Ch. 10 A Heated Home Coming Pt.3 Moving Forward Kuroaki Ranch, Three Weeks Ago



Three weeks had passed since Flower had her litter and Devin had helped Lu out. True to their words, as soon as they had woken up they had gone back to the house and Lu had devoured everything in sight. Devin had woken his girls and taken them out to the training area so he could sit them in a calming area of the relaxation area by the pond.

He was surprised that Rio had been the hardest to wake up she was in such a deep state of sleep. Aunt Rose had told him that she had Ellen, her Gardevoir, use Hypnosis on Rio to send her into a very deep slumber so she would not feel what him and Lu had been doing.

Once every one was out there he had them sit and face him. He had looked around at all of his girls as they all looked tiredly back at him.

"What's this all about?" Rio asked still rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

Devin noticed that most of his girls looked really tired, like they had been up all night. Mocha was the only one that didn't look tired, which had surprised Devin at the time.V"Well girls this is something that I should have done a while ago."V"What's that Devin?" Abby asked with a yawn.

"I know things have been getting complicated around here lately, with us."

Everyone gave everyone else sideways glances. The only one that looked genuinely confused was Star. Devin was surprised to see Zhen giving glances to the others. He wondered if she had feelings for him too or if she just knew what he was talking about.

"Just by the way you all gave each other suspicious looks you all know what I am talking about. Honestly I am flattered that all of you would think of me that way. I want you to all know that I love you all very deeply, you are my girls, and there is nothing I wouldn't do for any of you as long as I feel it is in your best interest."

It was right there that one of them interrupted him.

"What do you mean, in our best interest?" Mocha asked.

"Well, Hun, what I mean is... when that special time happens for you, if need be..." Devin was getting more and more red in the face.

"Devin okay?" Zhen asked.

"Yeah Devin what's going on, what do you mean by that special time?" Star asked finally getting into the conversation.

A sly smile crept across Abby's face as she watched Devin become increasingly more uncomfortable.

"What he is trying to say is that when we go in to season he will help us with our little itch." Abby said quite simply as if she was just talking about the weather.

Everyone, including Devin, just stared at her as she spouted that little bit out like it was nothing.

"That is of course if that is what we want. Right Devin?" Abby had continued slinking a little closer to him.

"Um, yeah, that is exactly what I mean. Thank you Abby for putting that so bluntly."

"You are quite welcome, Devin. But what if we want it and we are not in season?" Abby asked getting closer while giving Devin a really dreamy look. When she was close enough to him she leaned in and gave Devin a lick across the cheek.

Rio exploded of the ground where she had sat and tackled Abby to the ground. Not wasting a second she mounted the prone Absol and started to punch her repeatedly in the face. Abby however was not going to take this beating from Rio lying down. On Rio's next swing Abby quickly moved her head out-of-the-way. Rio's clenched fist hit the ground hard.

Before she could bring it back to swing again Abby clamped down hard on to her little arm, sinking her teeth in as far as she dared. With a jerk of her head she sent Rio sailing off of her, and rolled to her feet. Rio had already gotten back to hers and was looking at the blood dripping down her arm.

"You bitch!" Rio yelled.

"Language little Rio, where ever did you pick up such a filthy mouth?" Abby had mocked her.

"Besides you are a fine one to talk after blind siding me."

Both of them charged each other again, Rio's palm glowing for a "Force Palm", and Abby's horn glowing for a "Slash". So wrapped up in kicking the shit out of one another that neither one had heard Devin tell them to stop or saw him give commands to Zhen and Mocha. They both felt it though as Zhen landed a solid "Quick Attack" on Rio, and Mocha "Ice Punching" Abby. Both looked to their respective sister and then to Devin.

"That is something else too. I am sick of the jealousy and the fighting. I want it to stop. You two especially need to work out what ever problem it is you have with each other before we go back on the road, or your both going to be staying here. Is that understood?"

"But Devin, she..."

"No Buts Rio! Am I understood!?" He had barked at her.

All of the girls turned their gazes down, and let their ears wilt. He had been on the verge of apologizing to them for snapping as he had, but he decided against it. It was time he firmly established himself as the alpha of his little pack. He loved them all truly and deeply. However they all needed to understand that his word was to be followed.

So instead he just left them to themselves and had headed back to the house to check Flower and her litter. They had all sat there in perfect silence, giving each other side long glances. More often than not the glances came back to Rio and Abby, primarily Rio though. She was their leader, the dominant female of the group.

Rio felt like shit at that precise moment though. Devin had never yelled at her like that before, never. Her emotions and feelings were all over the place. There was a part of her that knew what Devin had said was right and they did need to become a cohesive group again. There was still that little bit of her that was mad at Abby for what she had done, and what she was continuing to do. It was also the same part of her that was still upset with Mocha for what she had nearly done.

Mocha scooted up to her and tried to comfort her by wrapping her arms around her shoulders. Rio just shoved her hands away. When Mocha had tried again not only did Rio brush her hands away but she turned a deadly glare upon her sister.

"Rio what's wrong? I just want to help." Mocha pleaded.

"You know damn well what's wrong, Mocha. I can no longer trust you, can I?"

Mocha's eyes instantly got wide and watery as a very hurt expression took over her features. Mocha buried her face in her palms and started weeping.

"Do you feel better now Rio? You've made Mocha cry for no good reason." Star had said getting a little upset with her.

"Oh there is plenty of reason Star."

"I highly doubt that, what has she ever done to you but love you and followed you like the loving and loyal sister she is."

Every one watched as Rio continued to glare at her crying sister.

"Go on Mocha tell Star how innocent you aren't any more. Tell Abby too, maybe then she'll back off. Or better yet look Zhen in the eye and let her know what you had planned to do yesterday morning."

Everyone was looking expectantly at Mocha, waiting to see what it was that Rio was talking about. Mocha was still just sitting there on the ground crying into her hands.

"Tell them Mocha." Rio growled.

"Rio stop, Mocha crying." Zhen said standing to face Rio.

Rio ignored her too and instead stormed up to Mocha and grabbed her by the straps of her bright pink sundress.

"Tell Them!"

Rio suddenly found herself on the ground, her cheek burning where she had been slapped. Looking up in stunned disbelief she found Mocha's tear streaked face glaring down at her. Ice was rapidly melting from her open palm.

"You bitch." She sobbed out.

"It was an accident, and you were told that by both of us."

They had everyone's attention now. Rio got back to her feet; it made no difference though Mocha still towered above her. But Rio was not about to back down either.

"You were naked together, in the shower, and you were on top of him. Any of us would have thought that." Rio said hotly while gesturing at her.

Mocha stood there shaking her head in shocked and stunned disbelief over what Rio had just said and did to her. Rio, her very best friend and closest sister.

"...you bitch..."

With that Mocha tore off towards the house, her face buried in her paws once again crying. Star and Zhen just looked at the retreating Mocha. Finally Star got to her feet.

"That was completely uncalled for Rio. I hope you are happy with yourself. Mocha is having enough problems now dealing with her new body and her place in this team." Star exclaimed.

"She deserved it."

"No she didn't! And it is you that needs to get yourself under control. Your jealousy has gotten completely out of paw. You need to get over whatever issue it is you seem to have, because all you are doing is pushing the rest of us away, and soon you will have none of us, not even Devin."

With that Star walked up behind Zhen and gave her a nudge in the back.

"Come on Zhen, let's go."

"Where going?"

"To the house, I'm hungry, are you hungry?"

"Zhen hungry!"

"Let's go and get some breakfast then."

"Zhen have pancakes?"

"It wouldn't hurt to ask."

"Zhen love pancakes."

Zhen made to take Rio by the paw and bring her with, but Star just pushed her past Rio and shook her head no when Zhen gave her a questioning look. This left Rio alone with Abby. Abby trotted up to Rio and sat back on her haunches. Abby couldn't help but grin a little grin as she watched Star and Zhen walk back to the house.

"We have a problem." Abby said all traces of playfulness disappearing from her features.

"My only problem is you. Ever since you have entered our lives this team, this FAMILY has fallen apart." Rio said rounding on her.

"You know you have a real attitude problem; you need to let things drop and let things go. What I did not only saved his life but yours as well. Since you were all out looking for me and Devin you weren't there for Darkrai to kill. Trust me he would have too. Void has him under control somehow."

"I don't care; Void is out of our lives."

Abby looked at Rio skeptically.

"I wouldn't count on that either. Void will be back. But as I said we have a problem and we need to have it out."

Rio abruptly leveled Abby without any warning or hesitation. Abby was quick to recover and tackled Rio to the ground. The sounds of their fighting could be heard all the way back at the house.

Kuroaki Ranch, Normal Type Area, Present Day

Eevee pups grew up fast. Only three weeks had passed and already they were on the verge of being sent off to their new home. Devin was going over them one last time to make sure that he had them figured out right. He was so proud of Flower, her and Pitch had once again produced a beautiful litter. They were truly wonderful pups, and easily displayed what they would be best as.

Taking his note pad in hand he went back to observing the pups. He watched as one of the little boys chased after one of his brothers trying his best to tackle him. The brother he was chasing was easily avoiding him though. However when he stopped running his brother tackled him a good one.

Chuckling to himself Devin got the two pups attention and waved them over to him. The happy little puppies came bounding at him tails wagging. Picking up a little orang collar Devin fastened it around the attacking ones neck, he then tied a yellow one around the runners neck. Shooing them away he went back to observing the pups.

He easily picked out the ones that would be the best Vaporeon and Leafeon. They were easily the biggest of the bunch and like their brothers before them displayed the particular traits that would make them the best choices for their particular Eeveelution. To one he fastened an aqua blue-collar and the other a green collar.

He was about to shoo them away as well when one of the little females came running up and kicked up a "Sand Attack" at its siblings. Quickly Devin snatched up the little female, who instantly got all lovey with him. To her he attached a purple collar.

As he was setting her down he noticed that two more were playing in a very similar fashion. One was using "Sand Attack" on the other and he was just sitting there taking it. To the one doing the attack Devin gave an ice blue-collar, to the other a plan brown collar.

That only left one collar and one pup, the black collar. Devin looked into his lap at the runt of the litter, an off white pup that slept most of the day and was up way late at night happily playing and annoying everyone. He displayed all the traits of a perfect Umbreon except for one, he was of a below average size. Your average Umbreon was one of the three biggest Eeveelutions. Devin was certain though that this little pup who was keeping him and Mocha up at night was destined to be an Umbreon. Gently Devin slipped the black collar around his neck and fastened it.

Devin sat back and watched the pups play. It was kind of relaxing. Turning his head he watched as Drizzle laid on the ground watching the pups as well. Zhen was there too, she loved the pups as well. Devin thought that somehow watching and playing with the pups was helping her regain some of her stolen innocents.

"Are you enjoying yourself Drizzle?"

"Actually I am. I wonder if this is what it feels like to be a mother."

"What do you mean Drizz?""I feel so happy just watching them grow and play."

"I wouldn't know Drizzle; you would have to ask Flower and Lu."

"Me and Lu don't really see eye to eye, I think she is annoyed by me. Flower, she seems to be distancing herself more and more from her children. Why is that Devin? Does she not love them?"

Devin gave Drizzle a loving rub on the head. He was happy to see some of her curiosity surfacing again.

"Not at all Drizzle, Flower loves her children deeply. However it will do her no good to get attached to them."

"Why?"

"Because it will break her heart when they have to go. That is why she is not out here now. The customers are going to be here shortly to claim them. If I know Flower she is heartbroken now, and Pitch has her at the opposite end of the Ranch consoling her. It would be ten times worse for her if she had gotten attached to them."

Drizzle thought about this for a while letting it roll over in her head.

"You speak as if this has happened before."

"It did. Her first litter was a disaster. The Order had come to us, much like they did this time. It was supposed to be just a normal breeding. One of the order members was going to bring in his prize Flareon and breed him with one of our Eevees. Well Flowers was the only one in season and so the Flareon was drawn to her, to which she was very receptive to him. Well he did his thing and left her right where they had mated. She was hurt, scared, and alone. Being her first time she had no clue what was going to happen to her and had let her body act on its own. She hated me for it.It was at this time that a young Umbreon came to the Ranch, cold, abandoned, and alone. Flower and Pitch bonded immediately. She made him feel welcomed here, and he helped her through her first pregnancy. They have been life mates ever since.Being new to the breeding game I didn't know not to let her get attached to the pups. So I let her get attached to them. When the day came for the customer to claim the litter Flower panicked and attacked the customer, as did Pitch. Thankfully the customer was understanding and left her one of the pups."

Drizzle had sat there and listened to the story not really sure of what to say.

"Really?"

"Yep, poor thing. So we both learned our lesson, and now every litter she has as they get older the less time she spends with them. Pitch is a real help with that too."

"I wish I had a mate like that."

Devin nodded his head in agreement as he too hoped to be in a relationship like that too.

"Wait! She got to keep one of the pups what happened to it?"

Devin couldn't help but smile at this.

"Well she is still here actually. She warmed up to another misfit that ended up here, and evolved in to a Flareon for him."

Realization dawned on Drizzles face almost instantly.

"Flara!? Flara is Flowers pup!?"

A sudden wind cut across the normal type area, and that was all the warning that they got as a "Razor Wind" tore through the area right after it. This was accompanied an explosion and Rio sailing through the air only to land near them.

"Hey Devin! How's it going?"

"Rio! What the hell is going on?"

"Can't talk right now, kind of busy."

Just then Abby came rushing out of the dust and settling smoke, horn glowing ready to deliver a "Slash" attack. Rio met her mid charge with "Force Palm". The two attacks reflected off of each other. Rio was first to recover and hit Abby with a "Quick Attack". She didn't get too many hits in before Abby lashed out with a "Bite" and caught Rio's right leg slamming her to the ground.

"Rio, Abby that is enough!" Devin yelled at the battling females.

Neither one listened to him though as Rio spun her legs out doing a "Blaze Kick" at the same time. The attack did two things, it caught Abby up alongside of the head and allowed her to spin to her feet. Abby used the momentum from being hit to spin about herself. By the time she was facing Rio again she had charged up a "Dark Pulse". With a mighty jerk of her head Abby unleashed the attack and a radiating ring of darkness swept over the area hitting Rio hard.

"Girls stop! You are scaring the pups!"

With a gesture Devin had Zhen rounding the pups up and moving them away from the battle. With another gesture he had Drizzle by his side and was heading into battle against his own girls. He was pissed to say the least.

"Drizzle, "Hydro Pump" now! Let's see if that will cool them down."

Taking a deep breath Drizzle let her water glands in her mouth and throat fill to capacity and spewed forth a torrent of pressurized water. Her attack missed the mark, but it did get both of their attentions. Both Rio and Abby turned on Drizzle instantly. With blinding speed Rio rushed in with a "Quick Attack' that knocked her towards a waiting Abby. Abby hit Drizzle as hard as she could with "Slash" forcing her back towards Rio who delivered a devastating "Blaze Kick" round house squarely to her head. Drizzle hit the ground and didn't move, blood was seeping from her ears and mouth. That got them to stop.

"Do you think we killed her?" Abby asked looking at the unmoving Vaporeon.

"I hope not, we are so dead ourselves if she is."

All at once a hand clamped down hard on the back of both of their necks and forced them hard face down into the dirt. Both turned their heads as best they could to see the angry face of Devin glaring right back at them. He didn't get a chance to say anything to them though as he heard a petite voice clear it throat. Looking up Devin saw Mocha standing there with the customers.

"Aunt Rose had me bring them out to you, she had to take a very important call."

Devin looked from the scared Mocha to the customers that were looking down their stuck up noses at him. Getting his face really close to both Rio and Abby's ears Devin growled at them.

"You two will go to the Normal barn right this second and wait for me, and so help me the barn had better be standing when I get there."

With that he let go of them and they went slinking away.

"Thank you Mocha for bringing them out here, please take Drizzle to Happy and see what you two can do for her."

Mocha had spent time with Happy lately under Devin's orders. He had taken his Aunts words to heart and had taken Mocha aside and gave her the task of making sure that the party stayed happy, healthy, and fed when it came time to camp. So she had been spending all her time learning some healing moves and techniques as well as camp cooking and maintenance. He had essentially made her the party's den mother when they settled down to camp at night. She had taken to her special training exceptionally well. Mocha faced the customers and gave a polite bow before doing as Devin had asked.

Standing up Devin took a second to dust himself off. The customers slowly made their way to him the entire time dissecting him with their eyes and bashing him with their words.

"I think that the Order really needs to reevaluate their Masters and breeders."

"Yes Dear. Look at him rolling on the ground barely controlling those other two mongrels."

Devin could care less if these rich pampered fools thought he was proper master or breeder material. However his girls were not mongrels. He made to attack them when he heard a small yip. Looking down he noticed he still had the little Eevee pup by him. Taking a deep breath to settle his nerves so he could deal with the ass clowns in front of him Devin put on his best business smile, and picked the pup back up.

"Welcome back to the Kuroaki Ranch Mr. and Mrs. Tinpenny. I have your Eevee pups right over here, tagged and ready to show." Devin happily said extending his hand.

Both of them reluctantly took his hand and shook it. Devin then ushered them over to where Zhen had been sheltering them. Once again the customers took a stab at Devin and his girls upon seeing Zhen.

"What is that horrid looking Pokémon?"

"It looks like a Zangoose."

"My word what an Acreus awe full site, such trash."

Devin had all he could do to not throttle them right then and there. How dare they take a shot at Zhen. Her pleading look at him though stopped him.

"I rescued her from a very abusive trainer who saw fit to abuse her to every extent of the word. She is 100% better than when I first got her, and is my precious baby Zangoose." Devin explained in a near growl through gritted teeth.

This cowed them a little and they showed a little bit of remorse for what they said. Devin pushed forward though just for the sake of getting them off the Ranch.

"As you know each of the different Eeveelutions display a particular trait that makes them the best choice for what they have become. For example Flareons excel in normal attack, and Jolteons excel in speed." Devin said gesturing to the two indicated pups.

The customers listened intently as Devin continued with his explanations and how he came to those decisions. Devin gave full and detailed reports for each pup leaving nothing out. When it came time for the pup he was holding though he purposely skipped it not wanting to hear any more of their bashing of dark types.

"Now I know you ordered a full litter so I can only assume that you intend to evolve them into their respective Eeveelution."

"That is correct. Our children so can't wait."

"Let me stop you right there if I may. As a Master of the Order of Eon, and as a breeder, your breeder, I highly suggest you wait a year to evolve them."

"Why so long, why not right away?"

"You could evolve them right away and I would be happy to sell you the stones to do so. However it is in the pups best interest to reach full maturity to be evolved. Quite simply their bodies will handle the change better and you will get the most optimum evolution possible."

They both nodded their heads and seemed to except what he was saying. Then they asked the question he didn't want them to.

"What is the deal with this pup in your arms?"

"This little guy is your Umbreon. He is..."

"He is a freak, look at him, who has ever seen an albino Eevee. He is white. To top it off he is our Umbreon. We do not want an Umbreon and we are not going to take it."

Whatever they had been expecting Devin to do they were surprised when all he did was smile. He was going to tell the fools that this little Eevee was an extremely rare "Shiney" Eevee and when he evolved would have glowing blue rings instead of yellow.

"You know what you are absolutely right, you do not want an Umbreon, and so you will not get one. As a matter of fact I will deduct the cost of him from your total and he will stay here with us."

With that said Devin left the customers to their stunned silence as he walked over to the ATV he had brought the pups out in. Giving a sharp whistle the pups, and Zhen came running towards him. Devin helped Zhen into the trailer and started to hand her the pups. Once every pup was in He mounted the ATV.

"Well are you two coming?" Devin asked looking back at the customers.

"And where are we to sit on that thing?"

Devin gestured at the rack that was on the back of the ATV over the rear wheel wells.

"Or would you rather walk?"

They didn't hesitate to get on the back of the ATV. When everyone was ready Devin took off towards the house to finish the business at hand.

Kuroaki Ranch, Main House

When Devin arrived at the house it was to the site of Blaze and Amaya just getting ready to feed everyone. Of course he didn't see Rio or Abby, and when he looked over towards the Normal Type barn he was pleased to see that it was still standing. Devin also noticed that among those waiting to be fed on the porch were Flower and Pitch. Devin gave a sharp whistle that got everyone's attention. With a wave he signaled Flower over to him.

"Here you go girl, say good-bye while I finish up with their new masters." Devin said bending over to pick up the loving little Eevee.

Flower licked his cheek in thanks just before she jumped out of his arms and into the cart. Picking the runt out of the cart Devin ushered the customers into the house. Passing the runt off to Mocha, he took them into the study where the business computer was kept. Bringing up the customer's order file he made a showing of deducting the cost of the pup, and the cost of its care from the totals on the work form.

Devin took his time and carefully explained every aspect of the work order to the customers. He patiently answered every question they had too. At this point there was no point in arguing with them, he just wanted them gone so he could get back to life as normal. When all was said and done they really didn't have too many questions, and agreed to wait a full year to evolve the pups. Devin sincerely thanked them for that and reminded them that he could recommend several reputable stone dealers when the time came.

When all was said and done the customer handed over his Poké-dex. Devin took the Poké-Dex and slid it in to a reader next to the computer. Instantly a separate screen popped up asking for authorization. Devin stepped aside to allow the customer access to the computer. A few key strokes and a thumb print latter and the money was transferred to Devin's personal account.

Escorting them back out of the house and right to their waiting limo, Devin helped them round-up the pups. He took his time saying good-bye to each pup as he helped them into the vehicle. The customers surprised the shit out of Devin though before they climbed into the limo themselves. The gentlemen reached into his coat pocket and produced an envelope and handed it to Devin. Confused he looked inside and was surprised to see the entire amount for the pups and services in cold hard cash.

"Not to be rude sir, but what is this for. You have already paid us for the pups and our services."

"We know this Master Kuroaki. This is your tip for superior services rendered. The grand master was correct to recommend only you to us." The gentlemen said with a kind and sincere smile.

Devin looked at both of them as their entire demeanor had instantaneously changed.

"So this entire time you were acting?"

"Oh no, we really are filthy rich, and we really do want a full litter of Eevee pups for our children."

"What about the runt, the one that I said would be an Umbreon?"

They both laughed heartily.

"He is a doll, and we can only imagine how much of a hand full he is at night. The reason we don't want him is because we already have a little Umbreon living with us. We don't need another one. We trust that he will have a good life here."

Devin was so dumb founded that all he could do was shake their hands as they got into their limo and drove away. With a chuckle and shake of his head he went back to the house where he was met by Mocha still holding the pup.

"Where did they go, they forgot one?" Mocha asked excitedly.

Devin noticed that Star and Zhen were there too and looking intently at Devin for an answer. Flower may have not gotten attached to her pups, but his girls had, and they were all showing concern for the little pup. Devin came to a snap decision right there.

"They did not need him. They already have an Umbreon waiting at home for his new extended family."

"What happen pup than?" Zhen asked concern written vividly all over her features.

"Well girls, he is your new baby brother, he is staying and coming with us."

It took all of two heart beats for Devin's words to sink in. When it did they all started to prance about and squeal in delight.

"What are you going to name him?" Star asked after giving her new brother a loving nuzzle.

"Well that is a very good question. I think I'll let Mocha decide since she has got up with me to care for him at night."

Mocha almost missed what Devin had said since she was so busy cuddling the little Eevee.

"Well since he likes to get us up at midnight with is yowling and prancing that is what I am going to name him, Midnight."

Devin gave a little smile as the girls went back to playing with and spoiling the pup. He decided he had better go and let Aunt Rose know what was going on, and give her, her cut of the profits from the pup's sale.

He wasn't so surprised when he knocked on his Aunt's bedroom door that it was answered by Lu. They gave each other a quick hug like they used to. Devin was greatful that there was no lingering awkwardness between them. By no means had what they done been reduced to just a fling or a business transaction, but they weren't about to let it ruin their relationship either. It was something that had to be done and they were able to move past it.

"Where is Aunt Rose?"

"Still on the phone, it seems really important."

"Who is it?"

"The League, and they really have her upset. I can feel it." Lu said moving to stand beside Devin while looking back towards Rose's personal office.

Devin could tell that Lu was genuinely concerned for his Aunt by the way she still had an arm around his waist. Devin leaned over and gently kissed the top of her head.

"I'll go see if I can make heads or tails of it. Can you please go and talk to your daughter. Abby and her are still fighting, and I don't like how she has been favoring her right knee again."

Lu knew what Devin was talking about. When Rio had been about two she was still perfecting the basics of doing a Blaze Kick and had practiced on a random bolder out in the Fighting Type area. She had been putting way too much power in to the kicks and the fire surrounding them and the boulder had finally had enough and exploded. Rio had been blown back, badly injuring her right knee. Most days it didn't bother her but every once in a while it would flare up and cause her pain and discomfort.

Lu gave him one last squeeze and took off to talk to her daughter. Devin on the other hand made his way towards the back of his Aunts room to where her private office was. He reached the semi closed-door just as she was saying good-bye to whomever it was she had been talking too. Devin gave a gentle knock on the door, slowly counted to three and opened the door.

Devin leaned up against the door frame and waited for his Aunt to acknowledge him. It took her a bit though, she seemed lost in thought. Picking up a pen she jotted down a note in her personal notebook, and then finally turned to acknowledge her nephew.

"So how did it go?"

Devin took the overstuffed envelope out of his pocket and passed it to his Aunt. Rose took the envelope with a questioning look. Opening it up her eyes got huge at what she saw.

"What is this?"

"That my dear Aunt is your part of the order."

Rose looked back at the envelope and did a quick estimate in her head.

"Devin unless I am missing something this looks like the fee for the entire work order."

"It is."

"Why are you giving me the whole thing, I'm only supposed to get a quarter, that is what we agreed upon." Rose asked even more confused.

"Well Aunt Rose that is actually our tip. They paid for the entire order electronically. So I decided to give you the cash as your part."

"Well that is mighty generous of you Devin." Rose replied setting the envelope aside.

"So what's going on?" Devin asked gesturing at the Vid-phone.

Rose just heaved a deep sigh.

"You need to get Blaze and Amaya together and pack your overnight bags. The League wants to speak to us about what happened in Veilstone City."

Devin rolled his eyes and shook his head. He really just wanted to get back on the road. That and he was really tired of explaining what happened.

"I really don't feel like explaining myself to a committee again."

"It's not really going to be a committee, just the four champions and the Grand Master."

For a second Devin thought he had miss heard her.

"Come again?"

"The interview will be conducted by the four champions and the Grand Master."

Devin leaned back up against the door frame, shut his eyes and rubbed them. He could feel his head pounding. His temples ached. He really didn't want to go through this again, especially with the League. However a League summons could not be ignored.

"And please Devin, only bring three of your girls. We are going to have enough problems."

Devin just nodded his head and went to do as he had been told.

Hoenn Region, Ever Grande City

Devin found himself once again glad that the League decided to have this little meeting in Ever Grande City, the seat of Hoenn's Pokémon League. It had taken them a day to drive here from Mauville City, and they had spent a day resting. Now though they waited in the lobby outside of a conference room.

He had opted to leave his girls at the Pokémon Center, much to their disapproval, but so had Blaze and Amaya, so it wasn't like they were alone. He just hoped that Rio, Star, and Zhen didn't do anything foolish.

Finally the receptionist let them into the conference room. Devin was had to admit that he was a little surprised that the conference room was so plain. It was a bland room with a less than stellar long table and some high back office chairs. None of them had time to ponder if the League was just being cheap, or if they thought this was just that unimportant.

A door at the other end of the room opened and in walked the champions from the four regions. Rose of course recognized all four of them. Devin on the other hand only knew Cynthia from the Sinnoh league. She was the only one of the champions to consistently keep her title over the years. Sure she had lost it a few times, but she always came back displaying that quality that made her a main stay champion. The others he had heard of but didn't really know. Kanto especially changed its champion like some people would change their under garments.

To tell the truth he was rather surprised that this meeting wasn't also including professors. Though he did find it rather amusing when they all grabbed their chairs at the same time and sat down as one. He found himself wondering if they had practiced it.

They had barely gotten a smile and a wave in at Cynthia when the receptionist came back in with a cart that had a large monitor on it. Every one watched as she went about setting the monitor up at the head of the table and then connecting it to the wall. When all was said and done she turned it on. Instantly the silhouette of a male bust filled the screen.

"Please have a seat." A disembodied electronic voice said to them.

Rose, Devin, Blaze, and Amaya all looked at each other before taking a collective seat. Everyone waited for everyone else to get situated before anyone else spoke.

"Sorry for the secrecy, but the Grand Masters identity must be protected for right now." Cynthia said as she passed out envelopes to everyone.

Opening the folder team Kuroaki knew what it was, it was all of their reports from what happened in Sinnoh. All of them made a show of reading the reports again, and waited for the inevitable round of questioning that they had all gone through several times already.

"So Devin you had a couple run-ins with a new Pokémon gang in Sinnoh that is comprised entirely of remnants of earlier Pokémon gangs throughout the years." This was asked by the Kanto Champion. Devin really wished he knew the guy's name, but for the life of him he could not remember it.

"That is correct." Devin answered promptly.

"One of them shot your Riolu." This was from the Johto Champion.

She was a teenaged girl who likewise Devin could not remember the name of.

"That is correct."

"You then ran into a rouge trainer on the out skirts of Sandgem Town who you defeated for his Zangoose. He then joined The Void." The Hoenn Champion asked.

"Again that is correct."

"You then got captured outside of Oreburgh City by a man calling himself Void and Darkrai." Cynthia asked.

"Yes they attacked me and a Pokémon I had just met."

"You were then taken to the old Team Galactic building in Veilstone City where you and the Absol Abigail were tortured." The Grand Masters electronic voice asked.

"Yes." Devin responded with a sigh.

The Champions all made notes in their folders.

"Rose, may I just call you Rose so we can just keep moving along?" The Kanto Champion asked.

"You may." Rose responded with a curt nod.

"Devin's Riolu called you seeking help in rescuing him."

"That is correct. Devin's Riolu is the daughter of my Lucario. It is her she actually called."

"You allow your Lucario to use a Vid-phone?" The Johto Champion asked in disbelief.

"I do indeed. She is very good at taking messages." Rose replied with a smile.

"How does she convey these messages to you, does she know how to read and write?"

"She can, but she usually just tells me." Rose responded, a warm smile spreading across her face.

"You can understand your Lucario?"

"We understand all Pokémon." Rose said gesturing between Herself, Devin, and Blaze.

"The entire Kuroaki bloodline was born in the Veridian forest. I don't know how Mr. Bunsen can understand the Poké-language." Cynthia spoke up.

The three other Champions looked at them in amazement.

"I volunteered for the translator implants 10 or so years ago." Blaze answered.

"I know this one." The Kanto Champion spoke up.

"It is said that people born in or around the Veridian forest are able to understand the Pokémon language. Though I have never met anyone before that was from the Veridian forest."

"You should talk to your people more often. Though we don't exactly like to announce ourselves. Pokémon, like people, do like their privacy." Rose said in an attempt to bring the conversation back to the matter at hand.

"You and Mr. Bunsen..." The Johto Champion continued.

"Please just call me Blaze since we are being so informal." Blaze interrupted.

"You and Blaze decided to go to Sinnoh instead of just reporting it to the cops and letting them handle it."

"That is correct. The local law officials had exhausted their resources in tracking my nephew. So yes we took it upon ourselves." Rose responded.

"How exactly did you do this?" The Hoenn Champion asked.

"Lu, my Lucario, helped me raise Devin. So she is just as connected to him as she is to me. She used her ability to see Aura to track Devin and Abby to the cave they had hidden in. From there we investigated the area and from the clues we found deducted that they had been taken to Veilstone City."

"Where you laid siege to The Voids secret hide out." Cynthia confirmed.

"Yes and in the process we met Void, whose real name is Victor Bright. He was ever so kind to gloat to us his master plan."

"And that Rose is why we are here. I know that the four of you have been grilled by several organizations; you have all told your story over and over. What we want to know is if you four think that Void will hold to what he has threatened. Do you believe he will hunt down and destroy any and all Pokémon that he feels are weak, including the Legendries'?" The Grand Master asked.

Team Kuroaki looked at the assembled Champions for a second before conversing among themselves. They had been asked a plethora of questions about Void and his intentions. But never had they been asked if they though that he might actually go through with them. So they had themselves a short conversation to ponder what they knew about Void. Eventually they all agreed.

"Yes we do believe that Void is fully capable of what he threatened, and actions should be taken to stop him now that he has amassed followers and wealth." Rose spoke for them since she had the most prestige.

"What makes you think that?" The Grand Master continued.

"He made a career out of trying to ruin my Ranch and reputation after he felt that I had wronged him in a business deal. As far I knew he had completely exhausted his wealth and resources in his attempts to ruin me. He got nowhere with it though since the terms of the contract were full filled."

The Champions talked among themselves for a second before looking back to them.

"We need to decide what to do. So if you would like, the receptionist will show you to the food courts."

With that the doors were opened and the receptionist came in to escort them out. Taking the Grand Masters advice they went to the food courts and had a bite to eat.

A Short time later

It only took about an hour before the receptionist came back to the food court to tell them that a decision had been reached and they were to return to the conference room.

When they got back to the conference room it was just in time to see the wait staff taking away the Champions lunch trays. Taking their seats again they waited for the Champions to tell them what had been decided. They weren't kept in suspense long.

"The League has decided that it would be a mistake to ignore the threat that Void and his gang represent."

Team Kuroaki and the Four Champions nodded their heads in agreement.

"There for it is the Leagues request that Trainers Devin Kuroaki, Amaya Navela, and Blaze Bunsen seek out the Legendary Pokémon."

The four of them were struck silent with shock and surprise.

"Once you find the Legendary Pokémon you will tag them each with a radio transmitter that the Pokémon Rangers can easily track."

Still the four of them could say nothing as the Grand Master continued on.

"However under no circumstances are any of you to capture any of the legendaries."

Devin was the first of the group to regain his senses.

"So you want us to go traipsing all over the world looking for legendaries. Electronically tagging them so the Rangers can find them when they want to. But we are not allowed to capture them, just observe."

"That is correct Devin."

"So you want me to give up on my quest to conquer the League, Amaya to give up on capturing Entei, Raikou, and Suicune. And Blaze... What is it that you want Blaze?"

Blaze made a showing of thinking about it.

"Actually Devin I do want to see the world. The Ranch is great and I am happy there, but I want to get out and have an adventure."

Rose and Devin looked at Blaze. This was news to both of them. Blaze had never once voiced any kind of wish for something outside of the Ranch. Blaze for his part just looked at them both and gave a polite smile with a shrug.

"Well it seems that Blaze is in on for this adventure. What about the rest of you?" The Grand Master asked.

"What exactly are we going to get out of this?" Amaya asked bluntly.

"You'll get to see the world, and the legendries'." The Kanto Champion replied.

"Not good enough." Was Devin's only reply.

"Well what is it you want than?" The Johto Champion asked.

Briefly the three teens and Rose talked among themselves in hushed tones. It was a short and heated debate, but quickly decided what they wanted.

"We have decided what we want, and what we want is to be granted the title of Pokémon Master upon the completion of the quest." Devin said.

"Is that all? I have no problem with that." The Hoenn Champion responded.

"Me either" Replied the Kanto Champion.

"Like wise." The Johto Champion chimed in.

Cynthia on the other hand just gave them all funny looks.

"Devin I know you and Blaze fairly well since I have so much business with the Ranch and your Aunt is my best friend. So I know you have something else in mind."

"These young Champions would really do well to learn from you Cynthia." Blaze said with a chuckle.

"What else do you three want than?" The Grand Master asked.

"Along with the title of Pokémon Master we also want access to the Masters League and invitations to the Masters Tournament." Devin said flatly.

"That's absurd! There is no such thing as the Masters League, or a Masters Tournament." The Johto Champion shouted.

Devin heaved a deep sigh and stood up. Turning to face away from the Champions and the Grand Master he removed his shirt so they could see the massive tattoo on his back.

"Right and the Order of Eon don't exist, nor does the Grand Master of the Pokémon League." Devin said looking over his shoulder.

The Champions went silent and hung their heads, except for Cynthia, she had a big grin on her face. There was no debating or arguing, they were all just silent. Abruptly the Grand Master let out a loud and hearty laugh.

"Oh that is always what I have liked about you Devin, your straight forwardness."

Absolutely everyone looked at the monitor dumb founded.

"I'll tell you what Devin you complete this mission and get a photograph of every single Legendary Pokémon and I will personally escort you to the Masters League Tournament." The Grand Master said.

With that the monitor went dark. The meeting was over and they were now stuck doing as the League had asked. As everyone filed out of the room the three teens couldn't help but wonder if they had just made a monumental mistake.

Mauville City, Mansion of the Grad Master of the Order of Eon

Devin looked up at the massive expanse of the mansion in front of him. As they had left the Pokémon center Devin's cell phone had gone off. It had been the personal assistant of Evan Thornbare, the Grand Master of the Order of Eon. Devin had no choice but to obey the summons.

"You going to be okay Devin?" Rose asked him as he stood there with Rio looking at the doors.

"Yeah, I should be."

"Okay we'll go and get some food or something. Give a call when you are done."

Devin gave a nod and extended a hand to Rio. Rio for her part hesitated only a second before taking the offered hand. Devin couldn't tell if she hesitated because she knew she was to be on her absolute best behavior, or if she was afraid of him. He really hoped she wasn't afraid of him. He noticed she had started flinching away from him after he had forced her and Abby face down in the ground and yelled at them. He didn't need further complications with her.

Together they walked up to the doors and knocked. As they waited for the door to be answered Devin stood there and observed Rio. She was nervous, and fidgety. She would look in his direction and then quickly avert her eyes back to her feet. The brief glimpse he had gotten of her eyes she looked sad, and her ears were wilted. She was afraid of him. Quickly while they still had time to themselves Devin scooped up Rio and balanced her on his hip.

"What's the matter Hun?"

Rio still refused to look at him and in fact she turned her head away from him and rested it on his shoulder. Devin could feel her sadness pouring from her, and it broke his heart. Silently Devin nuzzled his cheek against hers and left it there. He wanted her to feel his closeness. Slowly she reached her arms up and wrapped her arms around his neck. He wasn't surprised at all when she started shaking and his shoulder got wet.

"Rio what's wrong baby?"

"I don't want you to leave me behind."

"What are you talking about, I'm not going anywhere?"

"I'm not trying to be naughty, I want to be a good girl."

"I know you do, Dear."

"I love you so much Devin, I never want to be away from you."

Of course the assistant took that moment to open the door.

"Master Kuroaki, how good of you to come, and you brought little Rio with you." The assistant greeted them giving Rio a brief scratch behind the ear.

"This way please, Master Evan is waiting for you."

Devin and Rio were led through the massive mansion. Everywhere one looked it was clear that the owner was very wealthy and very obsessed with Eevee's and their history. Art, statues, books, collectibles, all dedicated to Eevee and its known evolutions. Even the doors leading into the Grand Masters bedchambers had Eevees carved in to it. Devin was ushered in to this room. Setting Rio down he motioned for her to have a seat in one of the many chairs that were in the room.

Slowly Devin approached the bed that dominated the main part of the room. The thing could have easily slept a dozen people. Instead it had only one occupant, a sick and frail looking elderly gentleman. Several leads were connected to his chest and arms. To say he looked terrible was an understatement, but he pulled it off with a grace and demeanor of someone that the highest of manors and presence of mind.

"Ah Devin you have finally made it." The old Master said with a warm smile.

"I'm sorry it took me so long, Old Man, had an official League summons to answer." Devin replied with a deep bow.

"Ah well what can you do, the Grand Master of the League calls and we all jump."

The two of them just stayed there in silence enjoying each others company.

"Devin I am dying." The old Master said quietly out of the blue.

Devin just nodded his head, he really had nothing to say to that.

"I have called you here today so that I might make two last requests of you."

"What can I do for you Master Evan?"

Sitting himself up a little so he could look at Devin better, he motioned for his assistant. She was quick to respond and approached the side of the bed with a tray baring eight Poké-balls, and a small stack of papers.

"First off Devin, to business." The Grand Master said picking up the stack of papers.

"I am signing the Order of Eon over to you. You will become the Grand Master. You will be in control of everything from the meetings to the overseeing of the research."

Devin was stunned, of all the things that the Grand Master of the Order of Eon could have said to him he had not expected it to be this. He knew the man well, he knew he liked a good joke. He also knew that he was being dead serious. No one on the planet loved for and cared for Eevees as much as this man did. To have him just hand the Order of Eon over to him spoke volumes of the man's trust in him.

"I don't know what to say sir."

"Say yes Devin."

"I can't Grand Master, I am no leader. There has to be someone better in the Order than me."

The Grand Master gave a short chuckle.

"There is no one better Master Kuroaki."

"I am a traditionalist; I would take the Order back to basics."

"And that is what I want."

"Huh?"

"I want the Order brought back to its roots. The Masters have become lazy and only concerned with the contents of their own bank accounts. I want the members to care once again for the Eevee."

Devin was silent for a long time. He didn't want to lead the Order, but at the same time he knew that the Grand Master was right, the Order had gotten out of control. The Grand Master saved him the trouble of pondering too long about it.

"You just think about it. I don't need an answer today." The Grand Master said with a warm smile.

"Yeah, yeah I'll just think about it for a bit." Devin said still deep in thought.

"Well while you think about it I do have one last request for you."

Devin looked back up at the Grand Master.

"I want you to take my team with you back to your Aunts Ranch. I want them to be happy, and well cared for." The Grand Master asked.

"That I can happily do for you. They will be well taken care of I promise you that." Devin said excepting the eight Pokéballs.

As Devin was placing the collapsed Poké-balls in to his pockets one of them fell from his hand and opened itself. Out of the red light materialized a very old Espeon. Slowly she made her way up the bed till she was right at the Grand Masters side, curled up and laid down next to him. Lovingly the Grand Master rested a hand on the old 'Mons side. Devin could feel the shared love between them as if it were a tangible thing.

Giving a slight bow Devin backed out of the main bed chamber to where he found Rio still waiting for him. With a gesture to stay silent He led Rio from the room and out of the mansion. Evan Thornbare, Grand Master of the Order of Eon just laid in bed with his closest friend, pondering the young man who had just left his house.

"Master, do you think he'll accept your offer."

"He has no choice, I have named him as my successor."

Kuroaki Ranch, Eevee Barn

They arrived back at the Ranch about midday. Rose had spent the entire trip grilling Devin about why he had turned down the Grand Masters offer. Every answer Devin gave her was not satisfactory enough for her. Rose was going to say more but as they pulled up to the house they were greeted by a news crew.

"Oh shit, I forgot they were going to be here." Rose said eyeing the news crew.

"We'll talk later Devin. Blaze take care of the jeep."

With that Rose got out of the jeep and greeted the News crew. Devin himself got out as well and handed Rio his overnight bag before taking off towards the Eevee barn. On his way there he came across Drizzle laying in a small pool.

"Hey Drizzle."

"Oh hey you're back. When did you guys get back?"

"About ten minutes ago. Are you busy?"

"Not really, why?"

"I could use your help with something."

"Oh really and what might that be?"

"Just follow me and I'll explain."

Drizzle got out of the little pool and trotted up to Devin not bothering to shake off, her body would just absorb the water on its own. Devin took a moment before heading the short distance to the Eevee barn to explain what was going, and that he needed her help to integrate the new Eeveelutions in to the group of other Eevee's. It wasn't what she had expected Devin to ask of her, however it sounded important enough that she would still help him.

Once inside the barn Devin found a clean unused pen and started to release the Grand Masters Eevee. He wasn't surprised at all to see that every last one of them was a perfect representation of it Eeveelution. He gave them all a moment to look about. As to be expected they were all confused about where they were and said just as much.

"Where are we?" The actual Eevee of the group asked looking right at Devin."Master Evan has become very sick and has entrusted your care to me for the time being. I am Devin Kuroaki, a master of the Order of Eon, and you are on my Aunts Ranch."

"Is the Master going to be alright?" The Vaporeon asked, concern written all over her features."Unfortunately Dear, no, he feels his time is near and is readying himself for his journey to the Eternal Garden."

"What is going to happen to us?" The Leafyeon asked.

"You will stay here where you will be cared for. Some of you may even be able to go to new homes with loving new masters."

"You can't promise us that, you don't know if a human is going to be loving or not." The Umbreon responded hotly.

"No but I can promise you this, if you so choose to go to a new family I will make sure that they are decent people. Grand Master Evan trusts me to do what is best for all of you, so you should trust me as well. I will not let anything bad happen to you."

He let his words sink in to their heads before he continued.

"This is my good friend Drizzle, she will make sure that you are welcomed properly on to the Ranch. She too will always be there to help you out."

With that being said Drizzle got up and went about and greeted each one of them with a quick nuzzle and lick on the cheek. While she was doing that Devin got all of their names and went about registering them to him. The last one to be greeted was a Jolteon about the same age as Drizzle. When Drizzle got to him he was laying on the ground, face buried in his paws, crying. Lightly Drizzle placed a paw on his forehead to get his attention. When he looked at her a jolt ran through the entirety of Drizzles body, he was gorgeous.

"Hey don't cry, what's the matter?"

"I want to go home." He said quite plainly with a sniffle.

"But this is your home now cutie."

The Jolteon renewed his crying. Drizzle laid down right in front of him so that they would be nose to nose when he looked at her next.

"My name is Drizzle, what's your name?"

"...Ion..."

"Well Ion I've been terribly lonely lately, I have no friends my age to play with any more. Do you want to be my friend Ion, because I want to be yours. And then we can play together. Would you like that Ion, would you like to play with me?"

Ion looked Drizzle right in the eyes and saw the sincerity in them. Slowly he nodded his head at her. Drizzle gave a happy squeak and moved to lay next to Ion instead in front of him. As she lay there nuzzled up next to him she gently started to lick away his tears. It didn't take long and Ion rested his head on her front paws. With a privet smile Drizzle rested her head on the back of his and wrapped her tail up around his body.

Devin himself had a small privet smile as he watched the two of them. Most "experts" agreed that there was no physical change, no notable event when a 'Mon finds their life mate and bonds with them for the first time. Any breeder worth anything can tell you the exact moment it happens. Drizzle and Ion had just become life mates. Devin left Drizzle to what she was doing, they would be fine.

As Devin stepped out into the day light the side of the house exploded.

House, Ten Minutes ago

Rio lugged Devin's overnight bag up to their room. She was feeling really good, she couldn't wait to go see the new Eeveelutions that Devin had gotten from the Grand Master. She found it odd though that she had not run into any of her sisters yet. Getting to the door she found it closed. Perplexed she reached up and opened the door. Her nose was instantly assaulted by the smell of roses.

"Devin, I've been waiting for you."

Rio looked up in time to see Abby luxuriously roll over on the bed to face the door. She had covered the bed in rose petals and had waited for Devin to return. neither one had expected the other, and the way they looked at each other said just as much.

"Rio what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing Abby."

Abby stretched out in a very suggestive manner before answering her.

"I was waiting for Devin, I wanted to welcome him back home properly."

Rio shook her head in disgust and dropped the overnight bag. Before the bag hit the ground she launched Herself at Abby hitting her solidly in the side with a "Quick Attack". Abby flew off the bed and hit the wall hard. Before she was able to slide down the wall Rio was on her again. Rio hit her so hard with "Blaze Kick" that the wall exploded behind her.

Abby hit the ground rolling. She got back on her feet just in time to see Rio come flying out of the hole she had created, her foot on fire. Abby quickly dodged away just as Rio made contact with the ground. Dirt flew into the air obscuring Rio's view.

"You little one trick Bitch!"

Abby rushed Rio through the dust and hit her solidly with a "Slash" attack. Rio went sailing back in to the back-end of a News van that was parked there. She was just pushing herself off the van when she was hit full force with a "Dark Pulse". Rio was blown back through the van. The explosion shook the house, collapsing the rest of the house over Devin's room.

"What the hell is going..." Rose yelled running around the corner of the house.

Her yelling was cut short as a "Razor Wind" tore off the side of the house. Rose looked through the wreckage that had been her kitchen just in time to see Rio slap Abby up alongside the head with a "Force Palm". Abby used the force of the hit to spin around and use "Dark Pulse" again. Rio flipped over the dark attack and tried again to hit Abby with a "Blaze Kick". Abby jumped up and back to avoid the attack. Rio had expected her to do that and immediately leapt into the air after her with a "Sky Uppercut".

Abby hit the ground hard. Rio had caught her in the chest. She didn't have time to recover as Rio was once again on her with "Quick Attacks". Abby dodged as many as she could, but the attacks were coming just too fast. In desperation Abby opened her mouth and caught Rio's next incoming attack. With a jerk of her head she sent Rio flying in to the Normal Type Barn.

Rio hit the ground rolling. Coming to her feet she spared a glance at Abby to judge the charging Absol's distance. Rio turned back towards the barn and ran up the wall. Pushing off the wall, her foot on fire, Rio intended to catch Abby up alongside the head. However Abby wasn't there.

Rio looked all about, but saw no trace of Abby. A sound on the other side of the barn caught her attention. Rio ran as fast as she could to the source of the sound. She was disappointed to see that it was just Mocha, Zhen, and Midnight playing.

Rio took a second to look in the semi open doors of the barn. All she saw was a few Normal Types milling about. She decided that it couldn't hurt to ask her sisters if they had seen Abby.

The sound of running is all the warning she got. Spinning around Rio barely got her arms up in time to catch Abby's "Slash Attack" on the metal bumps on her hands. The force of the impact was enough to push Rio out in to the open. She didn't bother acknowledging her other sisters, her focus was once again on Abby.

Abby charged Rio again but no discernible attack was being made. Abby just plain tackled Rio to the ground and started biting at any exposed bit that Rio exposed to her. Rio did her best to defend against Abby, but Abby was done playing by any kind of rules. She was fighting for keeps.

Rio stuck her forearm in the way of Abby's next incoming ""Bite" and used her momentary stunned state to punch her in the neck. Abby back peddled gasping for breath. Rio nipped to her feet and rushed in on Abby grabbing her by the sides of her head. Quickly Rio struck her several times with a few well-placed knees to the face. Letting go of the stunned Absol with one hand and still holding on with the other Rio viciously punched her several more times in the face. Something latched on to her arm preventing her from hitting again. Rio turned her deadly glare on to Zhen.

"Rio stop! Abby hurt!" Zhen pleaded.

"That's the point, I'm going to kill her and end all of our problem once and for all. Now back off!"

Without thinking Rio jerked her arm away from Zhen and then hauled off and "Force Palm" slapped her across the face on her blind side. Zhen went down in a heap holding her face. When she looked back at Rio it was with a look of absolute horror. Zhen got back to her feet and hurried over to Mocha, tears flowing from her eye. Mocha already had Midnight in hand, and she too looked stricken at what she had just seen. Together Mocha and Zhen ran off in search of Devin.

"Are you proud of yourself now, little Rio? You have hurt Zhen."

Rio had almost forgotten that she still had Abby in hand and it cost her. As Rio looked back to Abby, she lunged forward and drove her forehead into Rio's nose. Rio instantly let go of Abby and covered her bloody nose with both paws. Not letting the opening slip Abby lunged in and head-butted Rio again, this time in the gut.

The air rushed from Rio as Abby made contact. She looked up just in time to see Abby spin around and Mule kick her squarely in the face. Rio went sailing back a few feet. On instinct Rio tucked her body up so she rolled backwards, as well as doing a Blaze Kick at the same time. The momentum brought her back to her feet. It also had the added effect of hitting Abby right under the chin as she had charged in.

Rio charged Abby and struck out at her head again with "Force Palm". Abby dodged to the side and used "Bite" to catch Rio by the arm. Rio for her part grabbed Abby by the horn and with a mighty heave threw her at a boulder. Abby hit hard and stayed there. Seeing an opening Rio ran in to do a "Blaze Kick" and end the fight.

Abby still dazed slid off the boulder that had held her up just in time to see Rio's flaming foot come crashing knee first in to the spot where her head had been. Rio instantly started to favor that knee. Not wanting to waste an opportunity Abby pressed an attack and caught the knee full force with "Slash".

Rio's knee gave, and would no longer support her weight. Abby once again pressed her advantage and went to "Bite" Rio's knee. Rio for her part tried using "Force Palm " to slap Abby away.

Abby was done though, she was going to end this fighting. She made several attempts to "Bite" Rio. Rio avoided each "Bite" attack, but her strength was failing her, and her knee was burning with pain. Abby finally got her one last hit in. grabbing ahold of Rio's right leg with "Bite" she gave a mighty heave of her body putting as much torque as possible in to her twisting motion.

She just wanted to slam Rio in to the boulder hard enough to knock her out. That is not what happened though. With a loud snap Rio's leg bent at a funny angle. Rio let out the most blood curdling scream causing Abby to drop her. Rio drew her leg up to her chest and bawled her eyes out. Abby panicked.

"DEVIN!" Abby screamed as loud as she could.

Mauville Pokemon Hospital, several hours later

Several hours had passed since Rio and Abby's fighting had ended. Their fight had severely damaged the house, the News crews van, a portion of the Normal Barn, a part of the Normal area. Top that all off with the trip to the emergency room for Rio, and Devin owed his Aunt a lot of money.

That's where they were right now. The doctors weren't letting him into the recovery room to see her so he had been left out in the waiting room. Rose had stayed at the Ranch to deal with the reporters and starting the cleanup. But when she was finally able to get to the Hospital she had dragged Devin out in to the parking lot and yelled at him to great lengths.

Abby for her part took the opportunity to sneak into the recovery room and seek Rio. It didn't take her long to find her; she had managed to get a room all to herself. Silently Abby snuck in and up to the bed. Rio looked to be asleep. As gently as she could she jumped up on the foot of the bed, turned a circle and laid down resting her head on her front paws. She laid there just watching the little Riolu.

"I never meant to hurt you little Rio, not ever. But everything I do to and for you is wrong. I'm not entirely sure it's my fault, but it sure feels like it is time and again. I don't want to fight with you, I want to be your friend, I want to be your sister, and I want to be a part of this family. I understand your connection to and your desire for Devin, I can respect that. But I love him too, and I desire him as well. Can you understand that.

Truth is he saved me as much as I saved him that night. I can only imagine what I would be doing right now had I let Void kill him. But what I can't imagine is what my life would be like without him in it. I don't want him just for his body, I want him for the family he can give me, a family I have never had."

Tears ran freely down her cheeks as she spoke to the sleeping Riolu

"Can you understand that Rio. I am sorry I have hurt you so. I promised that I would always protect him from harm that is why I am always around him. I won't fight you anymore Rio, I won't ever hurt you again. Because to hurt you is to hurt him. He loves you so very much, you can see it when he looks at you. I just want you to understand. You don't have to like me, and I don't have to like you, but we have to get along for him. We have to, or one of us is going to lose everything. I don't want to lose this. You guys are my family."

Abby buried her face in her paws and cried herself to sleep. Rio on the other hand had heard every word Abby had to say and was crying herself. It was some time before Devin was allowed in to see Rio. He could honestly say he was not surprised to see Abby in there or on Rio's bed.

Devin found a chair and brought it over to the bed side so he could sit next to her. Gently Devin rested a hand next to Rio's head and using two fingers gently stroked her cheek. He was a bit surprised when she grabbed his hand in her own two, nuzzled it, and held it to her chest.

"The doctors said that your leg should be fine in a week or two, but you should take it easy till then."

"I bet Aunt Rose was furious wasn't she?"

"Yes she was. You girls caused a lot of damage, and she is making me pay her back for it all."

"I'm sorry Devin."

They sat in silence for a little bit before he talked again.

"The doctors found something while they were fixing your leg."

"Yeah like what?"

"They found a sliver of stone in your knee. It had been there for some time. They think it is why you've been getting your random knee pains."

"Really?"

"Yes, and get this, it was a sliver of Ever stone. That's why you have never evolved."

Rio got a faraway sad look in her eye.

"I thought I haven't evolved yet because we were mad at each other, and that you didn't love me anymore."

"Oh Honey what ever made you think that."

"We have been so mad at each other for so long I thought that was the reason you have given your love to other and not me."

Devin stood up and cupped Rio's face in both of his hands so she was looking at him.

"I have never stopped loving you Rio; you are my number one girl. You are the first part of my joy and the source of all my happiness."

Rio placed her paws on his hands and brought them down to where she could kiss them both.

"If I make you so happy and bring you so much joy why haven't you shown me yet?"

"What you want Rio, or what you think you want is only one aspect of love. Your body isn't ready for that."

"I want your love, that's what I want. I know you love me but you love all the others too. I will always have to share you. I will never have you to myself."

Devin took her face in his hands again and kissed her forehead.

"You alone have my love. Yes I love all of you girls and your brother, but it is you that I am IN love with."

Rio broke down crying in Devin's hands. Devin drew Rio into his arms and let her bawl her eyes. As gently as he could he lifted her out of bed and sat down with her in his lap and rocked her.

"Don't cry Rio, don't cry Rio, don't cry. Come now dry your eyes, kiss all your sadness good-bye." Devin whispered to her in soothing tones.

He even started to hum her Lula-bye. Slowly she started to calm down. Rio was just starting to truly relax when something warm and wet fell on her chest. She was confused at first till a few more hit her chest. Looking up she saw that Devin was silently crying too as he was rocking her. Gently she placed a paw on his cheek.

"You girls really scared me. You weren't battling or sparing, you were fighting with intent to kill. When I got there you were just lying on the ground holding your leg, screaming in pain. Abby standing over you terrified over what she had done. I don't know what I would do if I lost any of you. Especially you Rio, my world would end without you in it."

Rio pushed herself up in Devin's lap. He didn't know what she was doing till she was face to face with him.

"I love you Devin."

With that Rio leaned in and kissed Devin on the lips. It was a light kiss at first, like she was testing the waters. When Devin didn't resist her she kissed him again, this time a little deeper. She was surprised when he opened his mouth to hers and kissed her back. Rio separated from him to look him in the eyes.

"I love you more than you will ever know Rio."

With that He drew her in again and kissed her long, deep and passionately. Rio lost herself to the embrace and stretched her arms around his neck the best she could. Having no place better to put them Devin rested his hands on the small of her back.

So wrapped up in each other that neither on noticed as a bright glow crept over her body. However Devin noticed as soon as his hands started to move apart and she started to get heavier. A sudden loud crack filled the room as her legs elongated and tripled in mass, cracking the cast around her right leg. Her arms got longer too, all she noticed was that he could wrap her arms better around his neck. Devin suddenly stopped kissing her.

"Rio you need to see something."

"What?"

Devin pointed to something off to the side. Turning her head she saw a full length mirror. But it is what she saw in the mirror that really caught her attention. Sitting there in the chair was Devin, but there was a Lucario sitting in his lap. Then it hit home, the Lucario was her. Rio squealed and jumped out of his lap to look at herself.

She was a little taller than her mother. Looking at the shiny new spikes on the back of her hands she noticed that instead of having three fingers on her paw she had hands with a thumb and two fingers each. Looking back at the mirror she noticed that she had a small tuft of fur sticking up on top of her head.

When she went to look at her chest spike she got her next surprise there on her chest was a set of breasts of moderate size. They were bigger then Mochas, but smaller then her mothers. Nestled high between them was her chest spike. Gently she touched it. It was a little sensitive and felt loose.

She didn't dwell on it long though as she noticed that her legs and hips had developed differently. They were longer and more supple like a Blazikens, but still maintained the defined separation of the traditional Lucario thighs and calves. She also noticed she now possessed a decent butt if she did say so herself. Hanging off her butt wagging happily was her new longer tail that was tipped in black. She turned to look at Devin, a giant satisfied smile on her face.

"You look so beautiful Hun."

Rio covered her mouth with both hands as she once again squealed with joy and threw herself into Devin's open arms. Once again he kissed her long and deep.

"I am so happy you evolved."

Rio didn't respond with words. Instead she leaned in and kissed Devin again. Abby had woken up while Rio was evolving. She had to admit Rio made a stunning Lucario. Lightly jumping off the bed Abby trotted up to them and sat down.

"Rio... I... I'm so sorry. For everything. I..." Abby started to say.

"Abby I heard everything you said earlier. I think we can come to a mutual understanding."

Abby dipped her head, and decided to leave them be. Silently she made her way out of the room to leave them be.

"So where were we?""We were about to call in the doctor to check on your leg."

"I think my leg can wait just a little bit longer."

Devin and Rio just smiled lovingly at each other, and got lost once again in each other's embrace.