Disclaimer: This story contains ABDL themes and sexual themes. If this is not your type of thing, please just don't read this story. If you have any suggestions to improve my writing I will more than happily read them.
Author's Notes: This story takes place about a decade after the event of my other story Small Steps, although I doubt you will have to read it to understand/enjoy this story. There is only a small chance any of the characters from that story will show up in this one. The story takes place in a different region to Small Steps, but I doubt I will ever say exactly where as I haven't chosen a location myself yet. The only thing you will have to know about this story is that Pokemon who are seen as intelligent/a threat to humans get to be treated as equals for the most part. Other Pokemon are either treated like pets or wild animals/livestock. I will explain any other needed information as it comes up.
August 15
It was adoption day at St Markus' Pokemon orphanage today. The morning was a flurry of activity to get all of the young ones ready. This could be their second chance at finding a family and all of them knew it. Most older Pokemon have long since resigned themselves to the fact that they have no chance of being adopted, but that doesn't mean they can't help the younger. One of these Pokemon was Quilava Sarah, she was the oldest kid at the orphanage once you adjust for relative age.
While Jangmo-o Fred was older (11 years old to Sarah's 9.5), he still acted like a young kid while Sarah was more like a teenager (7 and 14). This was all because Pokemon grew up at very different rates with dragon types being some of the slowest. For Fred, this was both a blessing and a curse as he still had a chance of being adopted but he was a big commitment to take care of for so long. Sarah, on the other hand, knew she had no chance. She had already been blessed with two chances but both ended poorly despite how much she had tried.
So like most adoption days, she stayed at the back of the orphanage and helped with chores. Currently, she was helping Mrs Wendy with lunch. The door to the kitchen was open just in case one of the other caretakers needed to call for Sarah's help. Most of the potential foster parents had already left as they have chosen the kids they are interested in looking after. Placement should happen in the next week or so. All of them had already been through the arduous process of confirming that they were suitable caregivers so this was one of the last steps. Placement was the second last step, a trial of sorts, usually lasting for 6-12 months before the actual adoption can take place. As Sarah was finishing bringing out everyone's food a male Zoroark tapped her on the shoulder.
"Excuse me, are you busy at the moment? I was hoping to ask you a few questions." Sarah stood up on her back legs to get a better look at the Pokemon talking to her. Despite being twice her height, the Zoroark was clearly nervous with their uneasy voice and slightly lowered ears. Quilava Sarah for the life of her could think of a reason he would be but just went along with it. They probably just wanted to ask about one of the kids.
"Not really. How can I help you?" Sarah asked, hoping that she could convince the Zoroark to take a chance with slightly older kids. After all, it was usually the babies/toddlers that got all of the attention.
"Aah good, I will start by introducing myself. I am Ark."
"Sarah." She wasn't sure if he was just trying to be polite.
"Are you one of the orphans, the little Tyrogue said you were?" Says Ark pointing in the direction of Stevie and he shyly waves back.
"I am." This was very different to how she was expecting this to go, normally they just get straight to the point and why would they ask such a question? Ark cleared his throat and that was when they dropped the bombshell.
"Good, I saw you earlier this morning and I was wondering if you were open to being adopted by me? Many…" Ark stops talking as Sarah's head flares with fire, in surprise.
This has to be some type of cruel joke, why would anyone want me? At most I would be around for 3 years. I could leave in less than 1 year if I wanted. Did matriarch Ethal somehow find out about Jason, does she really disapprove of him? I know he wouldn't be my first choice but it is not like I have many others. He at least is going to the trouble of trying to learn Pokemon common, unlike many other humans who just rely on sign language to communicate with us. It is better than ending up out on the street or worse being forced into… I am broken out of my stupor as I feel that familiar tingling in the back of my head, just focus and force her out.
"I thought you said you would stop doing that without my permission?" I say turning around as I am met with a calm look from Reuniclus Ethal. One of her pseudopods touching my shoulder.
"Dear you had a flare-up again, I had to make sure you were okay, do you want to take this somewhere private?"
Looking down I see the scorch mark on the floor, fuck that hasn't happened in so long why would… That's right, glancing over my shoulder I see Ark is still there somehow even more nervous than before. His ears were flattened against his head, with a shaky smile on his face and he was running his fingers through his long ponytail. That is when I notice the room has gone quiet many of the kids and what few potential foster parents are still here are staring. I don't want to hurt the little ones' chances more than what I already have.
"Sure, is your office fine?"
"Of course dear, Ark would you like to follow us." The Zoroark's eyes widen for a moment and then he nods following us. We all end up sitting down on the cushions around her work desk, Ethal on one side with Ark and me on the other. I am probably a bit further away than needed, but I don't particularly want to sit very close to him.
"First of all, I would like to apologise for any distress I cause you, Sarah." Ark says, bowing in front of me. Okay, so he is a little old-fashioned or was this just a bit of theatrics?
"There is no need it was my fault…" I start to say as Ethal interrupts.
"It is no one fault, things like this happen sometimes, but I would like to know why it happened." Ark starts to fiddle with his ponytail.
"I asked if Sarah was willing to be adopted by me." Ethal almost immediately frowns, shaking her head.
"I see, Ark I hope you understand that is a sensitive topic for Sarah, we have had issues in the past. Anyway, I thought it said on your paperwork that you were after a younger Pokemon?" Arks knits his hands together and looks at the floor.
"Aah, that is true, but when I keep talking to the kids they kept mentioning one Pokemon in particular a Quilava that would go to great lengths to help them however they could. Some of the things were small, others involved this Quilava spending literal hours with them. Many of the kids spoke of how they are the reason they feel at home here. I thought that they were one of the caretakers' daughters, imagine my surprise when I found out it was the exact opposite.
One of the kids mentioned that they sometimes hear this Quilava cry themselves to sleep at night and they have no one to comfort them. I think someone like that deserves a chance of feeling that love for themselves."
Okay, what game is this Zoroark playing? There is no way one of the kids has heard me cry, the few times I have it is usually long after they have gone to bed, it must just be a lucky guess on his behalf. Ethal glances in my direction with worried eyes, you better not be listening in on my thoughts.
"Is this something you are willing to consider?" Crossing my hands I look Ethal straight in the eyes.
"I will start by talking to him." Reuniclus Ethal enters my mind and I don't bother trying to stop her.
"Are you sure, especially after the last two times?"
"Aren't you always pushing me to at least show my face on adoption days so I at least have a chance?"
"Yes, but still this is very sudden we haven't talked about any of this."
"I am older than last time and we both know I wouldn't do this again if the precautions we agreed on were not put in place. Let me take this leap."
It is more that, I want to see what Ark's deal is, not like Ethal needs to know that, why would he even pretend to be interested in adopting a teenager of all things? I can simply walk away at any point if needed. Also, there is little chance Ark even notices our little private conservation as thoughts move a lot faster than words, not even 4 seconds past during that conversation. Ethal lets out a sigh.
"I guess I will let you two do that then." She then floats out of the room to leave us awkwardly stare at each other. At least I know she will not be going very far, she is probably listening knowing her, and the chance of some bad happening is very low. I am the first to break the silence.
"So how old are you?" Ark jumps, startled, he must have been distracted by something.
"19, my adjusted age would be 27ish if that is what you were after. Yours?" So he is even younger than I thought he was, he looks at least 5 years older.
"Don't you think it is a bit rude to ask a lady her age?" He starts to get flustered, it is a little fun to see him squirm. Although my main goal was to see his reaction, not sure if it is genuine or not. I crake a smile, anyway may as well play the part. "I was joking no need to get so uppity. It's 9.5 and 14." Ark relaxes giving me a wary smile.
"Okay, that's good, do you have any hobbies? Mine are gaming, reading, puzzles and social cricket, I have quite a bit of free time because of my job."
"Mainly just reading, I don't exactly have a lot of free time or money for anything else. Although I wouldn't mind trying gaming a bit more, always enjoyed doing it over at friends' houses. So what do you do for work?" There are a few others but they can stay a secret for the moment just in case. Ark breaths deeply and puts his hands on his knee leaning forward slightly.
"I know this sounds completely unbelieve able but I am the owner of 3 companies, an IT repair shop, a software development company and a construction company called New Home Solutions (NHS)." Well, he isn't lying that is pretty hard to believe NHS is exactly a small company (100+ employees), true they are based here but they operate in a few more towns. "I ended up inheriting New Home Solutions from my Grandfather, apparently out of all the grandchildren I impressed him the most. Although it is not like they aren't well off themselves."
Okay, why didn't he just lead with that, I wish my grandparents or even hell my parent were like that and not deadbeats. Ark continues. "In the great scheme of things, all I really do are the larger business deals and sort out any problems that require my attention. Not like there are many of them, the guys who I have running the show are all very reliable. If I get bored I just help around the repair shop, after all, that is what I was doing before getting very lucky."
"So I will take it you must live in some big mansion or something?" I say lying on my stomach, it gets uncomfortable if I sit upright for too long.
"Nah, I don't, just a four-bedroom house on the edge of town. It is about an hour's walk from here, given were are already pretty much on the edge of town. If the house was any bigger it would get lonely, it already is to a degree, and that is part of the reason I was looking to adopt." Let's see if I can get something out of him.
"So based on what you are saying you could very easily say send me to university if I wanted to go?" Ark's ears perk up and he sits up straight.
"What are you interested in doing?"
"Researcher of some kind probably focusing on type energy (Chi), given we know so little about it. So I would probably have to do biology and something else, but I am sure you are aware given my current situation that isn't possible. Unless I somehow get a scholarship and there is no way my grades are high enough, even if they aren't that bad." Ark frowns and taps nervously on his arm.
"Well even if I don't adopt you I could arrange to pay for it, talent and passion should be cultivated." Trying to come off as selfless and humble are we, no one would do that for the equivalent of a stranger.
"So is there anything else I should know?"
"There is one, would you be open to me sometimes treating you like you are younger than what you actually are, it would only be around the house. I promise I would only do it if you want to and treat you like an adult the rest of the time." So that is one of his conditions, it sounds a like small price to pay depending on exactly what he has in mind.
"How far would this go?"
"As little or as far as you want, it is all up to you." My guess is that she just wants to read to me, play games or something, at worst a bit of baby talk maybe. At least I should be able to get a bit more out of him then, after all, relationships are filled with requirements and compromises. I just have to fulfil them just enough so he doesn't throw me out.
"Okay, one condition I want a computer and phone." Ark blinks at me, stunned for a few seconds.
"Sssure, that can be done. Does that mean you are willing?"
"Yeah, I will go get Ethal so we can sort out the paperwork." I can't believe I am actually going along with this, there is no way I can trust him, There has to be something more going on, why is he acting like he is willing to go to such great lengths. Looking back at Ark I doubt he was even expecting me to say yes so quickly.
Sarah heads out the door and pretends to walk down the hallway, as she finds Ethal just outside the door. It turns out Sarah was right and the psychic was listening to the entire conversation. Ethal hugs Sarah.
"Are you sure?" Ethal asks telepathically.
"Yeah I am, what do you think?" Ethal internally sighs rubbing her head with a pseudopod.
"Well, everything he has said is true, based on his paperwork. Him wanting to treat you like you are younger than you are is concerning though as I have no idea what he fully has in mind. Given he is a dark type can't exactly read his mind, although his record is clean besides some small run-ins with the cops when he was a teen. Nothing major. I think he would make a suitable guardian. I just don't want you to feel pressured into this." Sarah glares at her.
"We both know I don't have many choices. I will take every chance I can get"
"Yes I know you are coming of age in the next year or so, but we both know I will not let you end up out on the street. Jobs aren't easy to find at the moment, I will make you a permanent caretaker at the orphanage before that."
Sarah stands up on her hind legs and crosses her arms. Ethal knew what Sarah would say before she even opened her mouth, it was just the way she was always looking out for the younger ones. After all, in her mind, she had no chance at happiness but that was far from the truth hopefully Ark can show her that.
"No, save it for one of the others, I can take care of myself."
"I am sure you can, but that doesn't mean I still don't worry about you. Come on let's talk with Ark." Ethal starts to walk to the door but is stopped by Sarah.
"I want placement to happen today before I lose my nerve." Looking into Sarah's eyes Ethal knew there was little chance of talking her out of this. There was a good chance this wasn't the full reason but she didn't want to risk delving deeper into Quilava Sarah's mind, her trust was something that took a very long time to earn.
"Okay, only if Ark says yes though." Sarah nods as they enter the room and just before the psychic link breaks, she says.
"Please don't tell give him details about my other adoptions, I don't want him to know, it might hurt my chances." It was good that Ethal had no intention of doing so, only that they had happened, in fact, him knowing might improve her chances. Not like even she knew the full story. They both took a seat in the same places as before.
"Just to check you are fine with going forward with placement, Sarah has requested it happens today, are you okay with this?" Ark goes stiff for a moment, his eyes widening, he was meant to have at least a week to prepare. He rubs the back of his neck.
"It's doable, I have a spare bed that's suitable, it's just the room I have prepared is set up for a younger child. You know a baby, that is what I was expecting. So if you're fine with that I am."
"I don't care," says Sarah shrugging. Unfortunately for her Ethal knows this isn't completely true as a very slight crackling can be heard as she says it. Sarah has never been the best at controlling her emotions and her fire is a reflection of that, something is bothering her. Ethal decides to just ignore it for the moment though, she might come back to it later.
"Well if that is the case you should go grab what you need Sarah, me and Ark will talk for a bit." Sarah nods, going off to gather her few possessions and say goodbye to many of the kids that call this orphanage home. Telling them she might not even be gone for very long and if she is, will make sure to visit every week. Ark and Ethal in the meantime continue their conversation.
"That happened a lot quicker than I was expecting," Ark says. Tapping on his arm to try and calm his nerves.
"Sarah is headstrong at times, you know how fire types are, her going through her hormonal phase really hasn't helped. " Ethal says.
"Of course, it is understandable, I wasn't exactly the easiest teen to deal with. So will the placement conditions be any different from me adopting a toddler? At the very least I am guessing Sarah will get a say if she wants to stay or not?" Ethal makes a jug of tea float out of the small fridge in her office and sets two cups on her desk.
"Tea?" She asks and Ark nods. Once she pours both of them she takes a sip and then continues. "Well given Sarah's age there will be fewer check-ins by social services but she will be required to visit me at least once a week, this is due to the trouble she has had in the past with adoptions. Also yes you are correct Sarah will have a major say in whether or not she ends up staying with you, almost as much as you."
Taking a sip of the tea Ark grimaces and also ends up spitting it out, it is way too bitter. Thankfully due to his quick thinking, he was able to use his illusions to make it look like he was only slightly frowning. Reuniclus Ethal in his mind was trying to be a gracious host, showing such a distasteful display would have been unacceptable. Even if it meant having to rely on a tool he disliked using, unlike much of his kind. He places the tea on the desk, it will be a bit of a pain to try and finish it.
"I will have no problems with any of that, would you mind telling me a bit about Sarah I have a decent grasp of her personality but I would like to learn more about her?"
"Sarah for the most part is a very responsible girl as you probably have already seen. She will put all of the children at this orphanage before herself. When it comes to school she has always worked hard, despite her few run-ins with the law." Ark raises an eyebrow, a little surprised to find that Sarah might have a bit of a naughty side.
"What kind of trouble?"
"She was caught smoking Smooth-weed twice at school, both times under peer pressure from a few of her more rebellious friends." Ark lets a smile creep across his face. Thankfully it wasn't anything overly dangerous at least for fire types anyway unless you smoke a lot of it regularly. It was toxic to some Pokemon.
"Given everything I have seen she is very stressed most of the time correct?" Arks said. Having relaxed a bit since Sarah left, he was still a bit unsure of how to act around her. A baby might have been easier but this was the path he had chosen.
"Yes, that is partly due to her distrust of adults. It will likely take a while for her to open up to you if she does at all, you will have to be patient with her."
"I will take it this is because of the problems she had in the past, which you briefly mentioned?"
"Yes, she has been adopted two times before, both lasting less than 1.5 months but I hope you understand I am not allowed to go into details."
"Of course."
From here the conversation petered out into small talk. Occasionally they brought up Sarah but they mainly talked about themselves, getting to know each other a bit better. Eventually, Sarah come back after doing what she needed to do, they signed the paperwork they needed two and got into Ark's car.
After a short ride in the car we arrived at Ark's house, it was in a nicer part of town, yes, but it looked like a normal house with nothing fancy. Just like his car Ark didn't like showing off his wealth, unlike so many wealthy people I have seen. The only thing that was different to a normal house in the suburbs was that we were on a much larger block, just outside the forest that run along the east side of town. The backyard looks huge, with a few trees dotted around the fence and a simple garden behind the house. I could end up seeing myself making very good use of the large open space later, I never really had a good spot at the orphanage to practice my moves. Grabbing my small suitcase from the car I follow Ark inside. Most of the stuff in there is school related, given I don't own very many things. Pokemon largely don't wear clothes, unlike humans, I do have a few small accessories but I don't wear them very often.
"So I know it doesn't look like much, but this is your new home," Ark says, gesturing to the house as he opens the door. We will have to see if that becomes true or not.
"Would you mind showing me around then?"
"Ahh, of course, follow me."
Ark quickly shows me around the house, there is a large living area, next to an oversized kitchen two bathrooms and four rooms. The master bedroom, which was his, one that was turned into an office, the guest bedroom and last what was to be my room. Opening it up it looks like a nursery, he wasn't joking when he said he had prepared for a younger child. There was a crib, a changing table (large enough for me, not like I was that big, to begin with), a toy chest filled with toys and a normal bed in the corner. I glance at Ark and he says.
"You can sleep in the guest room if you want, I know there is a bed here suitable for you but I am sure you would feel more comfortable in there. It was actually in here just in case I had to spend a night in here with the child I ended up adopting. Although clearly that isn't needed with you" I walk into the room to get a slightly better look.
"Nahh it's fine, we can just change things as we go."
This room actually reminds me a bit of the nursery in the orphanage, all that is missing is the little padded bums running around the place. I go to open the cupboard to start unpacking my few belongs and Ark tries to voice his concern but it is too late. I see before me stacks of diapers all in different sizes and baby clothes/supplies for a few of the more common body types. Wait most of this, unlike stuff on the changing tables, looks like it would be more suitable for older Pokemon instead of babies. There are even fire-resistant diapers that look like they would fit me.
"What the fuck!" I shout as my head spots flare for the second time today. There is no way in hell he is dressing me up like a baby.