Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.



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PART 1
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Mason woke to find Pierce sleeping at his side, and groaned. "Damnit Pierce, you're a stubborn bastard aren't you," he said, nudging the Nidorino.

"Hm, wha? Oh."

Mason shook his head in mock exasperation, smiling. "I don't think Dr. Glee would approve."

Pierce grunted and dragged himself off the bed. He slumped over to the ball lying next to the bed and pressed the button, disappearing in a red flash of light.

"He's still tired?" Mason looked around and found Ember and Jenna fast asleep as well. "These guys must really be exhausted! Its already afternoon!" Mason exclaimed, looking at the wall clock.

The door opened and Nurse Carol entered. "Oh, you're awake. Looks like your Pokémon still need some rest though... Uh, would you like something to eat?"

"Oh god yes!"

"We'll be moving you out of here soon since you don't need constant monitoring. The Charmander still needs to be kept here for a while however."

Mason nodded. "Alright."

"As you know, over the next few days we need you to undergo a bit of physical therapy to get you walking again. In the meantime, you can use a wheelchair to get around."

"Sweet. Always wondered what it'd be like to use one of those."

"By the way, we were able to get in contact with your father. He's been informed of your condition and he wants you to phone him."

"Okay... thanks."

Mason was soon treated to a plate of hot steaming food. He loved this center because it essentially had a full-blown restaurant as a cafeteria, and had quite a few other luxuries.

It wasn't long before the smell of the hot food stirred Ember and Jenna from their sleep. Mason eventually woke Pierce and got the nurse to bring in some food for the three Pokémon.

"What are these?" Ember asked, prodding the plastic cutlery.

Mason chuckled, "You use them to eat, here, like this," he took his fork and pierced a piece of meat on his plate, bringing it to his mouth.

"Oh, how bizarre." Ember tried awkwardly to mimic his movements. She had trouble grasping the utensils with her claws, but eventually got the hang of it. She tried to show her sister, but Jenna got frustrated and reverted to eating with her claws.

"Usually they serve special food to Pokémon, and don't usualy give them utensils," Mason smiled, "but Pierce hates that stuff, so I hope you two don't mind being treated to a little human cuisine."

"It's... actually really good, what is it?"

"A little human delicacy called bacon and eggs."

Ember dropped her fork and choked a bit, "what like, Pokémon eggs?!"

"Oh god no. Eating Pokémon, hatched or not, isn't very common. I mean sure, there are some who do... and I mean, none of us had a problem eating that Wartortle... but actually raising Pokémon for the purpose of slaughter or for their eggs... even for our low standards towards Pokémon that's going too far. These are just unfertilised chicken eggs, and the meat is pig."

"Ah. I think... mom told us how humans raised primitive animals for food. Still, it seems cruel, whether they have low intelligence or not."

"I guess you're right, but personally I'm not giving up meat anytime soon. You're welcome to become vegetarian though."

"Well... I've been living off weaker Pokémon and helpless animals my entire life... I feel like I should give it up... it's horrible really, but right now I'm so hungry I honestly couldn't care less... it's just so good," Ember laughed.

"I don't blame you," said Pierce, muzzle-deep in his own food.



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PART 2
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Mason, along with Pierce and Ember, were eventually transferred into a luxurious guest room, which had two large beds, a bathroom with a shower, and a hot tub.

"You humans sure know how to indulge yourselves," said Ember, looking around. "Sleeping bags, beds... I've only ever slept on dirt my entire life."

Mason smiled, "That's why I got you your own bed." He wheeled himself inside the room on a newly acquired wheelchair and closed the door behind him.

Pierce jumped atop one of the beds. "Mason's got a knack for convincing the staff to give 'his Pokémon' a few extra commodities. It's not often trainers keep their Pokémon anywhere else but inside their balls."

"I don't know about you guys, but I'm in a serious need of a shower. We haven't really been able to take care of our hygiene lately."

"I agree, but I've been eying that hot tub," chuckled Pierce.

"Wha- Oh man, It's been so long since I last stayed in one of these rooms, I forgot they had them here. What do you say Ember?"

"Sorry, what are you talking about?"

"Oh uh, right. Do you see that bowl-like thing? In the corner of that smaller room, just through that open door? Well it fills up with hot water, it's quite relaxing."

"Water..." The Charmeleon looked down at her flaming tail. "Never been much of a swimmer."

"Oh, you can keep your tail above water. There's seats to sit down on, I'll show you.
And I know for a fact that you can expose your tail flame to small amounts of water, and even safely submerge it for short periods of time. As long as you're decently healthy anyways."

Mason soon had the tub filled with hot jetting water, carefully operating the knobs from his wheeled chair.

Pierce leapt into the water, finding a shallow perch to wallow on.

"Oh damn," said Mason. "I don't have any swimming trunks. You guys'll have to relax without me. I'll just have a shower or something."

"Mason, how are you going to shower yourself? You can't stand on your own yet. Come on, I don't think we mind if you come in nude."

"Uh..." Mason rubbed his neck and looked at Ember.

"Mason go ahead, I'm going to sit this one out anyways."

"Oh come on Ember. Just try the water for a minute, you might like it." Pierce said, brushing his side against a jet and arching his neck.

Ember hesitantly put an arm part way into the water. "Oh... that is nice. How do you get it so hot?"

"Magic," winked Pierce.

Ember lifted a leg and raised herself over the edge. She lowered herself into the tub, taking care to keep her tail above water, and sat on one of the ledges.

"I... feel all tingly and warm. I never thought water could feel... good. Water has only ever been damp and cold for me."

"Well... you two have fun." Mason turned his wheelchair around.

"Wait, Mason. Come on." said Ember.

"I... it doesn't feel right. I can barely change out of my clothes anyways, never mind get in the tub."

"Remember that you're the only one wearing clothes here," chuckled Pierce. "Get out of those rags, and we'll help you get in."

Mason sighed. "Fine." It was no use arguing.

Ember looked away while he changed himself.

"Ember, you're going to have to help him get in. You're the bipedal here."

Ember looked at Pierce, and then to Mason, forgetting for a moment that he was unclothed, and blushed, quickly looking away again.

"A-alright."

She stood up, and awkwardly left the hot tub backwards, trying not to look directly at Mason. Mason started to push himself off the chair, but fell back onto the seat.

"Give me your hand, Mason." Ember extended an arm backwards towards him, still trying to avoid eye contact. He took her hand, and she pulled. Using her strength, he was able to get to his feet. He stepped forwards, trying to keep his balance, but miss-stepped. He flung an arm forwards for support. It found Ember's shoulder. She gave a gasp as his body weight collapsed onto her, and she blushed as she felt his naked body brush up against her back. However, she managed to hold steady, and was able to get Mason safely into the tub.

"Sorry about that." Unlike Ember's dark-red scales, Mason's skin flaunted it's perfuse reddening.

The three lay back, becoming silent and allowed their tired muscles to relax in the hot, massaging water.

Eventually Ember broke the silence. "So, Jenna's going to be alright then?"

"Yeah, they've almost been able to get rid of the poison completely. I think Suzie tried to treat her... but the poison that was left in her system afterwards has been inside her for a while, so it's been difficult for them to filter it out and get her back to full health. Her bones are going to take about as much time to heal as mine are."

"Mason... I. I want to thank you. You and Pierce. You saved my life and have given me nothing but comfort and support over the last few days..."

"We owe more thanks to you Ember. You stood up to your sisters and protected us. I can't even imagine how hard it was for you to put that much trust in me. You helped us get home alive, and you helped me rethink my idealistic fantasies."

"Mason... I don't think you should give up on your dreams. I think you can make a difference... if you keep trying. You've given me hope... showed me some good in humanity. Don't lose faith in yourself."

Mason smiled and looked at her with admiration. "Thanks... maybe... maybe there is still hope."

"I... wanted to ask you something... a favour."

"Of course, what is it?"

"I thought... well... I was wondering... if you could help me find my mom."

Mason thought about this. "Are... are you staying you'd stay with us?"

"...Yes."

"Ember... yes of course! Absolutely! But you have to realise it might not be easy... and if we find her... what we'd be doing... rescuing her would technically be illegal."

"And what? Rape! Abuse! Slavery?!? That's legal?"

"Ember, calm down. I'm just saying it won't be easy. Rape and abuse towards Pokémon technically is illegal and looked down upon. Unfortunately, it doesn't stop a large population from doing it. And well... slavery is still the norm, but few will admit that that's what it is. Ember... I'm willing to risk my life to rescue your mother... maybe this is my chance to prove to myself that I can make a difference after all."

Ember smiled, "Mason... Thank you."

"But what about Jenna?"

"...I think she's more curious and optimistic then she lets on. She's developed a hard shell over the years. I... have too. But she doesn't trust you yet. I have to admit that it's still hard for me to trust you with this... but it's ultimately up to her what she does."

Pierce broke into the conversation, "I know she's your sister Ember... but it seems like you have a rather high regard for her considering how she's treated you."

"Maybe you're right Pierce... but... actually I think the two of you have some things in common. You're as loyal to Mason as she is to our mother. You're both willing to do anything to protect that. I think... she's just afraid to love, trust, or care about anything anymore... ever since mom was taken."

"Take that back. That bitch is nothing like me!"

"Pierce, if Mason was taken from you, think about it... I think you could turn into what she's become."

Pierce grunted and stared down at the water. "If Mason was taken from me... I'd probably be a whole lot worse."



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PART 3
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Mason underwent routine physical therapy over the next few days. He was slowly recovering the ability to walk, and was becoming less dependant on the wheelchair. Jenna also continued to recover, and would be able to leave the confines of the medical room soon.

Mason stretched as he sat up from his bed, feeling content after a long warm night of sleep. His outstretched arm came into contact with Pierce, who had taken to sleeping next to him.

"Hey watch it!" cried the groggy Nidorino.

"Oh sorry."

Pierce grunted.

Mason looked at the bed beside his, and found it empty. "Where's Ember?"

"Don't know, in the bathroom probably."

Mason lowered his legs to the floor and slowly put his weight onto them, rising up until he came to a stand. "It feels good to be on my legs again."

"Well it definitely feels good to have them off my back," chuckled Pierce.

Mason carefully moved himself over to the bathroom door and knocked. "You in there Ember?"

Mason heard a slight clamour of something falling to the floor.

"You okay?"

"..heyeah... d-don't come - ah! - in."

"Er, alright." Mason hesitated for a moment before walking away.

Ember's heart was attempting to burst out of her chest. Her curiosity had led her to figure out the shower, and had indulged herself with the pleasure of hot water. It wasn't long before she had allowed herself to indulge in other pleasures...

At Mason's knock she had felt a jolt of dread, and of guilt. The dread soon dissipated, but the guilt did not. For it had been Mason who had been on her mind not seconds before. How could she have allowed herself to think about him in that way? Why couldn't she listen her doubts and to her sister's warnings? Why were her emotions... and her body... betraying her so?

Back in the bedroom, Pierce smirked at Mason.

"What?"

"You like her, don't you."

"W-well... I... she's nice..."

"She's the first girl you've ever liked."

"W...what's that supposed to mean?" asked Mason, aghast.

"Nothing," Pierce winked.



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PART 4
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Early morning, the guest room door opened, and Jenna strode through.

"So this is what it's like to be a spoilt human," she sneered, looking around.

"Ohh, and this is what its like to be a spoilt Pokémon," replied Ember, sprawled across the large frilly bed.

Mason and Pierce slept uninterrupted.

"It's good to know you've been treated well, sister. I was hoping I wouldn't have to get my claws bloody again so soon."

"It's good to know the same for you Jenna. This all must have been really hard for you. I'm impressed that you haven't tried to massacre every human in sight, and that you actually allowed the nurse to treat you."

"Mm. It wasn't easy."

"The nurse told Mason that you've made quite the recovery."

"Apparently... You're thinking of staying with him, aren't you?"

"I... yeah. I asked him if he'd help us find mom... he agreed."

Jenna rolled her eyes, but said nothing.

"Jenna... will you stay with us?"

"Why? I hate all of you, and you all hate me. You'll never find mom, even if Mason is somehow trustworthy."

"None of that's true, Jenna."

"I've bullied you most of your life, and then pushed you in the way of that Wartortle to save myself. Then I nearly killed your beloved savior. He, you and Pierce, have no reason to care about me."

"Me and you, we're the only family we have right now, Jenna. If you're willing to try for a fresh start then I'm willing to too. I'm able to forgive you, Jenna, I honestly am. You weren't always so mean to me; I remember what it was like before mom was taken."

"Sister... Ember... I don't know. It's never going to be like that again. You're running on too much false hope. You're putting too much faith in this Human."

"It's not false hope, Jenna... I have to at least try. I can't live a half life, hiding in the forest my entire life, afraid to take any risks, and hoping everything magically gets better. I feel like I need to do something. Take action. Don't you?"

"Hm. Maybe you're more brave then stupid after all, Ember."

"Jenna. Can we be brave together?"

"mmm... Maybe we can Ember. Maybe we can." Chapter End Notes:Another chapter under a month! Nothing really intense happens in this one, but I hope I've been able to make it interesting. Thank's for reading!

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