Finally got around to adding chapter. I hope that everyone enjoys the new content!
Note that Blazepanzer does not own Pokemon!
Hanoashi sat in her room, letting out a small sigh as she laid on her bed, waiting for her cousin to arrive. "I hope that she'll be alright?" she whispered, before hearing a knock on the door.
"Come in," Hanoashi called gently, rising up expecting for her cousin enter, but to her surprise a girl with black hair and brown eyes entered. "Miss Katoni, Directer Clavell wants to speak with you," she noted, sounding nervous.
"Alright,I'm on my way,"Hanoashi nodded, grabbing her bag and followed the girl as she lead her to the office. "So...you're..."
"Nemona," the girl smiled. "Student council president...but I was just elected, so I'm a bit nervous to be honest." she sighed.
Hanoashi was about to sympathize until she remembered that this world did not have Sensado, so she couldn't really tell her about her past, at least flippantly. "According to my cousin, it gets easier," she encouraged.
"I hope so. Speaking of, you excited about the treasure hunt?" Nemona asked.
Hanoashi shrugged. "I'm just going to hang out with my cousin and train up my team...or at least I was...Rikona...got herself into trouble today."
"Oof, that's rough, but I'm sure she'll be fine." Nemona encouraged.
"Yeah, but she broke a really big rule," Hanoashi fretted.
"May I ask which one?" Nemona asked, pausing and gazing at her while leaning up against the wall.
"We were having our first battle and I had Wasp...my Weedle, charge at her Fidough named Korone, with a Poison Sting. Rikona stepped in front of it and thankfully I was able to withdraw Wasp before she got hit, but the referee was really mad about it."
"Can't say I blame him, but she'll be alright. The punishment will be harsh, but even so she won't be expelled or punished more than a week," Nemona smiled encouragingly before heading off.
Hanoashi sighed but trudged her way toward the main office.
Rikona handed her folded uniform to Directer Clavell, as per the rules a student may not head off toward a disciplinary action without changing out of the uniform first. Obviously the rule wouldn't apply to a flight risk, but Rikona herself had said that she was okay with the punishment.
"I'm ready," she sighed as she followed the officer out of the building, once again trying to ignore the stares of the other students, now more intense then ever. She suspected they either knew or would realize that she was technically being arrested.
At least the clothing is decent, she mused as she wore feminine blue jeans and a gray tee-shirt with white sneakers.
The walk felt long, and she had to move through various stares. I'm not sure if I should be glad or upset that I'm not handcuffed. I mean I used to enjoy playing with the toy versions, but being lead around in public would be embarrassing and I've had enough of bondage for a lifetime.
"We're here," the officer noted, opening the door to the local holding house.
"Holding house?" Rikona asked quietly.
"Speaking is forbidden unless spoken to or receiving a visitor," the officer growled.
Hanoashi appeared in the Directors office, frowning as she saw that there was no Rikona.
"Ah, miss Katoni, thank you for coming so soon," Clavell smiled, walking up to her.
"Where is my cousin?" she asked quietly.
"She'll be back in a few days. Her punishment is two days in prison followed by five days of community service in tandem with being confined to her room." Clavell admitted.
"I understand, any chance I can visit Rikona?" Hanoashi asked tentatively.
"They allow one visit every five days, but you can visit her tomorrow," Clavell gazed at her evenly. "I thought you'd be more upset at the situation." he added.
"I'm am a little, but one has to be disciplined when breaking the rules and laws. A Sensado commander such as myself knows that better than most teens, given that leading folks into simulated tank warfare has it's dangers."
"Simulated as in..." Clavell asked, rubbing his chin in thought.
"We use real tanks, but the ammunition is a simulation of the real thing. It can rock the tank as well as causing damage if you fired it at someone or something, but it's desinged to be unable to harm anyone within the tank," she explained.
"Very well then, that's all I needed to say," Clavell dismissed.
Hanoashi turned to walk out but paused at the door. "Directer Clavell?" she asked gingerly.
"Yes miss Katoni?" Clavell remarked.
"Is...this going on Rikona's personal record?" she asked hesitantly.
"Thankfully no, as long as it's the first time one received students are granted a free pass on crimes committed during their juvenile years and an additional pass during their adult years."
"I presume that pass is only for minor crimes," Hanoashi stated, before shaking her head. "I'm glad to hear that. Rikona's a good girl, she just panicked is all."
"I believe you. However, I should mention that if you break a rule or if she breaks another, you might be subject to separation."
"As in receiving different rooms or being required to stay away from each other?"Hanoashi asked calmly, though she could feel her heart racing at the thought of having to separate from her cousin.
"Just different rooms. If we needed to keep you that separated, we'd send one of you to the older Naranja academy and alternate the days you can enter the town," Clavell nodded.
"We'll obey the rules. I'll be sure to work with Rikona about the rules as well." Hanoashi promised as she exited the room, walking away and leaning against the walls, letting the breath out of her lungs.
"Maus damn it Rikona," she whispered.
Rikona let out a small sigh as her Pokemon were taken and she was handcuffed and escorted to her cell. As she entered in, she let out a small shudder as the door shut.
"Come up and I'll undo the cuffs," the officer offered.
What if I want the handcuffs on? Rikona thought, feeling the familiar rush of being bound rushing into her mind, and she was relishing it. However after a brief pause she nodded and walked over, maneuvering her hands into the tray chute, sighing as her wrist were unbound
"Dinner is in an hour, eat the Cal-cake first," the officer informed, before walking off.
Rikona gazed around the cell. Barebones...she noted, before mentally slapping herself. You idiot! Don't you remember how it was when you and Hanoashi were tied up and chained to the bed? How the Maus can you want to go back to enjoying bondage now?!
She saw down and hid her face in her hands, and let out a small sob as she realized how much this would hurt her cousin. "I'm so sorry Blaze..." she whimpered.
She had no idea how long she had been in tears, but she eventually rose up, and walked around the cell, her arms behind her back. So this is what it is like to be arrested. Gotta admit...I'm not a fan, she frowned.
"Feeding time,"the guard called, sliding in a tray which contained the cal-cake and a backed potato.
Walking over, she fetched the foam tray and took it to the bench, sighing as she tried to focus on eating over the fact that she was in jail, which took considerable effort. Gazing at the Cal-cake, she let out a small sigh. I've heard of these, military rations, given that they have an insane amount of calories, hence the name Cal-cake. My cousins in the military praised them, but Asuga told me that they were highly bitter and doughy in the juvenile prison she went to.
Taking a bite, she let out a shudder, but wolfed it down as best she could. Damn...that is bitter! She growled to herself, before digging into her potato, glad that it's taste dulled the bitterness on her tongue.
She proceeded to let her mind wonder in boredom.
Hanoashi let out a small smile. "Wasp, use poison sting!" she shouted.
The caterpillar let out a nod as he unleashed a visions jab.
"He'll be learning Poison Jab shortly after he evolves," her training instructor noted.
"Poison Jab?" Hanoashi tipped her head in confusion.
"It's a more powerful version of Poison sting, but a Pokemon can only learn it if they have enough power to use it. Wasp should be able to use it once he evolves."
"I see..." Hanoashi let out a nod. "So practicing certain moves leads way to more powerful moves?" she guessed.
"Exactly. Tackle leads to Headbutt, which leads to Double Edge, and in some cases Skullbash." He paused before continuing. "It's different from the popular video games which arguably have a sort of balance to them, but since you came from a different universe, you probably wouldn't know about them. Just be aware that beginner trainers might call some moves unfair because they couldn't learn them in the game but can in real life."
"I understand, thank you so much for teaching me," Hanoashi smiled.
"No problem, it's kinda my job. At any rate, you're free for the rest of the day," he promised.
Walking out of the battle, she let out a small sigh as she quietly made her way out of the school. Time to see Rikona, and then I might get in a battle or two, she noted.
As she walked into the jail, her eyes welled up as she saw her cousin in handcuffs at the visiting table. "This is so stupid," she muttered, sitting next to her cousin. "They shouldn't have taken it this far..."
"Blaze, it's alright, I messed up badly, so I deserve this punishment," Rikona soothed.
Maybe but still it hurts seeing you like this! Hanoashi thought angrily, but pushed down the protest. "Are you managing alright?" she asked quietly.
Rikona let out a nod. "It's rough, but I'm managing so to speak," she admitted quietly. "The hospital food was better though," she chuckled.
"They are feeding you enough though, right?"Hanoashi asked.
"Meh, it's the standard Cal-cake affair like back in our old world. Asuga was right, the prison version is very bitter." Rikona chuckled.
"At least tell me they give you a small side dish," Hanoashi muttered as her eyes narrowed, not exactly happy with this news. She knew all too well about the Cal-cake and how solders, although appreciative of the quick calories, preferred the old rations.
"Just a backed vegetable, but it's enough to wash down the taste," Rikona shrugged. "Just got to make it one more day though."
"Don't forget that you'll be confined to your room for the next five days except to get food or the community service. And also...they are threatening to..."
"Yeah, I know, believe me I don't want that," Rikona sighed. "Missing my Pokemon, although the academy is taking care of them until I get back." she added wistfully.
"That's what breaking the rules gets you, but I know it was an honest mistake," Hanoashi chided. "Still, just remember that people have died because of honest mistakes, alright? Wasp's sting might not have killed you, but it would have giving us yet another medical bill we cannot afford."
"That's the Sensado commander speaking huh?" Rikona sighed, but she let out a small nod. "I understand what you're saying though, and believe me I'm not making that mistake again." she promised.
"I'll hold you to that Kona," Hanoashi smiled. "But while we're here, what's it like? Being in prison I mean..."
"Please don't come here!" Rikona suddenly gasped in panic.
"I wasn't planning to..." Hanoashi gazed at her dumbfounded. "I'm just curious about your day is all."
"It's awful Blaze..." Rikona shuddered. "They handcuff you everywhere you go, and you get an hour outside, and a thirty minute exercise followed by checking out one book at the library. After that it's just staying in your cell so to speak."
"That is awful!" Hanoashi gasped. "I'm glad you're getting out day after tomorrow though."
"You want to know the worst thing about this whole mess?"Rikona whispered.
"What?" Hanoashi asked her gently.
"I..." glancing away, Rikona's voice began to shake. "I still like bondage...the handcuffs I mean. I thought after being kidnapped and rubbed all over like that I'd have gotten over that accursed love for the hobby, but..."
"I understand Rikona, it's just something you enjoyed doing," Hanoashi smiled, gingerly taking her cousin's hands. "Just promise me that if I see you in these it's just you in a toy and not the real thing, alright."
"I can do that...but..." Rikona shut her eyes. "Maus damn it I shouldn't like this stuff! I mean I hate being in the cell and such, but these puppies...Weir."
"Haven't heard you use that word in a while," Hanoashi smirked.
"Visiting time is up," one of the guards called in gently.
"Right, you take care of yourself, alright Kona?" Hanoashi smiled.
"I will Blaze, thank you so much for visiting," Rikona smiled.
"I'd come tomorrow, but they only allow one visit per five days," Hanoashi promised, before turning to leave.
Once she had exited the town, she walked around a bit, hungry for battle. She had a plan so to speak.
"Carthage, use Rock Throw!" Hanoashi shouted, as her Nacli let out a small hum, expertly throwing the rocks at the enemy.
"I lost again!" the trainer muttered, walking over and handing her a few hundred in coins.
"You did good," Hanoashi smiled.
"Maybe, but your Nacli is too strong!" the trainer smiled. "You an expert trainer?" he asked as his brown hair was ruffled by the wind.
Hanoashi laughed briefly as she brushed er ginger hair out of her face. "Not even, I'm just starting out," she admitted.
"Well, you've got skills. I'm going to train up and next time we battle, things will be different.
"I'm looking forward to it!" Hanoashi smiled as they departed ways.
"Wish Rikona could be here with me...but even so it's her own fault for breaking the rules," Hanoashi muttered after out of earshot.
"Wasp!" Hanoashi gasped, running up to the caterpillar. "Are you okay?" she whispered.
He let out a small nod and crawled up her arm, snuggling up next to her. Letting out a small sigh, she walked up to the girl who beat her and handed over six hundred in coin. "That's a strong Magikarp," she noted.
"Well he's pretty close to evolving, so he's got to be strong," she smiled in return.
"I can't for Wasp to evolve, Beedrill are so cool!" Hanoashi gushed.
"You a bug trainer?" the brunet asked, her blue eyes curious.
Hanoashi shook her head. "Not really, I have a Nacli named Carthage, but I want to raise a balanced team," she admitted.
"That's a good way of looking at it. As for me, I'm aiming to be a water type specialist, but I want to evolve my Magikarp first," she noted.
"Hopefully we can battle again someday?" the brunet asked.
"Sure! Oh, we should introduce ourselves. My name is Hanoashi Katoni," she smiled, extending her hand.
The girl accepted it. "Shelly Myrid," she smiled. "Got a Rotom phone?"
Hanoashi shook her head. "No, I'm having to work my way up from the ground up, so I can't afford one just yet."
"I see, well I'll probably see you around then," Shelly smiled. "It's nice meeting you Hanoashi," she added.
"Likewise," Hanoashi smiled as the two went their own ways, Hanoashi to the dorms to rest up her team. They weren't injured, but they would get that way if she kept up this battling.
I came out with an extra 460 it would seem, She smiled as she walked, before pausing. Wait...did I just make a new friend? Standing still for a moment, she let out a small hum of joy. Can't wait to introduce her to Rikona! She thought excitedly.
Her light green eyes opened wide at the sudden brightness, and she let out a small groan as she tossed over on the bench. "Ten more minutes," she growled.
"Rikona, up, now!" an officer ordered.
"Ye...yes sir!" Rikona shot up, walking over to the door.
"Release day, please wait in the lobby," the officer barked, opening the door.
Nodding, she exited the cell and sat down in the lobby, laying her arms in her lap as she waited patently for the release.
"Rikona Matsumino, the papers are all signed, and you may return to the academy for the second part of your punishment," the officer nodded. "Don't be coming back now!" she added in a stern voice.
Nodding, she walked off, entering the bright streets again. "Feels good to be out," she smiled as she stretched, glad to feel the warm sun on her face outside of the prison yard, which really was just a walled room with no roof. However, the officer's words replayed in her mind, causing her to enter into an old memory.
Gazing at the small CRT television, Rikona passed the controller to her cousin. One of the quirks of Monopoly on the Famicom was that you had to share one controller. It made an eight person co-op match possible, but it could get confusing if you had more than a few players.
"Alright...a...no!" Hanoashi whispered as she drew a go directly to jail card. "And I was so close to passing go as well," she pouted.
"Rough," Rikona sighed, giving her a look of pity as she was handed the controller. Granted it was just them playing, but they had six computer opponents in addition to them, made the game more interesting.
"Hey, Kona?" Hanoashi asked.
"Yeah?" Rikona gazed at her red haired friend in curiosity.
"Do you...ever wonder what it'd be like to be arrested? Actually arrested I mean?" Hanoashi asked quietly.
"Just because I like bondage doesn't mean I want to be arrested," Rikona shook her head, rolling a seven, landing on the just visiting section.
"Nice of you to visit," Hanoashi laughed, rolling, but not getting the double she needed. "Dang it!" She passed the controller back. "If I was ever arrested though, would you come to visit me?" she asked.
"Yes...would you?" Rikona asked.
"In a heart beat,"Hanoashi smiled. "Although...I'd hate to see you in prison garb.
"If your that curious about being arrested...we could play cops and robbers. I have a pair of..."
"No no no, I'm not that curious!" Hanoashi waved her hands briefly.
"Meh, fair enough," Rikona noted as she landed on electric company and buying it, handing the controller back to Hanoashi.
This time she rolled a double two, and smiled as the animation played and the game gave a rough "Don't be coming back now!" message. "I really love the way the game says that," Hanoashi laughed softly.
Ah, good memories! Rikona sighed happily before moving on. She didn't dare press her luck by wasting too much time enjoying being out, and she soon found herself in Director Clavell's office.
"The prison told me that you were an exemplary prisoner," Clavell noted. "But now, you are to head to your room and await the arrival of the street cleaner's guild, giving that's what you'll be doing for community service. I'd recommend getting a snack and putting on some skin protection given that you'll be working in the hot sun, and you'll be wearing what you have on."
"Yes sir!" Rikona nodded, before hesitantly asking, "How are Yuzu and Korone?"
"They are doing fine, you'll be able to visit them after the five days are done," he promised. "And I bet you are excited to see your cousin again," he added with a chuckle.
Am I ever... Rikona thought wistfully, but she let out a determined nod. "If...that's all sir then I'll be on my way," she affirmed, exiting the room as soon as he gave her the nod.
The walk wasn't that far, and most students weren't in the halls given that they had class or other duties, something that Rikona was glad of. Walking under those stares was bad enough... she shuddered, but forced herself to keep walking.
She had just finished placing her clothes back on when she heard a knock on the door. "Coming," Rikona shouted, surprised to see an elderly man at the door. "Rikona, right?" he asked.
"Um...yes sir?" Rikona nodded, feeling her heart sink. Another guy? She groaned inwardly.
Directer Clavell says that you're under the hire of my guild for the next five days, so some with me, it's time to get your petite ass to work!" He growled.
Rikona fought the urge to shrink. First...rude and in inappropriate! Secondly, there's nothing petite bout my thick boned body let along my butt! But she bit back the sharp remark and nodded. "I'm ready sir, lead the way," she promised.
"Good, you're not whining bout it not being fair and whatnot," he smiled as he turned and walked off, glancing back to make sure that she was following.
She simply let out a quiet sigh and followed, not bothering to say anything. I don't trust him! She growled, but avoided making any super obvious notion of her opinion on the man.
Lining up, Rikona glanced around as her heart sank at being the only girl in the line. Great...fantastic! she shuddered, growing even more frustrated.
"Rodriguez! You'll be teaming up with Rikona for the next five days, alright?" he asked.
"Yes sir!" he nodded.
He looks Dutch, not Spanish...or wait was that a bit too... Rikona shook off her thoughts as Rodriguez extended his hand. Rikona reluctantly accepted the handshake. "Good to be working with you Rodriguez," she smiled.
"Likewise Rikona," Rodriguez smiled.
Rikona did not miss the ever so slight blush on his face, and instantly felt hot as she removed her hand gingerly. I guess he is kinda cute... she realized, before mentally slapping herself. You don't even know the guy, how can you...
"Right, now you'll be working in pairs obviously. Rikona, you'll be picking up the trash, Rodriguez, you'll be washing and drying the street. Dismissed!"
Rodriguez hauled over an odd backpack. "Let me help you to strap this on," he offered.
"Oh...um...thank you,"Rikona smiled, blushing. She could tell that he was as well, given that he had to make the occasional brush against her. But unlike when she had been kidnapped, she found that she didn't exactly mind this contact as it was necessary to strap the can on her back. And something about him caused her to instinctively trust her.
"Right, now let's earn this bread," he smiled, as he began walking behind her. "You'll lead the way and I'll blow the dust to the side if need be. In an area around a street vendor or park we use the broom though," he admitted before handing her a map. "We're scheduled to clean up first Verde street, first Sigma street, and Cecil lane," he noted. "Then a break for lunch before we go cleaning second Snark street and Myrad lane," he added.
"I see," Rikona nodded firmly, making her way over to the street.
"So, you a new hire?" Rodriguez asked.
Rikona sighed. "No, I broke a rule at the academy and so I'm working here for the next five days." she admitted softly.
"You seem disappointed," Rodriquez noted gently.
"Well...I'm disappointed in myself really. While not the same I..." she paused, realizing that he wouldn't have any idea of where Akita Provence was, let alone Japan. "Let's just say that I worked in disaster relief a time or two and so I'm comfortable with the work I have to do," she finished softly.
"That's good, I mean street cleaning isn't that bad, I enjoy it in fact," Rodriquez smiled.
"So may I ask what lead you to street cleaning?" Rikona asked quietly, a small smile forming on her face.
"Well...my parents died when I was fifteen and I didn't have enough money to attend any of the academies, so I applied here and got hired. Been working four months now," he gazed down sadly.
"Oh, I'm sorry..." Rikona gazed at him in pity and guilt. Hanoashi and I really ought to consider ourselves lucky that we were given a loan on our education, then again they might just be wanting to keep an eye on us, and we've got to pay back what we used so...
"Rikona?"
"Yes," she gazed up at him.
"You have a very pretty name...what does it mean? If...you don't mind me asking that is..." Rodriguez glanced away shyly.
"Back where I lived it meant more or less intelligence," Rikona shrugged.
"Where did you live?" Rodriguez asked.
Rikona let out a small sigh. "You probably wouldn't believe me," she admitted as they rived at Verde Street and began to pick up the occasional piece of trash.
"Try me," Rodriguez laughed.
"Japan," Rikona shrugged. "You knew it as the area from Hoenn to Shinnoh."
"Ah, an alternate dimension I see," he mused. "But you're just like us right?" he added.
"Pretty much, they did a ton of test on me and Blaze when they found us, and it says that we're identical to everyone else," Rikona admitted.
"Blaze is..." Rodriguez asked as he began to sweep as Verde street had food stalls along it.
"Hanoashi is her actual name...she's my cousin so to speak," Rikona admitted. "Goes by the name of Blaze due to her ginger hair," she added.
"Ah,I'd really like to meet her," Rodriguez smiled.
"You probably will before my week is done," Rikona smiled in return, starting to ease around the guy a bit.
"So we just need to buy a swimsuit and some sunscreen?" Hanoashi asked.
"Yep!" Shelly smiled. "Surprised you want to stay away from the beach though," she added teasingly.
"Scared of beaches," Hanoashi shuddered. Cone snails...
"Well, that's understandable, plus some folk don't like salt water, myself included. It's rough on the hair so to speak. But we needn't go to the beach today if it makes you uncomfortable," Shelly soothed.
"Yeah, no kidding," Hanaoshi agreed, before picking out a frilly green swimsuit. "This will do for me," she added.
"Really, that one?" Shelly asked, before shaking her head. "I think It'd look good on you, but I kind of thought that you'd gun for a two piece."
"Nah, one piece. Going to a co-ed academy most of us girls opted for the one piece," Hanoashi admitted.
"I see, must have been nice though, I mean with all the boys treating you like their sisters and all," Shelly added.
"Well yeah it was, but even so it could get annoying sometimes. Lectures were common from both sides when someone did something off even if it was a minor offense, and of course the boys were always concerned about our time of month. But there was a sense of comradeship if you will." Hanoashi explained.
"Even so driving around in tanks sounds dangerous," Shelly admitted.
"It can be, but we had rules and regulations as well as robust safety measures in place to make it safer. Still didn't mean you couldn't be hurt or killed, but we've only had a single fatality in the male leagues and none in the co-ed leagues. Unlike the girl's league, but then again they had been operating solo since the fifties where as the co-ed started in the mid nineties, not to mention they had enough clout that a death or two on occasion wouldn't affect them." Hanoashi paused briefly. "Really it's not much more dangerous than Pokemon battles."
"You think I'd make a good tanker?" Shelly asked.
"From what I've seen, yes," Hanoashi admitted. "Of course we'd actually have to get you into a simulator at least before I could truly tell, but your fit enough, not too tall, and you have the right mindset so to speak.
"Wish I could try it," Shelly sighed.
Walking out of the shop, they began to walk around town when Hanoashi paused. "Shelia, quickly, follow me," she smiled and rushed off toward an all familiar brunet.
"Wait up Blaze!" Shelia protested hotly as she rushed over.
Rikona glanced up as she heard her name called. "Hey Blaze!" Rikona smiled, walking over. "This a friend of yours?" she asked as Shelly walked up.
"Yes, This is Shelly," Hanoashi smiled.
"It's nice to meet you Rikona," Shelly smiled.
"Likewise," Rikona smiled in return.
"Hanoashi wasn't kidding about you being tall, but she speaks very highly of you," Shelly gazed upward at her.
"I...oh! This is Rodriguez," Rikona turned to the boy next to her, introducing her co-worker.
"It's nice to meet you Rodriguez," Hanoashi smiled. "I hope you're taking care of my cousin," she added.
"Of course," Rodriguez promised. "She's a hard worker," he added.
Rikona glanced at him right as he gave her an glance and couldn't help but return the glance. I had thought that I'd be uncomfortable around another guy, but I'd like to get to know him better, she realized with a start.
"I see what's going on you two," Hanoashi folded her arms gently. "Just promise me that you'll watch out for each other and don't rush into anything serious, alright?"
"Wh...what?" Rodriguez stammered.
"It's not like that..."Rikona glanced down. "I want it though," she whispered, glancing at Rodriguez shyly, not realizing that she had spoken it or was super obvious.
"Well, you have my blessing then," Hanoashi smiled. "I'd love to talk more, but I promised Shelly that I'd help her catch some water type Pokemon around Area one, and we'd best not distract you from your work." Hanoashi added gently.
"Ri...right," Rikona smiled. "Will I see you tonight?" she asked hesitantly.
Hanoashi glanced down. "Sorry Kona, but I promised to help Shelly fill out her team and so I'll be camping out near Los Platos for the night.
Rikona smiled in return even though it was slightly pained at being separated for another night. "That's great! You'll have to help me catch up once I'm done with my community service."
"Well do! You take care of each other," Hanoashi smirked, before turning and waving at the new lovebirds.
Rikona watched them go before gazing at Rodriguez shyly. "Shall we get back to work?" she asked softly.
He nodded and the two went about their way.
Hanoashi let out a small sigh as she exited the town, Shelly by her side. "I never thought I'd live to see the day," she mused happily.
"What day..." Shelly asked.
"The day Rikona met someone she liked that much," Hanoashi explained gently. "See, she came from a rich family where the girls couldn't marry the poor folk, and a lot of the rich folk were..."
"Pretentious?" Shelly suggested.
"Yeah. Rikona hated those types, not to mention she's so tall that some people were put off even though she's very beautiful," Hanoashi let out a small groan. "Pissed me off that I got with a guy so easily while she struggled. Mind you, she's not as obsessed with the idea of family life as I was, but still I could tell she wanted what Yukaro and I had."
"You miss him, don't you," Shelly asked gently, placing her hand on the Irish girl's shoulder.
"I wish with every fiber of my being that he could be here with me," Hanoashi croaked, wiping a tear from her eye. "But he's not and I cannot afford to let myself to let that affect me. And besides, I'm happy that Rikona met a guy who clearly cares for her," she added softly.
"You seem to trust Rodriguez, even though you just met."
"I'm a former Sensado team commander, Shelly. My job entails keeping a close eye on my teammates' well-being, so I can pick up the difference between lust and true desire for a close relationship."
As they approached the beach, Hanoashi let out a small smirk. "Alright, let's earn this bread!"
"Huh?" Shelly asked, gazing at her weirdly.
"It's a phrase my generation used, just means let's get to work," Hanoashi explained. "Wasp, you ready!"
As her worm exited it's Pokeball and readied himself, he nodded.
"Right, I want to catch a Buizel, Psyduck, and a Chewtle," Shelly noted. "Thankfully they'll be around the rivers and lakes, so we can avoid the beach if you like. Eventually though I'd like to catch a Quaxly and a Barboach though," she added.
"So, where do we find them," Hanoashi asked.
"They'll be near a stream right after Los Platos. We'll head there and set up camp at the local camping area and hang out for the day though, I want to be back by nightfall tomorrow and we'll be worn out by the time we bet there," she added.
"True," Hanoashi agreed.
"Alright, good work today, especially you Rikona, keep it up and you'll prove yourself to the academy," their boss smiled. "All of you are dismissed for the day!
Rikona had just placed her stuff away when Rodriguez walked up to her. "Good work today," he smiled.
"You two," Rikona whispered shyly.
"I'm looking forward to working with you tomorrow," he blushed, before walking off.
I guess we're still a bit awkward around each other. Blaze and Yukaro were the same way back before they started dating, she realized as she made her way to the academy, grabbed a quick dinner, and entered her room.
Much much better than the prison cell, she mused as she sat on her bed and began to quietly reflect on the past month.
Hanoashi had just finished setting up the tent when she saw what she thought was a bright light appear behind them and to her shock, a naked girl appeared.
"Oh my word!" Shelly gasped as she clasped her hands to her mouth. "That looked like...but...it couldn't be..."
"Ouchie..." the girl pouted as she landed on the ground butt first, but quickly gasped and covered herself up. "No!" she gasped in clear panic.
"Here' put this on quick!" Shelly offered, handing her a spare orange one piece.
The poor girl let out a shiver of fright as she barely managed to hold on to the last bit of dignity and slip the suit on. "Thank you," she whispered.
Gazing at the girl Hanoashi noticed two things. One, she was wet and smelled like she just got out of the shower. And the second was that she had a peculiar bar code tattoo on her hip, but instead of being black it was blue at the top shifting to a silver toward the bottom and numbers.
"So what happened? I mean I know you feel out of the sky and all, but still..." Shelly mused.
The girl let out a small sigh. "I don't know...one moment I had just been contracted out again and the next moment I'm here...these are some weird Pokemon," she noted, glancing at a passing Fidough.
"First...what do you mean contracted out?" Hanoashi folded her arms in curiosity.
"In my world, the Communist States of the American Empire, or CSAE, would take the second born of each family and claim them as their own. Then and there they would be trained for four years and then be contracted out for various jobs. Boys generally got labor jobs and girls got a mixed bag of secretaries, accountants, nurses, teachers, voice actors, maids, and spouses. I got the Blue-dove class, hence the color of my bar-tat if you will."
"So that's what that was," Hanoashi gasped. "Did that mean that you were a..."
She shook her head. "Not quite a slave, no. But it is somewhat similar, but with a ton more rights albeit it might not seem that way. Anyways my name is Rosa. I...don't remember what my contractor's last name was, but... that might be for the better."
"Why's that?" Hanoashi asked.
"I...don't wanna talk about it," Rosa glanced down, sadly. "In reality the state had just taken me back after finding out what he did to me. Thankfully they rescued me before...that happened, but still, the fact that he'd try and..." At once she began to puke.
"Are you alright?" Hanoashi asked, concern growing for her.
"I think I will be, thanks," Rosa whispered.
"You should stick with us Rosa, it's getting late and it'll be crowded, but we can get you situated with society," Shelly remarked.
"But...I...I don't want to be of any trouble," Rosa whispered gently.
"You won't be, and I'm sure they'll help you out," Hanoashi encouraged gently.
"Alright...thank you...I'll stick to your side for the moment," Rosa whispered, before letting out a small yawn.
"You must be tired, Blaze or I will stay by your side. You uh...know your measurements? You'll want something more than a bathing suit."
Rosa glanced down as she gave her measurements and Shelly ran off to buy her some clothes. "Sorry that I'm so much trouble," she whispered.
"It's no trouble at all," Hanoashi smiled as she guided the tired girl into the tent and got her a pillow. "You try to rest, alright?"
"Al...alright," Rosa mused, and Hanoashi watched as the girl drifted into a gentle sleep.
Just what did you have to go through Rosa? Hanoashi mused as she made herself comfortable.