Disclaimer: I do not own the Pokémon franchise or any of it characters, locations, ECT.
Everything else is of my own work.

Ch.4 Between a Zangoose, and a Hard Choice

"Why is it that other than Vul, you only have cat like Pokémon, Amaya?"

Amaya looked at her team as they were eating. Devin was correct of course. She had four Pokémon, and three of them were feline. As she retrieved the food dishes from her Glameow, and Skitty she took a moment to scratch Bolt behind the ear.

"Well you know how you want to be some fancy breeder."

"Yeah." Devin had learned a great deal of patience since Amaya had joined him on his journey. Apparently his comment about being a good trainer had a profound impact on her.

"Well I want to catch the three legendary cats."

Devin had not been expecting that.

"You want to catch Entei, Raikou, and Suicune?"

Amaya stood up with her Skitty in her hands.

"Yep, and these three are going to help me get used to training and raising feline Pokémon."

She brought the Skitty up to her face and rubbed noses with it.

"Isn't that right Skittles?" Amaya said to the Skitty in a really baby like voice.

Devin looked down at where his three girls were like wise eating. Rio had long since finished her meal and was sitting there concentrating very hard as she used her aura to spin the dish on its edge between her out stretched paws. Mocha was joyfully nibbling at her food, one pellet at a time. Star cautiously sniffed her dish each time before taking a few nibbles. After three weeks Star still didn't completely trust him. Rio stopped spinning her bowl and looked up at Devin.

"What I'm fine. Or are you looking for my opinion on Amaya's ambitions to get legendary cat scratch fever?"

"Either or." Devin responded.

"Well if you ask me, which you haven't, I still think your crazy for letting her come with."

"Thanks for that helpful insight." Devin said with just a little sarcasm.

"You're welcome!" Rio replied completely oblivious as she went back to spinning her bowl.

Amaya let the exchange pass before she commented.

"Oy, she still doesn't like me does she."

"Ya think!"

"In short, not really."

"Why not!"

Devin almost believed she was offended. He had no real response for her. As far as he could tell Rio was just jealous that there was yet another female in the group, and not only was this one bold and ambitious, but she was some one that Devin could possibly relate too. So to answer her Devin just shrugged, Amaya seemed to accept that answer.

"So what do we do now, mate."

Devin thought about it for a moment. He had received a package from Aunt Rose at the last Pokémon Center. He was to deliver it to Prof. Rowan in Sandgem Town off of route 201.

"I need to go to Sandgem Town and deliver some thing to Prof. Rowan for my Aunt."

"Oh yeah what?"

"Yes do tell."

Devin looked at both Rio and Amaya who were looking at him expectantly. He noticed that Mocha and Star were looking at him as well. Even Amaya's Pokémon were glancing at him.

"What the hell you guys. I didn't open it. Aunt Rose said that it was for Prof. Rowan. And before any of you even think of asking I am not opening it."

Every one but Rio turned back to what they were doing. Rio got up and climbed into Devin's lap. Snuggling up with her back to his front she just sat there with him watching the rest. It didn't take long before Devin started gently run a brush through her fur. Not that she needed to be brushed, but it felt good, and it calmed her, in return calming him as well.

"Some one's happy."

"Yeah I am."

She sat there for a few more moments blissfully letting Devin brush her down. She started joyfully humming as he did so.

"What do you want Rio?"

"What's in the package?"

"I honestly don't know Rio. It's not my package to open."

"I could open it if you'd like?"

Devin heaved an exasperated sigh and lifted Rio off of his lap.

"I said no Rio and I mean it. Now go on clean up your mess. We'll be going soon."

Shooing Rio away he beckoned Mocha to take her place. Mocha put her left over food back into it container and retrieved her brush as she put away her bowl. Bouncing up on to Devin's vacant lap she sat down. Devin set to work brushing the Buneary down. It didn't take long at all before Mocha to had closed her eyes and was humming contentedly.

"Devin?" Mocha asked while he was still brushing her.

"Yes Dear?"

"May I ask you a question?"

"Absolutely, ask away."

"Why are you mad at Rio?"

"I'm not mad at her. She just won't let the package drop."

"She thinks you don't love her any more."

Devin stopped in mid brush, he was so shocked.

"What, that's absurd. How could she even remotely think that?"

Mocha just shrugged.

"She just does, I guess. For some reason Amaya being here really has her upset."

Devin was dumb founded and sat there not moving till he felt Mocha rubbing up against him. absent-mindedly he went back to brushing her.

"I don't know why she would feel so threatened by Amaya though."

"Well lets face it, you don't have many human friends."

"True, but Rio likes the few friends I have."

"Except for Platina."

"What does she have against Platina?"

"That thing you guys did three years ago, Rio was the first of us to know."

Again Devin was shocked.

"How did she know?"

"She could smell her all over you especially around, that area." Mocha got a little red in the cheeks as she said it.

"Wait, how did you find out?" Devin asked out of curiosity.

"Well when Rio couldn't place the odd smell she had me smell it. When neither one of us could figure it out Rio wanted to ask her mother. But when we got to Aunt Rose and Lu's room they were mating and we could smell almost the exact same smell coming heavily from the room. Rio quickly figured it out and got upset."

Devin didn't know what surprised him more. That Rio had already known what sex smelled like, that she had essentially caught him in his first and only act of sex, or that she told Mocha.

He finished brushing down Mocha and shooed her away. He needed to find Rio and talk to her before they headed to Sandgem Town. But first he needed to groom Star.

"Hey Star, come here."

Star immediately stopped eating and started to slink towards him. Devin watched as Star carefully crept towards him keeping her body really close to the ground in a very submissive manner. When she got to his feet she rolled over so that all four of her blue feet were in the air, exposing her under belly.

"Star you don't need to be submissive with me. Come here." Devin said calmly as he bent towards her.

Star let out a little whimper and continued to shy away from him. Devin gently scooped her up and placed her on his lap. Gently he started to brush her down.

"You know you have a very lovely coat Star."

Star said and did nothing as Devin continued to brush her. Soon though she could not help her self and started to purr and lean into the brush strokes.

"See Star, this isn't so bad, is it?"

"No..." Star admitted reluctantly.

"You don't need to be afraid of me, Star. I won't hurt you."

Eventually she did settle down, and Devin was able to Finnish brushing her down. Setting Star down he decided he needed to go and find Rio and straighten things out. Devin pulled Mocha and Stars balls from his hip and returned them to them, he than set out to find Rio. It didn't take much, he simply closed his eyes and searched her out. He felt her a little ways away. When he approached he found her in a clearing pouncing after butterflies.

"Rio?" Devin called.

Rio stopped pursuing the butterflies and looked at Devin. Now that he was paying attention he could see that she did look a little sad when she looked at him.

"Come here Rio."

He could feel Rio's emotions really well and she felt as if she was in trouble. As she approached Devin scooped her up in to his arms.

"What's the matter Rio?"

Rio fidgeted a little in his arms and wouldn't meet his gaze.

"Nothing."

"Rio, I can tell something is bothering you, and it ain't just Amaya following us around. So what's the matter?"

Rio still wouldn't look at him. Her thoughts were a jumble as they raced through her head. Devin couldn't tell exactly what she was thinking but her thoughts kept going back to Sandgem Town and Platina.

"I know you're thinking about Platina, Rio."

Rio looked at him in surprise.

"And Mocha told me that you caught us three years ago."

Rio got a little red in the cheeks and looked away again.

"I didn't tell her every thing"

"But enough that she has a basic idea."

Rio's ears wilted and she got really quiet.

"I didn't mean too."

"I know you didn't, you are a very curious little girl. You just need to watch what you say to Mocha, her enduring innocents leaves her a little naïve."

"Okay." Rio replied with a deep sigh.

Devin held her close for a minute just trying to settle her down. It did neither one of them any good to be so distraught. Neither one was very good at hiding their emotions any more. Gently Devin stroked her head from eyebrows to just past her ears. He did this a couple of more times, each passing of his hand had the desired effect. Rio slipped further, and further in to a blissful like state, and started to quietly hum. Devin particularly liked it when she was like this. Her radiating bliss would bleed off onto him. But alas there was business to attend to.

"Rio."

"Hmmm?"

"We are going to be heading towards Sandgem Town really soon."

"Uh-huh."

"Platina is going to be there, she is Prof. Rowans senior assistant now. Almost a Professor herself."

Devin felt Rio's bliss shatter, and her calm start to slip. He knew he had to talk fast or she would get all moody again.

"What we had, happened three years ago, and we haven't talked since. So I doubt that she has any feelings for me any more. And be sides..."

Amaya took that moment to come bursting into the clearing. The mood was ruined and the moment was lost.

"Oy Devin! There's a really nasty trainer at the camp looking for a good battle."

"So go battle him than." Devin responded with more than just a little annoyance.

"I did. He is wicked tough and beat us already."

"So, I guess you need to train more, and not worry so much about those cats."

At this Amaya got a little less angry and took on a profoundly guilty expression.

"The thing is, is that I don't have the money to pay him his winnings."

Devin was shocked.

"What happened to all of your Poké?"

"I had to use it to buy a new tent and some supplies. We haven't really ran into any other trainers, so I haven't had any trainer battles."

"I'm still failing to see how this concerns me."

"I uh, told him that you were a better trainer than me and would battle him for double or nothing."

Devin hung his head till it was touching the top of Rios.

"Feel like a trainer battle Rio?"

"Can I kick Amaya's ass after wards."

"It all depends on how the battle goes."

"Fine, let's go."

Rio hopped from Devin's lap and together they walked back to camp. As they approached Devin took a moment to size up his future opponent. He was tall, taller than Devin himself was. He was also very lean, Devin wagered that he easily out weighed the guy. Devin had to admit that Amaya was right, the guy looked tough and nasty. Upon their arrival the challenger turned his head towards them. Sunlight reflected off of several bits of jewelry the guy had littering his face.

"So you must be the Avenger, here to win the ladies money back." The guy said in a voice that had a thick accent and even thicker sarcasm.

"I guess so. Sorry for the inconvenience, buddy. My friend never should have excepted the challenge since she didn't have the money to pay had she lost."

"Well then the names Trevor, mate. Lets say we make this a 3 on 3 battle. Double or nothing." The guy said standing up straighter and pulling a ball from his belt.

He didn't wait for Devin's response. He just tossed the ball and his first Pokémon came out. As the red light faded from the ball a purple and white Pokémon appeared, it beady little vicious eyes settled on Devin. Almost instantly a foul smelled filled the air.

"A Stunky, I see."

Devin pulled Mochas ball from his hip and tossed it.

"Come on Mocha, let's dance."

With a bright flash of red followed by some glowing sparkles Mocha was released from her ball.

"A Buneary, this is going to be easier than I thought." Trevor said with a sneer.

Trevor dramatically pointed his finger at Mocha. "Rancid, Scratch Attack, now!"

The Stunky launched it self at Mocha, claws extended in front of it.

"Mocha, dodge it, than use Pound." Devin commanded calmly.

Mocha easily avoided the attack, and as the Stunky flew past her she unfurled her bound up ear and socked it in the ribs. The Stunky went sailing from the force of the impact. Slowly it got back up on its shaky legs.

"Rancid, Scratch Attack, one more time!"

Again the Stunky launched it self at Mocha. This time it was close enough that Mocha couldn't dodge. She yelled out in pain as the sharp claws racked across her chest.

"All right! Now use Furry Swipes, Rancid!"

"Mocha, dodge it!"

Rancid swung wildly at Mocha as she kept ducking and dodging, each time taking another step back.

"Mocha, now use Jump Kick, hurry!"

Mocha took one last step back and then quickly bounced forward and planted both of her feet into the Stunky's ugly face. Rancid went flying back almost landing on it masters feet.

"Rancid, back on your feet and use Toxic!" Trevor bellowed.

"Mocha, Quick Attack, before that fart factory gets a chance!"

Mocha closed the gap in an instant, landing both of her ears squarely in the Stunky's face. The Stunky went down and did not get back up. Trevor looked stunned for all of a second and then recalled his Stunky.

"Lucky shot, mate. Rancid was already tired from his fight with the lady there. She didn't even get to see my head liner."

With that Trevor pulled a dark purple ball from his belt and threw it. From the Pokéball emerged a large angry-looking snake. Devin recalled Mocha, this was not a fight she was suited for.

"What, didn't want your precious bunny eaten by my big bad Seviper?" Trevor mocked Devin.

Devin ignored him. "You did a great job Mocha, I am very proud of you. Rio battle time."

"Bout time, I was getting board."

"Careful Rio, this snake is bad news."

Rio just nodded as she walked forward.

"What, sending another little girl to do a mans work?"

Devin and Rio flashed the same lop-sided grin at the same time. Trevor got mad at this and it showed.

"Snake, Bite that little bitch now!"

The Seviper leapt forward with its mouth opened wide. Venomous saliva dripped from its red fangs as it flew through the air. The smirk never left Rio's face as she anticipated what Devin was about o say to her.

"Rio, dodge and use Quick Attack!"

Rio was already in motion dodging the Bite and striking the Seviper about mid body. The Seviper rolled when it hit the ground and lunged again. Rio jumped over the Bite and kicked it several times as it sailed past. Again it rolled as it hit the ground.

"Snake, Poison Tail, let's go!"

The Seviper's tail glowed purple as it swung it towards Rio. Again Rio was able to read Devin's thoughts and started to act as he was calling out his command.

"Rio, block it than use Force Palm."

Rio caught the bladed tail right on the metal bump on her fore arm, surprising the Seviper. It was so stunned that its attack had been blocked that it didn't defend itself as Rio drove her palm into it stomach delivering the crushing Force Palm. The Seviper once again flew back, and didn't roll to its self up right.

"Rio, quickly finish it off with Quick Attack!" Devin yelled.

Rio dashed towards the prone Seviper intent on doing just as she was told. Trevor had other things in mind though.

"Snake, use wrap now!"

Neither Rio nor Devin had a chance to react as the Seviper quickly sprang back to life and coiled its self around Rio several times and started to squeeze her.

"That a boy Snake, crush the life out of that little bitch."

Slowly, and painfully the giant snake constricted its body, crushing the life from Rio. Rio felt her self get light headed as the air was forced from her lunges and was unable to return. Devin was starting to feel light headed as well. He was about to call Rio back to her ball for her own safety when a sudden thought hit him. He saw Rio give a start as their shared thoughts snapped her clouded mind back into focus.

"Rio, use Force Palm now!"

Rio was just able to turn on of her paws over so that it was touching the Seviper and unleashed a Force Palm. It had the desired effect and caused the Seviper to loosen its grip ever so slightly. Sweet, fresh air flooded Rios crushed lungs, and instantly she felt energy flow back on to her body.

"One more time, come on Rio!"

Again Rio unleashed Force Palm, and this time not only did the Seviper loosen its grip, Rio was able to get an arm free.

"That a girl, now Sky Uppercut!"

The Seviper nor Trevor had expected that. Snake was sent flying straight up into the air. Trevor though was able to keep his wits.

"Snake recover and use the momentum of your fall to use Bite."

The Seviper flipped over in mid-flight and fell back to the ground, mouth wide open and aimed at Rio. But Rio was done playing and so was Devin.

"Rio, Blaze Kick!"

Rio leapt into the air and delivered a devastating flaming front snap kick straight to the Seviper's lower jaw. This time when it landed on the ground it did not get back up. Angrily Trevor recalled the Seviper. Hesitantly he pulled a third ball from his belt. He looked a little hesitant about tossing it. This made Devin very happy. This meant that what ever was in the third ball was not very good at all, and that he had already exhausted his best two Pokémon.

"Rio, come here, you've done a beautiful job. Way to go!"

Devin pulled Stars ball from his hip and tossed it.

"Star your up!"

Star emerged from her ball and gave a mighty stretch followed by a rather cute attempt at a roar. With disgust Trevor tossed his last ball.

"Bitch if you know what's good for you, you won't disappoint me." Bitterness hung from every word.

As the light faded Devin was horrified at what he saw, and made no attempt to hide it. Standing before him had to be the smallest Zangoose he had ever seen. Devin could tell that it was severely underfed, because it was easily the skinniest Zangoose he had ever seen as well. What little fat she had was gathered around her chest and what little hips she had. Devin figured she must have been petite anyways, but the evidence of abuse was blatantly obvious.
As he had already noticed she was female and underfed. If she was fed at all the food did nothing for her, her white fur had no sheen to it and hung limply on her body. She had probably never seen a brush in her life other than to be beaten with it. Her red was dull and matted. Her tail hung almost lifeless behind her. The most startling thing of all was her wounds. She had several puncture wounds all over her body from where Snake had obviously bitten her. Worst of all there was a massive cross-shaped scar over her left eye, which she kept shut. If Devin had to guess the eye itself was badly damaged, or out right destroyed. Her other eye had hardly any life in it at all. When she looked at Devin his heart broke with the amount of pleading, and terror that he saw there.

"Well Zag, get the fuck on with it!" Trevor yelled.

When she didn't immediately move forward he rushed her and drove his steel toed boot as hard as he could in to her back side. Zag went flying forward with a shriek of pain. When she took too long to get back up Trevor advanced on her again, this time producing a whip.

"That's enough!"

Trevor looked at Devin in surprise. "What the fuck did you just say?"

"I said that's enough, I forfeit. Star return."

Trevor was still shocked. "What! Why?"

"I will not battle that Pokémon. I give up, you win."

With disgust Devin reached into his wallet and produced Trevor's winnings. With great disgust he shoved the money at Trevor and started to walk away.

"What the fuck is your problem mate? You wanted to battle me!"

Devin stopped and glared at Trevor. "Oh believe me I do. I really do want to battle you. But I will not take part in harming that Zangoose."

Devin did not give Trevor a chance to respond he just grabbed Rio by the hand and stormed away, he didn't even bother to see if Amaya was following. When they were out of sight Trevor glared pure hatred at the Zangoose. With out warning he lashed out at her catching her along side the head with his boot. As she laid there on the ground whimpering he struck her several times with his whip taking his frustrations out on her. When he stopped to catch his breath she weekly crawled over to a log and was about to use it to climb back to her feet when Trevor's boot came crashing down on her back pinning her to the log. She struggled for a second and then stopped as the sound she feared the most was heard. Trevor had undone the zipper to his pants and was now knelt behind her. Violently he grabbed her by her left ear and yanked her head back with a yelp so he was glaring in her good eye.

"You are going to take this you bitch, and your going to damn well like it!"

With that he forced has way forward, and the most soul rending scream was torn from the little Zangoose's lungs.

Not too far away

Devin was having all he could do not to turn around and run back to that clearing and kill that bastard trainer. No Pokémon should be treated the way that Zangoose was being treated. Each crack of the whip and each scream tore at him more and more. He forced his eyes shut, and continued to storm forward. But it didn't help. The whip would crack, the Zangoose would scream, and Devin would see it in his head as if he were standing there. To make matters worst, Amaya would not shut up.

"Oy Devin, how can you just walk away from this?"

"It not our problem Amaya, let's go."

"Was all that talk about being a good trainer a load of shit than? That Zangoose needs us! Needs you!"

Another crack, another scream, Devin could not keep the cringe from his face.

"What the hell do you want me to do Amaya? Please tell me, and I will happily do it. She is not some wild Pokémon caught in a trap being taunted by kids or a trapper. He owns her, he can do almost what ever he wants to her as long as he doesn't kill her."

Crack, Scream, Devin fell to his knees hugging him self.

"What's wrong?" "What's up?" Rio and Amaya asked at the same time.

"I can see him beating her, I can feel it. It hurts and there is nothing I can legally do."

It was at that moment that they all noticed that the whipping and screaming had stopped. All three of them looked at each other.

"Maybe he got tired?" Amaya offered weekly.

Before he could respond The Zangoose's soul rending scream tore through the woods. Devin was on his feet, shoving his Pokéballs at Amaya.

"Keep them safe!"

He didn't wait for a reply, he just tore off back the way they had come. It didn't take long for him to get to the clearing they had been at, and the site before him made him want to puke. The Zangoose was painfully laying over a log that he had sat on the night before, and Trevor was knelt behind her with his pants around his ankles. Devin didn't need his imagination to know what was happening.

With a bellow he cleared the rest of the distance and leapt over the Zangoose tackling Trevor to the ground. Devin quickly had Trevor pinned beneath him, his arms pinned by Devin's knees. With out hesitation or mercy Devin began to rain punches down on to the prone teens face.
Devin was lost to his own rage, unaware of anything else around him. He just kept punching the punk in the face over and over again. All the sudden something grabbed his arm to prevent him from swinging again. Devin glanced back to see who had stopped him from attacking, only to come face to face with the Zangoose. She had the most profound look of sorrow and pleading on her face.

"Please stop. You only make. Worst." She begged him, her speech broken.

Devin couldn't decide if that was a Zangoose trait or if she had never learned to talk properly.

"Why should I, huh little one? He deserves what he is getting."

The Zangoose looked confused, clearly she had not expected a response like this.

"He is Zag's master, Zag deserve what Zag get."

Devin was appalled. "Who has filled your head with such things. You don't deserve this. You don't deserve any of this." Devin said gently tracing a hand down her face and over her scar.

Gently she took his hand in her paws. "What else is there for Zag? Zag is little Zangoose. Little and week. Zag need master."

Devin got off of the unconscious Trevor and knelt before Zag.

"You may be little, but you are not week. And you deserve a better master than this piece of shit here."

Devin continued to rub her head and sooth her.

"Come with me Zag, and I promise you that you will never be abused again."

Zag was chocked up, she didn't know what to say or think. Of course Trevor chose that moment to stir. Hastily Zag started to push Devin away towards the edge of the clearing.

"Go before master wake up and catch you here, hurt Zag more."

"Come with me Zag."

"Zag can't, not while master has ball."

Devin thought quickly.

"We are heading towards Sandgem Town, if you can get free find us there."

"Will try. Now go."

Devin got up and started to run away.

"Devin, thank you."

Devin smiled and continued to run. He was long gone when Trevor regained consciousness.

"Oy Zag, what the fuck happened?"

Zag shrugged her shoulders as she cowered away. She wasn't fast enough though as he lashed out and back-handed her. As Zag laid sprawled on the ground whimpering Trevor took it upon himself to kick her several times. With one last vicious stomp Trevor brought the heel of his boot down on her left paw, breaking it, and one of its claws.

"Useless bitch." Trevor said in disgust as he called her back to her ball so he wouldn't have to listen to her scream any more.

Sandgem Town

Devin's thoughts were still dark and miserable as they entered Sandgem Town. He should have stolen the Zangoose away from Trevor. He was a terrible trainer. The worst there could possibly be. Even the various Pokémon criminal organizations over the generations treated their Pokémon better than Trevor did.
He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he wasn't even aware that he had walked right up to Prof. Rowan's front door. It took him a few moments to recognize where he was. It gave Rio and Amaya a chance to catch up.

"Devin what is the big deal. You shove your Pokémon on to me, run off, and when you return your hands are bloody and you are in a bad mood. Than you storm off to Sandgem Town, which I get is where we were going any way, but you all but ran here leaving me and Rio to eat your dust."

"I just needed to clear my head is all."

"Devin"

Devin ignored them both and made to knock on the door. However before he could do so the door flew open and Prof. Rowan was standing there looking at them sternly.

"Devin I have been expecting you. Though I must say you have arrived sooner than I anticipated." Prof. Rowan extended his hand to Devin.

"Sorry would have been here latter, but something happened." Devin responded taking the offered hand.

"Oh?"

"Just a really bad trainer we met on the way here."

"Do come in and tell me your tale." Prof. Rowan said ushering them inside.

A few hours latter and the entire experience had been told. Prof. Rowan sat there and pondered Devin's story. Slowly he took a drink from his coffee cup, still debating what to tell Devin. He wasn't exactly a boy anymore. He needed to make his own choices.

"Well Devin it really is up to you about what should or should not be done about Trevor."

Devin gave Prof. Rowan a funny look as if he didn't know what he was talking about.

"Let me explain. This trainer is evil and vile in the way that he treats his Zangoose. But he treats his other Pokémon just like any other trainer treats their Pokémon. Now you could go and beat his Pokémon again, and beat him up again. Steal the Zangoose away from him, and become a bigger criminal than he is. You could call the cops and wait for the cops to catch up with him. He could be arrested, he could be tried, but in all honesty he would more than likely just spend some time in jail, pay some small fine, and get back to what he does best."

"Than what do you suggest?"

Setting his cup down Prof. Rowan leveled an even stare at Devin.

"I suggest that you think about what is best for you and the Pokémon. But for now though you have other things to do."

With that Prof. Rowan pressed a buzzer on the table. A short time latter a teen age girl in a white lab coat entered the sitting room they were in. She was about Devin's age and height. She had fair skin, pale blue eyes and platinum blond hair that hung down to the middle of her back. And she was gorgeous. Devin found him self gaping at her.

"Devin I do believe you remember my grand-daughter, Platina."

Devin didn't have a chance to reply or react. He was suddenly on the ground, tackled there by Platina as she threw her self at him. He had hoped for a quick and quiet visit. Was nothing going to go right today? Devin found himself in a tight embrace, and before he could think about it he was embracing her back. Oh Rio was going to kill him, she could feel her glaring at him, could feel her anger with him.

"Platina! How, how's it going?"

"Devin!" Platina said pushing her self up so she was sitting up, but still was sitting on Devin.

With out warning Platina hauled off and punched Devin in the face. Devin had to admit that it was a damn good punch too. She followed with another that was as impressive. She gave one more punch that was just as good as the previous two. Only than did she get off of him. As he laid there wondering what the hell had just happened he could hear Rio laughing at him vocally and mentally.

"Oh you so deserved that."

"Yeah, yeah I deserved that I guess."

"You think? Three years ago I thought we had some thing special. And than what, nothing. You haven't called, you haven't wrote, and until now you haven't visited either." Platina said accusingly.

Devin got a little red in the cheeks.

"Your not here to visit me are you?" Platina asked.

"No, his Aunt sent him here to give me a package. Though I would like to hear about what happened three years ago."

"No Grandpa you wouldn't. What happened, happened. We were young and our feelings were different."

Prof. Rowan looked between the two Nineteen year olds, and could plainly see that both of them were extremely conflicted about there feelings for each other. He found it oddly funny that not only did Rio stand between them metaphorically, but at that moment physically as well. He could feel that it would make an interesting tale some day, he hoped he would live long enough to see it all.

"Well Devin I think it is time you bring your friend in here so you can give me your Aunts package."

Devin could feel Rio getting all giddy. She was having too much fun with this. And before Devin could stop her Rio ran at the door. His shock turned in to horror as Rio lead Amaya in by the hand.

"Oy Rio what the hell is the rush. Devin said to wait out here."

Platina and Amaya met each others glare. Amaya wasn't even Devin's girl friend, but that was how Platina was viewing her. Amaya on the other hand just saw another young woman who was eye balling her, and took offense.

"Platina Rowan, Prof. Rowans assistant, Grand daughter and Devin's old girl friend." Platina said offering her hand.

"Amaya Navela, Trainer and Devin travel companion. Nothing more." Amaya said taking her hand.

Both young women stood there eyeing each other. It was Devin that finally broke them up.

"Here you are Professor. This is the package that Aunt Rose wanted me to give you."

This got absolutely every ones attention. As a whole they watched as Prof. Rowan opened the package and produced three vials, each one containing a dozen capsules, one red, one green, one blue. Every one looked at the capsules, and than looked at Prof. Rowan for answers. But when none came, and Devin heaved a deep sigh, they looked at him.

"Congratulations Platina, you are now a Professor. You have made your Grand Father very proud."

"That's great Grandpa, I am very excited really, but what are those?" Platina asked with a mixture awe and confusion.

"Well Devin that would be the other reason you are here, my boy."

Again heaving a deep sigh Devin got up and went over to a cupboard and from it drew three Pokéballs, one red, one green, and one blue. From them he produced a red, green, and blue Ditto. Devin than gave each one a corresponding capsule. Every one watched in awe as very slowly in each Ditto an egg began to grow.

"A long time ago when the Pokémon League was first formed it was decided that children going out into the world with only some mechanical balls to hopefully capture wild animals with extraordinary powers, even the little ones, was a bad idea. So the League along with the first ever Grand Master came up with a plan to create "Starter" partners for the would-be trainers. So Three starters were created for each region, one fire, one grass, one water. These starters would never be available in the wild so the best breeders were brought in to genetically engineer these Pokémon. And nobody knows except for Professors, and Breeders." Devin said.

Every looked from him, to Prof. Rowan, and back to the Ditto that were still forming eggs. Every one looked shocked and stunned. Even Amaya was unable to speak. Devin scooped up his back pack and Rio and headed out the door. He couldn't be here right now. Right now he just needed some time to him self.
Devin continued to walk right out-of-town in the general direction of Lake Verity. It didn't take him long to get there either it was just a short hike. Rio tried asking him several times where they were going and why, but Devin wouldn't answer her. When they got to the lake Devin found a nice tree standing almost by itself on a little patch of raised ground that could hardly be considered a hill. It did however offer an elevated view of the lake.
Dropping his pack Devin sat down beneath the tree and pulled Rio in to his lap. She didn't question or resist. She just sat there and looked out over the lake with Devin enjoying the alone time, and a really beautiful sunset. They just sat there quiet, holding each other, silently enjoying each others company and the scenery.

"Rio"

"Yeah Devin?"

"I want you to know that no matter what you are my girl, and I will always love you first and foremost. Nothing will change that."

Rio didn't respond in words, she just turned to the side a little so she could cuddle into his chest a little bit more. Devin could feel her love for him pouring from her aura. He really did love her truly and deeply, but he could not fool himself. He had undeniable feelings for Platina as well, and as of this moment he could not think of a way to love one without hurting the other. Truth be told he didn't want to think about it now either. So he just let himself slip in to the wake of Rios emotions and relaxed back into the tree and Rios embrace.

A little while latter

The sun had almost finished its path through the sky when a sound came from the bushes interrupting Devin and Rio's alone time. Platina emerged from the path a few yards from where they were sitting. She had changed out of her Lab assistants clothes and was wearing a plain, simple dress and sneakers. Devin lifted Rio off of his lap and stood up to greet his friend and one time lover.

"Rio I need you to go for a long walk or some thing. Platina and I need to have a grown up conversation."

Rio was about to protest but decided not to. She could feel that this was something that needed to happen.

"Okay Devin. Just yell if you need me."

With that Rio took off up the path. Devin turned back to Platina and was about to say something when she placed a finger on his lips to silence him. Devin fell silent not entirely sure what to make of what was going on. With out warning Platina leaned in and kissed him full on the mouth.

Devin was stunned, now he was really lost. When Platina separated from him they just stared at each other, completely lost, unsure of what comes next.

"We've got problems, don't we?" Platina asked meekly.

"Yeah we do." Devin responded.

It was his turn to do the surprising as he leaned in and kissed her. This time however Platina kissed back with a passion that Devin him self could no longer deny and matched it. When they separated for the sake of breathing, Platina gently pushed him to the ground till he was once again sitting, this time with Platina straddling his lap. Reaching behind her neck she undid the strings holding her top up. She let the top of her dress fall to her waist exposing her beautifully naked chest to the night air. Platina reached forward and unzipped the front of Devin's vest, exposing his chest to the night as well.

"Awe hell. Rio is going to kill me." Devin thought to him self as he got lost in Platina's embrace.

Else Where

With a small pop and a flash of red, Zag emerged from her Pokéball. She took a brief moment to confirm that her left paw was indeed broken. Cradling the paw to her chest she grabbed a hold of her broken claw with her good paw and bit her lip. With a hard jerk she finished breaking the claw off. The pain was excruciating, and she bit down on her lip to the point of drawing blood to suppress her scream.

That was it, she could not take it any more. Devin was right she did deserve better. She had such high hopes when Trevor had captured her. How wrong she had been. Trevor was a monster, a bad trainer and a terrible human being. As quietly as she could she pulled one of Trevor's bandanas and wrapped her ball up in it as best she could. Finally she poked as gently as she could at Trevor's Pokétch till the map function came up. When she was sure of where she was going she took the knot of the bandana in her mouth and ran off into the night.

Near Lake Verity a short time latter

Rio sat alone in a tree, she could not deny that she was upset, and insanely jealous of Platina at the moment. She was able to give Devin a kind of pleasure that Rio her self could not. When she was able to calm down enough to think clearly she supposed it could be a lot worst. He could be doing it with Amaya. Rio would admit that Amaya was hot in an exotic kind of way. But she had nothing on Platina. Besides that Platina was a lot nicer than Amaya was. So all in all she guessed it was alright.

"And besides it not like Platina will be joining us. She just became a Professor. This is just some sort of celebration for the two of them. Yeah that's it." Rio said to her self.

It was at that moment that Rio noticed something running towards the lake. Rio took off after the thing that was running, her curiosity getting the better of her. As Rio got closer she noticed it was the abused Zangoose from earlier. Rio also noticed she was limping as she ran and she was holding something in her mouth.

"Hey! Hey you!" Rio shouted as she landed just behind the Zangoose.

With a yelp the startled Zangoose spun around to face what was behind her, her good paw raised ready to strike. When she saw it was Rio her guard dropped and she all but threw her self at Rio.

"Oh thank Arceus, it you. Quickly I need to see your master Devin." Zag exclaimed excitedly holding the bandana out at Rio.

Rio could tell by the roundness of the bundle that it must be the Zangoose's Pokéball. She also knew that Devin had expected this, so he wouldn't mind if they interrupted Him and Platina.

"Come with me quickly." Rio said Taking the bundle in one paw and Zag's good paw in her other.

Together they raced towards Lake Verity.

Lake Verity

Devin laid on the ground with Platina's semi bare back to his bare chest. They had silently agreed to at least cover up what little they had exposed during their little tryst. Platina was enjoying the after glow, as well as Devin's warm hand on her bare hip. She had not worn any under garments at all, something that had come in quite handy. She felt Devin adjust himself slightly behind her and gently kissed her bare shoulder. This brought a content smile to her lips.

"So Devin what do we do now?" Platina asked rolling over to face him. She had to admit that it felt really erotic how Devin's hand had not moved when she rolled over, and it now rested on her bare ass.

"I don't know, I just don't know. I can only assume that you are going to take over for your Grand father now, and I have only just begun my journey."

Platina hadn't expected Devin to give up his journey so soon, but he had misunderstood her completely.

"I was talking about your Pokémon."

"What about them?" Devin asked confused.

"I can see the way you look at them, especially Rio. I just want to know if this means you are attracted to humans now and I should be jealous of Amaya. Or if your even more attracted to Pokémon, and I have to worry about you getting caught."

Platina could see the confusion all over Devin's face. And she was right, Devin didn't know how he felt. Would he be able to resist Rio or even Mocha if when they evolved they decided they wanted to mate with him. Platina could see the conflict rising with in him.

"It's okay Devin, I have no problems with you being a Poképhile, if that is what you choose. I just want you to know that I will always be here for you."

Platina was going to say more but at that moment Rio and Zag came crashing through the under brush, causing the two young adults to sit up, their conversation lost. Devin smiled at the two. He had not expected to have sex on the banks of Lake Verity with Platina this night, or have her confess her feelings to him either. But he had expected the Zangoose to show up at some point.

Devin scooted around a little bit and opened his arms wide. Zag needed no other encouragement as she flew into his arms and broke down crying. Devin sat there rocking with the Zangoose deciding it was better to just let her get it all out of her system. Eventually she did settle down and Devin was able to see the full extent of her damage. As Devin was going over her Platina scooted up next to them and without prompting Rio sat in her lap to be petted.

"Is that the Zangoose?" Platina asked with equal parts shock and disgust.

'Yes it is." Devin responded finishing his inspection.

He was not pleased at all. She had massive bruising from her earlier beating. Several open wounds that would turn into even more scars. And her tail was so matted in blood from Trevor forcing himself on her that it all but stuck to her leg. Getting some hyper potions from his pack and a bandage for her broken paw Devin set to work. Zag was a good little girl, and an out standing patient. Letting Devin know exactly where and what hurt. Platina and Rio helped out where ever they could.

All too soon Trevor came busting through the underbrush as well, his Stunky besides him. Devin had expected this too. Devin took Zag out of his lap and set her next to Platina. He than stood to face his new found nemesis, Rio at his side where she belonged.

"Mate I don't know if I should thank you for patching up my Zangoose, or beat the shit out of you for stealing her away from me." Trevor said trying to make himself look menacing.

"I didn't patch her up for you friend. I patched her up because I knew you wouldn't. And I didn't steal her away from you, she left you on her own. She just came to me because, well lets face it I'm better than you on every conceivable level."

Trevor started to spit and sputter in anger. Devin held up a hand to fore stall anything he was about to say.

"Tell you what, Friend, let's have us a two on two battle. Winner takes Zhen. Oh and look there just happens to be a Professor present to watch over the battle."
Devin said passing off Zag's ball to Platina.

Trevor laughed. "You idiot her name is Zag, and you can't fool me, this little tart may be hot, but she is in no way a Professor."

"Excuse me pal! But I am not a "Tart" and I am a Professor!" Platina said getting angrier with every word and flashing her Poké I.D. that plainly stated she was a Professor.

"And further more I am authorizing this Two on Two battle. Winner takes Zhen."

Trevor was at a loss for words for a little bit.

"Fine have it your way. I accept on one condition."

"What?"

"You can't use your freak Riolu or the Buneary."

Devin smirked which pissed Trevor off. "Fine."

"Fine how is that fine, you only have one other Pokémon."

Devin just shrugged.

"I'll just use Zhen than if that is alright with our judge?"

"It is." Platina said in a very definitive maner.

"Why do you keep calling her Zen?"

"Its Zhen, with an "H" you puts. It means... Fuck that, I'll tell you letter what it means."

With that Devin tossed Stars ball. "Star its time to play."

For a second time that day Star came out of her ball and gave a mighty stretch followed by a really cute roar.

"Rancid go get her with Scratch!"

The Stunky charged Star with its claws extended.
Star watched the attack coming and started to look panicky.

"Star it okay, just dodge it and use Charge." Devin yelled at her in a very reassuring voice.

Star dodged to the side while contracting the muscles in her legs to stimulate her electric glands. She was unsure of her self, but so far Devin knew what he was doing.

"Rancid Scratch the little kitty one more time!"

"Star dodge it again and continue to Charge."

Once again Star stepped aside as the Stunky went sailing past her. Again she contracted the muscles in her legs, stimulating the electric glands further. She was really beginning o feel the abundance of electricity that was being created.

"Now Star Spark, let's go!"

Star flew forward her body covered in electricity. The extra electricity causing her to move faster and hit harder. The Stunky went down, but not for long as it started to get back up.

"Rancid Fury Swipes, now!"

The Stunky lunged forward swinging wildly several times catching star across the face. Star back peddled pawing at her injured face.

"It's okay Star you're doing fine." Devin said encouragingly

"Rancid use toxic now!" Trevor commanded.

Rancid propped itself up on its front paws so it could spray its poison all over Star. Devin had other plans though.

"Star Tackle, let's go! Get it while it readies its move."

Star shock her self and shoulder rammed the Stunky squarely in the middle of the back sending it back to the ground.

"Star use Bite to put it out of our misery!"

Star all too happily lunged forward and bit the Stunky right on the nose. The Stunky ran around in circles howling in pain before it finally collapsed.
Trevor sighed in disgust calling back his Stunky. Pulling his dark purple ball he released Snake the Seviper on to the field. Devin recalled Star.

"What a great job Star, I am so proud of you. Take a good long rest you deserve it."

"What are you going to use now since you have no more Pokémon. Are you planning on forfeiting again? That's it isn't it? You can't use your freak or your stuffed toy so you're going give up."

Devin smirked. "Not quite, ass sack."

Devin turned his head and looked right at Zag.

"You ready to show him what you can do, Zhen?"

"But Zag no good at fighting." Zag said hanging her head.

Devin knelt down to be at eye level with the frightened Zangoose. Gently he put a hand on her cheek so she would look at him.

"I have faith in you Zhen, all you have to do is listen to me, and you'll do great."

Something in Devin's eyes made Zag pause. His word were true, he really did believe in her. With a broad smile Zag took Devin's out stretched hand and let him walk her into the circle.

"What's this horse shit? You can't use my Pokémon against me like this." Trevor protested glaring at Platina for her ruling.

"Yes he can, you only stipulated that he could not use his Riolu or his Buneary. You never said he could not use the Zangoose. Who as far as I'm concerned is a free Pokémon at the moment since her ownership is up in the air." Platina said with such authority that Trevor dared not question her.

"Fine than. You might as well hand her over to me now. She is no good at fighting. Snake use Bite now. Lets get this over."

The giant Seviper lunged forward to bite a very frightened Zag.

"Zhen dodge it and use Quick Attack."

Zag snapped out of her terror and side-stepped the Seviper. She was so amazed at her self for dodging that she almost forgot to attack. It was a glancing hit, but a hit none the less. Zag, Snake, and Trevor were stunned.

"Zhen use Scratch, lets go!"

Zag leapt forward and brought her good paw down on the Seviper electing a brief hiss of pain. Lunging forward once again the Seviper clamped down on Zag's broken paw. Zag yelled out in pain.

"It's okay Zhen. Use Scratch one more time."

Zag lashed out with her good paw and brought it right across Snakes face. Her hit was so good that it damaged one of the Seviper's eyes. It let go hissing in pain. Zag cradled her broken arm to her chest and waited to see what was going to happen next.

"You stupid bitch how dare you hurt Snake like that." Trevor bellowed.

"Don't listen to him Zhen, you are doing a great job. Way to go Zhen!"

Trevor was furious at that statement, and it showed too.

"Snake use poison tail, I wan that ungrateful bitch dead."

"Zhen dodge it and use Quick Attack!"

Snake brought his glowing tail down at a deadly angle towards Zag's head. Zag dodged it just barely and stepped on its tail holding it in place. Zag than started going crazy with Quick Attack. She took out all her fear, and frustrations, her hardships, and the years of physical and mental abuse she had endured at the hands of this monster and his prized Seviper. Zag scratched, bit, slashed, and jabbed at any exposed area she could get into contact with. Her one good eye started to brim with tears, her arms were burning from exertion. But still she continued to strike out at the Seviper, even after it fell.

She did not stop until a booted foot came flying at her head. With a yelp Zag fell back at Devin's feet. But Devin wasn't there, he had once again charged Trevor and tackled him to the ground and was beating the shit out of him. Devin didn't beat him unconscious this time. Instead he searched Trevor till he found his Pokédex. Once he had that he went back to where Zag, Platina, and Rio were waiting for him. Devin handed over Trevor's Pokédex so that Platina could go to work deregistering Zag from Trevor.

"You did a wonderful job Zhen. You are such a good girl." Devin said kneeling
down and scratching the exhausted Zangoose between the ears.

Zag was so happy and tired that all she could do was slump into Devin's still bare chest and weekly hug him. Devin returned the hug, as Platina nudged him with the Pokédex and Pokéball. Devin stood back up, took the items and walked back over to where Trevor still was laying on the ground.

"Are you happy now? Huh mate, you got your self a broken and damaged Zangoose, cheers."

"She is only broken and damaged because you are the worst kind of trainer ever. You only care about one of your Pokémon, not your whole team. And that broken Zangoose just showed you how weak and useless she was. She really is zhen, and that is why I am going to rename her that."

"What does that mean?"

Devin just ignored him as he set the Pokédex and Pokéball on the ground next to Trevor. With a violent stomp Devin shattered the two items with his heel.

"May we never meet again Trevor."

With that Devin walked back to the group of girls and once again knelt in front of the Zangoose. Devin reached into a pocket on his pack and brought forth a bright, shiny new Pokéball and offered it to the Zangoose. Once again her eye filled with tears, but this time they were happy tears. Gently she placed her good paw over the ball and was sucked into it. When all was said and done Devin released her again.

"So Zhen ready to go and get fixed up?"

"Why you keep calling Zag zen?"

"It's Zhen with an "H" dear. And in the old language, that was spoken before there were trainers and battle and contests Zhen meant precious. And you are precious, and should always be treated as such."

Zhen could hardly contain her self she was so happy.

"I Zhen than, and I your Zhen forever."

"Yes you are."

With that Devin took Zhen's good paw in his hand and used his other to swing Rio up on his shoulders. Platina walked up beside him carrying his pack and vest. Devin wrapped an arm around her shoulders and together they walked back to town.
A few short hours latter a much cleaner, much fuzzier Zangoose sat before them hungrily eating the food in front of her. They had to shave off most of her fur to get at all of her wounds. Fortunately they had been able to clean her tail without shaving it too. After she had been patched up, she had gotten her first hot bath ever, and a good brushing. Zhen had thought she had died and gone to heaven.

While the Pokémon were eating Platina took the opportunity to pull Devin aside in to one of the other rooms. Once alone she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug, and kissed him deeply.

"I am so proud of what you did today, you couldn't have handled it any other way."

"Listen Platina about us..."

Platina placed a finger over his lips to silence him.

"I won't ask you to give up your travels, and after tonight I can see just how deeply you love your Pokémon. I want you to know that I will be right here waiting for you. I'll wait as long as I have to, because I love you. Just do me two favors. Don't get caught, and please come back to me."

Devin didn't answer her with words. Instead he kissed her deeply and picked her up in his arms. Gently he carried her off to her room. Rio entered the side room just in time to see Devin and Platina enter another room, and this door locked when they closed it. Rio was about to go knock the door down, but didn't. Instead she smiled and went back to her sisters. She knew that eventually her time would come, so she would wait patiently.

The next morning Platina woke up very pleased. The cool material of her sheets felt good on her naked skin. Rolling over she was not surprised to see that Devin was gone. Platina smiled to her self. Devin was a good man, and she knew that he would come back to her. A short distance from Sandgem Town Devin and
Amaya had stopped to have a small breakfast.

"So mate, did you have a good time in Sandgem Town?" Amaya asked around a mouth full of fruit.

"Better than expected."

"So what now mate?"

"Don't know. What do you girls want to do?"

Rio looked up from her bowl and around at her sisters.

"We want to do a gym battle."

"Why?"

"Because it would be fun."

Devin was about to disagree but when all four of his girls looked at him with pleading eyes he could not refuse.

"Alright you four enough with the eyes. We'll go have us a gym battle."

Devin's girls all cheered and started to celebrate as a group. Unaware to them they were not alone. A good distance away standing in the shadows of some trees on an out cropping a very dark Pokémon and a very white Pokémon were watching them.

"So they have over come yet another challenge." Darkrai said without emotion.

"And he is so good-looking too. Now why can't I find a male Pokémon with those kinds traits?"

Darkrai looked down at where his Absol companion was laying on the ground, head in paw, ogling the male trainer.

"Stay focused Abby, we have a mission to complete."

The Absol looked up at the Darkrai.

"But do we have to, especially to him, he is so... delicious."

The Darkrai rolled its one eye and dissolved into it own shadow.

"Stay on point Abby, no mistakes this time."

The Absol rolled her eyes at the shadow and went back to admiring Devin.