Author's Note:
Here it is, the introduction of two Pokémon I've been really looking forward too. Whilst one of them is a rocket Pokémon, this chapter is one of my own creation. I knew I wanted this dynamic between these two Pokémon, but I've gone back and forth on who'll get each one. I won't be spoiling their individual arcs for these mon's, but it is possible to work it out based on this chapter alone. I hope you like this, I tried to change it from last chapter because last time they stayed put with the Pokémon of the chapter, whilst this time we're on a constant move. I hope you like what this chapter has in store, it's been one I've really been looking forward too. Don't forget to vote in the poll, and with that, let's begin...
Chapter Thirty-Five: Toxic Relations
She hissed as she leered through the shrubbery. Her stomach growled as she glanced around the settlement. A thick scent of some sort of food filled the air, which was what lured her over here to begin with. Whilst the human food certainly smelled nice, she prefers her meal to have more of a... kick.
Shaking her head, she refocused on the grounds ahead of her. The first thing she noticed was two humans, one male in a blue hoodie and a cap and the other female in a red sleeveless shirt and some sort of ribbon in her hair. With two small Pokémon in front of them, partaking in a battle. A bright red Corphish and a seemingly energetic Skitty. Whilst the latter is somewhat of a delicacy, chasing one down is hardly worth it. Never tried the former, however.
Continuing around, she found some sort of large, pink Pokémon with ribbons extending out of her body. She would certainly make up a fulfilling meal but being an unknown species, it would be risky. She was also stood next to a Kirlia, demonstrating how to use the move moonblast. Kirlia's have no meat on the bones so going after this pair would hardly be worth it.
A loud squawk caught her attention. Turning to the sky, she found the sight of a Taillow battling against both a decent sized Dustox and some sort of dark-blue feathered bird. While they certainly make up the majority of her meals, she'd need to wait for the tiny swallow to land and other options are more accessible.
She next found another female human with a golden top and green shorts. She was sat with a Meditite and Ralts, seeming to have a conversation whilst reading several sheets of paper. A third Pokémon which was pretty small, with a dark blue body and three large cotton puffs joined them, bouncing up and down with a sort of floaty feel. All three of them were hardly appetising... maybe waiting for the birds to land will be her best option.
Continuing to sliver around the shrubbery, she soon found a collection of grass types. The two she noticed were a Grovyle and Cacnea, both of which seemed to be learning a new move from the third Pokémon. Who were a large, light green Pokémon with flower petals around her neck. Forming dark greenish-blue at her mouth, it was clear that move was what she was teaching. While she certainly could take this group, it would hardly be worth it.
As she continued to take in the entire campsite, the next duo she found were the most appetising yet. A decent sized Beautifly was low down with a Swablu, who appeared to be struggling to fly. She would've pounced on them right now if not for the group next to them.
A fourth human sat nearby with a campfire and a frying pan over top of it. Clearly male with spiky brown hair, he had a Trapinch on his shoulder... wearing a white puffy hat. With a blanket to the side, he had a small Electrike lying on one side, seemingly missing a back leg. While the ground types hardly her tastes, the trifecta would make the perfect breakfast but doing it so close to human without a back-up plan or distraction is just careless.
Glancing over the final section of the ground, she saw a group of three Pokémon. One Mawile, one Poochyena and some sort of rock with yellow worm arms, legs, and head. With the steel type seemingly swelling from the attention from the two Pokémon. At most she'd eat the canine, so not worth attacking them.
She caught sight of some sort of battle. It was between a Mudkip and a very appetising looking Minun. While she saw an Aron shouting commands to the pure water type, she couldn't stop licking her lips at the sight. No humans, two perfect pieces of prey.
Hearing some sort of commotion, she turned to see a young human boy with some glasses over his eyes and a green button shirt. He had a large Vigoroth in front of him, thrashing around in a sort of battle. She's hardly an expert but he looks a little small to be a trainer. Although the interesting part was their opponent. A nice, plump Pikachu darting around. Electric rodents are a personal favourite. Their static typing leads to more tender meat.
"Hey guys, breakfast is almost ready!" the spiky haired human called out.
Pretty much everyone stopped doing what they were and created a large crowd around campfire. The smallest human set up the table as the others seemed to set out bowls, filling them with brown pellets and handing them out towards the Pokémon.
While attacking them as one large group will be difficult. Having them distracted by food should give her the opening to get it, eat and leave without too many issues... of course, she'll need to take a decent sized mon to make it worth it, since she could only safely get one of them.
She narrowed her eyes onto the plump electric mouse... that'll do nicely.
Ash smiled as he sat down at the table. Glancing around at the collection of Pokémon. Grovyle was off by himself, for being a self-proclaimed protector, he hardly socialised with those he likes to protect. While Kirlia and Meditite sat together. Corphish appeared to be centre stage, though, with a large crowd as he retold a story about his days free in the oceans. Whilst he can certainly rub some the wrong way, he has to admit, the care-free nature is admirable, he-
A black shadow shot out of the bush.
Some sort of dagger tail with a purple glow smashed down on the ground, throwing Taillow, Corphish and Pikachu all out of the way. As the commotion faded, he shot to his feet, taking in the attacker's appearance properly, as it hissed against Grovyle, who shot into a stance in front of the smaller Pokémon.
It was a serpent Pokémon with a scrunched-up body, making it appear much short than actuality. Most of the body was black skin, but several markings were on the body of golden colours with hexagon shapes. A purple slash across the front chest-next sort of area. Elongated red fangs hung out of the mouth, where the lower jaw was a golden colour. The eyes were pure red, and half of the face had a light purple marking. Whilst the tail had a sharpened red edge.
Leaping forward, the tail smashed into the ground where Pikachu stood. Jumping to the side, Pikachu tried to avoid the attack. The red fangs glew with a similar purple tint. Stabbing into his side, he was sent rolling towards him. Running over to him, he saw the serpent pounce towards them.
Grovyle smashed into the side, arm leaves glowing and extended. Knocking their attacker sideways, he stood in the way as he picked his poisoned starter up.
"Thanks, Grovyle," he sighed, "I think we're going to need to battle our way out of this."
Receiving the nod, he narrowed his eyes towards their attacker. A purple tinted tail coming in from the left.
"Careful!" he shouted, "as with Pikachu, it can counter on whichever way you try to dodge!"
His pure grass type flicked his head forward, using the leaf on top of his head to knock it back. Extending his arm leaves with leaf blades, he charged forward, using them to counter the poison-filled fangs. The two of them went rolling forward.
A cloud of dust surrounded them, making it difficult to make out. After a few seconds, they were revealed with the serpent wrapped around his grass type.
The serpent sunk her fangs into his upper chest with a purple poisonous glow. Unwrapping itself, Grovyle was sent flying. A spew of toxic ooze covering him.
Swiping the device off his belt, he quickly recalled his pure grass type. Glancing around at his remaining four Pokémon, "Kirlia, you're up!"
The psychic fairy type leaped forward. From everything he's seen of this opponent, it appears to be a poison type so psychic makes the most logical sense.
A blob of toxic sludge shot forward. Extending her arms, a wave of psychic energy radiated out of her. Spinning around, she caught the attack and took it around, orbiting like a moon. Sending it straight back at the presumable poison type.
The dagger tail sliced straight threw the returned move. A multicoloured psybeam shot out and knocked it sideways. Like a seesaw, the head came next.
Raising her arms to deflect once more, Kirlia froze in place. Sparks shuddered over her body as the serpent injected the poison filled fangs down.
"Kirlia!" he cried out.
An explosion of blue psychic type energy sent the black-serpent flying. Struggling forward, she pushed out a psybeam with all her strength.
Slipping around on the ground, their opponent slivered underneath. The shard tail knocked her arms upwards, cancelling the blast. Circling around, the mouth hung open, raving with dark type energy. Snapping around the small psychic fairy type, she was shook back and forth being sent flying across the grass.
"Teleport to safety!" he pleaded.
Quickly cover the ground, the serpent's poisonous fangs glew with a toxic purple. Slamming them straight down onto the emotions Pokémon stomach.
While he couldn't see her due to the opponent, he heard her screams of pain. Grabbing her Pokéball and an empty one, he took off across the field. The black snake fell sideways as he tossed the empty device at it.
He skidded to a stop, swiping his psychic fairy type off the ground. She laid motionless in his arms with a purple mark over her face. Eyes more like swirls.
Feeling the tears sting his eyes, he glanced towards the device as it dinged. A hand appeared in front of him, and he accepted the gesture, being pulled back to his feet. With a quick 'thanks' to Brock, the doctor-in-training took his fallen friend out of his arms.
"Man... what was up with that thing?" he asked no-one imparticular, taking out his Pokédex, "and how did Kirlia defeat it?"
Destiny Bond: If the user collapses whilst using this move, it'll take down their attacker down with them
"When did she learn that move?" he mused to himself as he walked over to the device lying flat on the grass. Kneeling down, part of him didn't even want to touch the Pokéball, he only threw it to give him a few moments to get Kirlia to safety. Releasing a breath, he held the red block above it and scanned:
Seviper, The Fang Snake Pokémon. Seviper's swordlike tail serves two purposes—it slashes foes and douses them with secreted poison. This Pokémon will not give up its long-running blood feud with Zangoose. They are considered the strongest toxic hunters on several islands they inhabited
Type: Poison
Ability: Shed Skin
Hidden Ability: Infiltrator (Note: This hidden ability is currently unlocked)
Gender: Female
Nature: Rash (Note: This is unlikely to change due to the Pokémon not evolving)
Move(s): Wrap, Swagger, Bite, Lick, Poison Tail, Screech, Venoshock, Glare, Poison Fang, Venom Drench, Night Slash, Gastro Acid, Poison Jab, Crush Claw, haze, Scary Face
Ash's Pokédex switched screens to a list of his current on hand team, although all the images were silhouettes except for Seviper and Grovyle, "please select which Pokémon you wish to send back."
He didn't need to consider it for long, after all, he only brought Meganium over to help with the restoration. While part of him wanted to send Seviper back, he knew from his experience with Sandslash that pushing a problem Pokémon away isn't the answer. Reaching to his belt, he took off the fully evolved grass types Pokéball and recalled her. Seeing her image light up on the screen, he tapped it and watched her device teleport away.
"I'm glad that's over," May sighed, "what was up with Seviper anyway?"
"Who knows," Max added.
"Hey Brock, can I borrow your first aid kit?" he asked, walking over to the breeder as Kirlia stirred. His psychic fairy type blinked awake, "how you feeling?"
"Urg," she groaned, pushing herself up.
"That good, huh?" he asked, "well rest up... I think it's safe to return to breakfast and you'll need your strength."
"Wh-what for?" she asked, rubbing her head.
"For explaining when you learnt destiny bond," he replied, "and what made you think it was a good idea using that strategy."
"I was practising it before we met, but after the gym, I doubled down on learning," she shrugged, "if I'm gonna fall anyway, might as well take someone too."
"But you didn't need to fall. Even paralyzed, you had more than enough time to teleport away."
"Teleporting is for cowards-"
"Hey!" Ralts cried from behind him.
"While I'm sure the other half of this conversation is fascinating," Brock interjected, handing him the first aid kit, "I'm sure you have something else in mind."
"Right," he nodded.
Walking back to the table, he grabbed his breakfast plate and gave Serena a quick peck on the cheek before turning to leave. He barely took too steps when-
"Wait!" Max called out, "where are you going?"
"To meet my newest team member," he smiled, "and finish breakfast. Don't worry, I won't go too far but something tells me, she isn't fond of big crowds."
While general chatted erupted from the group, he made his way off from the camp. As he walked, he waited until the sounds were little more than faint background noises. Sighing, he sat down, placing his food next to him. Taking the device off his belt, he pressed the centre button. In a flash of light, his newly caught pure poison type materialised, still unconscious.
Flicking open the first aid kit, he cracked open a revival and left it under her nose. Letting the smelling salt naturally take effect, he took out a super potion and sprayed over her long body. For the first time, he truly took in the length. When stretched out, she would easily double his own height, from head to toe.
"Gwa," she cringed, twitching on the ground. One eye opened and seemed to lock onto him. Moving slowly, he put the bottle away, putting up a small smile over his lips as he moved in front of her. Her pupil never once moving off him, or blinking.
"Hey," he greeted, "how are you feeling?"
Her eye seemed to shoot into another direction for a split second. Like she hadn't eaten for days, she flung her head towards his breakfast, quickly devouring it. While her eyes continued to stare deep into his soul... he couldn't even be sure she was blinking.
"Are you hungry?" he asked, "is that why you attacked us?"
She hissed once more, glancing all around them. Scrunching her body up into the smaller size, he stared straight into her eyes. Pouncing forward, she snapped her jaw shut in front of him but... he didn't move. Just staring back as she returned to her scrunched stance.
"I'm not scared, you know."
"You should be," she hissed.
"Well, it's nice to have a conversation started," he smiled, "now are you going to tell me why you attacked our group?"
"Where are they?" she hissed.
"I'll answer your question if you answer mine," he offered, "and they are just down that path, finishing off breakfast. I figured you'd feel less threatened if it were just us. So now will you answer my question?"
"I just attacked. Defeated three of your Pokémon," she growled, tongue slipping out of her mouth, "and your worried about me feeling threatened."
"If there's one thing I've learnt as a trainer, it's don't judge a book by its cover," he smiled, "I've got a giant sludge creature who's the most friendly and loveable mon anyone could meet. A one-eyed ghost who makes jokes well above his age range and a cute little electric type who's a real pain in the backside from time to time."
"What are you blabbering on about?" she hissed.
"Just that I know appearances can be diseeving," he smiled, "and if you look a little deeper, you'll see the truth. Do you know what truth I see with you?"
"Don't care."
"I see someone hungry and alone," he replied, "I think you only attacked for food. You don't seem too bad now."
She lunged her head forward, snapping her jaw at him. Narrowing his eyes, he felt his heart raise into his throat, but he continued to stare her down.
"I told you, I'm not scared." Lifting up his shirt, he revealed the scar mark on his lower stomach. "You see, you're not the first Pokémon to attack me. Not even the first one I caught, heh, it sounds silly but-"
"Do you need to keep going on," she hissed, "or why not just let me go."
"Normally, I would. If that's what you want," he replied, "but the way you attacked us. Leads me to believe you would do the same to the next trainer's passing through. And if they couldn't defend themselves like we could... well someone could've gotten seriously hurt."
"So, you intend to keep me," she hissed, "like some sort of pet."
"No, not as a pet," he replied, "but until I'm certain you won't just go and attack the next passers-by, I couldn't live with that on my conscious. Something tells me, you wouldn't have just stopped at our Pokémon food or even our breakfast."
"In the wild, it's eat or be eaten!" she growled, "I'm not sorry for surviving."
"Maybe but you could learn to survive without hurting others," he replied, "many Pokémon live in the wild and don't consume others for food... and who knows, you might enjoy our little group. I just want what's best for you."
"My last den sent me out on my own. My mother had been killed shortly after my hatching by our sworn enemy and they raised me like their own. But apparently my behaviour was too much for them. They cast me out and now I do what I must to survive."
"See, you're opening up already," he offered a reassuring smile.
"I only tell you this because, just like them, I'll become too much for you," she hissed, "and just like them, you'll cast me out. Whether through fear or exhaustion. Everyone in this world is the same, just out for themselves."
"I wouldn't be so sure, Seviper," he smiled, standing back up, "you'll soon learn this, but I don't give up until it's over!"
Seeing her turn her head to the side, he sighed. Grabbing her Pokéball, he recalled her into the device. He stared at it for a few moments before attaching it to his belt. Feeling his stomach growl, he slouched as he placed a hand on his stomach.
Moving slowly, he picked up the plate and first aid box. Walking off back to the group, his stomach growled once more, louder. He truly meant what he said, if she can change her ways then he'll gladly release her and even make his way back here to do it. She's just proved how dangerous she truly is and if word got around then the authorities might get involved.
After both Gyarados and Sandslash... he can't let her life be ruined in a similar way.
Serena pinched her lips together. She glanced around, Max and Brock were in conversation. May had Swablu out, riding on her shoulder. Ash had a Pokéball out, as he stared down at it. It didn't take a genius to work out who it belonged too.
She... had another thought in mind. Closing her eyes, she sent out a weak mental pulse. Just as expected, she sensed her friends the clearest but some wild Pokémon minds also became present to her. Without her further provoking, none of them responded but she could easily locate them. Just before the attack, however, she never sensed anything. Even if just a small tickle in the back of her head, she should be able to sense where the wild Pokémon are.
But she didn't!
"Everything alright?"
She turned to the side and found her boyfriend with a small smile. He had closed the distance between them and was leaning into whisper. Releasing her breath, she wrapped her arms around his and rested her head on his shoulder, nuzzling in for comfort.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Just thinking," she mumbled. Glancing down to the ground. Feeling him place a small kiss on her forehead brought a smile to her face.
"Wanna talk about it?" he asked.
Opening her mouth, the voice died in her throat. Her eyes widened and she shot her up, glancing around she closed her eyes and sent out another mental wave. Following the image which formed in her head, she turned to the side. Opening her eyes, she found herself stood in front of a big bush.
"What's going-"
A flash of light shot out and Ash's newly caught pure poison type materialised right next to them. Her dagger tail glew bright purple and she leaped it overhead. Smashing it down onto the ground, within the shrubbery. A shadow leaped out and a new Pokémon landed in front of them.
It stood tall on two legs; mostly white fur covered the large body as it stood tall, even slightly higher than Brock. Deep red scar-like markings on the face, chest, and forepaws. With a darker blood red mark, gashed across the right eye, crossing with the other mark. Two long, black claws stuck out of the forepaws, with some sort of pads under the feet. The eyes seemed to be pink, but the marked side was bloodshot. The rest of his face was made up off long ears, and a small red nose. When the mouth slightly opened, she saw two sharp fangs hanging from the upper jaw. Two small tufts of white fur on the shoulders, and a fairly large tail pluffed up behind it.
"It's a Zangoose!" Brock exclaimed.
With a loud cry, Seviper released a thick black smoke. It engulfed the new Pokémon and she lunged forward.
Ash threw a Pokéball and his Taillow materialised. She quickly flapped her wings, blowing the haze away.
The pure poison type was wrapped around the body, with her head looming over Zangoose. Her fangs glew with poison, slamming them down into the shoulder. An ear bursting cry sounded as the normal type tried to drag her off.
"We need to break this up," she shouted, "otherwise they might kill each other."
Grabbing her head, the wild Pokémon's claws glew white. Slicing the top of her head seemed to make her go limp.
Using the opening, the normal type grabbed her head and tossed her forward. Dropping down onto all fours.
She landed on the floor and a red light engulfed her. Moments later, she burst back out, lunging forward with fangs first.
Swiping to the side, she missed her target and spun on a heel... so to speak. Slamming her tail down in one side, the wild Pokémon went in the opposing direction, straight towards her fangs.
A red light engulfed her again as the normal type skidded to a halt. She shot straight back out, lunging for her opponent once more.
"When I do it again, we run!" Ash commanded. Every gave a small nod, except for Max. He was stiff with wide eyes, realising the fear he must be experiencing, she mentally set her mind on ensuring he made it out, "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"
The pure electric type leaped off his shoulder, a ball of electricity engulfing his body. A massive bolt shot out, striking both Pokémon. He quickly used his Pokéball once more and took off in one direction.
Turning around, she grabbed Max's hand and tried to follow them. The image of Brock, May and Ash disappearing down the path stuck as Zangoose shook the static off. Standing between herself and them, she turned on a heel and pulled the young boy off into the shrubbery.
Sending out a pulse of ESP, all loose vines, rocks, and anything else in the path blew to the side. She shot straight down. Her mind connected with any wild Pokémon in the path, scaring them off. Some birds rattled through the trees, flying, whilst light patter of footsteps signified those bound to land escaping.
As she ran, she tried to connect with the normal type but couldn't sense anything. Breaking through the other side of the forest, she found herself in front of a large mountain. A thin trail was a little bit above them, seemingly a pathway around. Lightly breathing, she turned to see Max, letting go of his hand.
"You alright?" she asked.
He leaned over, holding himself up with his hands on his knees. Heavily panting, his cheeks were bright red, and glasses steamed up. He coughed slightly, falling onto his behind as his breathing slowed too normal. Using his shirt, he tended to his glasses. Offering a small smile, she crouched low to his level.
"Sorry about grabbing you and running but I didn't want you to be left with Zangoose. I can't be sure, but he could've hurt you."
"Y-your head... it was..."
She closed her eyes and fell onto her own backside, using her arms to support from the back. She sighed and stared up to the sky, despite the danger they've been in today, it seems a pleasant day. Not to hot but still clear. Nice to know the summer's coming to an end, the extreme heat, while she's handled it better than her boyfriend, was hardly her preferred environment. Glancing back down, she looked at the young boy.
His brow wrinkled into a narrowed gaze, as he corrected his glasses on his face. The redness faded from his cheeks, as he appeared to chew on the inside of them. His lips couldn't make up their mind, somewhere between a shaky smile and lopsided grimace.
"Your head was glowing," she shaking declared.
Frowning, she folded her lower lip into her teeth, biting down on it. Her eyes narrowed as she watched the young boy struggle back to his feet.
She already knew what he was talking about. The more she uses her abilities, the more visible it becomes, radiating off her. She usually uses small amounts or when alone with those who know to prevent being caught out... but when running from that battle, she let her powers go free to ensure she didn't lose Max or get caught on some loose bit of nature. Even ensuring no other wild Pokémon got into their way. He must've seen her ESP radiating out of her head.
Closing her eyes, she stood back up and looked down at him. Offering her hand out, he shakily took it. Pulling him to his feet, she turned back to the mountain, looking up to the only pathway around the mountain.
"Our best chance of finding the others is making our way up to meteor falls," she explained, "going back would risk us getting split up or attacked by either that Zangoose or some other wild Pokémon. I doubt the Seviper Ash caught is the only one."
"But you were glowing!"
"Yes, and I'll explain it all too you," she turned to face him. Kneeling down so they were at eye level, "but right now, we need to get to safety. And the safest place to do that is up this mountain. Do you trust me?"
He bit his bottom lip and turned away. His feet shuffled in place.
While she hates being forceful, if the situation called for it, she would most definitely do this whether he agreed or not but without any imminent threat, she can allow him to mull it over. She carefully scanned the forest behind them for any signs of life.
After what felt like an eternity, he turned back to her and nodded. She offered a smile and stood back up, "good. Now stand in front of me and... don't tell Ash about this. He'll be really upset if he learns we did this, but he didn't."
"What-"
His voice disappeared in the wind as she forced her powers out. Using one hand to steady him as out lifted him up, she felt her powers radiate out of her. The blue light surrounded the young boy, and he went flying upwards. Making it as quick as possible whilst not losing control, she soon saw him land on the ledge.
With her powers still flowing through her, she threw both hands down. Pushing herself up, she rocketed up to the ledge. Readjusting her hands, she slowed her ascent and carefully landed next to the young boy whose eyes were about to pop out of their head.
"Y-y-you-"
"Max... I'm a psychic," she explained, crouching down so they were eye to eye again, "I can sense thoughts and communicate. And like you just saw; I also have telekinesis. I'll explain it all, but we need to keep moving."
"B-but... how will the others get up here?" he shakily asked.
"They were running off towards the main path up to meteor falls. They shouldn't have an issue climbing it and making it in time," she smiled, "but I'm going to keep trying to set up a mental link with one of them. It's a sort of psychic line so we can have a conversation in our heads-"
She closed her eyes and sent out one such pulse. Easily finding the young boys mind.
"Like this," she finished off over her abilities, "this way, they'll know were safe and what the plan is. Okay?"
"Y-yeah," he stuttered, "I think so."
"Good. Now then, walk ahead of me so I can keep an eye on you," she instructed, "and after I've made contact, you can ask me all you like about my abilities or anything else."
"R-right," he nodded.
Putting on the bravest face he could muster, he turned around and started marching down the path. Following shortly behind, she kept her pulses sending out in an attempt to contact one of the others. While answering the questions the young boy had.
She didn't need to read his thoughts to see he's completely scared. It's written all over his face. In his quivering voice and refusal to run ahead. Not that she blames him. After the two attacks and craziness of today, she'll be glad to see tomorrow and put this day behind them.
Ash sighed.
A small smile formed on his lips as he felt his girlfriend's presence in his head disappear. Turning around he found Pikachu, Brock and Pikachu stood around, with expectant looks within their eyes. Quickly relaying the information, he just received, they set off down the path towards the mountain. Looking around, he was happy that there was no-sign of that normal type from before either. Taking a Pokéball out, he pressed the centre button.
Seviper materialised right beside him. First thing she did was glance around, her eyes scanning every inch on the world around them. It took nearly half a minute, but she soon landed her gaze upon him, "what?"
"That is exactly the sort of thing I was talking about," he noted, "you would've killed Zangoose had we let you... or he would've you."
"I can handle myself," she growled, turning her head to the side, "you might not like it but I'm a survivor. In my world, it's eat or be eaten."
"But it doesn't have to be," he sighed.
"What I'd like to know is why Seviper and Zangoose are always at each other's throats?" May interjected.
"Yeah," he nodded, turning back to the poison type, "I'd like to know that too."
"That particular one or just in general?" she hissed.
"Both," he replied, "why? Is there a difference?"
"Well... we're both predators," she turned to the side, "our species grew up competing for food. This led to us fighting for dominance of particular hunting grounds. Over the years, we developed a sixth sense to their presence. If we don't attack, we leave ourselves open."
"Alright," he sighed, "but now you've got us. You don't need to compete for food. You've got no-reason to fight every Zangoose we meet."
"Says you. Like I said, eventually you'll tire and give in, and I'll be back competing for every meal," she turned to the side. The smallest tear trickling down her cheek, "and if I ever see that one again... food or not, I will kill it."
"But why?" he asked, "what's special about that one?"
"That one killed my parents." Her tail stabbed straight down into the earth, "before I hatched. He slayed them as they tried to protect me. My mother gave him that slashed eye and members of the nest held scurry me off to safety."
Seeing her turned to the side, fighting to keep the tears inside, he pulled out her device once more. Silently recalling her, he stared down at the device, running his finger over the top. With a heavy breath, he slid it back into his pocket to rest.
Hopefully, they'll get through this place without another visit from the normal type. Then they can meet up with Serena and Max on the mountain and continue onto meteor falls... today has been a tough one, to say the least.
Serena continued to glance around. Watching the mountain side in case of any loose rocks or crumbling pathway. One eye constantly watching the young boy in front. He was certainly within arm's reach, but should the situation call for it, she wouldn't hesitate to use her powers to keep him safe.
"So, what else can you do?" he asked, "other than the mind talking and telekinesis."
"Well, I can read someone's thoughts," she replied, "but I'd need their permission to do so."
"But why would you," he asked.
"Because trying to break though into the thoughts is very difficult and fighting the resistance would drain me of most of my strength," she explained, "and should the person be smarter than they could easily overpower me."
"Wouldn't they need psychic powers to do that?" he asked.
"No," she replied, "the powers don't make me smarter or anything an intelligent brain could easily fight mine off. It's just a lot easier if there's no resistance, but I also think it would be wrong to just poke around and see what others are-"
Cracks appeared in the path in front of them. Grabbing the young boys arm, she pulled him back and stepped in front. A white blur shot out of the ground and the normal type from before stood in their way. Landing on all fours, the two eyes locked with hers.
Standing up onto the back legs, it stepped forward. Her hand fell to a Pokéball on her belt as she further put herself in front of Max. Narrowing her own eyes, the wild Pokémon stopped. Closing the eyes, she saw the scar even slashed across the eyelid, "greetings."
"You're communicating through thought," she explained, "why?"
"I'd rather talk than fight," he replied, "I don't mean you, nor the boy, any harm. I just have a request."
Quirking an eyebrow up, she saw him remain stood on the spot. Closing her own eyes, she sent out a wave of energy from her mind, "if you want to find that Seviper again-"
"I do... but not for the reasons you think," he replied, "in truth. I wish for you to catch me."
"Why?" she asked, "and why should I take you to that Seviper? Your mortal enemies. You were battling just a little bit ago."
"It's true... but I didn't use my full strength," he replied, "and if you do take me. I shall swear you, my claws."
"Excuse me?"
"It's a traditional relation between Pokémon and people. Before the creation of Pokéballs, convenience being their main objective, Pokémon would swear their claws, scythes, wings, whatever they particularly had to offer. In return for shelter and security. Like how a knight would swear their sword to a monarch."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Whatever you wish me to do, I shall. Battling or otherwise. I truly believe you are my best option from what I've seen."
"I'm not even sure what you want," she replied, "or that I can trust you won't just go on the offensive when we see Seviper. I couldn't even sense your presence before... nor Seviper's."
"It's an old hunters trick. Psychic types are the most difficult to approach and many prey would invite one of those types into their group as security," he explained, "so we'd learn a dark move. Any really. Just to manipulate the energy, then use it to shield our thoughts when not wanting intruders."
"So, like Seviper, you're also a hunter?" she replied.
"Most creatures are, in one way or another. It's how the world works. Humans included," he replied, "or did you think your hamburger loved you back?"
She pinched her lips together. Of course, none of them were vegetarian but the meat they did consume came from a shop. Properly prepared, hardly the same to hunting down and killing themselves, "I'm still unsure if I can trust you."
"Then please, explore my head," he replied, "you can see my truth and anything else you wish. I intend to hold no secrets from you."
"Really?"
"I just ask you don't share my truth with others. I am swearing you my claws, not those other humans."
Squeezing her shut eyes, a second wave of ESP spread out. Forcing herself into his head, it was like some sort of dark tunnel. Walking her way through, it took a couple of moments until she found herself in a forest, which resembled that which she just ran through. Seeing what played out made tears form in her eyes and a pit puddle in her stomach. Stumbling backwards, she found herself back on the cliff side.
"You alright, Serena?" Max asked.
"Y-yeah," she took a deep breath.
Readjusting her feet, she looked ahead. The wild Pokémon remain still in his stance. Looking deep into his eyes, she saw the reminiscence of tears past. She knew that it was possible for him to imagine such a scenario but... with the look in his eyes... it felt completely real, not some imaginary story to pull on her heart strings. She walked forward until just in front of him. With both of them being roughly the same height.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
Taking out an empty Pokéball, she held it in front of him. Raising an arm, his sharp claw tapped the centre button. A red light engulfed and sucked him inside as she held it in her hand. It didn't even wiggle an inch before dinging. Sighing, she pulled out her Pokédex and scanned the device:
Zangoose, The Cat Ferret Pokémon. Zangoose usually stays on all fours, but when angered, it gets up on its hind legs and extends its claws. This Pokémon shares a bitter rivalry with Seviper that dates back over generations
Type: Normal
Ability: Immunity
Hidden Ability: Toxic boost (Note: This hidden ability is currently unlocked)
Gender: Male
Nature: Calm (Note: This is unlikely to change due to the Pokémon not evolving)
Move(s): Scratch, Leer, Quick Attack, Fury Cutter, Pursuit, Hone Claws, Slash, Revenge, Crush Claw, False Swipe, Facade, X-Scissor, Taunt, Swords Dance, Close Combat, Poison Jab, Dig, Aerial Ace
Serena's Pokédex switched screens to a list of her current on hand team: Sylveon, Jumpluff, Murkrow, Cacnea, Dustox, Meditite, Ralts and Zangoose, "please select which Pokémon you wish to send back."
She didn't need to think too long about it, after all, Jumpluff was only called over to help with the restoration. Moving her finger across the screen, she taped the button of her grass flying type and felt her Pokéball teleport away. Attaching it to her belt, she closed her eyes.
"I understand your reasons but... I'm also trusting you not to just release yourself," she mentally spoke to her newest team member, "this will be a difficult task, especially since I can't tell the others what I know. So, trust me as well, please."
"I shall," his voice replied in her head, "thank you."
Opening her eyes once more, she stared at the young boy. His eyes were wide, about popping out from behind his glasses and his bottom lip hung open. She couldn't stop a small giggle passing her lips at his reaction, but she quickly covered her mouth to stop it turning into full laughter.
"Why would you catch it?!" his voice cracked, "you know Ash has a Seviper!"
"I do," she nodded, kneeling down so they were eye level, "but like I told you, I can see into others thoughts. Zangoose gave me permission to look into his and I learnt his truth. You just need to trust that I know what I'm doing."
"But-"
"Look Max," she sighed, "out of every Pokémon we've met during our Hoenn journey. How many are as black and white as, these two don't like each other and that's it? Taillow was tough but she didn't feast on either mine or May's Wurmple."
"What about Combusken?!" he cried, "he started off nice but is just-"
"Combusken has his own reasons for changing in his evolution," she sighed, "just like how Zangoose has his. If I could tell you, I would, but I made a promise to Zangoose not to and I intend to keep it."
"It's not easy to trust when you know someone's keeping something from you," he mumbled, "or has been this entire time."
"I know, but if I wasn't keeping something from you then I wouldn't need you to trust me," she offered a small smile, "now come on. I bet the others are wondering where we got to."
Standing back up, she carefully used her powers to help him jump over the hole left from Zangoose's entrance. Adding a little skip in her own step, they continued on around the ledge of the mountain side. Soon the wider pathway below became visible through the treeline.
"It shouldn't be long now," she encouraged.
"If those two just come out and go at it again, I'm gonna say I told ya so," he explained in a matter-of-factly tone.
"Hehehe, I wouldn't expect anything less," she smiled.
Looking ahead, she saw the faint outline of some human figures. Closing her eyes, she sent out a pulse of energy. Receiving confirmation through thoughts, she reopened them and made out their friends. The young boy went running ahead, embracing both May and Brock in a massive hug. She approached far slower, soon making it to their side.
Upon arriving, however, she couldn't even get a word out. A red light shot of Ash's belt and his newly caught Seviper materialised right in front of her. Her tongue stuck out between her fangs with a high hiss, narrowed eyes scanning her entire body.
"What now, Seviper?" her boyfriend asked with an exhausted sigh.
"Seeeeee-viper!" she growled, smacking her tail on the ground.
"Erm, actually, that might be my new Pokémon that I caught," she mareepishly explained. Connecting her thoughts with Ash, she felt it was best said this way to avoid setting the poison snake off more, "it's Zangoose... from before."
"You caught it?!" he exclaimed.
"Well... yeah," she replied, "he asked and-"
"You do know what happened, right?" he asked.
"I do," she nodded.
"Then why would you catch the Pokémon that killed Seviper's parents?!"
Her mouth dropped, hanging open with eyes widening. If she could see them, she'd be sure her brows were raised and arched over a sea of wrinkles on her forehead. She tried to speak but no words dare travel out. Her eyelids quickly opened and closed, as if trying to wake her up from this situation.
"If you've got him in one of those devices as well... it looks like I'll be sticking around," Seviper hissed through the mental messages.
He saw the egg which held his first child lie down on the grassy nest within the tree trunk he calls home. Due to the colour of the shell, he was certain the young one would take after their mother but as long as they came out healthy, he didn't mind. A small smile twitched on his lips. Reaching out, he ran his claws over the top and scooped it up. A warm heat radiated out from the shell as he held it close. Fuzzy tingles spread through every cell in his body.
Glancing out of the tree trunk which held his nest. Hard rain hammered down all around them, strikes of lightening coloured the dark sky.
Sighing, he turned back towards the egg. His partner went out to collect some prey for food. Heh, it's funny, in many species it's the males which are the aggressors but for both of them, it's the other way around. He would pick babysitting duty over scurraging any day. Even if he does love a good hunt.
A piecing cry ripped him away. Turning back to the outside, a thud of thunder shook the ground. Shaking his head, he felt like his mind was diseeving him.
But another cry followed, confirming his original fear.
Turning back to the nest, he set the egg back down. Giving it one last look, he hesitantly stepped back, feeling the cool breath of nature make his neck hairs stand up on end. Spinning on a heel, he dropped onto all fours and leaped out into the storm.
The rain quickly soaked his fur through. With a chill down to his bones. Pouncing at his top speed, he felt the splashes of puddles under his paw pads. A third cry caused him to turn direction. The tingle of fear of his blood-bonded enemy nearby energised his limbs. He couldn't be sure if thrill or fear filled him.
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... with his beloved.
A lump formed in his throat at the sight. His beloved partner lying on her side, being attacked on all fronts. Tails and fangs swung around, whacking all over her body. His nose twitched and eyes narrowed at the sight. Her howling cries battling the cracks of thunder.
Leaping out of the bush, he reared one paw back. His claws glew white and he smashed down onto one Seviper. Slashing down on the head of his enemy.
Spinning on a heel, he second set of claws whacking away an incoming dagger tail. His beloved 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. The rain dripping down over his eyes, blurring the black snakes into one.
A tail came down right over his eye, blood spattered on the ground. He fell on his keens as a series of stabs and slashes struck his back.
Tears mixed with blood dripped down with the rain as he stared at his beloved. Using the last of his strength, he picked her up and hurled her over his shoulder. Bolting off at his top speed, he disappeared into the woods. His eyes squeezed closed at the stinging in his right eye.
Something hit his hand. His forearm buckled under him. Sliding into the sludgy mud, he tried to look forward.
His beloved laid on the cold ground, unmoving. His vision in the eye became a blur of black and red. Squeezing it shut, he pushed himself up and stumbled forward. Collapsing next to her, he places an ear next to her mouth but failed to hear or feel any breath. Raising a paw up. He placed it over her heart but felt no pulse. The lump returned to his throat, choking him as tears stinged both eyes.
Lying down next to her, he closed his eyes. Silent sobs drained though him. Unsure how long he was there but when he re-opened his eyes, he looked around and saw the morning sun peaking over the horizon with the rain clouds parting, revealing the blue sky above.
Looking around, he found no-other being around. Her body laid motionless in front of him. Closing his eyes, he pushed himself back up. Seeing the mountain nearby, he picked her and draped over his shoulders. Slugging across the moist ground, he came towards his location. Walking along the edge, he found a small indent. A common place he'd use for shelter back in his days before meeting her.
Placing her within the small cave, he slumped out. Using his claw to slash the ceiling, rocks crumbled down, ceiling her away to rest.
Losing his posture, he collapsed onto the floor, his back scratching against the rubble wall. As tears stained his face and dropped onto his legs. The sting in his eye became nothing compared to the sting inside. The lump in his throat refused to move. Heaving at memories flooding his mind, a spew of vomit forced its way out of his mouth as he leaned to the side. An agonising weakness caused them to wobbled as he struggled to keep himself up.
Pushing himself back up, he struggled to walk back through the woods. Each step weighed down by the life which'll never be.
He made it back to the tree which they once called home... the bed where their child was left to sleep completely empty... only the reminiscence of the shell remained. Crumbled and dissolving.
...
His eyes burst opened! Back inside the device which he should now call home. An inner fire burning every cell in his body! He felt the presence of his blood-bonded enemy just mere feet away. A pointed-smile rested up on his lips... The first one since his partner's death.
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