And this is where the nice PG rating I had planned starts to go down in fiery glory. Yay! Hybrids! My ideas, my hybrids, you steal, you brun.
Chapter
Six
In which there is romance, sorrow, morals, and an answer.
The icy cold seawater was blacker than the mood surrounding Aliet. She had cried some, but her tears had dried quickly into vapor in the cool air. Ash was asleep, his head in her lap, as was Charmander. She had not stopped praying to Eatusur for her poke'mon's safety since Lapras had started off on her journey home. Aliet had never been a good judge of time by the moon's movement, but when the water type finally spoke to her, she guessed it had been a few hours since they departed the Fuchsia region.
Lapras craned her neck around to look at Aliet. Her tone was one of gentle teasing.
"I don't know," Aliet felt tears of fear begin to run down her cheeks. "I just hope..."
Lapras wailed. She began a low, reassuring hum. I meant you no trauma! I was merely joking!
"It wasn't you Lapras," the fire trainer consoled. The last thing she needed was a hysterical water type. "I'm just worried that by the time my idiot Charizard gets home, it'll be too late."
the big water type nuzzled her. I cannot imagine your fear, or your pain. But, please, keep faith in your god. I sense that you are a very religious and faithful girl. I doubt one of the Poke'Gods would deny the wishes of one such as yourself.
Aliet had to smile at this statement of the truth. She didn't know why, but she had never felt doubt in Eatusur. "Thank you Lapras. I needed that."
They sailed on in silence for hours. No one spoke; they didn't need to. The moon danced smoothly across the skies, looking more like some smile in space than a chunk of rock. Somewhere off in the distance, a Gyarados gave its long, eerie cry, serpentine shape silhouetted against the stars. A group of Seaking, probably on their way inland to lay eggs, appeared near Lapras, flapping their mouths at her before diving back down into the depths.
Eventually, the darker shape of land drew into sight. As they neared, blobs of yellow showed a town on the land before them. Pallet. Aliet sighed with relief, some of the tenseness leaving her erect shoulders. The closer she was to home, the closer she was to Charmeleon. Lapras couldn't have pulled into the dock fast enough for her. "Thank you," she breathed, returning the poke'mon to her ball.
She spun on her heel, about to dash up the path to Oak's, carrying Ash all the way if necessary... and collided with Mrs. Ketchum. A rather angry Mrs. Ketchum. "Finally!" she snapped at the girl. "Oh my word! What happened to my baby?" She took Ash from her, holding him as one would a toddler.
"He got a little scared during the ceremony," Aliet choked out. She wasn't in any emotional mood for an interrogation.
Fortunately, Mrs. Ketchum picked that up in her voice. "Go on to your Chars then, 'Et," she ran a hand through Aliet's bangs, brushing them out of her face. "Charizard blew in a few hours ago. The poor thing was exhausted out of his mind."
Aliet needed no further encouragement. She scooped up Charmander and practically flew up the path to Oak's. The elderly man was standing in the doorway, waiting for her, concern written across his smooth face. Dark circles were under his eyes, although it wasn't that late. "Come in, Aliet," he said gravely.
"What was wrong?" Aliet gasped as she was ushered inside. "She's still alive?"
Oak nodded to the last statement. "Your Charizard got here just in time," he continued in the same soft, grave voice. "She was still alive, but barely." They rounded a corner into the room Oak used to care for sick poke'mon. He was a professor of many things, not all of them obvious. There were beds lined up against each wall, machines and instruments neatly stored on the far wall. No windows allowed pale starlight to dance through; every curtain was pulled tightly closed to prevent disruption. Aliet's team was gathered around the nearest bed, murmuring despondently to each other. When they saw Aliet, they parted, allowing her to see her Charmeleon for herself.
The young fire type was unconscious. Her skin was a pale pinkish color with a bluish tone underneath, although the foam had been cleaned off her mouth. She was hooked up to a respirator, heartbeat monitor and an IV that dripped something that resembled a brand of Antidote into her arm. The flame of her tail, usually a healthy, tall plume, was now about the size of a match's flame. Aliet approached the bed on shaky legs, collapsing to her knees eventually. She laid her head beside her poke'mon, feeling more tears of fear and desperation bubble up and spill over onto the white sheets. "I found a toxic substance in her blood," Oak continued, trying to explain everything in hopes of calming her down. "It was unlike any organic poison I have seen, nor was it chemical. I was hoping you might clarify this up."
Aliet's eyes flicked open, meeting Scyther's. The bug nodded at her. "Waterstone," she murmured. "There's no way it could have been anything but..." She paused, shivering suddenly. "but that."
Charizard looked up at her suddenly. His eyes clouded with anger; anger visible in both his eyes and in every movement of his body. -That kid!- he growled, tone dangerous. -The Jha'ik asermiok!-
His Trainer stared at him, alarmed. She had rarely heard him speak in the human tongue of Fslami, albeit its alteration to his native way of speaking. "How long before she wakes up?" she asked, switching the topic to a more comfortable one.
"She'll remain unconscious until I can find a more suitable antidote. If I don't come up with the solution in time..."
Fear gripped the girl's heart. "You mean this one isn't working?"
There was a sigh from behind her. "This one is working good enough," the elderly man said. "It's designed for Arbok and Nido type poisons, so it's pretty potent." He thrust a tea mug into her hand and pushed a chair up to her. "Try and get some sleep, 'Et. I'll be upstairs if you need anything. Do you want me to leave the lights on down here?"
"No, it's okay. I have the fire types..." she mumbled, wrapping up in her cloak. "Thank you."
He turned and left, shaking his gray head worriedly, flicking the lights off as he passed the switch. Aliet laid her head back down on the bed, eyes to dry to cry anymore. She felt someone playing with her hair, trying to get the complicated braid out. "You don't have to bother Scy."
-It keeps me busy,- the big grunted coolly.
Charmander purred softly, curling up in her lap to sleep. Ivysaur was snoring beside her while Growlithe had jumped in the bed. She, Charizard and Scyther were the only ones awake. Her first sank to his knees, laying his neck across the bed, crooning mournfully to his sister. She reached out, scratching him behind his headknobs. Scyther set her blades gently on her shoulders, sighing herself. The three all watched over Charmeleon in silence, sleep never claiming them all night long.
Fire licked the trunk of the old pine tree. It raced up the withered bark, turning it black and burnt. The branches fell next to the torrent of flames; dancing and writhing in it like a grass blade in a match. Its needles turned to soot, falling to the ground, changing the already scorched grass to black. The fire caught on its own now, racing up the tree to devour it whole. One could almost hear the death-scream of the plant as it died.
Not even venting the fire boiling in his throat helped ease the frustration and fear.
The fear was even worse than the frustration. The horrible, nagging emotion that could drive you insane if you did nothing to put it to rest. That feeling of doubt, of horror lurking just around the corner. Worst of all, with the fear always came that terrible feeling of not knowing. The frustration could easily be dealt with, but the fear was always there, harassing, lurking, waiting for the moment to take you when you weren't looking. Maybe that was why the Fslam repressed it so.
Charizard sat on his tail heavily. He pushed the fire back down with a long, painful swallow. It almost burned the sensitive skin, but fire types were immune to their own flames. Right now, though, he wished it would rise up and devour him, like his flame had done to the tree. The big fire type gazed up sullenly towards the sun. Everything about him radiated an inner pain and fear. His wings drooped, as did his neck and tail. His eye was dull, looking more gray than the normal deep blue. When he moved, his steps were slow and shuffling. He rarely flew anymore; he just sat, staring into space, or burning things when the mood struck him.
With a moan, he ran his hands over his head, raking his claws across the skin. The slight twinges of pain as he cut himself were almost welcome. It had been a week... an ungodly awful week... Charmeleon had been unconscious for a full one hundred and sixty-eight hours now, and it looked as if she would never awaken. Oak had been in his lab, desperately trying to come up with some antidote to counteract the deadly Waterstone. After hearing about the entire Council's misfortune, the professor had called the Nurse Joy in Fuchsia, giving her any information and promising to share the knowledge of any cure he found. Aliet had been immobile from her poke'mons' side, only sleeping when she grew too tired even to breathe. Her little brother had been called to care for the younger members of her team, Scyther being too irritable and snappish for anyone but Aliet or Charizard to go near. And him...? He kept to himself, burning whatever wouldn't cause a forest fire or burn a house down.
A sudden, fit of anger gripped him. He shot to his feet, roaring to the sky and anything else in earshot. Another tree burst into flame, almost disintegrating in the extreme heat. The fire kept pouring out, like the tears a fire type had no power to shed. The fire danced with yellows, reds, and oranges, showing the mixed emotions of its maker. Finally, flame exhausted, he sank to his knees, feeling an overwhelming urge to faint from the exertion of too much fire too quickly. He cursed shakily, closing his eyes. -Oh gods...- he whispered. -Why wasn't I there to see her?-
He couldn't describe the new emotions coming over him. Anger was there, but it was overshadowed by fear and... regret? His sister and Aliet were the only family he'd ever really had. And they weren't even really related to him. Aliet had raised him, and was thus his mother, and Charmeleon was his adopted sister, as Charmander was his adopted brother. Ivysaur, Growlithe... and Scyther had never seemed to be his relatives, which, considering his feelings for the bug, was probably a good thing.
Someone tapped his shoulder. His long neck swiveled around, eyeing the source of the tap. To his utter amazement, Scyther stood there, gazing inquisitively at him, her elegant head cocked to the side. -Are you okay?- she crooned softly.
Her silky voice caused him to swallow heavily a few times before answering. -No, I'm a nervous wreck,- he moaned.
Scyther sat down next to him. She even allowed him to lay his head on her slim shoulder. -It's okay,- she murmured. -I'm sure everything will turn out better soon.- The bug allowed herself a light chuckle. -How long can anyone stay asleep anyway?-
It must have been his imagination, but Charizard could have sworn she'd moved closer to him. He forced himself to swallow again. Why now? he thought. Why not when I can actually appreciate this? To her, he said, -I'm not sure. You can an awful long time.-
She laughed again, this time really leaning into him. Suddenly, he wanted her then even more than ever. Maybe it was the warring emotions in his brain, or maybe it was the turmoil of the past week. He stood suddenly, pulling her up with him. Neither one of the two had spent many years in the wild, thus ensuring that their natural instincts were suppressed by years of human influence. Take her here; take her now! She is yours, you are hers! His instincts screamed. He ignored them, holding her tighter against him. To his surprise, she responded to the tight embrace. You have her! Take her! The effects of humanity overrode the instincts of both and they kissed, long and passionately. It was an odd, yet pleasurable feeling. Their fangs nearly locked, resulting in an embarrassing situation, but unlocked instantly. The fangs were the worst part, sometimes cutting their owner's new love. They learned to ignore it after a minute had passed.
Finally, she released him. They stood, staring at each other. -I never thought you liked anyone, Scy,- he teased gently. -And certainly not that much.-
-Why you...- she trailed off, almost angry. -I'll show you how much I can care about someone,- the bug snapped, taking a step towards him. With a quick thrust of her legs, the agile warrior was upon him, tackling the big fire type to the ground. She lay on top of him for a few seconds, suddenly unsure of herself. Still pondering, she kissed him again. A bit nervous himself, he returned the gesture.
The two were saved from having to go through with anything by Growlithe's arrival. -What?- he barked. -What what what?-
-Gods!- Scyther swore under her breath, leaping up. -I tripped and he caught me,- she flushed. Bugs were never good liars.
-Oh,- the puppy cocked his head to the side. -Have message.-
-From who?- Charizard picked himself up.
-From 'Et.-
-Well what is it!?- Scyther snapped. She was irritable after being interrupted.
-You go talk her,- Growlithe barked, running in circles. -Want all to come.-
Charizard sighed, falling into step beside Scyther and the pup. He hated when his Trainer called him back to the lab. It wasn't Aliet he dreaded seeing; it was Charmeleon. As if sensing his dark mood, Scyther slid closer to him. She laid her head against him, trying to be of comfort. Her assistance was greatly appreciated, although he couldn't figure out how she wanted him to express it.
-Gods, 'Et... My head hurts...-
"You'll be okay now."
-What happened to me? All I remember is laughin at Magmar...-
"Someone poisoned you. And everyone else."
-My bro!?-
"No, no. Just everyone who was there."
-Oh... they doing okay?-
Aliet scratched her poke'mon's headcrest fondly. She wasn't quite sure what Oak had done yet, as she hadn't seen him today, but when she'd woken up, so had Charmeleon. The fire type looked worlds better. Her flame was burning normally now, and her skin was a healthy red once more. She looked once again ready to challenge who ever came before her and fight to the death. But according to the poke'mon, there was no way she felt ready. "I'm not sure," the fire Master responded. "I haven't heard from them for a while. Last I heard, the poke'mon were moved to the Cinnabar Center and the Council has a suspect."
-Who?-
"That Jha'ik kid we admitted. The Council's holding him in Cinnabar."
Her face turned redder than usual. -Why'd you even let him join in the first place?- the fire type demanded. -He's a Jha'ik! They never change!-
Aliet frowned. "We, the Fslam, are not the Psi," she lectured. "If the Council believes someone can change their race as well as their beliefs, then they are allowed to become one of us. This is how things have always been done."
-And look what's happened.- Charmeleon scowled up at her. -Look, 'Et, I don't like this anymore than you do, but, what if the Council was/is wrong about this stuff? Humans don't change just because their race does, and this proves it.-
She was about to reply when Growlithe bounded into the room, followed closely by Scyther and Charizard... who were practically arm-in-arm. Aliet raised her eyebrows in questioning, but said nothing. The two cried out in delight upon seeing Charmeleon awake again. Charizard roared happily, nuzzling his sister. She giggled, pushing him away in embarrassment. Scyther waved to her, half-smiling.
"Ah, so they've discovered her then," Oak's voice drifted into the room. The elderly man strode in, marking things on a clipboard. "The infusion worked exactly as I'd hoped?"
Aliet stood. She was dying to ask him what it was, but questioning would come later, as would her two eldest's interrogation. "Thank you for everything Oak," she said.
"Oh it was nothing," he smiled. "Just glad to get some new research on poisons in. Did you know that every element stone is toxic to its opposing type?"
"No I didn't."
The old man was as lively now as Blaine was during an evolution. The poke'mon settled down for a session, crouching down, leaning casually against the walls, or leaping on Aliet. "Grass types are poisoned with Firestone, while Leafstones do nothing to fire types, although they poison water types. Electric types are not affected by anything, seeing as there are no rock/ground types that evolve with a stone, although Thunderstones improve their health greatly," Oak rambled.
"So, what you're saying is that a type is poisoned by their weakness stone, while their type stone cures them?" Aliet tried to make sense of it all.
Oak beamed. "You've got it!"
-So he just fed me Firestone?- Charmeleon sounded incredulous. -How come nobody thought of that before?-
-Humans,- Charizard rolled is eyes by way of explanation.
"Nurse Joy down in Cinnabar knows now," Oak continued. "She's put into Celadon for some stones, and they're on their way there."
"Everyone's gonna be all right?" Aliet practically screeched. She grabbed Charizard up, pulling him to a standing position and danced around him, almost falling down with her joy.
Oak was forced to laugh at the teen's antics. "Of course. Although, Blaine called earlier, requesting your presence with the Council."
"I'm off then," she bent over, kissed Charmeleon and grabbed her cloak. "See ya babe. I'll come home as soon as Blaine lets me."
-'Kay,- the fire type mumbled, closing her eyes again.
-Feelin okay?- Charizard asked her on his way out.
-Yep... just sleepy I guess.- She rolled over, eyeing her brother and Scyther. -I don't want to be Auntie Meleon yet you two,- she snapped. -Just watch it.-
They nodded absently, jogging after Aliet. "Tell Mrs. Ketchum where I went, okay Oak?" the fire master called. "I'm taking Charizard and Scy with me too."
"All righty," he muttered. "Be careful, 'Et! And don't worry about Charmeleon. She'll be fine!"
But, for the first time in weeks, fear for Charmeleon was the furthest thing from Aliet's mind as she dashed through the house/lab to Cinnabar Island.
Chapter
Six
In which there is romance, sorrow, morals, and an answer.
The icy cold seawater was blacker than the mood surrounding Aliet. She had cried some, but her tears had dried quickly into vapor in the cool air. Ash was asleep, his head in her lap, as was Charmander. She had not stopped praying to Eatusur for her poke'mon's safety since Lapras had started off on her journey home. Aliet had never been a good judge of time by the moon's movement, but when the water type finally spoke to her, she guessed it had been a few hours since they departed the Fuchsia region.
Lapras craned her neck around to look at Aliet. Her tone was one of gentle teasing.
"I don't know," Aliet felt tears of fear begin to run down her cheeks. "I just hope..."
Lapras wailed. She began a low, reassuring hum. I meant you no trauma! I was merely joking!
"It wasn't you Lapras," the fire trainer consoled. The last thing she needed was a hysterical water type. "I'm just worried that by the time my idiot Charizard gets home, it'll be too late."
the big water type nuzzled her. I cannot imagine your fear, or your pain. But, please, keep faith in your god. I sense that you are a very religious and faithful girl. I doubt one of the Poke'Gods would deny the wishes of one such as yourself.
Aliet had to smile at this statement of the truth. She didn't know why, but she had never felt doubt in Eatusur. "Thank you Lapras. I needed that."
They sailed on in silence for hours. No one spoke; they didn't need to. The moon danced smoothly across the skies, looking more like some smile in space than a chunk of rock. Somewhere off in the distance, a Gyarados gave its long, eerie cry, serpentine shape silhouetted against the stars. A group of Seaking, probably on their way inland to lay eggs, appeared near Lapras, flapping their mouths at her before diving back down into the depths.
Eventually, the darker shape of land drew into sight. As they neared, blobs of yellow showed a town on the land before them. Pallet. Aliet sighed with relief, some of the tenseness leaving her erect shoulders. The closer she was to home, the closer she was to Charmeleon. Lapras couldn't have pulled into the dock fast enough for her. "Thank you," she breathed, returning the poke'mon to her ball.
She spun on her heel, about to dash up the path to Oak's, carrying Ash all the way if necessary... and collided with Mrs. Ketchum. A rather angry Mrs. Ketchum. "Finally!" she snapped at the girl. "Oh my word! What happened to my baby?" She took Ash from her, holding him as one would a toddler.
"He got a little scared during the ceremony," Aliet choked out. She wasn't in any emotional mood for an interrogation.
Fortunately, Mrs. Ketchum picked that up in her voice. "Go on to your Chars then, 'Et," she ran a hand through Aliet's bangs, brushing them out of her face. "Charizard blew in a few hours ago. The poor thing was exhausted out of his mind."
Aliet needed no further encouragement. She scooped up Charmander and practically flew up the path to Oak's. The elderly man was standing in the doorway, waiting for her, concern written across his smooth face. Dark circles were under his eyes, although it wasn't that late. "Come in, Aliet," he said gravely.
"What was wrong?" Aliet gasped as she was ushered inside. "She's still alive?"
Oak nodded to the last statement. "Your Charizard got here just in time," he continued in the same soft, grave voice. "She was still alive, but barely." They rounded a corner into the room Oak used to care for sick poke'mon. He was a professor of many things, not all of them obvious. There were beds lined up against each wall, machines and instruments neatly stored on the far wall. No windows allowed pale starlight to dance through; every curtain was pulled tightly closed to prevent disruption. Aliet's team was gathered around the nearest bed, murmuring despondently to each other. When they saw Aliet, they parted, allowing her to see her Charmeleon for herself.
The young fire type was unconscious. Her skin was a pale pinkish color with a bluish tone underneath, although the foam had been cleaned off her mouth. She was hooked up to a respirator, heartbeat monitor and an IV that dripped something that resembled a brand of Antidote into her arm. The flame of her tail, usually a healthy, tall plume, was now about the size of a match's flame. Aliet approached the bed on shaky legs, collapsing to her knees eventually. She laid her head beside her poke'mon, feeling more tears of fear and desperation bubble up and spill over onto the white sheets. "I found a toxic substance in her blood," Oak continued, trying to explain everything in hopes of calming her down. "It was unlike any organic poison I have seen, nor was it chemical. I was hoping you might clarify this up."
Aliet's eyes flicked open, meeting Scyther's. The bug nodded at her. "Waterstone," she murmured. "There's no way it could have been anything but..." She paused, shivering suddenly. "but that."
Charizard looked up at her suddenly. His eyes clouded with anger; anger visible in both his eyes and in every movement of his body. -That kid!- he growled, tone dangerous. -The Jha'ik asermiok!-
His Trainer stared at him, alarmed. She had rarely heard him speak in the human tongue of Fslami, albeit its alteration to his native way of speaking. "How long before she wakes up?" she asked, switching the topic to a more comfortable one.
"She'll remain unconscious until I can find a more suitable antidote. If I don't come up with the solution in time..."
Fear gripped the girl's heart. "You mean this one isn't working?"
There was a sigh from behind her. "This one is working good enough," the elderly man said. "It's designed for Arbok and Nido type poisons, so it's pretty potent." He thrust a tea mug into her hand and pushed a chair up to her. "Try and get some sleep, 'Et. I'll be upstairs if you need anything. Do you want me to leave the lights on down here?"
"No, it's okay. I have the fire types..." she mumbled, wrapping up in her cloak. "Thank you."
He turned and left, shaking his gray head worriedly, flicking the lights off as he passed the switch. Aliet laid her head back down on the bed, eyes to dry to cry anymore. She felt someone playing with her hair, trying to get the complicated braid out. "You don't have to bother Scy."
-It keeps me busy,- the big grunted coolly.
Charmander purred softly, curling up in her lap to sleep. Ivysaur was snoring beside her while Growlithe had jumped in the bed. She, Charizard and Scyther were the only ones awake. Her first sank to his knees, laying his neck across the bed, crooning mournfully to his sister. She reached out, scratching him behind his headknobs. Scyther set her blades gently on her shoulders, sighing herself. The three all watched over Charmeleon in silence, sleep never claiming them all night long.
Fire licked the trunk of the old pine tree. It raced up the withered bark, turning it black and burnt. The branches fell next to the torrent of flames; dancing and writhing in it like a grass blade in a match. Its needles turned to soot, falling to the ground, changing the already scorched grass to black. The fire caught on its own now, racing up the tree to devour it whole. One could almost hear the death-scream of the plant as it died.
Not even venting the fire boiling in his throat helped ease the frustration and fear.
The fear was even worse than the frustration. The horrible, nagging emotion that could drive you insane if you did nothing to put it to rest. That feeling of doubt, of horror lurking just around the corner. Worst of all, with the fear always came that terrible feeling of not knowing. The frustration could easily be dealt with, but the fear was always there, harassing, lurking, waiting for the moment to take you when you weren't looking. Maybe that was why the Fslam repressed it so.
Charizard sat on his tail heavily. He pushed the fire back down with a long, painful swallow. It almost burned the sensitive skin, but fire types were immune to their own flames. Right now, though, he wished it would rise up and devour him, like his flame had done to the tree. The big fire type gazed up sullenly towards the sun. Everything about him radiated an inner pain and fear. His wings drooped, as did his neck and tail. His eye was dull, looking more gray than the normal deep blue. When he moved, his steps were slow and shuffling. He rarely flew anymore; he just sat, staring into space, or burning things when the mood struck him.
With a moan, he ran his hands over his head, raking his claws across the skin. The slight twinges of pain as he cut himself were almost welcome. It had been a week... an ungodly awful week... Charmeleon had been unconscious for a full one hundred and sixty-eight hours now, and it looked as if she would never awaken. Oak had been in his lab, desperately trying to come up with some antidote to counteract the deadly Waterstone. After hearing about the entire Council's misfortune, the professor had called the Nurse Joy in Fuchsia, giving her any information and promising to share the knowledge of any cure he found. Aliet had been immobile from her poke'mons' side, only sleeping when she grew too tired even to breathe. Her little brother had been called to care for the younger members of her team, Scyther being too irritable and snappish for anyone but Aliet or Charizard to go near. And him...? He kept to himself, burning whatever wouldn't cause a forest fire or burn a house down.
A sudden, fit of anger gripped him. He shot to his feet, roaring to the sky and anything else in earshot. Another tree burst into flame, almost disintegrating in the extreme heat. The fire kept pouring out, like the tears a fire type had no power to shed. The fire danced with yellows, reds, and oranges, showing the mixed emotions of its maker. Finally, flame exhausted, he sank to his knees, feeling an overwhelming urge to faint from the exertion of too much fire too quickly. He cursed shakily, closing his eyes. -Oh gods...- he whispered. -Why wasn't I there to see her?-
He couldn't describe the new emotions coming over him. Anger was there, but it was overshadowed by fear and... regret? His sister and Aliet were the only family he'd ever really had. And they weren't even really related to him. Aliet had raised him, and was thus his mother, and Charmeleon was his adopted sister, as Charmander was his adopted brother. Ivysaur, Growlithe... and Scyther had never seemed to be his relatives, which, considering his feelings for the bug, was probably a good thing.
Someone tapped his shoulder. His long neck swiveled around, eyeing the source of the tap. To his utter amazement, Scyther stood there, gazing inquisitively at him, her elegant head cocked to the side. -Are you okay?- she crooned softly.
Her silky voice caused him to swallow heavily a few times before answering. -No, I'm a nervous wreck,- he moaned.
Scyther sat down next to him. She even allowed him to lay his head on her slim shoulder. -It's okay,- she murmured. -I'm sure everything will turn out better soon.- The bug allowed herself a light chuckle. -How long can anyone stay asleep anyway?-
It must have been his imagination, but Charizard could have sworn she'd moved closer to him. He forced himself to swallow again. Why now? he thought. Why not when I can actually appreciate this? To her, he said, -I'm not sure. You can an awful long time.-
She laughed again, this time really leaning into him. Suddenly, he wanted her then even more than ever. Maybe it was the warring emotions in his brain, or maybe it was the turmoil of the past week. He stood suddenly, pulling her up with him. Neither one of the two had spent many years in the wild, thus ensuring that their natural instincts were suppressed by years of human influence. Take her here; take her now! She is yours, you are hers! His instincts screamed. He ignored them, holding her tighter against him. To his surprise, she responded to the tight embrace. You have her! Take her! The effects of humanity overrode the instincts of both and they kissed, long and passionately. It was an odd, yet pleasurable feeling. Their fangs nearly locked, resulting in an embarrassing situation, but unlocked instantly. The fangs were the worst part, sometimes cutting their owner's new love. They learned to ignore it after a minute had passed.
Finally, she released him. They stood, staring at each other. -I never thought you liked anyone, Scy,- he teased gently. -And certainly not that much.-
-Why you...- she trailed off, almost angry. -I'll show you how much I can care about someone,- the bug snapped, taking a step towards him. With a quick thrust of her legs, the agile warrior was upon him, tackling the big fire type to the ground. She lay on top of him for a few seconds, suddenly unsure of herself. Still pondering, she kissed him again. A bit nervous himself, he returned the gesture.
The two were saved from having to go through with anything by Growlithe's arrival. -What?- he barked. -What what what?-
-Gods!- Scyther swore under her breath, leaping up. -I tripped and he caught me,- she flushed. Bugs were never good liars.
-Oh,- the puppy cocked his head to the side. -Have message.-
-From who?- Charizard picked himself up.
-From 'Et.-
-Well what is it!?- Scyther snapped. She was irritable after being interrupted.
-You go talk her,- Growlithe barked, running in circles. -Want all to come.-
Charizard sighed, falling into step beside Scyther and the pup. He hated when his Trainer called him back to the lab. It wasn't Aliet he dreaded seeing; it was Charmeleon. As if sensing his dark mood, Scyther slid closer to him. She laid her head against him, trying to be of comfort. Her assistance was greatly appreciated, although he couldn't figure out how she wanted him to express it.
-Gods, 'Et... My head hurts...-
"You'll be okay now."
-What happened to me? All I remember is laughin at Magmar...-
"Someone poisoned you. And everyone else."
-My bro!?-
"No, no. Just everyone who was there."
-Oh... they doing okay?-
Aliet scratched her poke'mon's headcrest fondly. She wasn't quite sure what Oak had done yet, as she hadn't seen him today, but when she'd woken up, so had Charmeleon. The fire type looked worlds better. Her flame was burning normally now, and her skin was a healthy red once more. She looked once again ready to challenge who ever came before her and fight to the death. But according to the poke'mon, there was no way she felt ready. "I'm not sure," the fire Master responded. "I haven't heard from them for a while. Last I heard, the poke'mon were moved to the Cinnabar Center and the Council has a suspect."
-Who?-
"That Jha'ik kid we admitted. The Council's holding him in Cinnabar."
Her face turned redder than usual. -Why'd you even let him join in the first place?- the fire type demanded. -He's a Jha'ik! They never change!-
Aliet frowned. "We, the Fslam, are not the Psi," she lectured. "If the Council believes someone can change their race as well as their beliefs, then they are allowed to become one of us. This is how things have always been done."
-And look what's happened.- Charmeleon scowled up at her. -Look, 'Et, I don't like this anymore than you do, but, what if the Council was/is wrong about this stuff? Humans don't change just because their race does, and this proves it.-
She was about to reply when Growlithe bounded into the room, followed closely by Scyther and Charizard... who were practically arm-in-arm. Aliet raised her eyebrows in questioning, but said nothing. The two cried out in delight upon seeing Charmeleon awake again. Charizard roared happily, nuzzling his sister. She giggled, pushing him away in embarrassment. Scyther waved to her, half-smiling.
"Ah, so they've discovered her then," Oak's voice drifted into the room. The elderly man strode in, marking things on a clipboard. "The infusion worked exactly as I'd hoped?"
Aliet stood. She was dying to ask him what it was, but questioning would come later, as would her two eldest's interrogation. "Thank you for everything Oak," she said.
"Oh it was nothing," he smiled. "Just glad to get some new research on poisons in. Did you know that every element stone is toxic to its opposing type?"
"No I didn't."
The old man was as lively now as Blaine was during an evolution. The poke'mon settled down for a session, crouching down, leaning casually against the walls, or leaping on Aliet. "Grass types are poisoned with Firestone, while Leafstones do nothing to fire types, although they poison water types. Electric types are not affected by anything, seeing as there are no rock/ground types that evolve with a stone, although Thunderstones improve their health greatly," Oak rambled.
"So, what you're saying is that a type is poisoned by their weakness stone, while their type stone cures them?" Aliet tried to make sense of it all.
Oak beamed. "You've got it!"
-So he just fed me Firestone?- Charmeleon sounded incredulous. -How come nobody thought of that before?-
-Humans,- Charizard rolled is eyes by way of explanation.
"Nurse Joy down in Cinnabar knows now," Oak continued. "She's put into Celadon for some stones, and they're on their way there."
"Everyone's gonna be all right?" Aliet practically screeched. She grabbed Charizard up, pulling him to a standing position and danced around him, almost falling down with her joy.
Oak was forced to laugh at the teen's antics. "Of course. Although, Blaine called earlier, requesting your presence with the Council."
"I'm off then," she bent over, kissed Charmeleon and grabbed her cloak. "See ya babe. I'll come home as soon as Blaine lets me."
-'Kay,- the fire type mumbled, closing her eyes again.
-Feelin okay?- Charizard asked her on his way out.
-Yep... just sleepy I guess.- She rolled over, eyeing her brother and Scyther. -I don't want to be Auntie Meleon yet you two,- she snapped. -Just watch it.-
They nodded absently, jogging after Aliet. "Tell Mrs. Ketchum where I went, okay Oak?" the fire master called. "I'm taking Charizard and Scy with me too."
"All righty," he muttered. "Be careful, 'Et! And don't worry about Charmeleon. She'll be fine!"
But, for the first time in weeks, fear for Charmeleon was the furthest thing from Aliet's mind as she dashed through the house/lab to Cinnabar Island.
