Chapter 3: Frontier Lover

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Marco’s Kit Mill…
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    As FF slowly came to his senses, all he could see for the longest time was lightning.  He shook his head, his vision slowly clearing as he sat up, finding to his surprise that he was on a bed.  He looked up, and found himself inside a room filled with cages, small boxes that looked too small to do anything but crouch in.  The stench of illness and bodily fluids filled the room, an ill looking group of MaidYvettes on the opposite end of the room.  He looked around, seeing that some of those cages were still filled, frightened-looking and heavily pregnant Pokégirls being removed from the cages and led out to a makeshift medical facility.  He frowned, and started to get up, only for a wave of dizziness to overcome him. 

    “I wouldn’t stand up if I were you,” said a deep voice that managed to sound both impossibly sinister and amiable at the same time.  “You still haven’t recovered from your little freak out back there.”

    FF looked up, finding himself staring at a man he had only seen on television before.  The hulking, black-clad man sat on a nearby metal chair, his long, dark red hair laying loosely over his shoulders, his age worn features giving his face a skeletal look.  His dark, sunken eyes were partially hidden by the wide-brimmed hat he wore.  Around him was the Lucarda and the Panthriducia, along with a third Pokégirl, a patchwork girl made of various dark-furred canine types that FF recognized as a Francinestein, although one that had strange markings on her face.

    “The Undertaker,” FF said softly.

    The black-clad man nodded.  “Yes.  And you might be?” 

    FF frowned.  He tried to sit up again, but the wave of dizziness overcame him.  “…What freak out?” he asked, “Last thing I remember was you telling that one guy that you’d kill me to get to him.” 

    Undertaker frowned.  “You broke from the man’s grip and strangled him to death, and fainted shortly afterwards.” 

    FF shook his head.  “No… No, I couldn’t even move the man’s arm…” 

    Undertaker nodded.  “I am certain of what I saw.  The rain stopped shortly after you fainted, and the energy I sensed within you faded as well.  My guess is that something about the storm grants you power.  The TWAU mark on your stomach may be the source of it, or possibly your amulet.  I sensed strong protective magics in it, at least…”

    FF blinked, and lifted his shirt, revealing a tattoo of a strange, vaguely-letter like symbol on his rounded stomach.  He then checked his amulet, the obsidian crystal pulsing slightly in his hand.  “What the Hell…”  As if I didn’t have enough problems, FF thought bitterly, staring nervously at Undertaker.

    The last of the remaining Pokégirls in the mill were removed.  The WAPL medical officer briefly came over to Undertaker and offered to check on FF’s condition.  Undertaker dismissed him, saying that he’d handle it.  The medical officer nodded and left, leaving FF alone with Undertaker and his Pokégirls. 

    “You never answered my question.  Who are you?” Undertaker demanded, his Panthriducia growling lowly for emphasis. 

    FF hesitated, and said, “Franklin Faulkner, although everyone just calls me FF.  I was with a tour group, but I wandered off and got lost…”
   
    “Do not lie to me,” Undertaker said, throwing FF’s wallet onto his chest.  FF frowned, and pocketed his wallet, as Undertaker glared at him.  “Who are you?  My Francinestein is a Blessed template, and whenever she or I try to get a read on your aura, we end up feeling electrocuted.  Who are you?”

    FF frowned, and sighed, laying back on the couch.  “I do go by FF, but that’s just a shortened version of my online name, Fanfic Fetishist.  I… I’m just a writer.  I come from another world, but was brought here by the Sanctuary Goths, along with several other writers.  The reason why is… is because we’re all writers in the Pokégirl world.  In our world, we write in yours.” 

    Undertaker’s Pokégirls all traded alarmed looks.  Undertaker himself looked disturbed.  “You…You helped make this world…”

    FF shrugged.  “I guess.  The S-Goths thought so.  The Legendaries interfered in the spell somehow and Macavity ended up dropping me here, so I haven’t spent any time in S-Goth custody.  I don’t know why I went berserk like that, or what happened to the other authors.  I’ve been in this world all of a few hours, as far as I know.” 

    Undertaker frowned.  “And do you have any idea why your aura electrocuted me?” 

    FF shook his head.  “I don’t know.  I generally portrayed myself as a lightning elemental online.  Maybe getting yanked over to this reality awoke some sort of magic in me.” 

    The Francinestein frowned.  “There was no hint of malevolence in his aura, Master,” she said, her tail lowered, “However I could sense strong creation energies dormant within him before I was driven out.” 

    Undertaker frowned.  “Maybe so, Delilah… But still… I have heard rumors in Sanctuary… Rumors of members of the Shadowed Heart Council opposed to Sapphron making some sort of tremendous plan…” 

    FF tried sitting up again, and managed to do so.  “…Listen, whatever you’re thinking, I don’t mean any harm.  I just… I just don’t want to die, all right?  And getting home wouldn’t be that bad either…”

    Undertaker shook his head.  “I do not have that ability, nor do any of my ‘girls.  And if you are a creator of this universe, then you know the critical limitations of my magic.” 

    FF frowned.  “You have to sacrifice your own life force to use a lot of the magic in your arsenal,” he said, remembering the plot device he had come up with to keep Undertaker out of Sue territory. 

    Undertaker nodded.  “You are familiar with this world.  No one outside of my Harem, my brother, and Vince is aware of that weakness.” 

    Elvyra, the Lucarda, frowned.  “Master, what should we do with this boy?” 

    Jenka, the Panthriducia, walked over to him on all fours.  The scent of blood was no longer on the hulking, black-furred cat-type, but she was still quite intimidating, FF wondering how large she must have been as a Panthress. 

    Jenka stuck her face in his, sniffed him noisily, and grinned.  “Wanna keep him,” she said.

    Elvyra snickered, and Delilah rolled her eyes.  Undertaker frowned.  “’Keep him,’ Jenka?” 

    Jenka nodded, and hugged FF to her impossibly ample chest.  “He chubby and cute.  Wanna keep him,” she said, FF struggling to get free of her grip, or at least get in a position where his nose and mouth weren’t being smothered by fuzzy breast flesh.

    Elvyra and Delilah traded amused snickers, as Undertaker facepalmed.  “Jenka…” 

    Jenka blinked, purring, and looked down at her chest, seeing FF flailing there.  “Oop.  I do again.  Sorry…” she said, releasing him and grinning embarrassedly. 

    FF took a huge gasp of air, clutching his chest.  Undertaker shook his head.  “It’s amazing that I can keep my intimidating reputation with her around,” he muttered. 

    Delilah chuckled.  “You okay, kid?” she asked. 

    FF managed to grin.  “Yeah.  Not entirely unpleasant, that…”   he said, looking over to the door where the ‘girls in the mill had been led out.  “What’ll happen to the ‘girls that were in the mill?”

    Undertaker blinked, and then sighed.  “Their health will be monitored.  Those healthy enough will be allowed to give birth and nurse their kits.  Those that aren’t will be euthanized and most likely submitted for Poképower.” 

    FF gave him an alarmed looked.  “Capital uses Poképower?”

    Undertaker nodded.  “A hard decision on the McMahon family’s part, but after Team Galactic unleashed several swarms of Wabbits into several major cities, having it became a necessary evil.” 

    FF frowned.  “Then I’m not in Prime, then…” 

    Undertaker frowned.  “Prime?” 

    FF nodded.  “Pokégirl Prime,” he said, “One thing that a lot of Authors did was write stories that didn’t fit into the main universe canon we created.  We ended up calling that timeline Pokégirl Prime.”  FF chuckled wearily.  “I should feel lucky I guess that I didn’t end up in Hopper Chronicles…” 

    Elvyra blinked, confused.  “Hopper Chronicles?”

    “A possible future story I wrote, where half the world was dominated by an expy of Doctor Doom, who kept everyone brainwashed in an Orwellian-style society.  The main character was like me, from another dimension, and got brainwashed into believing he was a native so he wouldn’t disrupt things too much.” 

    Elvyra went wide-eyed.  “Interesting tales you come up with,” she said. 

    FF chuckled wearily.  “You should have seen some of the concepts that never made it to paper.  Your alternate in my world would have loved hosting some of those.” 

    Elvyra grinned.  “Really?  I exist in your world?” 

    FF nodded.  “Elvyra, Mistress of the Dark.  You’re human in my world, same as the ‘Taker, and you used to be the hostess for a program that showed old cheesy horror films.” 

    Delilah snorted.  “That fits.  She’s already a horror show, and she adores Pre-Sukebe films like that.” 

    Elvyra just smirked, her eyes glowing dark black. 

    Jenka purred.  “What about rest of us?  We in you world?” 

    FF shook his head.  “You and Delilah as far as I know aren’t.  But Undertaker is a professional wrestler on my world.” 

    Undertaker blinked.  “’Professional wrestler?’  Please explain.” 

    FF nodded.  “Well…” he said, hesitating, “Professional wrestlers are athletes who not only wrestle in front of a crowd, but put on a show while doing it.  The best pro-wreslters are a combination of actor, stuntman, and athlete.  They get paid depending on how much of a reaction from the crowd they get.  In my world you’re one of the most legendary wrestlers of all time.  All the magic you use there is just stage effects, though, and your incredible ability to be an intimidating character.” 

    Elvyra cooed.  “Nice to know that Master is deliciously terrifying in any reality,” she said, hugging her Tamer.  Undertaker smirked despite himself. 

    “Ridiculous concept… But never mind.  There’s still the disposition of yourself to deal with,” Undertaker said. 

    FF frowned.  “I’d… I’d really like to be able to just live my life, sir.  I am well aware of my physical weaknesses and have no real ambition to go on an adventure.” 

    Undertaker quirked an eyebrow.  “Strange thing about life, boy,” he said, “is that sometimes when you try to avoid adventure, it comes around and gets you anyway.” 

    FF chuckled.  “Story of my life,” he muttered. 

    “Considering that Macavity of all people seems to like you, the S-Goths are after you, and you have a TWAU mark, it looks to be an interesting story indeed,” Delilah said, sitting down in a chair next to her Tamer. 

    Undertaker sighed.  “Which brings me to the main problem: Too many people of interest want you.  And if Chronos finds out about you things could get even worse.  They’re a thousand times more competent than most teams in the world, and are just as murderous as Team Trauma.  Then there’s the McMahon family.  They’re nicer than most, but Vince is still too ambitious for anyone’s own good.  Then there’s Washu, the Jahannas, the Avalon family in Blue League, the Oda clan in Edo, Team Orochi’s growing influence across the world, the Order of the Pendragon, my goddamn brother, this, that, the other thing…” Undertaker shook his head in frustration. 

    FF shivered.  “The whole world’s going to be after me, aren’t they?” 

    Undertaker nodded.  “Which is why I’m not going to mention you in my report on this incident.  I’ve already called in a few favors, and it’s settled.  You’re going to become just another worker on the Battle Frontier.” 

    FF frowned.  “Battle Frontier consists almost entirely of elite Tamers.  Experts who have gotten multiple league championships and want something to keep them going.” 

    Undertaker nodded, smirking.  “True.  But there are workers in the Frontier that are of the basic Tamer level.  There’s in a Taming school here, although it’s for Combat Tamers only.” 

    FF shook his head firmly.  “No.  I won’t be a soldier.” 

    Undertaker glared at him.  “You’ve been dragged here by a rebel faction of Sanctuary with intent of using you to reshape the world in their image.  For all we know, you could be the only one they don’t have.  Plus, the Legendaries as a whole have taken an interest in you and the thought of that alone terrifies more worse than anything I have ever encountered.  Your choices are somewhat limited.” 

    FF folded his arms.  “I won’t be a soldier.  I will not kill,” he snapped. 

    Undertaker’s eyes began to glow black.  Delilah just shook her head.  Jenka mewled at him curiously.  Elvyra narrowed her eyes.  “Why not?” she asked, her voice soft, “You and the others have created a world where women have to become slaves just to get a hope at a decent life.  Why won’t accept that things have changed?”

    “I have never supported any war that’s been waged,” FF said, “I have sworn never to take the life of another.  And besides, it’s different.  What I wrote is…” FF hesitated.  “…just a story…”

    Undertaker scowled, and grabbed FF by the neck, lifting him up off the table he was laying on with one hand.  “Your ‘story’ is our LIFE, boy,” Undertaker snarled, his voice thundering, his eyes radiating black lightning, “If you think your naïve little pacifism will work here, then you are literally dead wrong.”

    FF gagged, struggling in his grasp, trying and failing to pull his fingers away.  Undertaker ferociously slammed him down on the table, breaking the flimsy wood structure in half.  He snarled, standing over FF.  “Things are different here, boy.  Pacifists DIE.  And you’ve got the whole world after you.  What is your intention?” he snarled, stepping on FF’s neck. 

    “Get off me,” FF gagged.

    “What will you do, boy?  Will you hold onto your pathetic little philosophy, and either die or become the slave of whomever gets their hand on you?  Or will you GROW UP and do something about it all?”  Undertaker snarled, stomping his foot down harder.  Jenka mewled, and started over to help FF, but Delilah held her back. 

    “Master knows what he’s doing.  The man who brought me to life would not kill so blithely,” she said, trying to ignore Elvyra’s amused chuckles. 

    “Get OFF me!” FF gagged, trying to push Undertaker’s foot off.  His frustration was mounting, his fear, his anger, all of his condensing as Undertaker tried to crush his neck.  And he could swear he heard thunder rumbling. 

    Undertaker felt static start to charge the air, like when Delilah was getting ready to use an electric attack.  He looked into FF’s eyes, and saw them start to crackle with electricity. 

    “I need an answer, boy.  Your soft-heart will get you killed or worse.  I can’t allow that.  I need an answer NOW.  Otherwise I’m going to make sure that you don’t menace this world the HARD WAY,” he snarled. 

    FF glared back up into Undertaker’s dark, glowing eyes.  The thunder was getting louder, and his head was screaming in agony.  He tried to find words to explain his worldview… and could think of nothing.  All he could think of were three simple words: He is right.

    Well, that, and I don’t want to die.

    “I won’t die,” FF said, his voice started to take on a timber like Undertaker’s own, “I won’t die.  I won’t ALLOW IT.  NOW GET OFF OF ME!!”
   
    Undertaker, seemingly satisfied, let FF get to his feet.  FF coughed, staggering to his feet and clutching his head.  Once he managed to recover himself, he glared at Undertaker and said, “What do you want me to do?” 

    Undertaker didn’t answer at first, removing black Pokéballs from his belt and recalling his three Pokégirls.  Once that was done, he said, “Hide in the Frontier.  It’s an almost autonomous agency from the McMahons, and only a handful of McMahon’s Combat Tamers are actually strong enough to last more than an hour here.  Head to King Salmon and take their Tamer test, using the false name you gave.  There’s some recent rescues there that wouldn’t mind having a soft-hearted stranger like you as their Tamer.  After that, tell them you want to apply to the Frontier Academy.  They’ll tell you sign up.  There’s no age limit on signing up, so you won’t stand out.  After that, go to the Via Infinito and find Nebtawi Anakaris, and tell him EVERYTHING.  Above all else in this world, I trust Nebtawi the most.” 

    FF frowned.  “Why?”

    Undertaker chuckled, “He is from the same school as I.  He’s also the one who handed me my greatest defeat, forcing me to relinquish my place as master of the Via Infinito.” 

    FF stared blankly at Undertaker, trying to process the idea of someone that strong.  Undertaker tipped his hat to FF and walked away.  “Protect yourself, warrior of the storm.  You are more important to this world than you know.  And don’t make me regret letting you live,” he said, vanishing through the shadows of a doorway.

    Yay me, FF thought bitterly.  But unfortunately, he had what he had long since termed Terminal Gentleman’s Syndrome.  He couldn’t just sit back without at least trying to help.  And if helping out meant staying out of sight?  That was just fine. 

    The more he thought about it, the more sick of being pushed around he was.  He wanted at the very least to be able to fight back when someone tried to use him…

    FF ended up catching a ride to King Salmon.  The city was large, larger than it had been before the Revenge War.  Instead of just shipping fish, which it still did, Tamers both native and tourist milled about, the younger, less-experienced ones comparing notes and Harems.  FF snickered, reminded a little of a forum thread back where Pokémon trainers compared the virtues of their various teams, citing rarity, quality of the movesets their ‘mon had, and the number of ‘shiny’ Legendaries they had. 

    It was stupid posturing, all of it.  And it was kind of amusing to see something similar in real life.  As he walked through the town, seeing powerfully built, utterly beautiful women milling about with their Tamers, many of them just as powerful looking as their Pokégirls. 

    Near a tavern, FF felt a strong surge of inadequacy at the sight of a man built as large a certain decidedly hammy alchemist from an anime he liked having a pose-down with his Amachamp.  The crowd was alternatively laughing at them and cheering them on, some of the smaller Tamers and their ‘girls joining in the ridiculous display. 

    “Hey hey, friend,” said a voice as oily as it was crude.  FF turned, seeing a pale-skinned man in a long trenchcoat, his black hair as greasy as his voice suggested.  To add to the man’s annoying appearance, he smelled like old underwear. 

    “What do you want?” FF asked, sighing.

    The oily man grinned. “You look a little lost.  And since I see no Pokéballs on you, I assume you’re a late starter heading off to the Academy?”

    FF frowned.  “I am…”

    The oily man chuckled.  “Don’t go there, man!  They’re rough on late starters!  Sign up for my school, and I’ll show you all the tricks to becoming as great as any of the Frontier veterans!” 

    FF felt his headache returning.  “Go away,” he said, walking off. 

    The oily man followed him, speaking in his best used car salesman voice.  “Oh, come on!  Don’t be like that!  We’re accredited and everything!  And I can guarantee that you’ll be one of the best in no time!” 

    “I really don’t have the time or the desire to properly banter with you.  Go away,” FF said, feeling his temper flaring. 

    The oily man grabbed FF’s arm.  “Don’t be a lamer, now.  Come on? What have you got to lose?” 

    FF growled.  His hand shot out, grabbing the man’s face in a crushing grip.  He glared directly into the oily man’s eyes, lightning crackling in his own.  “I am having a bad day,” he said, “Understand?”

    The oily man nodded frantically, and FF nodded, grimacing when he noticed that the man had pissed himself.  Disgusted, FF roughly dropped him to the ground, the man scrambling away.  FF rubbed his temples, trying to clear the pain, annoyed with himself for loosing control.  He noticed people looking around for the source of the booming voice, and discreetly moved down another street, hoping no one noticed him…

    Eventually, he came to the town’s primary Pokécenter, and went inside.  He passed by the various Tamers and Pokégirls milling about the lobby and went up to the front desk, where a smiling, friendly NurseJoy was waiting there.

    “Hello there, sir.  How may I help you today?” she said, smiling warmly.

    “Um… Hi,” FF managed after a moment, “I’m Franklin Faulkner, I’m planning on going to Frontier Academy and need to take my Tamer’s test, too.” 

    The NurseJoy blinked, and nodded.  “Very good, sir.  My own Tamer is a graduate of the Academy,” she said, pulling out a clipboard with a thick sheaf of papers attached to it, “You’ll have to fill out these data forms.  The test is underneath.” 

    FF nodded, and went over to one of the empty benches.  He looked over the forms and the test, paling visibly.  Well, I wanted the Capital League to have high standards for Combat Tamers…

    Sighing, he began filling out the forms, making up personal data as he went along, and took the test, answering all the questions as best he could.  After two hours, he had finished, and turned the papers back in. 

    The NurseJoy smiled.  “Thank you, sir.  If you’d like to head to our rescue facility in the back to get your first Pokégirls, that would be fine.  Just be sure to register them with me once you pick out your three.”

    FF blinked.  “Three?”

    The NurseJoy nodded pleasantly.  “Yessir,” she said, “One of the requirements for Frontier Academy is that you have at least three Pokégirls to start with.” 

    FF shrugged.  “Works for me.  Saves a little time as well,” he said, heading back through a door, following the signs to the rescue center.   He came into a rather large, spacious room that looked like a showroom floor, each platform with a comfortable-looking beanbag chair for the Pokégirl to relax on, a forcefield around each platform.  He saw a sign near the entrance that explained that the adoption center was connected to a ranch via a transit system, one connected to the Haven Pokégirl Rescue that was present in most leagues.  There were only about five Pokégirls there, two of which, a Sword Dancer and a Werecat, had a ‘reserved’ sign next to their display platforms, both chatting excitedly.  An extremely bored-looking OfficerJenny was there, walking between the remaining stands.  She noticed FF and waved. 

    “Hey hey.  Welcome, looks like you’re here just in time to look over the last of our stock,” she said. 

    “Not that many here,” FF said.

    The Jenny shrugged.  “Busy week.  Sadie Pokens was just last week, all the ‘girls we had got adopted.  This bunch was only recently cleared for adoption,” she said, smiling, “So how about it?  See anything you like?” 

    FF chuckled.  “Well, gimmie a minute to look.  I’m enrolling in the Academy so I’ll probably be taking the three that aren’t already taken anyway, but I wanna check ‘em out first.”

    The OfficerJenny’s eyes widened.  “The Academy?” she said softly, a hopeful look in her eyes. 

    FF nodded.  “I’m Franklin Faulkner, by the way,” he said, introducing himself to the Jenny and the rest of the room, “But my friends call me FF.” 

    One of the Pokégirls snorted laughter.  The OfficerJenny barely noticed going off to one side to think.  FF shrugged and turned his attention back to the display Pokégirls. 

    FF’s eyes were drawn to the closest one in the showroom, for two very obvious reasons. 

    “What?” the Flarea asked petulantly, crossing her arms underneath her ridiculously ample chest, visibly blushing.  The red-furred Pokégirl’s ears were layed down back against her head as she tried to adjust her impossibly ample breasts, which were larger than her head.  A lock of blonde hair curled down around one eye, framing it fetchingly.  Her long, fluffy, yellow-furred tail was curled embarrassedly around one leg, and she had sunk her head slightly into the yellow fur-collar surrounding her neck. 

    “Wow…” FF said, grinning. 

    The Flarea shook her head, grumbling.  “I know I’m a freak, all right?  And no, I’m not a Milktit G-Spliced either.” 

    FF frowned, managing to tear his gaze away from her ample, inviting bosom, and look at her eyes.  “So what did happen?  Or is this a natural look for you?”

    The Flarea blinked, surprised that he even cared.  “…My old Tamer had a Venuswhore.  Kept pushing her to make perma-bloom powder for everyone.  If she hadn’t died in a Pokécenter he probably would have kept her going, and made these freaking jugs even bigger…  I’ve been stuck here for weeks because people think my boobs are too big…” 

    FF frowned again, and then grinned.  “Well, how’d you like to come with me?” 

    The Flarea sighed.  “Look… I appreciate it, but if this is just out of pity…” 

    FF shook his head, smiling warmly.  “Not at all.  I’ve always liked Eva-types, and you just happen to be my favorite breed.  Plus, I like big boobs and wouldn’t mind using those as a pillow,” he said, playfully caressing one of her immense breasts, the Flarea blushing and grinning despite herself, “Thirdly, I won’t push more perma-bloom on you, and will even get reverse bloom for you if you want.” 

    The Flarea blushed, smiling.  “Well… If nothing else it’ll be good to get out of here and get fighting again…” 

    FF smiled.  He turned to the OfficerJenny to disable the forcefield around the Flarea, but the Tamer who had the Sword Dancer and Werecat had come to pick up his ‘girls. 

    “Be with you in a minute, sir,” the OfficerJenny said, helping the Tamer, a handsome man about FF’s age, get his ‘girls.  FF shivered as the Sword Dancer walked by.

    The Flarea blinked.  “What’s wrong?”

    FF shook his head.  “I got captured by a guy running a ‘kit mill.  He had a Sword Dancer with him.  I got rescued, but the Sword Dancer… kinda got eaten in the process by one of my rescuer’s Pokégirls.” 

    The Flarea grimaced.  “Yeep.  Life in the Pokégirl lane.  Not fun,” she said.

    FF smiled weakly.  “I know.  I’m sorry…” he said.

    The Flarea blinked.  “For what?”

    FF chuckled wearily.  “I’ll tell you later.” 

    The OfficerJenny came back, and let the Flarea out of her platform.  She hugged FF, deliberately pressing her tremendous boobs into him.  FF grinned.  “We’ll see about getting you a good bra before I leave.  And maybe a nice backrub.” 

    The Flarea purred, both ideas sounding fine to her.  FF smiled, and thanked the OfficerJenny.  Before he could look at the remaining two, the Jenny put a hand on his arm. 

    “Um… sir?” she asked hesitatingly, “When you’re done picking out your ‘girls, can I ask you something?” 

    FF blinked.  “Sure.  What is it?” 

    The Jenny smiled weakly.  “It can wait until you’re done,” she said. 

    FF frowned, and shrugged, putting an arm around the Flarea and going to look at the other two.  One was a shy, blushing girl clad with long brown hair tied in a ponytail, clad in a short-sleeved dress shirt and a loose-fitting dress that went to her ankles.  She smiled at him, adjusting her glasses, nervously clutching the book she held to her smallish chest.

    FF grinned widely, sudden realization dawning on him.  “A Folklore,” he said.  The shy girl grinned and nodded. 

    The Flarea nodded.  “Nice.  Most can’t guess what breed a human-type is right off,” she said, “How’d you know?” 

    “Let’s just say I’m familiar with the breed,” he said, smirking. 

    “Will…” the Folklore said, “Will you be taking me with you, sir?”

    FF smiled and nodded.  “Sure.  What’s that book you got there?” 

    The Folklore blushed and clutched the book tightly. 

    FF frowned.  “I’m not gonna take if from you, honey,” he said, “I just want to know.” 

    The Folklore blushed.  “I… It’s Shogun, by James Clavell.  My older brother was a historian.  When I Thresholded and my parents gave me to the Ranch, my brother gave it to me as a gift.  They… they tried to take it from me at the Ranch, and I had to hide it, but thankfully I was only there a few days before it was raided.” 

    FF grinned.  “I always liked that story.  Read it to me sometime?” 

    The Folklore blushed brightly, smiling.  The OfficerJenny let her out of the display platform, the bookwormish young Pokégirl joining the Flarea by FF’s side.” 

    He went over to the last remaining Pokégirl.  She was a Dalmatian of the anthro-type, with a more canine-like face, her tongue hanging slightly out of her mouth.  She had an impressive figure, but that was marred by a large scar on her belly.  She lay on her beanbag, looking up nervously at FF, shivering, her tail tucked firmly between her legs. 

    “What’s her story?” FF asked the Jenny, not turning his concerned gaze from the dog Pokégirl. 

    The OfficerJenny sighed.  “Her Tamer was the worst sort.  Beatings, forcing her to walk on all fours all the time, withholding Tamings… She’s half feral now because of it.  The only reason we even knew about her is that the idiot’s Tigress turned into a Panthress on him.  We had to have the Panthress put down.  She’s the only one out of her harem who survived.  We managed to heal up her scars pretty good, but she’s still pretty skittish.” 

    “That’s awful,” the Folklore said softly, hugging her book tightly. 

    “Punkass deserved to die like that…” the Flarea said, staring off to one side.

    “Bastard… Hope he hurt before he died…” FF said, feeling a cold fury in him that he had felt before.  An animal-lover back in his own world and a dog-lover all around, seeing the Dalmatian like this made him want to hurt something…  Forcing himself to calm down, he asked the Jenny to deactivate the forecfield around her platform.  He asked the Flarea and Folklore to stand aside for a moment, and crouched down before the Dalmatian.  She flinched away from him, but FF just smiled and held out his hand, keeping his palm upright. 

    “It’s okay,” he said in his softest, most gentle voice, “I won’t hurt you.” 

    The Dalmatian just shivered softly, whimpering.  FF just kept talking to her in a soft, calm tone of voice, slowly moving towards her.  She tried backing away, but her platform was in a corner against the wall, leaving her stuck there.  She growled, and FF paused for a moment, to try and show he meant no harm.  After a bit, he moved forward again, the Dalmatian pressing herself against the wall in fear. 

    The OfficerJenny frowned.  “Maybe she shouldn’t have been cleared for adoption,” she said, thinking out loud.

    The Flarea bit her lip.  She was inclined to agree.  “Um… Master?” she asked, “Are you sure this is gonna…”

    FF hushed her.  “I’ve done this before,” he said, “just watch.”  He continued to approach her slowly, steadily, keeping his hands out with the palms up.  Once he was close enough, he gently stroked the terrified Pokégirl’s face, the Dalmatian shivering fearfully and turning her head away, afraid that she was going to be struck.  He gently scratched her ears, the Dalmatian slowly turning her eyes towards him, tears flowing freely down her face. 

    “He really has done this before,” the OfficerJenny said, impressed.

    The Dalmatian shivered softly, a desperate sort of hope in her eyes.  FF slowly drew her into a hug.  She reflexively tried to pull away, but FF held her fast, gently whispering calming words to her.  Eventually, she whimpered, leaning her head on FF’s shoulder and sobbing, wrapping her own arms around him.  She eventually pulled away, and actually managed to smile nervously. 

    FF sat next to her, grinning.  “It’s okay now,” he said, gesturing to himself, the Flarea, and the Folklore, “You’re going to be okay now.  You’re with us.  And we’ll protect you.” 

    The Folklore smiled warmly and bowed to him.  The Flarea grinned lazily and nodded a greeting.  The Dalmatian smiled, her tail wagging, although still remaining between her legs. 

    FF turned to the OfficerJenny.  “I think I’ve found my harem,” he said, smiling.  “I can help this one recover, and these two should make a fine battle team for me.  To say nothing of the Flarea’s bonus assets.”

    The Flarea blushed, and the Folklore giggled.  The Dalmatian looked at them both curiously, but stayed close to FF.  The OfficerJenny rubbed her arms nervously, and said, “Which brings me to what I wanted to ask you about…” 

    FF nodded.  “Sure.  What’s up?” 

    The OfficerJenny paused, collecting her thoughts, and sighed.  “I… I want to go with you.  I always wanted to go to the Academy but I Thresholded into an OfficerJenny and… well, you can pretty much guess that little dream went poof.  All I get is guard duty here, and we’re overstaffed anyway, so mostly I just do patrols and try to bum Tamings from people…” 

    FF blinked.  The Flarea nudged him.  “It couldn’t hurt,” she said, “Jennies are good fighters, and I’m not that hot with hand-to-hand stuff.” 

    FF nodded, and said, “True…” He turned to the OfficerJenny.  “Would it be okay with your superiors?” 

    “The LawFoxx that’s head of the security team here and I don’t really like each other, and the guy running the place is fairly easy-going.  You’ll have to fill out some forms, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work out.” 

    FF frowned.  “Well… I don’t know…” he said, trying to remember the possible negatives of owning a Jenny…

    The OfficerJenny clasped her hands in a pleading motion.  “Please?  All my brothers are Frontier Academy graduates.   It’s been my dream to go there.  I’ll do whatever you want forever.  Oral, anal, bondage, even kinkier stuff, please, just let me go with you.  I may not be able to take the courses, but at least I get to experience it as a Pokégirl…”

    FF chuckled, the mental image of the OfficerJenny giving  him oral sex in an interrogation room popping into his head.  “Oh hell, why not?” he said, “Starting out with four could work better for me in the long run anyway.” 

    The OfficerJenny hugged him.  “Thank you!” she said, hugging him so tightly that the Dalmatian jumped back, startled. 

    FF blushed, and gently pulled her away from him.  “Anyway.  I think before I go do even MORE paperwork, I think I better pick out names for you all.” 

    The OfficerJenny blinked.  “Oh!  I’m sorry.  My name’s Megan, but you can change it to whatever you want.” 

    FF shook his head.  “Megan’s fine,” he said.  He looked at the Flarea, and smiled.  “You I think I’ll call Angelissa,” he said.

    The Flarea snickered.  “Angel, huh?  Do I look like one of those silly celestials to you?” 

    FF grinned.  “Your body is certainly heavenly,” he quipped, causing the Flarea to blush.  The Folklore stepped forward. 

    “And me, master?” she asked.

    FF thought for a moment, and said, “Aaah… Sheskita, I think.” 

    The Folklore blinked, and then giggled.  “Kinda cute sounding, I guess.  I like it.” 

    FF smiled.  “I’m glad,” he said, turning to the Dalmatian.  “And as for you?” 

    Still shivering a little, and clinging to FF’s side, the Dalmatian looked up expectantly.  FF looked her over for a moment, and said, “Arcadia.” 

    Angelissa snorted, amused.  “Oh.  Fine.  She gets the awesome name and I’m stuck with the silly one.  So fair,” she said, teasing good-naturedly.

    FF smirked at her.  “Keep that up and you’ll be lucky to get the bra, much less the backrubs.” 

    Angelissa rolled her eyes, grinning.  The four of them went out to the desk, Megan excusing herself to inform her bosses of what happened while FF filled out the paperwork to take the OfficerJenny with her, the NurseJoy handing him a Pokédex and six Pokéballs. 

    “There’s also some starter funds in your personal bank account, to get supplies and the like.  And on a personal note… Thank you for taking Arcadia with you,” the NurseJoy said, “I’ve been worried about her.  I really think they sent her over prematurely.”

    FF hugged Arcadia, the Dalmatian’s tail wagging slightly, the canine clinging tightly to FF’s shirt.  “I’ve had some experience with abuse cases like this,” he said, which was true in a sense.  He did volunteer work at the local animal shelter sometimes back in his own world. 

    The NurseJoy smiled pleasantly.  “At any rate, you’re cleared as a probationary Student Combat Tamer, which means you’ll have a LITTLE more to do than most Non-Combat Tamers.  The beginning of the term is actually in a week, so if you’d like to wander around, maybe take a tour of the various battle areas, and the like?” 

    FF nodded.  “I was hoping to get to see the Via Infinito the most,” he said.

    The NurseJoy paled, and then grinned weakly.  “Whatever you think is best, sir.  Although I’d recommend keeping Arcadia in her ball during that trip until she’s ready for it.” 

    FF chuckled.  “Which reminds me…” he said, holding out the Pokéballs.  Arcadia sniffed hers warily.  “It’s okay,” he said, smiling warmly at her.  He gently pressed it into her chest.  As Arcadia was pulled into the ball, FF almost swore he saw her smiling at him.  FF held out Sheskita’s ball to her, and she nodded.  He gently tapped her on the head, the Pokéball pulling her inside.  He pocketed the rest, and checked out his Pokédex.

    Angelissa looked surprised.  “You’re not putting me in?”

    FF paused for a moment, tapped her on the head with her Pokéball, pulled her in, and released her immediately.  Angelissa staggered a moment, dizzy from the quick transitions.  “What was that about?”

    “I’ve decided that you’re gonna be my Alpha,” FF said, “You showed initiative back there in recommending I take Megan with us, and my ‘dex shows that you’re the most powerful.  Besides, you got some sass in you and I like that.” 

    Angelissa grinned.  “The cop’s gonna be pissed,” she said.

    “She’ll get over it,” FF smirked.  As if on cue, Megan came back, grinning ear to ear.

    “Well, I cleared it with my superiors,” she said, “I’m all yours.” 

    “Good to hear,” he said, “Anything else you wanna do before we head out?”

    Megan hesitated for a moment.  “I’ve always been good friends with one of the Tavernmaid that works with the owner of the bar a couple blocks down from here.  I’d kinda like to tell her the good news,” she said, grinning, “And if you’re nice to her, she may let you have one of her special drinks right from the tap.” 

    FF went wide-eyed.  “Her Tamer doesn’t mind?” 

    Megan chuckled.  “He won’t let them be Tamed by anyone else, if that’s what you’re thinking.  But he does let them give people ‘fresh from the tap’ drinks if they behave themselves.” 

    FF chuckled.  Okay, so maybe there is a plus to getting dragged here.  So long as I lay low, nothing will go wrong.

==========================
Meanwhile…
As Murphy’s Law invoked itself…
==========================

    Vince McMahon sat at his desk, grumbling as he finished up his paperwork.  In a flash, Macavity appeared in his desk, startling him enough to send him toppling to the floor. 

    “Ma-Macavity!?” Vince stammered, glaring furiously at her, “What is the meaning of this?!”

    Macavity purred, grinning her trademark Cheshire cat grin.  “In three hours The Undertaker will lie to you.” 

    Vince blinked in confusion.  “…WHAT?!” 

    Macavity laughed, fading out of the room, her smile the last thing to vanish. 

===============================
Meanwhile…
As Murphy’s Law invoked itself AGAIN…
===============================

    “It’s confirmed, Mister Lensherr,” the black clad Chronos agent said, “The Marco brothers are a loss.  Marco has been killed and Louis is being picked up as we speak.  Their kit mills are being shut down.”

    The bearded, gray-haired, powerfully built man sighed, his powerful muscles flexing under his red business suit.  “An annoying setback, but a minor one.  We have other kit mills, and even if we lose all of them it won’t affect our overall operation.  You may go,” he said, waving dismissively and not turning around from the window. 

    The Chronos agent nodded, bowing and walking out. 

    An elegant, buxom older woman sauntered out of the shadows, her long, grayish-red hair flowing over her shoulders, a bright-red jacket with white trim and gold spaulders covering the torso of the black catsuit she wore. 

    Lensherr smiled at her.  “What of your operations, my beloved Maria?”

    Maria frowned.  “The Kintobor Corps suffered have been picking up something strange.  Unusually high energy emissions.” 

    Lensherr scowled.  “Junior’s Sanctity Sluts again?”

    Maria shook her head.  “I don’t think so.  This is something different.” 

    Lensherr blinked.  “The Legendaries, then.” 

    Maria shook her head.  “No.  This feels different from them… And more dangerous…” 

    Lensherr frowned, his eye twitching a little.  “Where were these energy emissions coming from?”

    Maria held up the report.  “In Battle Frontier territory.  Near King Salmon.” 

====To Be Continued…====