My Flaming Fox



I’ll wait for you



       Welcome to the world of Pokémon! This world is inhabited far and wide by creatures called Pokémon. These creatures vary in shape, colour, size, and many other details –but still sharing some details from us humans, like human-like hands, or feet, even voluptuous chests or butts. And at the same time with animal- or well, Pokémon-like features, like their tails or flaming backs, gigantic wings or small beaks and snouts.
       For some people, Pokémon are pets. Others use them for battling; others even find the love of their lives too. You can consider the Pokémon-Human relationships almost like the truest of pairings; since Pokémon can’t talk, it is love from the very start, that can even surpass communication.
       So is the case of this young kid, who may not look like it right now, but later in life he would find that the world is far more complex that what he thought.
       
       ***
       
       —Carlos! Dinner is ready! —A female voice is heard shouting—.
       The faint shape of an adult woman is seen on the horizon, you could barely make out any details on her, but she was wearing a white shirt with long jeans and a red apron, waving her hands trying to get Carlos’ attention.
       —Coming mom! —Carlos replied in another shout—.
       He couldn’t be bothered even looking from where the shouts came, he already knew they came from home.
       Carlos is a boy from the Kalos region, although still too young to become a Pokémon trainer, he was already seen with great chemistry with one in particular, a small Fennekin.
       Wearing a red cap with a Poké-ball stamp on the front, a bright red shirt and deep black shorts. As well as big white shoes, probably running shoes, a gift from his parents last year. «To run, press B» was written on the manual.
       They could be seen playing on the boundaries of Coumarine City, where the Lumiose Badlands and the Laverre Nature Trail meet. A mix of the dark green forests, the bright brown of the Badlands desert and the green and blue fields of Coumarine’s coastline collide to create a colourful landscape.
       The little boy was running from her as she ran towards him, the two of them delighted with each other’s presence.
       —Fe-! —The little Fennekin shouted as she jumped towards Carlos—.
       —Hahaha. —He laughed as he was pushed to a batch of tall grass—.
       He fell on his back as the little Pokémon climbed on him. They both laughed and kept running towards one another for a while until the mother shouted again for him to come back.
       —See you tomorrow Fennekin! —Carlos said waving as he ran back home—.
       —Fenne! Fee! —The small Pokémon shouted back—.
       As Carlos ran towards his home, Fennekin was left watching him, running towards a sunset that painted the sky red and orange. The small Pokémon looking somewhat sad that the day was over as she bit a stick she found on the ground. The gust of wind moving her fur and ears to the same rhythm as small ambers coming from her inner ears flew away.
       As Carlos came close to his mother, who embraced him with a big hug only a mother could give –she caringly took him inside. Carlos didn’t seem to be sad, the opposite exactly, since he was eagerly telling his mother all the things they did that day. His mother listened to most of it as she helped him inside.
       —I’m glad you had fun sweetie, how about tomorrow I’ll make you two some snacks?
       —But Fennekin only eats sticks she finds on the ground! —He replied—. I’ve never seen her eat something else!
       —Well, most likely because she hasn’t tried mom’s cooking, now, eat your dinner and get ready for bed.
       Carlos and the little Fennekin kept seeing each other for the coming years, each of them growing together for what felt like forever, and at the same time felt like the briefest moment in their lives.
       But time took a toll on them that came sooner than later, and reality struck them both.
       For you see, although native to the region, some Pokémon are more uncommon than others, for every Slugma or Gible you might want to catch, there were a hundred zubats you had to get through first. And Fennekin was one of these rare Pokémon.
       Alongside to other two more, Fennekin was what new trainers come to know as the 3 “starters”. A grass, water and fire type selection given to them to begin their journey and understanding of their Pokémon world. And these Pokémon were raised and trained on whatever was close to their natural habitat, to then further their training in human interaction on the Professor’s lab. To then be categorized and listed for the next generation of new trainers.
       Fennekin’s region was prime on Carlos’ hometown, a mix of the deep forests and the hot deserts. But now she had to be taken to continue her training somewhere else, and neither were prepared for this.
       Worst part, neither were there at the right time either.
       
       ***
       
       —Fennekin! Fe! —Fennekin shouted using growl—.
       But humans are immune to stat-lowering attacks. And so, the scientist simply pulled out the Poké-ball where she had come from years ago from the day care. A wooden stick she was munching on earlier was the only thing left on the ground as this man of science returned to the Pokémon lab.
       Later that day, Carlos was running to look for Fennekin, he was finally 10 and was going to start his Pokémon journey. He was eager to tell her and maybe convince her to be by his side.
       But when he got there, he saw nothing but an empty field with breeze flowing and Jumpluffs floating in the horizon, seemingly crying a sad tune as if they knew what was happening that day.
       He tried to look everywhere he could to find the little fox Pokémon he holds so dear and no matter the shouts; he couldn’t find her at all –but a stick, laying on the ground, with small embers floating to the sky.

       ***
       
       «Knock, knock»
       —Carlos, get up already. You’re going to miss your chance!
       A grown-up Carlos was now in what was the young kid’s bed, a glance over the room showed a plethora of Pokémon merchandise. Figurines, plushies, posters; even the walls were painted in some Pokémon décor. All reminiscent of fox-like Pokémon.
       A fennekin-themed alarm clock, an elegant ninetales on the wall –son on a so forth. Even some not-so-wholesome stuff was laying arround, a topic maybe for another time, but it was clear for anyone there that this was clearly a preference from the very start.
       The kid had turned into a blooming adult, but what was that that made him like that?
       —Hurry it up Carlos! —The voice of a mother was heard through the door—.
       —I know, I know. —A deeper voice answered—.
       As Carlos sat on the side of his bed, his hands wandered over his head, his face and even his legs –to remind him that it was all just but a dream, and he had to get back to what was real.
       He stripped naked and flexed, looked at the clock one last time and to no one’s surprise he was still on time. After all is a mother’s job to wake you up two hours before. You ask for seven, she wakes you up at five; yelling how you are already out of time.
       A black shirt with half a Poké-ball design, and a pair of black pants with red trimmed pockets on the sides. Black and red fingerless gloves and a matching set of sneakers with yellow, red and black. Lastly a red jacket with the same three-coloured scheme and an all friend of past times, a red beanie that now fitted just fine.
       —Talking about late. —The mother scold him—.
       —Mom, I said wake me up at 9, it was 7:30, what the hell?
       —You know what I mean, mister “I want to become a Pokémon trainer now”. You are 18, that’s 8 years late! Talk about making last minute decisions.
       —You just said that because you’re going to miss me.
       The mother hugged him and kissed him on the cheek.
       —I would have missed you at any point in time, and you know that. —She then pushed on the plate on him as she went by—. Now eat. I don’t want the professor to think I don’t feed my son.
       A brief silence continued as his mother looked at him with both pride and sadness. It was never an easy job for a mother to let his son roam free on the wild; explore the world and encounter its wonders –specially for her who got to see him grow up to become a man. And as he ate, she couldn’t help but to recall what had caused this to happen and how all that time went by.
       The final minutes went. Carlos gave his mother a last kiss goodbye and as he stepped outside the cold breeze of the past came to give our soon-to-be trainer, a last glimpse of what that faithful time had brought upon his young soul back when his only friend was gone.
       
       ***
       
       The poor kid was inconsolable, while his mother was unaware of his pain. All afternoon he spent looking for his lost friend, his sad and broken voice growing weaker and weaker as the sun said goodbye and the moon poked from the horizon. When it was time for him to go home; haven given up all hope, his mother was finally made aware of what had happened –receiving a kid covered in dirt, tears and scars for he had gone far and wide on the tall grass.
       —My dear, she’s probably someplace else. Wild Pokémon are indeed wild. —She tried to explain to him—. They come and go to explore the world; she’ll return I promise.
       But that promise never came true as time went by, every day going out looking for her and coming back empty handed. He even secretly got himself a Poké-ball, just in case he found her –to never let her go again. But even after the years passed another wild Pokémon went and gone by, she was never found.
       Other wild Fennekin did appear once or twice. In surprise he almost threw that ball for a couple too, but none were HIS friend, and those too disappeared sooner or later.
       Then it came the time for him, to become a Pokémon trainer himself, he had reached the age of 10 and was ready for his journey. He got ready, just like any other day, ate what he thought would be his last mom-made meal and ran outside without even saying good-bye.
       He ran through the fields and ran through the casts. Got into a bus and without realizing he was already at Lumiose City, right outside the Professor’s Lab.
       
       ***
       
       And there he was once again, back at Lumiose City, the place had change little to nothing, as he stepped on inside, two other children were already there. One was a kid, clearly just made the age to start training. The second kid wasn’t really one; almost as old as Carlos himself, perhaps a couple of years younger –and at the end it was him, looking like the outcast from every angle, getting all the looks and stares.
       Meanwhile, the gusts of time came back yet another time.
       
       ***
       
       —You are rather late. —A man’s voice is heard—.
       Carlos looked all around the building trying to find the voice he heard. A thin man, wearing a lab’s coat and with quite the hairstyle showed himself short after.
       —My name is Professor Sycamore; you must be Carlos.
       —Y-you know my name?
       —Well, parents do need to make an appointment for their kids, and you are the only one that didn’t show on time.
       
       ***
       
       —Hello, everyone. —The same voice Carlos heard as a kid shouted—. Welcome, my name is Professor Sycamore. If you follow me, please.
       The two other kids complied in an instant, following professor Sycamore deep inside the lab, Carlos took a second to catch up after his flashback had him struck –and like an overlapping image he could see himself at the end of the line; as well as at the very side of that white coat, holding on Sycamore’s hand, like a lost kid on a mall.
       —I want to begin by congratulating you all for the choice you have made, becoming a Pokémon trainer is no easy feat –and you should all feel proud.
       Like he did back then, Sycamore gave the same speech. Almost to a T, the same words, the same pace.
       “The world is filled with dangers and wonders, friends and foes. If you truly want to be the very best, you will have to work hard; and smart. After all Pokémon are not that different than us. Keep that in mind as you choose who is who.”
       After a short walk, our four characters arrived at the main attraction, a wide and open lab filled to a brim with technology and machinery. Operated by both humans and Pokémon alike.
       In the center of the room lied a table with 3 Poké-balls. The same 3 Carlos saw once, he had now seen them twice.
       —In order of arrival you will pick one, this is your first encounter as to what you will face in the future. Just like the early bird gets the worm, in in this case the trainer gets the Pokémon.
       The kid ran straight to the one in the very front, no reason at all.
       —I choose you! —He yelled—.
       A fennekin came out of the ball!
       —Feee!
       It had happened again; Carlos was too late.
       
       ***
       
       —I choose you! —Carlos yelled—.
       But the Poké-ball was empty. Professor Sycamore then took the second and opened it himself, empty as well, where a froakie used to reside.
       —The one left is chespin, if you are up for it. Grass type Pokémon are easy to train and can become powerful if done right. —Said the professor—.
       Carlos was in shock, his last glimpse of hope, gone.
       All left of that memory was him going back home empty handed, her mother struck by surprise. She even was ready to make something special for the returning kid, but that idea was now out.
       The following years were just a flash, not even bothering to try another time. He knew it was too late and his friend was not coming back.
       
       ***
       
       —Fee! —The small fennekin used ember almost burning the kid—.
       The kid was scared to dead and recalled the Pokémon in an instant, picking the next to the right.
       —Froakie I choose…you?
       A more friendly Pokémon came out, the frog-like water Pokémon froakie.
       The kid was happy enough he wasn’t attacked a second time and ran off with it, giving a chance for the next kid to try out, and Carlos a slim chance to get it this time.
       —Dumb kid. —He claimed as he also chose fennekin—. Fennekin, come out!
       Once again, the fire Pokémon came out and immediately attacked, at this point the professor himself calling fennekin back, the kid opted for the grass type.
       Carlos was filled with fear, the chances of him getting attacked was just as high and once again it was his last chance to get a Pokémon. So, he took a deep breath and walked forward, picking fennekin’s ball the same way he did the first time.
       —Well Carlos, seems this is your chance. —The professor said with a cheeky smile—.
       —What is wrong with this one?
       —Fire type Pokémon can be more aggressive and are more fit for a well experienced trainer; or whoever is up for a challenge.
       Carlos knew this was just an excuse, whichever was the reason for such an aggressive Pokémon to allowed to be selected was going to stay a mystery for him.
       But that didn’t stop him, and as Professor Sycamore waited for Carlos to make a choice, he finally said the words he was longing to say for years.
       —Fennekin! I choose you!
       The majestic Pokémon was finally at calm, seeing her sitting on the table, such a cute sight. Her fiery colours and hot aura. Strong body and most importantly, well gifted; in more than just stats.
       The instant nothing bad happened Sycamore did a sigh of relief.
       —So, it WAS you.
       The beautiful fox Pokémon turned her face to look into Carlos eyes, he didn’t realize it, but those eyes had already met before, and they had finally met once again after a long time.
       —Fee! Fennekin!
       She jumped right into Carlos’ embrace, crying of happiness and joy while he was trying to understand what was going on.
       —It seems Professor Oak was right after all.
       —Professor Oak? —Carlos never had he ever heard that name—.
       —A friend of mine, a fellow Pokémon professor. You see, Pokémon can develop bonds beyond what any human is capable of, as soon as they pick their partner, nothing will set them apart, not even time. Professor Oak calls it the “Caught Pokémon” Syndrome. Silph Co. even developed a Poké-ball for this too, the Love Ball they call it.
       —So, she is…
       —The same fennekin you befriended back then. Field researchers saw you coming back to the breeding grounds day after day short after we took her and other Pokémon to become starters. It seems you too made a strong bond with her.
       The fennekin was still glowing with happiness for seeing her friend once again, and as Carlos understood the situation, his heart too started to glee. It seems as if; somehow, by some reason, both had waited all this time to see each other again.
       —Congratulations, you are now officially a Pokémon trainer.
       Carlos finally looked down into his friend’s eyes.
       —How many poor suckers have you burn by now? —He asked with the biggest smile—.
       —Kin! —was her only reply—.


       
       
       
       
Ambers of the same flame



       As Carlos walked outside holding Fennekin, he saw the world arround him with new eyes. As if this experience was enough to snap him back to reality.
       He saw a city filled with life where he used to see just buildings and people.
       Seeing companionship, friendship, union; in both humans and Pokémon alike. Everything was going back to how he remembered things to be.
       Feeling the air go through his hair, the sun warms up his face –even Fennekin’s fur as it danced in-between his fingers.
       —Fe? —The little Fennekin was curious—.
       —Uh? Never mind. —Carlos avoided the question as he took a deep breath, as if getting ready for something—.
       Then he immediately took way to the nearest Poké-mall.
       On their way there, Fennekin, who hadn’t been outside her Poké-ball; was also enchanted by her surroundings as she turned to see everything from left to right.
       Big imposing buildings all arround, the noise of cars going by, chatter from every corner, jingles coming from stores nearby and finally, the sounds of nature that still lingered by.
       She was captivated by humans holding hands the same way others did with Pokémon. A tall woman with a Machoke, a short-looking guy with a Lucario; even Pokémon couples as she saw a Serperior with a Milotic.
       She was constantly aggressive towards everyone ever since she and Carlos got separated, so seeing how others could feel the same way she felt towards him truly moved her heart –having her turn arround just to gaze back at his eyes yet another time.
       When they arrived, they were greeted by an enormous glass door that slid open for them with a ding, and then the music started. Advertisement for all kinds of products dancing trough screens and prompters.
       «Get the new E X P Share! Everyone gets to learn! »
       «Ultra-Ball, for those Ultra-rare Pokémon! »
       «VS Seeker! For those who don’t know when to give up! »
       «Repeat-Ball, if it doesn’t work fist try it will; eventually. »
       «Hunting in the night? Get a Dusk-Ball! »
       «PokéGear; no matter the region, we can all stay in touch! »
       The infomercials continued for as long as you were willing to listen, but since Carlos was just starting out his journey, pointing out what he really needed was a task on itself; still one he was going to see trough. So, he let Fennekin down on the floor and both started walking down the aisles.
       He first got some basics, like potions, antidotes, heals for different status conditions. He also got some berries, from which he got to win a special Roller Skates ticket! For being making the 123456789’th purchase at Count’aBerry (redeemable only once).
       Lastly, he got some Poké-balls «For every x10 FREE Premier-ball».
       —I’ll actually just get 10 Poké-ball please. —Carlos requested—.
       —Fee! Fennekin! —Fennekin was shouting—.
       Carlos was interested on what she was on about and took seconds to notice she was weirdly interested on a Poké-ball at the counter, a Love-ball.
       He immediately remembered the professor’s words: “Pokémon can develop bonds beyond what any human is capable of, […] the Love Ball they call it”
       —And one Love-Ball too. —Carlos added—.
       —10 Poké-ball, 1 Love-ball and a free Premier-ball. Anything else?
       —That would be it.
       Fennekin was excited for he had purchased what she asked for, even if she didn’t know what it was for, just the pink colour and hearts was enough to get her attention; but of course, Carlos thought otherwise, assuming it was “a call” for their bond to grow even more. He had no issues recapturing her with it and keep the original for later use.
       He felt a better connection with her already, and on the way back outside; he started noticing the same things she did on their way inside.
       Humans and Pokémon holding hands, in all types of mixes and matches. A guy and an Absol, a girl and a Mightyena; or just simply two of the same looking at each other’s eyes. He started wondering what it would be like for the two of them in the near or far future; what kind of relationship they would develop. If one of companionship or one of love.
       And after a short detour to get his pair of skates; off to Route 5 he went.
       Right as he stepped outside the tunnel exit a new world opened for him to explore; something that for years of staying home he never got to see; was not at his disposal.
       Seeing people skate on a park to his right, while wild Pokémon played on the tall grass to his left. Seeing them was like reliving the faint memories of his childhood as he played with Fennekin for the first time.
       He stared with interest at the Pokémon, running and jumping and some flying. The grass caressing their feet and toes while others grabbed it in-between their fingers to eat. A random person with a magnifying glass following their every move… A random person with a magnifying glass following their every move?
       —Oh! Hi there! You must be a Pokémon trainer.
       Carlos was astonished by the bizarre look of this; most likely, Poké-fan. Big round glasses, long white shirt with a Pikachu stamp in the front. Cammo Shorts and sandals.
       —Yes? —Carlos replied a little unsettled—.
       —Then this interests you! Hi! My name is Mark but call me The Feet Master. —He claimed as he pulled Carlos towards the tall grass—. See this?
       The feet master pointed at a footprint in the ground, two human-esque feet and two human-esque hands buried deep in the wet soil.
       —This is of a quadruped Pokémon! You know because they always walk on all fours, some put their feet all the way down and others keep the back feet on their tiptoes!
       He then pulled out his PokéGear, with thousands of images he started going through them at the speed of light.
       —This one for example is of a bird Pokémon! They walk on two but put the whole feet down! Unlike bipeds that walk on their tiptoes! Sometimes you get tricky ones; like from big Pokémon like Charizard or Ampharos who are bipeds, but their prints would leave you to think they’re birds!
       —I… know that…
       —Oh? You know about all of this? Then which Pokémon is this print from?
       The feet master showed him a picture of a quadruped Pokémon, slightly apart the front from the back, wetter soil and some sand visible in the border.
       —Arcanine? —Carlos replied—.
       —Fool! You can’t tell just by looking at the prints! See the wet soil! And the sand in the left corner! This picture was taken in a beach so it’s a water type! The distance makes it likely it was a Vaporeon!
       At that point Carlos was trying to get back in his tracks to capture some Pokémon and train Fennekin, but the feet master was still not done with him.
       —You can’t tell gender either! Unless her breasts are too big that they leave a mark on the ground as well! Then it would be clear is a female Vaporeon!
       —I-I get it. I’ll put more attention into it next time…
       —Good, also; here’s my number, send me a picture of any print you see, and I’ll let you know the closest match!
       «The Feet master's number has been added to your PokéGear»
       —Now leave! You’re scaring the Pokémon away!
       Carlos was totally out of combat; he did liked Pokémon in more than one way; specially fox-likes. But the sheer dedication this guy was putting in was way out of his league. He did try to test him out, so he walked away, enough to lose sight of this weird man.
       —Fennekin! I choose you! —Carlos shouted as he throwed the Love-ball to the air—.
       —Fee!
       The second Fennekin was summoned to the ground she jumped right to him again, pressing her chest against him. Carlos, who just had turned into an adult still faced a little leftover of his puberty –so having Fennekin (who was well developed herself) push her breasts against him started to be a little distracting. Still, he took his PokéGear out, a birthday present from his mom; and took the picture.
       «Well? Any ideas? »
       After a few minutes of silence, the response arrived.
       «Fire Type! Look at the burned grass near the print compared to the outside, and small since the feet and hand are close together, plus the back feet are on their tiptoes. Cyndquil! Chimchar! Fennekin! »
       —Kin? —She tilted her head looking at Carlos’ conversation—.
       —Well, he did guess correctly…
       One last message appeared.
       «Just keep a burn heal at hand if your gonna… »
       Carlos looked at Fennekin and immediately blushed, looking away. Fennekin still unaware of the meaning of such things just giggled and licked his cheek. Using down the first burn heal of this trip.
       The rest of that day they spent it training, playing and setting up camp further down the route. When it turned dark, they started a small fire and gazed at the stars.
       Carlos opened up a little to Fennekin that night.
       —You know… I thought I never see you again for the longest time. When I lost my chance eight years ago; when I thought you were gone.
       —Fennekin! Fe! —The small Pokémon replied—.
       It was impossible to tell what she said, but the melancholy in her cry was enough for him to feel like she felt the same as he did, that she missed him too and was scared deeply when she was taken away. Always waiting to see him again.
       —Some trainers give their Pokémon names and things to tell them apart from others, would you be ok with that?
       —Fe! Fee! —She couldn’t say yes, but once again her cry said it all—.
       —I’m going to think of a good one then, one that fits you.
       —Fee! nekin! —She got excited—.
       As they talked and the fire grew thin, the night settled as the stars floated through the sky. Fennekin went back to her ball out of her own will, and Carlos followed as he picked it up and went to bed on his new Silph Co. tent. «For the adventurous Trainer that needs a rest on the go. »
       Until the next morning they both slept like if they had stayed awake for days on end.
       
       ***
       
       The next morning, they were ready to train again.
       It was an unspoken rule, that once you are a trainer you must do your best to become as good as possible; and this was measured in GYM badges, so Carlos explained this to Fennekin as they went.
       And for the first GYM it was almost a breeze, Santalune City’s GYM leader was Viola, a bug-type trainer, against fire she was done for.
       It was already known Viola’s Surskit always started with Water Sport, after that she would try whatever was best, in this case bubble beam. So, Carlos went for three Howls and two scratches taking advantage of Fennekin’s agility to evade bubble beam and defeat Surskit first try. After that Vivillon; who only has Harden, Tackle and Infestation went rather fast when Fennekin used Ember. Giving her enough EXP to her already levelled status; to reach level 14 and Learned Flame Charge.
       And just like that, after a fierce battle; Carlos and Fennekin had the Bug Badge!
       Of course, celebrating was a necessity, and since winning battles like the ones against a GYM leader means you get paid big time; there were going to be no expenses. They were going to go for a good time.
       
       ***
       
       —One human, one Pokémon. —Carlos is saying through the phone—. Yes, Thank you.
       Since their first GYM battle was something special, and the money he got from that victory was something short from nothing –at least a restaurant reservation could be made, after all, he felt both deserved it. But life has many doors, and some you take them by choice of fate; the next door for them to cross was one that would set the starting line for something neither of them were ready for.
       As he walked his way to the restaurant in question que was jumped by a strange little kid, white and red cap with a checkmark on the front, green gloves and a vest. He was in the company of a Pikachu, and both seemed to be running away from something.
       —Prepare for trouble! —A strange woman with red hair shouted—.
       —And make it double! —A blue haired man continued—.
       —Skip the theme and let’s catch that Pikachu! —A meowth finished—.
       Carlos was not staying to see what was going on, he recognized the red R logo in an instant from what he had seen on TV over the years. But a talking Pokémon? That was something he never saw before.
       He knew physic type Pokémon could communicate with humans due to the mind “translating” the intended message the Pokémon was trying to give, but a normal-type Pokémon talking and so fluently was something else.
       Ever since he stepped outside for the first time, everything was surreal to him; and still couldn’t believe any of it.
       The rest of the day went by with Carlos thinking of that talking meowth, if he could teach fennekin how to talk –the possibilities would be endless, but he couldn’t just walk to a team rocket grunt and ask for the little guy –he had to improvise.
       The following days he spent all his time looking for a school of some sort that could streamline the process, but every person he asked met him with a weird look –like if they never had themselves the idea that a Pokémon could master human speech.
       But Carlos was far from defeated, if he could solo a GYM leader, he could find his way to teach his Pokémon, even if he had to do it himself. So, he changed his approach and began going to normal Schools, starting with the one he went to during his childhood.
       Time is relative to the observer, and for him it was like it stopped ever since –reading book after book on how he; as a kid, was taught to speak. At the same time, he tried to translate everything to some sort of way that a Pokémon could understand.
       Fennekin knew what he said, the commands, the moves to use. So maybe it wasn’t a matter of understanding speech but of talking, inflection.
       But there wasn’t much on the subject. Humans know how to talk from the start, the imitate the sounds they hear and from there we got a whole subject this story is not ready for.
       And then it clicked. Imitation. He had to find a way to explain to Fennekin how to imitate human speech; it wasn’t about “This is an apple”, but about how A, P, L and E sounded all together.
       With no more time to waste; as soon as he had this revelation, he called out Fennekin for her new training.
       —Fennekin, I choose you!
       —Fee!
       And so, it began. For the next months, Carlos and Fennekin spent day and night trying to figure each other out.
       First, she was taught the vowels, then the consonants. How teeth and tooth sounded like an I or a U, how “great” sounded strangely similar to “grape” or “grade”. Little by little Fennekin was able to start building her own simple words.
       “Hi”, “Hello”, “Me” and “You”, and even so “Love”. Progress was slow as ever for the most part, and sometimes her intonation was off by a chart –but neither of them gave up to the idea of finally tell each other how they felt –as from both a bond was born back when they first met, and by means of fate, destiny and a love-ball; a deeper sense of companionship was formed.
       By the time they both realized it, almost a year had passed. GYM battles, training and levelling up had gone to be background and now matter none. Instead, they kept travelling throughout the region, meeting new people and seeing new horizons. They had grown so much as individuals in such a short period of time it was like two new characters were born.
       Carlos and Fennekin. A pair made in heaven.
       
       ***
       
       One night, after watching a movie at the cinema. Carlos decided it was time for the next step.
       By then they knew each other like the back of their hands, how they felt, what they liked and disliked, boosted by the fact that now Fennekin knew how to talk; there was nothing that they didn’t knew of the other.
       And so, during dinner time he took his chance:
       —Fennekin, there is something I want to tell you.
       Fennekin jumped to the table that Carlos was sitting in front of. Both dimly illuminated by the lights in the hotel room they were on.
       —Yes, master? —She replied, her voice was high pitched but sweet—.
       —How many times have I said I love you? And how many times have you said it back?
       —Well, I do love you. Master.
       —And I love you too. —He sounded like a mixture of fear and anxiety had made their way into his mouth—. But what I am trying to say is… That I love you. More than anyone I ever loved.
       Fennekin blushed as she understood what his heart wanted to say.
       —And I love, love you, master.
       Carlos couldn’t help himself and petted Fennekin with such a care and such gentleness the scene looked like it had slowed down; and like a romantic movie the tension was building on.
       Their eyes met like they met the first time –and the second time back at Sycamore’s lab, but something was different; the feelings were not the same as they were back then. The flame of love was burning strong.
       And as time collapsed Carlos closed his eyes, launching himself for that kiss –a kiss he longed for.


       
       
       
New beginnings
       
       
       
       Words won’t suffice, to explain the tenderness and sweetness of that kiss –to describe the taste. It would not be even possible to narrate how two souls that were already together by fate got together again, when neither of them left.
       Like pausing a movie, or a song. The story is already written and in motion –just waiting for someone to hit play again.
       And as it is with any fire that burns bright, the flame grows bigger, and the heat intensifies. Yet both of them just looked at each other with bothered eyes –clueless of how to continue or if that was at all what they wanted. For there is a line that divides love and lust, for one comes from the heart and the other from the flesh –tonight it was clear to them that who was talking was not one of them.
       So, after that long kiss Carlos couldn’t even dare touch her in the hopes of sin; but in the hopes of union and love, caressing her cheeks like he always did.
       —We should go to bed. —Fennekin added—.
       —I-I think you are right. —Carlos replied rather troubled—.
       Both felt the kiss was mutual and both knew their feelings were true, yet somehow still they were uncertain on how to proceed; simply saying “I love you” again felt fake, yet those words kept pushing out their tongues. Like something that is trying to break free.
       The night still went and died to bring on the next day, for it cared not for their tribulations. Love is not easy to maintain, let alone to fully give it away.
       —Good morning, master! —Fennekin shouted—-.
       —Good morning, Fennekin… —Carlos responded with his usual tired voice—.
       Somehow getting called master was all of a sudden, weird and uncanny to him –like dirty talk, or a fetish being roleplayed upon.
       —What are we doing today, master? —Fennekin was still as cheerful as ever—.
       —Well, I have to work. Our funds are running short again. —Carlos explained yawning in between words—.
       He was trying to dress up for the day, but what happened yesterday was still running wild on his mind as his mouth watered with the memory of that sweet taste of a kiss while his heart pounded ever faster, ever louder.
       Fennekin saw this in his eyes; the troubled eyes that resembled the ones of that kid she had met in the past –a kid afraid of every Pokémon he walked by; some bullying him too every chance they had.
       And then there was her –the only one who dared show him kindness. It was clear as day she had to do it once again.
       —Is everything ok, master? —She cried—.
       —Uh? —Carlos was spaced out—. Of course! A-and you can stop calling me master, Carlos is fine.
       After what seemed like a wholesome exchange, Carlos realized he kept calling her by Fennekin all the time –his heart breaking apart as he felt that just as she called him master, he never really cared to give her an identity, just like he was Carlos; she had to be her own if they truly loved each other to finally break those roles of Master and slave.
       So, he sat down, called her to his lap and started to think what her name truly was.
       —Freya. —He says as he pets her—.
       —Freya?
       —A name, do you like it?
       —Sounds cute! Who is Freya?
       —You. —With the same tone he declared his love, he declared his request—. I want you to have that name.
       —Fee! —With excitement, Freya was unable to control herself, going back to her Pokémon self—. Fee! I love it!
       Carlos felt like the heaviest boulder had left his shoulders, she didn’t even flinch or question this choice. And all those feelings they both had before were gone just like that.
       It was not a question of true love; it was already there. It was not a question of what to do with it either. All they really needed was to finally let go of their old selves and finally recognize each other as individuals, the individuals they loved.
       And like a ritual, they sealed the pact with another kiss; even better than the first one by a mile –truly encapsulating their union as something more than just trainer and trainee. But what they were always destined to be, lovers.
       As a sign of commitment Carlos saved the love-ball back on his backpack, and after finally getting ready –they both went to work.
       
       ***
       
       Since they stopped training and doing battles in exchange for teaching Freya how to talk, Carlos had to find a way to make ends meet.
       They found good but cheap hotels, the best stores and even restaurants to go to when they felt like living a high-end lifestyle –all funded by occasional gigs Carlos got from arround.
       Delivering items, catching Pokémon for others to use in battle, and so on. His best gigs were at the day-care though; run by an old man he charged absurd amounts for his service. A place for Pokémon to get cared of, and sometimes… Find with others some after-dark fun.
       Carlos’s duties usually revolved arround this, running tabs on who’s egg belonged to whom. “If one, it goes to the owner of the female, if two; each gets one, etc.” Thankfully some Pokémon were ok with having their eggs being taken to their masters; others were a little more resilient –that’s where Freya came into play.
       Having to pull quick resolution with her attack moves, she actually had to learn status related move sets, most coming from TMs like Charm, Imprison, or Protect. But as they spent time there, surrounded by other’s lust and desires –it was a matter of time both felt the same way with each other. And their relationship was good enough already to start feeling more comfortable in what otherwise would be shameful or at least unappealing.
       One day, after what was a simple gig at the day care –Carlos and Freya were already aroused by the games and fun that others were having; either hiding behind bushes or in one of the many rooms the place had. And after weeks of working for the old man, they knew how; when, and where to have the same secrecy the Pokémon were having.
       And these rooms had anything any Pokémon could need for a good rest, which also worked for more than that.
       —Keep it down! —Carlos whispered to Freya—.
       —What about the hotel room? —She asked, still unsure of the idea, even if she was as aroused as him—.
       —Too far away…
       They kept the conversation going as they sneaked to one of this rooms, everyone else oblivious to what was going down –little by little they teased each other with kisses and laughter. Carlos carrying her around on his arms all the time.
       —That’s a terrible excuse.
       —Says the lady that wanted to be carried here because it would be more “romantic”?
       —And it was.
       —Just admit you like being hold.
       —Admit you like holding me.
       —I do love holding you, Freya.
       —I know. —She said kissing him on the lips—.
       Their conversation slowly faded out as Carlos took off his clothes and Freya waited for him on the bed.
       Both were a cute mixture of lustfulness and innocence. Freya observed Carlos’ naked body and found it seductive and manly, Carlos saw her; and even when she was always naked of sorts –found her feminine and attractive. He saw her cute big eyes, and her body covered by a red ribbon he had gifted her shortly after proposing to her –a symbol of her union, her identity, her uniqueness and their love. Like the red string that keeps two hearts connected regardless of the distance, the ribbon symbolized the same –a part of him always with her. And the part of her always with him? Her love-ball, now rarely used to keep her.
       They had gone a long way and now there were as close as anyone could get.
       Without second thoughts he climbed on top of her. Once again, they took a look at each other as Freya caressed Carlos with her fingers –her hands pushing against his chest and her legs spreading unintentionally. Carlos couldn’t dare to touch her as he was using his hands to hold his weight against the bed and over her, but the bottom part of his body couldn’t help but to also move as if it had a mind of its own. He couldn’t even dare to take off her ribbon either, as if it was already a part of her body.
       With their bodies calling each other he glanced at her breasts, just big enough –and she glanced at his penis, big enough as well, and slowly approaching her as well.
       The first penetration was phenomenal, like something they both craved for all of their lives but just didn’t know it. Freya’s warm vaginal interior driving Carlos crazy; as the heat that emanated from her insides crawled to all of his body, forcing him to sweat, blush and moan.
       Freya could feel it too, herself warming up more and more as he thrusted her –moaning just as much. If it wasn’t for him picking the right room, they would’ve been found out from that point forward.
       —Freya, you feel so warm.
       —You feel so warm too.
       Freya wanted to hold his hands with hers, and as he corresponded the gesture his balance waivered, forcing him to do a last attempt with his elbows, his body now in full contact with Freya’s. Their warmth becoming one.
       The fluffy feeling of her fur and stiff feeling of her nipples in contact with his sweaty chest.
       A warning of the climax was growing near, but confused by him for what he figured was simply overheating. Forcing him to pull out.
       —Is everything ok? —Freya asked, worried for him—.
       —Never felt better, my love.
       His penis; still twitching, now rested against her fur too. He felt no choice but to sit up to take a breath.
       But Freya was not done, her body asking for more. Thinking that what he needed was just some teasing she got in all fours, raising her tail and wagging it with her ass –looking back to a heavy breathing partner that couldn’t help but stare back.
       With herculean strength and will, he went back to business, grabbing her butt with both of his hands –again pushing his dick inside her pussy, grinding it in and out with a rougher pace. Freya claimed her victory; even if her deduction was wrong, the results were there.
       The bottom strength delivered by Carlos was enough to push her down, crashing her head against the pillows –that muttered her moans for only her to hear. All while Carlos was having the time of his life.
       Yet neither were feeling satisfied, they still wanted more and that feeling had them restless as the pounding continued. Carlos even bending down to grab her breasts as he kept penetrating her over and over again, squishing them with the whole hand.
       That feeling of overheat was coming back, and Carlos was ready to once again pull out; but his body worked against him as it seemed that it wanted to keep going regardless of the risks. It took all of his efforts as the air of his lungs evaporated and his mind blurred –but he ultimately succeeded to take it out, now he had to recover for what was going to be the third and last assault.
       Freya spread herself on the bed to grab some air as well, her pussy wet and almost steamy; having to turn over just so air could run across her body.
       —Please, I need you. —Pledged Freya—.
       Carlos stared at her body, now facing him, Freya spreading her legs wide open; inviting him inside once again.
       He didn’t even reply with kind words, but with a deep kiss that silenced both for the longest time. When they separated a string of saliva kept them somewhat together and with not a second thought Carlos rapidly penetrated her again. Freya’s moans arousing Carlos as he thrusted her, applying all of his weight on her as a mating press.
       Vaginal fluids scaped with each thrust. Carlos going in and out of her over and over again as both got covered in sweat and lust, and as he approached climax, he held Freya with his strongest hug; it almost looked like an animal holding their prey in a way that they couldn’t escape.
       —Freya, I’m so close!
       —Give it to me! —She responded—. Give it to me my love, fill me with your seed, give me a baby. I want to have all of your children!
       —I’m pumping you full!
       —Breed me, breed me, love!
       They both got so heated up in the moment their instincts had taken control, both agreeing on the same thing. As Carlos reached his climax, he and Freya shouted their loudest moans yet, screaming each other’s name.
       Carlos came inside of her for what she felt was an eternity, enjoying the warm feelings on her inside as he filled her womb with his cum, and as he pumped her; his body kept thrusting, making some of it leak outside.
       —I’m so happy. —Claimed Freya—.
       —I love you. —Replied Carlos—.
       —I love you too.
       After this, both needed to rest and recover, but luck had other plans for them as a reminder on Carlos’ PokéGear made them aware of the outside world –and they needed to go back to it as soon as possible.
       
       ***
       
       —Thank you, sir. —Replied Carlos to the old man—.
       —Pokémon can get a little heated up sometimes, and I am too old already.
       Hopefully no one noticed, but Carlos did his gig; got paid and even gave himself and Freya the show of love they so desperately wanted.
       They never forgot it either as they went on with their lives, still on that rented hotel room; still doing gigs here and there until not shortly after it finally happened, and Freya had laid an egg.
       Freya had stayed in the room that day for she claimed to not feeling well the night prior, and wanted to rest, when Carlos got back, surprise was his first emotion as he saw Freya caress the egg and rest with it on the bed, keeping it warm with her body.
       Like any other Pokémon egg, it was white with green dots. Carlos couldn’t believe it at first but as surprise settled down it turned into excitement mixed with anxiety and fear. His work at the day-care becoming a blessing as he now knew how to take care of them and even how to make his care the more special too. And so, they did until it hatched and a new Fennekin had now joined their ranks –their first son.
       They had no trouble helping him get strong, Freya made sure he trained enough while Carlos went back to work and slowly but steadily both learned how to raise their first child; at least enough so Carlos could safely capture him on an actual Poké-ball. Using Freya’s first Poké-ball, which Carlos had kept all this time after the switch to a love-ball.
       
       ***
       
       —Thank you, mom. —Said Carlos trough the Pokémon Centre’s PC—.
       —I just wish you had given me the news in person. To believe that after all those years you two still found each other. —Carlos’ mother went on a rant—. And to teach her how to talk… How is that even possible?
       —Mom! Mom! I have to go!
       As the call ended, Freya’s and Carlos’ first born was transferred to his mother; to be on her care.
       Having raised a child had ignited an unusual spark on both, and after serious meditation on how things were going –both felt it was time to hit the road again. And once again tackle the Pokémon Trainer challenge of what is the Pokémon League.
       It was probably the small battles they watched on TV, or the sightseeing they did on the weekends, where they would visit different training grounds just to see others fight.
       Or simply a necessity for thrill on their lives as they reached a new threshold having now also turned into parents.
       And so, they said their goodbyes to all those they had met and work with, many giving them gifts as farewell or just to congratulate them on their union and their son, wishing them good luck. Little did they know what destiny had in store.
       That night, as they last night in that hotel room –both looked at the night starry sky. Wondering what adventures waited for them, thinking of all the places they couldn’t wait to see and people they could meet.
       Now as the night settles and time ticks just a little slower they went to bed. Where two ticks used to be there was just one, and where one tick used to be now there was just half –and that night turned out to be the longest one they have had until now.
       
       ***
       
       By morning there was no pressure for either, taking their breakfast as they packed things up.
       —Our next stop, Cyllage City. Ready Freya?
       —Love, I was born ready.
       And as they kissed one last time, it was time to hit the road again.
2


