Pokemon - Void and veil - Interruptions
"Speech"
'mental speech'
"English"
"Arceus dammit Jerry," Fiona sighed out in exasperation.
I shrugged, "To be honest, you're both taking this pretty well."
Fiona snorted, "Hardly."
She held up her showing a picture of one Ash Ketchem, not Satoshi oddly enough. Then again, he is related to Sir Aaron, who was from the Kingdom of Cameran, a Galarian colony. Well, it was way back when, until it gained independence in the same war that claimed Aarons's life.
"When you said this kid was a danger magnet, this isn't what I was expecting," She waved the phone around, as it turns out Ash was still a toddler.
"Yeah, he's definitely younger than I thought, the cartoon didn't exactly do a good job with ages, it's more a timeline...ish," I explained.
"Considering he was 10 for 26 years I had gathered," The pinkette deadpanned. Then continued, "So you know if this Brock hits on me or Zoey I AM castrating him."
I crossed my legs and shuddered, "Noted."
"Hmm, he's a natural adept, right? So is this why you've been so obsessed with adepts and interspecies breeding?" Fiona questioned, raising a brow.
"Ah, partly Ash is a chosen one, and has Lucario blood in his veins, add into that a possible unknown Pokemon parent," I recapped.
Seeing as Fiona was following along, I continued, "Adepts no matter the type are often beacons to the void as it is, I think it's because Pokemon and humans were never meant to interbreed, or have typed abilities, but found a way to anyway. Natural adept's are more common because of human-like Pokemon still breeding with humans or already existing bloodlines. But if that story about the Frostlass is true then any number of abilities could be passed on, adding or changing a bloodline. Ash might have a danger sense of sorts like an Absol for all I know, I'm still trying to figure it out. My working theory is that Pokemon come from the void or another plane then came here and later adapted to this world. Considering how quickly they adapt it IS possible but the fossil record says otherwise, so maybe it's humans who came here later, and they simply adapted to us."
I paused getting off-topic, "The point is that Ash might not be stumbling upon these situations, but accidentally coursing them, or something is for him. The veil might be extremely weak around him." It also explained why so many adepts and magic users were willing to open up around him, they probably thought he was already in the know.
The Joy prodigy continued to nod along, before speaking, "I can see how that might be a problem."
"Come on sis," Zoey spoke up, smiling and slinging her arm around her sister. I have to say, she bounced back fast. "Regardless of everything else, we have a heads-up, we can save people!" Zoey was ecstatic at the thought.
"What she said," I agreed.
"Well excuse me for being more concerned with the fact that GODS exist," Fiona's eye twitched.
..."Giratina's my favorite," I stated.
Fiona responded to the comment by grabbing a nearby pillow and screaming into it, much to mine and Hatty's amusement.
"It isn't that bad," I said nonchalantly before getting back on topic.
"Ash being this young gives us time to prepare and take care of other things first, the Grimm, Plasma, and the chairman. And I need to investigate that tunnel on Route Seven, we're in a better position than I thought we would be honestly," I listed off.
"Well if we're doing this, and we ARE doing this," Zoey shot a look at her sister who flung her arms up in exasperation.
"Then we're going to need more Pokemon on our side, And what do you mean by, I, mister," Zoey gave me a look that promised repercussions.
"Ur, ah, I mean, WE?" I corrected, Sue me I'm not used to having teammates outside of Hatty. But getting more Pokemon teammates sounds like a good idea, in theory, it all depends on how they handle the situation honestly.
Knock, knock, knock
The girls froze, though Hatty appeared on my head as a reached for my blades, oh shit I'm missing one.
Knock, knock, knock
"Who is it," I called out.
Growl, bark
What the hell? Sheathing my blade but not releasing it I moved to the door and waved the Joy and Jenny in the room back. Oh, bugger, I'm too short for the peephole.
I took a breath and cracked open the door, on the other side stood the same Mienshao from the GYM lobby yesterday, along with a Mienfoo and Lucario.
The Mienfoo is the pre-evolution of Mienshao, a yellow-furred mustelid-looking Pokemon, bipedal with round-shaped ears, and deep red arms and feet. Its arms in particular looked baggy from bunched-up fur.
Lucario was a canine-like bipedal Pokemon with cream fur on its body, though its arms, legs, and head were predominantly a dark blue and its limbs turned black toward the end, the legs were also digitigrade. Its irises were red and it had three black stripes that connected at the muzzle, followed by four black tear-drop-shaped appendages at the back of its head and final a spike in the center of its chest and on the back of its forepaws.
"Hi?" I greeted in confusion, why are three of the champion's team members outside of my family's room door?
'Good afternoon,' Came a voice in my head.
I shook my head in surprise. Though I suppose I shouldn't be, that a Lucario that strong could use aura to communicate.
'May we come in?' He, I realized, asked.
"Oh, err, sure," I stepped aside to let them into the room. There was no way I was about to try and contend with champion-class Pokemon.
'Thank you,' The Lucario responded.
I shrugged toward the two bewildered girls as the Pokemon entered, though I eyed the Pokemon's large ears as they entered. The door was thick, but how long have they been out there?
"Umm, can I get you lot something to drink?" I asked hesitantly, seriously, what am I meant to do here? I received several negative shakes of the head in response to my question.
"Right, well, not to be rude, but why are you here?" I asked as I closed the door, quickly checking the hallway again.
'You're wounded,' He stated, ignoring my question. I froze for a second and resisted the urge to cover my wound. Not that it would matter, with aura he could see the wound regardless.
Lying to a Lucario, let alone such a powerful one, wasn't an option. And I'd rather not be on his bad side.
"Yeah, it's fine, already treated," I remained as nonchalant as possible and tried to move the conversation along.
The Jackle-like Pokemon gave me a look I couldn't identify, I was too inexperienced with his species.
"Umm," Zoey got the group of Pokemon's attention. And regretted the attention, "EPP."
Exasperation hit me as I watched Zoey, the girl who had literally beaten someone to death, was now hiding behind her glaring sister. And if the flat looks from the assembled Pokemon were anything to go by, they had the same feeling.
'Apologies, we weren't aware you had guests,' The Lucario turned to me.
So, they were looking for me then? "Ah, no worries," I dismissed. Though a thought occurred, "I hope I didn't keep you waiting?"
'No, we just arrived. My mate wished to speak to you, I am simply here to translate,' The Lucario explained indicating the Mienshao by his side, much to my relief. Then that means they likely weren't outside the room long enough to hear anything, something to expect from a Lucario I suppose, snooping isn't their thing. But why does his mate want to speak to me.
"Huh, well, OK then," I agreed, turning toward the Mienshao but raised my brow in silent question at the little Mienfoo by her side.
The aura wielder noticed my look, and answered the unasked question, "Our daughter, she wanted to come."
Fair enough, at least that means that whatever they're here for, it's OK to have they're caught present.
Said daughter gave me a once over, much to Hatty's irritation, then bowed as a thin film of aura surrounded her. Well, that makes sense, her father IS a Lucario and strong Mienshao have been known to use aura attacks besides. 'Well met human, might I inquire upon how you were to suffer such an injury?' She asked.
Before I could respond, the Lucario let out a series of light barks and yips that caused his daughter to wilt. 'Apologies,' He excused, inclining his head.
"Ah, no it's fine," I dismissed, I didn't find the question rude, but it was difficult to answer. A vague half-truth should work, I did want to stay friendly after all.
"Pokemon battle, two-on-one wasn't a good matchup, so my partner, Hatty, took one while I held off the other, until she could assist. The bloody thing bit me," I actively rubbed the wound this time.
Then a thought struck me. "Say, Joy I'm not going to need a shot or anything because of this am I?" I asked the Joy prodigy, using her last name due to the others in the room. I'm honestly not sure if rabies or something similar exists here.
The pinkettes glare flat lined and a teasing smirk replaced it, "Maybe~" She teased... You know what, if I did, she'd already be bullying me about it, and treating it, I'll trust in that.
"Really!?" The daughter's, mental voice blared again, her eyes wide in wonder.
"Err, Yes, why would I lie? Your father would know immediately, it'd be pointless," I answered. Though maybe if I could confuse him? Questions for later.
'Interesting,' Came a new voice, the mother, who was now also glowing with an aura of her own. Sidenote, I'm really starting to hate that word.
"It's not that strange for a... Trainer, to play decoy, is it?" I questioned, Ash and friends did the same in the show, it was one of his better qualities that I agreed with.
The mother shook her head, 'More than that, it's common for most trainers to return the Pokemon under their command and run. Though others are more than willing to abandon them.'
I scowled hard and heard myself growl in anger at the thought, those fuckers better have had consequences for doing that.
The martial arts Pokemon, Mienshao puffed up at my reaction. Then she turned to her mate and nodded back at me before continuing, 'Indeed, such individuals would never have the loyalty of an intelligent Pokemon species such as ourselves. We won't tolerate such disrespect, yes most of us look for a challenge, but if we ever ended up somehow caught by such an individual, most would just break their Pokeball and leave. It says much about your character that you would throw yourself into the fight.'
My own partner cooed in pride, I could feel it. And I admit to feeling some relief as well, that it's not quite slavery if they can leave and choose to fight, I hope the law is on the Pokemon's side here.
The father of the family spoke up mentally, 'Though I'm more surprised you can understand them.' He gestured to his mate and daughter. Oh, shit. So, he hadn't been apologizing about it being a rude question but about her attempt at communication. Communication I've just participated in.
I blinked in surprise at the realization and looked over to Zoey and Fiona for confirmation. Zoey was frowning in confusion while Fiona had a brow cocked in silent question.
"I can understand them, I'm guessing you can't," I informed my friends.
Fiona sighed and shook her head in the negative while Zoey's face gave a look of understanding now with a silent, Oh.
I turned back to the family and indicated to the mother and daughter, "But they ARE using aura right?"
'Indeed,' The Lucario began, 'But neither are strong enough to push through a human's natural speech barrier.'
Well, that's not good. I think I just partly exposed myself.
"I honestly thought it was just the aura, me and Hentrietta still have to communicate via images and feelings," I countered, I was honestly at a loss here.
Though apparently, Fiona had an idea, she groaned and slapped her palm to her head. "Of course," She sighed.
The Lucario sighed in exasperation and turned to Hatty, though he was still projecting his aura this time, 'When was the last time you attempted to communicate with him?'
Hatenna paused for a moment then cooed, followed by a pressure in my head, 'TESTING.'
"Oww," I exclaimed, collapsing to the floor and clutching my head. I hissed in pain, "Ah, dammit, too loud."
"Jerry!" Fiona and Zoey yelled in tandem, which didn't help. Hatty however remained latched onto my head, and conveyed soothing.
"I'm OK, I'm OK," I reassured all present, straightening myself.
"I heard you, Hatty, just way too loud," I informed her. Then again, my energy is still depleted, maybe my defense was weaker than I'd gotten used to? Or perhaps Hatty just misjudged how much energy was needed.
'Better?' A far soft voice entered my mind.
"Better," I confirmed to my partner aloud once more. With my energy depleted, I was still stuck responding out loud, and while I'm sure Hatty could fuel the link, she was still tired herself, especially after linking the sisters in with us. Besides that, I actively changed my thought process to Galarian anytime we communicated mentally, if she were to hold the link open then all she would get would be gibberish to her.
The little witch giggled, 'I have soooo many questions.'
"Later," I responded. Then I coughed into my hand and focused back on the waiting audience, "Well, I can certainly understand now." Hatty pouted at my current dismissal, I'm going to pay for that later, I just know it.
Still, I guess that means I'm strong enough to help others overcome the mental language barrier now? Or at the very least meet someone halfway.
"Idiot," Fiona spoke up, "You two have been communicating non-verbally for nearly two months, your brain has learned Pokemon thought patterns and language subconsciously. You're lucky you could," She paused and gave a glance at the collected fighting types in the room with us. "Handle it," She decided on, the implication I assume is the fact I'm an adept. I'm guessing psychics and their partners don't usually communicate to such an extent.
'But that's not possible, a normal human mind would be able to-, oh!' The Mienshao cut herself off and blinked in surprise.
'Oh, my you're an adept, aren't you?' She questioned smugly, I felt the blood leave my face, that was a question where not answering would be just as revealing, in front of a Pokemon lie detector, as answering would.
Evading was my only option, so I spoke carefully, "Adepts have to be registered in Galar, and I can guarantee that my family line has no Pokemon blood mixed in it."
The girls had gone as pale as myself. And Hatty was attempting to whistle innocently, which wasn't helping.
The mother Pokemon covered her mouth with her fur sleeve, finding the situation humorous, and then proceeded to rebuffed my evasion, 'That's not what I asked young man.~"
Crap.
..."Yes," I sighed out eventually, might as well try and be civil.
The Mienshao puffed up victoriously, while the Lucario nodded in acceptance. Their daughter, the Mienfoo, however, lit up at the forced declaration but remained composed.
'Ah, I see, a foundling,' The Lucario spoke up.
"Foundling?" I questioned aloud.
"Yes, when a human is deemed worthy they are adopted into the clan, usually that would lead to a new bloodline, adepts, as you call them. They can circumvent egg groupings, allowing them to truly be a part of the clan.' He explained. I could only groan at the new information. Well, at least I now know where the dragon clans come from, and that the Froslass tale was likely true and the person who wanted you to look into it was likely a descendant... This world is fucking crazy.
'Yes, though there is often a large amount of preparation involved, or it could be... deadly,' The Mother interjected then paused and narrowed her eyes.
'If you didn't know, how are you a founding?' She questioned.
... "Good question, not entirely sure, we sort of... Linked?" I answered. Then I coughed at the combined gazes on me, and asked my partner, "Hatty you got any ideas?"
'You let go of your mental shields and pulled while I was pushing on them. My energy left an imprint because of how deep the connection went,' She replied happily, not a care in the world. I hope that's not because of the spell, cause this isn't the time or place.
"Ah, you get that?" I questioned the Lucario, who shook his head, causing me to repeat what I was just told.
He held a paw under his muzzle, 'An accidental bond? I didn't know that was possible, by all accounts you should not have survived,' He informed me, not that I didn't know that already. And I could almost feel the glares at me, from the Joy and Jenny in the room at the reminder, that I studiously ignored.
Then he continued far more seriously, 'You will have to inform her clan of this.'
"Ah, got it,' I nodded nervously at the new glare being leveled my way.
He relaxed slightly, probably due to my honesty on the matter, after learning I might be intruding on tradition, I had every intention of explaining myself to them.
'He'll be fine, I trust him,' Came the little psychic's voice, which also got a reaction from everyone else this time.
So, she just chose to have me repeat it last time? If her current giggling was anything to go by, then yes.
'I see then, I am glad that we have this sorted out,' The Mother of the group stated gently.
The young Mienfoo chose to get my attention, 'Human, I would like to request a duel.'
The Lucario barked at that, both literally and figuratively, while the Mienshao giggled slightly.
'Daughter-' Was as far as the Father got before the mother wrapped her whip-like fur around his muzzle.
What the hell am I watching? Hatenna had begun giggling at the sight., and the pink and blue headed girls watching all of this were just confused.
"You want to fight Hatty, then you need to ask her," I sighed out. Said Hatty grinned, I could feel it.
'You misunderstand Human, I wish to fight you,' The daughter said instantly. And Hatty was now glaring.
You know what, fuck it, if it gets them to leave a bit faster. "Sure but you'll have to wait until I'm back at full strength, so long as your parents don't decide to turn me in for being unregistered that is."
The Mienshao, who was currently restraining her mate, scoffed, 'Please, do you think that human law means anything to us?'
"Then sure," I said with relief.
'Excellent, I would have it no other way,' The Mienfoo bowed.
"Yeah, sure-" I was cut off by the chime of a phone.
"Ah, oops," Zoey exclaimed, pulling out her phone. "It's Mum," She explained, prodding the device.
"ZOEY, WHERE ARE YOU AND FIONA RIGHT NOW," Zoey yelped dropping the phone at the screaming on the other end, hell I could hear it, and I was a couple of meters away.
The dropped phone continued now on speaker, and Mama Jenny's panicked voice came through the phone, "ZOEY!? ZOEY!?"
"H-Here," She spoke up, as Fiona pulled out her own phone and frowned at it.
"WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW," The frantic mother repeated.
"Ah, we're in Jericho's family's room," She responded.
"Oh, thank Arceus. Listen to me, you and Fiona stay there and don't move, OK. We're on the way, are you OK?" The Mother asked, obviously scared.
"Y-Yes, why?" The cadet was barely keeping it together, while she was doing an admirable job of looking past what had happened earlier, this was obviously about Team Plasma. It was a reminder of what had happened, and her mother's terrified tone wasn't helping.
There was some bickering in the background of the call before she responded again, "Listen just stay where you are, is Jericho with you?"
"He's here," Fiona answered for her sister, who she was holding once more. Ignoring the champion's teammates, I moved toward the phone as well, speaking up, "Yo, what's up?"
"Zoey, Fiona, Jericho if you see anyone with a shield that has a P-Z design on it, run, don't let anyone in the room unless they answer, who is it, with, Blue team," She finished.
"I am sorry, are these individuals in the building?" I was growing concerned at this point because it sounded like we weren't done.
"We don't know, just STAY there!" She demanded.
Ah, fuck she's really panicked, I looked at the fighting-type Pokemon gathered in the room and nodded at them then the phone, getting a nod in return from the Lucario, who was now standing straight.
"If it makes you feel any better, we have three Pokemon from the Champions team here with us," I informed the panicked mother, which elected the Lucario to bark out as proof. So much for getting them to leave, I have the feeling this will take a while.
"Oh, thank Arceus," The Woman was audibly relieved.
"Just stay with them, we're coming. What? Yeah, they're OK, dammit, OK. We'll be there soon," The conversation on the other end finished, and the phone was hung up.
Did she just hang up? I would have thought she would want to remain on the line, it would take a while, this was a rather large castle. On a side note, I'll have to do something for Zoey later as thanks for keeping it together.
"Huh, I guess they found 'em," I commented. "Your mum good?" I asked Fiona who had put her phone away.
"Yes I already text her, she's intelligible when she gets like this," The girl sighed but otherwise showed little discomfort with the situation. Which was weird considering how much she freaked out before. I was unable to ask why she was so calm, however, as I was quickly interrupted.
'That's how you were injured,' The jackal-like Pokemon spoke up.
"Huh?" Was my inelegant reply.
'It sounds like you already knew about them, whoever they are is looking for your friends. You fought them and were wounded, weren't you?' He questioned.
Oh, for fuck's sake, how is it that the fight for my life hasn't been the most irritating part of my day.
"Yes," I confirmed but said no more.
'My, my, and you forced them to retreat?' The Mienshao asked. I never said we'd won, but apparently, I'd implied it.
Shit, how do I answer this? "We won, yeah," I responded.
'Hmm, but did they retreat, were they captured? You didn't answer the question,' She retorted. This Mienshao is really observant and wile enough to use it, expected of a champion class fighter I suppose, but not good for me.
Dammit all, I sighed in resignation before responding, "They came at us with intent to kill, so I returned the favor."
Fiona and Zoey understood enough of the conversation from my end to freeze in concern.
Their reaction, however, was not what I expected. 'Ah, smart boy,' The Mienshao responded, nodding in acceptance.
'Indeed,' The Lucario agreed.
Even the little Mienfoo tilted her head in confusion.
...Huh, "Wait that's it? Aren't you at all concerned?" I had to ask.
The mother of the family rolled her eyes at me, 'Please little kit, human sensibilities aren't Pokemon sensibilities, we lived with our clans before choosing to follow Mustard, you must hunt to survive. You make it sound like no one would understand, I realize that the first time can be... Straining, but you did well."
'You protected your pack no matter the cost, if you had killed for a malicious reason, it would have stained your aura, it has not. Be proud of your resolve, young warrior,' The father added.
That, I mean, it's not what I expected. I even caught sight of Zoey visibly relaxing from the lack of judgment, which was honestly the more important part.
'The first time IS really surprising, my first time was with Jericho~,' Henrietta communicated, giggling. For the record, I blame Fiona.
"Don't say it like that," I twitched in annoyance. Fiona and Hatty both giggled at my response.
'You certainly have your paw- hands full,' The father deadpanned in a sort of comradery, seeing as we were the only males in the room.
I sighed in response, "Yeah, we sort of got off track anyway, so before their mothers come bursting through the door, I don't think you ever told me why you wanted to see me."
'Oh, my, you're correct,' The Mustelidae-like Pokemon shook her head in amusement.
'Well I was simply curious, most kits your age would have submitted when confronted by our teacher's intent, never mind the little hatchlings combined. But I do believe I have my answer,' She smirked slyly.
That's fair, I really need to be more careful, they've figured out just about everything but the fact I'm a mage.
From there on we waited. I was not about to piss off the girl's mothers, all things considered, it just wouldn't be good for my health.
Joy was currently grilling the Lucario of the group with questions and clarifications regarding adepts and the Pokemon clans, apparently wanting to record the information. Oddly enough, he was fine with it, something about someone finally asking.
Zoey was next to me watching the show while Mienshao was relaying pieces of information through her mate, their daughter was also taking in the information with curiously.
About 10 minutes later, there was knocking at the door and everyone froze.
"Who it is?" I called.
"Blue team," Came a Jenny's voice.
"Hang on I'll get the door," I responded, doing just that.
On the other side was an assortment of Jenny's and Joy's along with Sonia and Mustard. I couldn't tell much more because at that moment everyone rushed into the room.
"Ah, dammit Sonia," I yelled as I was wrapped in a hug by my older sister, which of course aggravated my wound, not that she knew. Hatenna's hissing went ignored.
"I don't care, I am SO glad you're safe," She responded.
I huffed, "We're fine."
This same scene was continuing throughout the room, as both Zoey and Fiona we're swarmed by their relatives and mothers, respectively. And Mustard congratulated his team on their fast thinking.
Regardless, It would seem I would get no rest today, which was unfortunate because I still had a Grimm to deal with, and my hunger from the use of my psionics had yet to be satiated.
Its been one thing after another today, maybe I'll have more luck tomorrow?
A/N: Whelp these lot just can't catch a break, at least some of their questions have been answered and Jericho and Hatty have a better understanding of their connection. side note, you'll find out a bit more about whats going on with the Grimm next time as Jericho tries to fingure out a way to stop it, as well as what freaked out the police so much.
I hope this turned out alright, I tried using a similar method to the one I am using on my new story so I can get (hopefully) get chapters out faster.
