A Poisoning of the Heart
Alright, Morgan is finally out of Slateport now and heading to Mauville. With a little luck, things will turn out just fine. Except, of course, I control the luck. So, yeah, bad luck for him and entertainment for the readers. Remember, please, R&R!
XOXOXOXOXO
"Speech"=Talking
Speech=Translated Poketalk
Speech=Telepathy
*Speech*=Thoughts
Morgan looked around the Route, grinning. He and Serena were moving along it, trees to one side and the sea on the other. Above, on the nearby Cycling Road the sounds of bikes ringing bells and the sounds of the occasional battle reaching down to them. He took a deep breath, letting it out with a grin.
"Well, we're finally going. This is gonna be great, huh?" Serena nodded, nuzzling his arm, before looking ahead.
Well, there's that crazy guy's house. Morgan smiled, petting her head.
"It's called the Trick House. He has rooms structured with puzzles to test Trainers, giving them rewards for winning. To unlock a challenge room you need a Badge. I went in there once, but I couldn't get into any trick rooms. Since we're here, I guess we go right and along towards Mauville."
Right. So what type is the Gym there? Morgan chuckled, shaking his head as they turned and walked to the right, passing onto a natural, heavily grass-covered causeway. It zigzagged slightly, barriers along the edges preventing water washing it away and people from falling in.
"It's an Electric Gym, but I heard that the Leader there uses a Steel-Electric. Your attacks are useless, since you can't poison a Steel type, and it's resistant to all of your attacks. We're hitting Mauville, then passing to Vendanturf. From there, we can use the tunnel and reach Rustboro, where the first Gym is. We can loop around, and visit home again, and by the time we get back to Mauville we should be able to take him on." Serena nodded slightly, tongue flickering out.
There's people ahead. Looks like we're in for a fight. Morgan shrugged, glancing around.
"I don't see anyone…"
"Hey!" As soon as Morgan spoke a voice called out. Looking to the side he saw a kid, maybe ten years old struggling through the grass towards him, clutching a Pokeball.
"Uh… Aren't you a little young to be out here..?" The kid grinned, shaking his head at Morgan.
"Nu-uh! I have my dad's Pokémon, I'm fine! I wanna battle!" Morgan shrugged, looking at Serena.
"You feel like battling?" Serena nodded, leering at the kid.
Hell yeah. It'll be good to get some fighting done. Morgan nodded, looking back to the kid.
"Well, OK. Ready?" The kid nodded, grinning, before slamming his fist into his chest.
"Yeah! I'm Timmy!" Morgan nodded, smiling before walking away from him, looking back with a grin.
"I'm Morgan. Let's go, Serena." She nodded, moving on front of him and facing Timmy, hissing lightly. Timmy gulped, nervously, before throwing a Pokeball.
"Let's go, Aron..! The Pokeball opened up, red light flashing to reveal a small, blue-eyed Pokémon with a greyish, steel-plated body. A short, blunt spike jutted from its back, with a hole to either side, and its head held two large, blue eyes, a smaller hole above and below each eye. Morgan frowned, pulling out his Pokedex and pointing at Aron.
"ARON, THE IRON ARMOUR POKÉMON. THIS POKÉMON HAS AN AVERAGE HEIGHT OF ONE FOOT AND FOUR INCHES, AND AN AVERAGE WEIGHT OF 132 POUNDS AND THREE OUNCES. THIS SPECIES IS MOST WELL-KNOWN FOR ITS DIET OF IRON ORE, COMMONLY KNOWN AS FERRITE. IT IS NOT ABOVE DEVOURING MAN-MADE STRUCTURES OR APPLIANCES CONTAINING IRON, AND CAN CAUSE DISASTERS IN LARGE GROUPS WHEN FEASTING ON BRIDGES, RRAILWAYS AND CARS. A SINGLE TACKLE CAN DESTROY A TRUCK, WHICH BECOMES A NEW MEAL."
Morgan nodded slightly, scrolling the screen before pausing.
"A dual type… Rock and Steel. This could be tricky…" Serena glared back at him, a short hiss of anger drawing his attention. He closed the Dex, pocketing it and nodding.
"OK. Let's go then. Serena, use Wrap!" She hissed eagerly, swiping her tail out and around the Aron. It looked up at her, before yawning as she tried to squeeze it.
"Aron! Use Headbutt!" The Aron nodded, glancing at Serena, before slamming its face into her side. She groaned as her coils loosened, the Aron wiggling to drop free. Serena moved back, glaring, her tail held to the impact area.
"Serena-… I…" Before he could issue another attack, Timmy spoke up.
"Finish it with a Take Down!" The Aron nodded, crying out before its body glowed white. It charged forwards, leaving a glowing streak behind itself, as Serena's head snapped up.
It!? I'll show you an IT when that lump of metal is dealt with, hatchling! She hissed angrily, darting aside at the last second. The Aron skidded to a halt, before Serena wrapped her tail around it angrily. Looking to the side, she tossed it over the safety rail, the Aron wailing in fear before it sank with a heavy, dense splash.
"Serena! Go get it back!" Timmy had stumbled to the rail, looking over into the water, eyes wide.
"A-Aron…" Serena scowled, whipping her tail, before sighing.
Fine. But you owe me. She pushed the youngster aside, roughly, before looking over the edge as a cluster of bubbles rose up. She sighed again, shaking her head, before slithering over the edge and into the water. Morgan stepped over, looking down as well, Serena quickly disappearing from view, her body moving in a corkscrew manner.
"Don't worry kid. She'll bring up your Aron." Timmy looked up, sniffling, and wiped his eyes.
"Promise?" Morgan nodded, smiling in what he hoped was a reassuring way.
"Promise." Several more seconds passed, a second stream of bubbles rising up. Morgan looked around, sighing. He stepped back, ready to remove his backpack and jump in to help, when Serena's head burst free. She sank her fangs into the safety rail, and Morgan grabbed her, pulling her up and over the edge. She slumped onto the grass, lowering her head and hacking up a sticky, saliva-coated Aron.
Little sod tried to attack me. It was so slow I just grabbed him in my mouth. Got a stomachful of saltwater, but I saved him. You owe me remember, Morgan. And if I end up getting sick, you owe me double. Morgan nodded, as the Aron slowly stood, shaking slightly. It shook its head, stumbling to the side, before turning back to face them.
How is that thing still standing?! Timmy scowled, pointing at her.
"Aron! Take Down!" The Aron slammed a foot into the floor, glowing white before charging at Serena. The distance was too short to dodge, and with a loud crack it hit her in the middle of her body. Her head and tail curled round, trailing behind the Aron before the two of them hit one of the safety rails.
"Serena!" She groaned, lifting her head slightly, as the Aron backed up from her. She blinked slowly, wincing as she moved.
Damnit… I'm gonna kill that iron-clad bast- Morgan cut her off, pointing.
"Serena, Poison Fang! Try for one of the holes in the armour..!" She hissed, lunging forwards and slamming her mouth shut on the Aron. The right fang scraped over the edge of the armour, but the left sank through one of the armour holes. The Aron screamed out, before Serena jerked her head back. It stumbled away, shaking, eyes wide before collapsing to the floor. Serena hissed, tongue flicking across her fang to clean it as Timmy recalled the Aron.
"G… Go, Electrike..!" He threw a second Pokeball, this one bursting open to reveal a canine Pokémon. The majority of its body was green, with a tail formed from a large tuft of fur. The upper half of the tail was yellow, as was a streak running down its back. The top of its muzzle was yellow, the colour running up its face and around the eyes, before jinking down and along its mane, forming a lightning bolt shape. It growled, staring at them angrily.
"ELECTRIKE, THE LIGHTNING POKÉMON. THIS POKÉMON HAS AN AVERAGE HEIGHT OF TWO METRES, AND AN AVERAGE WEIGHT OF THIRTY-THREE AND A HALF POUNDS. USING THE GENERATION OF FRICTION IN THE AIR, ELECTRIKES HAIR STORES THE STATIC CHARGE TO ATTACK AND STIMULATE MUSCLES WHEN RUNNING. RUNNING CAN GENERATE THE STATIC CHARGE IF IT IS NOT STIMULATING ITSELF, AND DURING ARID SEASONS WILL RELEASE A CONSTANT SHOWER OF SPARKS. AT TOP SPEED, THE HUMAN EYE CANNOT FOLLOW ITS MOVEMENTS."
Morgan put the Dex away again, smiling slightly.
"Look at the bright side. At least this time it's something that isn't resistant to Poison…"
"Quick Attack!" The Electrike barked, darting forwards, seeming to disappear from view before suddenly appearing as Serena was hurtled back by it.
"Wrap!" Serena grimaced, coiling her body around it and squeezing. The Electrike whined, squirming, one leg jutting out from between two of the coils as Serena squeezed tighter, a hoarse whine spilling from the Electrike.
"Electrike, Tackle..!" The Electrike whined again, slamming its head into Serena, unable to move its body. She hissed, licking her lips before raising her head.
"Poison Tail, knock it away!" Serena glanced back, nodding slightly, before uncoiling. As the Electrike slumped she slammed a glowing tail blade into its side, batting it away. The Electrike howled as it rolled across the floor, paws moving to its ribs where a line of smeared purple glazed over a thin cut. It slowly stood, shaking badly.
"Electrike?" The Electrike didn't respond, panting rapidly before it collapsed to the floor. It twitched slightly, before going limp, a slow breath disturbing the grass in front of it.
"He's fine kid. But… You should get him to a Centre soon." Timmy looked up at Morgan, eyes filled with tears as he recalled the Electrike.
"You shouldn't use that thing! It's big and fat and mean!" He turned, running towards Slateport. A vicious hiss sprang after him as Morgan grabbed Serena, already attempting to lunge upon the youngster.
"Don't even try it..!"
He called me fat! Let me get the little brat and show him what fat is! Morgan scowled, walking away, tugging her along with his arms around her body. Serena scowled, going limp, her tail dragging along the floor behind him.
"And how will you do that? We're meant to be going to Mauville." Serena snapped her jaws together, reluctantly turning away to face him.
If I can get hold of that Electrike, I can show him what I look like when fat. Fat from a fresh meal. Morgan sighed, shaking his head, before letting go of her. Serena coiled up, before moving beside him. She flinched, stopping, before slowly nuzzling her side.
Damn… That iron-clad midget really hurt me... Morgan sighed, crouching beside her. He gently ran a hand down her side, pausing as he reached where her head was.
"Feels a little swollen… I guess you should take it careful for now. If we can, let's avoid battling until you feel better. While we're here, I suppose we should at least see to capturing someone else." He petted her head, standing again.
"Come on, there's another Centre in Mauville we can use. Probably some areas for us to train, and stuff. Although, once we're in the city, you're not hunting. Too busy and populated. I can't risk you getting caught Serena. She scowled slightly, before nodding.
Fine… So what is there you're going for? I know that Gulpin live up here, but you could get a Tentacool from the water. I saw a couple down there just now. Morgan nodded, before rummaging a Pokeball from his pocket.
"Later. For now it's a Gulpin I want to catch. I don't care for a particular gender, just find me one." Serena nodded, tongue flickering out, before nodding.
There's a weak scent. Not much, but it's there… I'll see about following it. Morgan nodded, watching as Serena moved ahead. He walked a little ways behind her, looking around the Route. The occasional trainer was on the Route, but Morgan tapped Serena's tail to let her know, as they avoided them. After several minutes, she stopped, her head still but her body moving forwards as she coiled up. Morgan crouched, moving beside her to look ahead.
Through the grass, partially hidden by colour was a Gulpin. The shape of it was little more than a sac with slit eyes and a puckered mouth. Two small hands were at the front of the body, similar in shape to a side view of the mouth. The green of its body was the same as the grass, but for a black diamond on its back. The forehead had a short feather upon it, which was bright yellow. Barely audible snores revealed it to be sleeping.
"Perfect. Thanks, Serena." He petted her head, looking around, before nodding.
"Use Wrap." Serena looked at him, frowning.
It's asleep. It isn't an enemy, nor a threat, not yet. Why should we fight it with an ambush? Morgan sighed, shaking his head, before petting her.
"You're so hard to do this with. You refuse to attack a sleeping opponent, you have all of these rules about honourable and dishonourable combat… And yet you gladly insult your opponents and use stealth attacks in a fight that's happening." Serena frowned, butting his arm with her head.
The difference is moral. If an enemy is attacking and the opportunity arises to disappear and attack a violent enemy with surprise and force, I will take it. But if I have no quarrel with the enemy, then I will not ambush them. And if you had listened, the Aron and Electrike spoke to me much the same. If you hadn't slept through all your lessons, you'd have heard from Joy. Your translator only stores languages when enough data is gathered. It was pre-programmed with Mightyena and Seviper when you received it, but anything else you catch will have to wait a few days until you can download the new language file. Morgan blinked, before nodding slightly.
"So… When I catch this Gulpin, I won't understand it?" Serena shook her head.
No. But then I can relay its speech, and you can understand me. Morgan nodded, before looking ahead.
"Alright. So we wake it up, and then you fight it." Serena nodded, as Morgan rummaged around the grass, pulling up a small clump of earth. He flicked it at the Gulpin, watching as it bounced off of its side. The Gulpin wobbled slightly, before yawning. Its mouth opened to a size that should have been impossible, the body structure behind it not changing, before slamming its mouth shut.
"Whoa. It can open its mouth wider than yours…" Serena smacked the flat of her tail against Morgan's head, before slithering into the clearing. She looked at the Gulpin, before nodding to where Morgan was sprawled out over the floor, clutching his head.
My trainer wants to capture you. I challenge you to a battle, the stakes being your freedom or capture. The Gulpin tilted its body to the side slightly, a slight sound of curiosity filling the air, before it nodded.
Morgan, get up before I sink my tail into your arm. He groaned, standing, before looking at the Gulpin. It let out a slight laughing sound, before it turned to Serena.
"Wrap!" Serena lashed out, gripping the Gulpin with her tail and coiling around its body. As she coiled, the body of the Gulpin stretched out and thinned, spreading ahead of the coils. It let out a slight groan, before slamming Serena in the face with a hand. The force of it knocked her head to the side, and Serena uncoiled to drop the Gulpin. She moved back, shaking her head slightly.
The Gulpin sucked in a breath, its body swelling up before holding it. After several seconds it opened its mouth, belching out a thick, low-hanging cloud of livid purple gas that slowly spread through the area. The grass it touched withered and died, and there was a sudden and mass rustling of grass as everything that heard the attack started to run away.
Poison! Morgan stepped back, eyes widening, before unslinging his backpack. He pulled open a side pouch, digging through it.
Morgan, get out of here! Now! He ignored her, pulling free a mask with a bulbous projection to each side. Directly above this was a large, single visor of tinted plastic allowing vision. He looked back at Serena, breath rasping through the filters of the mask.
"Serena! Hit it with a Wrap!" He stepped forwards again, the gas swirling around his knees and pointing forwards. Serena hissed, slamming her tail into the Gulpin and knocking it into the floor, quickly coiling around it and constricting again. The Gulpin pulsed slightly, before its cheeks swelled up. It let out a retching, hacking cough before spitting a mass of thick, purple-grey, gooey liquid out. It hit the floor, splashing out and quickly congealing over the floor, a splash hitting Morgan's arm.
Morgan, be careful of that stuff! He stepped back, batting a hand at his arm where the goo was smoking slightly, corroding the sleeve of the jacket. He cried out, shaking his hand as some of the goo stuck to his hand, burning through the skin.
"Damnit..! It's a Sludge attack..! Serena, stop it from attacking again!" Serena bared her fangs angrily, slamming it into the barrier hard enough to crack it. She slammed it again, tossing a barely-conscious Gulpin to the floor. Morgan tossed a Pokeball at it as Serena hurried to his side, nudging his hand. He held it out, skin reddened and inflamed, with several patches burned away and bleeding.
"I packed all the stuff for gasses, and forgot about gloves…" He looked at his sleeve, and the hole burned through it revealing a patch of irritated and reddened skin, before sighing. The Poison Gas had faded by now, leaving clean air, and he pulled off the mask, face flushed from the enclosed space.
"Ahh… Serena, open my backpack up, look for a plastic case…" He stripped off his jacket, revealing a short-sleeve shirt beneath it, dumping the jacket on the floor. The fabric rubbed over his hand and arm, the irritation quickly forming numerous small swellings. The bleeding from his hand had worsened, as Serena rustled through his backpack and lifted her head up, holding said case. The inside consisted of a multitude of square sections, each containing a sample of plants leaves, roots and dried berries. He grabbed it, opening up the case and running a finger over the sections while muttering.
"Venom, toxin, neuro, psycho, musculo, heamo, irritant-there!" He stopped with a finger over the last one he named, the section containing several dried, crushed leaves, the ends of them curved in a shape similar to a club; a thin, sturdy leaf with three half-circles at the end. He pinched a few out, putting the case down on the floor and squeezed them in his uninjured hand as Serena nuzzled him slightly.
What do you need? He nodded to the backpack again as he began to shred the leaves, flexing his fingers as a faint, sour scent filled the air.
"Get out the bowl in there, fill with water from my canteen. Hurry." Serena dived her head into the backpack, pulling out the bowl and placing it on the floor. She grabbed the canteen, stabbing it with her tail and puncturing it, letting the water flood out into the bowl before Morgan dropped in the rough powder formed from the leaves. He stirred it with a finger, before splashing the water over his hand and washing it. He winced, before using his hand to then wash his arm with the water.
What are you doing? Morgan glanced up, before looking back to his arm.
"The leaves I just crushed and added to the water are a natural relief for venoms. I mix them with water and wash the liquid over these corrosions, and it dulls the pain while destroying the venom proteins. It should be enough to make it go down, and I can keep it clean to avoid infections. Since all it's done is irritate, I doubt that there will be any long lasting toxin effects." He reached into a side pocket of the backpack, pulling out a roll of bandages and began to wrap his arm and hand.
"With some care, I should be fine. It made me bleed, but it wasn't serious so I'm confident that I won't be poisoned." He tied off the bandages, slashing them down Serena's fangs to cut the material, putting the roll into the pocket again. He fished out a book, flicking through it before stopping.
"Alright, Gulpin… Let's see. Yeah… Sludge attacks are less poisonous than expected, unless introduced into the blood or soft tissues. It's more corrosive than usual Sludge, but less toxic too, because a portion of the gunk spat out is formed from the stomach acids because of body structure." He closed the book, slipping it into a pocket on his jeans before standing up and pulling on his jacket again.
Morgan. Are you going to see Joy? He glanced down at Serena, before petting her head and smiling. He picked up the Pokeball, clipping it to his belt, and rolled his shoulders.
"Nah… I've washed the burns with something to help, I'll be fine." He picked up the bowl, tipping out the water and slotting it back into his backpack, putting away the box of plants, before sighing as he lifted the canteen.
"Man, I'll have to buy a new one… Good thing I can make it to Mauville within the day. If we're lucky, we'll be there by sunset." He slung the canteen into his backpack, zipping it up and pulling it onto his back before starting to walk. Serena frowned, moving beside him.
I think you should go back. You're only human, and that Sludge could have left some behind. For all we know, you dulled the pain of it but that Sludge is still corroding your arm and hand. Morgan nodded, before gesturing towards the Route ahead.
"Come on. We need to keep going, and I want to make sure we get there in time. You can move, but don't deny it, those two fights hurt you. If we go to Slateport now, we'll never make it to Mauville and we'll have to stay over at Slateport for the night. We can make it, and we'll rest and heal there." Serena paused, looking at Morgan as he walked, before nodding slightly and moving beside him, looking around.
Alright. We'll try for Mauville. But if you get worse, I'm dragging you as fast as I can to whichever Centre is the closest, regardless of anything. Morgan nodded, petting her head and stroking her neck with his good hand. Serena nuzzled him, before glancing at his waist.
When will you deal with the Gulpin? Morgan shrugged slightly, before touching a hand to the ball, keeping his hand off the button.
"I… Suppose at the Centre. I'll see that you're both healed up, then I'll get my burns seen to. After that, we'll deal with it. Hopefully, I won't end up like this every time I catch someone new." Serena nodded, chuckling slightly.
Maybe there's a pattern. I never attacked you, Gulpin hurt you… I suppose the next one you catch will be wonderful and kind, and your fourth will attack you again. Five will be friendly, and then the sixth will probably try to eat you. Morgan smiled slightly.
"Don't say that. If that's how it goes, I don't fancy ending up something's lunch… Or dinner, perhaps. Maybe breakfast. I don't know what time, and I don't want to find out. I'd rather it was a smaller injury each time, rather than lots of harmless captures and one lethal one to end it." Serena smirked, before nudging his side.
I said I would keep you safe. I'm sorry I couldn't help when that Gulpin Sludged you, but I wasn't able to move without loosening my grip… Morgan nodded at her.
"It's fine. I understand. When we get to the Centre, I'll scan it with the Dex, too. Now, come on, let's get moving." He started walking faster, eager to reach the Centre in Mauville.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Mauville City, a place of lights and industry, of electricity and fun. Urban areas brushed shoulders with a centre for gambling, and the famous underground generator that mirrored the layout of the city. Morgan walked down the street, looking around as Serena moved beside him, wincing.
Damnit, it's so loud in this place… Slateport was nothing like this. Morgan nodded, scratching at his ear with a finger. Slateport wasn't quiet, but the sounds were natural. Wind, ocean, Wingull and nature were the prima donna of sound, backed by the chorus of a city that had no need to rush, the quiet hubbub of markets and beach visitors mingling with the sounds of docks at work and the occasional boat docking at the beach.
Mauville was filled with the sound of a loud and active city. In the background they could head the music and sounds of the gambling area, and see the spotlights on top of the casino shining into the sky. Beneath it all was a faint, permeating hum, a buzzing in his ears and bones from the generator.
"I can't wait to be out of here…" He turned the corner, struggling through the crowd; the street he left had only a few people, but suddenly the path was packed with onlookers. He glanced back at Serena, checking she was still with him.
"Hey, you OK down there?" Serena hissed slightly, before looking around.
I feel like someone's going to tread on me. Morgan carefully pulled her up, wrapping her coils around his body, before resuming his walk. Serena looked around, laying her head on his.
What's going on, anyway? It was nothing like this… Morgan shrugged, before slowing to a stop and looking around. Bright lights and colourful buildings lined the streets, and stands selling food and souvenirs lined the way as he groaned.
"This is the gambling area… We must have taken a wrong turn…" He sighed, turning around as Serena shook her head.
This place is weird. Slateport had streets and alleys, sure, but it was nothing like this… I can't hear or scent any defining feature to use as a base, but at Slateport I always had the scent and sound of the ocean to guide me. Morgan nodded, petting her, before stumbling as someone shoved in front of him.
"Hey, kid, nice Pokémon. How much for it?" Morgan frowned, looking up at the man. He stood taller than Morgan, his shoulders just above Morgan's head, and had on a short-sleeved shirt and jeans, showing arms with large muscles and an anchor tattooed onto his right bicep. He grinned down at him, before lifting a case in one arm.
"I struck gold in the casino. Five thousand coins here, and you can cash that for five thousand Pokedollars. So, how about I give you that and you hand over the Seviper?" Morgan scowled, shaking his head and stepping aside.
"No, no way." He took another step, before the guy grabbed his arm and pulled him around. He stood close, looking down at him with his hand still gripping Morgan's arm.
"That's not right, now… Why turn down an offer, when you're carrying about a Prize Pokémon?" Morgan wrenched his arm away, frowning.
"What do you mean, Prize Pokémon? She's mine, and not for sale." Serena hissed, her mouth parting slightly as her tongue flickered.
He's drunk, reeking of alcohol. Every time his mouth opens I can taste it… Morgan nodded slightly, before turning and walking away. He managed several steps, before the man jerked his jacket and pulled him back.
"I don't believe that. After all, no-one walks this place with a Pokémon out that isn't a Prize…" He waved his arm around, a bottle of alcohol clutched in his hand, and Morgan looked around. Although hard to see, several people in the crowd were toting Pokémon; one woman had an Eevee sat on each shoulder, another had an Abra levitating beside her and a third was passing a Pokeball to a woman who was passing her a case similar to what the man had held.
Serena's eyes narrowed, a slight hiss of anger spilling forth as her coils tightened in fury. Morgan winced, grabbing at her, before she loosened her grip.
They… Capture and sell Pokémon like goods. Like they aren't alive. They aren't even partners, they're just a way of money… This isn't right, I can't… I won't let them get away with this! Morgan cried out as Serena shifted her coils, propelling herself away from him and speeding through the crowd. Her path was obvious based on people shouting and getting thrown aside, the occasional scream rising from a woman. Morgan cursed, running after her as the woman with the Eevee's.
She let out a scream as Serena slammed into her, quickly wrapping her coils around the saleswoman, the Eevee jumping to the floor and running away while crying out. She hissed, coils moving and tightening, venom dripping from her fangs as she lunged for the saleswoman. Morgan jumped, tackling her neck and forcing her head to miss, fangs carving into the floor beside her.
"Serena, stop it!"He held her down, a knee on her neck just beneath her skull to pin her, arms wrapped around her tail to prevent the blade from flaying into the woman. Wrapped in coils, her breath was shortening and becoming faster, more similar to a stuttered gasp than a breath as Serena continued tightening her grip.
She treats them like nothing, Morgan! Look at her, selling of Pokémon like they aren't individuals! I can't just let this happen! There was a loud cracking sound as the woman's arm abruptly shattered, her body compacted so much she couldn't even scream again as the crowd around them pushed and backed away in fear. There was a loud roaring, before the crowd parted to sirens and a police motorcycle sped into the clearing. It came to a stop, stand snapping down as Officer Jenny dismounted and removed her helmet. She opened a Pokeball, revealing an Alakazam.
"Get that Seviper off, now!" The Alakazam nodded, eyes glowing as it waved a hand towards them. A light blue glow surrounded Morgan and Serena as the force of the power slowly unravelled Serena, leaving the woman on the floor gasping and coughing, clutching her broken arm and crying. Jenny walked over, looking at Morgan and glaring.
"What are you doing, attacking this woman?" Morgan blinked, trying to move, before sighing and giving up.
"Actually, I uh… I was saving her life. Serena attacked and I was pinning her head so she couldn't bite her, and I was holding her tail down to stop her stabbing into the woman. But I couldn't unwrap her, and if I tried to get her ball then she would have freed her tail…" Jenny raised an eyebrow, before turning to Alakazam.
"You know what to do." Alakazam nodded, placing a hand on the woman. Her body glowed slightly, before her arm healed, the sound of bone moving for several seconds punctuating the Recover. Jenny removed a set of handcuffs from her belt, clipping Morgan's hands together behind his back before pulling a Pokeball from his belt.
"Is this hers?" Morgan made to shrug, the action barely visible.
"Either Serena's, or the Gulpin I caught earlier. I've been meaning to mark them and never had time." Jenny nodded, pressing the button and watching as Serena was hit by a beam of red light, engulfing her and pulling her into the ball. Alakazam's eyes stopped glowing as Morgan dropped to his feet.
"I'm questioning you back at the station. You have some explaining to do." Morgan sighed, looking around. Annoyingly, the drunken guy who had pointed out the woman had disappeared once Jenny approached, who was now at the motorcycle talking into her radio. She finished speaking, hooking the radio piece back onto the speaker, and turned to Alakazam.
"Take him and this back to the station. I'll be back when Joy arrives." Alakazam nodded, taking the Pokeball Jenny held out before placing a hand on Morgan's shoulder. There was a flash of blue, before Morgan blinked, looking around a police station. The Alakazam reached down, gasping the chain between the two cuffs on his wrists, and walked him to the desk. The officer behind it looked up from the work he was doing, brushing a clump of hair out of his eyes. A translation unit was fixed to his head, half-hidden by hair.
"Alakazam. What's up?"
"Ala, azam. Kaza-zam." The officer nodded, turning to look at Morgan. He sighed, before looking back to Alakazam.
"OK. Take him through to cell five, and put the ball in an isolation cube. I'll let Jenny know." Alakazam nodded, walking Morgan around and through a door that opened as they approached. Morgan glanced at Alakazam, as he was led towards a cell with the number 5 over the doorframe.
"Hey, uh… You're a Psychic… Can't you just read my mind and let me go as innocent?" Alakazam glanced at him, before looking forwards and pushing Morgan through the doorway. Eyes glowing, the door swung shut, a thick piece of solid steel with a view port at eye-level, a sheet of clear material preventing someone inside reaching through. Alakazam floated up slightly, looking through the slot at Morgan as the lock slammed shut.
I can indeed read minds, human. And I know you are innocent of the crime you are held for. Your actions were to assist the female your Seviper was attacking. However, I do as instructed by my mistress, and so I shall keep you here. When she arrives, I will bring her, and we shall see that you are treated fairly and equally. If you excuse me, I must now take your Pokémon to prevent you attempting an escape.Morgan shivered as the voice rang through his head, obviously male, it was deep and rich with wisdom. The Pokeball at his belt containing Gulpin detached, as a hatch in the door swung inwards. The ball floated out, and the handcuffs unlocked, following it. A second later, the hatch slammed shut. Morgan walked to the door, looking out to see the balls being placed in a box of tinted material, the lid shutting as it floated beside Alakazam.
"Could you see that they get healed..? Serena had to fight a few times, and Gulpin is only caught today." Alakazam paused, before nodding at him.
Of course. When I get the chance, I shall see that they are treated. I will bring medication for your arm and hand, also. I suggest you take the time to sleep, or relax. Pacing and worrying, although an understandable reaction to this situation, shall wear you down and exhaust your nerves. The cover of the viewing slit closed, and Morgan sighed. He knelt, looking down the door, seeing the faintest of metal seams to show the hatch, but he couldn't fit his fingernails in to try and wedge it open despite his best efforts.
"Damnit… Serena, I've warned you about this stuff…" He sighed again, shaking his head before walking back to the bunk. Sitting down, he glanced along it. Wide enough for a single person, with a rubber-wrapped thin mattress and pillow and a single blanket it was hardly the comfortable thing to relax on. Morgan laid down, grimacing as the rubber coating of the pillow gripped and pulled his hair.
"Of course, it wouldn't be comfortable for a bed…" He stared at the ceiling for several seconds, before closing his eyes.
Morgan was sure he didn't sleep, and that he only rested for a few seconds. But when he opened his eyes to the door slamming wide, he was somehow laying on his side, facing the wall, with a small trail of drool running down his cheek and over the pillow. He sat up, stretching, and yawned before wiping his cheek with a hand. Jenny looked down at him, frowning.
"Great. Now we need to get that bed cleaned. Thankfully rubber coating stops fluids seeping in… Now get up, I have to talk to you." Morgan stood, scratching his neck before Jenny paused.
"What's up with the bandages?" Morgan glanced at his hand, before shrugging.
"Caught a Gulpin earlier. Got splashed with a Sludge during the fight though. It burned my hand, and through the sleeve of my jacket and my forearm. I washed and cleaned the burns with clean water that had an antivenom in it. Natural source, I crushed some dried Deathbane leaves." Jenny frowned, looking at him with a mixture of curiosity and confusion.
"Deathbane? Doesn't sound very good." Morgan shrugged, before idly rubbing the bandaged part of his arm with the free hand.
"Yeah, well, it's an old name for the plant. The leaves are dried and powdered usually, but in a hurry you can just crush them to break it up. It's a natural antivenom; the bane of death. So, it got the name Deathbane. It's an older, less-used name, but it's what I know it as. You probably recognise it as the plant called jester-leaf from its shape." Jenny nodded slightly, before turning and leading him out of the cell.
"Well, now I know why Alakazam brought Joy here. She's waiting for you in the medical bay. We have the medical equipment for some injuries, but in the case of a wound like that we don't have the expertise." Morgan nodded, before lifting his arms.
"Not cuffing me this time?" Jenny shook her head, before tapping the cuffs at her waist.
"That was when you were under arrest. At the moment, you're just here to be questioned. If you try to escape, with or without force, then I'll have Arcanine hunt you down and drag you back by an arm before cuffing you to a chair. Then you'll have burns and bite wounds." Morgan nodded, before the two of them entered a questioning room. There was a mirror dominating one wall, and a bare table bolted to the floor. A chair on either side, also bolted down, waited for occupants.
Standing to the side of the room was Nurse Joy, who looked over as Morgan entered the room. Jenny followed, closing the door, before nodding to Joy.
"He's all yours. Patch him up as best you can, then Alakazam will take you back to the Centre." Joy nodded, as Jenny sat in the chair with its back to the mirror. Morgan sat in the other chair, placing his arms on the table as Joy set a portable medical kit down, opening it.
"Unwrap your arm and hand." Morgan shrugged off his jacket, before draping it over the back of his chair and started to unravel his bandages. As they came off and exposed the next layer, the bandages started to change from the pristine white at the surface, to a darker, more brownish-red colour. As the last of the bandages fell off, Joy pulled on a pair of medical gloves, scooping up the bandages and packing them into a plastic bag.
The skin on Morgan's arm and hand had blistered considerably more, and rather than a spread of several large ones, it was now a blanketing of small, closely packed ones. Several had apparently burst under the bandages, and a small but steady amount of fluid and blood oozed freely.
"Uh… Shouldn't it be healing..?" Morgan spoke up, glancing at Joy, who tutted at him. Reaching into her kit, she began to unpack it, speaking as she did so.
"According to Jenny, you told her this was from a Gulpin. You also told her you had treated it?" Morgan nodded, watching the steadily increasing collection of medical items, before Joy snapped the case shut and moved it aside. Picking up a small, plastic-wrapped cylindrical shape about the length of her hand, she opened it and removed a syringe, slipping off the safety cover of the hypodermic and tapping it with a finger.
"Uh, yeah… I wasn't this bad, it was just a few blisters. I washed it with water, and I crushed some dried Deathbane into the water beforehand. It should be healing up." Joy nodded slightly, before placing her left hand on his arm, above the blistering and gripped the syringe in her right, fingers and thumbs ready to use the plunger.
"You were half-right. That herbal treatment certainly numbs the area, otherwise you would be scratching at this until your nails were rubbing the bone of your arm. Deathbane treats irritations and swelling. It doesn't counter the blistering effect of some toxins, and that's what you're suffering here." She pushed the tip of the syringe into one of the larger blisters, draining it quickly and re-capping the syringe.
"Huh. Weird. I have a couple of things ready to treat venoms and poisons, and books on them and what carries the venoms, but nothing mentioned how Gulpin venom is a blistering agent…" Joy nodded, picking up a plastic bottle and shaking it thoroughly, unscrewing the cap and pressing a square of gauze to it as she upended the bottle.
"Blistering effect isn't technically part of their venom, so it won't be recorded. Sludge is formed from the Pokémon secreting a venomous protein into their saliva, it thickens and corrodes upon reaction with the air. Gulpin Sludge incorporates a portion of stomach acids, and that is why it blisters; not poison, but acid damage." She lowered the bottle, before washing the blistering areas with the gauze as Morgan cried out, twitching his arm back.
"Ow! What is that?" Joy gripped his uninjured hand, holding his arm still and swabbing over the arm again. She then started to wash his hand, holding his wrist still.
"It's just an alkali solution I made up before coming over. It's neutralising any leftover acid in the wounds, and is also going to help deal with the blisters. This should be itching badly when the Deathbane wears off, but you can't scratch it or you'll open up your arm and bleed." She placed the gauze on the table, making sure the side dampened with solution was facing up, and lifted a small container, twisting off the top to reveal a thick, slightly off-white paste.
"So… Now that you've done all of this, I should be healing, right?" Joy nodded, dipping two fingers into the paste and scooping some out, beginning to rub it over the blisters.
"It will take about a week. This paste will reduce the blisters, drying them out and healing it. You should change the bandages every other day, so I'll give you some of the ointment when you come to the Centre. You have bandages, correct?" She dipped her fingers again, moving to apply it to his hand as Morgan nodded.
"Yeah, I have some. Uh… If I had my backpack, I could probably show you the stuff I have… But I have bandages, a box of compartments with herbal treatments and a second box that has several syringes and vials. They have enough antivenoms to last me several months before they need replacing, and can counter pretty much any sort of venom produced. Downside is, they're specific to Seviper. If I get bit, cut, or in the way of Serena I can just use some of that and be fine. But I need to get some antivenoms synthesised for each new team member." Joy nodded, closing the container and placing it on the table. Lifting a roll of bandages, she started to wrap his arm and hand in them.
"OK. When you get to the Centre, I'll take a look at the antivenoms you have and see if I can get any Gulpin antivenoms from storage. It takes time to make, but there's always a surplus, so you could be lucky. Do you get hurt by your Seviper often?" Morgan shook his head, slowly flexing his fingers.
"Not on purpose. Most of the time it was when I first got her and we were getting used to each other. I'd catch a hand on her tail, or her fangs would nick my shoulders when we hugged, stuff like that. Anything else was from her forgetting her strength during games, and once when a Zangoose turned up." Joy nodded, before turning and removing her gloves, packing away the items into the case again.
"OK. Well, I did what I can. You'll be fine, so make sure to come by the Centre to pick up that antivenom and ointment." She nodded to Jenny, before leaving the room. As the door closed with a click, Jenny looked at Morgan again.
"Alright. So, now you're patched up again, let's talk. Tell me what happened in that street." Morgan nodded, pulling his jacket on again before scratching the back of his head.
"Well… What happened was we took a wrong turn, and lost. We were trying to find the Centre, but somehow ended up in the gambling area. Some drunk guy tried to offer me coins for Serena, and said that the only people with Pokémon out were selling them as prizes. Serena didn't exactly like that prospect, and decided that the best way to deal with this was to free the Pokémon. Except she was furious, and rather than helping them decided to destroy the root of the problem." Jenny nodded slightly, before sighing.
"Well, I can understand that, but what they do is entirely legal. They source from registered breeders, and a lot of the time those Pokémon are pets. It's entirely legal sale, even if a lot of Pokémon have tried to get it stopped. Psychics with telepathy tend to provide a voice for those who couldn't speak, but now that there's the translators there's been several years of complaints." Morgan nodded, before glancing at the mirror.
"So why not do something?" Jenny shrugged, before tapping her badge, pinned to her uniform chest.
"What is there to do? We serve and protect the law, but that means that we have to do what we're told. I and a lot of officers disagree with the sales of Pokémon as prizes, but the higher ups can't do a thing. After all, it's an organisation run by the region, the region is run by the Elite Four, and why would they want to remove something that brings a lot of sales in?" Morgan sighed, nodding slightly.
"You're the police though. You're meant to be above the law, right?" Jenny nodded, before pointing to her badge, and the words etched around its edge.
"We vow to serve and protect those beneath us. Beneath us, however, should mean any who aren't police and require aid. That's ideal. But really, we're funded by the Elites. Our hands are tied; if we cut their funds, they cut police funds. If we did our job to the extent it should be done, then they would cut as much funding as possible to teach a lesson. The Elite have the place of being the best of the region, and since they're at the top, that means they like to have things their way." She ran a thumb over the badge, before looking at the door.
"You're cleared of the charges, and free to go." Morgan stood, hesitating, before looking at her.
"Why tell me all this?" Jenny shrugged, standing, and crossed to the door.
"Because if we let those who are planning to challenge the Four know, we can hope that someone will take over who's able to change it. Power corrupts, absolute power destroys. And money is the root of it all. Besides. How do you think Centres can fund so much for not charging trainers? They charge for full-fainting restores, and in return they get funded everything needed." She opened the door, gesturing out.
"Come on. Alakazam has your balls in the lobby, and he's waiting for you. Once there, you can mark up the balls, and get going with what you need to. It's late, so you should hurry. Good luck, and be careful with those Poison types." Morgan nodded slightly, leaving the room and heading to the lobby. Alakazam was waiting, legs crossed and levitating in place as he meditated, two Pokeballs in front of him and Morgan's backpack between them. He opened his eyes as Morgan approached.
Ah, you are here. It is good. Tell me, how did it feel to be enlightened? Morgan frowned, looking around slightly.
"Enlightened..?" Alakazam nodded, unfurling his legs and standing up, grasping the balls from the air.
Correct. My mistress would not spread the truth, that the humans in command are corrupt with greed and a lust for power, especially when it would see her pushed to the side, quietly snipped out of the 'perfect' police force. I make it a policy to care for her, and when a human of acceptable standards is here, I carefully enforce myself upon her psyche, to share. Morgan blinked, taking the balls from Alakazam slowly.
"So… It was you..? Talking through her back there?" Alakazam nodded, before placing a hand over his chest, above the heart.
My life is my mistresses, to use and to serve her. I owe her my life. Not that I was in risk of dying, but I do owe her my life. She has trained and tutored me to this level, and enabled me to reach my full potential via the electro-radiation stimulatory exposure common to light-mass compacted Pokémon species during storage and ownership transferral with the automated machinery. Morgan blinked, staring at Alakazam in confusion.
"Uh…" Alakazam nodded, before speaking again.
She allowed me to evolve through being traded. The red light often seen is a compact and easily stored energy form used by Pokeball technology, and when a Pokémon is stored as it and traded, sometimes the electrical and radiological energy output causes mutation and evolution. In Kadabra, it causes immense intellectual increase, which accordingly alters the body. Machoke undergo musculoskeletal and endocrine changes, Graveler are passed through the equivalent of thousands of years-worth of pressure and temperature to metamorphose, whilst Haunter absorb energy to increase their capacity of ectoplasmic structure and control.
"So… Because you evolved you owe her your life." Alakazam nodded once more, before touching a finger to each Pokeball. A small, perfectly formed 'S' and 'G' formed on the red part of the ball, over the button.
S for Serena. G, because I know your name to determine will begin with it. And, yes. I want what is best for my mistress, and this is not it, being heeled by a leash held by corrupt humans. I spread word, as do others serving their masters and mistresses in the police force, to try and remove the veil over the corruption. Go, and be careful. And watch for the fangs; Seviper often forget they are extruded when reacting without thinking. He turned, walking away and towards the room Jenny was standing beside. Morgan clipped the balls to his belt, picked his backpack out the air and slung it on his shoulders, turning and leaving the station.
Oh, and here, human. The fastest way to the Centre. Morgan blinked, stumbling slightly as a sudden and not entirely pleasant feeling shot through his mind as a route through the city was implanted; buildings he never saw or knew about appearing in perfect detail, fading away as it became less relative to the route. He shivered, before nodding slightly in thanks and walking.
It was the strangest feeling, to be following a new path and yet to have memory of it; he was continually double checking and catching himself about to speak to empty air, yet with the impression someone was standing there and talking to him as well.
After several minutes he found himself outside the Centre. He entered through the doors, looking around. It was late enough now that the lights were turned off, and only the small, dull lights for use at night were on; glowing with enough luminosity to reveal a small patch of the room or corridor, leaving periodical patches of black between them.
A door opened, as he looked over to see a Chansey standing behind the counter, smiling happily despite wearing a small nightcap rather than the medical hat of a nurse.
Hello! Good night, mister. Can I help you? Morgan nodded, walking over and pulling out his Pokedex.
"Yeah, uh… Could I rent a room? I'll need it for… Two nights, I think." Chansey nodded, taking the 'dex and opening it before tapping the screen several times. A small plug extended from the computer via wire, and Chansey clipped on the 'dex, the plug connecting to it through a small port with a cover that folding inwards.
The computer beeped, and the light of the screen as cast over Chansey as she typed away at the keyboard. After several seconds, she removed the 'dex and passed it back to Morgan who closed it and slipped it into his pocket again.
Is there a specific type of room you would like to rent, mister? Morgan nodded, hand resting on the balls at his belt.
"Yes. I got a new Pokémon today, and I need a room that I can let it out in to talk and speak with. Something sound-proof, designed for Poison types." Chansey hesitated, before nodding slightly.
We do have a room for that, mister. Would you like me to come along, in case of an incident? Morgan shook his head, as Chansey slowly passed him a key, a short chain connecting it to a thin rectangle of plastic with rounded corners, the number '38' embossed in black on the middle; the plastic itself was white, with the shape of a Pokecentre roof in red on it.
"No, thanks. I'll be fine, I have someone on my team who can help." He turned, walking away from the desk as Chansey stepped out from behind the counter, watching him nervously.
With a click, the key turned and the door swung open. Morgan paused, rapping a knuckle against it, hearing the dull clang of metal. He shrugged, entering the room and flicking the light switch as he closed the door.
The room itself was as it should be, for first conversations; little furniture, and what there was could clearly be seen as bolted down. A bed, with a cabinet and thin closet were about all that the room held, with a small carpet in the centre of the floor. A door to the side was open, and through it Morgan glimpsed an en suite bathroom. Pulling a ball from his belt, he rubbed a finger over the top before feeling the shape of an 'S' in it.
"Come on, Serena, out with you." The ball opened in a burst of light, forming into Serena. She looked around, glaring, as her fangs slid into position with a faint click.
Where is she? I still need to deal with that human. Morgan shook his head, walking over and sitting on the bed. He slapped a hand against the mattress and Serena hissed slightly.
I'm not a mutt. Ask me to sit beside you, don't just summon me. Morgan closed his eyes, taking a breath and letting it out slowly.
"Serena. Get up on the bed." She paused, looking at him, before moving over and up beside him, coiling up on the bed.
What is it? He sighed, sitting still for several seconds, before speaking.
"What have I told you..? About humans, and how to act?" Serena blinked, tongue flicking lightly against his cheek.
Don't attack, don't take what they say literally, don't trust them if you're not sure, and don't eat them. Morgan nodded, before pointing at her.
"And you broke that first rule." Serena scowled, shaking her head.
No. I didn't attack her, I was trying to get those Pokémon free. They shouldn't be sold like that, they- Morgan cut her off, facing her, face creased with anger.
"No! No excuses!" Serena recoiled slightly, looking at him.
I'm not making an excuse. I'm telling you the truth. Morgan scowled, standing up, leaning over her.
"Then what the hell was up with you?! You wrapped around and tried crushing that woman!" Serena glared at him, snapping her jaws together even as she lowered her head.
She deserved it. You shouldn't have interfered. Morgan clenched his hands together, fingernails digging into the skin of his palms.
"Shouldn't have? Serena, you have no idea what I did for you!" He reached out, gripping her chin and yanked her head up, looking her in the eyes even as she tried to pull away.
"I risked ending up arrested and in prison for you!" He shook her head, reaffirming his grip with both hands, one on either side of her muzzle.
"They would have stripped my license! I would have lost all chances of being a Trainer, Gulpin would be released and you would be put down!" He threw her away, Serena's head and neck sprawled over her coils as he clenched his fists again.
"Don't ever speak like that! I intervened with your attack, I've spent hours in a cell, then been questioned, not because I wanted to keep my license, but so you can still be my partner and not end up in the Centre for killing a human..!" Serena looked up at him, before turning her head away and hissing slightly, coils ruffling the bed as she tightened them up.
…I'm sorry. Morgan groaned, pressing a palm against his face. He straightened up, walking away from her and slammed a fist into the wall. He looked back, shoulders slumping, voice low with regret.
"You always say that. Every time something causes trouble, it's 'I'm sorry.' from you. Sorry for attacking a Pokémon, sorry for hurting a human, sorry for-…" He sighed, shaking his head and looked away again, pushing open the door to the bathroom fully.
"I'm going to shower. Stay in this room, Serena, and wait. When I get back, we're speaking to Gulpin." He entered the bathroom, slamming the door shut as Serena flinched slightly. She stayed on the bed for several more seconds, before the door opened enough for a backpack and pile of clothes to get pushed out, slamming shut once more. She sighed, lowering her head onto her coils, flat of her tail idly rubbing her muzzle as the sound of a shower running started.
…He's right… I did over-react. She looked around the room, before scowling in anger. It was obviously night time, and her body reminded her that it was so late when a vicious-sounding growl erupted from her stomach. She glanced at the backpack, before hooking her tail through a strap and pulling it up onto the bed. Although it took a few minutes, she managed to open the buckle by biting down and tugging, squeezing enough to slip it free and nudged open the backpack.
Rooting around in it turned up a couple of bandage rolls, a ruptured canteen, a segmented box of dried plants and a canister holding a syringe and a few vials, as well as a notebook and several pencils. She paused, nudging the notebook so it fell open to a blank page. Slowly dragging her chin over it she turned the pages, pausing as she came across a drawing.
Marked out in pencil across the cream material was an image. It showed Serena, coiled up near a wooded area, head resting on her body eyes closed. She smiled slightly, dragging to the next page. This one showed a Cascoon tucked into a fork on a tree, resting on a branch jutting from the trunk. A Wurmple clung to the wood beside it, silk stringing from its mouth to a leaf hanging off of the Cascoons side.
Wow… I didn't know he drew these ones… She continued turning the pages, working back through the notebook, each image different, and none of them had the same species in it in the same position. Wingull over the beach hut, a cluster of Rattata in an alley, even one of a Wailmer pod swimming through the ocean. She started as a hand pressed against the back of her neck.
"Get a little curious, huh?" Serena looked up at Morgan, blinking. He stood beside the bed, towel wrapped around his stomach and hanging to his knees. Water still clung to his body, and he brushed a wad of dripping hair out of his face, sitting beside her.
"I remember this. It was before I got you. We went out on a fishing trip, me and my parents. Halfway out from the beach, a pod of Wailmer surfaced. I sketched this out, and drew it when I was back home." He petted Serena, wrapping an arm around her neck and pulling her head against his chest.
"I'm sorry I lost my temper. But you had me so worried, I just snapped. If you're angry then you're angry, but I can't have that without you knowing the reason." Serena blinked again, staring up at him as her tongue idly flicked out over his upper stomach, replacing water with saliva.
It's fine. I can understand. It's just… I never saw you like that before. I felt like a hatchling before an elder, waiting to be rebuked for a bad action. Morgan sighed, petting her head gently, lifting her coils onto his lap. Serena shifted around, quickly wrapping around him from his waist to his shoulders, leaving his arms out of the loops, licking his cheek. Morgan smiled slightly, before hugging her neck and stroking her back as she licked his cheek repeatedly.
"I hope you aren't getting too comfortable, Serena. I'm not sitting here all night so you can just lick me."Serena nuzzled him, murring slightly.
Oh, I wouldn't lick all night. I'd have to go get food at some point so you don't end up becoming a snack. Morgan frowned at her, smacking a hand over the tip of her muzzle.
"No, no way. Not so soon. I told you about those jokes, and I mean it. Other trainers have translators, and if they or a Pokémon hear that and tell someone you'll get us both in trouble. This room is soundproof, but I don't want you getting in the habit of such jokes." Serena pulled back slightly, before nodding.
Sorry. I was just… Just trying to lighten the mood. Morgan rested his hand on her neck, gently petting her as he looked at the door.
"You might have been trying to lighten it, but it can still cause trouble with that sort of joke. Please. At least don't say them when we're in a city or town." Serena nodded, nuzzling his chin and licking his cheek.
Alright. I won't make jokes. Morgan nodded, slipping his arms under the coils and unravelling them one at a time, before standing up.
"I ran a shallow bath of hot water. You can go wash up in there, while I dry and dress." Serena nodded, heading through to the bathroom, tail flicking the door shut behind her. Morgan stood, repacking his backpack and dropping it in the corner of the room. He rummaged through it, pulling out a pair of pyjama tops and bottoms and throwing them onto the bed before removing his towel and starting to dry his hair. He sighed, glancing at the balls on his belt, before walking to the bedside table. A small phone was beside it, and he picked it up. After a few seconds, the phone was answered by a Chansey. He lifted a paper menu beside the phone, scanning over it.
"Hey, uh… Could I place a room service to room thirty-eight? I'd like… a plate of raw steak, three plates of mixed berries and raw steak, and one bowl of stew." He waited until the Chansey confirmed his order, before hanging up and resuming drying himself.
Morgan had just finished dressing in his pyjamas when there was a knock at the door. He opened it, stepping back as a Chansey stepped through carrying two trays. One had a plate and a bowl while the other had three plates, before the Chansey set them both on the bed.
"Thanks. Do I have to pay at the desk?" The Chansey shook its head, bowing as it placed the plates and bowl on the table.
No. All food and drink is included in the payment for your room. I'll take the trays and come for the plates and bowl in the morning. Sleep well, and good luck. The Chansey left the room with the trays, before Morgan walked to the bathroom and knocked.
"Serena, food is here." He slowly opened the door as Serena slid out of the bathtub, carrying in his used towel. Hanging it upon the towel rack he took down a dry one, walking over and crouching beside her. He started drying her, rubbing the towel in the same way as her scales, finished with a quick wipe over her tail.
What did you get? Morgan left the bathroom after hanging the towel up to dry, gesturing to the plates.
"Stew for me, a plate of steak for you, and three plates of steak and berries for the Gulpin. Don't complain, I know you snacked a couple of Pokémon in the grass while we were on our way to Mauville." Serena huffed slightly, biting the meat on her plate. Flicking her head upwards saw most of the meat pulled in, the rest slipping through her mouth as she swallowed it. Morgan lifted the bowl, a spoon resting in it and started to eat.
Fine. But I needed something to eat after the fights. Morgan nodded, petting her and moving the other plates away. He lifted the ball with Gulpin in it, opening the ball and letting it out. Gulpin looked around, a curious 'Gul' coming from it.
"Hey. Those plates have food for you to eat." Gulpin looked at Morgan, before turning to the plates. It moved over, stubby hands gripping the plate a second before the mouth yawned open and it scooped the entire plate and food into its mouth, swallowing loudly. It quickly gulped down the three plates, swelling slightly before letting out a content sigh.
"How was it?" Morgan fished a black rubber glove from the backpack, pulling it on before gently petting Gulpins back.
"Gul, ulpin." Serena laughed slightly.
He says it was a good snack. Morgan sighed, shaking his head.
"Another Pokémon with a large appetite, huh..? Well, fine… So, a he right?" Serena nodded, before Morgan looked back at Gulpin.
"OK, Gulpin. Since I caught you, I'm your trainer now. I'll feed you, and teach you and help you get stronger. In return, you need to do as I tell you and when I tell you during a battle. Out of battle… We'll work on becoming friends, OK?" Gulpin looked at him for several seconds, belching absent-mindedly as a half-melted plate spat onto the floor in front of him.
"Gul." Serena nodded, tail hooking Morgan backwards from the plate as it continued to melt.
He says OK. Morgan nodded, petting Gulpin with his gloved hand again.
"OK. So, a name… Do you have one?" Gulpin shook his head, before Morgan nodded.
"OK. How about… Gerald?" Gulpin nodded, a happy 'pin' coming from it. Morgan smiled, petting him more before standing.
"Alright. It's late, so we need to sleep. Tomorrow we'll talk more. If I can trust you to not eat me or Serena or to poison me, you're welcome onto the bed." Morgan stood, tilting the bowl and drinking the remains of the stew before placing it on the plate Serena had eaten from.
"Well, good night you two." He pulled back the cover of the bed, climbing in and pulling it over and Serena slithered under the cover. She quickly coiled around Morgan's ankles, working up his body until her head resting beside him. He chuckled, petting her as she licked his cheek.
"Gerald, the more we talk the faster I'll be able to understand you. This metal thing on my ear is a translator, but it works through exposure. Serena can act as a translator until it learns your language." Gerald, laying at the foot of the bed nodded at him before relaxing, sprawling out slightly.
"Night, you two."
"Gulp."
Night, Morgan. Gerald says night. Morgan turned off the light, a switch beside the bed working the same as the one by the door and disconnected the translator. He set it on the bedside table, rubbing his ear as it was freed from the confines of the box and relaxed, closing his eyes. In a few minutes, all three were asleep and dreaming of their individual dreams.