{"submission_id":"445872","keywords":[{"keyword_id":"25551","keyword_name":"fearow","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"20"},{"keyword_id":"123","keyword_name":"female","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"519838"},{"keyword_id":"9304","keyword_name":"kangaskhan","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"145"},{"keyword_id":"165","keyword_name":"male","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"639792"},{"keyword_id":"7278","keyword_name":"mightyena","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"555"},{"keyword_id":"33625","keyword_name":"numel","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"22"},{"keyword_id":"17534","keyword_name":"rattata","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"439"},{"keyword_id":"25552","keyword_name":"staraptor","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"35"}],"hidden":"t","scraps":"f","favorite":"f","favorites_count":"0","create_datetime":"2013-07-20 09:09:53.312126+02","create_datetime_usertime":"20 Jul 2013 09:09 CEST","last_file_update_datetime":"2013-07-20 09:05:50.241946+02","last_file_update_datetime_usertime":"20 Jul 2013 09:05 CEST","username":"MicahWeil","user_id":"12771","user_icon_file_name":"5828_MicahWeil_micahcoon.gif","user_icon_url_large":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/large/5/5828_MicahWeil_micahcoon.gif","user_icon_url_medium":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/medium/5/5828_MicahWeil_micahcoon.gif","user_icon_url_small":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/small/5/5828_MicahWeil_micahcoon.gif","file_name":"576411_MicahWeil_1368572633.micahcoon_aide.doc","file_url_full":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/full/576/576411_MicahWeil_1368572633.micahcoon_aide.doc","file_url_screen":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/576/576411_MicahWeil_1368572633.micahcoon_aide.doc","file_url_preview":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/576/576411_MicahWeil_1368572633.micahcoon_aide.doc","files":[{"file_id":"576411","file_name":"576411_MicahWeil_1368572633.micahcoon_aide.doc","file_url_full":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/full/576/576411_MicahWeil_1368572633.micahcoon_aide.doc","file_url_screen":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/576/576411_MicahWeil_1368572633.micahcoon_aide.doc","file_url_preview":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/576/576411_MicahWeil_1368572633.micahcoon_aide.doc","mimetype":"application/msword","submission_id":"445872","user_id":"12771","submission_file_order":"0","full_size_x":null,"full_size_y":null,"screen_size_x":null,"screen_size_y":null,"preview_size_x":null,"preview_size_y":null,"initial_file_md5":"1a5a5d0f258cffd6d653397126728c11","full_file_md5":"1a5a5d0f258cffd6d653397126728c11","large_file_md5":"","small_file_md5":"","thumbnail_md5":"","deleted":"f","create_datetime":"2013-07-20 09:05:50.241946+02","create_datetime_usertime":"20 Jul 2013 09:05 CEST"}],"pools":[{"pool_id":"18006","name":"PCL-Fuchsia: Enter Glenn","description":"Glenn doesn't like fighting, despite his upbringing and his schooling. Yet, he finds himself drawn into the ring, and not of his will.\nThe initial Arcs of the PokeCombat League of Fuschsia City.","count":"4","submission_right_submission_id":"445880","submission_right_file_name":"576422_MicahWeil_1369187424.micahcoon_offer.doc"}],"description":"Did you read the [url=https://inkbunny.net/submissionview.php?id=445858]previous[/url] [url=https://inkbunny.net/submissionview.php?id=445862]three[/url] [url=https://inkbunny.net/submissionview.php?id=445863]stories[/url]? No? Go read them.\n\n...unless, of course, you filter out the porn. That first one might not work for ya...\n\n------\n\nSo what happens when your family hates you for what you are? What happens when your old man expects something of you that you refuse to deliver? Things build up, things simmer...things explode.\n\nExplosions beget explosions.\n\nTonight, Glenn discovers that, and it ends up dragging everyone in.\n\nStory 1/3(?) to the PCL-Fuchsia introductory arc.","description_bbcode_parsed":"Did you read the previous three stories? No? Go read them.

...unless, of course, you filter out the porn. That first one might not work for ya...

------

So what happens when your family hates you for what you are? What happens when your old man expects something of you that you refuse to deliver? Things build up, things simmer...things explode.

Explosions beget explosions.

Tonight, Glenn discovers that, and it ends up dragging everyone in.

Story 1/3(?) to the PCL-Fuchsia introductory arc.","writing":"To His Aid\n\nA PokeCombat League story by Micah Weil\n\n\tIt was an oddly quiet Friday at Charlie's. Delilah had agreed to meet Tonya for lunch, something that sat quite well with the Simisear. Any business did, actually. Athena was more than happy to tend to their needs, as things were pretty slow. A quiet afternoon in a friendly area; things were swell.\n\n\t\"I mean,\" the butterfree explained as they ate. \"With Axel visiting Glenn and the family, I don't have a whole lot to do. The commissioner even said he might give me the rest of the day if my paperwork's done.\"\n\n\t\"Is it?\" Delilah asked, her whiskers twitching.\n\n\t\"Of course it is.\" She opened her mouth and stuffed a forkfull of food in her mouth. “I wanna see Axel try to ruin my day today.” Her phone, the living embodiment of frustration, went off. The ringtone it played made her swear as she answered it. \"What?\"\n\n\t\"Mighty nasty word for her,\" Athena said as she brought the rattata the smoothie she ordered. \"What's got her upset?\"\n\n\tDelilah sighed and rested her head on her arm, watching the butterfree growl into the phone. \"That would be the ringtone she assigned to Axel. He only calls if something has gone wrong.\"\n\n\t\"Ah.\" She chuckled and pulled up a chair to watch. \n\n\t\"Calm down, Axel,\" Tonya said, her anger having faded. She listened carefully before standing up. \"What? No, say that you're joking, Axel.\" \n\n\t“Sounds bad.”\n\n\t\"...okay. Get him out of there. I'll contact your lawyer...yes, get him to the hospital if you have to.\" She nodded as she grabbed her jacket. \"I'll bring Delilah. We're on our way.\" She hung up and turned towards the kitchen. \"Put it on my tab, Charlie. Emergency.\"\n\n\t\"What's wrong?\" Delilah said, standing as well. She knew she was along for the ride.\n\n\tThe butterfree's expression was one of sheer worry. \"Glenn lost it.\"\n\n\t\"Lost it?\"\n\n\t\"His brothers. They were pushing him. His father was egging them on.\"\n\n\tAthena ripped her apron off and threw it on the table. \"Your car still a four seater?\" She looked over at the Kitchen, and saw Charlie standing there. \"Boss-\"\n\n\t\"I heard,\" he said. \"Go. Your captain needs you.\"\n\n\t\"Delilah, call Joshua. Athena, go see if Jessica's available. We're going to need all hands on deck.\"\n\n******\n\n\tThe music died down slowly, Joshua's attention being pulled away as Oliver waved his hand and pointed at the fearow. He had a phone call; the base was settled on its stand. \"Break time.\" The fearow stretched and made his way over to the phone. Oliver passed it off and went to take Joshua's seat.\n\n\t\"Who was it?\" Kaitlyn asked. The farfetch'd leaned on her mic, looking the noctowl over.\n\n\t\"Some girl named Delilah,\" he responded. \"Said she was a friend.\"\n\n\t\"She is. She was on Joshua's team back in school. It's a bit odd, though.\"\n\n\t\"Call out of nowhere. I know. She sounded scared.\" He paused for a second. “Why would she be calling him?”\n\n\t“...think something bad happened.” She pointed at the fearow, who's expression screamed his worry. He slammed the phone down and grabbed his coat. “Sweetie?”\n\n\t\"Practice over. I gotta go to Pewter.\" He rushed to the door. \"Glenn-\"\n\n\t\"Not another word.\" Their drummer, Giana, was quick to the door, forgoing her own jacket. \"No car. It'll be easier if we fly.\"\n\n\t\"Indeed.\" Kaitlyn grabbed her leek. \"Oliver-\"\n\n\t\"Where are you guys going?\" Joshua looked at them weird. \"Glenn is my friend.\"\n\n\t\"He's our friend also,\" the staraptor growled. \"Pewter's where he lives, right? If you're being called out that ways, then I am willing to bet that there's something big going on at home.\" Joshua nodded. \"Then we'll get there faster than everyone else there if we fly and provide support.\"\n\n\t\"You guys would really do that?\"\n\n\tThe leek came down on his head. \"We're wasting time,\" Kaitlyn said. \"Oliver, watch our egg. We'll be back.\" She stepped outside, spread her wings, and shot up into the air.\n\n\t\"Come on,\" Giana said, spreading her own wings. \"The look on your face says we need to get there an hour ago.\"\n\n******\n\n\tGlenn hit the wall hard, kissing the ground shortly after. It wouldn't have been that bad had his father not gone for an upward blow; he hit the top of the wall, right near the heavy, metal trophies from Axel's days back in the pee-wee combat games. They wobbled, threatening to collapse onto the crumpled figure.\n\n\t\"Glenn!\" Axel tried to step forward to rush to his brother's aid. This wasn't a fight; this was a one-sided, masochistic beating. There was, however, the issue of Lionel and Baron. Individually, his brothers were no match for him. Far be it for an Aurock to play fair, however.\n\n\t\"No no,\" Baron taunted, shoving the seasoned fighter back. \"Glenn had this coming.\"\n\n\t\"Disobeying dad and actively avoiding training,\" their father growled as he hovered over Glenn's form. \"Some Aurock he is.\" He ran his fingers over the gash on his face. Glenn, his youngest, had raked him at the start of the scuffle. Displeased with the wound, he reared his foot back to strike him.\n\n\tGlenn was quicker, however. He propelled himself away from the kick with a bit of upper body work. He landed just shy of the foot, on one knee. A sharp pain shot through his body; he bit his lip and fought back the cry of agony.\n\n\tHis leg had to be broken.\n\n\t\"Very good,\" Mr Aurock growled. \"Sissy learned something in school.\" The elder mightyena charged, bringing his foot around to strike at the injured youth.\n\n\tGlenn's eyes flashed red; he brought his hands up to defend himself. The dark orb wouldn't be at full strength as it was fired at the advancing Mightyena's chest. The blast connected, sending his assailant staggering backwards. \"I don't have to lay a goddamned finger on you,\" he panted. \"I can still kick your ass.\"\n\n\t\"I see. You think you're tougher than I am?\" He vomited a noxious black ichor, coaing the injured 'yena with it. Glenn shut his mouth and covered his face. The splash was overwhelming, however; he felt the poison seeping into his veins. \"Let's see you do it.\"\n\n\tGlenn growled, his eyes burning red again. \"Toxic...son of a...\"\n\n\tAxel's eyes widened. \"Glenn!\" Toxic was a move outlawed in all regions, and outright banned in the league. To see his own father use it on his son was too much. He slammed his fists on the ground, he resulting black wave of energy knocking Lionel and Baron away. With a clear path, he rushed his old man. He wasn't going to let him get away with that.\n\n\tHe never anticipated the fist that came to greet him, empowered by a Giga Impact. He tumbled right back to where he was, Baron and Lionel quickly moving to restrain him. \"Let go of me!\"\n\n\tThe elder smirked and turned back to Glenn\"I am going to make you suffer, whelp,\" their father growled as he kicked again. His strike was stopped short by a pair of hands; they held tight as Glenn bit hard onto his leg. Pain coursed through his body as the poison, the very same that he had used on his son, worked its foul, though weakened magic.\n\n\t\"Sonofabitch.\" He growled and tried to free himself. Glenn released his grip on the foot, only to give himself enough room to slam a Shadow Ball against the old man. As he tumbled, Glenn stood up. He couldn't feel any pain in his leg. He couldn't feel much of anything, except for the rage and hatred coursing through his head.\n\n\tAll he could see was red.\n\n******\n\n\tJoshua, Kaitlyn, and Giana landed outside the home. The fighting was loud enough that it had drawn a crowd, one that seemed upset as they landed outside the door. \"That can't be good,\" Giana said, looking around. \"Cops are probably on their way now.\"\n\n\tKaitlyn nodded and grabbed her phone. \"I'll appraise the others of the situation. Go in and help him.\"\n\n\t\"Not until we know what the situation is.\" Joshua turned to the house. \"Please be okay, Glenn.\" He jumped as a form came flying out of the window, spraying grass everywhere. He rushed over as the figure rolled to a stop. \"Glenn?\"\n\n\tThe mightyena coughed and sat up. \"No, Axel.\"\n\n\t\"Is Glenn okay?\"\n\n\t\"Thanks for the concern.” He rubbed his head. “No. Baron and Lionel are trying to pound on him.\" \n\n\t“Trying?”\n\n\t“He's gone.” He got up. \"Mentally, I mean. Dad used Toxic on him, so I don't blame him.\" He inspected the flyers. \"Wait, did you come to help?\"\n\n\t\"Giana, break down the door and duck.\" The staraptor smirked and turned to the door. With her large, toned frame, her shoulder was the only key she needed.\n\n\tBaron and Lionel looked up as the door popped off its hinges and struck the ground with a loud crash. \"The hell are you?\" Baron demanded, turning as Lionel continued to pummel on Glenn. \n\n\tHis response was a war cry as a spinning mass of feathers and sharp beak flew at him. The fearow slammed into him hard, knocking him across the room and against the wall. Lionel got to his feet as the large staraptor lumbered towards him. Not wanting to deal with him, he grabbed a trophy that had hit the ground and threw it at her. \n\n\tHer size was deceptive; she quickly moved out of its path and got in close. \"Hi, I'm Giana.\" She grabbed him by the collar and slammed her fist into his stomach. \"And that's my friend you're beating on.\" She slammed her head against his and threw him against a wall.\n\n\tAxel and Kaitlyn entered to a truly worrysome sight. Giana had successfully pinned Lionel down, sitting on him and holding his arms behind his head in an awkward position. Joshua was busy swearing and pounding on Baron's face, his Frustration as plain as day. \n\n\tThat left their father. As he turned to face off with him, however, he was treated to an uncomfortable sight. His younger brother's rage caused him to take leave of all his senses; his father was struggling under his grip. That rage was the only thing that was keeping him on his feet and the old man at bay. It terrified him.\n\n\t\"Raaaaah!\" Glenn's movements were sudden. He flicked his wrists and threw his weight. The older 'yena found himself smalled onto his side, on the ground. Glenn howled and slammed himself onto the fallen patriarch. He started a frenzied assault, slamming his fists into his face. Blood and spit went flying as, for the first time in Axel's life, he witnessed his father bring his hands up to defend himself. \n\n\t Glenn deserved to beat the shit out of him. The years of abuse were pouring out with each blow. He knew, though, that he couldn't let it stay that way. If he wasn't stopped, Glenn was going away for murder. He heaved a deep breath, raised his hands, and took aim. The shadow orb was something he'd taught his brother to use; he never thought he'd have to use it against him. The inky blackness struck Glenn and sent him tumblin. The old man was quick to his feet and out the door in no time.\n\n\tIt worked. As he rose to his feet, Glenn's rage was focused on Axel now. Axel knew that he could take it and went on the defensive. He'd knock him out if he had to, so long as it meant the fight was over.\n\n\t\"No way, Glenn puppy!\" A tan blurr stormed past him and tackled the engraged mightyena. \"Can't have you hurting yourself any further!\" Jessica lifted him up off the ground, keeping a strong grip on him despite his struggling.\n\n\t\"Careful,\" He told her. \"He's lost it.\"\n\n\t\"No kidding! He still poisoned?\" He nodded. “You'll be okay, Glenn.” She twisted her body around and slammed Glenn up against the far wall. \"Athena!\"\n\n\tAnother brown mass moved past him, scooping Glenn up as soon as he was on his feet. Athena was far stronger than Jessica, and held him with ease. \"I could use that berry!\" She turned to face the door, just as the last member of their team entered\n\n\t\"Excuse me,\" Delilah apologized, stepping around Axel as she went up to Glenn. In her hand was a small, pinkish berry – a pecha. The best natural cure for poison. “Sorry, Glenn.” It was roughly stuffed into his mouth. Not knowing if he'd spit it out, she grabbed his muzzle and held it shut. \"Chew it, Glenn. It'll weaken the poison.\" He struggled, snarling against her grip. \"Glenn please.\"\n\n\tHe was too deep into his rage to hear her. He forced himself free of her grip. The berry flew to the ground as sank his teeth into her hand.\n\n\tShe let out a cry of pain.\n\n\tIt was as if the world stopped right there. Joshua stopped pounding on Baron to look. Jessica grabbed the rattata's shoulders, ready to pull her free. Even Axel was moving to go help. They all knew that squeak; Delilah hadn't been this distressed since school.\n\n\tIt was the only thing to get Glenn to stop. The deep color drained from his eyes. \"D-delilah?\" His jaw loosened. He licked his teeth: blood. His eyes widened in horror. \"Delilah? Are you okay?\"\n\n\tShe shivered and nodded. \"I'm okay.\"\n\n\t\"No you're not. I bit you. Oh god, I bit you.\"\n\n\t\"It's okay, Glenn. You weren't you.\"\n\n\tHe wiggled free of Athena. \"I'm sorry, Delilah. I'm so-\" He yowled in pain as he hit the floor, collapsing and holding his leg. The adrenaline was emptying from his system; the pain of a busted leg and the poison coursing through his veins were finally reaching him.\n\n\tDelilah snatched up the discarded berry and stuffed it in his mouth. “Eat this. It'll help ease the pain.” The soft skin of the berry was slashed against his sharp teeth; the sweet juices eased down his throat and eased his agony.\n\n\t\"Athena,\" Axel barked. \"Get him to your car and take him to the hospital. Delilah, go with him and keep him calm.\"\n\n\tThey nodded. \"C'mere, chief.\" Athena scooped him up. \"We're going to see about getting you fixed up.\" She stomped out of the house, rattata in tow. \n\n\tHe looked at Jessica. \"Go upstairs and pack up Glenn's clothes. Get anything his that's of value and that you can carry. Put it in the back of my car.\"\n\n\t\"Sure thing, sugah.\" She headed upstairs.\n\n\t\"Hey!\" Baron protested. \"You can't go up there.\" He was silenced by Joshua, who punched him in the mouth once more.\n\n\t\"Shut your mouth, Baron.\" The mightyena looked between the two, still pinned under the avians. \"You two disgust the fuck out of me. Glenn and I will not be returning. With luck, you two will get yourselves killed before you have a chance to have kids.\" He shook; he could feel his own adrenaline building up. He wanted to beat the shit out of the pair.\n\n\t“Axel,” Joshua said. “Deep breath.”\n\n\tHe took the fearow's advice, calming down. \"Let them go once Jessica is done.\"\n\n\t\"And if they try anything stupid once we do?\" Giana asked, looking Lionel in his eyes.\n\n\t\"Fuck 'em up.\"\n\n******\n\n\tGlenn's leg had been set and was elevated. The doctor had done a rather nice job on it; he would be back on his feet in a couple of weeks. The berry had done its work as well; the poison had cleared his system just as he arrived. Physically, he was feeling better. \n\n\tHe looked over at the trio that had brought him in. Delilah had her wounds wrapped up and was perfectly content with chit chatting with Tonya. She seemed quite happy. Athena was sitting in a chair, her eyes shut as she relaxed.\n\n\tHis eyes could not leave Delilah's hand. She was fine; she reassured him of that each and every time he apologized between his house and the room he was in now. It didn't change the feeling he had. He lost control and bit her as she was helping him. He was a monster.\n\n\tAthena opened her eyes. \"You okay, Glenn?\"\n\n\t\"I'm fine,\" he lied, not caringe how convincing he was.\n\n\t\"You'll be okay.\" Delilah approached his bedisde. “It's over now. Jessica's got your stuff. Everything is going to be okay.” She reached over and gave him a hug, ignoring him as he winced.\n\n\t\"H-how can you say that? I hurt you.\"\n\n\t\"And I put myself into that line of danger knowing you could. Don't beat yourself up.\" She grabbed his hands and wrapped them around her neck, forcing him to return the hug. “Your father did that enough.”\n\n\t\"I haven't kicked your ass, Glenn,\" Tonya pointed out, sitting at the foot of his bed. \"You've done nothing wrong.\" She looked at Athena, who nodded. \"Now...business. What happened, exactly?\"\n\n\t\"Why does that matter?\"\n\n\t\"Because we want to have the facts ready for when the lawyer gets here.\"\n\n\t\"L-lawyer?\"\n\n\t\"Your father is a vindictive asshole,” Athena responded. “You kicked his ass fairly. He's going to get his victory, even if he has to get the cops to do it for him. Tonya contacted Axel's lawyer as you were having your leg reset.\n\n\tThe butterfree nodded. “Now, what happened?\"\n\n\tThe door burst open, Jessica barreling in. She was out of breath. \"Glenn's father and brothers followed us in. They took Baron to go get stitches, but they have the cops in tow.\"\n\n\t\"Shit,\" Athena said, getting to her feet. \"I need to go run interference?\"\n\n\t\"No. The Pidgeottos are doing that. Axel is out front waiting for the lawyer.\"\n\n\t\"Dammit.\" Tonya turned back to Glenn. \"Get the fact straight later. Did your father use Toxic on you?\"\n\n\t\"I don't see-\" The mightyena was silenced as the butterfree grabbed him by the collar on his hospital gown.\n\n\t\"Remember your schooling. Toxic can kill. It's a move that is highly regulated in the ring, and illegal outside of it. Did he use Toxic on you?\"\n\n\t\"Y-yes, he did.\"\n\n\tAs if on cue, Joshua came rushing past. \"Here they come,\" he declared. Everyone was mobile; in moments, Glenn had a barrier of friends between him and the door. \"We got your back, Glenn.\" \n\n\tGiana and Kaitlyn were shoved into the room by a pissed off papa mightyena. \"I want them all arrested!\" he howled. \"Tresspassing, assault, robbery...the whole lot.\"\n\n\t\"Fuck off, asshole,\" the fearow snarled. \"We came to help Glenn.\"\n\n\t\"And arrest that good for fucking nothing son of mine. He tried to kill me!\"\n\n\t\"Not before you did,\" Delilah piped up. She stepped ahead of the group, a rare show of bravery. \"You were the-\"\n\n\t\"Shut up, bitch.\" He turned to the pair of growlithes behind him. \"Do your jobs.\"\n\n\tThe growlithes rolled their eyes and pressed forward. \"We're afraid nobody can leave this room,\" one said. \"He has demanded that he be allowed to press charges. So, we're going to have to place all of you under arrest.\" They started forward, one reaching for a pair of handcuffs. \"I'm sorry, but we have to cuff Mr. Aurock to his bed.\"\n\n\tThe group surged forward, causing both cops to take a step back. \"You're restraining us all if you want him,\" Giana snarled. \"I doubt you have enough men or handcuffs right now.\"\n\n\t\"It's okay.\" All eyes turned towards Glenn as he spoke up. \"Let them do their jobs.\"\n\n\t\"But-\" Joshua was silenced with the wave of a hand.\n\n\t\"I let my anger get the best of me. I'm surprised he doesn't have a broken jaw.\" The cops looked at each other before stepping forward.\n\n\t\"Now now. Let's not be too hasty.\"\n\n\tAnother interruption; the growlithe turned to the door. Someone was getting arrested, and they didn't care who. At the sight of the mienshao in a suit, however, they knew enough to step back. She smiled and stepped past them. “Thank you, gentlemen. You may relax.” \n\n\tTonya gasped at the sight, while Delilah smiled happily and rushed to her. \"Mrs Milson!\" she squeaked gleefully.\n\n\t\"Who is she?\" Glenn asked.\n\n\t\"Th...that's Amiee Milson,\" Tonya stammered, brushing herself off.\n\n\t\"Axel's lawyer?\"\n\n\t\"The league commissioner's wife and the head of the league's legal department. She makes sure the stunts her husband likes to pull don't explode in everyone's faces.\" Glenn sat up quickly, looking at the suited mienshao as she greeted and hugged the rattata. \"What the hell is she doing here?\"\n\n\t\"It is so nice to see you again, Miss Wildflower.\" Amiee lifed her off the ground in a hug. The rattata laughed happily as she was set back down. “Now, I hear someone is having a little legal trouble?”\n\n\tThe elder Aurock looked at her, his expression screaming his displeaure. \"The fuck are you?\" he growled. \n\n\t“Excuse me.” Aimee was a flash of movement; her arm swept forward, the fleshy sash that grew out of her arm snapping forward and cracking him between the eyes. \"I will not take such brutish words from some animal like yourself.\" The warm tone she had exhibited suddenly became ice cold. He growled and took a step forward. She immediately adopted a fighting stance, something that even the thick skulled matriarch knew was a sign that he should back off. “Good.”\n\n\t“You certainly know how to handle yourself,” Joshua mumbled absently.\n\n\tShe smiled at the compliment and turned to the wall of youths. “Well, who do we have here? Glenn's teammates?”\n\n\t“F-former, ma'am,” Jessica stammered. “Mrs. Milson, I must say, you are an idol back at the ol' homestead. Could I-?”\n\n\t“Autograph?” She smiled and nodded. “Maybe later. I have business to attend to here.” She stepped past everyone as they let her at the bed. Glenn's chart would be examined. \"A broken leg and severe poisoning.\" She looked up at Glenn. \"What happened?\"\n\n\tMr. Aurock's protest became mobile once more; he surged forward to stop her. \"You can't barge-\"\n\n\tA powerful set of hands settled on his shoulders, stopping him dead in his tracks. \"This is Glenn's lawyer, Dad,\" Axel warned him. \"FORMER league champion Aimee Lailu, now Aimee Milson.\" He pulled his father back a couple of steps. \"I've seen her slam some of the ultra-heavy weights to the mat because they've made passes at her. It's a good idea to not challenge her.\" \n\n\t“Oh come now!” She laughed and waved her hand dismissively. “I'm not all that strong.\" \n\n\tGlenn shrank back against his bed, clearly uncomfortable with the very powerful woman standing before him. She turned to him. \"Is everything okay?\" He nodded slowly, shrinking back once more as she sat down beside him. “You're not afraid of me, are you?”\n\n\t“Well,” he said. “You are quite...intimidating.”\n\n\t“I'm here to help you.” She smiled. “Could you tell me what happened?”\n\n\tHe sighed. \"Axel was visiting. He wanted to check in on me, see how I was doing. Things were fine; I honestly thought I was going to enjoy the evening. Of course, our father insists on us being brutes and started laying into me about it. It happens all the time. I just ignore it, normally. It's easier to deal with him that way.\n\n\t\"This time, it was different. Axel was here. He started to defend me. It's a habit of his; his status as a fighter usually shuts him up. I don't know why...but it only riled Dad up. He just...lost his temper and took a swing at me. I don't know why, but my body said no, slid out of his reach, and gashed his face.” He shut his eyes. “I'm not violent. It just. Happened.”\n\n\t“It's all right.” She took his hand. “Continue.” \n\n\t“It set him off. The next thing I knew, I was on the floor, having my leg stomped on.\" He motioned to the casted leg.\n\n\t\"That's a damned lie,\" the elder Aurock growled.\n\n\tAxel shook him violently. \"Shut up or I'm going to take you outside and-.\"\n\n\t\"Axel, please.\" Glenn looked at him. Axel growled and dug his claws into their father's shoulders. It kept him quiet. \"Anyway, once my leg was smashed, he knocked me against the wall. I lost my temper a little and defended myself. I can't remember what happened next. I...blanked.\"\n\n\t\"You had to,\" Axel said, quick to drown his father's protest out. \"He wasn't going to hold back.\" He looked at Amiee. \"Mrs. Milson, I was there.\"\n\n\t\"Okay,\" the mienshao said, turning to him. \"What happened next?\"\n\n\tHe pressed down on his father's shoulders, implying his desire that the elder keep his mouth shut. \"He caught Dad off guard,\" he explained. \"Dad was not happy with it and vomited on Glenn. That set him berserk.\"\n\n\t\"Vomited?\"\n\n\t\"Yes. Something black.\"\n\n\t\"That's a lie!\" Mr Aurock screamed.\n\n\tAxel growled and slammed him hard on his shoulder. \"You used Toxic on your own son!\"\n\n\t\"Axel, please calm down. Just continue.\"\n\n\t\"I saw Glenn lose it and go after Dad. I moved to stop him, but Baron and Lionel tried to stop me. I shoved past and they threw me through the window. By that time, Joshua and-\"\n\n\t\"Stop your goddamned lying,\" Mr Aurock erupted. \"Your brothers didn't throw you. Glenn did!\" \n\n\t\"Wh-what?\" Glenn turned pale. \"Axel?\"\n\n\t\"N-no. It's not true, Glenn.\" He looked at the cops. \"It wasn't him.\"\n\n\t\"Yes it was,\" Mr Aurock growled. He jabbed his son with his elbows and broke free of his grip. \"I watched him grab you and give you a heft.\"\n\n\t\"That's a fucking lie.\"\n\n\t\"You're a terrible liar, Axel,\" Aimee sighed.\n\n\tGlenn broke down, the sobs drowning out the argument. Athena cradled him against her body. \"I'm a monster,\" he cried. \"I hurt my brother, the only one in my family that gives a shit about me. I bit Delilah. I nearly killed my own father.\" He heaved another loud sob.\n\n\t\"Shh...\" Athena hissed, before she started whispering to him in her native tongue.\n\n\t\"I think it's best we leave,\" Kaitlyn piped up. In spite of Mr. Aurock's complaining, the group ushered themselves out, the door closed by the cops. \"Axel?\"\n\n\t\"I was only trying to prevent that,\" he said, his tone hurt in and of itself. \"He hates the idea that he hurts people when he's enraged. It's not a game for him.\" He looked at his father, who'd muted himself.\n\n\t\"Well, that's all fine and dandy,\" Amiee said, adjusting her suit jacket. \"But we still have the issue of arrests to handle, correct?\" She turned to the growlithe officers smiled and, with a tip of their hats, headed out.\n\n\t\"What the hell?\" Mr. Aurock piped up. \"Aren't they going to arrest everyone?\"\n\n\t\"If you're going to turn yourself in, sure.\"\n\n\t\"The fuck you say, bitch?\" He turned to face her, not noticing the wide berth everyone had given him.\n\n\t\"PokeCombat League regulations restrict the use of Toxic in the ring, due to the amount of permanent damage it can cause if not treated swiftly enough. Section seven of the criminal code puts it in the same category as moves such as Horn Drill and Guillotine.\" She moved swiftly, the sashes attached to her wrists waving behind her like vapor trails. She closed the distance, getting in his face. \"Illegal due to their potential lethality. I saw that boy's charts. I've seen the charts of fighters that have had Toxic used upon them, back when we were discussing its legality in the ring. They were identical. You used Toxic on that boy. If his classmates hadn't gotten him, he could be in a coma right now.\" The mightyena remained stalwart, yet silent. \"So the cops left. There will be no arrests. If you choose to pursue the matter, the league will prosecute you on Glenn's behalf and make sure you don't get out of prison until you're old enough to look like a relicanth. Do you understand?\" Mr Aurock grunted defeatedly and turned to leave, passing by Axel as he went.\n\n\t\"You ever bother either of us again,\" he growled at the old man. \"I will personally finish what Glenn started.\" The older male said nothing as he headed to the ER to check on his remaining sons. Axel took a deep breath and leaned against the wall.\n\n\t\"You okay?\" Giana asked, moving to keep him on his feet.\n\n\t\"The excitement from the last few moments is passing. I'll be fine.\"\n\n\t\"What about Glenn?\" Joshua asked.\n\n\t\"He needs his friends and family more than ever right now.\"\n\n\t\"We fill both of those requirements,\" Kaitlyn said. “She opened the door. “All in favor of letting the puppy know he's cared for?” Everyone laughed a little bit as they returned. There were squawks of distress and protest from Glenn as he quickly became overwhelmed.\n\n\tTonya was the last to enter. \"Mrs Milson,\" the butterfree said. She took the mienshao's hand and shook it. \"Thank you. For this. For everything.\"\n\n\t\"You do not need to worry about thanking me. You need to go in and give Glenn anything he needs. Especially support.\" The butterfree held her hand a moment more and hustled in. \"You should go in too, Axel.\"\n\n\t\"Why?\" He pushed off of the wall. \"He's got his family now. Blood is the last thing he needs.\" He turned away. “I still have to find him a place to live. I'll be funding his bills until he gets on his feet in town.”\n\n\tShe grabbed him by his tail, freezing the mightyena before he could start off. \"Do you know why he was crying?\"\n\n\tHe paused for a long moment. \"Because he hurt people.\"\n\n\t\"He hurt you.\" He turned to face her, freeing his tail from her grip. \"You are the only blood that hasn't tried to hurt him in the last few hours. From my understanding, you were the only one there for him at his graduation. That means more to him than anything that group of classmates and friends will ever be able to give him. How do you think it will affect him if you bail on him?\"\n\n\t\"I've done so many bad things to him in the past. I am never going to be able to make it up to him.\"\n\n\t\"Where is the harm in trying?\"\n\n\tHe looked at the door. \"That's the one thing that I really hate about you, Mrs Milson.\"\n\n\t\"That I'm right?\"\n\n\t\"That you're smug about it.\" He chuckled and shut the door behind him. Glenn's loud sobbing was her cue to leave. She rolled her shoulders and headed downstairs.\n\n\tShe got back to the league offices in Fucshia late, heading up to her office. She stripped her jacket off and hung it off of the back of her chair. These incidents, especially ones dealing with the Aurocks, were a drain on the psyche and a time sink when it came to the paperwork. It'd have to wait for morning; the only thing she wanted to focus on was getting an appointment at the spa.\n\n\t\"Good evening, my dear.\" The voice was as strong as the pair of gray-skinned hands upon her chair. \"Did things go well?\"\n\n\tShe reached up to caress her husband's cheek. \"Yes,\" she cooed as the second set of hands took hers. \"The Aurock brothers are not going to jail. Though, truthfully, they were never in danger of it. I'm going to file restraining orders on Lionel, Baron, and their father, barring them from league property. To be safe, of course.\"\n\n\t\"I doubt they will be a problem,\" he chuckled. “The Aurocks are many things. Stupid in the face of the law is not one of them.” The machamp relinquished his hold on her and her seat, and moved to sit on the desk. \"Was it a Toxic attack?”\n\n\t“Yes. I'm considering finding out how his father knows it. They haven't taught it in decades.”\n\n\tHe nodded. “Please do so. How is Glenn?\"\n\n\t\"I don't know what hurt's more, his head or his heart.\" She frowned. \"In both senses of the term.\" She leaned back. \"So what happens now?\"\n\n\t\"I am going to personally extend a job offer to Glenn. I am sure we need another secretary or maintenance man around here, even if it is a trainee. He'll probably accept it. I've studied his records; he's far more honorable than Axel.”\n\n\t\"He's not going to participate in the amateur's pairs match alongside his brother, you know.”\n\n\t“Cutting me off at the pass?” He grabbed his chest. “It hurts!”\n\n\t“He hates fighting. Everything Axel has said about him makes that clear as day.\" She crossed her arm. “I know you think getting him in the ring is going to clear up our reputation, but I'm going to put the kebosh on you trying to talk him into it, Alphonse.\" She leaned forward, setting her hands on his. “He's not the solution to the problem.\n\n\t\"I know, Amiee, but at the same time, he is the best shot we have. It's not just us, though. The League as a whole has become nothing more than a group of brutes and primadonnas. Real monsters. I'm tired of having to help deal with the parents groups.” He leaned forward. “Glenn's demeanor, his way of thinking...he could help reform the way everyone does things. That could save us.\"\n\n\t\"How do you propose to make him want to participate, though?\"\n\n\t\"He'll meet the right people.\" He stood up. \"One by one. Then, we'll...arrange to have him run across the current league champion. That should light the fuse.\" He turned away. \"In the meantime, extend a stippend to Axel. He is taking his brother in, yes?\" She nodded and made a note of it. \"Give him a PokeCombat League welcome. Let him know Fucshia welcomes him with open arms.\"\n\n\t\"As you wish, love.\" She smiled and leaned back in her seat. He meant well. His heart was huge; that was what made her marry him in the first place. Still, that was something to deal with when they came to it. She grabbed her phone and made a call.\n\n\tShe was going to the spa tomorrow.\n\nEnd\n\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"To His Aid

A PokeCombat League story by Micah Weil

\tIt was an oddly quiet Friday at Charlie's. Delilah had agreed to meet Tonya for lunch, something that sat quite well with the Simisear. Any business did, actually. Athena was more than happy to tend to their needs, as things were pretty slow. A quiet afternoon in a friendly area; things were swell.

\t"I mean," the butterfree explained as they ate. "With Axel visiting Glenn and the family, I don't have a whole lot to do. The commissioner even said he might give me the rest of the day if my paperwork's done."

\t"Is it?" Delilah asked, her whiskers twitching.

\t"Of course it is." She opened her mouth and stuffed a forkfull of food in her mouth. “I wanna see Axel try to ruin my day today.” Her phone, the living embodiment of frustration, went off. The ringtone it played made her swear as she answered it. "What?"

\t"Mighty nasty word for her," Athena said as she brought the rattata the smoothie she ordered. "What's got her upset?"

\tDelilah sighed and rested her head on her arm, watching the butterfree growl into the phone. "That would be the ringtone she assigned to Axel. He only calls if something has gone wrong."

\t"Ah." She chuckled and pulled up a chair to watch.

\t"Calm down, Axel," Tonya said, her anger having faded. She listened carefully before standing up. "What? No, say that you're joking, Axel."

\t“Sounds bad.”

\t"...okay. Get him out of there. I'll contact your lawyer...yes, get him to the hospital if you have to." She nodded as she grabbed her jacket. "I'll bring Delilah. We're on our way." She hung up and turned towards the kitchen. "Put it on my tab, Charlie. Emergency."

\t"What's wrong?" Delilah said, standing as well. She knew she was along for the ride.

\tThe butterfree's expression was one of sheer worry. "Glenn lost it."

\t"Lost it?"

\t"His brothers. They were pushing him. His father was egging them on."

\tAthena ripped her apron off and threw it on the table. "Your car still a four seater?" She looked over at the Kitchen, and saw Charlie standing there. "Boss-"

\t"I heard," he said. "Go. Your captain needs you."

\t"Delilah, call Joshua. Athena, go see if Jessica's available. We're going to need all hands on deck."

******

\tThe music died down slowly, Joshua's attention being pulled away as Oliver waved his hand and pointed at the fearow. He had a phone call; the base was settled on its stand. "Break time." The fearow stretched and made his way over to the phone. Oliver passed it off and went to take Joshua's seat.

\t"Who was it?" Kaitlyn asked. The farfetch'd leaned on her mic, looking the noctowl over.

\t"Some girl named Delilah," he responded. "Said she was a friend."

\t"She is. She was on Joshua's team back in school. It's a bit odd, though."

\t"Call out of nowhere. I know. She sounded scared." He paused for a second. “Why would she be calling him?”

\t“...think something bad happened.” She pointed at the fearow, who's expression screamed his worry. He slammed the phone down and grabbed his coat. “Sweetie?”

\t"Practice over. I gotta go to Pewter." He rushed to the door. "Glenn-"

\t"Not another word." Their drummer, Giana, was quick to the door, forgoing her own jacket. "No car. It'll be easier if we fly."

\t"Indeed." Kaitlyn grabbed her leek. "Oliver-"

\t"Where are you guys going?" Joshua looked at them weird. "Glenn is my friend."

\t"He's our friend also," the staraptor growled. "Pewter's where he lives, right? If you're being called out that ways, then I am willing to bet that there's something big going on at home." Joshua nodded. "Then we'll get there faster than everyone else there if we fly and provide support."

\t"You guys would really do that?"

\tThe leek came down on his head. "We're wasting time," Kaitlyn said. "Oliver, watch our egg. We'll be back." She stepped outside, spread her wings, and shot up into the air.

\t"Come on," Giana said, spreading her own wings. "The look on your face says we need to get there an hour ago."

******

\tGlenn hit the wall hard, kissing the ground shortly after. It wouldn't have been that bad had his father not gone for an upward blow; he hit the top of the wall, right near the heavy, metal trophies from Axel's days back in the pee-wee combat games. They wobbled, threatening to collapse onto the crumpled figure.

\t"Glenn!" Axel tried to step forward to rush to his brother's aid. This wasn't a fight; this was a one-sided, masochistic beating. There was, however, the issue of Lionel and Baron. Individually, his brothers were no match for him. Far be it for an Aurock to play fair, however.

\t"No no," Baron taunted, shoving the seasoned fighter back. "Glenn had this coming."

\t"Disobeying dad and actively avoiding training," their father growled as he hovered over Glenn's form. "Some Aurock he is." He ran his fingers over the gash on his face. Glenn, his youngest, had raked him at the start of the scuffle. Displeased with the wound, he reared his foot back to strike him.

\tGlenn was quicker, however. He propelled himself away from the kick with a bit of upper body work. He landed just shy of the foot, on one knee. A sharp pain shot through his body; he bit his lip and fought back the cry of agony.

\tHis leg had to be broken.

\t"Very good," Mr Aurock growled. "Sissy learned something in school." The elder mightyena charged, bringing his foot around to strike at the injured youth.

\tGlenn's eyes flashed red; he brought his hands up to defend himself. The dark orb wouldn't be at full strength as it was fired at the advancing Mightyena's chest. The blast connected, sending his assailant staggering backwards. "I don't have to lay a goddamned finger on you," he panted. "I can still kick your ass."

\t"I see. You think you're tougher than I am?" He vomited a noxious black ichor, coaing the injured 'yena with it. Glenn shut his mouth and covered his face. The splash was overwhelming, however; he felt the poison seeping into his veins. "Let's see you do it."

\tGlenn growled, his eyes burning red again. "Toxic...son of a..."

\tAxel's eyes widened. "Glenn!" Toxic was a move outlawed in all regions, and outright banned in the league. To see his own father use it on his son was too much. He slammed his fists on the ground, he resulting black wave of energy knocking Lionel and Baron away. With a clear path, he rushed his old man. He wasn't going to let him get away with that.

\tHe never anticipated the fist that came to greet him, empowered by a Giga Impact. He tumbled right back to where he was, Baron and Lionel quickly moving to restrain him. "Let go of me!"

\tThe elder smirked and turned back to Glenn"I am going to make you suffer, whelp," their father growled as he kicked again. His strike was stopped short by a pair of hands; they held tight as Glenn bit hard onto his leg. Pain coursed through his body as the poison, the very same that he had used on his son, worked its foul, though weakened magic.

\t"Sonofabitch." He growled and tried to free himself. Glenn released his grip on the foot, only to give himself enough room to slam a Shadow Ball against the old man. As he tumbled, Glenn stood up. He couldn't feel any pain in his leg. He couldn't feel much of anything, except for the rage and hatred coursing through his head.

\tAll he could see was red.

******

\tJoshua, Kaitlyn, and Giana landed outside the home. The fighting was loud enough that it had drawn a crowd, one that seemed upset as they landed outside the door. "That can't be good," Giana said, looking around. "Cops are probably on their way now."

\tKaitlyn nodded and grabbed her phone. "I'll appraise the others of the situation. Go in and help him."

\t"Not until we know what the situation is." Joshua turned to the house. "Please be okay, Glenn." He jumped as a form came flying out of the window, spraying grass everywhere. He rushed over as the figure rolled to a stop. "Glenn?"

\tThe mightyena coughed and sat up. "No, Axel."

\t"Is Glenn okay?"

\t"Thanks for the concern.” He rubbed his head. “No. Baron and Lionel are trying to pound on him."

\t“Trying?”

\t“He's gone.” He got up. "Mentally, I mean. Dad used Toxic on him, so I don't blame him." He inspected the flyers. "Wait, did you come to help?"

\t"Giana, break down the door and duck." The staraptor smirked and turned to the door. With her large, toned frame, her shoulder was the only key she needed.

\tBaron and Lionel looked up as the door popped off its hinges and struck the ground with a loud crash. "The hell are you?" Baron demanded, turning as Lionel continued to pummel on Glenn.

\tHis response was a war cry as a spinning mass of feathers and sharp beak flew at him. The fearow slammed into him hard, knocking him across the room and against the wall. Lionel got to his feet as the large staraptor lumbered towards him. Not wanting to deal with him, he grabbed a trophy that had hit the ground and threw it at her.

\tHer size was deceptive; she quickly moved out of its path and got in close. "Hi, I'm Giana." She grabbed him by the collar and slammed her fist into his stomach. "And that's my friend you're beating on." She slammed her head against his and threw him against a wall.

\tAxel and Kaitlyn entered to a truly worrysome sight. Giana had successfully pinned Lionel down, sitting on him and holding his arms behind his head in an awkward position. Joshua was busy swearing and pounding on Baron's face, his Frustration as plain as day.

\tThat left their father. As he turned to face off with him, however, he was treated to an uncomfortable sight. His younger brother's rage caused him to take leave of all his senses; his father was struggling under his grip. That rage was the only thing that was keeping him on his feet and the old man at bay. It terrified him.

\t"Raaaaah!" Glenn's movements were sudden. He flicked his wrists and threw his weight. The older 'yena found himself smalled onto his side, on the ground. Glenn howled and slammed himself onto the fallen patriarch. He started a frenzied assault, slamming his fists into his face. Blood and spit went flying as, for the first time in Axel's life, he witnessed his father bring his hands up to defend himself.

\t Glenn deserved to beat the shit out of him. The years of abuse were pouring out with each blow. He knew, though, that he couldn't let it stay that way. If he wasn't stopped, Glenn was going away for murder. He heaved a deep breath, raised his hands, and took aim. The shadow orb was something he'd taught his brother to use; he never thought he'd have to use it against him. The inky blackness struck Glenn and sent him tumblin. The old man was quick to his feet and out the door in no time.

\tIt worked. As he rose to his feet, Glenn's rage was focused on Axel now. Axel knew that he could take it and went on the defensive. He'd knock him out if he had to, so long as it meant the fight was over.

\t"No way, Glenn puppy!" A tan blurr stormed past him and tackled the engraged mightyena. "Can't have you hurting yourself any further!" Jessica lifted him up off the ground, keeping a strong grip on him despite his struggling.

\t"Careful," He told her. "He's lost it."

\t"No kidding! He still poisoned?" He nodded. “You'll be okay, Glenn.” She twisted her body around and slammed Glenn up against the far wall. "Athena!"

\tAnother brown mass moved past him, scooping Glenn up as soon as he was on his feet. Athena was far stronger than Jessica, and held him with ease. "I could use that berry!" She turned to face the door, just as the last member of their team entered

\t"Excuse me," Delilah apologized, stepping around Axel as she went up to Glenn. In her hand was a small, pinkish berry – a pecha. The best natural cure for poison. “Sorry, Glenn.” It was roughly stuffed into his mouth. Not knowing if he'd spit it out, she grabbed his muzzle and held it shut. "Chew it, Glenn. It'll weaken the poison." He struggled, snarling against her grip. "Glenn please."

\tHe was too deep into his rage to hear her. He forced himself free of her grip. The berry flew to the ground as sank his teeth into her hand.

\tShe let out a cry of pain.

\tIt was as if the world stopped right there. Joshua stopped pounding on Baron to look. Jessica grabbed the rattata's shoulders, ready to pull her free. Even Axel was moving to go help. They all knew that squeak; Delilah hadn't been this distressed since school.

\tIt was the only thing to get Glenn to stop. The deep color drained from his eyes. "D-delilah?" His jaw loosened. He licked his teeth: blood. His eyes widened in horror. "Delilah? Are you okay?"

\tShe shivered and nodded. "I'm okay."

\t"No you're not. I bit you. Oh god, I bit you."

\t"It's okay, Glenn. You weren't you."

\tHe wiggled free of Athena. "I'm sorry, Delilah. I'm so-" He yowled in pain as he hit the floor, collapsing and holding his leg. The adrenaline was emptying from his system; the pain of a busted leg and the poison coursing through his veins were finally reaching him.

\tDelilah snatched up the discarded berry and stuffed it in his mouth. “Eat this. It'll help ease the pain.” The soft skin of the berry was slashed against his sharp teeth; the sweet juices eased down his throat and eased his agony.

\t"Athena," Axel barked. "Get him to your car and take him to the hospital. Delilah, go with him and keep him calm."

\tThey nodded. "C'mere, chief." Athena scooped him up. "We're going to see about getting you fixed up." She stomped out of the house, rattata in tow.

\tHe looked at Jessica. "Go upstairs and pack up Glenn's clothes. Get anything his that's of value and that you can carry. Put it in the back of my car."

\t"Sure thing, sugah." She headed upstairs.

\t"Hey!" Baron protested. "You can't go up there." He was silenced by Joshua, who punched him in the mouth once more.

\t"Shut your mouth, Baron." The mightyena looked between the two, still pinned under the avians. "You two disgust the fuck out of me. Glenn and I will not be returning. With luck, you two will get yourselves killed before you have a chance to have kids." He shook; he could feel his own adrenaline building up. He wanted to beat the shit out of the pair.

\t“Axel,” Joshua said. “Deep breath.”

\tHe took the fearow's advice, calming down. "Let them go once Jessica is done."

\t"And if they try anything stupid once we do?" Giana asked, looking Lionel in his eyes.

\t"Fuck 'em up."

******

\tGlenn's leg had been set and was elevated. The doctor had done a rather nice job on it; he would be back on his feet in a couple of weeks. The berry had done its work as well; the poison had cleared his system just as he arrived. Physically, he was feeling better.

\tHe looked over at the trio that had brought him in. Delilah had her wounds wrapped up and was perfectly content with chit chatting with Tonya. She seemed quite happy. Athena was sitting in a chair, her eyes shut as she relaxed.

\tHis eyes could not leave Delilah's hand. She was fine; she reassured him of that each and every time he apologized between his house and the room he was in now. It didn't change the feeling he had. He lost control and bit her as she was helping him. He was a monster.

\tAthena opened her eyes. "You okay, Glenn?"

\t"I'm fine," he lied, not caringe how convincing he was.

\t"You'll be okay." Delilah approached his bedisde. “It's over now. Jessica's got your stuff. Everything is going to be okay.” She reached over and gave him a hug, ignoring him as he winced.

\t"H-how can you say that? I hurt you."

\t"And I put myself into that line of danger knowing you could. Don't beat yourself up." She grabbed his hands and wrapped them around her neck, forcing him to return the hug. “Your father did that enough.”

\t"I haven't kicked your ass, Glenn," Tonya pointed out, sitting at the foot of his bed. "You've done nothing wrong." She looked at Athena, who nodded. "Now...business. What happened, exactly?"

\t"Why does that matter?"

\t"Because we want to have the facts ready for when the lawyer gets here."

\t"L-lawyer?"

\t"Your father is a vindictive asshole,” Athena responded. “You kicked his ass fairly. He's going to get his victory, even if he has to get the cops to do it for him. Tonya contacted Axel's lawyer as you were having your leg reset.

\tThe butterfree nodded. “Now, what happened?"

\tThe door burst open, Jessica barreling in. She was out of breath. "Glenn's father and brothers followed us in. They took Baron to go get stitches, but they have the cops in tow."

\t"Shit," Athena said, getting to her feet. "I need to go run interference?"

\t"No. The Pidgeottos are doing that. Axel is out front waiting for the lawyer."

\t"Dammit." Tonya turned back to Glenn. "Get the fact straight later. Did your father use Toxic on you?"

\t"I don't see-" The mightyena was silenced as the butterfree grabbed him by the collar on his hospital gown.

\t"Remember your schooling. Toxic can kill. It's a move that is highly regulated in the ring, and illegal outside of it. Did he use Toxic on you?"

\t"Y-yes, he did."

\tAs if on cue, Joshua came rushing past. "Here they come," he declared. Everyone was mobile; in moments, Glenn had a barrier of friends between him and the door. "We got your back, Glenn."

\tGiana and Kaitlyn were shoved into the room by a pissed off papa mightyena. "I want them all arrested!" he howled. "Tresspassing, assault, robbery...the whole lot."

\t"Fuck off, asshole," the fearow snarled. "We came to help Glenn."

\t"And arrest that good for fucking nothing son of mine. He tried to kill me!"

\t"Not before you did," Delilah piped up. She stepped ahead of the group, a rare show of bravery. "You were the-"

\t"Shut up, bitch." He turned to the pair of growlithes behind him. "Do your jobs."

\tThe growlithes rolled their eyes and pressed forward. "We're afraid nobody can leave this room," one said. "He has demanded that he be allowed to press charges. So, we're going to have to place all of you under arrest." They started forward, one reaching for a pair of handcuffs. "I'm sorry, but we have to cuff Mr. Aurock to his bed."

\tThe group surged forward, causing both cops to take a step back. "You're restraining us all if you want him," Giana snarled. "I doubt you have enough men or handcuffs right now."

\t"It's okay." All eyes turned towards Glenn as he spoke up. "Let them do their jobs."

\t"But-" Joshua was silenced with the wave of a hand.

\t"I let my anger get the best of me. I'm surprised he doesn't have a broken jaw." The cops looked at each other before stepping forward.

\t"Now now. Let's not be too hasty."

\tAnother interruption; the growlithe turned to the door. Someone was getting arrested, and they didn't care who. At the sight of the mienshao in a suit, however, they knew enough to step back. She smiled and stepped past them. “Thank you, gentlemen. You may relax.”

\tTonya gasped at the sight, while Delilah smiled happily and rushed to her. "Mrs Milson!" she squeaked gleefully.

\t"Who is she?" Glenn asked.

\t"Th...that's Amiee Milson," Tonya stammered, brushing herself off.

\t"Axel's lawyer?"

\t"The league commissioner's wife and the head of the league's legal department. She makes sure the stunts her husband likes to pull don't explode in everyone's faces." Glenn sat up quickly, looking at the suited mienshao as she greeted and hugged the rattata. "What the hell is she doing here?"

\t"It is so nice to see you again, Miss Wildflower." Amiee lifed her off the ground in a hug. The rattata laughed happily as she was set back down. “Now, I hear someone is having a little legal trouble?”

\tThe elder Aurock looked at her, his expression screaming his displeaure. "The fuck are you?" he growled.

\t“Excuse me.” Aimee was a flash of movement; her arm swept forward, the fleshy sash that grew out of her arm snapping forward and cracking him between the eyes. "I will not take such brutish words from some animal like yourself." The warm tone she had exhibited suddenly became ice cold. He growled and took a step forward. She immediately adopted a fighting stance, something that even the thick skulled matriarch knew was a sign that he should back off. “Good.”

\t“You certainly know how to handle yourself,” Joshua mumbled absently.

\tShe smiled at the compliment and turned to the wall of youths. “Well, who do we have here? Glenn's teammates?”

\t“F-former, ma'am,” Jessica stammered. “Mrs. Milson, I must say, you are an idol back at the ol' homestead. Could I-?”

\t“Autograph?” She smiled and nodded. “Maybe later. I have business to attend to here.” She stepped past everyone as they let her at the bed. Glenn's chart would be examined. "A broken leg and severe poisoning." She looked up at Glenn. "What happened?"

\tMr. Aurock's protest became mobile once more; he surged forward to stop her. "You can't barge-"

\tA powerful set of hands settled on his shoulders, stopping him dead in his tracks. "This is Glenn's lawyer, Dad," Axel warned him. "FORMER league champion Aimee Lailu, now Aimee Milson." He pulled his father back a couple of steps. "I've seen her slam some of the ultra-heavy weights to the mat because they've made passes at her. It's a good idea to not challenge her."

\t“Oh come now!” She laughed and waved her hand dismissively. “I'm not all that strong."

\tGlenn shrank back against his bed, clearly uncomfortable with the very powerful woman standing before him. She turned to him. "Is everything okay?" He nodded slowly, shrinking back once more as she sat down beside him. “You're not afraid of me, are you?”

\t“Well,” he said. “You are quite...intimidating.”

\t“I'm here to help you.” She smiled. “Could you tell me what happened?”

\tHe sighed. "Axel was visiting. He wanted to check in on me, see how I was doing. Things were fine; I honestly thought I was going to enjoy the evening. Of course, our father insists on us being brutes and started laying into me about it. It happens all the time. I just ignore it, normally. It's easier to deal with him that way.

\t"This time, it was different. Axel was here. He started to defend me. It's a habit of his; his status as a fighter usually shuts him up. I don't know why...but it only riled Dad up. He just...lost his temper and took a swing at me. I don't know why, but my body said no, slid out of his reach, and gashed his face.” He shut his eyes. “I'm not violent. It just. Happened.”

\t“It's all right.” She took his hand. “Continue.”

\t“It set him off. The next thing I knew, I was on the floor, having my leg stomped on." He motioned to the casted leg.

\t"That's a damned lie," the elder Aurock growled.

\tAxel shook him violently. "Shut up or I'm going to take you outside and-."

\t"Axel, please." Glenn looked at him. Axel growled and dug his claws into their father's shoulders. It kept him quiet. "Anyway, once my leg was smashed, he knocked me against the wall. I lost my temper a little and defended myself. I can't remember what happened next. I...blanked."

\t"You had to," Axel said, quick to drown his father's protest out. "He wasn't going to hold back." He looked at Amiee. "Mrs. Milson, I was there."

\t"Okay," the mienshao said, turning to him. "What happened next?"

\tHe pressed down on his father's shoulders, implying his desire that the elder keep his mouth shut. "He caught Dad off guard," he explained. "Dad was not happy with it and vomited on Glenn. That set him berserk."

\t"Vomited?"

\t"Yes. Something black."

\t"That's a lie!" Mr Aurock screamed.

\tAxel growled and slammed him hard on his shoulder. "You used Toxic on your own son!"

\t"Axel, please calm down. Just continue."

\t"I saw Glenn lose it and go after Dad. I moved to stop him, but Baron and Lionel tried to stop me. I shoved past and they threw me through the window. By that time, Joshua and-"

\t"Stop your goddamned lying," Mr Aurock erupted. "Your brothers didn't throw you. Glenn did!"

\t"Wh-what?" Glenn turned pale. "Axel?"

\t"N-no. It's not true, Glenn." He looked at the cops. "It wasn't him."

\t"Yes it was," Mr Aurock growled. He jabbed his son with his elbows and broke free of his grip. "I watched him grab you and give you a heft."

\t"That's a fucking lie."

\t"You're a terrible liar, Axel," Aimee sighed.

\tGlenn broke down, the sobs drowning out the argument. Athena cradled him against her body. "I'm a monster," he cried. "I hurt my brother, the only one in my family that gives a shit about me. I bit Delilah. I nearly killed my own father." He heaved another loud sob.

\t"Shh..." Athena hissed, before she started whispering to him in her native tongue.

\t"I think it's best we leave," Kaitlyn piped up. In spite of Mr. Aurock's complaining, the group ushered themselves out, the door closed by the cops. "Axel?"

\t"I was only trying to prevent that," he said, his tone hurt in and of itself. "He hates the idea that he hurts people when he's enraged. It's not a game for him." He looked at his father, who'd muted himself.

\t"Well, that's all fine and dandy," Amiee said, adjusting her suit jacket. "But we still have the issue of arrests to handle, correct?" She turned to the growlithe officers smiled and, with a tip of their hats, headed out.

\t"What the hell?" Mr. Aurock piped up. "Aren't they going to arrest everyone?"

\t"If you're going to turn yourself in, sure."

\t"The fuck you say, bitch?" He turned to face her, not noticing the wide berth everyone had given him.

\t"PokeCombat League regulations restrict the use of Toxic in the ring, due to the amount of permanent damage it can cause if not treated swiftly enough. Section seven of the criminal code puts it in the same category as moves such as Horn Drill and Guillotine." She moved swiftly, the sashes attached to her wrists waving behind her like vapor trails. She closed the distance, getting in his face. "Illegal due to their potential lethality. I saw that boy's charts. I've seen the charts of fighters that have had Toxic used upon them, back when we were discussing its legality in the ring. They were identical. You used Toxic on that boy. If his classmates hadn't gotten him, he could be in a coma right now." The mightyena remained stalwart, yet silent. "So the cops left. There will be no arrests. If you choose to pursue the matter, the league will prosecute you on Glenn's behalf and make sure you don't get out of prison until you're old enough to look like a relicanth. Do you understand?" Mr Aurock grunted defeatedly and turned to leave, passing by Axel as he went.

\t"You ever bother either of us again," he growled at the old man. "I will personally finish what Glenn started." The older male said nothing as he headed to the ER to check on his remaining sons. Axel took a deep breath and leaned against the wall.

\t"You okay?" Giana asked, moving to keep him on his feet.

\t"The excitement from the last few moments is passing. I'll be fine."

\t"What about Glenn?" Joshua asked.

\t"He needs his friends and family more than ever right now."

\t"We fill both of those requirements," Kaitlyn said. “She opened the door. “All in favor of letting the puppy know he's cared for?” Everyone laughed a little bit as they returned. There were squawks of distress and protest from Glenn as he quickly became overwhelmed.

\tTonya was the last to enter. "Mrs Milson," the butterfree said. She took the mienshao's hand and shook it. "Thank you. For this. For everything."

\t"You do not need to worry about thanking me. You need to go in and give Glenn anything he needs. Especially support." The butterfree held her hand a moment more and hustled in. "You should go in too, Axel."

\t"Why?" He pushed off of the wall. "He's got his family now. Blood is the last thing he needs." He turned away. “I still have to find him a place to live. I'll be funding his bills until he gets on his feet in town.”

\tShe grabbed him by his tail, freezing the mightyena before he could start off. "Do you know why he was crying?"

\tHe paused for a long moment. "Because he hurt people."

\t"He hurt you." He turned to face her, freeing his tail from her grip. "You are the only blood that hasn't tried to hurt him in the last few hours. From my understanding, you were the only one there for him at his graduation. That means more to him than anything that group of classmates and friends will ever be able to give him. How do you think it will affect him if you bail on him?"

\t"I've done so many bad things to him in the past. I am never going to be able to make it up to him."

\t"Where is the harm in trying?"

\tHe looked at the door. "That's the one thing that I really hate about you, Mrs Milson."

\t"That I'm right?"

\t"That you're smug about it." He chuckled and shut the door behind him. Glenn's loud sobbing was her cue to leave. She rolled her shoulders and headed downstairs.

\tShe got back to the league offices in Fucshia late, heading up to her office. She stripped her jacket off and hung it off of the back of her chair. These incidents, especially ones dealing with the Aurocks, were a drain on the psyche and a time sink when it came to the paperwork. It'd have to wait for morning; the only thing she wanted to focus on was getting an appointment at the spa.

\t"Good evening, my dear." The voice was as strong as the pair of gray-skinned hands upon her chair. "Did things go well?"

\tShe reached up to caress her husband's cheek. "Yes," she cooed as the second set of hands took hers. "The Aurock brothers are not going to jail. Though, truthfully, they were never in danger of it. I'm going to file restraining orders on Lionel, Baron, and their father, barring them from league property. To be safe, of course."

\t"I doubt they will be a problem," he chuckled. “The Aurocks are many things. Stupid in the face of the law is not one of them.” The machamp relinquished his hold on her and her seat, and moved to sit on the desk. "Was it a Toxic attack?”

\t“Yes. I'm considering finding out how his father knows it. They haven't taught it in decades.”

\tHe nodded. “Please do so. How is Glenn?"

\t"I don't know what hurt's more, his head or his heart." She frowned. "In both senses of the term." She leaned back. "So what happens now?"

\t"I am going to personally extend a job offer to Glenn. I am sure we need another secretary or maintenance man around here, even if it is a trainee. He'll probably accept it. I've studied his records; he's far more honorable than Axel.”

\t"He's not going to participate in the amateur's pairs match alongside his brother, you know.”

\t“Cutting me off at the pass?” He grabbed his chest. “It hurts!”

\t“He hates fighting. Everything Axel has said about him makes that clear as day." She crossed her arm. “I know you think getting him in the ring is going to clear up our reputation, but I'm going to put the kebosh on you trying to talk him into it, Alphonse." She leaned forward, setting her hands on his. “He's not the solution to the problem.

\t"I know, Amiee, but at the same time, he is the best shot we have. It's not just us, though. The League as a whole has become nothing more than a group of brutes and primadonnas. Real monsters. I'm tired of having to help deal with the parents groups.” He leaned forward. “Glenn's demeanor, his way of thinking...he could help reform the way everyone does things. That could save us."

\t"How do you propose to make him want to participate, though?"

\t"He'll meet the right people." He stood up. "One by one. Then, we'll...arrange to have him run across the current league champion. That should light the fuse." He turned away. "In the meantime, extend a stippend to Axel. He is taking his brother in, yes?" She nodded and made a note of it. "Give him a PokeCombat League welcome. Let him know Fucshia welcomes him with open arms."

\t"As you wish, love." She smiled and leaned back in her seat. He meant well. His heart was huge; that was what made her marry him in the first place. Still, that was something to deal with when they came to it. She grabbed her phone and made a call.

\tShe was going to the spa tomorrow.

End

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