Author's Note:

Here it is, the delivery of some new potential Pokémon... Pikachu is soon gonna be a daddy. We also get the exploration of a few more arcs, being a grab-bag sort of chapter with many collisions of different plotlines, it'll again jump around between different POV's but I've limited it best I could. I know some people don't like this sort of chapter and honestly, I prefer the singular focused chapters more but sometimes this sort of chapter is still needed. Again, this is a smaller chapter (probably the smallest in Hoenn) but given the lengths of the Fortree chapters, I think it's understandable. I also have some bad news, I've been given a big assignment from work for July and it involves travelling. I'm going to be writting during this time but I won't have full internet access so I won't be updating in that month. My plan is update to chapter sixty during June then chapter sixty-one on August first and continue from there. Sorry but this can't be avoided, I hope you understand real life taking president here. Finally, we see the nickname that Max picked for Treecko. This nickname was suggested by Kirbykid13. Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin...

Chapter Fifty-Eight: Egg-Citing Developments

Ash smiled as he looked over his two Pokémon. Despite losing his battle against the pyramid king, it reinvigorated his passion to be the best. Seeing how much further he has to go, even beyond winning a league. A wall of fire surrounded Torkoal and Metang with intense heat radiating around them. He squinted his eyes through the flames to see Metang struggle to avoid streams of flames from his pure fire type.

A psychic shield surrounded him, blowing the flames around him. His coal Pokémon turned it up and sent him flying backwards.

The steel psychic type crashed into the ground, and he ran over, kneeling beside him. He looked up with a dazed look in his red eyes.

"Erm, Ash," his newest team member muttered, "are you sure this is a smart idea?"

"Relax Metang," he replied, "your trying to hold in your strength. When you become overwhelmed, that's when you lose control."

"B-but-" He levitated himself up floating beside him as he stood back up. The fire slowly dying down around them.

"Imagine your power like a pot of boiling water. It's simmering around an eight or nine because of your fear," he explained, "once pushed to ten, the water will boil over, which is when you lose control."

"I fail to see how this helps me."

"By challenging you to remain calm, I'm trying to set your base more of a five or six," he continued, "so if you are caught off guard. Sure, you'll spike but you won't be pushed over the limit."

"It sounds like you have therapy experience with handling anger?" Torkoal nodded.

"Not quiet but I do know someone whose been working on his anger," he replied, "I would ask how you know but... your Torkoal, you know everything."

"A silly misconception." He shook his head. "The only thing for certain for those who think they know everything; is the fact they still have more to learn. If I might suggest something, we can better understand your needs for control by knowing its source Metang."

"I-I..."

"It's okay if you aren't ready for it, Metang," he replied, "just know I'm here to listen when you are ready to talk."

"I will." He nodded. "So, I guess were going to try this again?"

His pure fire type nodded and set up a second ring of fire. Running out of the makeshift field, he smiled at the sight of them reigniting the training session for endurance. Given his main issue currently, it makes sense only to pair Metang with someone who can handle him should he lose control. Last thing he'd want is set up a spar between him and Duskull or someone less capable of handling him and causing a replay of their meeting.

Turning around, he made his way over the training ground to a spot where his Aerodactyl stood next to Seviper. A hole in the ground implied the lessons weren't going right and her expression as she laid turned away from his fossil Pokémon only confirmed his suspicions.

"How are you two getting on?" he asked, putting on a strong smile.

"Urg." His poisonous serpent rolled her eyes, turning her head away.

"That well huh?" He smiled, turning to the rock flying type.

"We could be making more progress, admittedly," he nodded, "perhaps I'm not suited to her needs as a mentor."

"I don't get why I need to learn earthquake anyway," she hissed, "I already know dig. That's enough ground coverage."

"It's not just about coverage," he sighed. Moving around to crouch in front of her, reaching out he reached out and rubbed her head in a comforting manner, but she sneered instead, "your style is pretty set in stone. Stealth and close-range assaults. Which isn't a bad thing but-"

"But what?" she hissed.

"It can become predictable," he replied, "after Winona saw your style, she adapted accordingly, and we had to get creative. Remember the water ride?"

"I'd rather not," she growled.

"Do I wish to know what water ride is meant to mean?" Aerodactyl asked.

"Maybe Seviper could tell you about our previous battles," he smiled to the rock flying type, looking down onto his ankle, he noticed a black band around his neck with his mega stone embedded in the centre, "by the way, how are you finding that band Serena made to hold your mega stone?"

"I don't believe it necessary," he deadpanned, pulling it like some sort of bowtie which was a bit too tight, "why can't I just carry it like before?"

"Well, you heard Steven, we can only use it per league rules if our opponent does the same," he replied, "so by having it on display, it'll be present for everyone to see. Kinda saves us awkward conversations and allows us better access to use it whenever."

"Not to be unthankful but could I at least have it somewhere which won't affect me in the heat of battle?" he asked, "I fear flying at high altitudes with rushing winds can already make it difficult to breath."

"Sure buddy, I'll speak to her so we can make adjustments." He smiled, moving in close to untie the accessory. "Just so were not playing guessing games, where would you like it?"

"If I must have it somewhere, I prefer it out of the way," he replied, "my tail perhaps. I only really use it for iron tail and even then, I prefer a direct charge for Iron head."

"Are you two done clothes shopping?" Seviper asked, standing back up.

"Are you ready to get back to training?" he asked, "I know you already have a definitive style which is great. Now I just want to expand upon your move pool so we can further develop it. You said after the Fortree gym that you wanted to get stronger, so this is our best way go forward."

"I also said I'm gonna kill that murderous bast-"

"Language," Aerodactyl interjected, censoring her.

"-so... are you going to help with that too?" she hissed.

"Not with doing it," he replied, shaking his head, "but I do want to help you move passed it. Don't you see that it won't change anything?"

"It'll make me feel better," she grumbled.

"And how do you know that?" Aerodactyl asked.

"Shut it granpa," she hissed, "no-one asked you."

"But he's right." Ash sighed. "Just... keep doing what you were with earthquake, alright."

Running his hand down his face, he pinched the bridge of his nose. Taking a long look at the poison type, he subtly shook his head. She only knows half the story and the best way for her to move forward is with the whole story. Of course, the only one who can give her that she wants to kill and has thus far refused. Even if he just told her, it likely wouldn't have the same effect coming from him. While part of him feels bad for improving her battling capabilities given her current goal, this is the best way to build up herself image and when in sync, they work surprisingly well together.

Watching the two Pokémon return to the more... complicated tutorship, he turned back around. His attention turning over to the other pair of Pokémon from his current line-up. Pikachu and Kirlia were off together, with the former helping teach the latter thunderbolt. Seeing how useful her brother made of the electricity, it seemed weird to him that she didn't know it. Maybe it's because she's older but he expected her to have all his tricks and then some.

Walking over, he sat down next to the two Pokémon, "so how's it going over here?"

"Good." Pikachu nodded, his head not so subtly turning to face the tents set up. Given Sylveon's condition, Serena has set one up whenever they've stopped without shelter as a security measure. Reaching forward, he scratched his starter behind the ear.

"When he's actually focused, that is." Kirlia crossed her arms with a scoff. "If his mind was truly here, I would've learnt this move hours ago-"

"Now Kirlia, you can't blame Pikachu for being anxious," he replied, "and anyway, I wanted to ask. Your brother knew shock wave from before we even met so how come you didn't? I mean, I would've thought-"

"Children can inherit moves from either parent," she replied, "I'm more like my mother. A natural attune for the ghost type element, which is how I picked up destiny bond and why I know magical leaf when my brother doesn't. While he's more like our father-"

"Do you know who your father is?" he asked.

"Duh." She rolled her eyes. "He's a Gallade but instead of being a battler, he performs in theatres in Kalos. Our ma'am met him on the set for a film her and Diantha, her trainer was doing. Since both have busy lives, they left us at the day care-"

"Why Hoenn's day care and not one in Kalos since..." Pikachu muttered.

"Because that one was supposedly the best in the PLA. They might not have spent time with us, but our mother wanted the best," she replied, "and my brother seems to just take more after our goofy dad instead."

"Isn't your mother also an actress?" he asked.

"Sure," she shrugged, "but first and foremost, she's a champion. Nothing changes that."

Before they could continue, Serena's voice echoed and turning around he found her head poking out of the tent. Jumping to his feet, his heart thumped against his chest as everything seemed to disappear around him. The yellow blur snapped him out of the daze, and he took off after Pikachu to the tent, getting their just after Brock. He noticed his starter scurrying into the tent with Serena moving to the side to let Brock in with his Chimecho beside him.

"Serena?!"

"It's starting, Ash." He couldn't help but notice the giddiness in her voice. "Sylveon's laying her eggs."

"We need to get to Lilycove then-"

"Hold on, Ash, moving her could disturb her deliver," Brock replied, "Pokémon lay eggs all the time in the wild so we're just here to watch and make sure she's safe. You should still get Aerodactyl ready but unless something goes wrong, we'll be having the eggs here."

"Right," he nodded. Turning around, he noticed his rock flying type stood a little bit back. Moving closer, he kneeled beside him, "you still happy to fly us to Lilycove?"

"Yes, but if there's multiple eggs, I doubt I could carry all four of you," he replied, "I could take one of you and... I believe she's laying two eggs, correct?"

"That's what Nurse Joy said." He nodded. "But don't worry. If we need to decide, Sylveon will need the more medical attention, so it'll be Serena and the eggs if it comes to it."

Giving a small nod, he turned around slight. While he's not been as excited as his girlfriend, he couldn't help but feel like this was now real. They would soon have two new eggs to look after. Their little traveling family would become that larger.

Max shook his head, turning away from the tent. He's as excited about the new arrivals as everyone else but he knew that he wasn't really useful in their delivery. He smiled at the sight of his two Pokémon stood in front of him. Brock's Vigoroth was with them.

"Alright, ready to continue you too?" he asked and both nodded.

Turning to the pure normal type, he had a wide grin spread over his mouth. His claws sharpening together, in an offensive manner.

The bright sun shone down over them, turning his weather Pokémon into her fire form. Vigoroth held one hand up, gesturing for them to come after him.

"Treecko use quick attack and Ozone weather ball!"

His starter nodded and charged off from his starting position. Colliding into the normal types chest, shoulder first, he rebound backwards.

Smashing straight into the weather ball which was burning. Falling onto the ground, he ran forward with Vigoroth's loud laughter echoing. Glancing up, he saw him scratching his chest where Treecko hit him. His normal type had a small rain cloud over her, back in her water form. Using a water gun on the grass type.

"Are you alright, Treecko?" he asked, the flames dying around him.

"Tree," he grunted, standing back up.

"You need to get better at teamwork and getting your Pokémon to work together." He turned to see Ash approaching. He crouched down beside them. "You see, Treecko retreats back so he moves into Ozone's line of fire. You could have him move behind, forcing his opponent to split attention or get Ozone to move around. Being airborne will give her a better list of directions to attack from or-"

"Or?" He blinked in surprise.

"Have them work as one whole rather than two halves." He shrugged, "I mean, why did you have Ozone use the sun? Vigoroth's not weak to fire."

"As a grass type it'll give Treecko an advantage," he replied, "won't it?"

"What advantage?" he asked, "does he know solar beam?"

"N-no."

"Does he have an ability like chlorophyll which would speed him up in strong sun?" he asked.

"No."

"Your right when you say grass types typically work better in sun because a lot of them do have those things," he explained, "but since Treecko doesn't, he isn't gonna benefit from it. Whereas if you picked another weather Castform has access too, like rain-"

"Treecko doesn't know any water moves," he replied.

"He doesn't but he does have a weakness to the fire type," he replied, "and what moves are weakened during the rain?"

"Fire," he answered, earning a smile from the young boy.

"With a Pokémon as versatile as Castform you need to make it work with the rest of your team," he smiled, "I've only had a few of them but in double battles, it's more about how well your Pokémon work together. I would say it's even more impactful than typings."

"Really?" he asked.

"Typing isn't everything," he replied, "when starting out, typing helps makes more decisions but as you learn more, you should expand upon your Pokémon's moves so it's more about battling experience and they're trainer's skill in predicting."

"Thanks Ash," he smiled, "hey, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Why aren't you with the others?" he asked, "I heard about Sylveon... and I just kinda thought..."

"I'm not much use to them right, Max, I don't know the first thing about delivering like Brock and Chimecho," he explained, "and this is a moment for Pikachu and Sylveon. And I think Serena is better suited since she's Sylveon's trainer. Speaking off-"

He paused as a series of cries from the echoed around them. He noticed the older boy wince, presumably at the implied pain the fairy type eeveelution is currently in. Once the sounds settled down once more, he looked to the experienced trainer for him to continue.

"-have you thought of a nickname for Treecko?" he asked, "you mentioned wanted to nickname all your Pokémon and Ozone already has a one."

"Cko?" his starter tilted his head to the side.

"Well, I did come up with one... but it's kinda silly." He let out a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "Ya know those old insurance adverts with the animated Treecko?"

"Geico?" he asked.

"Yeah!" He nodded, a wide smile on his face, turning to face his starter. "What'cha think, Treecko? Like the name Geico?"

"Treecko!" He jumped up and landed on his should, giving an enthusiastic nod of the head.

"I think that's an obvious yes," Ash smiled, standing up, "and before I go... why are you practising for double battles anyway?"

"It just seemed fitting." He shrugged. "I mean, your next gym battle is in Mossdeep which is double battles only and May's next contest is also doubles."

Receiving a nod from the older trainer, he saw him walk over to his sister. Turning back around he set up his two Pokémon once against Vigoroth. This time, however, they had a small rain cloud cover their makeshift battlefield. With Ozone in her water form.

Ash approached the other half of the campsite. Taking in the sight of the Pokémon training.

Combusken was locked in a close quarters fight with Zangoose, despite the type advantage, it was clear the normal type was leading the dance. Avoiding each blow whilst delivering weakened strikes of his own. Absol was off with Mightyena, seeming to teach the fellow pure dark type how to use iron tail from the way their tails shimmered under the bright sun. Mawile was watching the performance of Kirlia and Meditite, seeming to practice her own dance routine. Skitty was locked in a battle or race against, but the normal type seemed to be having trouble hitting the airborne bug poison type. Lileep was working with Cacnea but instead of battling or performing, the cactus Pokémon was teaching Lileep how to use energy ball.

He noticed May off to the side with Spoink, with the psychic type trying to form a shadow ball in front of his face. He didn't seem to have an issue creating the projectile but when launching it, he'd get thrown off and it would fire off into the air.

"Having trouble?" he asked.

"Nothing we try can get his accuracy on point." She sighed. "I don't know what we're supposed to-"

"Well consider what might be throwing him off?" he asked, "what's different between Spoink and say... Duskull or Combusken?"

"I dunno." She shrugged. "He's psychic type?"

"I meant more physically not biologically," he replied, sitting down beside them, "Spoink is constantly bouncing. Duskull is airborne and free floating, he's use to it so launching projectiles aren't a big deal for him. Likewise, Combusken can tighten his stance to prevent blow back."

"What're you saying?" she asked.

"All his moves are either head on or widespread, like confusion. Which doesn't require specific aiming like Shadow Ball," he replied, "and since he's constantly in motion, he couldn't stand his ground like someone on the ground, and he doesn't have the experience of handling blow back like an airborne Pokémon."

"So, what should we do?" she asked.

"I would say time the launch between taking off and reaching the apex." He suggested. "That'll give him the most time to adjust before landing whilst doing it on the floor without proper support would just throw him back."

"Thanks Ash." She offered a small smile. Turning towards her pure psychic type. "So Spoink, what'cha say to giving it another go?"

He gave an enthusiastic nod and formed another shadow ball. Turning to face the tree, he seemed to wait until use to his rhythm of bouncing. Launching it just as he left the ground, it flew forward, narrowly missing the trunk. Flying backwards, he ended up panic bouncing at weird angles, almost falling over.

"See, he's already getting better." He encouraged. "Just a little more training and he'll have it down. It'll also help when he learns more projectiles."

"Thank you." She nodded. "And... I'm sorry. I know what I did in leaving for Fortree was-"

"May... Leaving wasn't what was wrong." He cut her off. "Sometimes any of us might need to leave for whatever reason. When I found out about Drake, I was ready to catch the next flight to Unova and leave myself. It was the way you spoke about Feebas."

"But it was a slip of the tongue," she replied.

"Then why are you still trying to make amends?" he asked, "you apologised so that should be the end of it."

"So why do I still feel guilty?" she asked.

"You don't apologise to make yourself feel better," he replied, "and if you meant it, then you change your behaviour, so it won't happen again. Maybe that's why you haven't let it go yet."

"When did you get so wise about this?" she asked.

"Last year... when we we're travelling through Johto... I said something I shouldn't have." He took a seat on the ground. "I made someone angry and... It set them down a bad path... I won't get into specifics but that's how I came to this understanding."

"I'm sorry," she sighed.

Ash offered her a smile. Standing back up, he left the training ground as both May and Spoink resumed their battle. Without realising it, he noticed himself walking towards the tent when he heard his girlfriend's voice in his head, "can you come over here please Ash."

Having an idea of what this was about, he quickened his pace to the destination. His heart thumped against his chest even harder as he crouched by the entrance, seeing it zipped shut. Announcing his presence, he saw a shadow move and open the door to reveal Brock. He gave a small nod and stepped out, allowing him room in the tent. Making his way in, he held his breath in anticipation.

Lying on a picnic blanket was Sylveon with her feelers wrapped around two eggs. Each had rotating yellow and brown marks which were shaped almost like lightning bolts, lines of black between them. With Pikachu between the two arrivals and Chimecho floating above her.

"I guess it's... yeah," he muttered, not sure what else he could say.

"I guess this would be a good time to introduce you to the new additions to our little family," Serena smiled.

"Should I get Aerodactyl ready for a flight to Lilycove?" he asked.

"No." She shook her head. Reaching out to scratch Sylveon on her head. "Thanks to Brock's studying and Chimecho's experience, the delivery went perfectly and she's fine. Chimecho also did a psychic scan for the eggs and all three of them are fine. We'll get Nurse Joy to give a check-up once we reach Lilycove but for now she just needs rest."

"All three?" he asked.

"Yep." She nodded, "one of the eggs has twins. The other is just one. So, we'll be in for three little ones when they hatch."

She leaned into him and wrapped her arms around his back. Resting her head on his chest, he couldn't help but smile down, placing a small kiss on her forehead whilst his own arm wrapped around her, holding her close. His eyes glistened as he glanced over the parents-to-be and the two eggs.

"Oh, and they've decided something else," she added, "do you guys wanna tell him or should I?"

"I will," Pikachu sighed, stepping away from his eggs, "we're taking them back to the lab. It'll be a while before they hatch, and we want to make sure they're safe... stable... until they do. We love travelling with you but it's no-place to raise an egg."

Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes, putting his face into Serena's hair with her scent lightly soothing the blow. With a swallow, he discovered a lump in his throat. He guessed this would be the case but hearing them say it is something else entirely. Making it seem more real.

"We also want to have them hatch with you guys," Sylveon added, "so once they start showing signs of hatching... we'll return. We meant what we said about you being as much of their family as we are. It's only right that they meet you soon after hatching."

"After they meet ole papa chu," his starter interjected, "of course."

"We've also got them until Lilycove," Serena explained, "our Pokédex's can send them back but not the eggs. So, we'll need a proper transporter to send them back instead.

"And I'm not giving up on battling either," Pikachu added, "when you need me for the league, and you will need me, I'll be there."

"What about the eighth gym?" he asked, giving his starter a smirk, "I did say you'd get the chance to battle in that one."

"I'm sure I can survive without him for that one day," Sylveon smiled, "and given the league will be in one location, I don't see why we couldn't join you for that time... same with the master class. We just don't want the dangers of the road being exposed to them straight away."

Nodding in understanding, he couldn't stop the smile spreading over his lips. Seeing the eggs in person reminds him of his days raising Togetic's egg or Donphan's. While he knows Serena raised her Larvitar from hatching, he couldn't help but feel like missing out on the egg process is a massive part of the experience. It almost makes him jealous that May's getting to experience it for the first time right now with her own egg.

"I think we should leave them be to rest," Serena muttered.

Agreeing with her, he released his grip on her and slowly made his way out of the tent with Serena and Chimecho joining them. Standing up once out, he noticed Brock nearby, with his pure psychic type floating over and hovering just over his shoulder.

"Thank you, Brock." He smiled. "This is... life changing."

"I should thank you for letting me experience it," he replied, "getting to witness eggs first coming into the world has doubled my drive to become a Pokémon doctor. It's truly unlike anything I could've ever imagined."

The duo shared a strong handshake before Brock took his leave. Taking a deep breath, he felt a soft hand intertwined with his and he turned to see Serena, the warm sun bouncing off her fair complexion. It might be a side effect of what they just experienced but... everything seems to have a new beauty to it and she's no exception. Pulling her around, he quickly pulled her into a hug and spun on the spot. Her joyous giggle echoing in his ear.

With the spin finishing, he pressed his lips against hers and felt her push back. The familiar tingle of electricity shot through his veins as he tightened his grip, moving his lips in sync with her own. Slowly, they pulled back but rested their foreheads against each other.

"As much as I would love to keep doing this," she whispered.

"Why can't we?" he asked with a slight chuckle, steeling another quick peck.

"Because we still have other things to do-" She paused as he stole another kiss. "-wanna get Seviper?"

"What for?" He pulled back, quirking an eyebrow up at her request. She used the opportunity to steal kiss of her own.

"-because I've been speaking to Zangoose," she replied, taking one more kiss, "and I finally think he's ready to share the truth with her."

Blinking. He released his grip and stepped back. His eyes darted around her face, but he only saw a stoic strong look in her eyes which revealed he hadn't misheard her. Almost tripping over his own feet as he walked backwards, he couldn't stop the smile from spreading over his lips as he scanned the campsite.

Doubling down over to his pure poison type, he stumbled over as he set down on a seismic shaking. Stumbling forward, he landed on his hands and knees in front of her and Aerodactyl, his head hanging just over the grassy ground.

"I believe that shows she's getting the hang of it," Aerodactyl nodded, "so what's your rush, Ashton? Do we need to fly to Lilycove?"

"What erm no-" He shook his head, standing back up. "Both of the eggs are here and our save and healthy. Sorry Aerodactyl but it seems we won't be needing your help flying over to a Pokémon centre."

"I prefer you waste my time with a thousand what ifs than miss the one time you do need my assistance," he replied, "I am here to serve you as a chosen, in whatever role you deem necessary."

"Well right now I need to borrow Seviper," he replied, glancing down to the fang snake Pokémon.

"Very well," she hissed.

Offering a small smile to the pure poison type, he led her over to Serena. She stood in a way to cover the normal type until they got close enough. Once he was in view, she hissed and narrowed her eyes. Her tail swaying side to side behind her.

"Seviper." He spoke up. "We just want you to listen."

"He killed my parents," she hissed, "slaughter my mother and father-"

"No, I didn't." He shook his head. "I... am your father."

She lunged forward and snapped her fangs down on his arm which raised up in a defensive manner. Her tail swung to the side and knocked him flying.

Spinning in the air, he landed on all fours. His claws scrapped the ground, coming to a stop.

"I'm not going to attack you," he muttered, "because you are my daughter."

"You're lying," she roared, shooting out a thick purple liquid.

He jumped to the side and stood beside Serena. Moving in front of his fang snake Pokémon, he kneeled in front of her, blocking her view.

"Calm down... deep breaths," he explained, "I promise... this is something you need to hear."

"I've already heard it. My pact told how he slaughter my parents," she growled, "I remember seeing him with my mother... my own eyes."

"They lied to you," Zangoose stepped forward.

"And why would they do that?!" She spat. "If I was your daughter, they would've killed me!"

"Because they already killed my true love... your mother," he sighed, sitting down, "the only thing more painful that they could do was turn my own flesh and blood against me. You need to understand that our sixth sense for knowing the other species is nearby isn't meant to draw us apart. It's something passed down through our bloodlines as a warning because other predators could be stalking our food source."

"Do you really think I'm going to believe anything you say?!" she yelled.

He slumped down onto the ground with his head looking at the grass. His claw lightly circled the ground. Serena sitting down next to him, and he followed suit, so they were in a sort of square position. He locked eyes with his girlfriend, and she gave a small nod.

"Then don't listen to what he has to say," she opted, "let me show you. With my psychic powers, I can guide our minds through his to see what he experienced on the night you hatched. At least see what he saw, and you can make up your own judgements."

"Fine..." she hissed.

Seviper's vision turned black, and a strike of lightening echoed around them. She looked around to find them back in the forest where she once grew up. She wasn't alone either, the four of them were still sat in the same formation. Despite the rain hammering around them, she didn't feel anything different.

Looking around, a more full image of Zangoose came into view. A hollowed-out tree stood over them. Her mother, she'd reconsign her anywhere, was pushing her head up under his chin as his claw ran down her scaley body. Both had closed eyes until a new strike of lightening echoed around them. Both of their eyes opened at the sound, and they looked around until focusing down into the tree. Turning her own attention there, she found an egg lying on the ground.

The egg was mainly black with purple and red marks over. A white spot-on top of the egg tainted the Seviper colour pattern.

Turning back to the fuller image of Zangoose, she noticed a smile over his lips... but not one of a hunter, about to snatch their prey. She couldn't quite place the sort of expression. Although it didn't really matter as the normal type reach down, picking the egg up in his arms.

They mumbled some stuff and he sat down in the tree, cradling her the egg as her mother slivered away. An empty pit at the bottom of her stomach puddled in her body at the sight. Raw tears leaked out of her eyes as she shot her eyes over to the semi-transparent normal type. Her bottom lip trembled, and nose twitched but a piecing cry ripped him away. Turning back to the outside, a thud of thunder shook the ground. Shaking his head, he put the egg down.

Another cry followed, one Seviper could reconsign. One from her prey which were about to perish. It would normally energise her but not this time.

Zangoose gave the egg one last look, hesitating a step backwards. Spinning on a heel, he dropped onto all fours and leaped out into the storm. Running off into the forest in the direction of cries but Seviper couldn't help but keep her attention on the egg until the scene changed, forcing her to look away.

Pouncing at his top speed, he ended up soaked through to the bone. Splashes bounced under him with each pounce. A third cry caused him to turn direction.

Coming to a halt behind a bush, he stared out over the grassy field. Staring out, he found a nest of Seviper, gathered in a circle. They were taking it in turns, whacking their prey with either their tails or fangs. She narrowed her eyes at the sight of her former pack... attacking her mother. Performing the gruesome act which they accused the normal type off. With blood splattering everywhere, washing away in the rain.

A lump formed in her throat at the sight. Her mother was lying on her side, being attacked on all fronts. Despite trying to fight back, she couldn't due to the sheer number of adversaries. She felt her tail twitch, wanting to take it all out on everyone who was present for the public slaughter.

Leaping out of the bush, Zangoose reared one paw back. His claws glew white and he smashed down onto one Seviper. Slashing down on the head another.

Spinning on a heel, he second set of claws whacking away an incoming dagger tail. Her mother lying unconscious between his legs.

Smashing his two claws together, a red outline surrounded him as a tail sliced down his back. Turning to face the attack. His paw caught the oncoming head with a mighty pull, smashing them down into the dirt. A tail came down right over his eye, blood spattered on the ground. Giving him the mark over his eye which she was previously told was given by her mother during her execution.

Tears mixed with blood dripped down with the rain onto her mother. Her own tears leaking down her own cheeks. He picked her up and hurled her over his shoulder. Bolting off at his top speed, he disappeared into the woods.

She squeezed her own eyes shut and attempted to swallow but a lump in her throat prevented it. She felt a hand touch the back of her head and she glanced to see her trainer reaching out, but she shook her head, jerking away. Turning to take in the sight of the next scene.

Her eyes widened as she remembered her ever-present nightmare. She stood at the base of the forest, watching the normal type carry her mother into the cliff side before burying her within the rocks, leaving a series of slashes on the rocky wall.

...

She shook her head squeezed her eyes shut. Blinking them open, she found herself back in the sunny present with all four of them looking at her. While the humans were with the normal type who sat with his head down. Tear tracks staining his own cheeks.

Part of her wanted to lash out, slice him limb from limb for letting that happen to her. If he hadn't... unable to properly process what she saw, she turned to her trainer. Swiping her tail at his belt, she knocked her Pokéball off, throwing herself into the device.

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