30. A Toast to Love!

If there was one thing Psych learned about his new protector, it was that she was, to put it lightly, stubborn. In fact, that might have been too light. When she decided on something, she would do it.

No matter who told her otherwise.

And she had just decided Psych was not well enough to float.

"My ribs are healed," the Mewtwo said, for what was exactly the sixty-third time. "I can move with merely a thought. Literally. Let me go."

She had him to her back, one arm pinning it to the bear as she stopped down the road, leaving her large footprints for anyone to follow. Firm enough to not be able to push it away with its own strength, but not enough to re-break its ribs. Yet. The more it squirmed, the tighter she squeezed. Its Psychic seemed to have no effect on her arm, her sheer physical strength overpowering even that. The supposed impossibility of that statement did not escape the mutant, and it was afraid to know the answer…

"Don't want you to push it," Griza said, turning to glance back at her new traveling companion and ward. "Plus, a floating white cat would look weird, right?"

"I appreciate the thought Griza," Psych said. "but you do not exactly 'blend in' yourself."

"What do you mean?" she asked, still looking behind her, not noticing she had walked off the path, and was about to walk into a tree.

"Well," Psych went on, not worrying about it just yet. It could always point her back to the road later. "You are massive, your fur is not exactly optimized for stealth, and your very footsteps shake the earth around you."

"Aren't you exaggerating a little?" Griza said, walking into the tree. Instead of being stopped by the large piece of wood, Griza simply walks through it, pushing it out of the way with her large body, roots and all. She didn't even seem to notice. Psych didn't bother catching them.

"No," the psychic said. "I do not think I am exaggerating."

"Oh what do you know?" Griza said, toppling another tree as she went.

"A great many things."

"Like what?"

"Well…" Psych racked his brain for facts, letting some spill out. "Castelia city is the largest city in Unova. You can get anything there. The time it would take a fully equipped battalion of my lord's soldiers to conquer and bring the citizen's soldiers is a only seventy-"

"What are you talking about?"

"I…" That was a good question. What was it talking about? Castelia city? Where was it? Who lived there? Why did he know that, and not other things? Why would he be talking about conquering it? These questions were...uncomfortable.

"I do not know…" it said after a little pause.

"So you don't know a lot?" Griza shot back, now smirking.

"That was a bad example."

She lightly chuckled. "Alright, gimme a good one."

"Let us see… you are going the wrong way."

"What? All I have to do is-"

Another tree was shoved to the side before she finally noticed she walked off the path. It landed with a loud crash.

"...Oh."

She stepped into another clearing, and Psych decided to take a look ahead for once. Trees seemed to grow in a wall around the dirt, the middle being completely void of said tall oaks. There was something in the middle, however. A bundle of nine large barrels sat at the center, a strange smell wafting off of them, sharply sweet to the point of disgust. Psych didn't think he liked it all that much, but Griza seemed positively ecstatic.

"Is that…" she started, actually letting the psychic go. It managed to catch himself with Psychic before it could hit the ground. Now floating by Griza, Psych more closely examined the barrel. Wood, nondescript other than that strange smell. Griza took a huge sniff, before picking up one of the containers with one arm, grinning widely.

"Who leaves perfectly good booze alone in the woods?" she asked, still grinning.

"Booze?" Psych asked, digging through his mind for the term, but finding nothing. "What is booze?"

"Really?" she asked, not even looking at him. "You know, alcohol!"

"Ah!" That one was in its knowledge bank. "Of course. I did not know that name for it."

"Well you do now!" She ripped off the top of the barrel, flinging it into the distance. In seconds it was a twinkle in the sky. The rich, dark blue liquid contained inside rippled as a result of the Bewear's excitement.

"Try some!" she ordered, pushing it under his nose. "This one's made from oran berries!"

"Will this not impair our abilities? I do not think this is-"

"Try it."

"I would rather-"

"Try." She pushed it closer, an edge creeping into her voice. "It."

Psych wisely decided to try some, lest it incur the wrath of his protector. With its mind, it lifted a small part of the liquid out of the barrel. The sphere of fermented berry juice rippled in its psychic grip. It took one last look at Griza, who nodded at him to continue. It sighed, and took a sip.

It was as it expected. Sickeningly sweet and bitter all at the same time. Still, it would be a waste to not finish what he picked out, so Psych drained his liquid quickly, gagging at the taste, and the buzzing feeling that came with it. It suddenly found it hard to float, so it disengaged Psychic, actually using its legs for the first time since it got out of the tube. It collapsed immediately, not used to the feeling of actually using legs.

"Are you ok?" Grisa asked, picking him back up, and sitting him down.

"I was not expecting the sensation," Psych responded, trying to stand. It was odd to actually use the appendages, but they were there for a reason. It would be prudent to use them for their intended purpose. It had to use Griza as a support, but the psychic did eventually get on its feet. The buzzing feeling in its head made it hard to find his balance, but he eventually managed it, standing on his own two legs.

"Oh!" Griza clapped in understanding. "You're a lightweight!"

"I weigh exactly one hundred and twenty two kilograms. I am quite heavy."

"Not what I meant, but whatever." Without another word, Griza lifted the entire barrel to her mouth, and just started pouring it down her throat. Psych could only stare in shock as she downed the barrel half her size in a few gulps. She sighed in contentment, casually crushing the barrel in her arms and throwing the splintered remains to the side.

"That hit the spot!" she said, eyeing the other barrels. "Alright, let's take a break here. Wanna try some more?"

Psych had to think about that. It tried to lift himself up again, but it was harder, much harder than it was previously. The tingling throughout its body, the buzzing in its head, it was too much. No, it would be idiotic to drink any more of this substance. Then again, judging by Griza's elation, and how quickly she had managed to drain one barrel, she might not stop. How much could she drink?

"No," it answered, before sitting down. "I do not think that would be a good idea."

"Suit yourself," the Bewear shrugged before picking up another barrel and ripping off its lid. The smell coming off that one was even stronger, and she started chugging it immediately, tossing it away after a bit. She burped softly, a dopey grin sprouting on her face.

Psych could guess they'd be here for a while.

…

"So…" Blue asked, looking at his old room. "What do you two think?"

The room was simple, two mattresses sat on opposite ends, one red and one blue. Dad did like his color coordination if the names were to be believed. While Red's side had been completely cleaned up, he moved out a while ago after all, Blue's was untouched. A small bookcase about his height sat next to the mattress, filled with books he read to death. 'The Collapse of Time', 'YOOM-TAH! The Story of Wigglytuff the Great', 'Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Pokemon', among other things. Stacks of Blue's own notes, scrawled in his messy paw and mouth, were lined up and organized all around. All old news. Pana had piled their luggage in the relatively empty red corner. A window let the still rising light illuminate the room, and a luminous orb lamp sat on the windowsill.

"Bigger than I thought," Pana admitted, nodding. "Gotta find Scales a place though. Won't even fit through the door."

"Yeah," Rio said, laying down on Red's old bed. "Better than camping, that's for sure. Your family's great by the way."

"They are," Blue said, thinking about how it was apparently about to get just a little bigger. How had he not known? Red's girlfriend wasn't mentioned in any of mom's letters, and judging by her face as soon as they announced it, he could guess why. She seemed nice though. Fortunately the first customers of the day started coming in, and they'd talk more at dinner.

"A wedding," Rio continued, now sitting up. "We got great timing, huh?"

"Are we even invited?" Pana asked, sitting on top of the bookcase, looking through 'Tales from Paradise'. That was a good one, very underrated.

"I'll ask tonight," Blue said, laying on his own bed. They were gonna talk more after the restaurant closed. Mom said she'd make a big dinner to celebrate him coming home. Tell stories about her son's adventures and discoveries. They were to rest from the trip 'til then.

He actually had discoveries! The Z-Ring, the crystals! It was too bad demonstrating was out of the question. They were far too destructive to casually use, and Rio hadn't even tried the new ones yet. He liked Redwood when it wasn't completely annihilated by a reckless probable hybrid.

Speaking of, he needed to look into that later. It was a good thing the encyclopedia wasn't touched.

"By the way," Rio said, sitting back up. "Your mom doesn't seem to like Rose much."

"Don't need Aura to tell that," Pana added. "What's the problem?"

"I honestly don't know," Blue answered, shaking his head. "My mother is literally the nicest person on the planet. A thief broke in here once, and she made him some stew. They had a talk, and he's a family friend now!"

That reminded Blue, he had to at least say hi to the old Thievul while he was in town.

"She sure felt like it," Rio said, now standing back up and grabbing some of the bigger pieces of gear from the pile. "I'm gonna go help Scales find a spot to sleep. See ya later!"

With that, the Riolu walked out of the room, leaving Blue alone with Pana. She was still flipping through the well preserved book, not looking up. She looked like she found a story she liked, and was currently browsing.

"So," Blue said, trying to cut the awkward silence. "Do you want to-"

"You mentioned an evolution spring, right?" she asked, now looking up with raised eyes.

"Uh, yeah," Blue was surprised with the sudden interjection. Sure, the springs were uncommon, but there were a few all across the continent. He mentioned it in passing. Why so fixated on this one?

"Do you mind taking me?" she closed the book with a snap, her full attention on Blue, not glaring, just staring at the Bidoof. "In a few days? I wanna… try something…"

"S-sure! Just tell me when!"

She smiled at him, before putting the book down, and walking over. It really was a nice smile. Gentle, warm, the exact opposite of her usual scowl. It looked like she was about to break into a laughing fit even. He liked looking at it.

"Thanks," she said, before leaving the room, leaving Blue alone.

He sighed, not tired either. Still, he had one thing he had to look into. The Bidoof grabbed the encyclopedia, flipping to the 'E' section, and then the 'U'. The book supported his theory, all he could do now is try something.

He had to talk about this with Rio later. This would require testing.

…

"And then- hic- he blows a hole in the middle of town! The Masters were so-burp- pissed!"

Psych had been listening to Griza's drunken ramblings for half a day now. And the more it heard the less it fancied meeting this boyfriend of hers. It sounded like he was even more dangerous than Griza herself, and that was a feat.

Griza had just polished off the last barrel of alcohol, crushing it in her massive arms. The sun had just started to dip down, so they could still travel in the comfort of the sun.

Assuming Griza was sober enough to continue walking. Which she was not.

The once nice, grassy clearing was now full of her stomps, obliterating the grass that had made its home there. She had ripped at least one tree from ground, roots and all, and had thrown it into the sky. The mutant didn't hear a crash. And of course, the remains of her binge drinking. Crushed wood littered the place. Whoever this belonged to would not be happy.

"I see," Psych said, eating a fresh, not at all fermented oran berry. It had developed a fondness for the fruit, due to its role in his recovery. "Well, it sounds like you both have a very nice, and horrifically destructive, relationship."

The bear hummed in agreement, before yawning. The squeak that resulted was in complete contrast to the large fangs she kept in her mouth. Psych would have found it cute if her previous display wasn't so terrifying.

"...Thanks." The Bewear hiccupped.

"Oh?" Psych raised an eye at that. "What for?"

"For coming. I...don't have many friends. Sorry we're not gone yet..."

Friends? A relationship in which two individuals liked and trusted each other? The artificial legendary was well aware she was just dragging it along, there was no telling what she would do if it just flew off. Actually, it could probably escape if he got high enough. Then again, that risked tree artillery fire.

But she had also helped nurse the psychic back to health, and she seemed to genuinely care about its well being, in her own terrifying way. Psych could not overlook that care.

Yes, she was the closest thing to a friend it had as well.

"Of course," Psych said, looking away. "But after this detour please lead me off the continent as you promised."

"You- hic- know it!" She rolled her large body over to face Psych, eyelids fluttering. "We'll, uh-"

That's when Psych felt the other mind approaching. He was not pleased about something. A reprimand, based on his fuming thoughts. And he was coming right for them. Perhaps he was the owner of the alcohol cache? If so, his day was about to get a bit worse. Soon the duo could hear the as of yet unknown Pokemon's grumbles.

"Wasn't my fault, Ryca got us wiped out. I just saved my own ass, warned the boss about what might be a problem, and what does he do? Tells me to get some stupid barrels of beer days away! With no help! I swear he just wants to-"

The Marowak soon burst from the clearing, narrowly avoiding stepping on a random splinter. He gazed around at the destruction of the clearing before turning to the culprits sitting on the opposite side of the field.

"Who the hell are you two?" he asked, raising his bone club threateningly. "You drank the boss's booze!"

Psych knew this might happen.

"My apologies-" the mutant said. "I-"

The Marowak chucked the bone straight at the psychic. He quickly erected a Barrier around himself, letting it bounce harmlessly off the mental shield.

"I understand you're frustrated," Psych continued, now slightly annoyed. "However, a battle will not solve this problem."

"Oh yeah you freaky cat?" the ground type replied, crouching down. "Maybe I just need to blow off some steam, and I see two assholes who deserve it!"

His entire body glowed with white energy as he charged forward with Double Edge. Psych wasn't sure how he recognized the move, like many things he knew, but it prepared to neutralize the threat anyway, focusing his full attention on the Marowak.

That was unneeded, as Griza caught the charging Pokemon in one massive paw. She stood up, still wobbly, glaring at the Marowak. Psych could both see and feel his bravado fade as she turned his skull-clad head to face her.

"WE'RE HAVING A MOMENT!" she roared, blowing her rancid breath into the Marowak's face, before winding up and throwing him back to where he came, skull helmet first. Psych watched him punch through one tree easily, basically splitting the thing in half, and watched as the improvised ball did the same to every tree that was unfortunate enough to be in the way of Griza's pitch. It didn't see where the poor guy landed, but Psych was nice enough to flick the bone club in the direction of the unwilling ball. It too soared through the air, along with a few of their extra oran berries. Something told the psychic he'd need it.

"Anyway-" Griza slurred. "We'll…"

And that's all she managed to get out before falling flat on her back, asleep before she hit the ground. The impact shook the clearing, as did the snores that followed.

Psych could only start at the only Pokemon he could call a friend for a bit, before sighing and curling up a safe distance from her. It could move her with his Psychic to keep moving, but she might retaliate if she suddenly found herself suspended in the air. And based on her most recent victim, that would not be fun, type advantage be damned.

At least she slept relatively peacefully.