Ch.11 Making Connections in Kanto

A Random Clearing Near Slateport City, Two months ago

"Abby, it's time to show what you're made of!"

And with a bright flash of dark energy Abby was released from her ball, she landed with a little prance, and exotic stretch of her body. Across from Devin and Abby stood a young trainer and his own Lucario. The trainer had challenged Devin while they were waiting for Blaze and Amaya to buy tickets on the cruise ship to go to Kanto. Richard and his Lucario who he had introduced as Kara both looked famished, and Devin wanted his girls to get a bit of a work out before they officially got back on the road.

"Trace, come on little brother there is work to be done."

A Gallade sprang forth from a Poke-ball and took up an immediate fighting stance.

"Careful Abby, he looks like he means business."

"Awe lighten up Devin, this is supposed to be fun. Besides he is kind of cute."

Abby said this last part as she sat back on her haunches, and flashed the Gallade a smile and a wink. The Gallade looked questioningly back at Richard.

"What was that for?"

"She is just trying to confuse you Trace. Use "Psycho Cut" on her."

The Gallade wound up with the blade on its arm glowing with psychic energy. He made a slashing motion in the air and a blade of psychic energy came screaming at Abby.

"Abby dodge and use "Dark Pulse"."

Abby obediently rolled to the side and in the same motion gave an exaggerated jerk of her head and unleashed a radiating ring of dark energy. The Gallade named Trace jumped high over the attack.

"Trace use "Aerial Ace"."

Trace dive bombed at Abby, his arms crossed in front of him glowing with energy. Abby barely got out of the way in time. She was grazed pretty good though, and gave a little limp as she got back to her feet.

"Abby "Dark Pulse" into "Razor wind" come on."

"Trace jump over the "Dark Pulse" and then again over the "Razor Wind"

Abby gave an exaggerated jerk of her head sending out the "Dark Pulse" and as ordered Trace jumped over the ring of dark energy then jumped again as Abby's follow up attack went screaming underneath him.

"Trace as soon as you land charge in with "Leaf Blade"."

"Abby, counter with "Slash"!"

Trace landed and immediately charged Abby with "Leaf Blade". Abby countered with "Slash" as she had been told. The two attacks tied up, and through off residual energy as neither Pokémon gave an inch. Little beads of sweat started to form on Abby's forehead.

"Trace, now, just like we practiced."

With a smirk the Gallade side-stepped and let Abby's applied force carry her past him. Abby had the most profound look of surprise on her face as she went sailing past too. She didn't hear the other trainer give his next command as she spun about and came fist to face with a "Drain Punch". Abby went down like a ton of bricks, and didn't get back up. Devin recalled her.

"You did an amazing job Abby, thank you." Devin said giving her white and black ball a little kiss.

"Thank you little brother." Rich said recalling the Gallade.

"Is she going to be okay?" Rich asked.

"Yeah she will be fine, thank you."

At the same time Devin and Rich pulled there next balls.

"Mocha, lets dance."

"Loppy, time to bounce."

With two bright flashes two nearly identical Lopunny stood facing each other, and took up the exact same fighting stance. It took another second and both Lopunny dropped their guard and looked at each other in confusion, then back at their respective trainers questioningly. Rich and Devin were even looking at the two of them and each other confused.

"Your Lopunny looks like my Lopunny." Devin exclaimed.

"Except your Lopunny looks more human. How does she have breasts and the figure for clothes?"

Devin noticed that Mocha and Rich's Loppy hadn't stopped looking at each other like they may have just found something they had searched for.

"Much like our Lucario, my Lopunny is "touched"."

"Touched?" Richard asked confused.

"A Pokémon becomes "Touched" when they are evolving and a human touches them and they don't stop evolving. The Pokémon continues to evolve but takes on a few of the humans genetic traits. They are varied and differ from Pokémon to Pokémon. I accidentally touched Mocha while she was evolving and she developed her breasts and human like genitals. That is why she is wearing clothes."

"That is very interesting, but I didn't touch Kara while she evolved, she just evolved like that." Rich said

Devin looked again at Rich's Lucario. She just gave an innocent smile and shrug as she nodded her head. Meanwhile Mocha and Loppy hadn't stopped just staring at each other questioningly.

"Who are you?" Mocha asked taking a tentative step towards Loppy.

"Loppy, who are you?" Loppy asked likewise stepping closer to Mocha.

"Mocha"

"Do you girls still want to battle?" Devin asked not wanting to interrupt the two of them.

"Loppy?" Rich asked with a little concern.

"Yeah we are good." Mocha said getting back into her fighting stance.

"May I talk to her later Rich?"

"Absolutely Hun. Now, Loppy "Ice Beam"!"

"Mocha counter with "Ice Punch"!"

Loppy tilted her head way back taking in as much air as she could, then fired a well-aimed "Ice Beam" right at Mocha. Mocha for her part balled up her right fist and met Loppy's "Ice Beam" with her "Ice Punch". The impact was tremendous, it spun Mocha about and landed her right on her back side.

"Mocha quick get back to your feet and use "Fire Punch"!"

"Loppy quick dodge it."

Loppy barely got out of the way as Mocha's flaming left hook soared over the spot her head had been at. Devin didn't order another attack so she did it again, and again Loppy dodged aside.

"Loppy, use "Dizzy Punch" to get her off of you." Rich ordered.

"Mocha counter with "Ice Punch"!"

It was like watching a twisted mirror image as both the Lopunny balled up their right fists and reached back the same distance and struck out with their respective attacks. Mid swing the two punches collided creating enough recoil to force the two apart. Mocha recovered first and just stared at her paw in disbelief of her own power.

"Mocha, what are you waiting for, use "Jump Kick" while she was disoriented."

Mocha hesitated for a second, she really wanted to talk to Loppy and she might not be so willing to talk if she had a dislocated jaw. But Devin was right she had to press her advantage.

"Loppy, be ready."

With a leap forward Mocha spun around in mid-flight, the edges of her sundress flaring out, as she went to deliver a spinning "Jump Kick" to Loppy's upper body.

"Loppy, roll to the side to avoid it."

Loppy barely dodge rolled out of the way as Mocha went sailing over her head and came crashing to the ground.

"Loppy, quick use "Low Kick"!"

Much like Mocha a few seconds ago Loppy wanted to talk to Mocha after the fight and didn't want to hurt her. But Rich had told her to attack. Loppy lashed out half-heartedly in a sweeping motion with her foot and caught Mocha right across the face. Mocha gave a little yelp as she got a face full of foot.

"Come on Mocha you can do it! Get up and shake it off."

Mocha got back to her feet holding her cheek.

"Are you alright Mocha?" Loppy asked her voice heavy with concern.

"I'm fine Loppy, nice hit." Mocha responded while getting back into her fighting stance.Loppy once again took hers up as well.

"Loppy come on and end this with "Return"!" Rich shouted.

"Mocha, "Focus Blast"!"

Loppy charges in on Mocha with full intentions of hitting her with the move she had been instructed to do. However as she charged in Mocha had been charging her attack and proceeded to blast Loppy at point-blank range. Loppy went sailing through the air and came to a rolling stop several feet away. Mocha was in shock and awe, as she looked at her own paws in disbelief.

"Way to go Mocha. Now rush in and finish her off with "Fire Punch"!"

Mocha rushes in on Loppy, her right fist a blaze.

"Loppy do the same thing you did before to avoid her "Jump Kick"!"

Loppy nodded and tried to roll a side, but her leg gave out with a sharp pain. She had enough time to look up and see Mocha coming in with her fist a blaze. She froze in terror at the sight. The next thing she knew there was a slight burning sensation along her left cheek. She then realized that Mocha had her dead to rights, and had missed on porpoise. Mocha too had a look of terror in her eyes as she looked at Loppy. Loppy just laid back in submission, the battle was over.

Mocha withdrew her fist from along Loppy's head. As she did so she un-balled it and offered Loppy her paw. Loppy took the offered paw without hesitation and let Mocha help her up.

"Are you okay?" Mocha asked with concern.

"Yeah I'll be fine, thank you."

Mocha pulled Loppy up off the ground and right into a hug. Again Loppy didn't hesitate and returned the friendly hug and rested her head on Mocha's shoulder.

"Making new friends you two?" Devin asked.

"You two did great." Rich complimented them.

"Thank you." They both said at the same time, than looked at each other and giggled.

Together they walked over to a tree and started talking with each other.

"Wow they are really hitting it off." Devin said watching the two Lopunny talking and laughing with each other.

"I'd say. I just can't get over how alike they are. Shall we continue Devin."

With a nod Devin pulled his next ball and gave it a throw. With a bright flash Star emerged, gave a stretch and a little roar.

"Star you're up!"

"Nice, I've always had a soft spot for Electric Types, Amber it's all you."

A very lovely Ninetales came strutting forward, the sunlight catching the slight golden tint to her fur quite nicely. Proudly she took her place opposite Star. Amber was easily twice the size of Star, and unless he had missed his guess she was also easily twice Stars level. Devin thought to call her back, but he could see that Star really wanted to battle. After battling Rich twice now he could tell the young man knew what he was doing.

"Star use tackle!"

Star charged the Ninetales as fast as she could.

"Amber use "Dark Pulse" please" Rich ordered.

With a flourish of her tales and a twist of her body, Amber unleashed her "Dark Pulse". Star was already charging in though.

"Star, try to jump over it."

Star jumped with all of her might. She thought she had cleared the radiating ring of darkness. Till it hit her back paws. With a yelp Star was sent end over end and came crashing to the ground. With a determined snort Star popped back to her feet and growled cutely at the larger Ninetales.

"Star use tackle again Hun, come on you can do it."

"Amber continue to dodge her attacks."

Amber gracefully dodged aside as Star came charging at her. Stars feet slipped out from under her as she skidded to a stop and charged Amber again. With a smile Amber stepped aside again and let Star go sailing by. Star tried one more time to tackle Amber. This time instead of dodging the Ninetales stuck a paw out and caught Star right on the forehead stopping her in her tracks. So surprised was Star that she didn't even cover herself in electricity to defend herself.

"Wait, Devin... How strong is Star?" Rich suddenly asked.

Devin pulled out his Pokédex just to make sure before he answered.

"She is a level 35, why?" Devin answered and then asked.

"Amber... you're done, come on back. This round is yours Devin."

Amber just smiled at Star and headed back to her trainer.

"I'm sorry Devin, but of all my team members Amber has worked the hardest. She is far stronger than Star and the match would have ended with her getting hurt."

Devin smiled as he welcomed Star back.

"That is fair enough. Zhen baby your up."

"Ashley it's you this time little sister."

Rich watched as the smallest Zangoose he had ever seen came out from behind Devin's leg and timidly walked out onto the field. She had multiple horrendous scars all over her body. Rich was about to attack Devin when he noticed that he had a look in his eyes of heartbreak and absolute regret.

Looking up from Zhen, Devin watched as a Gardevoir floated out onto the field. This could be a problem; Zhen had never faced a psychic type before. He had faith in Her though. She had been in tough fights before.

"Zhen, "Quick Attack"!"

With a blinding blur Zhen shot off towards Rich's Gardevoir.

"Ashley, use "Teleport" to dodge it." Rich said calmly.

Zhen's attack hit nothing but open air. Rich's Gardevoir simply vanished. Zhen started to panic as her eye darted about looking for her opponent. Devin could see her panicking.

"She is around Zhen, don't panic. Just stay calm and when she appears use "Crush Claw"." Devin tried to reassure her.

"Ashley, Use "Focus Blast" now!" Rich yelled.

Out of nowhere Rich's Gardevoir materialized behind Zhen. Zhen felt the displacement of air as Ashley rematerialized. Following Devin's instructions Zhen whirled about to deliver a "Crush Claw" like she had been ordered. Been when she turned to face Ashley, she came face to face with a "Focus Blast". Zhen stared at the lumbering ball of energy that was screaming at her like a Stantler caught in the headlights. With a shriek Zhen took the hit and went flying hitting the ground hard behind her.

"Come on Hun, it wasn't so bad. Get back up you can do it." Devin shouted encouragingly to Zhen.

Slowly Zhen got back to her unsteady feet and shook her head to clear it.

"That's a good girl Zhen. Now one more time use "Quick Attack" please."

Once again Zhen flashed towards Ashley to do as she was told.

"Ashley one more time use "Teleport" to dodge the attack.

As before Zhen's "Quick Attack" once again hits open air. Spinning about she repeated the attack behind her, again hitting nothing. This time she didn't panic and waited for Ashley to make her move.

"Ashley use "Psychic"!"

Ashley reappeared right behind Zhen and hit her hard with the "Psychic" attack forcing her face down into the dirt with her hind end up in the air, and held her there. Zhen was horrified. She had been in this exact same position to many times to count, hurt, face down in the dirt with her hind end in the air

Zhen freaked and started screaming. Ashley instantly let up on the attack and looked to Rich scared. Rich didn't know either and looked to Devin who had rushed on to field. Coming to a sliding stop on his knees in front of Zhen he scooped her up and started comforting her.

"Devin, what happened?" Richard asked stepping onto the field as well.

"I rescued Zhen from a terrible trainer that belittled, beat, and raped her repeatedly"

Devin continued to hug and cuddle Zhen.

"You are a very good girl Zhen, you did the best you could and I am very proud of you."

Ashley Bent over and lovingly stroked and patted Zhen's head.

"Are you alright Zhen?" Ashley asked.

Zhen looked up at her then promptly buried her face back into Devin's chest. Devin just smiles as he pats Ashley on the head."She'll be okay Ashley; she has never faced a psy type before."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah with a little rest she'll be fine. She is a very strong little girl, even if she doesn't think so." Devin said with a warm smile to Ashley.

Ashley and Rich walk back to their end of the field, Devin took Zhen back to his. Devin took a moment to set Zhen by Mocha before returning to the field.

"Well Rich I see you have two left that can battle, truth be told even though I have two left only one can battle. So this will be our last battle, okay?"

"That sounds good to me. Let's go Kara."

Rich's Lucario stepped forth on to the field. Devin had to admit she was a vision. He couldn't be sure without a hands-on examination, but if he had to guess, other than her "touched" areas she looked to be a text-book perfect Lucario. Her "touched" areas were very nice as well.

"Rio, Let's Rock!"

Rich watched as Devin's Lucario came bouncing onto the field. He was quick to notice that the bounce in her step wasn't the only thing about her that was bouncing. She immediately took up a fighting stance that reminded him of both a Lucario's and a Blaziken's.

The differences didn't stop there either. He noticed as she stood there flexing her fists that instead of having the standard three fingers like a Lucario she had a thumb and two big fingers per hand. Her legs were long, again conjuring images of a Blaziken, but still held the Lucario definition between her thighs and her calves. And then there was her scar.

"Um... Devin... I take it that your Lucario is "touched" as you put it earlier. But what else?" Rich asked.

"I don't think I get what you mean?"

"Your Lucario, Rio right, doesn't look like a complete Lucario."

Devin looked from Rich and Kara, to Rio, then back again. He did this a couple of times before it dawned on him.

"Oh! I get what you're saying. Her father is a Blaziken and a few of those traits have become apparent since she evolved."

This earned Devin a dirty glare that didn't go unnoticed by anyone.

"I've never seen such a pronounced breeding like that before." Rich said now admiring the subtle differences to Rio's anatomy

"You're making fun of me?! He's making fun of me!"

"He is not making fun of you, Hun" Devin reassured her, trying to settle her down.

"I'm not making fun of you, I've seriously never seen such pronounced genetics like yours."

Rio just looked at Rich in open amazement.

"And you can understand me?" Rio was in shock

"I've been able to understand everything everyone has said this entire battle."

Devin couldn't help himself and laughed.

Both Lucario finally looked at each other.

"What?! Do I look funny to you too, little miss perfect!?" Rio snapped at her.

"No Rio, not at all." Kara responded calmly.

"Well what then?" Rio's words losing a lot of their heat.

"I think your differences make you look very pretty Rio" Kara responded.

"I... you... Really?" Rio smiled.

"Yes I do." Kara replied.

"...thank you, you're really very pretty too."

"You girls ready?" Devin asked.

They both nodded and took up their respective battle stances.

"Rio use "Quick Attack"!"

"Kara counter with "Extreme Speed"!"

The two Lucario disappeared. Several impacts to the air were seen and felt. Rio was the first one to reappear and took several more hits.

"Rio when she is done counter by using "Quick Attack" again!"

Rio took the last hit and made to use "Quick Attack" as she was told.

"Kara use "Psychic"."

Kara's eyes flashed and Rio's foot stopped mere inches from her head. Rio's eye flashed with confusion and then surprise as she was hurled back. Rio hit the ground hard and rolled back to her feet, glaring at Kara.

"Way to go Kara." Rich cheered Kara on.

"See Rio this is why we don't underestimate out opponents, remember what happened last time."

Rio instantly shot Devin a dirty glare.

"Rio "Blaze Kick" now!"

Rio leapt at Kara, her foot on fire, fully intending to hit her in the head.

"Kara, quick stop her with "Psychic"."

Once again Rio froze in midair, try as she might she could not touch Kara with her burning foot. Kara gave Rio a smile and waved No, no to her before slamming her hard to the ground. Again Rio rolled the her feet, her anger quite apparent on her face and the rest of her features.

"She is really starting to damage my calm." Rio said through gritted teeth.

"Rio calm down. This is just a battle and it will do you no good to get angry. Now settle down and focus. Use "Force palm"."

"Kara, counter hers with yours."

The two Lucario rushed each other as fast as they could while gathering energy into the palm of their hands. At the same time the two attacks met and they were stuck in a contest of wills and strength.

"Rio, quick side step her and use "Blaze Kick"."

As if reading Devin's thoughts Rio had already started side stepping and charging her foot. Kara was surprised at Rio's response time and the quickness she had just charged the attack, and took the hit full on to her stomach. The force of the kick drove the air from her lungs and the fire burned her badly. Kara was blown back several feet.

"Kara, shake it off, and fight back with "Aura Sphere"!"

Kara took a stance and brought her paws together and started to gather the required Aura for the attack. All at once Rio was in her face and had a palm on her chest right between her breasts and over her heart. The look in her eyes was cold and distant.

"Rio! STOP!"

Rio snapped back to reality and looked back at Devin, taking her eyes off Kara and her "Aura Sphere". Kara used that momentary lapse to force her "Aura Sphere" in to Rio's chest forcing her back. Kara did not detonate the attack though.

"What happened Devin? Why did you call for her to stop?" Rich demanded.

"Force Palm" to the heart has the very real possibility to cause heart failure. And she knows better than that." Devin said to Rich directly.

"Rio if you're going to cheat I am going to forbid you to battle. Do you understand?" Devin said while glaring at her.

"...yes Devin..." Rio said deeply under her breath

"What was that Rio?"

"Yes Devin!"

"Now go and apologize to Kara so we can get on with this battle."

Rio's ears wilted as she walked up to Kara not willing to look her in the eye. She knew she had done wrong, there was no need for Devin to rub her nose in it.

"...I'm sorry Kara" Rio apologized under her breath.

"I don't think she heard you Rio" Devin yelled behind her.

"I Sorry Kara! For Arceus sake, it happened in the heat of the moment, I didn't mean it. I really am sorry."

Kara placed a paw on Rio's shoulder.

"Hey don't worry about it, far worse has happened before"

"Shall we continue Rich. I promise she won't cheat again." Devin said.

"Yeah sure, not a problem. It is your move." Rich replied.

"Thank you, Rio use "Quick Attack"."

"Kara use "Extreme Speed" and "Force Palm" at the same time."

Before Rio could even get her attack off Kara disappeared, and then reappeared in her same spot before Rio even hit the ground. A sharp blow hit Rio in the middle of her back. And she went down. Kara was amazing, she could combine attacks. But so could she and she knew that Devin would start calling combo attacks now as well. They were harder to do, but the payoff was great if you could.

Devin was surprised, he supposed he shouldn't be. Rich had shown so far to be a trainer of the highest integrity and competence. So he shouldn't have been so surprised that is Pokémon could combine attacks.

"Nice!, Two can play that game though. Rio use "Quick Attack" and combine it with "Blaze Kick"!"

Rio rushed in on Kara, both of her feet catching fire as she started to fade from sight. She for sure had her now.

"Kara, use a psychic burst to keep her away."

"Rio try to dodge it and use "Sky Uppercut"!"

Rio barely managed to dodge out-of-the-way of the psychic attack and continued to rush Kara. Rio was almost on top of her now.

"Kara, fade away and use "Aura Sphere"."

Kara took a step back and leaned back, barely avoiding Rio's attack. She watched in almost slow motion as Rio's momentum carried her into the air. Quickly She brought her paws together gathering the last of her energy. Kara waited for Rio to get to the top of her jump and blasted her.

Rio had nowhere to go or dodge so she took the full brunt of Kara's attack. Rio went sailing through the air and landed hard near Devin. When Rio tried to get back to her shaky legs Devin just laid a hand on her shoulder.

"You have nothing left to prove Rio, just let it be."

Rio hung her head in defeat, this was no way to start their new adventure. Where had that anger come from, and why had she let it get the best of her? Rio was surprised when Kara's feet entered her line of sight. When she looked up at Kara, it was to the sight of understanding eyes and a warm friendly smile, she wasn't mad at her.

Kara extended a paw to her, and without hesitation Rio took it into her hand. Kara helped Rio to her feet and immediately pulled her into a hug. Rio stood there stunned for only a moment before she found herself hugging Kara back.

"You're pretty good Rio. I wasn't sure how I was going to get out of that one."

"You are incredible Kara."

"Not really, I just get lucky most of the time."

"Luck, skill, you still bested me."

The two Lucario separated and stepped back to their respective trainer.

"Next time though I'll win" Rio said, her cockiness returning.

"I'll be looking forward to it." Kara replied.

Devin and Rio both found it odd that both Kara and Rich had this profound look in their eyes that all but screamed "I hope there is a next time." As if neither one really expected to make it through the day much less the week, or even to another encounter with them. Devin was about to ask what was wrong when all the sudden Midnight came rushing forward. The little white Eevee pup took up a defensive stance and let lose the most adorable little puppy growl any of them had ever heard.

"Oh no you don't, you are far too young to be battling." Devin said bending over and scooping up the Eevee pup.

Rich and Kara both laughed at the site of the happy little Eevee.

"Don't worry little one, you will get your chance soon enough." Kara said petting Midnight on the head.

Devin smiled and looked back at his team who had taken it upon themselves to start mingling with Rich's team. It somehow looked so right to all four of them, they hated to interrupt it.

"Okay girls, let's say we go and hit the Pokémon center before we get on the ship."

Devin watched as everyone reluctantly separated from their new-found friends. Especially the two Lopunny, they especially looked sad to be separated from each other.

"Hey Devin?"

Devin had forgotten about Rich for a second, and felt terrible for doing so. He owed the kid some Poké and Devin could tell that he could really use it to. Though with his skills Rich should be far from broke. It wasn't his business to pry though, everyone was entitled their privacy. When he turned to face Rich and Kara again he was surprised to see that Kara was balancing a baby Riolu on her hip. If he had to guess the baby was not even a year yet. But what really caught his attention was that the baby had Rich's eyes.

"Yeah Rich, sorry friend I didn't forget, was just getting my girls moving." Devin said reaching for his wallet.

Much like Rio, this was not how he had wanted to start a new journey. But it was such a great battle, and Rich had won fairly, so Devin did not mind paying out one bit. Handing over the Poké to Rich the boy looked really relieved. Devin then extended his hand to him.

"Thank you for the amazing battle, I really learned a lot from it." Devin said in all honesty.

Rich hesitated a second before taking the offered hand, almost like he expected Devin to try and pull a fast one and sucker punch him. But he did finally take the offered hand, and shook it firmly.

"It was our pleasure. You and your girls are really close I can tell."

"You and your team as well I can see." Devin responded.

Rich dropped his eyes from Devin's as if he wanted to say more but couldn't bring himself to do so.

"What's up Rich, out with it."

"I don't suppose you know of any place that is looking for workers. A place where a guy could make an honest living without drawing unwanted attention to himself?" Rich asked.

Devin had been right. The Riolu was Rich's Son, and Kara was "touched" then. He could understand what Rich and his family must be going through, just wanting to be left alone to make it in the world and constantly being hounded by all the wrong people and organizations. Devin was about to answer when he heard Blaze and Amaya running up the path yelling his name.

"Hey Devin, the last ship didn't have enough room for all of us, and the next one from Kanto has been delayed because of their winter." Blaze said panting.

"And they don't think that anoth'a will be here before Hoenn's winter starts. So we are looking at a month maybe two before anoth'a ship arrives that will take us to Kanto."

Both Blaze and Amaya finally noticed Rich and Kara.

"Oy, who dis." Amaya asked, her accent really coming through as she tried to catch her breath.

Devin turned to make introductions, but then had another idea.

"Blaze call Aunt Rose and let her know what's going on, and that she should bring the van to get us, we will have one more."

With that he turned back towards Rich.

"As a matter of fact Rich I do know a place that is looking for workers. A place where your business and privacy will be respected."

Two and a half months later. Cruise Ship Bound for Kanto

Devin stood alone on one of the many decks open to the public. It was the middle of the night, dawn couldn't be more than a few hours away. He stood there with a blank expression on his face as the last two and a half months flashed through his head.

Rich and his family had fit in nicely on the Ranch. It helped that Aunt Rose and Lu took an immediate liking to them. Rio and Kara became so close they considered each other sisters. He nor Rich had been surprised when they had caught them making out with each other, and soon much more.

The real surprise had come when on a whim they had taken Mocha and Loppy to the Medical Barn and had a genetic profile done on them. The geneticist had said that he could tell from the start that they were possibly from the same litter, or at the very least shared a parent. Imagine everyone's surprise when the results came back and they were identical twins.

Devin hadn't known exactly what he had gotten into when he brought Rich to the Ranch. For sure they were best of friends, and they had their ups and downs as such. What Devin hadn't anticipated was the extent of Rich's "problem".

Rich and his family were being pursued by a group of people only known as the Aura Guardians. A group Rose was all too familiar with. They made the mistake of attacking the Ranch. The Ranch took heavy damage, but nothing they couldn't recover from. But that wasn't all.

Before that happened though something else happened. He and Rio got close to Rich and Kara, very close, in love close, heat of the moment swapping mates close. Unfortunately as they all discovered afterwards it hadn't been just casual sex, they had developed real emotions for each other.

It was so confusing some times. To be sure Rio was his mate, the love of his life. But he could not deny the feelings he had for Kara. And talking to Rich and Kara they felt the same way.

He became aware of some one behind him, and wasn't surprised when Rio leaned up against the rail a few feet away from him. Together they stood there in the dark in silence, not looking at each other.

"You miss her, don't you?"

"I could ask the same, you are closer to both of them."

Again silence hung over them, and they still didn't look at each other.

"Why did we leave so abruptly? We had time to do this mission."

"I left for you."

"Bull shit"

"You wanted what Kara had, children. Something that in good faith, I could not give you. I would have had to leave you behind. That is something I just couldn't do. Not only because I need you as the head liner of the team but I could not have just left you there to go through your pregnancy alone, and then raise our child by yourself. Be sides I need you by my side, I love you too much to be without you for as long as this is going to take."

Rio finally moved closer to Devin till they were standing shoulder to shoulder. Devin lovingly wrapped an arm around Rio's shoulder drawing her closer, and together they looked out over the ocean lost in thought, and each other's embrace.

"Why did we leave in the middle of the night though, without Blaze and Amaya, without saying good-bye to Aunt Rose or mom. Without saying good-bye to Rich and Kara. Why? Why did we leave everything so suddenly?"

Devin heaved a deep sigh and lovingly rubbed her shoulder.

"Me, Rich and Kara had an argument, more like a disagreement about you, me and the mission. They were right, but we can't ignore the League either."

"we didn't get to say good-bye" Rio said in a near whisper.

Devin hugged her close, and just held her. Neither one got to sleep. They got to the port of Vermilion City just as the sun was raising. As soon as they were disembarked from the ship Devin placed a call to the Ranch. He still didn't feel like talking to Rich or Kara, and he certainly didn't want to argue with Aunt Rose and Lu. So he just left a message telling them where he was and that Blaze and Amaya should get the rest of the supplies together and meet him in Vermilion City.

When that was done he got a ticket for a bus going to Pallet Town. He had let the rest of his girls out to get a good stretch. All of them were shocked to see that they were not on the Ranch any more. It took him a bit to get them all settled down enough to tell them what had happened. Soon he had everyone mad at him. He had stripped them all away from their new-found friends. Abby was doubly pissed at him.

"Abby" Devin begged pleadingly to the retreating Absol and her Son.

During their extended stay home Midnight had bonded to Abby, much to her complete and total surprise. The look on her face had been priceless when his first word had been "Momma" and it had been directed at her. It stuck though and she ended up adopting the little white Eevee.

"Come on Abby, will you please stop and talk to me."

"No, I am mad at you"

"Abigail will you stop?!"

Devin suddenly found himself knocked flat on the ground with Abby on top of him, her teeth bared and dangerously close to his face.

"You! Tore us! Away from our home, our family and our friends. You tore Mocha away from Loppy. You tore Midnight away from his cousins Richelu and Daniel. You tore Me away from Liz. For what, a stupid mission, an argument over when you want to have children? Can you even answer that? Huh, can you."

Abby had emphasized every accusation by pressing down on his chest with her clawed feet. She was surprised though at the depth of sadness in his eyes as he reached up and cupped her face.

"I did it for us. Void is still out there and he needs to be stopped"

Finally Abby relents and got off of his chest. Slowly Devin got back to his feet and with a hard glare sends a few onlookers packing. Abby still wouldn't look him in the eye though.

"Abby, I..."

"Don't! Do not talk to me. I'm mad at you." Abby said trotting off with Midnight on her heels.

Devin found a bench and sat heavily upon it and waited for the damn bus. This was not good; his whole team was beyond pissed at him. He couldn't help it though, he still thought he made the best decision possible. Lost in his thoughts he didn't notice as Zhen crawled up next to him. He noticed though when she pressed into his side for attention. Devin lovingly wrapped an arm around the dwarf Zangoose and just held her close.

As the time approached for the bus to arrive his girls started to trickle back to him. As everyone came back he apologized to them again before putting them back into their ball for the trip.

"I'm not mad at you Devin, just disappointed that you didn't trust us enough to let us know what was going on till we were here." Star told him before going in to her ball.

"Zhen not mad."

"I'm still not talking to you, come on Middy." Abby had said before going in to her ball.

Midnight's ears had wilted and he had laid flat on the ground clearly saddened by the name his cousins had lovingly called him. Mocha hadn't said anything at all. She had just looked at him with eyes that were big, pleading and wet. She had just fallen to her knees and cried some more before disappearing into her ball.

Rio silently stood by his side as he to wept. His girls were pissed at him. He knew his Aunt and Lu would be between furious and worried. He could only imagine what Rich and Kara were feeling. He knew he would get it from Blaze and Amaya when they showed up. If they showed up at all.

The bus eventually did show up and they were whisked away. The trip to Pallet Town was long, almost two days, and when he first laid eyes on it he almost didn't believe that it was a major Pokémon spot. Then he thought about it more and smiled. Of course this quaint little village was a perfect Pokémon spot.

Unlike other towns or cities, Pallet had never lost its rural feel despite having three major players in the League live there. Professor Samuel Oak first called the little village home, as had his Grandson, Gary Oak, who had gone on to be the reigning Gym leader of Veridian City for going on 35 years now. But most of all Pallet Town was the home of Professor Ash Ketchum, the current Professor of Kanto, and a long time Master in every region.

By accident, luck or circumstance Prof. Ketchum had been to every region, as well as seen and interacted with every Legend. It was this knowledge he was here for.

As he was dropped off at the edge of town he did have to look hard to find the Professors lab, it was on a hill on the northern end of the town. Devin and Rio took to the main road and followed it right through the small town and right to the foot of the hill. A few more yards found them at the front door.

Pallet Town, Kanto Region

When the door opened it was to a middle-aged man who looked tired and defeated. He took a moment to size up the young man and Lucario on his door step.

"May I help you?" He asked in a tired voice.

"I am Devin Kuroaki, and this is my partner Rio. We are looking for Professor Ketchum."

"I am Professor Ketchum. How may I help you?"

Devin was taken aback. How could this man before him be the great and legendary Ash Ketchum?

"Prof. Ketchum we are here to seek your help." Devin said regaining his senses and handing him a letter of introduction.

The professor took the letter and headed back inside. He didn't invite them in but he didn't shut the door either. Rio looked up at Devin, and he looked back at her. With a shrug they followed him inside. Inside the place looked as it had for the last 40 years. Sure some of the books have changed and the equipment has changed with the times. But the overall feel remained the same. Pokémon research took place here.

Prof. Ketchum took a seat and set the letter on the table. Devin and Rio took seats opposite of him. They sat there in silence just looking at each other.

"What do you need from me Trainer Kuroaki?"

"You can just call me Devin, I'm not a trainer anymore"

"And yet you carry a full team. Even if you are not actively doing the League challenges you are still a trainer. But if you would rather be called Devin then that is what I shall call you."

"Thank you. Now as for what I need from you. The Grand Master has charged me with the task of finding documenting and tagging the Legendary Pokémon. I am here asking for your data on them because it is well documented that you have seen and interacted with all of them."

Prof .Ketchum just looked at the two of them for a good long while and sipped at his tea. Devin was beginning to think that he wasn't going to help when he finally did speak.

"I think I can help you Devin, though it is going to take me a few days to compile everything. Very little of it is in a digital format, and I don't think you want to be lugging about a bunch of books."

Devin couldn't help himself and chuckled.

"No sir I wouldn't."

With that Prof. Ketchum stood up.

"I will set to work right away. May I suggest you do some research of your own. I would start with the Viridian Forest if I were you."

Devin was stunned.

"How did you know, sir?"

"I am quite familiar with the Kuroaki family, especially your Aunt. Now go, and be safe."

With that Devin nodded his head and left. He needed to get to Viridian City any ways, since Pallet Town still had no center for trainers to stay at.

Deep in the Viridian Forest

Devin had caught a break and the bus he had used to get to Pallet had not left yet and its next destination was Viridian City. As before the driver had eye-balled Rio, apparently he didn't like Pokémon being out of their ball.

The ride was short and rather uneventful. Rio took the opportunity to take a quick nap. So with her head resting on his shoulder she was happily snoring away. Devin couldn't help but rest his head against hers.

A short time later the bus pulled up to the Viridian City Pokémon Center, and Devin was forced to wake up Rio. She didn't like that much but followed him any ways. It didn't take them long to get checked in and soon Devin had set himself up with some rental equipment and set off to the Viridian Forest.

"What was the point of checking in to the Pokémon Center if we were just leaving right away?" Rio all but whined.

"You could always go in to your ball, I bet Mocha would like to walk with me."

Rio didn't say another word. As soon as they were in the forest Devin released the rest of his team. They all stretched and proceeded to start looking about. All of them were confused as to where they were.

"Where are we?" Mocha asked still looking about.

"The Viridian Forest Hun"

"Why are we here Devin?" Star asked sniffing around.

"I was born here, and I want to see if there is anything left. Besides I have to wait to get the information out of Prof. Ketchum."

They all seemed to accept that answer proceeded in to the forest further. They went as far as they could with what light was left, which turned out to not be very far when they settled down for camp. After everything was set up Devin made connection with the local trainers network and downloaded a map of the forest.

Devin couldn't help but notice that no one was going to share the tent with him other than Zhen. Hanging his head Devin went into the tent, stripped down and laid down for the night.

He was not at all surprised when he woke up the same way. Silently they tore down the camp and started to go further into the forest. He decided that no matter how pissed they were at him, they needed their exercise, so he left every one out of their balls so they could wander and roam.

About midday they found themselves in the center of the forest looking at the remains of a homestead. It was situated in a clearing that the forest had worked hard at reclaiming over the last 20 years. The house was in ruins, the yard over grown, any signs of life all but gone.

"Well this has to be it."

Without a word they spread out and start inspecting their surroundings again. Abby and Midnight made their way around the outside of the house. She didn't know what Devin thought he was going to find here, everything was destroyed, she highly doubted that anything of real use would be found here. But they were here they might as well explore.

Star watched as Abby and Midnight took off around the house not even bothering to speak to Devin or give him a second glance. She didn't blame Abby for being mad, they all were, but she felt that Abby was being a little too cold. Star herself went around the opposite side of the house towards the shed and garage.

Mocha took a look about the front yard and found what had to be the remains of a flower garden. As Mocha stood there looking at the garden she couldn't help but imagine a baby Devin and his parents playing in the garden. It was a cute thought. As she continued to look around she could feel her anger start to bleed away. Yes she was still sad that she had been taken from her sister and nephew, but Devin had never steered them wrong before.

Zhen was the first one to actually make it inside the house. It wasn't very hard, there was a Zhen sized hole in one of the walls. The insides were filthy, and unlived in. Everything smelled of rot and decay. She couldn't tell what anything's original color was supposed to be because everything was either molded, broken, peeling or rusting. Making her way to the front door she opened it for Devin and Rio.

Devin hadn't expected much when he got here, and to that end he hadn't been disappointed. There was nothing worth seeing. The yard had been reclaimed by the forest years ago, and the house was all but there too. The more he looked the more he was convinced he was just here to waste time.

Stepping in to the house he saw exactly what Zhen saw, mold, decay, destruction, still though he entered. The down stairs was in shambles, and of course everything was either in disrepair or in ruin, he even doubted that there was electricity running through the property any more.

Making his way upstairs the story was pretty much the same. The two bedrooms both contained beds that had been long ago gutted for their stuffing in the use of building nests. A few children's toys laid strewn about. Apparently when they were alive his parents had used the house as a vacation home after they had moved to Sinnoh.

Inspecting his parents room revealed nothing either. No photos, no documents, nothing. Making his way back down stairs he was surprised to see Abby and Midnight waiting for him at the foot of the stairs.

"I'm still not talking to you, but I thought you should know that my danger sense has been nagging me. I think we are being watched."

With that she got up and left, Midnight hot on her heals. Deciding that there was nothing left to see he too went outside to have a look around. Once he got out side he found Abby and Midnight sitting both facing the same set of bushes. Devin walked right up beside her and rested a hand on her head.

"He is in there"

"I bet Midnight would like a workout" Devin said with a smirk.

With a nod Abby sent him out, about halfway there he became a blur as he went into "Quick Attack". There was an explosion of leaves as Midnight burst through them. There came a brief scuffle and some yelling, finally a teenage boy came stumbling through the bush and landed at their feet.

"Hey, Hey! You know there are easier ways to issue a challenge for a battle."

"I'm not challenging you to a battle. My friend here felt you watching us and she sent her Son in to get you out here."

The kid looked between Abby and Midnight.

"An Absol gave birth to an albino Eevee?"

Abby chuckled as Devin gave a deep sigh.

"Don't look too much into it. Who are you and what are you doing here."

"Me? Oh My names B.D., just the letters, I live in Pallet Town and I come out here often."

Devin looked at the youth in confusion.

"Why?"

"You kidding me, look about you. Yeah it's all over grown and nasty looking, but its peace full here. Plus Pokémon are calmer here. Just look at your own."

Devin does look at his team and he notices that they are all present and looking rather relaxed. He also noticed that it was getting rather late in the day.

"Well thank you B.D. we'll be seeing you around, then."

With that Devin headed back into the forest, his team right behind him. He really wasn't trying to be rude to the kid, but at the moment he just wanted to get back to Pallet. He had learned what he needed to. There was nothing for him here anymore, his future was in Hoenn on the Ranch. It wasn't till later when they were setting up camp that Abby approached Devin again.

"Thank you for earlier Abby, your senses were as sharp as ever."

"That boy wasn't the only one watching us, he was the only one dumb enough to stick around."

With that Abby had turned around and made her way into the tent leaving Devin to wonder about what she had said.

Viridian Hotel, Viridian City

Trevor took the time to straighten out his suit as the elevator slowly crawled up to the pent house. He had rushed back to Viridian City as soon as the traitor Abby had spotted him, got cleaned up and was now on his way to give his report. He had followed Devin for a while now. Somehow he had managed to go undetected both in Slate port City and Vermilion City. He thought for sure he had been made at Pallet Town. But when they had gotten to the Viridian Forest his training had really taken over and he had melted right in to the shadows and followed them at a much more casual pace.

He had followed them watching, observing, that was what his mission was, to follow Devin Kuroaki's every move. Void wanted to know what he was up to. He had followed as long as he could and now he was here. Silently the doors parted and allowed him entrance to the Pent House.

Trevor paid no attention to the lavish surroundings as he made his way to the office. Sure he may be cleaned up and dressed nice, but at heart he was still a punk and such lavish things as this Pent House were meant to be destroyed. Trevor gave a brief knock on the door and waited to be allowed in.

"Enter" Void said from the other side of the door.

As he entered he took notice that Void was sitting in a large, tall backed, office chair. He had that back turned towards Trevor and was looking out the large bay window over the sleeping Viridian City. Standing to either side of him were Saturn to the left, Darkrai and Blaziken to the right. That was another thing, the punk in Trevor was getting tired of all the theatrics. He understood they all needed to be inconspicuous, but all three of them were in a black suit of some kind.

"Report" Void said still not looking at him.

Trevor heaved a deep sigh and proceeded to tell Void everything he had heard and seen. He made sure to give every little minute detail because he knew that Void loved the little things. After he was done he waited there for Void to say or do anything. Finally though he did speak.

"You were very wise to get out of there as soon as Abigail spotted you."

"Why haven't we killed her yet? We have had plenty of opportunities to do so. Like when those "Aura Guardians" or whatever they called themselves were attacking the Ranch."

Void turned to finally look at Trevor.

"You have taken to your training rather well but it is apparent there are still some lessons you need to learn. First and foremost, never just give your opponent the home field advantage. We will not even touch Rose Kuroaki or that she displayed powers and abilities that a human should not have been able to, we will look just at Devin Kuroaki. He had complete and total control over all the Eons that were present. None of them were his.

Saturn, how many Eons are on the Kuroaki Ranch?"

Saturn took a moment to consult his Dex.

"Our recon shows ant where from 351 to 400 depending on the season."

"In a fight, we would not stand a chance against those kind of odds. Even the great Darkrai would fall to the sheer numbers. No our best bet is to wait and attack him while he is on the road, where he has to follow League rules and carry only 6 partners with him."

With that Void turned back to the window.

"Besides Abigail can still be of use to me, even if she doesn't know it."

A slow, wicked grin spread across Voids face as he watched the night sky over Veridian City.

Pallet Town, The Next Morning

Professor Ketchum was not surprised at all when he opened his door to see Devin and his team. It also didn't surprise him to see all of his team out of their balls. He himself had several partners that didn't like to stay in their ball, that seemed to be the case with his entire team.

"I'm sorry Prof. Ketchum, but I would like for my girls to hear what you have to say. If you would prefer though I can put most of them away."

Prof. Ketchum looked at him in surprise, he had them out on purpose to hear what it was that they were up against. What kind of trainer did that? Then he remembered Devin Kuroaki was not a trainer, he was a Breeder. He cared more about his teams wellbeing then the adventure before him.

"No they can stay out. Please come in, I just finished up a little while ago."

He watched as they all trotted in single file and quietly took a seat around the chair that Devin had pulled up after getting his Lucario and Lopunny a seat. He could have easily made a case study of this team. Two of his three bipedal Pokémon were "Touched", his Lopunny so much so she had to wear clothes in public. His Absol was "mothering" a shiny Eevee that clearly wasn't hers, and his Zangoose looked like she had been put through the wringer more than once, on top of being a dwarf. The only normal looking member of Devin's team was his Luxio, and even that he would willing to bet was superficial.

"That is quite the team you have assembled." Prof. Ketchum stated.

"Yeah, I couldn't ask for a better group."

Prof. Ketchum let the shadow of a warm smile touch his lips before he spoke again.

"Why don't you link up to my network, I have all the information you are looking for in a document on there for you."

Devin removed his Pokédex from his pocket and quickly linked it up as he had been asked. In a matter of minutes he had the file and it contained a detailed breakdown of every Legendary Pokémon that Prof. Ketchum had ever met. Where he had met them, what his impression of them had been, so on and so forth.

"Everything you would ever want to know about them is in that file, though there are a few I feel I need to draw extra attention to."

Devin settled in a little preparing for what the professor was about to tell him. Even some of his girls sat up a little straighter.

"I will save you a little time, energy and hassle, there are no Legendry's left in the Kanto region. I don't know why, so please don't ask. Mew and Mewtwo will be exceptionally hard to find since their locations are constantly changing. The last time I saw Mew she was at The Tree of Beginning in the Cameran Area of the Hoenn region near the Sinnoh border. Mewtwo could be anywhere, he doesn't like to be bothered and has a nasty tendency to wipe the minds of any one that does see him of any memory of ever doing so.

Good luck in finding Ho-oh as no one has ever actually interacted with it. A few people have seen it, including myself. But had never made contact. Deoxys might be hard since it has never been proven whether it is an alien or not. Shaymen might be a bit hard to find too. There are many of them, they are all annoying and they all like to roam and wonder. Sinnoh's Creation Trio, Palkia, Dialga, and Giratina will be exceptionally hard as well since all three of them exist outside of our plane of existence. The Lake Trio too since all three of them likes to fly about invisible.

Then there is Arceus, the Father of all Pokémon, the origin. He too exists outside of our dimension. Other than that the rest shouldn't be too difficult for someone of your talent to find."

Devin sat there for a second absorbing it all in. He had always known that this wouldn't be an easy task. Now though he knew just how staggering it was going to be. For the first time he had doubts himself whether they could do it or not.

All at once a silky black fur covered hand slid over his and gently squeezed it. He turned his head and looked Rio dead in the eye. She had the same look of concern and doubt he did, but she also had a look of determination about her that basically said as long as you are with me I can do anything. And that was the feeling that was flooding their connection as well.

All of his girls surrounded him in the same manner, and snuggled in. Lovingly he pet all of them.

"You still want to do this?" Rio asked.

"We have to, we told them we would. And it's the only way we are going to get Void."

Prof. Ash Ketchum one time grand champion of the Pokémon league could not help but smile at the scene. Most trainers didn't have a strong connection to their Pokémon. They would do their regions League challenge, or two, then after that settle into a "normal" life, with family and kids of their own. Their Pokémon fading into obscurity as little more than house pets.

A few though made a real connection with their partners, and formed life long bonds of friendship and love with them. Those Pokémon lived full lives and never faded into obscurity. They affected every aspect of their trainer's lives and vice versa. Those who truly bonded with their Pokémon were never alone or unloved.

"Devin I want you to come with me." He said getting to his feet and heading out the back door.

Not questioning Devin got to his feet and together they followed Prof. Ketchum out the back door. They walked in silence for a little bit to the edge of the property and up a little hill. Once up there they found Prof. Ketchum Before a little grave stone next to a tree.

"In my travels I collected many Pokémon, I made friends with all of them. Each one was an integral part of my journey, and my best friends. One above all else though."

Here he stopped to rest a hand on the grave stone.

"He was a Pikachu, my very first Pokémon. He never had a name, was never good at naming my partners, but he was my best friend. We went everywhere together and did everything together. Our lives were inseparable."

He stopped once again this time to wipe his eyes.

"Professor?" Devin started to ask.

But quickly he recovered.

"The point I am trying to make is that you all need to stick together. Keep each other safe, keep each other honest. Be there for each other, always, no matter what."

With all of that said Prof. Ketchum wished them all good luck on their adventure, and turned back to the head stone. Devin didn't question he just ushered his girls back to the house and then to the edge of town. Everyone quietly went back into their balls, except for Rio. Rio sat right next to him on the bench and leaned into him.

"What do you think he meant by all of that?"

"I think he meant just what he said, that no matter what, it is us that is going to get each other through this."

It wasn't long before his Pokédex went off, he had received a message from Blaze and Amaya, they were on their way and would be there tomorrow. Shutting his Dex Devin wrapped an arm around Rio's shoulder.

"Blaze and Amaya are on the way."

"Oh that should be fun."

With that Rio wrapped her arm around Devin as best she could and together they waited for the bus to Vermilion City.