A/N:
Here we are - chapter 6. Mostly dialogue during Michael's recovery, but very important for plot progression. Things are really about to heat up, so be on the lookout for the next chapter.
I don't own pokémon, I don't own any of the products, etc. Kinda wondering if I even need to state this over and over again...
Please leave a review - I'd love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and corrections.
"…" - Spoken dialogue
Italics - Michael's thoughts
'Italics' - Telepathic dialogue
"The beautiful result often astonishes us when our mind becomes oblivious to the work done with our heart."
-Anuj Somany
Ch. 6 - Alaina
"Now that I've got you alone, maybe you'll actually listen," Grace said. Michael subtly shrunk away from her agitated demeanor. "You need to take it lightly for the next two weeks. You are in no condition to be running around, shooting people up, or riding any dragons. You'll be fine, but your body will require a lot of rest after a surgery like that."
"Alright, I got it," he said, ready to leave.
"I mean it - if you wind up right back here from over-exertion, I'm not going to have any sympathy for you."
He left the medical area, still tired from the surgery days before. But it was the middle of the day, and way too early to turn in for the night. And besides, why not use the time to talk to their new friend? A legendary had chosen to become a part of their team, and a very kind, sensitive one at that. The very least he could do was get to know her better. Resorting to a private conversation later outside, he decided to do just that. "So," he began, "tell me about yourself."
"Wh…what do you mean?" she asked. "I'm sorry, I haven't really done this before."
"Talk about yourself?" She shook her head.
"Not to a human, no..."
"First time for everything, I guess," he replied. "Well, what was your herd like?"
"My herd?"
"Yeah, I remember hearing that your species travels in herds on a documentary."
"Mhm. Mine consisted only of my direct family - my father, mother, and brother."
"Tell me about them," Michael said, though not intrusively.
"Dad is very quiet and observant, but that's probably to be expected, given that he's the chief representative of our species."
"Chief representative?"
"For the Hall of Origin debriefings. Anyways, he's kind of strict - the 'no negotiations' type. But he has wisdom behind it. Guess that's why he was chosen for the position. My mom's pretty strict also, but we kinda fight a bit, particularly when it comes to all this stuff about choosing the right mate."
"She is? Hell, you're making it sound like she's into all that arranged marriage shit."
"I'm afraid so," she replied. "Always trying to put a latios of her choosing in front of me. I don't think she gets it - I'm not going to nest with someone just to secure social positions." She looked down, writing in the dirt, then looked back at him. "She never pesters my brother about the matter. Apparently, whoever he chooses is 'good enough.' I've told her countless times - I'm not her pawn."
"No," Michael said, "no you are not. Back where I'm from, arranged marriages used to be a real problem. Much later than it was in the rest of the world, anyways. Those kinds of relationships are pretty good formulas for disaster."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, it sets up the foundations for a very unhappy marriage. If the woman isn't equally in love with the man, then she's got a long, miserable life in store. The feelings need to be a mutual."
"Right," she nodded. "I wish you could get her to believe that, though."
"Sorry to hear that. What about your brother?"
"Myles is… very difficult, for lack of a better word. Brilliant, though. Love him to death, but he really needs to grow up."
"Don't worry, I'm sure he'll mature. Just give him some time."
"I sure hope so," she said. "What else do you want to know?" he thought it over for a second, but then remembered something.
"You said your father was the chief representative. What does that mean?"
"Every two weeks, a lot of us meet in the Hall of Origins. We generally discuss the current status of the world - physical, that is. Sometimes, we discuss major issues with the humans - I'm sure the kidnappings have been a recent topic. I wouldn't know, though, since I haven't been able to attend the last few. Most legendaries aren't the only members of their species. In those cases, an individual is chosen to represent their members."
"How do y'all meet? Who leads them?" Michael was definitely interested in the subject, as it seemed to point towards one individual.
"…I'm not supposed to tell anyone those things…" she mumbled.
"It's because it would interfere with free will, wouldn't it? People wouldn't be acting out of faith if you all went out and told everyone the truth." She stayed silent, looking away out of uncertainty. "I knew it!" he said excitedly. "Society's given a big middle finger to religion, but we aren't the superstitious fools they labeled us as!"
"…You can't go around telling people…" she said.
"Only the girls," Michael replied. "I mean, after all, you didn't say anything."
"I'm serious! Keep it between the few of us. I hope I can trust you to do that…" He cupped her face, turning her to look at him once more.
"You can, Alaina. Don't worry, I won't run around and tell everyone. I just wanted to let the girls know. I don't really keep secrets from them."
"You don't?"
"No, not really - I tell them everything," he said. "I'm pretty bad at hiding things, and they'll find out eventually, so it's just better to be straight with them about it ahead of time."
"I see." she replied. "And will you be this way with me?"
"Of course. You're with us now."
"Alright. I did want to ask you something about them, though."
"Okay, go ahead."
"You all seem to have a very… physical relationship. Rarely do I see a time that one of them does not have contact with you. Why is that?" He simply shrugged.
"That's how it's always been."
"Do you mind it?"
"Not at all; I actually enjoy it. I mean, I'm definitely closer to you girls than anyone else."
"Really? So do you mind if I do this?" she asked, lowering onto his lap, placing her hands on his chest.
"N-not at all," he stammered, before embracing her form. "I think you'll fit right in with us."
. . . . .
Being restricted from any serious activity was definitely irritating. The gym was off limits, no sparring with Layla - hell, he'd gladly go on a ride right about now. But unfortunately, he still had a week to go. The girls, of course, didn't mind. They seemed to enjoy him being confined to the house, though they, too, wished to be a bit more active with him. I mean, my chest is sore and all, but I feel fine. No fucking clue why it's necessary for me to stay inside all day… He halfheartedly watched the news, Elise dozing on top of him. The glaceon was lying with her back against his, while he rubbed along her side absentmindedly. To anyone who walked in there, it would have looked like the two were spooning. His attention shifted to the television upon hearing the recent news.
"In other news, the recently proposed law to legalize pokémon and human marriages was shot down today in the Johto Senate with a seventy-three to twenty-seven vote. Protestors have gathered here outside the Capitol to voice their opinion about the matter." The chanting of the mixed crowd - consisting of both humans and pokémon - was enough to rattle the windows of the building. It looked as though there were thousands there, holding up signs, yelling, and a few trying to push past the police closer towards the building. Of course, those were typically the ones getting tased. "Senate leaders are having to be evacuated by helicopter, as the crowds will not let up for the vehicles to pass through, apparently angered by what transpired inside. Here is footage from the earlier debate."
"As we all know, relationships between pokémon and humans have been legal for quite some time," Rafael Caldron, a conservative from one of Mahogany's districts, said. "Sure, times have changed, but this matter was settled years ago. The law states that marriage is considered to be between a man and a woman - humans, that goes without saying." The majority of the Senate applauded his response, though some were turning, conversing to other members of their local areas. Finally, one other stood up - a liberal from one of Goldenrod's dozens of districts.
"This is all ridiculous! It's discriminating and embarrassing to the rest of the developed world! The law should be amended, and anything else is unjust!" said Oliver Carson, several nodding from his district.
"Oh? And you would be the one to decide what is just? The law was created to be an absolute set of rules - not some malleable book of suggestions!" More applause; things were pitted against Johto's small, but present, left-wing.
"Let's not forget that our region transitioned out of sexual discrimination far later than any of the others, with even a basic attempt wage equality being made only twenty-seven years ago!"
"But the law said nothing about those matters," Rafael said. "Those were ideological issues - nearly nothing to do with the system in and of itself. This, on the other hand, is set in stone, and it should not be changed simply to be more 'inclusive' as you bleeding hearts would put it." Within a few minutes of being shot down time and time again, Oliver eventually stormed out of the building.
The vote was taken, the majority rejecting any form of change. All of the liberals, some moderate conservatives, and the few libertarian senators voted for the amendment, but they only made up a little more than a fourth of the total body. Nothing would be changing anytime soon. As they made their way out of the Capitol, the Senators were looked at as though they were monsters. The police protected them, though, from the certain onslaught that would come if they were to let up. One growlithe, though, beside her officer - a young female at that - diverted her eyes away from the leaders, apparently saddened.
"Why don't you fight for your own side for a change?!" A woman from the crowd, accompanied by a gallade. She did her best to ignore them. Michael reflected on what he had seen. He rarely saw eye-to-eye with the liberals, but he could agree with them to some extent here. He wasn't so sure about changing the law - the law had worked out very well for Johto, making them the economic powerhouse of the world with its pro-business policies. It set up its foundations on religion, prioritizing morality. But apparently bias had nothing to do with that…
He saw nothing wrong with the prospect of pokémon and human relationships. He did have an issue with intolerance, but that was being practiced on both sides right now. Nobody wanted to sit down and have a peaceful, open-minded discussion about their views of the subject. The protesters were no different from their polar opposites - all hateful extremities, wanting nothing more than their own way.
Michael had unintentionally tightened his grip on Elise, making the glaceon awaken from her slumber. "Michael? Is something wrong?" She looked at the screen, seeing what was concerning him.
"No, nothing that you need to worry your pretty self about," he said, kissing the back of her head.
. . . . .
Wesley had called them to a debriefing that afternoon, wanting to discuss the situation regarding the capture of the legendaries. Alaina and the other four that they had rescued were there as well in order to provide their information. "Alright," Wesley started, "mind telling us how you were captured?"
"They came to me," the zapdos said. "I had made my home in the plant. One morning, I woke up to find myself in one of those dreadful devices. I have no idea how they trapped or transported me, so I apologize for not being of more use to you."
"No," Wesley said, "that's actually good information. Our enemies might be using hypnotic tactics."
"That is much like what happened to me," the coballion said, "except, when I woke up, I was in an entirely different region."
"That blows. How'd they capture you - butterfly net?" Zeke asked the victini, invoking slight laughter in the room.
"Shut up," he said.
"If it helps any," Alaina said, "I was captured with some sort of ball."
"Oh? What kind of a ball?" Wesley asked.
"I'm not sure, but it felt exactly like being hit by a dark-type attack."
"A dark-type ball? That's odd…" Wesley made a note of her statement. "Anyone else know anything?" The legendaries shook their heads. "Alright, thank you all for your assistance. We need to discuss our next mission." The legendaries started to leave the room, except for Groudon, who needed to be returned to his ball. Being twelve feet tall did kind of provide mobility difficulties in human buildings. Wesley tossed the ball to Michael. "Take him out, please. He wanted to have a word with you. Must be popular with the legends. Don't worry, not like you're missing anything. Doctor's orders, right?" His comrades chuckled, causing him to roll his eyes and leave.
He walked outside, into the rather vacant corner of the complex, and released Groudon. "Hey there, you wanted to talk to me?"
"Yes," Groudon nodded. "About my ties to this… program of yours, if that's what you would call it…"
"O-okay. Are you talking about your choice to join us or not?"
"Precisely."
"Alright, have you reached a decision?"
"No," Groudon said. "Not exactly. I've found myself in quite a difficult predicament as of recently." He looked up at the sun, then back to him. "For thousands of years I have lived upon this earth. I have watched humans unleash war upon each other with swords and spears, and with guns and bombs. The only thing that's changed is the technology used to do the fighting."
"Yeah," Michael said. "When you get down to it, war never changes. Have you ever gotten involved before?"
"Once," he replied. "One time I did, but it was not my own doing. Thankfully, things deescalated before the world was destroyed."
"You must be referring to that incident nearly twenty years ago," Michael said.
"Yes. The world came very close to desolation that day. Are you familiar with what happened?"
"No, all that's recorded is that both you and Kyogre had a huge conflict."
"Is that all they're teaching about it nowadays?" he laughed. "Tell me - are you familiar with Teams Magma and Aqua?"
"Heard the names before. They were quick to organize and quicker to disband."
"Do you know what their goals were?"
"No, not really."
"Well, the two were drastically misled by foolish ideologies, and a basic misunderstanding of the natural way of things. Both wanted to upset the balance of the earth, with Magma wanted to expand the landmass, whereas Aqua wanted to raise the sea levels."
"So then they were like militant interest groups then?"
"That's one way to look at it, yes. They planned to achieve their goals through the utilization of the red and blue orbs."
"Red and blue orbs? What are those?"
"Those dreadful things have the ability to control those they are used upon, if wielded by one who understands their power. Or, if used by an incompetent person, they drive one to the brink of primal insanity, making them lose all sense of reason. Obviously, neither of those are particularly good options for the individual they are used upon. The fools that led each of the two teams sought out Kyogre and I, attempting to manipulate us into doing their bidding. The only issue was that they used the wrong orbs."
"So that's why you lost control like that…"
"And that is also why I want to abstain from this conflict. Nobody knows where those orbs are, and I do not wish to be used as a tool again."
"If that's the case, then just tell the Commander. You are by no means obligated to partake in this war."
"I understand that, but it is not that simple."
"What do you mean?"
"I have seen many humans throughout my life," he said. "Of course, most of them are fairly decent, some better or worse than the rest. You have… interested me. Your courage and selflessness, though reckless, are commendable. In that sense, I would not be upset if you kept that ball." Really?! Another legendary?
"But I don't understand - even if I did that, you do realize you are free to stay outta it, right?"
"If you were the human I have partnered with, then I would refuse to let you go to war alone. If you fight, I would too."
"Oh… so you're saying that because you're technically 'my' pokémon, you would follow me into battle?"
"Something along the lines of that."
"But you do not want to go to war, correct?"
"No, I do not wish to." Michael nodded; it seemed that there was a simple solution to the problem.
"Seems to me like all we need to do is break the ball, then." Groudon looked at him, then nodded.
"That would work as well. I did not know how likely such an outcome would be, given you humans have such interest in battling."
"Maybe, but you aren't a prisoner anymore," Michael countered. "You are not bound to me by any means. If this ball makes it seem that way, then it's best broken." He dropped it on the ground and stomped it hard, shattering it into dozens of pieces. "There. I sure as hell ain't gonna have you in such a position."
"…I appreciate that," he said.
"No problem," Michael replied, then added jokingly, "and plus, I've already got a legendary."
"Ah yes, the latias, right?"
"Mhm, her name is Alaina. She's very sweet, and she's been a great addition to the family."
"Family… It is good that you feel that way about them."
"Well, those girls are my family," Michael said. "In all honesty, I've probably spent more time with them than I have my parents or friends. Love all of 'em to death."
After another half an hour, the two went their own ways. Despite his decision, Groudon decided to stay at the base instead of going to the Johto Army's main headquarters. "I'll find some way to make myself useful," he said. "I refuse to accept your all's protection without offering some sort of contribution."
. . . . .
"Layla, come here for a sec," Michael said. He made sure that Veronica was out of hearing range.
"Is something wrong?" she asked.
"Maybe, I don't know. Do you know what seems to be troubling Ver?" Layla just rolled her eyes.
"She's jealous, that's all."
"Jealous?" Michael asked, shocked. "Why?"
"She took pride in being your ace, that's why. None of us even come close to her strength," Layla said, "but now you've gotten yourself a legendary, and Ver knows that she can't compete."
"But… I never accepted Alaina for battling purposes," Michael said. "In fact, I never accepted any of you all for battling purposes."
"I know that," Layla replied, "and honestly, I think that Ver knows that too. She just needs you to tell her."
"Alright, I'll talk with her about it tomorrow," he said, kneeling down and hugging her. She placed her muzzle under his chin, nuzzling up against him and drawing him closer.
"I don't know if I've ever told you this," she said, "but you're very captivating, you know that?" What the hell?
. . . . .
The next day, as they ate lunch in the cafeteria, Alaina leading the conversation, Veronica excused herself. Though everyone else was eagerly paying attention, the flygon was distant throughout the entire meal, barely eating anything, which definitely wasn't like her. Michael decided that this was as good a time as any to talk to her. "Going somewhere?" he asked as he followed her outside.
"Just getting some fresh air," she mumbled.
"Ver, I wanna talk to you."
"What's to say?" she huffed.
"A lot. I don't like seeing you so down," he said, placing his hand on her back. "So talk to me…"
"About what?"
"You know what." She looked down, defeated. By the time she was able to met his gaze, she was in tears. "Ver…"
"I was your dragon," she croaked. "I was your ace… but then she came into the picture. No matter what I do, I can't compete with a legendary."
"Ver, do you think that I picked any of you for strength?"
"I don't… I don't know.."
"… I love you because you're you - not because of your strength. I mean yeah, you kick ass on the field - you've won more battles than any of the others by far, and I don't think I've ever seen anyone so adept in the air. But I don't care about that. Never did. All I ever needed was you girls. The battles were never even a part of it. Sure, we did great, but all I ever wanted in becoming a trainer was a loving team, and I don't think I could've gotten a better one." She pulled him tightly against her chest. Michael reached up a gingerly wiped the tears away.
"Th… thank you," she sobbed. "You have no idea… how much you mean to me."
"No, Ver - you have no idea how much you mean to me. When I heard that a flygon had been killed back at the Power Plant, my world had fallen apart. All I could think about for that moment was how I'd never see you again - well, on earth at least. If that had been you… I don't know how I would've been able to carry on." He pulled he down slightly, planting a kiss over her nose. "And you'll always be my dragon. Yeah, we may have another in the family, but that doesn't change anything."
"Will you still use me?" she asked. "When you battle?"
"Of course, Ver. Actually, I'd prefer not to use Alaina much." The flygon perked up upon hearing this.
"Wh.. what? Really?"
"Yeah. I mean think about it: she was targeted because she was a legendary. I don't think running around and showing her off would be a good idea, or the right thing to do. I'm not gonna exploit her strength just so I can win battles. So nothing's really changed when you think about it." She drew him close to her face, gently placing her two clawed hands to the sides of his head, trailing one claw down his cheek, as she often liked to do.
"I love you, you know that?"
"I love you too."
From that point, Veronica reverted back to her usual self, fully accepting the latias into their family. "Oh, and just so you know," she said to Michael, "the first day you've regained your strength, we are going riding for hours."
"I'm looking forward to it," he said.
. . . . .
He found himself in a panic a few days later, fearfully shaking Alaina in a desperate attempt to wake her up. He usually didn't mind any of the girls oversleeping, but when she had not responded to his gentle voice, nor his slight prodding, he began to get worried. Something definitely wasn't right - she seemed to be in a coma. When he sent for Grace to check her out, the gardevoir nurse nervously said that she had never seen anything like this. But her brain activity was very strong, she had said, unusually so for someone supposedly in a coma.
Of course, as they were discussing this, Alaina woke casually, as though nothing had happened, and floated up to him. "Is something wrong?" she asked sweetly.
"No, other than the fact that you scared me to death!" Michael said. "What the hell was that? You weren't responding to anything…"
"Yes, I'd like to hear this also," Grace added. "I mean, if you were simply ignoring him, that's one thing…" Michael cast her an irritated glance, but looked back at Alaina, awaiting a response.
"I'm sorry," she said, "I should have told you."
"Told me about what?" She looked at the gardevoir.
"I'm sorry, but… I need to speak to him alone, please." She huffed, but went on her way. Once she heard the main door shut, she continued. "That's how we do the meetings," she said.
"Meetings?" he thought back, then remembered the legendary meetings. "Oh, right. How is that possible?"
"Those of us who attend are summoned in our sleep - if we're safe to do so, that is. It's easier that way, since no matter where we are in the world, we can all come together at that point and time. Of course, those on the other hemisphere have to adjust… Once we're there, there isn't any way to waken us."
"Okay," Michael said, finally deescalating. "You really had me worried there. You wouldn't wake up for anything."
"I'm sorry for worrying you," she said. "I stayed there much longer this time. We were talking about the legendaries going missing."
"I'm sure that was of great concern," he said. "How's it looking?"
"Not very good," she replied. "There has been a great increase in the… deceased population that attends."
"So the legendaries that have died even go to these things?"
"Well, when you think about it," she said, "we kind of are meeting in their home - the Hall of Origins."
"When you put it that way, I guess that makes sense."
"Also, I was able to speak to my parents - that's why I took so long in returning. I know I should have told you that I was going to meet with them for awhile, but… they were worried sick about me."
"I'm sure. How was your reunion?"
"It went well, but Myles didn't come. He doesn't usually attend the meetings. Anyways, they're both surprised to hear that I've gotten myself a trainer now. They're coming in a few days to meet you, actually."
"What?! Your parents are coming over?"
"Mhm, and they're bringing Myles. They want to speak to you."
"Great," he sighed. "I hope they like me."
"I'm sure they will," she said, stroking his cheek.
"But… your mother…"
"I'm sure all will go well… I know you dislike her train of thought, but the conversation does not need to go there."
"I'll be sure to avoid certain topics with her."
"I sure hope so…"
. . . . .
Michael did find one activity that he could do without pissing of Grace. Practicing at the indoor range certainly wasn't a very physically demanding activity, and honing his accuracy was very productive on his part, being something that could definitely save his life. Charlotte sat on top of the bench to the side, the ear-muffs very awkwardly postponed over her erect ears. Samuel and Nicole were there as well. Michael had discovered that he visited the range often, generally once a day. Of course, his accuracy well displayed that. "I don't know why you're so smitten with that thing," he commented. Michael had brought his revolver to practice with. "I mean, if you want a self-defense weapon, why wouldn't you have gone with a semi-automatic?" Michael shook his head.
"You of all people know the value of having a reliable gun. Revolvers can't be beat in that sense. And besides, no auto is nearly as strong as a good magnum."
"Let's see," he said, "there's 10mms, .475 Wildey Magnums, .50 AEs…"
"Alright, smartass - I was talking about practical rounds, not two or three dollar a shot rounds, or some that'll break my fucking hands."
"Should've been more specific."
"And plus," Michael continued, "revolvers are more diverse - I can shoot a .38 special, .38 special plus, and a .357 magnum in this gun."
"How about you just shut up and shoot the damn thing, rather than telling me shit I already know," Samuel joked.
"Alright," he said, reloading the seven-shot 686 with .38s. "Muff up." Samuel placed a pair of ear muffs over the vulpix's ears, and then one over his own.
"Let's see if you can quick draw it worth a shit."
"Okay." Michael set the target back to twenty-five yards and placed the revolver in his holster. He looked over at Samuel, awaiting the call.
"Go!" Michael snatched the revolver out once more, swinging it straight out in front of him within the second. He shot once, hitting the target in the upper chest, and continued shooting, drawing down with each shot to counteract the slight recoil of the lighter loads. All of the shots were within a four inch radius, the majority within the head region. "Not bad," Samuel commented. Michael spun the revolver around his index finger, pointing it up and jokingly blowing over the barrel, though the day and age of smoke-releasing black powder was long and gone.
"Alright cowboy," Charlotte teased.
"Cowboy, hmm? And here you have the country accent," he replied.
"Well then I guess that makes me the cowgirl, right?"
"Sounds about right," Nicole said.
. . . . .
They were standing outside, waiting for Alaina's family to show up. The mid-summer heat had become more and more blistering as the month progressed, causing most of the people at the base to opt towards staying inside. Definitely couldn't blame them - a look at his phone that morning revealed that the temperature for the afternoon was to exceed 100℉. He gripped the three translators that he had borrowed, since he would need them to communicate with the others, unless he wanted to rely on Alaina to translate everything. He didn't, of course - that would be pretty inconvenient of her part. "They're here," Alaina announced, snapping him back to focus. "Myles, don't…"
"Where are th—." A latios suddenly appeared inches before him, seeming to materialize from the air itself. "Oh shit!" he jumped back, almost losing his footing in the process. "What the… hell?" he panted, clutching his chest. The latios smiled, his rhythmic breathing increasing. He was laughing. Two more figures followed suit, both appearing in much of the same manner. Michael handed the VFTs to Alaina, who distributed them among her family.
"It's so he can understand you all," she said. They each used their psychic abilities to slip them on with ease.
"That never gets old," the smaller of the two males said. Michael took in their appearances. That one, he reasoned, must've been Myles. Smaller than his father, but still significantly bigger than his sister, he had more burgundy eyes, but a lighter blue coloration. His father, on the other hand, was darker blue and had crimson eyes, seeming very focused on him. The older latias had duller yellow eyes - not near the brightness of her daughter. Other than that, though, she looked very similar. Though she was larger, she did not seem to show that much age over Alaina. Michael deduced that the species must have a very long, if not indefinite, lifespan.
"I apologize for my son's mannerisms," the other latios said.
"Nah… it's okay," Michael said. "Just took me by surprise."
"My name is Rolland, and this is Helen, my mate."
"Hello," she said curtly.
"And you've already met Myles," Rolland said, rolling his eyes.
"Hey there," Myles said, extending his hand. Michael reached forth to shake it, but the latios quickly retreated it. "Too slow!"
"Myles, stop being immature."
"Just having a bit of fun," Myles countered. His father simply shook his head.
"Anyways, do you have a good place to sit down and talk for awhile?" he asked Michael, who only had to think for a moment.
"Yeah, I've got a place in mind."
. . . . .
The five of them sat underneath the large oak tree, with the front entrance of the base, with its newly paved roads, half a mile away. He sat against the tree, whereas the latis merely needed to levitate as they always did. Alaina, though, lowered herself, sitting beside him. "Alaina's told us all about you," Rolland started. "I cannot thank you enough for saving my daughter."
"Just doing what anyone would have done in that situation," Michael replied. "I mean, I wasn't going to let her just die there…"
"Most people wouldn't have taken a stake to the heart for someone they didn't even know. I want you to know that you will always have my gratitude for that," said Rolland.
"And mine," Alaina said, nuzzling up to him.
"Get a room," Myles said.
"Shut up!"
"Both of you shut up!" Helen said, before directing her attention to Michael. "Anyways, I wanted to ask you about this 'trainer lifestyle.'"
"Alright, what do you wanna know?"
"How you will be treating my daughter," she said. "Often times, you humans take sport in battling. I want to know if that is what you have in store for my Alaina." The others looked at him, awaiting his response.
"Honestly? I was more so dragged into the whole trainer ordeal. Charlotte and Elise wanted to give it a go, and before I knew it, we were taking a league challenge. I had the both of them before I even started battling; I didn't really give it much thought beforehand. Looking back, I think the truly great experience for me wasn't winning gym battles or cash, but spending time and going places with the girls. I mean, battling is fun and all, but it was never really the focus." He stroked along Alaina's stiff wing, making her softly hum in response. "As far as Alaina being on the team… I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I mean, if she wants to do it, she can. I refuse to make any of the other girls battle, so I don't see why that would change here. And besides, I'm not about to exploit a legendary's strength in the first place for the sake of money or pride."
"So then you will not battle with her?" He shook his head.
"Probably not. I never had battling in mind for her, either. Plus, I think it would be better to keep her low for now."
"Do what?" Alaina asked.
"I think you should remain concealed, at least for the time being. You all are being targeted for being legendaries, so I don't think it would be such a good idea to flaunt you around."
"That shouldn't be much of an issue," Myles commented. To prove his point, Alaina disappeared completely. Michael reached out; an invisible, three-clawed hand grabbed and held his.
"It's an ability we have," she said, reappearing once more. "It won't be difficult for me to remain hidden."
"That's a relief," Michael said. "I wouldn't want anything to happen to you."
"Don't worry, I'll be fine," she said, tightening her grip on his hand. "I can very much take care of myself."
"Right," Myles said. "And you say that after getting yourself kidnapped…"
"You know, you don't seem to be too stoked that your sister is safe…" Rolland said.
"Oh believe me, I'm glad and all, but dang. Way to be careless, Ali."
"At least I'm not a child," she countered.
"Myles, if you don't leave her alone, I'm going to dragon pulse the absolute hell out you," Rolland said. Myles glared daggers at his sister, who simply shrugged, albeit with a slight grin.
"You shouldn't be so hard on your sister, Myles," Helen said. "Unlike you, she's actually respectful and reasonable. Well, reasonable in everything but tying the knot." Michael froze up - the one topic he hoped wouldn't come up. Maybe it would just trail off… "That reminds me, Ali - I have someone I want you to meet."
"I'm not interested, mom," she mumbled.
"How can you say that? You haven't even met the guy."
"And I don't want to…"
"Why not? He's kind, caring, and —."
"Because," Alaina said, cutting her off, "I refuse to take a mate that you introduce to me." Everyone fell silent, with Helen seething in anger. Here we go…
"First of all, how dare you strike that tone with me?" she asked. "Even though I'm looking out for you and your well-being, this is how you speak to me?" Alaina looked at her, tears welling up in her eyes, and finally snapped.
"No, mom - this isn't what I want, this is what you want. From the day I matured, you have been trying to arrange the relationship that you desire for me. I'm not doing this anymore! I will settle down with whoever I see fit, not whoever brings you social satisfaction! I am not your doll - your little plaything to control!" Oh shit… oh shit… this is really bad…
"I cannot believe you right now," Helen said through gritted teeth.
"Well believe it. It's my life choice, not yours. Have you even considered that I might not want to settle down with a latios?" Her eyes went wide; Helen looked at her daughter in shock, then at Michael, and back at Alaina.
"You… come with me now!" She was barely able to form coherent words, and was trembling in pure rage.
"Oh for the love of…" Alaina darted away, speeding off into the distance, followed immediately by her mother. The three males sat there awkwardly.
"Well that went well…" Myles said. His father shook his head.
"As if. Your mother just doesn't seem to understand…"
"Understand what?" he asked.
"Alaina's fed up. She's not one to be controlled like that. She is going to do what she wants in this case. And you know what? She's completely justified." Thank Arceus her father is actually reasonable… "Wouldn't you agree?" he asked Michael.
"Completely," he replied. "Although, I have to ask: why does your mate seem to think that way?"
"Believe it or not, Helen really does have the best intentions for Alaina with all this. Only thing is, she just doesn't understand that what's best for her isn't an arranged relationship. She thinks that what she has in mind is what's best for our daughter, but in reality, Alaina needs to make these kinds of decisions on her own.
"Agreed entirely. Just as she said, it is her life." He looked off to the side, seeing the faint outlines of the two dragons in the air. They weren't moving, but were levitating in place. Five minutes into watching the two seemingly yell at one another, and he saw the larger of the two point towards them. No, not at the group - at him. Alaina turned away and flew back to the group within seconds.
"She… she's trying to force me to come back!" she cried. Michael rubbed her head comfortingly, watching as her mother sped back towards them.
"She wants to imprint on him!" she yelled, before turning back to her daughter. "Alaina, I forbid you have anything to do with that human!"
"What? Why?" Michael asked.
"Don't play dumb with me, boy! I have half a mind to kill you right where you are!" she spat. Instinctively, he cocked the hammer on his 686, pointing it straight at her.
"Well then you better hope you can do it faster than I can." Alaina started really crying. The two locked eyes, but Helen couldn't help but alternate her gaze between him and the revolver. "There's no need for anyone to get hurt," Michael said. "But Alaina's completely right. You shouldn't try to control her life decisions." The older latias growled, but turned away.
"So be it. Alaina, if you want to throw your life away - and any sense of decency - then that's fine by me. I give up. You two, you know where to find me." Helen flew off, climbing over the clouds, leaving the others. Michael pointed the revolver down, keeping his thumb on the hammer and pulling the trigger, slowly letting it fall, safely decocking it before holstering it once more.
"Look, I'm sorry," he said to Rolland. "I just reacted…"
"I wish that you had not done that, but I can understand it," Rolland said. "My mate threatened you, and you reacted as you have been taught to." He looked over at Myles. "Come on, we're leaving. No doubt your mother will be upset for days." The two of them levitated upward, preparing to leave. Before they did, though, Rolland turned to face him. "Don't be alarmed, Alaina. She will get over it. And as for you," he said, looking at Michael, "it would be in your best interest to treat my daughter with the appropriate respect."
"You don't have to worry about a thing there." The two zoomed off into the sky, leaving Michael and Alaina to themselves. She held on to him for dear life, still sobbing, albeit more quietly. "Shh, I've gotcha," he said, "let it all out." She held his hand tightly, intertwining her claws with his fingers, with her her other arm around him.
. . . . .
"And come and find out," Kevin said, "the dumb bitch was already seeing two other guys!" The others broke out into laughter.
"Sounds like the one-night stand from hell," Alex joked.
"Not hardly. The boyfriend comes home, she doesn't even know my name, and so he pins it on one of her other fuckbuddies. I just slipped out the back window while they were about to kill each other." Michael shook his head, though he was laughing. "What?"
"Nothing," he chuckled, "nothing."
"What, you against gettin' a little one-nighter?" Kevin asked.
"Honestly? Kind of."
"Why is that?"
"I mean, I just think that sex should be kept more… honorable."
"Who gives a fuck? Dude, it's just a bit of fun."
"I dunno man, it seems much better to keep it legitimate," Thomas said. "That's just my opinion."
"Well of course you would say that, being as fundamentalist as you are," Kevin joked.
"Yeah, whatever," Thomas said. "Unlike you, though, I have common sense. You need rules for a reason, dumbass. That includes ethical rules."
"Screw you and your religious bullshit." He turned his attention back to Michael. "So you haven't messed around before?"
"Nah. I mean, I've never really devoted any focus to a relationship. Never have had the time for one, or really even wanted it."
"So then you're abstinent?"
"Well I guess that's how you'd say it… for now, at least." Zeke shook his head, flashing him a wide, wolfish grin.
"I call bullshit," he said. Michael shot him a questioning look.
"What?"
"I said, I call—."
"I know what you said, but why?"
"Well for someone who claims to be not doing it, you sure as hell surrounded yourself with temptation." Everyone fell silent, looking straight at him.
"Zeke, you better shut the hell up right now," Wesley said, looking deathly serious at him.
"What? I mean—."
"Drop it."
"Fine," Zeke relented, shaking his head.
The rest of lunch, after that, was much more awkward. Everyone spoke little, and they all disbanded somewhat uneasily. Michael made sure to catch up with Zeke after picking up something for the girls. "Do you have something to say to me?" he asked the zoroark.
"Nah man, nothing to say."
"Well it sure sounded like it. What did you mean back there?" Zeke reached his door, but didn't open it right away, casting him a sideways glance.
"Are you being serious with me?"
"What?"
"You can't possibly be this oblivious."
"Oblivious?" Michael asked. "I'm not oblivious."
"And in denial."
"Zeke, tell me what's going on."
"Hell no - I'm staying outta this," the zoroark said.
"No, you aren't - you're the one that brought it up."
"Yeah, I brought it up. I brought it up because it's such common knowledge, and really fucking obvious. How do you not see what's going on?" Michael said nothing, instead trying to comprehend whatever it was he was talking about. "Y'know," he continued, "when I was searching for a partner and came across your files, I saw your educational info."
"Okay, so?"
"You were the valedictorian of your class and have an IQ of around 150. Genius level."
"I don't see what that has to do with any of—."
"I guess it just goes to show you how book smarts and people smarts aren't the same thing." He walked into his quarters, shutting the door behind him. Michael left for his own residence, his mind thoroughly occupied. Veronica was sprawled out on the couch, lazily watching television. He handed her her meal, and placed the others on the table. She sat up to avoid making a mess while eating. He headed to the recliner, but she patted the spot beside her. He took a seat, brushing against her large side.
"Ver, I wanna ask you something…"
"Alright," she said, licking the pasta sauce off her lips.
"Am I… socially oblivious?" She set her plate down, which was something she rarely ever did.
"…You don't want me to answer that…"
"Damn, that bad?"
"Well…" She averted her gaze, head slightly tilted.
"You think so?"
"No, I know so," she said. "But don't beat yourself up over it. I blame that damn school you went to. If you'd had time to socialize more, maybe you wouldn't be like that."
"Maybe…"
"But enough of that," she said, lifting his chin up towards her. "You do know what we're doing tomorrow, right?"
"Yeah Ver, I know."
"Good, 'cause there's no way outta this one."
. . . . .
Alaina led him off into seclusion, back towards the corner of the base. Almost where he had conversed with Groudon. The crescent moon was slight, but present enough to illuminate the area. The latias looked around, and concluded that they were, in fact, alone, before focusing her attention on him. "Sorry for dragging you all the way out here," she said. "I just wanted to talk to you in private."
"Alright, is something wrong?"
"No," she shook her head. "Nothing is wrong. Rather, I just wanted to thank you."
"For what?"
"For what you did the other day - standing up to my mom like that. I wish things didn't go the way they did, but there's nothing we can do about that. It really meant a lot to me that you had my back like that."
"I'll always have your back, Alaina. Or would you rather me call you Ali?"
"Oh please don't," she said with a laugh. "That's my family's nickname for me." She raised a hand to his cheek. "And besides, I very much like the way you say my name."
"Oh… okay. About your mom…"
"Like my father said, she will eventually let it go. She just… can be really controlling at times.
"Yeah, I can tell."
"And she threatened you like that," she said angrily. "But even with a legendary against you, you stood up for me. I know I made the right decision in wanting to join you." She moved her hands to his shoulders, nuzzling the crook of his neck.
"Alaina… I did want to ask you something - something that came up when all that went down." She fell silent, but he asked anyways. "What does it mean that you wanted to imprint on me?"
"It means… that I've found the person I want to bond to. The trainer that I want for the rest of my life."
"Is that so?" She nodded, her face flushed red. "Alaina, I'm honored that you would choose me of all people."
"You… would grant me this?"
"Of course," he said, stroking her neck, "but you said that you want to bond with me for the rest of your life?"
"Mhm."
"Well, I think that's gonna be a lot longer than mine," he said. "We don't live as long as you all."
"That is… resolvable…"
"Wh-what?"
"I can make you like us," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You could be more. Timeless, both in mind and body, with healing capabilities beyond what many pokémon even have."
"Are you offering to make me… immortal?"
"As close to it as physically possible. Just like a legendary." Michael sat down, unable to grasp what she was offering.
"This all… sounds amazing and all… but to live that long? Couldn't that be a curse?"
"Only if you have no one to share that time with," she trailed off, tracing a claw down his neck and over his chest.
"Could you… do this for the others?"
"Somehow I knew you would ask that," she giggled. "To answer your question, yes - I can give them the same gift, though the imprint is only for you. But with females, it comes with… a certain limitation…"
"What? Would they be okay?"
"Yes, of course…"
"What would happen to them?"
"Well… for obvious reasons, we can't have a bunch of ageless pokémon running around…"
"You don't mean…"
"Michael, if they accept, they will be made infertile."
"Oh…" They probably wouldn't like to hear that - female pokémon typically prided themselves with their ability to bear and raise children. But now that he thought of it, the four of them had never given an outright answer as to what they wanted in that regard. "We need to talk to the others about this," he finally concluded. "When did you plan on imprinting?"
"Well, if it was okay with you… I was thinking maybe tonight."
"Alright, let's go back and talk this over with them."
In silence, the duo returned to their quarters, having to, unfortunately, wake the four. Veronica never liked that, but never lashed out at Michael if he was the one to wake her. Once they were gathered in the living room, Alaina went over her proposal. If they accepted - the six of them would live indefinitely alongside each other, never aging. The benefits seemed to intrigue them, but the consequence seemed to hit home - especially for Elise. The glaceon had always wanted children, and was now faced with even a more difficult decision than she had upon joining Michael - either she could escape biology and be with her trainer forever, or she could continue her bloodline. The girls concluded, that night, that they would need more time to think the matter over.
"If I'm going to defy the natural order of things," Michael later said to Alaina, "then I want to do it with all of them by my side."
"I understand."
. . . . .
"Are you ready?" Veronica asked.
"About as ready as I am every other time," he chuckled.
"Good enough." He brought his arms underneath hers - the only way he had to hold on to her. She opened her wings, bounded a few steps, and thrust herself off of the ground. He tensed up, as he usually did when they took off, but relaxed when he reminded himself that Ver would never allow any harm to come to him. Upwards they climbed, eventually leveling out about a mile and a half above the ground. "You okay?" she asked.
"Never better." He rubbed her side lovingly, making her shiver slightly.
"Sounds like you're enjoying yourself for a change."
"Mhm."
"Well that's great. Makes me feel better about dragging you up here now," she laughed.
"I'm sure it does," he joked. "Now let's see what they've been teaching you at that dragon program of yours!" She flashed him a playful, yet challenging grin.
"Alright, but remember - you asked for this!"
Just as she had said they would, the pair zipped through the skies for hours. Once he had consciously reminded himself to focus on the powerful dragoness beneath him, rather than the height or swift directional changes, Michael found himself exhilarated with the flight. Like an unpredictable rollercoaster, he mused. This time, their flight concluded when she was tired, hardly able to move another muscle. "Did you… like it?" she panted, the two of them laying side by side.
"Hell yeah," he said. "The way you were going up there, I'm surprised you haven't passed out."
"Not too far from it," she said.
"Why didn't you stop?" he asked.
"Because… I was doing what I love with my trainer," she said. "And that's worth a little exhaustion." He rubbed her neck, gently applying pressure for a light massage. Placing her head on his chest, she hummed in comfort, but within minutes, it gave way to snoring. He leaned in and kissed her cheek, which caused her to smile in her sleep. Michael hugged her against him, watching the clouds roll by as the dragoness dozed on top of him.
. . . . .
The two of them walked through the door, Ver heading straight for the fridge. The rest of the girls were in the living room, staring at him. What drew his attention the most was the sniveling glaceon, with her head tucked underneath one of the couch's decorative pillows. "What's going on here?" he asked. Charlotte sprung up, walking over towards him. He knelt down, and she whispered in his ear.
"We're talking over Alaina's offer," she said. "She's… taking it pretty hard."
"And nobody else is?"
"No, not really. We all like the idea."
"Alright, let me speak with her alone." Charlotte motioned for the others to join her in the back. In a few moments, only he and Elise were within the living room. He took a seat beside her, gently rubbing her back. "Hey girl, tell me what's wrong." She slightly shuffled, but did nothing else. Michael removed the pillow, seeing the tear streaks trading down her light blue fur. "Come here," he said, lifting her into his arms, cradling her. Her whimpering lessened, and he wiped the moisture off of her cheeks.
"Th-thank you," she said. He gently stroked her ear, trailing down and cupping her cheek.
"What's wrong? Did the others—."
"No, it's nothing they said," she replied. "It's just… I don't know what to do… On one hand, I'd love nothing more than to be with you and the others forever, but…"
"You want to have children."
"Y-yeah," she said, tearing up once more. "I… I've just always looked forward to the day that I'd be a mother…"
"I understand," he said. "Most girls do."
"If I go through with this," she sniffed, "I want you to promise me something."
"Elise, you by no means have to go through with this - I want you to know that right now."
"Okay."
"That being said, what would you like me to do?"
"If we do this, promise me… that we can adopt." He smiled, the sweet glaceon looking up at him.
"Is that what you want?" She nodded. "Elise, if you'd like, we can adopt a dozen pups."
"Really?"
"Yeah," he said. "Y'know, you're going to make an amazing mother…"
"Thank you," she said, nuzzling his chest. "Can I ask you one more favor?"
"You know you can."
"Could you help me… raise them?"
"Of course I will."
The agreement was met, and under Alaina's advice, everyone headed to their beds - or wherever they felt like passing out for the night. The process would be far from painless - Michael knew, though she did not, what would be happening. If they were to become ageless and regenerative, their genetics would have to be slightly altered. The feeling of their cells being ripped apart on the inside would probably be excruciating. The confirmation came when she started with Ver. A loud roar echoed from the back room, seeming to shake the walls. It eventually died out, and he heard no more from her.
One by one, she followed suit on the rest. He had never heard such pained sounds from them, and never wished to again. Their screams struck painful chords in his heart, but they all knew that it was necessary. She finally made her way into the living room, flipping off the light as she passed by. "Are you ready?" she asked.
"No, not really, but let's get this over with." She levitated over him, placing her hands on his chest.
"I know I will enjoy eternity with you - with all of you," she said.
"And I know we will too," he said, bracing himself for the pain that he would surely undergo.
"Here we go." Her eyes lit up, and immediately, his body felt like it was on fire.
"Shit!" he yelled, uncontrollably hugging himself. Every muscle in his body spasmed and cramped up; his bones felt like they were cracking. This was far worse than any pain he had ever felt before in his entire life. She held his hand tightly as the sensation seared throughout his body.
"It's almost over," she spoke softly. I… fucking hope so… His vision blurred, and had he not been laying down, he surely would've fallen to the floor. The pain magnified, then receded altogether. "Now for the imprint," she said. Just like that, a soothing feeling encompassed his body, and he was finally able to relax. The latias floated directly above him, gently settling down on his chest. He blinked in and out of consciousness, relishing in the warmth that she had introduced into him.
"Thank you," she whispered, her eyes finally returning to their natural, golden color. Michael finally fell asleep. "Thank you, Michael." She drew the blanket over the two of them, and gently pecked him on the lips.
A/N:
Next chapter is going to take a little bit longer, as it's got much more content. I'd expect 13,000 - 15,000 words or so. Also one of the few peaks of the story. Who knows? Maybe Michael will finally take a hint.
As a side note, hope that everyone stayed safe during Hurricane Matthew. Hope that everyone's doing well.
