zoey… Can I help you?"

The girl was all business no talk. She grabbed Zoey by the wrist."Listen. If you're healthy and safe, then you need to come with me. Avery needs your help! I can't spend more time than I have here."

Zoey lashed at her, slapping her extended hand away. "What the fuck? Who are you?! Don't just grab me like that!"

The girl ignored her, grabbing her wrist again. "You need to listen to me! Your brother is in danger, I don't have time to explain! Jack and I came to-"

"SHINX!" A huge bolt of electricity shot through the air in a ball. The dark-haired girl barely managed to pull her hand away as the vast blast of electric energy smashed into the caverns outcropped wall. Rock exploded and showered them. Juliet turned and stared in shock at Static, who's fur was bristled up. Koal was all worked up now too, smoke fuming from his nose as the two stood in front of Zoey. The Absol stared them both down, stepping in front of the girl and growling its name in warning.

The air was tense with the heat of a potential battle, but Zoey wasn't going to just attack for no reason. Even if this whole exchange was weird, so she waited patiently.

"L-Listen, Zoey Higgs, I told you- your brother is in danger!" The beautiful girl continued.

"Avery doesn't need my help, of all people…" Zoey muttered. "Jack told me I was in danger, you must be what he was talking about it."

The girl clenched her teeth, obviously frustrated. "You're so wrong, you silly girl! Listen, you need to be home and safe! Avery can't be worried about you with what he's currently going through! Do you know what you've put him through? Going to Solaceon with a stranger!? Stop asking questions, behave, just follow me!"

Zoey felt her frustration sky rocket. "Shut the hell up, I'm not going anywhere until you explain yourself!!! I'm going to have Static here fuck you up if you don't start telling me who you are, why you're here, and how the hell you know me and my brother! Don't take him lightly, he's an extremely strong Pokemon, I promise you you'll lose." Zoey threatened.

She was on edge. Her mind was racing. First, Jack was blowing her up about how she was in danger, and how this random girl was coming up and grabbing her spewing nonsense about Avery being in trouble… Meanwhile, she was incredibly worried about Alice. Who still hadn't responded!

The dark-haired girl almost seemed like she wanted to agree to battle Zoey… then she smiled. "You've got the same bad attitude as Avery. Listen closely, Zoey. I'm your brother's girlfriend. My name is Juliet Harmon, and I got your big bro involved with a very dangerous group of people. They're keeping him trapped in a house, he's… become a slave that has no communication with the outside world. His life's at risk, I think… More than that, the guy that you came here with… he's a part of that group. You're in incredible danger, Zoey. Trust me. You're lucky that you're okay… I wasn't sure if you'd even be alive. So you need to come with me, back to Hearthome. Away from Christopher Stylish."

Zoey's eyes widened. Fear made her heart race. Chip was a dick, a douche, but dangerous??? Her mind immediately raced to Alice. "W-what are you talking about? G-Go slower… You… You mean Chip is …"

Juliet nodded gravely. "Incredibly dangerous." I'll start from the beginning."

We were sitting at a table at the Cafe Cabin. Juliet had told me the entire story, from start to finish. About who she was, about a woman named Vanessa and her gated, secure mansion and so much more. How I needed to return home because Avery was worried about me. At the end of it all, Jack and Juliet stared at me expectantly. As if expecting me to leap up and immediately leave.

I hated them. I'd already explained that Alice was still with Chip, but they didn't seem to even care! They were so focused on going home to Hearthome, with or without my friend. It made me incredibly angry. They truly expected me to just drop everything and go just cause my brother was in a bad situation? What the hell was I supposed to do about that, really? I could take care of myself, and the fact that he'd sent them after me was beyond insulting!

"Listen to me, both of you! I'm not going anywhere! M y best friend is in danger, apparently. I'm not going to just abandon her to be raped by this… this bastard! Okay? So back off and leave, I can take care of myself. I have Static and Koal." My Litleo and Shinx nodded, beaming at me from either side of my seat.

Jack and Juliet glanced at each other, then back at me. Juliet sighed. The vibe I got from her was that she was a headstrong and overly confident girl. I didn't like her, truth be told. She annoyed me. Maybe I was just still aggravated at her for acting like she knew me and coming up and grabbing me, but in my head, she was a rude bitch that I didn't want to be involved with. Made worse by the fact that if her story was true, she was the reason my brother was in this woman "Vanessa's" care anyways.

Jack tried to calm me down, and that just made it worse. Why was he taking her side? "H-Hey, Zoey, relax… we can't just leave you here. Especially after we came all this way… you should come home"

I bristled. "I never asked you two to come for me!"

He flushed. "I-I know that, Z-Zoey, relax!"

"Jackson, don't tell me to relax! Especially after you refused to talk to me anymore!" I hissed.

The ginger boy froze, locking up. His eyes guiltily flicked to my face, then away. He couldn't even meet my eyes anymore! The shame and guilt was written all over his face! Was he ashamed of the intimate bond we shared? Why, just because Avery said he should be? He'd shown me a whole new world, we'd been close, why was all that different now!? I loved him! He didn't prey on me, I wanted to send him the videos and pictures! Then, he suddenly stopped responding to my messages. I knew why, Avery had found out about us…

Seeing Jackson in the flesh made me feel so many emotions I could hardly bear it. I felt completely on edge and uncomfortable.

"Let's just go home, Zoey."

Juliet nodded. "It's what's best for you."

Why didn't they care about Alice? I stood up, shaking my head. "I don't care about what's best for me!M-My… My best friend is in danger Arceus damn it why won't you listen to me!?" I rushed toward the entrance of the cafe , but Juliet came after me. Jack just stayed where he was, head lowered. His Eevee peered at us with wide, worried eyes. Juliet caught my wrist again.

It took everything in me not to hit her.

"Let me go, or help me. You nasty bitch. You claim Chip did horrible shit that scarred you yet you don't have the mental capacity to care about someone if it doesn't affect you directly. You might not know Alice, but I love her. If she's getting hurt right now… if he's doing something to her… I-I couldn't bear it. I have to go to her. So you're either going home alone or coming with me."

Juliet's mouth twitched, her dark gaze was intense and I struggled to stay confident as she stared me down. I was worried about Avery, yes, but my concern for Alice far overpowered it. I thought she was going to refuse and just walk away, but then the dark-skinned girl smiled. "You know… you really are so much like your brother."

It was both an insult and a compliment. Avery was a Grumpig-headed doofus of a big brother, but he was also… my role model in a lot of ways. I loved him very much, even if he was an asshole. I respected his resolve to work for our family, the way he'd provided for all of us. Despite everything. Juliet smiled wider, shaking her head.

"I honestly don't know what I was thinking. You're absolutely right… I'm… Please don't think less of me. Let's help your friend… I really have lost touch, become incredibly selfish. I want to, no, need to help you and this Alice girl. Chip Stylish has a lot he needs to pay for… and it has nothing to do with whether you or her are okay. I came here with a plan. So... let's do this."