Disclaimer:
This work is fiction. The work is presented under fair protection where applicable.
Feedback will be read, processed, and if it’s a flame it will be given the finger, then I will burst into hysterical laughter. Constructive feedback, be it criticism or praise, will be read, processed, given a smile, and filed away. To contact me, please send an email to socom.seal@(SPAM)yahoo.com. Remove (SPAM) for a valid email.
You should not read this work if you are not of legal age where you reside. This work may contain concepts or written actions that some readers may find excessive or disturbing. This may include (but not be limited to) rape, BDSM, or death.
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Chapter 14
On the Road Again
Ryuko stood with one foot resting on the tree trunk behind her. The shadows around her made the casually resting Scyther incredibly hard to see, which was the idea - she was watching a group of wild pokegirls.
“Definitely the same breed that John had at the tower,” Nicholas’ voice said in her ear. “Be careful.”
“Do you know why the one looks different, Master?”
Nicholas stared at the research he had pulled up on Magnemite. Nowhere did he see anything about a Magnemite having liquid skin like Ryuko described. “I don’t. Maybe she’s injured?”
“She doesn’t appear in pain.”
“Then assume she’s stronger somehow.” Nicholas looked at Nessa, his guard while the others were off fighting wild pokegirls. The Croconaw was relaxing but her eyes flicked around the area constantly. “You have Sera as backup.”
“My Alpha and I will handle this, Master.” Ryuko pushed off her resting place. “Are you ready?”
The undergrowth next to her rustled before Miyuki’s ears slowly came into view. The Eevee was still on her stomach but she raised her head enough to speak to Ryuko. “I’ll focus the strange one. Scatter the others before helping me.”
“As you command,” Ryuko replied. When Miyuki ducked back into cover she pulled her daggers free and spread her wings.
She was unsure if the metallic skin of these pokegirls was truly metal, or simply colored that way; to be safe, she would assume the former. Gathering her energy she ran a finger over the edges of her daggers, pulling back to leave a shimmering zone where the blade met the air.
She had never been one for large, flashy strikes. Her training focused on making the most of the smallest opportunity. Like this technique, to turn her blades into weapons that would cut even steel.
“GO!”
Ryuko sprang into action at Miyuki’s yell. The group of Magnemite scattered in panic when the Scyther landed among them, her blades whipping through the air. Each cut seemed to cut the air itself and pokegirls screamed in pain as bloody stripes appeared across their bodies.
Miyuki popped up from the ground and immediately struck, her fist sinking an inch into the strange Magnemite’s skin before encountering resistance. The wild pokegirl took another hit before getting her bearings and Miyuki slapped her hands over her ears when a sonic blast battered her.
When she lowered her hands she noticed a silver film coating them. Looking up, she noticed that the Magnemite’s liquid skin had solidified. No, she realized. The Magnemite just had some kind of liquid metal covering her. Ryuko’s blades wouldn’t be able to damage that.
As Ryuko continued dancing between opponents, Miyuki charged back towards the strange Magnemite. The girl squealed when Miyuki tackled her to the ground. Ducking an errant blast of electricity she shoved her hand up the girl’s body, her hand disappearing into the liquid film before she wrenched back. A spray of liquid flew through the air to reveal more of the Magnemite’s actual skin and the girl finally decided to panic, rolling to throw Miyuki away before turning to flee.
Miyuki landed on her ass with one foot on the ground. Seeing the Magnemite running she tensed to chase.
Suddenly she felt her pose shifting. With a grin she settled down into the same form Nicholas had shown her, back when he had helped her unlock her fighting instinct. She had a target. And she could pounce.
Ryuko turned to see Miyuki leap through the air and catch the running Magnemite directly in the back of the head. With a flourish she brought her leg down, driving her knee into the wild pokegirl’s back and looking up to see Ryuko running over. “Got her!”
Ryuko dodged in and struck, frowning when the metal film deflected her dagger. “What is this?”
“Here-“ Miyuki swept her leg down the Magnemite’s back, sending the film spraying all over Ryuko. “Now, get her!”
Ryuko blinked to clear her eyes and struck again. This time her enhanced blades sunk into the Magnemite’s back and the girl screamed in pain, the noise slowly petering out until she went limp.
“Nice.” Miyuki got to her feet, shaking her hands in an attempt to clean them off. “Eugh. What is this stuff?”
“Allow me, Alpha.” Ryuko ignored the liquid covering her own body and knelt, wrapping her fingers around Miyuki’s limbs and wiping them clean. “It was a defense mechanism of some kind. My blade was unable to penetrate it.”
“But I just pulled it off,” Miyuki mused. “Maybe it hardens on impact?”
“Likely.” Ryuko looked down at her own body and blinked. There was still some silver splattered on her clothes, but her skin was clean. “What?”
Miyuki looked up from where she was cleaning her hands on the grass. “What’s up?”
“I’m clean?”
Miyuki stared at her. “You... are. But it’s on your clothes.”
Ryuko abruptly yanked her shirt off. As she did her hand touched one of the silver stains and Miyuki’s eyes widened when the liquid was sucked into the Scyther’s skin. “RYUKO!”
Ryuko paused with one hand on her pants. “Alpha?”
“Stop touching it.” Miyuki glanced at her own hand warily. “Where did all the stuff you got off me go?”
Ryuko glanced down at the ground. Besides a bit that had dropped off the unconscious Magnemite, the grass was clean of silver. “I... don’t know.”
“Nicholas, the liquid stuff on the Magnemite is being absorbed by Ryuko’s skin.”
Nicholas instantly got to his feet. “Where are you?”
“Straight ahead.”
A few minutes later Nicholas burst into the clearing. Ryuko was topless and sitting in the grass with Miyuki standing nearby. When he got closer she waved. “She’s fine. So far.”
Ryuko stared up at Nicholas when he knelt down. “Master, what is happening?”
“I don’t know,” Nicholas replied gently, “but I’m here. You’re going to be all right.”
Nessa nudged the unconscious Magnemite with her toe. “That’s the stuff?”
Miyuki looked over with a nod. “Don’t touch it.”
“I wasn’t going to,” Nessa snorted.
“How are you feeling, Ryuko?” Nicholas was scanning the Scyther as he spoke. “Cold? Hot? Pain?”
“Nothing, Master,” Ryuko replied.
“Pokedex doesn’t have anything.” Nicholas closed the scanner and pulled up the search function. “Let’s see. Magnemite, liquid, Scyther.”
Silence fell for a few minutes before Nicholas shook his head and closed the pokedex. “Nothing. Nothing in the Magnemite entry talking about liquid metal, nothing in the Scyther entry talking about absorbing strange liquids. But you’re fine?”
Ryuko barely nodded. “I think so, Master.”
“Can you get up?”
Ryuko’s wings spread and she stood. Nicholas was studying her when a flash of light caught his eye and he gasped.
Ryuko’s carapace sparkled in the sun, a completely different appearance from the dull green she had had before. Nicholas stepped behind her, running a finger down a silver seam. “Found it.”
Ryuko didn’t even bother trying to turn her head. “My... carapace, Master?”
“Yeah. You’re shiny now.” Nicholas studied her for a few minutes more before walking back around. “How are your blades made?”
Ryuko frowned at the sudden question. “The simply are, Master. I grow them within my carapace.”
“And they’re very hard.”
Ryuko cocked her head. “Yes?”
“I think your carapace might absorb minerals from your body to stay strong,” Nicholas mused. “If so, then that would explain why this metal was brought straight to it. Maybe your body recognized strong materials for you to use.”
Ryuko blinked. “It just... happened, Master?”
“Hey, didn’t you say your blades are the same way?” Nicholas teased. “I don’t know exactly how my body works either. I don’t need to know for it to function, so why would you need to understand this whole... absorption thing?”
“It’s a good theory,” Miyuki replied, “but we should get to a pokecenter.” She glanced at Ryuko. “Just in case.”
“I agree. We should hurry ahead to Olivine.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Another few days’ travel later the group came upon a massive fenced area. Continuing along the road Nicholas eventually saw a cluster of buildings, as well as a large number of figures moving around the area.
Further investigation into Ryuko’s situation had led him to the Scyther’s evolution - Scizor. According to the dex the evolution could be triggered after a Scyther’s body chemistry reached a certain threshold of metallic elements. As the days went on and Ryuko didn’t show any adverse signs to her exposure, Nicholas’ absorption theory was becoming more and more plausible, especially if the catalyst for her evolution was correct.
Luckily for them, Olivine City’s gym specialized in the Steel-type. Nicholas was sure the gym leader would be able to shed some light on what Ryuko had experienced.
“Is that a farm?” Nessa walked to the fence and peered into the distance. “I don’t see any crops.”
Nicholas pointed at a nearby sign. “There.”
“‘Moomoo Ranch’,” Nessa read. “Open every day from ten to two.” She looked at Nicholas. “What time is it?”
Nicholas checked his pokedex. “Just after noon.”
“Detour?”
Nicholas looked to Ryuko for her opinion. The Scyther swallowed nervously but shrugged. “I’ve been fine for this long.”
“Then let’s do some sightseeing.”
When they stepped through the gate a piercing howl sounded from nearby causing the entire harem to jump. Nicholas peeked out from behind Ryuko to see a shadow-wreathed figure rising from the grass. The pokegirl tilted her head back again, her howl echoing across the fields until it was answered by a much deeper howl from the direction of the buildings. Nicholas watched the canine pokegirl vanish from sight again and looked around. “Guard dog?”
He got a few nervous chuckles in return as the group continued onwards.
Upon reaching the first building a woman stepped out and waved. “Welcome, welcome! Please, come inside and have some refreshments.”
Nicholas followed the woman into the building, finding a seat at a table as the harem filtered in behind him. The woman ducked behind a bar, standing back up with a remote that she used to mute a television running the news before turned back towards the room. “Travelers, I assume. What can I get you to drink?”
“Whatever you’ve got,” Nicholas replied. “We saw the sign out front and figured we’d take a look.”
“Welcome to the Moomoo Ranch,” the woman replied brightly. “I’m Hannah, one of the owners of the ranch here with my husband. Would you like to try a sample of our signature Moomoo Milk? It’s fresh, our Miltank are milked every day.”
Nicholas blinked. “Miltank? Like, the pokegirl?”
“That’s right.” Hannah opened a cooler and pulled out a large glass bottle with a smiling Miltank stamped on the front. “It’s our specialty here at the ranch.”
“...Sure,” Nicholas replied slowly. “I’ll take a glass.”
Hannah poured out a healthy serving and delivered the drink, returning to the bar to store the milk while Nicholas drank. He stared at the glass with a bit of trepidation before bringing it to his lips and taking a sip.
Surprisingly, it tasted fine. More than fine, actually. It tasted amazing. Nicholas took another large swig before turning and offering the glass to Sera. “I know you’d rather drink blood, but try this.”
Sera blinked but accepted the glass, also taking a cautionary sip before her own eyes widened. “That’s... delicious.”
“Would everyone like some?” Hannah asked with a smile. When the others nodded she pulled out four more glasses, filling them before bringing everything out on a tray and setting it on the table. “A large bottle is fifty dollars.”
Nicholas nearly choked on the milk. “Fifty bucks a bottle?”
“Each large bottle holds a dozen servings,” Hannah replied. “If you’d rather buy individual sized bottles, those are five dollars each.”
“We’ll just take this one, thanks,” Nicholas gasped. “Why is it so expensive?”
“Our Moomoo Milk is highly nutritious and farmed with the utmost care for our Miltank. The high price ensures that we can continue delivering the excellent quality you are tasting right now.”
“This is pretty good,” Nessa mumbled through her glass.
“We’ve conducted studies. Our Moomoo Milk helps pokegirls recover their energy up to twice as fast as regular rest,” Hannah replied. “It’s on par with some of the more expensive medicines. And each serving is only five dollars.”
Nicholas chuckled. “You give a good sales pitch.”
Hannah winked. “I’ve had practice.”
“Is that true, though?” Nicholas finished his glass and set it back on the table. “That it works as medicine, I mean. If it was really that potent and simple to get why are there pharmaceuticals on the market at all?”
“Ah, well, it’s still milk,” Hannah replied embarrassedly. “It really does have incredible healing properties, but it spoils within a few days without proper storage. So we have to market it more as a beverage.”
“Is all Miltank milk like that?” Nicholas asked. “Or all pokegirl milk in general?” He snickered when he heard a mortified whine from behind him. “Please tell me it’s all pokegirl milk.”
Hannah laughed but shook her head. “I don’t know about that. The reason we can farm Miltank milk is because Miltank naturally lactate. It’s part of their biology to constantly produce milk, we simply boost their output with a special diet and some, ah - special stimulation.”
Nicholas glanced back and caught Sera’s eye. “You’re safe, then. No bat milk today.” He grinned when Sera’s wing buffeted him and turned back to Hannah. “But in theory...”
An arm wrapped around his mouth, Miyuki leaning forwards to take over the conversation. “My perverted Master says thank you for the information.” She squirmed when Nicholas licked her arm but managed to keep the gag in place. “We- ah- thank you for your time and- THAT TICKLES!- need to get back on the rooOOOAD!”
Hannah was cracking up as Miyuki spun, her arm coming free to show Nicholas’ flicking tongue. As soon as he could Nicholas jumped to his feet. “Right after a quick tour!”
“Noooo...” came the collective groan, but Hannah was already happily skipping to the door.
“My pleasure! Follow me!”
The bottle of milk had been brought out in an ice bath so Nicholas left it on the table, following Hannah with the harem much less eagerly following behind. She walked them past the next building, approaching a farmhouse where a brilliantly colored gold and red-furred pokegirl was resting on the porch. When she saw Hannah approaching she leapt to her feet. “Mistress!”
“Just taking these people on a tour,” Hannah explained. “That’s our Growlithe, Mandy. You probably heard her on your way in.”
“Was she the one howling back?”
“That’s right. I assume you were spotted by either Kara or Bea at the gate.”
Nicholas nodded. “There was some sort of pokegirl, yes.”
“One of our Houndour. They patrol the perimeter with our Houndoom, Eris, patrolling the interior.”
Hannah took them to one of the barns after walking them past some hidden fields, explaining the crops they grew for food. Entering the barn Nicholas was hit by a low rumble of conversation and, once his eyes adjusted, he could see dozens of large pokegirls relaxing in the cool interior.
“This is our milking barn.” Nicholas turned to Hannah as she explained. “Our Miltank are milked every day, half in the morning, and half in the evening. The morning rotation are out enjoying their day, and these are some of the pokegirls waiting to be milked.”
“How, uh, how does it work?”
“Master.”
Nicholas looked back. Every single face watching him was flushed some shade of red. “Ryuko?”
The Scyther glanced around before stepping forwards and lowering her voice. “Master, I mean no disrespect, but I find this entire situation highly... demeaning. I understand that you are enjoying yourself, but your harem are not cows waiting to be milked.” She finally looked at the rows of tubing running along the sides of the barn. “If these pokegirls wish to live this life, that is their choice. We choose to serve you in battle.”
Nicholas gazed at her for a few seconds before bowing his head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think about how you all felt.”
“If you would like to see a demonstration-“
“Actually, I’m good,” Nicholas interrupted Hannah’s offer. “I’d like to pay for the bottle and get back on the road.” He glanced at Ryuko. “We need to get to Olivine City as soon as possible.”
Hannah nodded. “Then let’s head back to the bar.”
Nicholas didn’t speak until the gate to Moomoo Ranch had swung shut behind them. Sighing, he turned to look at the watching faces. “I apologize. I acted inappropriately.”
The harem glanced around at each other and eventually Nessa shuffled forwards. “Do you, um... really like that kind of thing, Nicholas?” Her face began to burn as she spoke. “Having a pokegirl bending over, a machine milking her, unable to move...”
Nicholas felt his dick twitching while Nessa slowly described how the milking process would go. “Nessa, like Ryuko reminded me, you are not animals and I should not consider you as them. Even in my sexual fantasies.” He glanced away. “It’s wrong, and I apologize.”
“So you’re saying you don’t want bat milk?”
Nicholas swiveled to Sera with wide eyes. She managed to meet his gaze for only a second before coughing and looking away. “Look, Master Nicholas, it’s weird. But... I’d play along, if it made you happy.”
“No, don’t do something you’re uncomfortable with just for me,” Nicholas protested. “I’m telling you, I went too far.”
Miyuki cleared her throat. “I think the reason everyone was getting uncomfortable wasn’t because you have fantasies, Nicholas. I think it would be silly to expect otherwise.” Her tail flicked nervously. “We know you wouldn’t force something like that on us. We were uncomfortable because you were talking about that, something that should be private within the harem, with that random lady.” She shivered. “In public.”
Slowly Nicholas nodded. “It wasn’t the right place.”
“Uhm... and I might like to try something like that. Maybe.” Miyuki’s blush was spreading down her neck now, almost every bit of skin above her dress glowing red. “I mean, I like it when you pull my tail.”
Nessa glanced at her. “He pins me down.”
“My Master dominates me in bed. Is that really so strange?” Ryuko asked. She did her best to keep aloof but everyone could see her wing cases rustling nervously under her shirt.
When Sera didn’t chime in a few eyes turned her way. Fidgeting, she finally broke when even Nicholas looked at her. “He bites me! Okay? I don’t bite him he- he bites me.” She ducked away. “Why are we doing this!”
“Apparently to highlight how I’m a kinky motherfucker,” Nicholas muttered.
“I was just trying to lighten the mood,” Miyuki giggled sheepishly. “Pokegirls like sex. All of us like it in different ways and apparently I’ve gotten everyone to admit how they like it best when you’re on top.”
Nicholas finally felt himself chuckling. “You know, Miyuki, you’re right.” He looked around. “Thank you, all of you. For putting up with me.”
“You’re a pervert but you’re our Master,” Miyuki replied with a sigh. “I think I speak for everyone when I say that we’re okay with that.”
Nicholas moved from face to face as the harem nodded. “I won’t embarrass you in public again.” He blinked before glancing at Miyuki again. “I did the same thing to you back in Ecruteak.”
Miyuki nodded.
“I need to work on that.” He shook his head. “I may still tease. But I’ll try to be better.”
Nessa grinned and, along with Sera, threw her arm around his shoulders. “We’ve heard that before,” the two parroted, turning and bursting into laughter as they realized how in synch they had been. Nicholas grinned along with them, joining in as the entire harem laughed and resumed their journey to Olivine City.
Back in the bar, Hannah unmuted the television as she got to work cleaning up for the next visitor.
Reports are coming in from the Sevii Islands about possible volcanic activity on Mt. Ember. A recent eruption is believed to have sent hot ash raining across the region, possibly causing fires as far away as Five Island…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
POKEDEX UPDATED
Tamer: Nicholas Topolski
Badges:
Zephyr Badge
Hive Badge
Plain Badge
Harem:
Miyuki, Eevee (Alpha) – Level 27
Nessa, Croconaw – Level 27
Sera, Golbat – Level 27
Ryuko, Scyther – Level 26
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“There it is!”
Nicholas jogged up to where Nessa was standing and looked out over the forest. There, just visible in the morning mist, was the Olivine Lighthouse.
“That’s it all right.” Nicholas waved at the others, leading the harem down the hill they had been descending for the last day. “Come on! We’re almost there!”
The incident at Moomoo Ranch had caused a brief delay while emotions returned to normal but they had made it right on time. Sabrina’s ferry was scheduled to dock that afternoon.
“Let’s get to the pokecenter first.” Nicholas looked around. “I know everyone has minor injuries and bruises, not just Ryuko.”
They were in and out in no time and headed straight for the gym. Entering the lobby Nicholas started scanning for an assistant, or anybody who might work there.
Instead he found nothing but silence. The lobby was empty, lights off. Nicholas walked to the doors to the main area and took a look at the sign posted. ‘Gym closed until further notice.’
“Shit.” Nicholas turned around to look at Ryuko. She was slowly growing more concerned as the seconds ticked on. “We’ll find the gym leader, Ryuko. We’re going to figure out what happened to you.”
“Maybe a local knows where they are?” Miyuki asked helpfully.
Nicholas nodded, stepping back onto the street and looking around. Nobody was in sight so they headed back towards the pokecenter. Nicholas brightened when he finally saw someone else walking. “Hey!”
The man turned. “Yes?”
“Hi, sorry.” Nicholas jogged up. “Do you live here? I’m trying to find the gym leader.”
The man nodded. “I do. Isn’t she at the gym?”
“No, there’s a sign saying that the gym is closed.”
The man frowned. “That’s odd. Jasmine is always there unless there’s an emergency.”
“Well, maybe there’s an emergency,” Nicholas prompted. “Has anything happened here recently?”
The man stroked his chin. “Nothing that I can think of. Try asking down at the docks; the sailors are always picking up rumors and bits of information.”
Nicholas thanked him and continued onwards, winding down towards the port. The first two men he found couldn’t help, but he managed to run across what appeared to be a dockmaster next.
“Recent emergencies? Yeah, the pokegirl working at the lighthouse fell ill recently.” The man gestured towards the towering structure. “Somethin’ foreign, I believe. Probably came in on a shipment. It’s all fixed up now, though. Otherwise we’d have no marine traffic at all.”
Nicholas nodded. “That’s all you can think of? And it’s resolved?”
“Yup. That’s the only major issue we’ve had in the last month. Most people don’t even know it happened, it got fixed so quick.”
Nicholas thanked him and walked back to where the harem waited. “Any luck, Master?” Ryuko asked.
“Maybe. The dockmaster said the only emergency they’ve had to deal with recently was at the lighthouse.” Nicholas pointed. “Let’s try over there.”
Finally, they found some activity. When Nicholas walked into the lighthouse he could see two tamers in uniform standing in front of a roped-off elevator, two pokegirls standing alongside them. When he got close one held up a hand. “Observation deck is closed.”
“Are you from the gym? I’m looking for Jasmine.”
The tamer lowered her hand. “Oh. A challenger? Please come back some other time. Leader Jasmine is currently busy overseeing the Glitter Lighthouse.”
“If she’s busy she’s busy,” Nicholas replied, “but I’m not here for a challenge. I need her help.”
The tamer shook her head. “I’m sorry, but she is unable to assist with whatever issue you have.”
The harem was starting to give up but Nicholas decided to try one more tactic. “Fine. Please let her know Nicholas Topolski was looking for her. This is my number.”
The tamer accepted the business card Nicholas gave her and was looking it over as he turned away. He had almost reached the door when he heard a quick shout. “Wait!”
Nicholas looked back to see the woman staring at his card. “This is a joke.”
“Not a joke.” Nicholas turned back around so the two tamers could get a good look at him. “I’m here looking for Jasmine.”
“One moment, please, Sir.” The female tamer ducked away, pulling out a phone and dialing a number while her partner stayed at their post.
“What did you give her?” Nessa asked quietly.
“I have some business cards with my information on them. You know, as Champion.” Nicholas shrugged. “I barely ever use them but it might have come in handy this time.”
The woman had lowered her phone and was navigating it before she raised the screen towards Nicholas. He smiled, waiting for her to finish and return to her conversation. After another minute she returned. “Champion Topolski, please come right this way. Leader Jasmine would be happy to meet you.”
Nicholas stepped into the elevator when the rope was removed, waiting for the harem before hitting the only other button available. It took a few minutes but eventually the group stepped out at the top of the lighthouse.
“Hello?”
“This way,” a female voice called. Nicholas stepped around the central pillar, nodding when he saw a small door cut into the black glass. Ducking inside he could see a woman kneeling over a resting figure. “Champion Topolski? I apologize about how difficult it was to find me.” Jasmine looked up and extended her hand. “I wasn’t expecting anyone to have heard about the gym yet.”
“The closure?”
Jasmine nodded. “I apologize for not notifying the League, but I’ve been totally preoccupied here, and-“
“Hey, slow down.” Nicholas held out his hands. “I had no idea your gym was closed until I got here.”
Jasmine blinked. “You’re not here to reprimand me?”
“What? No, I’ve never done that. I didn’t even know that was something I was allowed to do,” Nicholas scoffed. “I’m traveling Johto and meeting the gym leaders along the way. I just happened to be in town.”
“Oh.” Jasmine blinked. “Well, in that case, I apologize but can you please leave me alone? I’m very busy-“
“With a sick pokegirl, right?” Nicholas nodded when Jasmine looked surprised. “I heard a rumor. Who is she?”
Jasmine moved slightly to reveal a tall, yellow skinned pokegirl. “This is Amy. She’s the Ampharos that operates the lighthouse.”
Nichols crouched down. “What’s wrong with her?”
“She’s lost control of her power,” Jasmine explained. “I’ve never seen anything like it. Healing cycles don’t do anything, conventional medicine hasn’t helped, if I don’t keep her sedated she’ll fire off bursts of electricity and light completely at random.”
“And that’s pretty bad for a lighthouse,” Nicholas mused.
“It is. Sailors depend on the light to show them where the cliffs are. If Amy didn’t light up one night, it could be disastrous.”
Nicholas nodded and straightened back up. “Do you have any more ideas?” He shrugged when Jasmine glanced at him. “You seem knowledgeable to some degree in medicine. I mean, you’re up here all alone taking care of Amy.” He gazed at the Ampharos. “In fact, I was coming to your gym to ask for your expertise in the first place.”
“You were?” Jasmine asked curiously. “What for?”
“My Scyther here, Ryuko.” Nicholas gestured at her. “We were fighting some wild Magnemite on the road here and one of them had some sort of strange metal liquid all over her body.”
“And Ryuko absorbed it?”
Nicholas nodded. “Exactly. You know what it was?”
“It’s a naturally forming heavy metal substance,” Jasmine replied. “In Magnemite especially. Over time, their electricity will pull the heavy metals to the surface of their skin. This gives them a sort of natural increase in their strength and durability, but more importantly it removes excess elements that the Magnemite isn’t able to fully incorporate in her body.”
“But Ryuko-“
“That’s because those same elements are essential to a Scyther,” Jasmine interrupted. “The metal coat from these Magnemite was first seen being used by Onix, which are often seen in the same habitat as Magnemite. However we’ve also found that Scyther can handle this metal in their own bodies.” She smiled at Ryuko. “In fact, it’s very healthy for them. A Scyther who absorbs a Magnemite’s metal coat usually evolves into a Scizor within a month.”
Nicholas turned to Ryuko with a grin. “See! I told you you were fine.”
Ryuko breathed a sigh of relief. “I am thankful, Master.”
“As for Amy, I’ve run out of ideas.” Jasmine had turned back and was gently stroking Amy’s cheek. “Unless... but no. I can’t leave her alone.”
Nicholas cocked an eyebrow. “Unless what?”
“Conventional medicine doesn’t work. But there’s a pharmacy, in Cianwood City, that still practices traditional medicine. Maybe they know something.”
Nicholas nodded. “Where is Cianwood?”
Jasmine looked at him in surprise. “You would make the trip for me?”
“Maybe. How far is it?”
“Cianwood is on the western border of Johto, all the way across the bay,” Jasmine replied. “There’s a boat that runs once a week. You’d be committing at least two weeks to help me.”
“Couldn’t they make an exception? An express trip for medicine?”
Jasmine shook her head. “I’ve asked. Apparently they run once a week because that’s the only time the tides make passage through the Whirl Islands safe.” She sighed. “Maybe someone could fly there quickly, but not by sea.”
“It’s the least we could do,” Miyuki whispered. “She helped us figure out what was happening to Ryuko.”
Nicholas grimaced. “I don’t know exactly why Sabrina is coming, though,” he whispered back. “If she needs to go somewhere else then we won’t be able to make this trip.”
“I don’t expect you to do it,” Jasmine called as they whispered. “Even offering is more than enough for me.”
Nicholas turned. “If I can, I’ll do it. I promise.”
Jasmine blinked a few times before sniffling. “Thank you.”
“Thank me when I have the medicine,” Nicholas chuckled. “I’ll go figure out transportation. If I can’t do it, I’ll come back tonight to let you know.”
Jasmine barely nodded, watching as he left the room and headed back towards the elevator.
The elevator was silent for the first minute before Ryuko spoke. “We must assist her, Master.”
“She helped you, and now you must repay the debt. Is that it?”
Ryuko bowed her head. “Yes, Master.”
“I agree.” Nicholas drummed his fingers against the metal walls. “Sabrina will arrive in a few hours. I’ll make sure to ask her right away.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“CLEAR THE DECK!”
Nicholas watched the S.S. Aqua settle down in its swell, the arching bottom submerging as the ship got closer to the dock. Pokegirls of all types were standing ready and once the ferry was in place teams sprang into action, some passing ropes, some diving into the water to stabilize the landing. Within minutes the massive ship was sitting motionless and a ramp was extended up towards the deck.
Nicholas watched the passengers disembark, continuously scanning the crowd for a hint of Sabrina. Finally he jumped to his feet. “There!”
Sabrina was picking her way around the piles of luggage attendants were unloading and she didn’t see Nicholas approaching until he was almost on top of her. “Oh! Nicholas!” Sabrina laughed and dropped her own bag, embracing Nicholas as the two spun around a few times. After a moment Nicholas dropped her and stepped back.
“It’s so good to see you,” he said happily. “I don’t care what the reason is I-“
“I’m here for our vacation, silly,” Sabrina cut in with a smile. “Don’t you remember?”
Nicholas blinked. Sabrina was very very subtly shaking her head and he cleared his throat. “Right. Our vacation.”
“Is this your new harem? Hi!” Sabrina stepped past him and reached out to embrace Miyuki. “I’m Sabrina, what’s your name?”
The harem was introducing themselves when Nicholas felt someone tap his shoulder. Turning, he was taken aback to see somebody completely covered head to toe. “Hello.”
“Uhm, hi,” Nicholas replied nervously. The voice that had come from behind this person’s mask wasn’t identifiable as male or female. Only muffled. “Can I help you?”
Sabrina looked back to see the two. “Oh, there you are, Ashlyn. Nicholas, this is Ashlyn.” She tilted her eyebrows purposefully. “My friend.”
“Joining us for vacation.”
Sabrina smiled. “That’s right. She knows the best places to go.”
“Well, let’s get somewhere quieter and discuss our next step,” Nicholas said. Picking up Sabrina’s bag he led the way away from the docks and to a small park near the lighthouse.
Once they had stopped moving Sabrina dropped to the ground with a heavy sigh. Nicholas knew that he should be focusing, but seeing her for the first time in months was very distracting. Sabrina had dressed in a stunning summer blouse, just sheer enough to show the bikini underneath. “I always seem to be underdressed around you.”
Sabrina looked up with a smile. “I decided to have a little fun with the act.” She opened her bag, revealing her gym leader uniform before pulling out her pokedex and sealing everything back up. “Now then. Ashlyn, would you please remove your hood so Nicholas can see you?”
Ashlyn inclined her head slightly and reached up to begin removing her clothing. Finally the hood fell back, revealing jet-black hair that cascaded down her shoulders. Nicholas nodded when Ashlyn removed her sunglasses, her pale red eyes gazing at him. “A pokegirl.”
“My pokegirl,” Sabrina replied. “Nicholas, this is Ashlyn, my first pokegirl.”
Nicholas frowned. “I’ve never met her before.”
“Officially she doesn’t exist,” Sabrina replied. “Which makes her perfect for when I need some secret help.” She waved. “Go on, Ashlyn. Give Nicholas a smile.”
Ashlyn still hadn’t removed her mask. “Mistress, you instructed me not to play my tricks on your boyfriend.”
Sabrina rolled her eyes. “Giving him a smile isn’t a trick. It’s who you are. Go on.”
Hesitantly Ashlyn reached up, using a still covered arm to hide her face while her fingers loosened the mask. After a few second one hand pulled away with the mask but her other arm remained over her nose and mouth. At Sabrina’s nod Ashlyn slowly lowered it.
Nicholas stared. Ashlyn’s face was split from ear to ear and when she smiled her lips curled back to show wickedly sharp teeth all across her mouth. “What are you?”
“A Gengar, Master Nicholas,” Ashlyn replied, and now that Nicholas could see her mouth as she spoke he understood why her voice was so strange. Instead of cheeks like a human would have her jaw was connected to her skull by two ribbons of muscle within her mouth, causing strange syllables to hiss out when she articulated. “You have not started screaming.”
Nicholas blinked. “Should I?”
Ashlyn’s mouth widened grotesquely and finally Nicholas shied away when a long snaking red tongue slid between her teeth and licked his face. “Yes.”
“All right Ashlyn, that’s enough.” Sabrina waited for Ashlyn to put her mask back on before speaking again. “As you’ve already guessed I’m not here for fun.”
Nicholas shook his head. “I know that whatever it is is serious.”
“It is.” Sabrina scrolled through her dex. “Just finding my notes. Okay.” She looked up. “We looked into Koga as best we could and couldn’t find a thing. He’s clean, or at least he is publicly. However, we did discover something strange in Fuchsia. The Safari Zone.”
Nicholas nodded. “What did you find?”
“Again, on the surface everything seemed fine. Pokegirls were brought from ranches, they’d leave with tamers, the daily fee for access went to the city. High interest pokegirls were rotated through the displays out front and back either to the ranches or into the park. The thing is, we discovered a few that weren’t.”
Nicholas frowned. “What do you mean.”
“We traced some of the ranch records. In one, the Safari Zone reported receiving a Ponyta, and the ranch agreed. But the other side of the exchange was different.” She flipped to the next page. “The Safari Zone reported that they returned the Ponyta. The ranch’s records, on the other hand, said they received a Charmander.” She looked up. “There are more discrepancies like that. The Ponyta? Who knows. The Charmander? Who knows where she came from.”
“Pokegirl... laundering?”
“Yes!” Sabrina exclaimed. “Exactly! If you think about it, that place is perfect to traffic stolen pokegirls. Who would question a delivery of dozens of pokeballs, much less if a few tamers walked back out with their catches? And just like that, they disappear.” She scrolled some more. “We thought the same thing so we investigated. And found that Fuchsia City has above-average reporting of lost and stolen pokegirls. Usually by traveling tamers.”
“Is it enough to shut it down?”
Sabrina shook her head. “It’s obvious what’s going on but we weren’t able to find enough evidence to link to anyone important. The best we could do right now is arrest the Warden and close the park, but that doesn’t fix the root cause.”
“Koga.”
“Probably.” She looked up at him with an embarrassed smile. “I know better than anyone how nothing happens in a gym leader’s city without them being aware.”
“Did you come here so that you could be sure our conversation was private?” Nicholas asked. “That seems like overkill.”
“No. Well, yes but no.” Sabrina closed her pokedex. “Agatha retired.”
Nicholas’s eyes widened. “She did? I mean, I knew she was considering it, but when?”
“A few weeks ago. Right now Lorelei is considering going as well. If she does then it will only be Lance and Bruno. Trials for the Elite Four will be starting any day now.”
“How does that work?”
Sabrina took a deep breath. “The remaining Elite Four and Champion form a panel to pick the new members. First choice comes from retired Champions and gym leaders, then active gym leaders.”
Nicholas felt a pit form in his stomach. “Koga could move up.”
“He would be in the last round of consideration, so it’s unlikely. But if you haven’t heard about any of this then for some reason you’re not being contacted.” Sabrina shook her head. “I knew the government wasn’t happy with how you were acting but to go this far...”
“I’m going to be honest,” Nicholas interrupted. “I could care less about those politics anymore. Unless they try to strip my benefits I’m happy to stay out of it.” He grimaced. “Of course, I care about Koga, but without being able to prove anything what’s the point?”
“And that’s why I’m here,” Sabrina grinned. “Guess what’s currently under construction, way out to the west side of Johto, away from prying eyes and providing an economic boost to a small coastal town.”
Nicholas blinked. “What?”
“A Safari Zone. One being constructed by a company that doesn’t exist, funded by mysterious donations, and hiring management from - you’ll never guess - Fuchsia City.”
“Which is itself a small coastal town,” Nicholas slowly concluded, “that receives most of its economy from their own Safari Zone.”
“Precisely.”
“Where is it?” Nicholas couldn’t help but start pacing. Too much energy. “If they’re still in construction they won’t have had time to bury all the evidence yet.”
“Right on the border. We’ll have to take a boat to Cianwood and then walk.”
Nicholas came to a halt. “Cianwood City?”
“Yeah. You know of it?”
“I was just asked to pick up a package from there,” Nicholas replied. “It’s perfect. We’ll be stuck on that side of the bay for a few days regardless, plenty of time to slip away and investigate.”
Sabrina nodded and got to her feet. “Excellent. I’ll do some more research on the area, see if there’s a secondary cover we can use.”
“Sounds good.” Nicholas waited a second before lunging forwards, wrapping his lips around Sabrina’s and holding the kiss for as long as he could. When he finally broke away for air both humans’ cheeks were flushed. “I’m so happy to see you working again.”
Sabrina’s blush deepened. “I’m happy to have the chance to work alongside the Champion.”
There was a collective groan from the assembled pokegirls when Nicholas went back in for another kiss.
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POKEDEX UPDATED
Tamer: Nicholas Topolski
Badges:
Zephyr Badge
Hive Badge
Plain Badge
Harem:
Miyuki, Eevee (Alpha) – Level 27
Nessa, Croconaw – Level 27
Sera, Golbat – Level 27
Ryuko, Scyther – Level 26