Lorelei handed Titus a hot cup of coffee as they waited on Karen in the shower. 'Ah no iced coffee?' He joked.
She rolled her eyes and flipped a couple pancakes on the stove with her other hand. 'Despite what you might think, I only specialize in the concept of ice as it has to do with pokemon. I very much like my coffee hot, thank you.' She smiled warmly.
'So what brings an immigrant such as yourself to our humble world? Typically those who are allowed access to the surface know someone' She continued.
'Well as you said, I know someone. Jack Wataru.' He replied, taking a sip of his coffee. 'And what else can I say? I find pokemon utterly fascinating, especially for battle.'
Lorelei finished the pancakes and placed them on plates at the counter. A Slowking teleported in and quickly grabbed a filled plate and teleported out all in a couple seconds. Titus sat there bewildered for a moment before digging in.
She simply laughed, 'That was Kronos, my Slowking. He enjoys his solitary meditations in the morning.' Lorelei lingered in thought for a moment, lips pursed to speak. 'So…how?'
Titus smiled, food still in his mouth before he swallowed. 'I can dance and a fair bit of luck.'
She giggled at that, 'That might do it. You're also a helljumper. That helps, considering how much she adores her uncles.' Lorelei pointed out.
'Your one of this region's elite four.' Titus said simply. 'What can you tell me about this Lance guy that isn't embellished by Jack?'
She beamed at the mention of her Champion. 'What can be said that hasn't already? The man has a huge heart for his people. Lance is quite possibly the strongest trainer in the world and his team absolutely adores him. Charismatic, tall and broad shouldered, ridiculous grin. A Champion right out of fiction.'
'Let me rephrase that: What can you tell me about him that isn't in the public eye? My clearance certainly runs high enough as you would certainly know!' Titus remembered her calling him by his rank. She had done her homework on him.
Lorelei fixed her glasses for a moment, peering down her nose at him. 'He is overburdened, stressed, and at wits end with his responsibilities. I don't know if you're aware, but various teams including the Rockets have become a bit of a sore spot for Indigo and other parts of the world in the past several years.'
'ONI refuses to aid us beyond a meager amount of intelligence from time to time. Pointedly refusing access to their Satellite Network - we don't even know if it even exists still!' She said frustrated.
Scipio had been in Titus' ear since they got up. Laying on him a wealth of intelligence gathered through the night - including quite the excursion into the files of the Sinnoh league. With his level of access, he could probably lend some assistance without drawing the ire of the local ONI Station.
'I might be able to shed some light on your problems.' He offered in his most nonchalant manner.
'Oh really?!' She perked up immediately at the mention of that. Titus grabbed her data slate and Scipio worked his magic.
'There. That oughta be of some assistance.' Titus handed the data slate back, sipping his coffee smugly. A file full of satellite imagery detailing Team Rocket movement in the Sevii Islands.
Lorelei facial expressions went through several before settling on a simmering, cold fury. 'Oh there is going to be a reckoning.' All the warmth in her voice drained. Now there was the Ice Queen of Indigo!
She grabbed her belt of pokeballs and walked around her apartment recalling her team. Titus could hear the furious clacking of her heels throughout. Karen came out of the bathroom, hair wrapped in a towel.
'What's going on?' She asked as Lorelei returned to the kitchen having changed from her business casual outfit into a combat uniform of some sort.
'Rockets are in the Sevii Islands, I'm going to the Plateau to meet with Lance and organize a response. You have the day off.' Slowking waited at her side, ready to teleport them both.
'Your new friend here.' She nodded to Titus with approval before teleporting.
Karen just looked at him in confusion. 'What just happened? What did you do?'
Titus grinned at her mischievously, 'Oh you know, just helping out.'
'Uh huh. You got her intel didn't you - with that clearance of yours?' She looked away, lost in thought for a moment. 'My grandfather is the Director of ONI on world… I can't get anything out of him worth a damn.' She scowled.
'I figured you would meet him eventually. No harm is telling you now.' Karen reasoned. She moved over to the pancakes and began nibbling at them. Doomhound got up and stretched, lazily meandering over to beg for a bite.
'Well. I've got my clearance and can typically snoop about the system. No go telling him though eh?' He waved his fork about.
'Oh I won't be saying a word. Serves him right - he forgot my birthday this year! Always off golfing.' Karen complained but them stared off wistfully. 'My other grandfather though, he taught me practically everything I know about Dark types. Patient and strong, always there for me.'
It was quiet for a time as they ate. Titus flipped on the holo to try and catch one of those conference matches. Karen started narrating to him the battles, pointing out both flaws and strengths on the part of either trainer and their pokemon. She demonstrated a level of perception for pokemon battling he only noticed for regular warfare in the most grizzled of Marines.
Titus got up and moved over to her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. He had no idea what he was doing but wanted to try something he had seen in those sappy rom coms Emily and Cass would watch. She looked up at him with a smile and he went for the kiss. Doomhound just whined at them and rolled his eyes before Titus picked Karen up and carried her off to the bedroom as she giggled.
Doomhound looked around for a moment and then put his front paws on the counter sniffing about for the remaining pancakes.
Titus and Karen had gone out to lunch and then onto a live match - Titus' first. She had returned Doomhound to his ball as he had quite frankly eaten too much and was getting sleepy eyed.
'Jack is looking for you. He has called 7 times.' Scipio spoke into his ear. 'He seems quite worried. Don't worry though, I've masked you against his feeble attempts at tracking!' Scipio cackled and brought up a security camera showing Jack inside his apartment furiously making calls, his dragonair snoozing nearby on a massive pillow. Jack must've made a quick trip home to grab her Titus noted.
'I believe he wants to take you with him to a party his clan is throwing in honor of his return.' Scipio showed live footage from some poor woman's pokenav laying on a kitchen counter. Several women were busy making vast quantities of baked goods for some event. Titus coughed at that and Scipio closed the feed sheepishly.
Titus looked at Karen, 'I think my friend is looking for me. Something about a party at the Blackthorn Compound welcoming him home. I'm apparently a Guest of Honor or some such.' Titus read the texts Jack sent him.
Karen snorted at that. 'Oh I've heard stories about that place. The Wataru can party harder than anyone according to Lance. Then again he might just be biased.' She flicked her silver mane over her shoulder.
'Oh really? Jack is bragging about their booze. Know anything about that?'
'Yes! Their whiskey is amazing. If you can, bring me some.' She gave him her best sultry smile.
Titus blushed hard at that. This woman had him and he knew it. He chuckled to himself, 'I'm in trouble.'
She grinned at him, knowing exactly what he meant. They walked and talked together a bit more before saying goodbye before Titus got an idea. 'You know, I'm not exactly sure where his apartment is. Think you could be my guide a bit longer?'
'Uh sure. You have any idea where it might be though?' She asked curiously and pulled out her Pokenav. Titus mentioned some things he saw and street signs he remembered. 'Ah he'll be over here then.'
Karen halted a Rapidash pulled taxi near the restaurant and off they went.
'Where the hell have you been? I've been trying to reach you for hours- Oh.' Jack noticed the tall silver haired woman smiling next to Titus, who in turn had the biggest shit eating grin on his face.
A sleepy Dragonair roused itself, curious at the sudden noise at the door before moving over to greet them. They walked in and she immediately cooed at them before sliding up to sniff at Titus.
'Bella, this is Major Titus Rann and his friend-' Jack stressed the word friend, somewhat amused, ' Elite Four Karen.'
Bella then wrapped them both in her coils cooing happily at her new friends. 'Alright that's enough girl!' Jack patted her scales softly.
'Well I'll be off. I was just helping Titus find his way back.' Karen smiled knowingly. 'You boys have fun.' She gave Titus a peck and swaggered off with a smile.
Once the door closed, Jack just looked at Titus in a new light. 'Bro.'
'Dude.' Titus responded.
'Bro.' Jack said more excitedly.
'Dude.' Titus smiled with finality.
'Well then. It looks like I might need to take some notes from you!' Jack said moving over to his couch and sitting down. 'Now then, Mr. Prancer. You ready for tonight? Because it going to be one hell of a banger!'
Titus moved over to the couch-chair next to the sofa and sat down. 'Yes! However, I was wondering if we could invite Cass and surprise her there.'
'That we can do. I'll set it up.' Jack started texting on his PokeNav. 'Her father is in town for that exhibition match, shouldn't be too much trouble to get them both there. Do you have anything in mind?'
Titus could think of a few ways to really razz Cassandra Drake.
They arrived via Teleportation later that evening at the center of the Wataru Compound. A large town secluded away from Blackthorn city to the North. Everywhere Titus looked there were Wataru walking about with either Dratini or Dragonair. Only a few Dragonite wandered about as evolving into one was rare even among the Wataru dragons.
As soon as Jack was done tipping the trainer and their Alakazam, he was swarmed by a bunch of women all fussing over him. Hands ran through his hair, grabbed his arms and shoulders, patted his stomach, slapped his back, and pinched his cheek. Hug after Hug. Several bemused men stood back from the spectacle content to simply observe and chuckle.
'Boy! You have any idea how much I missed you?'
'Oh my goodness your back!'
'Why didn't you write? I've been so worried!'
Titus didn't realize just how much Jack was his family's darling baby boy. He looked around and saw a severe faced woman that closely resembled Jack standing off to the side with an absolutely enormous Dragonair. Titus noted that must've been his sister Clair, the current Blackthorn Gym Leader and who he would have to defeat or atleast make a good showing to in order to qualify for Victory road eventually.
Among the men, Titus observed a tall broad shouldered elder with a balding head. A massively framed Dragonite towered next to him. They made eye contact and the man nodded to him. Titus made his way over.
'Hello sir, this is a beautiful place you have here. Thank you for allowing me to come.' Titus offered his hand and they shook.
However the man had other plans and smiled, pulling Titus in for a bear hug. 'Welcome my boy to Pokemos and Blackthorn City! It's not often we get Immigrants here. Jack has told us so much about you.'
He let Titus out of the hug, 'Oh and where are my manners? I'm Eldar Yari and this is my Dragonite, Sampson. I'm Jack's grandfather and the former Drake of this clan.'
Sampson let out a low whine and then gave Titus a giant hug, lifting him off the ground and then setting him back down.
Yari clapped his hands together, breaking the silence that had occurred. 'Come! Let us demonstrate the famed hospitality of the Wataru clan!'
The crowd of women immediately swarmed Titus, giving Jack some blessed relief as he gathered himself. Titus was asked many questions about his life, adventures in the war, and most importantly (to the women) whether he was single or not. Plenty of glances were given Clair's way by the older women at those comments.
Titus was treated in much the same way before Jack managed to prise him from the group and lead him away, clapping him on the shoulder. 'Come on, let's get you away before you become my new brother in law!'
Jack spent the next couple hours giving Titus the grand tour of the compound. He met so many cousins and uncles and other family members, he had no idea at the end of it all who was who. Scipio would whisper in his ear whenever he ran into anyone he had already met, providing a reputation among the Wataru for his amazing memory. Scipio had just chuckled at that, having no issue in providing to the false inflation of Titus' reputation. No doubt having already done so when he had been relentlessly quizzed by Karen on pokemon battling. Karen had been impressed he knew, but practiced her trademark aloofness anyway.
The grand tour had shown him the Great Hall with shoulder busts of all the great Drakes marching back in time thousands of years. The high arches of the ancient stone structure stood at least four stories high. Long hard wood tables sat perpendicularly through the core of the open space. The most recent bust was that of Lance himself and another beside it of his Grandfather, Elder Yari. Titus snorted out a laugh as Jack looked around and then quickly foisted a pair of sunglasses on each of them and camo hats from a marine surplus store.
'Eh don't worry, these busts always get messed with. It's a great way to poke at Lance without poking at him.' Jack laughed.
They toured the compound, seeing all the notable buildings like the dratini daycare, local trainer shop, and ancient quarters for the early Drakes before their great successes with the Dragonite line. An ancient two story stone building now lovely looked after. Of course no one entered it out of fear for damage. All the original wood having rotted from its interior long ago. However, Titus couldn't help but note the dedication to preserving their own history.
'I've noticed we've been everywhere but your house.' Titus noted. 'Let's go see your folks.'
At that, Jack sighed. 'Alright, but I'm dreading the next wave of cheek grabbing and hugging. We are along only because I said I wanted to give you the tour myself.'
They made their way to Jack's house where the same gaggle of women waited for the unfortunate young man.
The festivities began and strong at that. Already opening up the night before the food had even been brought out, the young Wataru were having drinking contests.
Titus noted that Clair stood apart from it all, keeping herself to the general vicinity of other older Wataru. Jack noticed and finished slurping his beer, 'Yeah she wasn't always so high and mighty. She use to keep up with the best of us before becoming Gym leader. Now she's lame!'
'Cass will be teleporting in any minute now, but her dad is right over there chugging with my cousin Hector.' Jack pointed to an old man with a magnificent mustache arm wrestling with a brawny young Wataru while chugging a beer at the same time - and winning! A monstrous Salamence lounged nearby, picking at the bones of some Tauros ribs.
Drake finished his beer and put the young man's arm on the table at the same time. The crowded semi circle that had formed around them cheered while the young man massaged his arm.
Titus looked around and saw a huge mound before an idea occurred to him. 'You guys every play king of the hill?' He pointed to the mound.
Jack looked over in alarm, 'Oh no you don't!' But Titus was already on top of the table, taking in two lungs filled with air.
'I AM MAJOR TITUS RANN OF THE THIRTY SECOND SHOCK TROOPER BATTALION AND I CHALLENGE ANYONE BRAVE ENOUGH TO A DRUNKARD'S KING OF THE HILL! THE ONLY RULE IS YOU MUST HAVE A BEER IN YOUR HANDS AT ALL TIMES!' He roared and gestured to the mound.
The gathered Wataru went silent for a moment before a huge roar of affirmation came rolling forth. Suddenly dozens of Wataru were grabbing their drinks and rushing the mound, pushing and shoving each other.
Haunter came out of the shadows cackling and followed Titus as he rushed the mound with his own flagon of beer. It had rained not long before as the mound was muddy all around. That did little to deter the now drunk Wataru who now fought each other for the top of the mound. As soon as one was about to announce his or her ascendancy, another pushed them off and took their place. Soon enough fifty drunk Wataru and their guests were brawling over the hill.
Titus punched one only to get socked by another only to laugh it off and keep going. Before he knew it he was sliding down the hill locked in a wrestling match with a man nearly twice his size before a hand grabbed the man by the hair and pushed him off. Titus took that hand and rose only to find himself face to face with a smirking mustache - Drake.
'To the top.' He yelled over the cacophony.
The two of them pushed up the mound together, their beers sloshing all over. There they held the top together, punching and smacking anyone who came near. Back to back with Drake himself, Titus fought off all comers.
The Wataru started drunkenly teaming up. The first team composed of three weedy teenagers tried to gang up on the old man, only for Titus to trip one and smack the other sending them howling down on top of a team behind them. A gaggle of stronger youths who looked like they had seen a rugby match or two tried to grab Titus' legs and drag him off only for Drake to put his foot on their fingers. Charlie the Salamence lounged at the bottom of the hill, snapping at any pokemon that tried to intervene.
Then Clair herself came clambering over pushing others out of the way. She had large biceps for a woman Titus noted and watched as she effortlessly grabbed one of probably distant cousins around the neck with her beer holding arm and gave him a noogie with the other before tossing him down the hill. Her Dragonair lounging next Tak content to just watch the struggling humans play in the mud.
Titus looked over and saw Jack release his Dusknoir who then covered the entire area in a fine mist if only to make it harder for his sister. With little sight to see, Titus relied on his other senses, ankle deep in mud as he was.
Drake huffed as Clair finally managed through the mist and found him, but he was far more keen at keeping his spot than she was taking it, sending her howling down the hill with a light Sparta kick where she sprawled against her Dragonair entangled with a few of her cousins. Tak huffed a laugh as he looked on amused at the tangle of Wataru under his great wings.
There was a flash through the mist and a popping sound. A minute later a woman came howling through the mist like a time lost Amazon, a freshly poured flagon of beer in her hands. Cassandra Drake had finally arrived and she clambered through the Wataru effortlessly to the top of the hill, still fresh and sober.
Once there, she took down her entire flagon in one go before grabbing one from the nearest Wataru cousin and shoved them back down the hill all the while cackling. 'Thank youuu!'
It was then that it dawned on her who exactly stood back to back with her father. "TITUS RANN?!' She bellowed over the dinn. Her face - or what TItus could see of it through the mist was one of pure shock and amazement.
Titus gave her his biggest shit eating grin. 'Your late Captain! Help me hold these Wataru off my hill! He roared back at her.
'YES SIR!' She shouted enthusiastically, content to get answers later.
Together the three of them held the hill for another ten minutes before the Wataru finally rallied behind Clair and pushed them off through sheer weight of numbers. At the bottom of the hill, covered in mud and laughing the whole time, Titus felt like he had come home to a whole new home.
Clair roared in triumph at the top of her new muddy mound, all the Wataru and their dragons on the vicinity roaring with her. At that, Drake signaled Tak who then blew the whole lot of them off the hill with a tempered Hurricane.
'Alright that's enough!' A woman yelled from the sitting area - Titus recognized Francesca, Jack's grandmother. 'Its time to eat - all of you! Now move!'
The Wataru -including Clair- quickly clambered out of the mud quickly and towards the tables. Fran sighed and let out her Dragonite who then nodded at some instruction Titus could not discern before a series of Water Pulses soaked fifty some Wataru, cleansing off most of the mud.
They all moaned and groaned at the treatment, shivering in the evening air. A very mild Heat wave was released, drying most of the water.
To the Drakes' credit, Cass let out a Bronzong who looked about before his eyes lit up with Psychic power, clearing the mud off the three of them and drying them out.
Mistress, must you always be in some sort of tussle whenever I'm away? The Bronzong playfully stated.
Cass just rolled her eyes and followed Titus to his table. 'Alrighty, Rann, lets hear it!'
Titus pointed at all the very young Wataru suddenly coming out of the kitchen building with plates of food. 'Food first. Don's escapades later.'
A little while later as they finished their fourth course of smoked meat and bread. Titus elaborated to Cass how he had got here.
'Mmm that makes sense.' Drake chimed in, nursing a cigar. 'Marcellus was brought here under similar circumstances.'
'He eventually became a Champion.' Cass added with a feral grin. 'So, have you given any thought to team building? You can never go wrong with dragons!'
Her own Salamence, Dak, nodded enthusiastically behind her while finishing off a massive stack of BBQ Tauros ribs.
Dragons! I'm the only one on the team who isn't a fire breathing lizard. You know they absolutely abhor the cold! I rather enjoy colder climates. Bronzong said mildly.
Tak and Dak both groused at that, no doubt having been on the receiving end of no small number of blizzards in training.
'Oh no doubt. I rather like the idea of fliers that are resistant to electrical attacks. I'm looking at either a Bagon, Dratini, or Gible as a starter.' Titus commented before casually placing the hilt of a Plasma Sword on the table.
Drake's eyebrows raised at that, 'Hmmph. Strong barter chip.'
Cass just went slackjawed. 'How'd you get that passed ONI - oh Jack and Don.' She remembered, rolling her eyes and taking another gulp of beer.
At that Jack had waved Elder Yari over. 'Ah the most exciting guests we've had in years! We haven't had such a commotion in years. Lance might be slightly envious when he hears about tonight later.' Yari laughed.
Drake snorted at that, blowing a perfect smoke ring, 'He never partied that hard when he was training with me. Too busy chasing girls in his free time.'
' I have something I wanted to show you, sir.' Titus proffered the deactivated Energy Sword to Yari. 'This is the Sangheili Energy Sword I recovered during the war. It is still in working order.'
Yari gasped as he held it in his hands. Such weapons were extraordinarily rare even in the wider space of Humanity. 'This - this is amazing.'
'I was wondering if I could trade your clan that blade for a Dratini. I could think of no better starter.' Titus explained.
Yari looked at him, really looked at him for the first time and then smiled. 'Truly? I think this is more than fair, not to mention we would be absolutely honored to make such an arrangement.'
'Hold on there! Hic.' Drake held up a finger and drunkenly twitched his mustache. 'I'll give you a Bagon and a Horsea with a dragon scale for it!'
The room grew quiet, some gasps from down the table rows. Here was The Drake himself sitting within the confines of Wataru hospitality making a challenge. Yari's eyes bulged at the very notion, Sampson growling. Cass could only stare in stunned silence at her father before collapsing her head in her hands, sighing.
'Unless you care to battle over it.' Drake grinned.
Yari scoffed at that notion. 'If Lance were here, you would not be so bold.'
'That energy sword is easily worth two dratini or bagon. I'm doing this young man a favor. Those that watch over my kin-' He gestured to Cass, 'I always deal favorably with.'
Yari simply sighed. 'There has never been a precedent for the Wataru to grant a friend of the clan more than one Dratini. Lance must approve such a thing and he is currently away.'
'Well then, I suppose my offer still stands. Titus?' Drake turned to him while taking a drag from his Cigar. Tak contently observed, puffing on several cigars at once himself.
Titus to his credit didn't blanche, but his heart was set upon a Dragonite. He could always capture a Bagon in the wild as according to Scipio, they would be the easiest to find of all Psuedo Legendaries - just look for a cliff face with easy access from the bottom!
Drake, seeming to read him like a book then did the unthinkable, increased his offer to a night insurmountable height. He seemed to be looking far off when he whispered, 'Salamencite. I'll give you the mega stone along with the Bagon.'
Titus blinked at that. Now there was an offer! Cass looked incredulously at her father. Something was going on there.
Yari's face fell, working his jaw as he processed the unprecedented offer before Clair declared, 'Two Dratini - one from my private pool in the gym!'
The Elder took in a deep breath relieved as he saw Titus' face light up at that offer.
'Done! Two Dratini.' Titus nodded to Yari and Clair. Drake just chuckled and smiled as he took a drag from his cigar.
Titus got up to show him how to operate it for a moment. 'You hold your fingers here and flick it-' The blade ignited in Yari's hands. Its long length and size obviously made for a bigger creature. Yari moved it experimentally. Everyone in the Hall took in the magnificent blade in raptured awe.
'You can hold onto that. I've got another for personal use.' Titus grinned.
Yari flicked the sword and it deactivated before holding the hilt before him with a look of disbelief in his face before looking at Titus again. 'This is a wonderful gift, Titus. Thank you.'
/
Later in the night when half the Wataru were either sleeping on tables or returned to their domiciles, Jack came to Titus and nodded for him to follow. They made their way over to a large mountain not far from the mound.
Yari motioned for him to follow and they moved towards a cavern entrance on the side of a mountain overlooking the compound.
He was led through a long high tunnel decorated with Dragonite statues for some time until they came upon a well sized underground lake. Jack followed along silently, not daring to interrupt the silence. If there was one thing the Wataru took seriously, it was the traditions surrounding their dragons.
They walked up to the water's edge and Yari motioned to Sampson. The massive dragonite let out a low keening cry which was answered quickly by at least a dozen more from across the lake. A few minutes later several Dratini and Dragonair swam up to the torch lit beach.
Sampson grunted at the various Dratini and pointed at Titus. He then moved over and picked one up in his massive arms and presented it to Titus. The Dratini immediately cooed at him and coiled around his torso and shoulders.
Titus staggered under nearly fifty pounds of dragon. Damn thing was heavy! Dratini nuzzled him and licked the side of his face before another was foisted upon him. A hundred pounds of Dratini hung from him like a poorly distributed rucksack, nearly knocking him over.
Titus grabbed the first one and looked them over followed after putting the first down. 'Er, how do I tell them apart?'
Jack chuckled and walked over, picking up the first and jostling it about while taking a gander. 'This one is a girl-' He put down the girl and picked up the other, 'And this one is a boy.'
Titus nodded and picked up the girl, looking into her huge eyes. 'You will be Autumn.' Then he looked down at the boy wiggling at his feet.' You will be Krasus. Kapeach?' They warbled at him excitedly.
'Welcome to the Dragon Den. It is here we breed and cultivate every generation of Dratini.' Yari proudly explained and handed him their pokeballs. 'And these two shall be yours - your starters and life long partners. May they serve you well.'
And that was how Titus fell asleep that night: two Dratini squirming over each other for a better spot to cuddle with their new trainer.
The Main Hall of the Wataru compound was filled with hangover whispers as a few dozen clansmen and women ate breakfast quietly, no doubt hungover from the raucous night before. Beautiful light streamed through big glass windows Titus noted, the sun no doubt having risen some time ago but for the mountain blocking its light marking it late in the morning.
Titus' head throbbed as he made his way over to the Drakes' table, two fresh pokeballs at his waist.. Cass ate slowly, moaning miserably despite a full night's sleep. Drake was up and alert as if he hadn't done anything the night before. The old man was just built different Titus had supposed.
Titus sat down and began grabbing waffles from the middle of the table, cramming his plate full of bacon, sausage and eggs. He lathered his waffles in blueberry syrup before cutting them down to size. Taking him time, he rotated through what he ate, savoring the bites despite his headache.
Waving his fork at Cass, who had sense taken to simply playing with her food, 'I'm thinking of starting the Dratini off with Detect. I figure with their speed and mobility as Dragonair and Dragonite, that might turn them into veritable flying Absol. It's also far more efficient than Protect.' He mused.
'Never seen 'em trained for that. Already quick.'' Drake muttered between bites. Dak lounged behind him, puffing on several cigars.
'Well I don't know if I'll ever fight at Lance's level. Figured they might be able to learn Calm Mind as Dragonair as well considering their abilities.'
'That's not a bad idea actually.' Cass pointed out. 'However, before you get there, you should consider something like a flamethrower for the Dratini as they are already dragons with inherent fire breathing. It's advanced for where they're at, but it'll be good to start now. Throw in Aqua Jet and Thunder Fang and you have some good elemental coverage for early stage fighting.' She lectured before rubbing her head gingerly then groaning.
'Too much thinking. We can discuss training later.' She muttered.
Scipio spoke up in his ear, 'I have been tracking meteorite fall astutely. In time, I think I can track down a mega stone for the poor girl.' Titus nodded at that before leaning over to Cass.
'We'll get you Salamencite one of these days - and soon.' He whispered and winked at her.
Her eyebrows went up at that before glaring at her father and looking back with a sharp nod. Whatever Drake's reasons for keeping that Salamencite to himself, he wasn't sharing, already owning one for Dak. Tak hadn't taken the revelation that there was another Salemencite in the Drake family this whole time well as he lounged a distance from Dak.
Cass found that moment to stand up and stretch before motioning to Titus to follow her. They walked outside in the wide grassy area before the Hall. The sun held high in the sky, Wataru already well into their day of chores and work. Dragons - mostly Dragonair - flew to and fro on different errands.
Cass released her team under a massive tree, easily several feet across and standing several dozen feet up. Before Titus was a Garchomp, Flygon, Bronzong, Charizard, and Dragalge. Dak came sauntering up a moment later munching down some leftovers.
'Guys! This is Major Titus Rann - my commanding officer from the war. I want you to give him a warm hello!' Her team enthusiastically roared for which Cass immediately regretted, wincing and rubbing her head. 'Okay okay, calm down!'
Titus did the same before managing a groaned hello. 'Nice to meet you all.' He mumbled.
'Charlemange the Garchomp, Flygon, Bronzie the Bronzong, Melta the Charizard, and Woopie the Dragalge, and Wally the Walrein - who I got because he was sooo cute as a spheal!' She gushed.
This is the team I won my conference with and eventually Masterhood.' Cass explained proudly, flicking an errant blonde hair out of her eyes.
Titus released his new Dratini - Autumn and Krasus - for them to meet her team. They immediately shied away and mosied over to Titus, hiding behind his leg giving reluctant hisses to the bigger dragons. Titus kneeled and stretched their heads which they leaned into. 'It's okay, they are Cass' team - our new friends.'
The Dratini then warbled to Dak who gave a low rumble in acknowledgement followed by the rest of her team.
Cass then looked at Titus with a wicked grin, 'Your in my court now, Rann! I'll show you everything you need to know - just like you guys did for me.' She got a faraway look for a moment before shaking her head and coming back to the present.
'Why did you join up anywho?' Titus asked and gestured to her team. 'And leave all this behind.'
Cass swallowed and frowned. 'I wanted to prove to myself I had what it took. That I wasn't a coward. Only ghosts and mega evolutions can operate off world you know. I don't have either - not that I could've used them anyways.'
'Most folks here don't care to get involved in offworld affairs, but even we had heard of the Covenant and the existential crisis they had put our entire race in. I wanted to do my part, not just hide out here on Pokemos.' She continued.
'I can respect that. I felt the same way. How did your team take it?' Titus asked. They all grumbled loudly at that and Cass sighed.
'Not well at all. I had a brief time when I was able to return home and see them for a couple months. But the time away was hard for us. I've spent the last month at home whipping them back into shape.' Cass explained, looking sad for a moment before perking up. 'Dad and Dak have kept them in better shape than I could've hoped for though.'
'What are Dad's for?' Titus smiled before switching gears, 'Jack's sleeping off his hangover. Wanna go wake him up?'
'Oh yes! On the way you can tell me about this Elite Four gal you snagged! Terry is going to be so proud!' Cass teased. Titus blushed and tried to stammer something out before Cass just laughed at him. 'Oh my, Major Titus Rann tongue tied over a girl. Emily is going to have a field day with this - once I figure out how to send a message off this blasted rock.' She mumbled
'Well - have you seen her? I have no idea what I'm doing, just kinda stumbling my way through and getting lucky on the way.' Titus said. Truly, he had no idea.
'Oh yes I have Prancy Pants. You got those moves - I've seen 'em.' She teased again. 'Come on, let's get a move on before Sneakers wakes up.' Cass added Jack's handle in.
Several Days Later
Titus had since the absolute banger of a party in Blackthorn, spent all his time figuring out training protocol, watching conference matches, and binging shows with Jack in his apartment. However, he had only seen Karen for short bits of time - some Innie group calling them Team Rocket wrapping up most of her time. Cass proved to be far more available, easily trumping Jack's knowledge of training. She helped him draw up a training itinerary - which Scipio picked apart in secret and compared to the the ones he had *acquired* from Champion Lance's personal computer. Quite frankly Titus wasn't too keen on training as hard as Lance considering he had just spent five years in war. Adventuring as trainer and raising a team? Wonderful. Training as if his life depended on it? No thanks, there were far better things to do - like see the sights and woo Karen.
Now he was making his way through Indigo, trying to spy out a Abra with Scipio's help. Cass had pointed out the importance of having a Psychic for battlefield coordination as well as to simply throw a wrench in a foe's plans if he ever became a specialist. Apparently, most trainers didn't even bother. She had always been brilliant in directing her armored company and now he saw why.
However, the Abra's were proving ever elusive, always teleporting away. And so, he had requisitioned Karen - or actually promised her a wonderful dinner if she would help him hunt one down.
'I can understand wanting one, but I never saw the point.' She shrugged. Her silver mane tied up in a ponytail and hat. People had begun to recognize her more apparently, her apparel far more casual than she normally wore - which Titus had learned irked her to no small extent.
'Well, yours would have to know Miracle Eye, right? Rare skill I read.'
'Hmph, I wouldn't of been able to train one in that until I met Will anyways.' She pointed out. 'My expertise lay in Dark types. Would've cut into training the others too much.'
Her Absol trodded about in front of them sniffing to and fro before tilting his head to look at them, motioning forward.
'Looks like he's found something.' Karen smiled. Absol took off and they raced after him.
A couple minutes of winding through the backstreets of Indigo City and they came across a private yard, a wild Abra snoozing under a fruit tree.
Absol casually strolled up to it and nudged it with its horn before bleeding darkness. The Abra woke up, wide eyed before trying to teleport. It looked about shocked, realizing it couldn't before a pokeball hit the Abra in the head. It fell to the ground rolling for a moment before blinking securely.
Titus walked up and held up the pokeball, smiling. 'First official capture. Thanks for the help.'
'No problem.' She snorted. 'Nice to get out of the stuffy Plateau once in a while.'
They walked and talked for a bit before stopping at a Pokemon Center. They walked through huge double doors and into a massive atrium going up three stories. The Nurse at the front wore the customary Nurse Joy wig and get up, cheerfully greeting them. 'Welcome! What can I do for you today?'
'I just captured this Abra. I would like to get them checked out.' Titus handed over the pokeball.
'Of course! If you'll just sit over there. We'll call you when they are ready.' She was a living paragon of cheer and sweetness Titus noted. Karen gave a cocky grin and rolled her eyes as they walked away.
'Nurse Joys - the most effusive people I have ever met.' She said sardonically, although adding grudgingly, 'They have gotten my team through a few rough spots over the years though.'
They sat for a bit, watching the news when the Sevii campaign against the Rockets came on. Titus furrowed his brow as the talking heads went back and forth - nothing Scipio couldn't keep him abreast of. On the screen next to them though, three golden blurs flew, a caped giant of a man on the center one. They flew at nearly mach one before firing off several rapid Draco Meteors which slowly fell and dispersed into scores of brilliant comets. They carpeted an entire hillside in fiery explosions, searing away the jungle akin to a smattering of miniature daisy cutters.
'Your boss is quite potent.' Titus nodded to the screen.
'You have no idea. Everytime we have to spar with him - well we have yet to get past Dragonite.' She groused. 'Sometimes he takes it easy and lets us spar with the other members of his team like the younger Dragonite or Aerodactyl.' She twirled a strand of hair in annoyance.
They seem to have the Rocket situation in Sevii under control now from what I'm seeing. Ms. Lorelei has been on the warpath and moving through the Rockets like a wheat scythe this past week. Her Lapras is quite potent and warrants special consideration I feel.
Titus nodded. 'So how is sparring with Lorelei? That Lapras can't be a pushover.'
'It takes half my team to bring Molly down.' Karen sighed. 'The Elite Four are no joke. You don't just beat them, you have to grow into the role. Lorelei and Bruno both had to under Agatha years ago.'
Absol nodded sagely at the mention of Molly before getting up and sauntering up to Titus for pets. Titus listened to Karen speak of the difficulties of training for a bit more before Nurse Joy walked up with Abra.
'She is whole and hale Mr Rann! Congratulations on your first catch!' Nurse Joy handed him the pokeball before wandering back behind the huge counter. Titus just grinned down at the pokeball.
Titus and Jack stood in his apartment's living room, their teams lounging about. Krasus and Autumn sat next to Titus expectantly and excited about their new teammate. A flash of light and the Abra materialized on the floor. Dusknoir standing by to prevent teleportation.
The Abra looked around curiously before eyeing Titus and sniffed. Well I suppose that is what I get for stealing Ms. Eisenrake's mangos. She groused ' Well what is it to be? Am I to become a glorified teleporting service like my cousin Baldrick? Or perhaps you want me to thump your foes upside the head with my telekinesis? Oh I know! I shall dazzle the females of your race with my psychic prowess so that you may qualify in their eyes for mating privileges perhaps?
Jack guffawed at that as Titus just looked on, bewildered. Autumn warbled at her before belcing smoke in Abra's face.
'Hey hey! None of that now!' Titus ran his hand over Dratini's head, calming her. 'I'm Titus, its nice to meet you Abra. I'm building a team. Would you like to be a part of it? I'll tell you one thing, the food is quite good.'
The Abra perked up at that and both Dratini nodded vigorously. Food… will there be Mangos? Perhaps that human confection I've absconded with several times from unwitting humans known as a Taco.
It was Titus' turn to be surprised. Tacos. Titus loved Tacos. He grinned at her, 'Oh there will plenty of Tacos - and more at that! How long would it take you to evolve into an Alakazam in the wild?'
Assuming a predatory Absol does not consume my flesh - approximately 15 years. Abra stated concisely.
'How about 8 months?' Titus stated. The Abra looked almost through him in that moment.
Truly? I could be comprehending the make of the stars themselves by Years End! Mother would be so proud. As those humans like to say on that obnoxious screen in Ms. Eisenrake's abode: Tally ho! Abra sounded absolutely delighted.
'Welcome to the team! Would you like some food?' Titus asked.
Actually, I'm quite tuckered out from all this excitement. May I return to my pokeball? Its stasis is quite relaxing. Titus just blinked in surprise before nodding and returning her.
Jack was in a fit of laughter and tears as Titus returned Abra. 'You seem to have found the most eccentric Abra I have ever met. Man, I can't wait to see her as an Alakazam.'
Titus rolled his eyes before sitting down with the Dratini who in turn fought over his lap before he put a hand on each of ther heads and scratched behind their ear pieces, both leaning in and purring contently.
'Well, it seems I have my work cut out for me. I think my next destination will be the Safari zone. I think I have a lead on where the Beldum are.'
Jack blinked in surprise at that as he sat down. 'Dude, Metagross are the most powerful Psuedos in the world - if you can locate Beldum in the first place. They guard their colonies zealously. Be careful! You'll need help with that one.'
'I've already gotten Cass to agree to let me borrow Charlemange in case any wild Metagross come calling.' Titus reclined on the couch as the Dratini fell asleep in his lap.
'I wouldn't be surprised to see you return home with them. Locating them is half the battle, the other half is fighting off the Metagross.' Jack was silent a moment. 'Remember when we hunted that prophet for three weeks in the Adelpi mountains?'
How could he forget? That had been the kill that had elevated Titus to Major. A crowning moment of his career. 'Oh yeah.'
'If you could lead us through that. I have no doubt you'll put together the team you've thought of.' Jack smirked, putting a hand on Titus' shoulder and looking him in the eye.
'The Larvitar you've planned on though - that'll be tougher. Typically meters underground.' Jack turned towards the holo. 'Any ideas there?'
Titus gave a wide grin, 'Oh yeah. For that, I will need some explosives and ground penetrating radar - among other ingredients.'
'I think I can rustle something up from the armory at HQ.' Jack's face matching his grin.
'Alright, remember, Charlemagne needs lots of food and attention! He'll listen no problem. I've already briefed him.' Cass Drake's face appeared on the screen as she transferred her Garchomp over to Titus.
Titus stood in the Cianwood pokemon center, prepping to head out towards the Safari Zone. 'Thanks again Cass. I'll take good care of him.' Cass smiled at him and the screen winked out, Charlemagne's worn pokeball in his hands.
Abra sat on his shoulders, finishing her 5th taco of the day. Titus had no idea how she put them away, but she had a near constant food baby on that tiny stomach of hers. She patted her belly and belched softly.
Mmm. Tacos. She sent the amazing sensation of delectable tacos to his mind. Not surprising, it was far stronger than his own desire for tacos. Your silly human minds cannot fathom the depths of the Taco. On the other hand, my mind can capture the full power of its taste and texture.
At this rate Titus wasn't sure what would be more expensive - eventual Dragonites or an Alakazam with a Taco obsession. He had five years of tax free savings earned from near constant deployments. More than enough to support a team for a year excluding anything he would earn during his travels - or so he thought. Pokemon were expensive even if the Leagues subsidized new trainers to a degree.
Titus palmed Charlamange's pokeball, a massive Garchomp materialized blinking as he looked about. He stood at least nine feet tall, good height for one of his species. He had a subtle rocking back and forth motion to his idle movements, his head moving side to side slightly.
'Hello Charlemagne! Wanna give me a hand - claw finding some pokemon? Cass told me your favorite food, there will be plenty of it.' A specific brand of pokechow with BBQ Tauros bits Titus recalled.
Charlemagne perked up at that and rumbled happily. Abra teleported herself to the top of the Garchmop's head. Hmm. Rougher ride, but more space. Choices, choices.
Charlemagne did not mind, merely shrugging his massive shoulders before Abra teleported back to Titus' shoulders. 'You know that once you evolve, you won't be able to ride on my shoulders anymore right?'
That is a problem for future Abra and future Titus. She sniffed. By the way. I've noticed something peculiar emanating from your cybernetics - as if to be another intelligence all together.
Titus froze at that. Have I happened upon something? Titus could hear the relish in her voice. 'Scipio - you owe me 10 credits. She found you.'
'Small price to pay to make new friends.' Scipio lounged upon a nearby holographic display making a faux inspection of his nails. Abra immediately perked at the sight. 'I am Scipio Africanus - an artificial intelligence construct. What a pleasure to make your acquaintance.'
Abra seemed as though she was grasping for something only to come to a startling realization. I can hardly feel him at all! Not quite Dark, but something else entirely. Her face became quizzical.
'Hmm, I take it you are having a hard time communicating?' Scipio mused. They all had begun walking out the door and down the street to a more open area. Charlemagne would fly them to the Safari zone entrance. Titus couldn't wait until the Dratini's evolved so I could fly with them as Dragonair.
'She says she can feel you slightly, but can't communicate. Think you could communicate with a Porygon, Abra?' Titus was thoughtful
Yes, yes of course. I could feel one easily enough within the Pokemon Center. She said.
'I take it, her telepathy is quite advanced as it seems your carrying on an entire conversation easily enough.' Scipio simply spoke through his dataslate speakers, casually flickering from display after display as they walked down the street. Charlemagne happily plodding along beside them. 'I am a human version of a Porygon to state it in an oversimplified manner.' He added.
My species is amongst the foremost in telepathy for psychics. Quite frankly we are amongst the foremost in every Psychic field known to man and pokemon alike. She boasted. Alas, I am also an older Abra. We are a lazy species despite all of our prodigious gifts. She didn't sound so put out at that negative trait as Titus translated what she said to Scipio.
'You've been lounging about for several years, mooching off Ms. Eisenbach, haven't you? Naughty Abra!' Scipio tutted. 'I can see the security recording here going back at least a few years.'
As they walked by another public holo display, Scipio hacked it and displayed a security recording to show an Abra teleporting the food bowl of several houndour to and fro as they first barked in anger and then whined, begging her for their food in Ms Eisenback's backyard.
Titus stopped, his eyebrows shot up as he watched another of her trying desperately to evade several Murkrow. Another showed her getting revenge by leading them into a trap as they flapped through an illusion of her only to fly squawking into a napping Ursaring. There was a pained roar before claws and fang entered the fray. Black feathers spread everywhere everywhere as the Murkrow panicked to get away. All but one managed to fly away as the Ursaring settled back down, crunching on a bony build before spitting out a beak and swallowing the rest. An Abra sat on a nearby roof, wheezing with laughter.
'Ohh your a proper joker aren't ya?' Titus enthused.
They were picking on the Houndour. Only I get to pick on the Houndour. She said defensively.
Scipio played another recording showing a small band of Murkrow squawking and clawing at several Houndour. Karen might find this interesting. 'Send this to Karen for me, Scipio.'
'Of course.' Scipio smiled from the hijacked display.
They finished walking the rest of the way, before arriving at a small town square. 'Alright Charlie! Time to fly.' Titus returned Abra before mounting the squatting Garchomp.
Charlie -Charlamange- was far quicker than riding the sideboards of a Hornet. Titus wore his armor, not knowing what to expect once they hit the Safari zone. It apparently was pretty safe in most of it. It was when you hit the more inhospitable terrain it beame dicey. Scipio placed nav points across his HUD and showed their current air speed.
They were doing well over five hundred knots as they came down in front of the main gate. The Garchomp looking none the worse for wear as he shook himself. Off in the distance Titus now noticed the looming Thunderhead. A mass of dark grey clouds crackling with cranky energy.
'We best make good time.' Titus pointed out. There was no flying through the Safari zone unless in an emergency. The Rangers patrolling didn't take kindly to the disruptive tendencies trainers could bring to the local environment.
Titus was fully kitted out, not particularly fond of taking chances even if fifteen year old first year trainers wandered about in jeans. Then again, they weren't wandering about looking for psuedos most've the time. Jack had said most small arms were all but useless against pokemon and so he his shotgun with special AP rounds, his own energy sword, and four plasma grenades. It paid to have ONI friends - ya got to keep the goodies ya found during the war. Lastly, he kept a small jump pack on his back for scaling the heights. It wouldn't do to have to go around obstructive obstacles by foot.
He swaggered through the front doors, freshly lit cigar hanging from his mouth in full armor, a massive Garchomp following at his heels. He gave his best grin for the girl at the front desk.
'Hello.'
'H- Hi!' She managed to squeak out before blushing. 'What can I do for you today?'
'I would like to enter the Safari zone of course.' Titus chatted.
'Oh! Of course - yes! The safari zone. Yeah, its pretty neat.' She had started twisting her hair alittle.
Titus looked around a bit, 'Are you the person I talk to if I want to enter?'
'Oh um, yes I am! Sorry! I'm new and we don't get many Shock Troopers in here!' She smiled sheepishly. 'Of course everyone knows about Chuck the Cianwood gym leader! He's a Shock Trooper too!
Titus looked surprised at that. He had no idea there were other Shock Troopers on planet - even if they were retired. 'Is that so? Where can I find him?'
'At the Cianwood gym of course!' She beamed at him. 'Oh. Would you like to enter the Safari zone today? The weather is gonna be pretty bad.'
'That's what I'm here for. Not too worried about any weather though.' He took a drag from his cigar and Charlamange whined at him, pointing at the Cigar with his claw.
'Oh you want one - a few?' The Garchomp nodded quickly. Titus quickly fished out several cigars for the dragon while the girl got her paperwork together. He placed them in the dragon's mouth, who lit them on his own, grunting his thanks.
'Here you are! 20 safari balls and I figured your looking for some of the bigger pokemon.' She eyed the Garchomp, looked around suspiciously before leaning towards him with a whisper. 'The Tyranitars roost near the Northeast edge of the central mountain. You can find the Metagross colony on the opposite side. Salamences and Dragonites come and go at their own leisure. The others I'm not sure.' She shrugged. 'Good luck!'
'Thanks.' He nodded to her before walking through the rear door with Charlie.
They had spent the day and the better part of the next day scaling cliff face after cliff face, moving through hazardous jungle terrain - for a human. Charlamagne had to fight off an honery Rhyperior and a random Tentacruel which hovered out of a deeper-than-it-looked pond. Scipio had stated it shouldn't be there and that this was an area still tread by younger trainers. Titus decided it was better dead than some young trainer out for their first Safari.
Charlie had promptly tore it apart with a single Dragon Rush, barbequed it with dragonfire and then glutted himself on the remains. He rumbled to Titus offering the charred poke-calamari. 'What the hell, why not?'
Titus dug in and found it to be quite good before releasing his team. Autumn and Krasus wasted no time scooting over to the Tentacruel corpse and eating themselves to bursting. Abra sniffed the meat before trying a bit.
Has a taste profile similar to a roasted Pidgey. I quite enjoy the texture brought about by the dragonfire. Well cooked my friend! Charlemagne grunted at her as he dung even deeper into his new meal before pulling back and allowing the Dratini their first real taste of dragon roasted Tentacruel.
'I like this.' Titus gestured to the scene before him. His new team - albeit one of them borrowed - and a fresh meal, he had started a fire with Autumn's was but a taste of what was to come and he couldn't help but relish it. He stretched out a sleeping bag for himself. The Dratini promptly wrestled over who got the best spot only for Abra to simply teleport to it. They both hissed at her before teaming up on the diminutive psychic. She teleported again as they ran into each other and sprawled out, smacking them both with a weak bout of telekinesis. Titus sat there watching them go at each other for the next several minutes.
'Your not going to be able to leave.' Scipio stated simply. 'Your a convert to a new religion.'
Titus sighed, 'I think you might be right there.' He stuffed more dragon barbequed Tentacruel in his mouth. 'By the way, we should report what happen with the Tentacruel to the Rangers. It can't be the only agitated pokemon in this area. I think something might be going on.'
'Indeed, I've reviewed all the Ranger reports for this park and have found nothing out of the ordinary. I may have to snoop about with the Satellites to find anything.'
'You do that. I'm going to sleep. Night Scip.' He pushed his tiring team off his sleeping bag before climbing inside and going to sleep. They quickly piled on him and did the same.
'Night Titus.' Scipio quickly retreated into his digital domain.
The Garchomp on the other hand, had already sprawled out on his back snoring to the sky not soon after.
