Chapter 10 - Guardian of Rustboro
"They came this way, I'm sure of it."
"That was years ago. I doubt they're still here."
The main street of Rustboro city was practically devoid of people, due in no small part to the presence of the pair of Venusaur trudging down the road. Those people who were on the street when the grass pokemon arrived had scurried off into side streets and buildings and were now peering worriedly out of the windows and around corners, scared that the Venusaur might mean them harm. It was doubtful, but no one seemed to want to take the chance.
They kept moving along the road, eyes constantly roving for their oldest son. Close to five years ago he had been captured by a trainer and taken from the forest south of the human settlement, the parents only realising it had happened when one of the other pokemon had alerted them to it. It was nothing new, but now it was important that they find him soon.
"What's that?" the mother asked suddenly, hearing the distinct cry of an Ivysaur. She turned to the source and gasped, seeing her son in a small box inside the window of a human store.
"Son!" the father cried, ambling over to where his child seemed to be launching some kind of attack. The Ivysaur paid no attention to the sounds of his parents, the television screen suddenly cutting away to the result of the attack and causing both Venusaur to start.
"Um... hello?"
The voice was almost as startling, the grass pokemon turning to see a single human standing there. She seemed to be quite young, an adolescent if they guessed correctly. Her hair, drawn into a bun and pony tail on either side of her head, was a colour between brown and slate, and she wore a blue dress reminiscent of a school uniform. On her waist, more concerning to them, were several poke balls.
"I'm sorry to interrupt," she began, clearly hoping to understand their actions. "But I'm afraid that some people are worried that you might want to harm them. Um, I'm sure you don't but if I can help you will you please go back home?" They stared at her for a moment before the father snaked out one vine, indicating the television.
"We're looking for him." He said, unsure if the girl could understand him. He gestured again when Ivysaur appeared on the screen again, a brown haired trainer in a black shirt and jeans standing behind him. The girl's eyes widened slightly as she looked at the screen, guessing their intentions.
"Oh, you're looking for them?" she asked, rewarded with a nod from the mother. She unclipped a device from her waist, sliding a portion of it to reveal a smaller screen. "Flannery said that Wolf got back a while ago..." she mused to herself, fussing around with the pokenav controls and bringing up a map of Hoenn. "North is that way, so Fortree City would be... that way." She said, pointing in the direction of Fortree for the benefit of the Venusaur.
"Thank you for your help." The mother said, before both pokemon walked still north, purpose now infusing their journey. Roxanne watched them go, not really noticing the people tentatively leaving their refuges.
***
"Look, I really don't see how that makes us in love with each other." Ivysaur argued, one eyebrow raised at Ninetales as the pokemon made their way back home. Ninetales let out a short bark of laughter, finding his cluelessness amusing.
"You spend more time with Jazz than any of the others." She countered, leering at Ivysaur. "Don't act like I don't know what I'm talking about. I did the same thing with Princess."
"There are benefits to hanging around with Jazz." He replied stubbornly. "I'm not the only one who knows that. I'm sure Wolf has enjoyed her company often enough as well." Ninetales rolled her eyes, still not convinced.
"Whatever." She smirked, her tone lofty. "You'll figure it out soon enough." He snorted, letting the pair of them walk in silence for a minute or so. They had volunteered to deliver a message for Rose, enjoying the chance to stretch their legs without training and spend some time just chatting. The silence was fine too, neither speaking until Ivysaur muttered something under his breath, the mischievous glint returning to his eye.
"What was that?" Ninetales said, stopping to stare even while the grass pokemon kept going. He looked over his shoulder innocently, though Ninetales wasn't fooled for a second.
"I refuse to answer on grounds I may be hit with a flamethrower." He replied, in the same lofty tone, turning back to the path and stopping dead in his tracks. She stared at him, noticing the expression of shock plastered on his face and following his gaze to where it sat rooted to a pair of Venusaur who were standing in the path, beaming at him.
"Mum? Dad?" he asked, disbelief flooding his voice. "What are you doing here?!" Ninetales stood next to him, her confusion only lessened slightly. Why was he reacting this way to seeing his parents?
"It's so good just to see you again." His mother replied, while his father nodded in agreement. "But it's time to come home. As our eldest son, it is your duty to become guardian." Ivysaur's jaw dropped in shock, eyes wide with something Ninetales was beginning to think was fear. For several seconds his mouth worked uselessly, until he finally found his voice again.
"Really?" he asked, his voice quivering. "I'm, uh, going to have to take this up with Wolf." With that, Ivysaur bolted around his parents and ran home as fast as his legs would carry him. Ninetales tilted her head, worried about him as she walked after his retreating form.
***
Wolf was seated on a mat in the gym, wearing only a loose fitting pair of trackpants that gave him comfort enough to cross his legs. Medicham sat opposite him, demonstrating the position the trainer was to adopt. For the second time in as many nights he had woken up in the dead of night, the events of his battle against Shayne manifesting themselves in his dreams. Not only that, but he had envisioned two alternative outcomes, the first night dissolving into a gore soaked maelstrom as he butchered the Infernape with his claws before turning on everyone else in a feral frenzy. The second he felt was worse, his dream painting an all too vivid pictured of his defeat, Shayne leaving him broken on the ground while he beat and raped Lucky before his eyes.
Serenity had been the one to suggest meditation as a way to clear his mind of such horrible thoughts, worried about Wolf and feeling a need to repay him as she cradled the egg he had conceived with her. Medicham had been willing to help, now teaching him how to meditate.
"Close your eyes." He said, Wolf complying with no argument. "It takes great discipline to meditate properly. Now breathe in," he paused, listening intently as Wolf filled his lungs with air. "And out." Wolf exhaled, blowing the used air out his mouth and drawing in new air through his nose. A small potted plant sat nearby, something Medicham had brought in to aid in the whole experience. It wasn't strictly necessary, but he felt it useful for the much less disciplined human.
"Clear your mind so that you can find your centre." Medicham instructed, letting a faint trace of his own psychic ability show Wolf's progress. The trainers mind seemed quite cluttered, Wolf slowly sifting through the mess and putting it out of conscious thought. It would have been easy for Medicham to aid him, but the end result wouldn't be anywhere near as useful.
He could feel the last shreds of conscious thought leaving the trainer's mind, smiling to himself. Wolf was quite a student, though he remembered his father picking it up easily enough too. Medicham reached over and pressed the play button on a small cd player, letting a soothing melody aid him. This was good, for while Wolf carried the spiritual pain of that moment he would never truly be himself again.
"Aaaah! Hide me!"
Wolf, still with his eyes closed, flinched at Ivysaur's panicked shout as the grass pokemon sprinted past the meditating pair and into the shower room. Medicham watched him go, sighing at the effect this would have. He reached over and stopped the music, earning a questioning stare from Wolf.
"We'll continue this another time." He said in answer, getting up and indicating Wolf to do the same. "This interruption will rest on your mind, however unwilling, and prevent any meaningful progress." Medicham left the gym, letting Wolf wander after Ivysaur.
When he rounded the corner he noticed that the pile of sweaty clothes was noticeably larger than it had been before, and not entirely hiding its occupant. Sighing in resignation, he sat down next to the hiding pokemon. For a long moment neither of them spoke.
"Wanna tell me why you're hiding in a pile of everyone's dirty clothes?" he asked finally, leaning his head against the wall while he waited for the answer.
"My parents are here." Ivysaur muttered, his voice strained. "They want me to be the forest guardian of where we met." The trainer nodded in thought.
"I assume you don't really want to, then?" he questioned. A pair of briefs fell away from Ivysaur's face as he regarded Wolf incredulously.
"Well, duh!" he replied. "Why else would I join up with you?"
"There's no need for sarcasm, you know."
"Sorry. I'm a little edgy right now."
"Fair enough." Silence hung between them for a few more seconds, until Wolf broke it again. "I suppose you want me to go and tell them you're not going?" Ivysaur nodded, letting the trainer get up and head off to get changed. He paused at the door as a thought occurred to him. "Just out of curiosity, how come? If it's none of my business, that's fine too." Ivysaur stared at him, looking suddenly older than he ever had to Wolf.
"I don't want the responsibility." He said, eyes pleading. Wolf nodded, understanding his friend.
***
The air was tense as Wolf approached Ivysaur's parents, flanked by Ninetales and Eve. He wasn't sure that they would just give up and go on his words, wanting some backup to dissuade them of resorting to violence. Besides, they were on an open path in full view of his home, which prevented him from assuming his Lucario form with so many possible witnesses nearby. Trying to explain anything of his relationship with Lucky to his parents was something he wanted to avoid like the plague.
"You must be Ivysaur's parents." Wolf said, keeping his voice neutral. "Let's see if we can't solve this reasonably." The father frowned at him, the mother staying impassive.
"I am afraid there is only one option." He replied, meeting Wolf's gaze with his own. "You will have to release our son to us so that he can take his place as guardian."
"Ivysaur told me once that he had some brothers and sisters." Wolf shot back, seeking to undermine their position. "Why can't one of them take up the post?" This time the mother spoke up, shaking her head sadly.
"Impossible." She said. "Tradition dictates that the eldest must be guardian."
"Then break tradition." The trainer said stubbornly. The remark was so unexpected that both Venusaur actually gasped.
"We cannot do that." He replied, an edge creeping into his voice. "We have told you the only course is to release Ivysaur to his duty. It's what he wants." Wolf stiffened.
"Don't give me that crap." He snarled back. "I've spent more time raising Ivysaur than you have, so don't tell me what he wants." Hearing the warning tone in his voice, Ninetales and Eve dropped into ready stances, every sense alert for any sign of aggression from Ivysaur's parents. "I have nothing left to say to either of you, apart from the fact that I forbid Ivysaur to go. Deal with it."
Wolf spun on his heel and headed back to the house, his pokemon making a more cautious withdrawal after him. The mother shook her head sadly.
"We thought you might feel that way." She said. Glancing over her shoulder, she motioned to something in the bushes. "Alakazam, it would seem we need your help after all." The trainer stopped dead at this, spinning around to catch a brief glimpse of something teleporting out of the forest nearby. Shortly after he could hear a brief scuffle coming from his house, before a flash of light heralded the arrival of the Alakazam in between the Venusaur, Ivysaur at his feet. The grass pokemon was in a bad way, bearing the marks of a psychic assault.
"Ivysaur!" Wolf cried, dashing towards his friend and their captors with Ninetales and Eve hot on his heels. Before they could cover even half the distance Alakazam teleported them away, leaving little more than an empty space for Wolf to run into.
"I can't believe they would do that!" Ninetales wailed, a mix of anger and disbelief colouring her voice.
"Damn it!" Wolf roared, feeling the need to strike something. Eve gripped his hand comfortingly, trying to calm the trainer down.
"We'll get him back." She assured him, seeing him calm slightly. Anger would only allow him to focus on the problem, not help him remedy it. He breathed deeply, traces of Medicham's lessons asserting themselves in his mind.
"What's all the noise?" Wolf glanced back up at the house, seeing Serenity on the front balcony with the egg cradled in her arms. "I heard battle sounds."
"They took Ivysaur!" Wolf replied, the Gardevoir gasping at the news. "We've got to get him back!"
***
In a flash of light, the four of them reappeared on the edge of the lake south of Rustboro City, immediately breaking towards the forest. Wolf had assumed his Lucario form so that they could cover ground quickly, departing only once he had been sure of their destination and Serenity had found someone to watch her egg. None of them spoke, wary of how Wolf had become increasingly more annoyed at the day's events.
Wolf used the scent he had picked up off the dirty clothes Ivysaur had been hiding under, letting it guide him through the trees like a homing beacon. A scowl twisted his muzzle, green eyes narrowed in anger as they proceeded after the scent. They had no right to drag Ivysaur back if he didn't want to go! How dare they force him to do something he didn't want to!
"He's close." Ninetales whispered, picking up on the scent as well. She was right, the group approaching a small clearing in the trees. Once they drew closer they saw just what waited for them in the clearing.
Ivysaur was lying on the ground in the middle of the clearing, still looking worse for wear. That was not the worst of it, and as he continued to watch he saw Ivysaur glowing intermittently, drawing his shocked attention to the wounded pokemon's neck and the missing everstone collar.
"Ivysaur, you have to evolve." His father was saying, Wolf paralysed at the thought of his close friend changing when he didn't want to. "You want to evolve and be guardian, it's your duty." This was all it took to fan the little ember of suppressed anger in Wolf's mind into a roaring inferno.
"How dare you?!" Wolf roared, stepping from cover with his pokemon in tow. The Venusaur turned, shock on their faces at how quickly they had been chased down. "How dare you tell him what he wants?!" Serenity barely had time to hold him back as he lunged, fully intent on unleashing his anger on its source. Ninetales and Eve moved to cover him, spitting bursts of fire to intercept razor sharp leaves and ward away snake like vines. Wolf weaved between the attacks, using all of the skills he had learnt during previous battles and training sessions where he had allowed his pokemon to train him, closing quickly and landing a powerful force palm on the snout of one of the Venusaur. The grass pokemon was knocked back a few metres, Wolf already sprinting at his second foe and hurling an aura sphere into its side. It too was sent reeling, though once again only a short distance and with only comparatively light damage.
Wolf had little time to savour this, a thick vine lashing across his back and sending him flying into a tree. Pain coursed through his body, though he forced himself to ignore it. It didn't matter if he got hurt, only that Ivysaur was rescued. Growling, he turned back to the fight to find that the rogue Alakazam had joined in as well, forcing Serenity to keep her powers focussed on countering his own. He could see sweat beginning to form on her face, knowing that this was going to be an uphill struggle unless she could break off.
Reaching a decision, he headed back into the thick of the firefight, dodging between hails of leaves and streams of fire in order to close with the psychic pokemon. Even if he could only distract Alakazam for a few moments it would be enough. He ducked under a burst of will-o-wisps before launching another aura sphere at the rogue. Only at the last moment did Alakazam react, thrusting a hand in the direction of the Lucario's attack to project an incorporeal barrier and stop the energy ball in its tracks. Almost immediately he was forced to fend off a psychic assault from Serenity, struggling to divide his concentration and deal with both threats.
Wolf bared a carnivore's grin, not slowing in his approach of Alakazam. He let off an attack every few seconds, keeping the psychic pokemon distracted long enough for him to get in range of his trump card. Serenity recognised his ploy, drawing back once he had come close enough. Now he unleashed his dark pulse, letting his rage turn into a powerful burst of dark power and blasting Alakazam off his feet. The rogue groaned for a second, before passing out due to exhaustion and Wolf's last attack.
"Thanks for your help." Serenity breathed, rushing up to Wolf. He could see the concern in her eyes, wondering if he was still okay.
"I'll be fine." He assured her, before gesturing to the ongoing combat between the grass and fire pokemon. "As soon as that's taken care of." She nodded, turning to employ her remaining energy to saving Ivysaur. She summoned the last of her strength and lifted both Venusaur off their feet, the pokemon yelling in surprise until they were hit by twin flamethrowers as the fire types took advantage of the opening. Serenity heaved them across the clearing, the pokemon falling unconscious even before they landed.
Wolf staggered over to where Ivysaur was struggling to suppress the evolution energy, falling to his knees next to his tortured friend. He watched as Ivysaur's skin glowed and he let out a moan, feeling completely powerless to help him.
"Find his collar." He whispered, transforming back as Eve departed the clearing after a second scent trail. The glow was appearing more frequently now, and Wolf felt like this was his fault. Pressing his hands into his legs, Wolf suddenly yelped as something in his pocket dug into his leg. Frowning, he pulled out the object, staring in disbelief at the tiny shard he held between his fingers. It couldn't be, surely...
"Wolf, is that everstone?" Serenity asked, edging closer to examine the fragment. He didn't reply, hearing Ivysaur let out another yell as the glow began to flash almost nonstop.
"Wolf!" Ninetales barked, snapping him out of his shock. He nodded, pressing the shard against Ivysaur's aqua forehead, breathing a sigh of relief as the glow began to subside. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the glow faded altogether and Ivysaur opened his eyes. He stared up at Wolf, relief and gratitude showing in his eyes.
"Thanks, Wolf." He breathed, still trying to catch his breath. "For a minute I didn't think you'd be able to pull it off."
"Don't thank me." He replied, turning relieved eyes to Eve as she came back into view with Ivysaur's collar clutched in her hands. "Thank Eve."
***
A couple of days had passed since they had rescued Ivysaur from his parents, Wolf having had some time to relax and focus on his lessons with Medicham again. Things had been proceeding well on that front, and Wolf had been far less troubled by his dreams even in such a short period of time. Lucky was happy too, seeing her love much happier than he had really been for quite some time.
He rounded the corner into the gym, ready to start his next session with Medicham, when he noticed that Blaziken was also present. The fire pokemon was busy kicking one of the punching bags, while Medicham simply sat where he always was for their lessons. He opened one eye as Wolf entered, fixing the trainer with a slightly irritated stare.
"He won't leave." Medicham said, indicating Blaziken. "Would you kindly find out what it is he wants?" Wolf nodded, before approaching the restless pokemon. He watched Blaziken kick the bag a few more times before he desisted, stilling the bag and turning to Wolf.
"Why didn't you ask for my help?" he said bluntly. Wolf was taken aback for a few seconds before Blaziken continued. "I could have helped you rescue Ivysaur."
"Sorry Blaziken." He replied, grimacing. "If I'd know you would have wanted to, I would've taken you along." Blaziken didn't look too happy, but he was at least satisfied by Wolf's explaination.
"I see." They stayed silent for a few moments until Wolf realised that the pokemon had something else on his mind. "Wolf, I know that you're fine with having sex with pokemon. I wonder, if maybe you'd like to spend some time with me later?" Wolf felt his face heating up at the proposal, startled at hearing it.
"Uh, I don't know." He stammered out. "I mean, I might be okay with pokemon, but I don't go for that sort of thing." Blaziken nodded, though he looked a little upset.
"Oh..." he said, disappointment in his voice. "Well, I suppose if you decide you ever want to try it, you can always ask me." Blaziken left the gym, feeling a little dejected, leaving Wolf feeling like he'd been almost uncaring of the pokemon's feelings. Puzzled, he took up his position in front of Medicham, hoping to shed some light on the matter.
"He's not sad, you know." Medicham offered. "At least not in a way that he won't get over. He'll realise what he said later." Wolf nodded again, much less troubled about it.
"That was years ago. I doubt they're still here."
The main street of Rustboro city was practically devoid of people, due in no small part to the presence of the pair of Venusaur trudging down the road. Those people who were on the street when the grass pokemon arrived had scurried off into side streets and buildings and were now peering worriedly out of the windows and around corners, scared that the Venusaur might mean them harm. It was doubtful, but no one seemed to want to take the chance.
They kept moving along the road, eyes constantly roving for their oldest son. Close to five years ago he had been captured by a trainer and taken from the forest south of the human settlement, the parents only realising it had happened when one of the other pokemon had alerted them to it. It was nothing new, but now it was important that they find him soon.
"What's that?" the mother asked suddenly, hearing the distinct cry of an Ivysaur. She turned to the source and gasped, seeing her son in a small box inside the window of a human store.
"Son!" the father cried, ambling over to where his child seemed to be launching some kind of attack. The Ivysaur paid no attention to the sounds of his parents, the television screen suddenly cutting away to the result of the attack and causing both Venusaur to start.
"Um... hello?"
The voice was almost as startling, the grass pokemon turning to see a single human standing there. She seemed to be quite young, an adolescent if they guessed correctly. Her hair, drawn into a bun and pony tail on either side of her head, was a colour between brown and slate, and she wore a blue dress reminiscent of a school uniform. On her waist, more concerning to them, were several poke balls.
"I'm sorry to interrupt," she began, clearly hoping to understand their actions. "But I'm afraid that some people are worried that you might want to harm them. Um, I'm sure you don't but if I can help you will you please go back home?" They stared at her for a moment before the father snaked out one vine, indicating the television.
"We're looking for him." He said, unsure if the girl could understand him. He gestured again when Ivysaur appeared on the screen again, a brown haired trainer in a black shirt and jeans standing behind him. The girl's eyes widened slightly as she looked at the screen, guessing their intentions.
"Oh, you're looking for them?" she asked, rewarded with a nod from the mother. She unclipped a device from her waist, sliding a portion of it to reveal a smaller screen. "Flannery said that Wolf got back a while ago..." she mused to herself, fussing around with the pokenav controls and bringing up a map of Hoenn. "North is that way, so Fortree City would be... that way." She said, pointing in the direction of Fortree for the benefit of the Venusaur.
"Thank you for your help." The mother said, before both pokemon walked still north, purpose now infusing their journey. Roxanne watched them go, not really noticing the people tentatively leaving their refuges.
***
"Look, I really don't see how that makes us in love with each other." Ivysaur argued, one eyebrow raised at Ninetales as the pokemon made their way back home. Ninetales let out a short bark of laughter, finding his cluelessness amusing.
"You spend more time with Jazz than any of the others." She countered, leering at Ivysaur. "Don't act like I don't know what I'm talking about. I did the same thing with Princess."
"There are benefits to hanging around with Jazz." He replied stubbornly. "I'm not the only one who knows that. I'm sure Wolf has enjoyed her company often enough as well." Ninetales rolled her eyes, still not convinced.
"Whatever." She smirked, her tone lofty. "You'll figure it out soon enough." He snorted, letting the pair of them walk in silence for a minute or so. They had volunteered to deliver a message for Rose, enjoying the chance to stretch their legs without training and spend some time just chatting. The silence was fine too, neither speaking until Ivysaur muttered something under his breath, the mischievous glint returning to his eye.
"What was that?" Ninetales said, stopping to stare even while the grass pokemon kept going. He looked over his shoulder innocently, though Ninetales wasn't fooled for a second.
"I refuse to answer on grounds I may be hit with a flamethrower." He replied, in the same lofty tone, turning back to the path and stopping dead in his tracks. She stared at him, noticing the expression of shock plastered on his face and following his gaze to where it sat rooted to a pair of Venusaur who were standing in the path, beaming at him.
"Mum? Dad?" he asked, disbelief flooding his voice. "What are you doing here?!" Ninetales stood next to him, her confusion only lessened slightly. Why was he reacting this way to seeing his parents?
"It's so good just to see you again." His mother replied, while his father nodded in agreement. "But it's time to come home. As our eldest son, it is your duty to become guardian." Ivysaur's jaw dropped in shock, eyes wide with something Ninetales was beginning to think was fear. For several seconds his mouth worked uselessly, until he finally found his voice again.
"Really?" he asked, his voice quivering. "I'm, uh, going to have to take this up with Wolf." With that, Ivysaur bolted around his parents and ran home as fast as his legs would carry him. Ninetales tilted her head, worried about him as she walked after his retreating form.
***
Wolf was seated on a mat in the gym, wearing only a loose fitting pair of trackpants that gave him comfort enough to cross his legs. Medicham sat opposite him, demonstrating the position the trainer was to adopt. For the second time in as many nights he had woken up in the dead of night, the events of his battle against Shayne manifesting themselves in his dreams. Not only that, but he had envisioned two alternative outcomes, the first night dissolving into a gore soaked maelstrom as he butchered the Infernape with his claws before turning on everyone else in a feral frenzy. The second he felt was worse, his dream painting an all too vivid pictured of his defeat, Shayne leaving him broken on the ground while he beat and raped Lucky before his eyes.
Serenity had been the one to suggest meditation as a way to clear his mind of such horrible thoughts, worried about Wolf and feeling a need to repay him as she cradled the egg he had conceived with her. Medicham had been willing to help, now teaching him how to meditate.
"Close your eyes." He said, Wolf complying with no argument. "It takes great discipline to meditate properly. Now breathe in," he paused, listening intently as Wolf filled his lungs with air. "And out." Wolf exhaled, blowing the used air out his mouth and drawing in new air through his nose. A small potted plant sat nearby, something Medicham had brought in to aid in the whole experience. It wasn't strictly necessary, but he felt it useful for the much less disciplined human.
"Clear your mind so that you can find your centre." Medicham instructed, letting a faint trace of his own psychic ability show Wolf's progress. The trainers mind seemed quite cluttered, Wolf slowly sifting through the mess and putting it out of conscious thought. It would have been easy for Medicham to aid him, but the end result wouldn't be anywhere near as useful.
He could feel the last shreds of conscious thought leaving the trainer's mind, smiling to himself. Wolf was quite a student, though he remembered his father picking it up easily enough too. Medicham reached over and pressed the play button on a small cd player, letting a soothing melody aid him. This was good, for while Wolf carried the spiritual pain of that moment he would never truly be himself again.
"Aaaah! Hide me!"
Wolf, still with his eyes closed, flinched at Ivysaur's panicked shout as the grass pokemon sprinted past the meditating pair and into the shower room. Medicham watched him go, sighing at the effect this would have. He reached over and stopped the music, earning a questioning stare from Wolf.
"We'll continue this another time." He said in answer, getting up and indicating Wolf to do the same. "This interruption will rest on your mind, however unwilling, and prevent any meaningful progress." Medicham left the gym, letting Wolf wander after Ivysaur.
When he rounded the corner he noticed that the pile of sweaty clothes was noticeably larger than it had been before, and not entirely hiding its occupant. Sighing in resignation, he sat down next to the hiding pokemon. For a long moment neither of them spoke.
"Wanna tell me why you're hiding in a pile of everyone's dirty clothes?" he asked finally, leaning his head against the wall while he waited for the answer.
"My parents are here." Ivysaur muttered, his voice strained. "They want me to be the forest guardian of where we met." The trainer nodded in thought.
"I assume you don't really want to, then?" he questioned. A pair of briefs fell away from Ivysaur's face as he regarded Wolf incredulously.
"Well, duh!" he replied. "Why else would I join up with you?"
"There's no need for sarcasm, you know."
"Sorry. I'm a little edgy right now."
"Fair enough." Silence hung between them for a few more seconds, until Wolf broke it again. "I suppose you want me to go and tell them you're not going?" Ivysaur nodded, letting the trainer get up and head off to get changed. He paused at the door as a thought occurred to him. "Just out of curiosity, how come? If it's none of my business, that's fine too." Ivysaur stared at him, looking suddenly older than he ever had to Wolf.
"I don't want the responsibility." He said, eyes pleading. Wolf nodded, understanding his friend.
***
The air was tense as Wolf approached Ivysaur's parents, flanked by Ninetales and Eve. He wasn't sure that they would just give up and go on his words, wanting some backup to dissuade them of resorting to violence. Besides, they were on an open path in full view of his home, which prevented him from assuming his Lucario form with so many possible witnesses nearby. Trying to explain anything of his relationship with Lucky to his parents was something he wanted to avoid like the plague.
"You must be Ivysaur's parents." Wolf said, keeping his voice neutral. "Let's see if we can't solve this reasonably." The father frowned at him, the mother staying impassive.
"I am afraid there is only one option." He replied, meeting Wolf's gaze with his own. "You will have to release our son to us so that he can take his place as guardian."
"Ivysaur told me once that he had some brothers and sisters." Wolf shot back, seeking to undermine their position. "Why can't one of them take up the post?" This time the mother spoke up, shaking her head sadly.
"Impossible." She said. "Tradition dictates that the eldest must be guardian."
"Then break tradition." The trainer said stubbornly. The remark was so unexpected that both Venusaur actually gasped.
"We cannot do that." He replied, an edge creeping into his voice. "We have told you the only course is to release Ivysaur to his duty. It's what he wants." Wolf stiffened.
"Don't give me that crap." He snarled back. "I've spent more time raising Ivysaur than you have, so don't tell me what he wants." Hearing the warning tone in his voice, Ninetales and Eve dropped into ready stances, every sense alert for any sign of aggression from Ivysaur's parents. "I have nothing left to say to either of you, apart from the fact that I forbid Ivysaur to go. Deal with it."
Wolf spun on his heel and headed back to the house, his pokemon making a more cautious withdrawal after him. The mother shook her head sadly.
"We thought you might feel that way." She said. Glancing over her shoulder, she motioned to something in the bushes. "Alakazam, it would seem we need your help after all." The trainer stopped dead at this, spinning around to catch a brief glimpse of something teleporting out of the forest nearby. Shortly after he could hear a brief scuffle coming from his house, before a flash of light heralded the arrival of the Alakazam in between the Venusaur, Ivysaur at his feet. The grass pokemon was in a bad way, bearing the marks of a psychic assault.
"Ivysaur!" Wolf cried, dashing towards his friend and their captors with Ninetales and Eve hot on his heels. Before they could cover even half the distance Alakazam teleported them away, leaving little more than an empty space for Wolf to run into.
"I can't believe they would do that!" Ninetales wailed, a mix of anger and disbelief colouring her voice.
"Damn it!" Wolf roared, feeling the need to strike something. Eve gripped his hand comfortingly, trying to calm the trainer down.
"We'll get him back." She assured him, seeing him calm slightly. Anger would only allow him to focus on the problem, not help him remedy it. He breathed deeply, traces of Medicham's lessons asserting themselves in his mind.
"What's all the noise?" Wolf glanced back up at the house, seeing Serenity on the front balcony with the egg cradled in her arms. "I heard battle sounds."
"They took Ivysaur!" Wolf replied, the Gardevoir gasping at the news. "We've got to get him back!"
***
In a flash of light, the four of them reappeared on the edge of the lake south of Rustboro City, immediately breaking towards the forest. Wolf had assumed his Lucario form so that they could cover ground quickly, departing only once he had been sure of their destination and Serenity had found someone to watch her egg. None of them spoke, wary of how Wolf had become increasingly more annoyed at the day's events.
Wolf used the scent he had picked up off the dirty clothes Ivysaur had been hiding under, letting it guide him through the trees like a homing beacon. A scowl twisted his muzzle, green eyes narrowed in anger as they proceeded after the scent. They had no right to drag Ivysaur back if he didn't want to go! How dare they force him to do something he didn't want to!
"He's close." Ninetales whispered, picking up on the scent as well. She was right, the group approaching a small clearing in the trees. Once they drew closer they saw just what waited for them in the clearing.
Ivysaur was lying on the ground in the middle of the clearing, still looking worse for wear. That was not the worst of it, and as he continued to watch he saw Ivysaur glowing intermittently, drawing his shocked attention to the wounded pokemon's neck and the missing everstone collar.
"Ivysaur, you have to evolve." His father was saying, Wolf paralysed at the thought of his close friend changing when he didn't want to. "You want to evolve and be guardian, it's your duty." This was all it took to fan the little ember of suppressed anger in Wolf's mind into a roaring inferno.
"How dare you?!" Wolf roared, stepping from cover with his pokemon in tow. The Venusaur turned, shock on their faces at how quickly they had been chased down. "How dare you tell him what he wants?!" Serenity barely had time to hold him back as he lunged, fully intent on unleashing his anger on its source. Ninetales and Eve moved to cover him, spitting bursts of fire to intercept razor sharp leaves and ward away snake like vines. Wolf weaved between the attacks, using all of the skills he had learnt during previous battles and training sessions where he had allowed his pokemon to train him, closing quickly and landing a powerful force palm on the snout of one of the Venusaur. The grass pokemon was knocked back a few metres, Wolf already sprinting at his second foe and hurling an aura sphere into its side. It too was sent reeling, though once again only a short distance and with only comparatively light damage.
Wolf had little time to savour this, a thick vine lashing across his back and sending him flying into a tree. Pain coursed through his body, though he forced himself to ignore it. It didn't matter if he got hurt, only that Ivysaur was rescued. Growling, he turned back to the fight to find that the rogue Alakazam had joined in as well, forcing Serenity to keep her powers focussed on countering his own. He could see sweat beginning to form on her face, knowing that this was going to be an uphill struggle unless she could break off.
Reaching a decision, he headed back into the thick of the firefight, dodging between hails of leaves and streams of fire in order to close with the psychic pokemon. Even if he could only distract Alakazam for a few moments it would be enough. He ducked under a burst of will-o-wisps before launching another aura sphere at the rogue. Only at the last moment did Alakazam react, thrusting a hand in the direction of the Lucario's attack to project an incorporeal barrier and stop the energy ball in its tracks. Almost immediately he was forced to fend off a psychic assault from Serenity, struggling to divide his concentration and deal with both threats.
Wolf bared a carnivore's grin, not slowing in his approach of Alakazam. He let off an attack every few seconds, keeping the psychic pokemon distracted long enough for him to get in range of his trump card. Serenity recognised his ploy, drawing back once he had come close enough. Now he unleashed his dark pulse, letting his rage turn into a powerful burst of dark power and blasting Alakazam off his feet. The rogue groaned for a second, before passing out due to exhaustion and Wolf's last attack.
"Thanks for your help." Serenity breathed, rushing up to Wolf. He could see the concern in her eyes, wondering if he was still okay.
"I'll be fine." He assured her, before gesturing to the ongoing combat between the grass and fire pokemon. "As soon as that's taken care of." She nodded, turning to employ her remaining energy to saving Ivysaur. She summoned the last of her strength and lifted both Venusaur off their feet, the pokemon yelling in surprise until they were hit by twin flamethrowers as the fire types took advantage of the opening. Serenity heaved them across the clearing, the pokemon falling unconscious even before they landed.
Wolf staggered over to where Ivysaur was struggling to suppress the evolution energy, falling to his knees next to his tortured friend. He watched as Ivysaur's skin glowed and he let out a moan, feeling completely powerless to help him.
"Find his collar." He whispered, transforming back as Eve departed the clearing after a second scent trail. The glow was appearing more frequently now, and Wolf felt like this was his fault. Pressing his hands into his legs, Wolf suddenly yelped as something in his pocket dug into his leg. Frowning, he pulled out the object, staring in disbelief at the tiny shard he held between his fingers. It couldn't be, surely...
"Wolf, is that everstone?" Serenity asked, edging closer to examine the fragment. He didn't reply, hearing Ivysaur let out another yell as the glow began to flash almost nonstop.
"Wolf!" Ninetales barked, snapping him out of his shock. He nodded, pressing the shard against Ivysaur's aqua forehead, breathing a sigh of relief as the glow began to subside. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the glow faded altogether and Ivysaur opened his eyes. He stared up at Wolf, relief and gratitude showing in his eyes.
"Thanks, Wolf." He breathed, still trying to catch his breath. "For a minute I didn't think you'd be able to pull it off."
"Don't thank me." He replied, turning relieved eyes to Eve as she came back into view with Ivysaur's collar clutched in her hands. "Thank Eve."
***
A couple of days had passed since they had rescued Ivysaur from his parents, Wolf having had some time to relax and focus on his lessons with Medicham again. Things had been proceeding well on that front, and Wolf had been far less troubled by his dreams even in such a short period of time. Lucky was happy too, seeing her love much happier than he had really been for quite some time.
He rounded the corner into the gym, ready to start his next session with Medicham, when he noticed that Blaziken was also present. The fire pokemon was busy kicking one of the punching bags, while Medicham simply sat where he always was for their lessons. He opened one eye as Wolf entered, fixing the trainer with a slightly irritated stare.
"He won't leave." Medicham said, indicating Blaziken. "Would you kindly find out what it is he wants?" Wolf nodded, before approaching the restless pokemon. He watched Blaziken kick the bag a few more times before he desisted, stilling the bag and turning to Wolf.
"Why didn't you ask for my help?" he said bluntly. Wolf was taken aback for a few seconds before Blaziken continued. "I could have helped you rescue Ivysaur."
"Sorry Blaziken." He replied, grimacing. "If I'd know you would have wanted to, I would've taken you along." Blaziken didn't look too happy, but he was at least satisfied by Wolf's explaination.
"I see." They stayed silent for a few moments until Wolf realised that the pokemon had something else on his mind. "Wolf, I know that you're fine with having sex with pokemon. I wonder, if maybe you'd like to spend some time with me later?" Wolf felt his face heating up at the proposal, startled at hearing it.
"Uh, I don't know." He stammered out. "I mean, I might be okay with pokemon, but I don't go for that sort of thing." Blaziken nodded, though he looked a little upset.
"Oh..." he said, disappointment in his voice. "Well, I suppose if you decide you ever want to try it, you can always ask me." Blaziken left the gym, feeling a little dejected, leaving Wolf feeling like he'd been almost uncaring of the pokemon's feelings. Puzzled, he took up his position in front of Medicham, hoping to shed some light on the matter.
"He's not sad, you know." Medicham offered. "At least not in a way that he won't get over. He'll realise what he said later." Wolf nodded again, much less troubled about it.