Pokemon Domestic to Feral

Chapter 1:  Escape

Tavi shook his mane and tail as he opened his eyes and scanned the arena floor.  His master's opponent had yet to be called forth their next pokemon so he took a hop forward and checked the ground around him.  Besides a small hole and gash just off the center line there was hardly any damage to the arena's surface.  The Flareon took a deep breath preparing himself for a long battle, obviously this was just the start of a tournament and his master was going to expect him to win no matter how long it went.

He turned his attention back to the human opponent who was laughing, “You call that puny thing a Flareon?  Tank is going to crush it.  GO Tank!”  With a flash of red light a large and imposing Arcanine appeared on the field stamping its paws and howling.   Tavi checked his adversary as he squared off  across the line, the pokemon was at least three times his size.  He was pathetically small for a Flareon, he had decided that either the evolution stone that had been used on him had been defective or he was defective, just like his trainer kept telling him.  With his mane and tail fluffed he stood just one inch over two feet, most of the time he didn't even appear to be twice the size of a regular Eevee.  After forcing Tavi to evolve months after his capture, his trainer had constantly degraded and abused the Flareon, until the devious bastard had come up with the plans to use Tavi's size to trick other trainers.

“Flame thrower”  He heard his master call.  Tavi opened his mouth and blew out flames at less than half the power he was capable of.  The Arcanine easily dodged, and he could hear the other pokemon's chuffing laughter at such a week attack.  “Again” his trainer called and he obediently let loose a second low powered attack.  This time Tank didn't even bother dodging allowing the flames to race across the ground, blowing and fluttering against his legs and chest.

“Tank return fire.”  The opposing trainer called.

“Steady.”  was all Tavi master said to him.  The Flareon closed his eyes and mouth, flattened his ears to his head and dug his claws in to the ground.  A second later the flames roared past trying to bake the canine on the spot.  He blew out a small flame accompanied by a short cry slamming his mouth shut to keep heat out.  He had been trained well, although many would call it punished or worse.  His defense to fire was extreme and far above what would be considered average.  The Flareon allowed the engulfing heat to swirl around him leaving very little damage to fur or hide.  He let out a second short blast of fire allowing a second cry to escape, this one sounding more Eevee like than Flareon, but that was exactly how his trainer had taught him.

In the dozen or so seconds that Tank kept up the the assault the pokemon's trainer had begun his own, “Charbroil 'em Tank!  Look that little fluff can't even dodge.  I don't know why you bothered entering with a dumb pokemon like that.”  As the Arcanine ended his attack Tavi took his first breath while the flames and smoke still moved around him.  He was already moving forward expecting and hearing his trainers call.

“Take down!”  The small pokemon burst through the smoke hitting top speed after the first few pawsteps.  He crossed the space in the seconds it took both opponents to realize that the battle wasn't over.  The Arcanine took the blow under the chin straight in to the neck and chest.  The force, which would have totaled a small car, lifted the Arcanine off its paws and sent it sailing back twice the length of its body.  Tavi shook his head clearing off the effects of the attack and zeroing back in on Tank who was currently struggling to regain his paws. 

“Fire Blast”  Tavi heard his trainer call behind him.  He cranked up his heat to max and opened his mouth wide. “FLARE” he cried out releasing a massive wave of searing energy.

“Tank move!!”  His trainer screamed.  'Fat chance' Tavi thought as he watched the wall of flame engulf the pokemon who had not even been able to gain a firm stance before it was knocked back off its paws,  to roast in the flames.  The trainer turned away from the wave of heat fumbling for his pokeball trying to rescue his Arcanine.  In the seconds it took the trainer to make his fingers work and reenlarge the pokeball and aim the flames had already died down, revealing a prone singed and slightly smoking body.  

“Arcanine is unable to battle.”  The referee called at the same time a red beam struck the inert form and with a glow drew its occupant back inside the ball.  Tavi turned looking back to his trainer while walking back, seeing the little scissoring motion of his trainer hand, he sighed and lifted his paws to prance back across the arena waving a fluffy tail of insult at the opposing trainer.  

“Don't worry Tank,”  The trainer spoke to the pokeball, “I'll smash that little baby.”  

“Eonn/Baby?”  Tavi stopped, turning and glaring at the trainer growling, “Flare Eonn/ I am no Baby!!”  The pokemon was constantly insulted and ridiculed for his small size but the one thing he knew he was not was a baby.  That was something he treasured from his past,  long ago safe and warm with his other two sibling.  Every time someone tried calling Tavi a baby it mad his heart ache and his body burn.

“Go IceBlade”  The opposing trainer called tossing his ball to the arena.  Tavi waited, mind guessing at possibilities before the shape finally revealed a Weavile.  He readied his stance thinking this could be real trouble.  He didn't think the opposing trainer was foolish enough to send out a easy mark for his fire attack unless it was able to handle it.  “Slash attack.” The Weavile's trainer called, the Flareon bent his legs readying to dodge waiting on the Weavile who just stood there.  “IceBlade no games get in there.”  The trainer called.

“Vile/whatever”  The pokemon responded.  

Not waiting Tavi's trainer took advantage of the pokemon's defiance “Full Flame thrower”  His trainer called.  Tavi opened his mouth blasting out fire towards the Weavile who quickly slipped sideways.  The Flareon turned and twisted his head trying to catch the swift moving pokemon with the pillar of flame hardly able to keep up.  Mentally he noted the speed and the movement which the Weavile used easily keeping out of range of the flame while not running around stressed or panicked.  Tavi saw volumes of knowledge behind those gleaming eyes and glinting claws, no this was not going to be an easy battle no matter the weekness advantage.  The canine stopped the attack taking several quick breaths of oxygen waiting for his next command.

“Now IceBlade quick Ice beam.”  The Weavile paused checking his trainer before finally agreeing with the order.

“Tavi flamethrower don't stop.”  He took a deep breath already knowing where this battle was headed hoping he wouldn't be punished to much if he wasn't able to continue afterwards.  Tavi blew out a high powered attack which met with ice at midfield turning everything to steam in an instant.  He kept blowing while listening for his masters next command,  he knew, after many years of experience, they couldn't afford to wait to long.  The command came quietly, but the Flareon's ears twitched catching the words, “End it.”

Tavi gave an extra push of fire before stopping, again closing his mouth and eyes, plastering his ears to his head, and digging his claws in to the ground.  He pushed his fire to the max heating up both inside and out as the ice attack crashed against his body.  The small shards of ice puffed against his fur even as the large pieces sliced against his face, forelegs, and sides.  Tavi felt each and every stinging cut drawing on the pain, his body and mind abandoning reason as the rage built.  He replayed the opposing trainer calling him baby over and over getting angrier with each replay.

“IceBlade stop.”  The trainer called.  'Stop' the Weavile thought, 'I'll stop when he's nothing more than a fuzzy popsicle.'  The Weavile increased its attack against the steam pillar across the arena, unknowing that each second less and less of his attack was having any effect as his opponents attack power rose.  Tavi open his eyes squinting against the wall of steam,  he released a super powered Fire Blast which cleared the entire arena before him, allowing him to charge though in its wake.  The attack failed just a few feet from the Weavile, suddenly Tavi felt the horrible burn of ice and deep slicing gashes that tore at his fur.  It wasn't enough however to slow the Flareon's charge.  He turned the new burn to his own fires blending it in to a rage which he released at a one foot range.  The Weavile screamed as flames tore past his body instantly melting fur and burning off skin as Tavi's paws touched the pokemon's chest and began ripping in to the flesh.

Lucky for the Weavile his trainer was faster this time with the pokeball.  As the two hit the ground, Tavi stopped his fire opening his jaws wide and lunging for the Weaviles throat, at the same time a red beam cut though the air recalled the Weavile safety.  Tavi's paws dropped to the ground and his jaws clamped down on air, frustrated the small pokemon let out a screeching, “FLLAAREE!!”

“Tavi enough.” The command cut through the haze of his rage. “Tavi come here!”   He shook his head trying to regain complete control of his burning body and emotions.  He was not a baby, the thought to himself he could never be a baby again, the Flareon almost wept as the hatred and rage drained from his body.  He turned and stumbled taking several tottering steps pausing to try and stop his legs from shaking.  With another deep breath he began limping back across the field holding one back leg up, he could feel and even hear the drops of blood that slipped down his leg and spattered against the ground.

He was startled by the referee who call out, “Weavile is unable to battle Flareon wins.”  A second voice echoed out over the speakers through out the arena, “This tournament is over, your winner is Daniel!”  the announcer called out, after a few seconds applauds and halfhearted cheers sounded.  For the first time Tavi allowed his attention and senses outside of the battle area.  More than half the audience seemed stunned by the vicious final moves, clapping more because others around were than any feeling of excitement after a glorious victory.

“You did good Tavi, I knew if I left you for last you would give me the win.”  The pokemon looked at his trainer noticing five other pokeballs that were hooked on to a leg strap that went around Daniel's side and knee, usually his trainer only kept three active balls always ready to try and catch something new.  The last few months it had been him, Leaf, which was a bayleaf, and Slip, which had been a Metapod till it finally evolved to a Butterfree only a few months ago.  Tavi sat down carefully trying to lick at the tear on his hind leg wondering who else his trainer had called up and what pathetic condition they were in.

Daniel had already left his pokemon were he sat, going first to taunt the back of the defeated trainer then talking with the ref, probably worried about where his prize was Tavi thought.  Although Daniel trained his pokemon vigorously and sometimes ruthlessly he rarely ever entered a competition unless he was sure the prize was worth it.  That did not mean Tavi had not been in many a roadside battles but unless there was a badge or some kind of profit, Daniel was rarely interested in the results, he just wanted his pokemon to perform exactly how he commanded.

Tavi's ears perked at the sound of footsteps behind him. Seeing a female approach he growled lightly and tried stepping away.  He was in no mood to deal with people wishing to pet or cuddle with him,  Tavi tripped yelping as he landed on his side after the first few steps backwards.  “Eon on./Stay back” he called trying to get his masters attention.

“Hey!  Stay away from him.” Daniel called running back towards the Flareon.

“It's okay my name is Michelle.  I'm nurse Joy's assistant at the local pokemon center.”  Michelle pulled out a pokeball and called out, “Chansey go.” As the pokemon emerged Michelle said, “If you like I can take your pokemon for treatment back at the center.”

“I don't think so.” Daniel said removing a pokeball from the leg strap to recall his Flareon.

“Wait please.  Chansey,  Heal Bell”  She spoke.  “Channseyy”  Her pokemon called out.  Tavi pulled back a little feeling the wave of healing aura wash over him.  He could feel his back leg tingle along with several other gashes, he also felt new strength flow in, as he forced himself to his paws.  

“That should be better for now but you really need to get him properly healed at the center.” Michelle spoke at the same time her Chansey was calling out “Chan Cchan  Chan.SEY/All better, All better, Aren't you much better.”  The pokemon danced in front of Tavi.  The canine snorted at the large pink pokemon and walked still with a slight limp to sit next to his trainer.

“Tavi return.”  Daniel called.  His last thought as the red light enveloped his body was that he was probably going to end up being some how punished for the kindness shown him.

He woke hours later realizing instantly that he was recovering in the pokemon clinic.  He was laying on a firm mat with high metal walls surrounding him on each side.  The quiet hum and gentle warm radiating heat had his body fully relaxed and tingling.  Tavi stretched and slowly dozed off again feeling warm and safe, images of other Eevees and a warm den slowly flickered though his mind as he dreamed, rested, and recuperated. 

Tavi saw the flash of red and opened his eyes shaking out his mane and tail.  “Alright now we can really get the party started.”  He heard his trainer call.  Tavi didn't need to see the empty liquor bottle or the dancing of his trainer behind him to know that he was drunk already.  The heavy scent of alcohol mixed with the wood smoke and the slight lingering smell of burnt food had already warned the Flareon that it was going to be a long, hard night.  Tavi turned to watch his trainer, even though Daniel wasn't of the legal age to drink yet, he was guzzling down the booze swiftly coming to full on plastered.  

“I did it, I did it,”  Slip said, fluttering in a circle above Tavi's head, “Master sent me on a covert mission, I confused him and he never even saw me, and than master was happy, and then he got the special bottles, and then he said I was perfect.  PERFECT!”  Slip called out spiraling upwards in the clearing where Daniel had pitched his tent.  Tavi wonder if all the those low level flamethrower attacks he had practiced on the Metapod hadn't ended up frying several parts of the Butterfree's brain.  Slip was always eager to please Daniel, doing what ever he was asked and taking every bit of abuse like it was a soft tender caress.  Practicing and training to please his master following every command, even when it meant working beyond the point of exhaustion and on the edge of passing out.  Tavi had tried to understand what kind of pokemon would willingly end up laying on the ground unable to even lift a wing while his trainer just laughed before finally recalling it for a rest.

Tavi kept watching the arial display giving a short glance over as Leaf approached.  “At least some one is happy.”  She said laying down next to him, “Maybe soon he'll learn how bad Master is when he's drunk.” Leaf paused shifting on the ground, “I still feel sore but at least I didn't have to do some trick to get the alcohol this time.”

'Trick!' Tavi though, Daniel was full of tricks.  He could still recall the first time Daniel used him trying to steal some liquor.  It was more than three years ago when his master had been just fifteen years old,  Daniel had ordered Tavi to run into a certain store.   The young man had come chasing in after his Flareon calling him to a stop in the middle isle of a liquor store.  The man behind the register was instantly rushing forward ready to help the minor back out the door.

“Sorry,” Daniel had explained, “We were training and he just ran off.  Hey wanna see?” The trainer said excitedly snapping his fingers.  Tavi instantly responded lifting his hind legs walking awkwardly  forward on his front paws.  The clerk expecting some form of flame work stop protesting long enough to watch the undersized Flareon work.  After several feet Tavi curled in to a ball, rolling onto his back and continuing till his somersault brought him up on to his rear paws, holding his fore legs out for balance then Tavi slowly walked backwards till he reached his starting point.

“That was really wonderful.” The man said clapping a few times walking forward to pet Tavi on the head as he dropped back onto all four paws.  “Listen kid that's great but you can't be in here I could get in a lot of trouble.”

“No problem sir.” Daniel said throwing a small salute.  “Come on Flareon let's go.”  He called heading out the door.  That was the first night Daniel had ever gotten a bit tipsy,  having swiped and pocketed a small bottle while the clerk had been distracted by Tavi.  The youth had celebrated, laughing and dancing threw their campsite over the ease of his masterminded theft.  Since then Daniel had used his pokemon in various ways to acquire spirits, usually it was to celebrate a gym win or a good victory. 

Tavi looked over at his trainer disgusted and worried, the more Daniel drank, the meaner he could become.  He was already doing a stumbling dance stopping every few moments to take another large swallow off a huge bottle.   “There's food over there.” Leaf interrupted his thoughts pointing with her muzzle.  Tavi followed her direction seeing a flat tray on the ground heaped with cheap pokefood.  There was an Oddish before the tray trying to fill her empty belly with the dusty stale chow.

“Tops is here?” The Flareon asked, “Anyone else?”  Leaf shook her head in answer as he got up and walked over to the food.  The plant pokemon had her mouth bulging, trying to moisten up several of the hard pellets at once so she could break them up to swallow.  Tavi pushed a open space at the corner of the tray as she spit out the pellets in her mouth smiling.  He snatched up a mouthfull of chow and crunched into them, keeping his head over the tray he allowed several much smaller bits to fall from his mouth, grinding up food for the grass pokemon.  After two more mouthfuls the canine moved aside allowing Tops to lick up some of the bits while he went back for food himself.  Had he been paying attention instead of crunching loudly on the food he might have heard how quiet the clearing had become.  A hiss from Leaf was all the warning he had before a large piece of firewood crashed into his back sending him stumbling away from his meal.

“Come on Tavi you have to pay attention.”  The slightly off tone words echoed across the clearing.  “You sure showed that bitch yesterday.  Almost tore 'er apart.”  Tavi tried going back to eating while he heard Daniel approach.  “Toe..tall..ee  awsome, although,”  Daniel paused trying to remember an important though, “although you stopped.  They wanted to take you, said you were vicious.”  Daniel exclaimed while trying to bend over to pet Tavi.  Instinctively Tavi dodged aside as Daniel toppled to his knees.  The human looked up grinning, “I told them you stopped,  they can't take ya if ya stop.”  Daniel was still grinning as he looked down noticing the bottle still in his hand.  He moved his body mostly upright still on his knees to take a long pull from the nearly empty bottle.

The Flareon contemplated trying to eat more as he heard his trainer take several gasping breaths.  His decision was made for him when he heard Tops squeal.  “Come here.”  His trainer said dragging the Oddish forward by her top leaves.  Tavi walked away to the sound of a zipper opening, this was nothing new.  For over a year Daniel had forced each of his pokemon to suck him off, usually when he was drunk, but there had been several other times as well.  Trying to ignore what was going on he sat back down next to Leaf as the squealing of Tops changed to muffled cries and choking sounds.  “Ya that's right bitch.”  Leaf shuddered with the words her trainer spoke.  He reached out his muzzle to rub against the Bayleaf, she turned looking at him allowing the contact for a moment before using a vine to turn his muzzle away shaking her head at him.

He scanned the clearing checking things over but making a point to ignore what was in front of him,  he spotted Slip perched in a tree with a good vantage point of what was happening below.  The Butterfree had only known a few month of their masters habits besides the training and had never had the experience of a forced sexual encounter, and likely never would.  Tavi grabbed the soil with his claws leaving furrows as this time he was the one that shuddered.  More than one occasion he had been forced to swallow the bitter salty fluids his master produced as Daniel climaxed in his mouth.

“Come on you slut you could take most of it before.”   The male called across the clearing before clearly getting upset and tossing the Oddish away like trash.  “Leaf get over here.” He said trying to stand up forcing his pants and boxers down his legs.  The bayleaf obediently rose crossing the clearing and immediately began sucking on his dick.  “Baaa,” Daniel said knocking her muzzle away, “Fuck that your gonna put out, get on your back.”

“BAY/WHAT!?” Leaf said shocked.

“Tavi get over here.”  Reluctantly he stood up and moved closer.  “Leaf either you can get down on your back or I will have Tavi burn you ass till it's on the ground so I can take it.”  The canine looked at Leaf shaking his head.  He growled out and stepped backwards, there was a line here, Tavi knew it was somewhere and he was not going to be the one to force Leaf into this.   “Tavi you little chicken shit,” Daniel spit out half slurred as he grabbed Leaf's top leaf and walked/dragged them to the center of the clearing before Tavi.  “You forget I got one that will listen,  Slip,”  He called out stepping back, “Stun spore both of them!”

“Bay baaayy baylef/NO, stop wait please.”  Leaf said flailing tendrils as she laid down and rolled over.  “BAAY/HERE”  She couldn't stand it, she saw where this was headed, a fight now would likely hurt everyone.  She looked at her trainer and crooned spreading her hind legs showing what she had.  

“Good choice you bitch.  Your a girl in all the ways that matter.”  The human said shuffling forward.  Tavi felt horrible rooted to the spot as his trainer literally dropped on top of the Bayleaf.  There was still plenty of light from the glow of the campfire to show Tavi exactly what was happening, Daniel was using a hand to guide himself forward and missing each time.  “Shit!”  He stated kneeling unsteady so he could see where he was trying to penetrate.  The Flareon finally looked away hearing Leaf's pained cry as Daniel drying spit shaft made entry.  The human dropped down on his Bayleaf and forced the rest of the way inside making her squeal again.  “Got you now Leaf, your gonna take it all.”

Tavi walked away hearing the grunts of his trainer and squeaks and quiet cries of Leaf as she tried staying silent and accept the abuse.  The canine was building his own private little rage keeping it imprisoned as he looked for his pokeball, he was not going to stay around here and the ball was his only alternative.  He only found three of the pokeballs next to the tent with the leg strap, but he had to look a little further before finding his next to an open backpack outside of the tent.  Clothes were half hanging out and scatter across the ground and a still unopened bottle inside the pack showed how Daniel had smuggled so much alcohol outside of town.  He gave his pokeball a bat in frustration watching it roll across the the ground and on to a tee shirt stopping red side up and looking like one odd shaped apple laying on the white tee.  

Inspiration stuck, several time he had help his trainer knock apples out of trees only to watch as Daniel took off his shirt making a basket with the cloth to carry them back to camp.  He searched the clearing for Slip still unwilling to allow his attention to focus on what was happening in the middle, Slip was in a tree on the far side, this was the perfect time to act.  Tavi carefully folded the shirt over his pokeball, being extra careful and trying to make sure he didn't accidentally activate it.  He did take one last look across the clearing, the Butterfree was still in the tree, Tops was huddled in some brush where she had landed, and Leaf.....  The Flareon turned feeling worse than he had in a long long time.  He was leaving her here, not only that he was leaving her here with him.  There was no doubt in Tavi's mind that this was soon to be just another regular thing that happened, just like all the other shocking things that had become so normal, turning he gripped the shirt in his mouth as his now ex-trainer started moaning out and slamming in to the Bayleaf harder.  The Flareon leaped over the first few bushes dodging a few trees before the tears started to fall.  After that it was just a long crashing run, plowing though the nighttime forest running away, trying to escape.

Pokemon Domestic to Feral

Chapter 2:  Body

Tavi was still stumbling along hours after the mad breakaway dash from his trainers campsite.  He was having more difficulty now making progress forward, the small forest area had broken up when the ground started a gentle climb. When the trees had started giving away Tavi was able to see more with the quarter moon light that reached the ground. But now with out the trees canopy the ground had become infested with brush and shrubs.
   
Finally no longer able to ignore the ache of his hind leg the Flareon slowed finding a simple rocky dip with a brush overhang to tumbled into. He pushed the package he had been carrying far enough away, making sure he wouldn't accidentally disturb it in the night.  The next few hours in the dim light he kept trying to fall asleep, only to be startled awake a few minutes later after hearing or believing he heard a sound close by.  Sometime after the moon set and dawn was a short time off Tavi fell into an exhausted dreamless sleep, body far too overworked and over stressed to stay conscious.
   
The canine woke to the screech of a Spearow calling somewhere nearby and bolted out from under the bush, stumbling forward till his aching legs and body screamed for him to stop. Tavi slowly sank to the ground trying to asses his injuries keeping an eye and ear out for what was around him. His mind was telling him that likely his ex-trainer was probably still passed out or would just be waking up crawling around the campsite moaning about a headache. He looked to the sun after he pulled out a sharp rock that had been caught in his pad and licked it clean.  The sun had just cleared the high slope above him and was slowly warming the chilled hillside around Tavi telling him it was late in the morning.
   
He shifted back to his paws and began slowly walking off the kinks and cramped sore muscles of his legs.  His rear leg throbbed dully, muscles protesting the abuse of last night run so soon after healing from a serious injury. When he collected enough energy the Flareon went looking for something to eat brushing off the aches of his body with out a real worry for his body.  A search of the immediate area turned up several nearly bare bushes which kept his search going until he found a dozen or so small tiny tart berries which he claimed, seeing little else he forced himself to chew off a few leaves from the bush trying to put something more in his empty belly.  He had stopped himself several times from thinking of the dry poke chow he had passed by last night and ignoring the reasons why he had not eaten a full meal.

Finally ready he walked back to the small dip that he had spent the night in and poked his head inside to pull out the dirty tee shirt that contained his pokeball.  All he wanted now was to find some way to get rid of it and make sure no human could ever find it to trap him again. Taking a better look around the landscape he saw no good place to rid himself of the ball since he was sure burying the ball wouldn't be good enough to keep it out of human hands.  He picked up the shirt in his mouth and started out climbing higher up the slope though the brush.

While forcing his way between some rather prickly bushes Tavi stumbled onto a hidden poke trail running inside the bushes. He crouched down and began moving along at a better pace working his way up the hill.  Even the occasional low branch or tight squeeze that caught his mane and shoulders didn't come close to slowing him as much as trying to force his own path up the hill. The Flareon tried to figure out if it was Buneary, Furret or maybe a Zigzagoon that used the path or maybe some other pokemon entirely.    But likely they were a smaller pokemon that Tavi knew he could easily handle, nothing that small was going to cause him an issue.  The Flareon chose the turns that seemed to head higher up the hill as the path twisted and turned keeping in the thicker growth with better coverage.  Although there were times when he could see though a thin wall of leaves that looked out onto an open rocky area mostly his view was the insides of bushes and the rutted paw path in front of him.
   
Finally he heard scurrying movement ahead and wondered what kind of creature he would meet. One sharp turn and a rocky scramble upward led him into a covered opening that was more than two jumps across for him. Tavi carefully put down the pokeball to get a better look around.  The ground was mostly flat and littered with leaf debris and the whole area was enclosed by thick brambles and dead bushes on all sides. To on one side there was even a stunted oak tree, which lead to most of the overhead cover. There was a small boulder wedged against the trunk creating a small gap near the roots to small for him to enter. It was obviously not to small to hide something as he heard scuffling noises from behind the rock.
   
“Go Away, Go away, GO AWAY!”  A terrified squeal sounded from behind the roots as Tavi got closer. He stopped sitting back curious as the wail was repeated, “Gooo Away.”
   
“Alright I'll leave.”  Tavi stated, his curiosity not requiring him to continue to terrorize whatever pokemon the voice belonged to.  He went back to retrieve the shirt and searched for a suitable exit. After looking on the higher side of the clearing he began inspecting the other sides still hoping to keep going upward before he finally searched the upper slope again. Most of the side was covered in thick dead bramble which was impassable without serious attacks and all of what Tavi had that could work would likely leave the entire hillside in flames. On one side closer to the tree he did find a rock with a gap under it, leaning down he could see a trail beyond that had a good deal more light on it.  The Flareon guessed it was an exit, one that would likely lead beyond the brambles that he had been moving through.

Tavi place the wrapped ball several feet away and went to inspect the rock closer. Leaning back on his hind legs he stood up and wrapped his arms over the top of the rock hooking his claws in on the other side.  Pulling backwards Tavi felt the stone shift slightly, digging his claws in as best he could he heaved backwards.  He started moving with the rock but when it shifted hitting his chest he let go and pushed off jumping away.  The large stone moved nearly a foot more before it stopped having slid down and was now resting on the ground. The Flareon was thankful it had moved so easily and stood back up getting a better grip and hauling backwards again but no matter how hard he tried or what angle he tried at the stone now refused to budge.
   
He stepped back to inspect what had happened, there was now a gap in the brambles where the rock had rested but it was not quite big enough for him to squeeze though. It was a tight fit but Tavi stuck his head in the space grabbing several of the stick like vines in his mouth and bracing his paws against the stone pulled. He strained to keep a hold of the branches in his mouth as his ears heard snapping and crackling all around. With a loud snap Tavi's head popped back out and he went tumbling across the clearing with a long twisted piece of wood still in his mouth. The Flareon went back rechecking the wider gap, he might be able to squeeze though now except, Tavi looked back at the pokeball, that would be a problem.  He couldn't try and drag the pokeball though with him for fear that if something tore open the shirt he might end up being trapped back inside.

He considered the problem before he picked up the shirt in his mouth and walked back to the gap. Tavi sheltered himself behind the stone poking his nose around the side and gave a quick flip of his head sending the bundle though before ducking back behind the stone. There were several muffled clank as the pokeball struck stone, he kept his ears perked catching each sound of movement before the ball came to rest.

He waited several more seconds listening intently before carefully peaking around the rock easily seeing the white shirt that had caught against a stick stopping the ball from sliding back down the trail. The shirt had unwrapped some and Tavi could see part of the pokeball gleam in the light that was filtering down onto the trail but everything looked safe.  He squeezed against the rock wiggling his body into the space he created scratching and scrabbling forward. It took him several minutes of serious skin scratching and fur pulling but the canine finally was finally able to pass the stone and get back on the path.    The whole time he kept watch with one eye on the glint of metal that was the pokeball and as soon as it was in reach Tavi shoved the shirt over the ball covering it. He slowly used his paws pushing the shirt together so he could secure it in his mouth once again. With that done he could now see what looked like the end of the path just a few yards away. The last part was steep and he had to tear though the final part of the brush but he was able to force his body up and back out in to the open.
   
The Flareon placed the bundle down and shook off most clinging twigs and leaves.    He spent several moments tugging the large stick and debris from his tail with his mouth then tried to dislodge the bigger pieces from his mane with a paw. Tavi walked a few slow circles, although still sore he was glad that he had acquired no new injuries or aches. Finally taking time to look around he was able to marvel at the view.

Tavi was standing at a rocky grass verge that stretched several feet before the hill ended in a drop off. He looked both directions seeing the hill still slightly climb to his right cresting a ways off, while the other direction the open area ended in just a few feet as the brush and trees began growing right up to the cliff. He took several steps forward moving up to the edge and looked over. The area below was covered with rough grassy humps and large rocky patches, but that was not what drew his attention. The drop was a real life threatener but at the base just a few feet from where the ground evened out was a path that ran most of the steep slope before turning away to cross the rough terrain. The Flareon had no wish to deal with any humans at the moment and backed away. Going back to collect his pokeball Tavi was hit by what he thought was an exceptional idea.  The canine walked back to the edge with the shirt setting it down carefully and unwrapping the ball within. He crouched down against the ground and reached out batting the pokeball over the edge.
   
Tavi's ears picked up the first clank of metal on rock and every tink, ping, and clang there after. He waited several moments after the noise stopped before cautiously creeping forward sticking his muzzle over the side to look below. The ball had been caught with most of its white side up, stuck in some weeds a few feet away from the path. Feeling safe Tavi stood up and watching the ball below for a while before turning around. He dug his claws into the earth and with his hind paws kicked out dirt, rocks, and parts of dried stringy grass and weeds over the edge of the cliff.

With a huff of satisfaction he turned his attention to the shirt. With a leap he landed on it sinking his teeth and claws in, pulling in opposite directions. He felt extreme satisfaction as one of the sleeves parted from the body with a loud ripping noise.  The canine gnashed his teeth putting more holes in the cloth, shaking his head and growling before flinging the dirty tattered piece off the edge.  He watched as it half fluttered half rolled down the steep slope stopping less than halfway down. Tavi returned his attention the shirt ready to shred the rest before he realized that it might be a very bad idea. It was Daniel's shirt and could somehow lead him here if he left bits and pieces all over.  He looked around and prepared a flamethrower but that seemed like a worse idea.    He realized hi might have only one option and grabbed the ripped shirt in his mouth and scurried off over the hill, if he was lucky it would be a long time before anyone found his pokeball and even if they did he would be one cliff and a long way away.
   
Tavi made his way down the opposite side of the hill seeing the area on this side was greener and less dense. There were more small paths and trails many which lead Tavi to empty berry bushes and fruit trees. He munched down what he could find keeping his stomach just above completely empty. As the afternoon progressed the ground flattened out and the bushes and brush broke up leaving large areas of light brown foot high grass. He stopped to take several rests feeling safer and more hidden when ever he laid down in the grass. Soon though evening approached and a light breeze started which let the canine pick out two things on the wind.    First there was water near by and second there was a light tree scent blowing through on the air.
   
Searching for a vantage point Tavi found a rock taller than himself to scramble up. Ahead and off to the side he could see a gully which he assumed the water smell came from but off in the distance in the direction the gully was headed he could see trees, a whole forest. Tavi felt a burst of all kinds of emotion happiness and excitement but tingles of worry and exhaustion seeing that the forest was to far to reach before nightfall.

Hopping down the rock he started forward again his pads were cut and bleeding and his legs were burning but he easily turned his mind away from the pain and thinking of the forest ahead.  It was a trick he had mastered while training with his ex-trainer, simply don't think about anything that hurts. It was his tiredness that was the bigger problem, after the mad dash last night and the few hours of sleep early in the morning, he had spent most of the day on his feet up and moving. Never before had he spent more than a few hours walking, training yes but there were different muscles and Tavi felt each one protest as he stumbled forward.

At some point after tripping on the shirt for most of the evening Tavi stopped and tried to decide what to do with it. It had become hard to keep his jaws clamped shut all the time and harder to pant when his mouth was full of cloth. With little thought on how it would look, he wiggled his head through the shirt and out the top. It was rather uncomfortable having it bunch around his neck pressing his mane down but Tavi figured it was just easier this way. The Flareon was still hours from his destination when he saw the ground rise off to the side in the darkness and shadows of tree tops and bushes peaked over the crest so he moved further away from the gully.  He headed up the hill stopping at the first bush on the other side that was big enough for him to crawl underneath. He scrabbled in and curled up to exhausted to even worry about where he was and was asleep in moments.
   
The pokemon woke very early the next morning just as the sky was truly starting to brighten. He first struggled out of the bush then out of the torn shirt adding new rips as he removed it. Tavi left it where it dropped and made his way back to where the thought the gully would be at. He was glad in the morning light that he had decided to stop.   

The gully had significantly widened out and become quite shallow. The area beyond had changed into a muddy flat growing with reed beds and flattened willow trees, he shivered thinking what it would have been like getting stuck out there in the dark to tired to keep going and probably having to spend a night soaked and uncomfortable. He worked down the rocky slope to the bottom finding a spot to drink and then carefully stepping in to the water finding smooth spots for his paws and letting them soak in the cold stream. After a good soak and his paws feeling numb Tavi climbed back to the small grove where he spent the night and began searching for any edible berry or bush that he could choke down into his empty stomach. He had only found two small mouth fulls before walking into a wide area of wrecked shrubbery. The ground was flattened out and bush and weeds crushed flat, there were many bits of apple and berries smashed in to the soil and left to rot. Tavi searched finding nothing appealing enough to try except half of a browned, soggy, piece of apple that had rolled under a bush.  He gulped down the pathetic bit and began to concentrate more to the edge where the bushes weren't all mangled.
   
The light 'thump' behind him while he was searching caused the Flareon to spin around searching in several directions with his mouth opened readying a fire attack. It took only a second of scanning for him to see the small red and yellow striped apple a few feet away. The Flareon tried to keep searching the area before his stomach gained control and he lunged forward crunching the apple between his teeth.  A few hearty bites and quick chewing was all Tavi allowed himself before he was back on the alert searching for the apples origin.  Hearing and seeing nothing to worry about on the ground the Flareon moved his gaze upwards to the trees.  Instantly he was able to spot the apple tree even though it was horribly mangled and missing most of its lower branches the few that remained were no better than over sized splinters. But near the top the tree which laid mostly untouched Tavi could see a few more globes hanging down at the very edges hidden among the leaves.

With out thinking the canine charged forward turning his shoulder and slamming into the tree.  The tree shook slightly as he stumbled back but the few branches high out of reach held on to their treasure. Tavi took several steps back and cried out, “FLARE!” charging forward slamming into the tree and sending it rocking even as he rebounded back. He staggered barely keeping his paws and shaking his head as his ears picked out the first 'thunk' close by.  Opening his eyes and zeroing in on the still rolling fruit he bolted forward inwardly ecstatic with his luck and filling belly.
   
He ate a second apple, the best he could find, before rolling the few others into a group under a bush. Energized with his success he raced back to his previous nights sleeping spot and snatched up the ragged cloth in his mouth. The Flareon left the small grove late in the morning with five small apples hanging in the ragged shirt from his mouth and feeling like he had won a full tournament all by himself. Tavi aimed himself back towards the forest feeling happy and carefree for the first time in a long long time. By the time he made it to the fringes and was actually under a cool canopy of leaves, mid day had nearly passed and he was now getting tired. He stashed his fruit kicking leaves over the shirt hidden in the brush and began searching for a place to rest for a while perhaps somewhere he might even stay a few days. He looked though the trees and began searching for possible larger spaces before he came to a clearing that would be perfect for a tent and campfire. He gave a little a little bounce around the clearing he found, freezing suddenly realized there was no tent and more importantly no Daniel.

The Flareon dropped his tail and crept back into the undergrowth feeling seriously stupid.  From the cover of a bush he looked back at the clearing, he needed something different, not exposed, cozy and warm, a den or a proper bush. After a moment Tavi resumed his search this time geared to find a proper nesting place for a single, alone, and independent pokemon.  He had found a few suitable places and was heading back for the apples when he spotted a fallen tree ahead. Sturdy looking and overgrown the tree might provide a good spot depending on how much shelter the roots gave. There could also be a spot where the limbs kept the trunk high enough or the ground dipped low enough to provide a sheltered spot.
   
He decided it was worth investigating and headed towards it slowly worked his way closer to the base and was nearing the end when a growl sounded and the bushes off to his side shook. Tavi jumped back easily avoiding the green body that charged at him.  He danced back a few steps ready to fight as the Leafeon flipped around and dropped crouching ready to spring.
   
“GO AWAY!” The pokemon growled out whipping her flat tail side to side.  Tavi nearly laughed taking a step back and sitting down.  He listened to the female Leafeon's tail which sounded like a small fire crackling, as she whipped it back and forth, at least that was what it sounded like to him.
   
“Relax I wont fight you.”  He stated.  The Leafeon was bigger than he was but he doubted the grass type would be much of a threat from her first rather slow attack.
   
“I don't know you, go away!”  Leafeon stated.  She had stopped growling but had moved forward standing between him and the fallen tree.  Hearing her speak more that a simple bark voice confirmed to him that the other pokemon was female.
   
“I'm sorry. I was just passing though, I was hopping to find some shelter near that tree.” Tavi told the Leafeon.  Her change was instant growling and charging forward again as soon as he mentioned the tree.  Since he had still been expecting a trick or attack, Tavi moved forward as she did, only he sprang up vaulting over the surprised Leafeon as she skidded to a halt.
   
“NO.”  The other pokemon shouted out charging back at Tavi who moved closer to the fallen tree. Hearing her approach the Flareon charged to the tree running up the side and leaping off.  He twisted in the air flying straight at the oncoming Leafeon who didn't think to dodge. The two collided together and rolled to the side in a pile.  Tavi who was very experienced with body collisions and rough landings was already on his feet hopping on the shoulders of the grass pokemon driving her side back to the ground.  He used his teeth grabbing the side of her neck while he pinned her head down down with a paw.  With his muzzle buried in her neck keeping her pinned, he thought he heard a whine from behind him with a rustle of bushes. He swiveled his ears back listening and waiting for an attack while the Leafeon continued to struggled beneath him.
   
“Let me go!” The female screamed struggling harder.  He definitely heard the bushes rustle and a piercing whine 'VEEeee'.  The Leafeon stilled completely stopping for several seconds before she began a violent thrashing uncaring as Tavi's teeth broke through her skin.  Her thrashing head had yanked Tavi forward pressing his nose to the ground.  He finally let go leaping backwards watching her scramble across to stand in front of some bushes next to the downed tree.
   
She growled again slowly advancing, “Listen I was just looking for a place to spend the night.” Tavi told her, “But if you want me to burn down the forest fine.”  He made a big show at taking a deep breath and aimed his head just off to the Leafeon's side to the bush behind her.
   
Tavi opened his mouth wide at the same time she jumped in front of him screaming “No don't PLEASE!” Tavi closed his mouth and sat down watching the grass type shiver with her eyes squeezed shut and head turned away still anticipating the burning fire of a flame attack.  She peeked open one eye and turned her head to the flame pokemon.

“Do you honestly think I was trying to hurt you or your cubs?” He asked quietly.

The Leafeon shakily laid down, “Please just go.”

“Fine, but do you know where there might be some water?” 

“Water?”  She questioned as Tavi nodded. “There is a little stream off that way.” gesturing with her tail. The Flareon stood up taking a step forward watching the other pokemon cringe.

“Thank you. I already have food I just...” At Tavi's mention food there were twin cries of appeal, the Leafeon's ears drooped down and she hung her head. “I'll be back.” 
   
“No just go away.” She called after him.

Tavi quickly trotted back to his stashed food glad that it had remained undisturbed. He made his way back taking a different angle, as he got closer he stayed low to the ground creeping forward to stay hidden.  His direction had him moving back to the base of the fallen tree and  he stopped to take a moment to inspect the rooted area. It was crowded with debris and piles of roots that still held some earth between them jutted out here and there looking like nothing more than a pile of litter blown against the ripped out roots.
   
If Tavi wasn't absolutely sure this was a den he might has dismissed it for just a pile of rubbish and moved on.  He waited silently in a bush just outside the clear area around the den ears perked for any noise.  He didn't wait long, there was a quiet 'vee' which was quickly silenced. The canine decided on a simple frontal approach, he stepped out of the bush and moved to stand in front of the roots. “Please come out. I wont hurt you.”  There was a light rustle but no reply.  “Listen I will trade, you can have all this food I just want a place to sleep tonight, I will leave tomorrow.”
   
There was a light shake as Leafeon crawled out from under several branches that had been hooked between the roots.  “Just tonight? Like I haven't heard that one before.”  The Leafeon tried not to growl. Several before this one had said that, trying to work their way on to her back for some fun before leaving.  Tavi's response was to reach down to the remnants of the tattered filthy and no longer white shirt, taking a bunch of cloth in his mouth and catching his claws just below he pulled hard. With a loud ripping noise the cloth surrendered to the force parting in several places letting the small apples roll out on to the ground.
   
“I no longer have a trainer. I am sore, tired, and want to rest.  This food for a place to spend the night.” Tavi said.  Leafeon wanted nothing more than to send this Flareon away but she had been unable to find more than small bites for her Eevee cubs anywhere near to the den.  “Mom?”  She turned barking at her cubs to get back inside.  Both crouched low to the ground at the tone but only had eyes for the fruit that was just laying feet away.  He couldn't help himself he patted one and than another apple across the ground. With twin yips pleasure each Eevee dived on one of the rolling fruit crunching in and gobbling down the fruits flesh.
   
The Leafeon watched the small smile on the Flareon's muzzle as he walked around her.  He moved off walking several feet up the tree before laying down.  He was more tired than he thought and ended up dozing off instead of waiting for the Leafeon to acknowledge or deny him a place to rest.
   
Tavi felt a prod on his shoulder waking him, the sky was still light but it seemed dusk was approaching. She stared at him for several seconds before saying.  “You can stay the night.”  The Flareon stood up shaking as he took several steps toward the den before stopping to smile at the twin Eevees who were sitting side by side outside the dens entrance. The little cubs were taking turns licking each others muzzles trying to find any leftover apple or bit that hadn't already been long removed.
   
“Wait.” Leafeon said when he took another step. “You're not going inside like that.”
   
“What?”  He asked. She moved forward and using a clawed paw raked through his mane removing several leaves with her first pass. He watched as the leaves fluttered to the ground, “Sorry.” he mumbled feeling embarrassed. He looked at his lumped and matted tail thinking how it looked more like a birds nest at the moment. The canine tried shaking vigorously dislodging only a few small bits and the largest pieces.
   
“You need to do more than that.” She informed him.  Tavi thought back to all the times Daniel had brushed and combed his mane and fur.  It was one of the things he had never worried about before. Daniel for all the things he did, the one thing he never allowed was for his undersized Flareon to walk around looking like some mangy dirt ball.  Every time he had let Tavi out he wanted a perfectly groomed adorable pint sized flaming terror.
   
The Flareon turned his tail and tried reaching a paw back with claws extended and started to groom his own tail. He frowned as the twig in his claw caught with several hairs that he had to yank and then tear to get out.  Leafeon shook her head, “Don't you know anything?” She moved forward nudging Tavi to get him to lay down. She pulled his tail close to his side and said, “It's like this.” Tavi watched as she had just a slight curve to her paw and toes spread wide as she began combing through his tail. He turned away dropping his ears in shame, his tail looked ragged and now that he was thinking about it he could feel little sticks and leaves that poked him under his chin. He tried to paw at his own mane under his muzzle gently trying to replicate her motions. “Don't pull or yank.” She instructed, “Pull your claws in if they get caught.”
   
Tavi apologized, “I'm sorry. I, I have never done this before.” The Leafeon stopped staring at the Flareon in the fading light.
   
“Never?”  She asked.  Tavi explained how he had fled with his pokeball just two nights earlier. As she groomed his tail and moved to his mane Tavi told her of the past two days never mentioning more than the fact he left. “You had a trainer that cared for you. You should go back.”
   
“NEVER!” Tavi jumped up with a bark. His growling sent the two cubs fleeing inside the den.  He turned to glare at the Leafeon,  but he knew it wasn't her fault.  Digging his claws into the dirt and leaving furrows as deep as he could make, “NEVER, I will die before I go back.”  He watched the Leafeon who had backed away surprised at the outburst, she was shaking her head ready to argue. “You don't, can't even understand.”  He said with a lot less anger, slowly laying back down, “I wish every day he wouldn't have caught me. That I was still and Eevee with a family.”
   
The Leafeon finally felt she nailed what Flareon was after, he was trying to get her, pretending to want cubs.  She stepped up to confront him but realized he was lost in his own thoughts.  She moved right up next to him searching his face in the dim light. He was staring into the shadows just beyond her and his eyes looked on the verge of tears.

Leafeon felt troubled and she couldn't help leaning in and giving a light lick to the side of his muzzle startling him. Tavi watched surprised by her actions, as she leaned in again he pulled back shaking his head. He realized he didn't want someone to comfort him now.  Instead he went back to trying to fix his mane combing as she had taught him working out the debris caught in his fur so he could get some sleep.  She watched his actions before going behind him to help him finish the job. She grabbed what she felt was the last major burr with her teeth and gave a good yank.
   
“Hey Flareon,” She asked smelling a light blood scent, “are you bleeding?”
   
“I don't think so.” Tavi said after a moment, he was sure he had no new injuries.  Leafeon gave him a good sniff over finally smelling blood on his paws along with the smell of infection.
   
“Roll over and let me see your paws.” She knew as soon as she said it the phrase was wrong, all the males wanted a reason to roll over and show their plump sheaths. Tavi though only rolled to his side enough so that he could hold his paws up.  Leafeon gently smelt each paw having to trust her nose more now that the light was gone. Each of his pads felt too warm, three with fresh or dried blood and one front and one rear had a distinct infection smell to them. She lightly licked the bad front pad tasting fresh blood along with dirt and hair. The tongue ran across the pad feeling not one but two splits where the rough surface should have none.
   
The Leafeon pulled back, “How can you walk?”
   
Tavi rolled on to his feet taking several steps forward. “One foot in front of the other.” he said jokingly completely missing the female's cringing every time she heard his foot fall.  He waited for the Leafeon to lead the way, after a minute and she still had not moved Tavi asked, “Do I need to clean more or can I sleep now?”
   
“Oh yes of course.”  She murmured stepping forward, she kept her tail against his shoulder making sure he would know the way. She stopped just outside unable to keep quiet any longer. “Doesn't it hurt to walk?”
   
“This,” Tavi said somewhat surprised she was still talking about his paws, “Master wouldn't have bothered healing them unless we were already at or near a poke center.”
   
“Poke center?” Tavi could clearly hear the wonder in her voice.
   
“Can we just leave it to tomorrow? I don't want to think about him.” Tavi told her. With out another word Leafeon dipped down and crawled in to the den.  He mimicked the crouch he had seen her use earlier when she came out and easily squeezed inside.
   
“Come on move back. Flareon you can lay here.”  He concentrated on where the voice had come from before he heard her move away. He kept his nose to the ground walking slowly forward making sure not to step on anything nor wishing to bump his noggin in the unknown space. The den sloped down as Tavi moved forward he could feel earth brush against his side as he took a few more cautious steps. He stopped when he finally breathed against fur, there was a little giggle and his muzzle was slapped with a tail. Tavi stepped next to what was obviously one of the Eevee cubs and squeezed between it and the wall.  He was far to tired to complain about being cramped as he wiggled himself into a comfortable position and dozed off.
   
The Flareon awoke the next morning by not one but two painful jabs to the stomach. There was just enough early morning light to see the lumps of Eevee cubs before a third jab of a hind paw caught him just low enough to cause him near serious pain. Tavi hissed pushing back against the wall and used his paws to scoot the Eevee a little further away keeping his privates out of harms way. There was a quiet chuckle and he realized Leafeon was watching him.

She rose carefully and picked a path to the entrance before waving a tail for him to follow.  Tavi stood and followed stretching his hind legs glad there was no real pain from the prod.  After crawling out into the early morning he shook out his mane and tail, he was going to try a quick groom, but Leafeon asked him to lay down and raise his paws. She said nothing when he rolled on to his back raising his paws up in the air. 

The grass pokemon started with his hind paws using her tongue to clean the pads of dirt and dried blood licking until she felt they were clean, even though one started bleeding. When she reached his front pads she had to use her teeth to catch and pull out a small stone all the while wondering how he seemed to keep his paws so still. She carefully recleaned the one worse front paw making sure that there was nothing left in the wound.
   
The pad was cracked hot and slightly swollen.  “What are you going to do when it gets to infected to walk on?” She asked the Flareon.
   
Tavi pulled his paw close to his muzzle carefully sniffing inspecting what she had done. “I guess I have too..”  He stopped that honestly wasn't something that had occurred to him before.  He wasn't going to a pokemon center again, he couldn't.  The Flareon searched his bleeding pad while he thought. “I don't know.”  This was something now like grooming his fur, he realized he never really had taken care of himself before.
   
“It's going to get worse if you don't care for them and let them heal.” Leafeon informed him.  He rolled to his side but she stopped him from standing. “Don't get up.”
   
“Shouldn't I go looking looking for some berries or something?” Tavi asked. “Do you know where any are?”
   
“If you get up now you will only make it worse. You have to at least wait till the blood dries, even then you shouldn't walk much.” 
   
Tavi watched the female before turning his head to stare off to where the sun was rising. “I should be going.”  He stated.
   
The female sat down a little frustrated with his whole disregard for his health, “You can go if you want but without resting your paws,”  She stared straight at Tavi waiting for him to turn back and watch her hoping to make her point, “You won't make it another day before you collapse. Well for you maybe limping, but the infection will spread.”
   
Tavi looked at his paws again before looking back at her, “What do I do?”
   
'Finally' Leafeon thought this Flareon was about as bad as a cub when I came caring for itself. “Stay here, watch the Eevees if they wake, I'll be back later with something to help.”  He agreed and spent not just the morning but the entire day with the little Eevee cubs.    It took most of the morning and lots of giggling before Tavi finally realized the cubs names were Eevee.    The Leafeon tried twice showing Tavi the difference in the way she called her cubs and although he was able to pick up a slight change in pitch he was still to confused with the fact they didn't have real names.    Leafeon called her cubs one more time telling them to be good before she left yet again.  She was already on her fourth trip taking full advantage of the Flareon watching her pups going farther from home to collect berries, nuts, and other foods that had become scarce near the den.
   
Later that evening Tavi was tired, tired of being pounced on, rolled, nipped, and poked. Leafeon had returned once again with a second large pile of soft leaves she had gathered together and carried back in what was left of a tattered dirty cloth. Both Eevees and Tavi watched as Leafeon grabbed a mouthful of leaves dropping them a few feet away before going back for more. At her cubs question the grass type she answered that she was covering the dirt to make it better for the Flareon.
   
“I should say my name is Tavi.” he said looking at the members of the family.  He watched the Eevee's who had offered their mother  and were now playfully scattering the leaves everywhere.
   
“That's your name, the one you were trying to figure out about us earlier?” Leafeon asked.  She watched him nod, “That is something trainers do?”
   
Tavi considered for a moment. “Some trainers still call their pokemon by breed type but many give them names.”
   
“I am Leafeon, that is Eevee, and that is Eevee.” Both cubs looked up individually when their mother called their names. She stared at the Flareon before finally asking, “Weren't you called Eevee once?” Tavi though back he could remember little besides the painful lonely nights and the unhappy days that started his relationship with Daniel.    He knew it had only been three months with his trainer before he evolved and he only knew that because Daniel had bitterly bitched about waiting that long only to make a defective Flareon. He could also remember a few time when Daniel had almost traded him off to someone else, those were the times his trainer had been most vocal about his evolution.

The small Flareon had been terrified, after months of mistreatment he was scared he would be sent somewhere worse for not evolving properly. Tavi shook his head trying to clear out the old memories and answering Leafeon's question at the same time. “What do you remember?” Leafeon continued.
   
Tavi decided to share just a bit, “A house, lots of hard painful training in the day, then cold freezing nights of winder. Then evolving to Flareon and being punished every day.”
   
“Punished? What for?” 
   
“Just forget it, I don't want to talk about it.” He laid his head down, but was grateful that  his paws were feeling better.
   
“Tavi.”  Leafeon said his name for the first time,  “You had a trainer who cared for you, groomed you, feed you, trained you, you should not have run away.  Look at you, you can barely care for yourself.”
Tavi had been at first shocked by what she was saying but as she kept talking he almost felt like showing her exactly what it was like living as one of Daniel's pokemon. His growl echoed across the open space in front of the den as he stood up and stepped towards the Leafeon who backed away shocked and worried.
   
“You know NOTHING!” Tavi spat out, “I can shred and kill now.” He kept his voice as quiet and controlled as he could watching the the grass pokemon dropped to the ground in fear, whining as he continued his approach. “My last battle I almost did kill. I left two pokemon and myself seriously injured.”  He had reached Leafeon placing his paw against her neck as she froze in fright. Even the two whimpering cries of Eevee couldn't rouse her.  He put his head close to hers whispering his final comments.  “Master was happy, very happy with my fight. And you know what.... That isn't the worst part. It gets worse much much worse.  I wont go back I will fight and kill anyone who tries to make me. I will...,” Tavi stopped with the impact against his side, the weak tackle hadn't even shifted his body but the young Eevee's crying and shouting had him back off quickly.
   
“Leave mom ALONE!” The second Eevee scrambled up nuzzling her mother as the little male cub paced the four steps back and forth in front of his mother fully fluffed up and growling.
   
Tavi waited until she had regained her paws, “Sorry. I will leave now.”
   
“No.” She shouted, “This is my fault. Your right.”  She said walking forward as both Eevees let out slight whimpers, “I should not expect you to return to your trainer especially since I don't know why you left.”  He nodded but turned walking away till Leafeon had caught him a few steps later holding her head under his chin stopping him. “It is late and your paws still need to heal. Please,”  she looked straight at him, “Tavi please join us inside for some dinner and then you can sleep here tonight.  It's the least I can do for all your help today.”
   
“Mom?” The two Eevees had come up from behind them. “Don't worry you two everything is fine.” “But.” / “Inside you two.”  She interrupted her cub before he could say anything. Both cubs obeyed their mother but the male had stopped at the entrance and turned.  He crouched down and scooted his rear under the branches but stayed poised and ready to go rescue his mother. “Tavi it's alright please stay the night.  Tomorrow I can show you some berries or plants to keep your paws well, then you can go.” Leafeon took a few steps back and waited, she was still upset over what had just happened but she knew if she didn't do something he would leave and likely end up dead or seriously disabled because he couldn't care for himself. She felt she should at least let him spend the night for taking care of her cubs today.
   
After a few moments left him sitting out in the encroaching darkness while he stared hard at his healing paws.  What ever the mashed up green sticky goo Leafeon had made and forced him to step in had at first burned his paw drawing itself deep into the cuts, but after a few minutes the pain faded and a while later the gunk had dried leaving a protective covering on his pads.  He was curious as to what she had mashed up in the leaf and he really should find out what kinds of foods were around.  

The male slowly walked to the den and crawled inside, “There are some berries here.”  She said just inside.  Tavi crouched down and ate what was offered before moving to the back of the den and squeezing in against the wall.  There were two light huffs sounding almost like growls coming from the Eevee next to him.  It seemed that the little male cub was still unhappy about what had happened earlier.

“Go to sleep Eevee.” Leafeon said her tail crackling for a moment in the darkness.  She stayed awake listening as both Tavi and the cubs settled in and fell asleep.  She kept thinking about the Flareon, there were times when he seemed almost childlike and totally clueless about how to care for himself or what to do.  Other times he was stern or down right terrifying.  The one thing Leafeon now understood for sure was that he was serious when he told her he would rather die than return.  She also knew it wasn't the fighting that he was going to tell her about earlier but something else, something even worse.  Leafeon considered everything he had said, she couldn't figure out what else had caused him to leave but she should help him out. Tomorrow she would take the cubs and Tavi around to try and teach all of them some things.  After all she was sure the Flareon would easily be able to protect all of them if something happened, he could help her and she would repay that with all the knowledge she could offer.
   
“Yes but are they okay to eat?”  The young cub asked.
   
“A few is fine.” She answered,  “But more will make you sick.”
   
“Then why would you eat them?” Her other cub asked.  The grass pokemon sighed shaking her head at Tavi trying to apologize.  The morning had been difficult for both adults trying to keep both overly excited cubs from straying to far or eating something dangerous.  She had realized after a bit that her cubs were just to young to understand what she was trying to teach them, and entirely too excited by the fact they were well out of sight of the fallen tree and home to listen.
   
“Well,” Tavi started, “if you were really hungry you could eat a few, then find something better right?” The Flareon had both cubs nodding slowly.  She smiled at the male glad that he at least understood that the berries were for tummy aches, he had realized, just like she did, that the Eevees were only really interested in; if they could eat it or play with it, otherwise they lost interest. 
   
“Come on Eevee.”  Tavi lightly tapped the straying cubs tail with his own.  The grass pokemon smiled nudging her male cub and setting off again.  It was an unspoken agreement after the little male had wondered off after a beetle.  They had found him several minutes later with his muzzle and half his head stuck under a tree root trying to keep up with the bug.  After the short scare Tavi had taken responsibility over the female Eevee while Leafeon kept a close eye on the male cub.  She led them next to a creek where there were a great deal of plants growing on the banks.  Trying to keep the cubs interested she used her claws to shred several different plants and roots mashing all of it with her paws creating a green sticky paste.  As Leafeon washed her paws Tavi carefully placed each of his pads in the goo before laying down to let them dry.  The mother set boundaries for the cubs and let them explore the reeds and water going back to sit with Tavi and the two talked and after a bit of confusion Tavi was finally able to explain that the coming winter would be his fifth that he could remember. 'He's about the same age as me.' Leafeon thought.
   
“Have you ever mated?” she asked.
   
“Mated?” Tavi said.  He had heard several times about 'The Daycare' but he didn't think his trainer had even considered it.  “Umm, no nothing like that.” 
   
Leafeon watched Flareon feeling something on instinct, “Have you ever done anything, with yourself or with someone else?”  She watched, as his back tensed up and his muzzle tightened.  'Anything?' Tavi thought, he wished he had never done anything with someone. “I'm sorry.”  She interrupted his thoughts, “Forget I asked.”  She said while turning back checking on her cubs.  The male tried calming down, glad she chose to drop the question but part of him was upset that she seemed to guess or maybe know how he felt.

He tried to think of something to say coming up with, “I haven't mated, or been with someone I wanted to be with.”

She stood up, “Alright Eevee out of the water and both of you come up here." Tavi watched the male cub pick his way up the bank and then deliberately shake off close enough to his sister to add more water to her coat, both adults laughed as a shaking contest broke out.  Checking his paws Tavi stood up and walked a little bit upstream to the big rock on the bank that she had set as one of the boundaries for the cubs. Taking a big breath and reading his heat Tavi let out a flame thrower attack against the stone.

It felt good to release fire, something he had not done in days.  It felt even better knowing he was doing this just for pleasure and to help the cubs.  He stopped the attack and jumped back as he heard the stone crack then saw it shift.  The whole base was cracked and had moved several inches as steam leaked out around the seam.  After a little more inspection he figured it wasn't any danger and returned to roasting the stone.  The Flareon stopped when he could finally feel heat radiating back from the rock.  He called both Eevees over carefully drawing a line on the bank with one claw.  The mother gave the male cub a nudge as she made them walk forward since her daughter was already trotting forward.
   
“Sit here it will help you get warm and dry.”  He told the cubs.  After several minutes he rewarmed the rock and the four sat together in the late morning enjoying the warmth.  Before he could decide to reheat the stone again Leafeon moved the group off back in to the forest.  

It was early evening when they got back to the den, each Eevee cub carrying a small branch with a bunch of berries and both Leafeon and Tavi were carrying a bundled leaf pouch full of nuts. “You will stay here tonight right?”  The little female cub asked as she set down her berries.
   
“Yes.”  He answered when he put down his own bundle.  Leafeon walked up next to him rubbing his side along the way with a little smile.
   
She sat in front of him and rubbed her muzzle on his and asked.  “And tomorrow night too?” Tavi was suddenly surprised by the feel of her against him, he stepped sideways getting just a little space.

“I umm have to go soon.” 

She stepped away allowing him some space. “Come on cubs let's put the food here and eat.” 

Tavi tried to squash the confused feeling he felt, and thought to himself that there was no way he could stay here.  Even if they asked he was not the right pokemon for this family they needed someone better than the broken, near killer he felt he was inside.

They had eaten up all the berries before Leafeon began cracking open the shells for the Eevees to finish opening.  She tossed Tavi a few cracked nuts as well before he tried opening one on his own. After several nut-less tries he spit back out the unopened shell as she giggled and tossed him another she had cracked.
   
Still giggling at him she explained how with the next nut, “You have to use your sharp front teeth and poke though both the bottom and top side of the seam. Then move it to the back and the seam should crack when you put pressure on it.”  She demonstrated and when she finished she tossed him the shell to him and letting him inspect it.  The grass pokemon began pawing together the empty shells as both Tavi and the cubs tried to work on opening a nut on their own. With a bit of work he understood what he was told and nearly cut open his mouth because he bit down to hard and the nut and shell shattered. He did better on his second one only cracking it open instead of crushing it. He chewed the nut meat watching both Eevees as they still tried to crack the nuts.  Leafeon again sat next to Tavi now that she had most of the shells swept under a bush.
   
“Why don't you two take those inside, there are some things I would like to talk to Tavi about.” They watched the obedient cubs head in to the den with cheeks bulging.  “Could you follow me?”  She asked leading Tavi around a bush making sure the cubs wouldn't see them.  “Tavi, I want to do something for you.” She paused looking him in the eyes. “I want to make you feel good.”  She rubbed down his side leaning and nudging against him till he finally rolled onto his side.  The grass pokemon sighed inwardly seeing that he still kept his back legs together.  The female had hoped the Flareon would get the hints she had been dropping all day but it seemed this was another gaping holes in his life lessons.  The Flareon watched as she nuzzled down his belly and between his legs, he felt his sheath rubbed a few times but it wasn't until she licked him did he react.
   
“NO.”  He gave her head a nudge with his leg and pushed away.  “I wont make you do that.”  She sat down as Tavi scrambled to his paws and backed away.
   
“Make me? How are you making me do anything?” Leafeon asked.  He stood there wondering 'how could she be so calm'?

“You shouldn't, it doesn't taste good.  It's.. it's not right.”  He tried to explain.

“Tavi SIT!” Leafeon almost barked at him, she watched as the Flareon slowly lowered his rear. “Why shouldn't I when I want to?  What do you mean it doesn't taste good?  Tavi you are going to answer that Now. Not later or tomorrow but now, and I want a good reason.” She stood up and walked over till their muzzles lightly touched before she sat back down.  “I will listen if you tell me, but when your done, I need you to listen to me.”  He sat there being able to do anything more than stare at her muzzle and eyes.  Didn't she understand how horrible it was how awful it made him feel.  He stopped thinking when she licked his muzzle, “What are you thinking right now, please tell me.”
   
Tavi opened his mouth twice before he was able to make sounds come out, “How awful it is when it's forced in your mouth how bad it feels.”  He dropped his head to look at his paws feeling nothing but shame.
   
“Do you trust me?” Leafeon asked, “Even just a little?”  He looked up slowly nodding his head. “I promise you will feel good, better than you ever have, and I will too.  I am asking you Tavi and its so much different that way.” She gave him another lick on the muzzle.  “Now you listen, I have had the best day ever with my cubs today because of you. I have never let them go far from the den because I can't protect them.  Even when were close to home I have to constantly watch and worry.  After my little cub wondered off this morning you were ready and willing to help me.  And for the first day ever I felt relaxed, every moment with my cubs was a joy, even all the pestering questions because deep inside I wasn't worried.”

She got up and walked all the way around Tavi gently nuzzling him around his back and legs till she sat down next to him her cheek rubbing his mane and neck.  “I want to give you pleasure.  I, I will even let you mate me if you want.  I want you to be happy and that will make me happy.”  She licked his muzzle waiting just a second till he turned to face her.  “It is different Tavi when two are together by choice, and you won't be forcing me.”  She gave a gentle nudge trying to coax him back to his side.

Tavi finally flopped down allowing Leafeon to keep rolling him over and on to his back, pushing his back legs so they were spread open revealing his sheath.  She slowly licked down his chest till she was able to slather her tongue over his hidden but slowly growing member. When she finally had a small peak of red showing she drew the tip into her mouth sucking lightly and pushing the sheath back with her lips. She smiled inside as she felt the Flareon twitch, she used her tongue rolling it around the tip finally getting him to let out a small moan.
   
She gently let go allowing him to leave her mouth.  The female shifted so she could look at his face as he intently watched her.  Leafeon leaned over to lick his muzzle grinning as his own tongue reached out to greet hers. “Does it feel good?”  She asked watching him nod slowly.  “Tavi can I give you pleasure, please?”  He was still having some trouble with the thought that she wanted to do this.  He took a deep breath trying to calm himself.  Her tongue had seemed like magic, every time it had touched him every spot it meet awoke more pleasure, even the gentle lick she placed on his nose while she waited for him to answer caused him to shiver in response.
   
He had dozens of reason, he wanted to tell her why she shouldn't continue but each one seemed to fade as he looked at her eyes.  She was offering him this with what seemed like a near plea, and he couldn't just say no.  “I,” Tavi searched for words and only came up with, “I trust you.”
   
He finally saw the grin Leafeon had been holding back, although he didn't understand why, she was happy with him truly happy with his decision.  He watched as she stepped over his body and laid her chest on top of his. He jerked and gasped in surprise, there was no gentle licks this time and he was shocked by the warmth that suddenly surrounded his shaft.  He moaned and bucked slightly as the warmth and moisture suddenly changed to a strong pull as the sides of her mouth caressed the sides of his member while the tongue began stroking the underside.  The Flareon was unable to think beyond the next spot she concentrated on, she pushed his sheath down farther taking most of his shaft inside wrapping her tongue around the pillar and twisting her mouth and head from side to side.  Tavi groaned out long and low as the female sucked hard slowly drawing all the way off.  She watched as the shaft throbbed and bobbed in front of her.  She flicked out her tongue tasting the bead of pre that formed at the tip and threatened to slide down before she blew a gentle breath on his tip causing him to shudder beneath her.

“You taste fine.”  She told Tavi as she licked off another small bubble of pre.  He had no wish to argue it was all he could do not to start begging as he panting heavily feeling like his inner fire was growing out of control.  He moaned out, thrusting forward with his hips trying to find that glorious warm feeling again.  She quit teasing him taking him all the way down to the base, his knot was already swelling trapped in his sheath so she left it alone.  Tavi was trying hard not to grab her head and thrust with all he had as she began to suck and bob on his shaft.  Leafeon could tell by his moans that he was likely close so she backed off again gently licking the tip as his shaft as it escaped her muzzle.
   
She wanted to make this last but hearing his whimpering 'please' she gave him what he needed going back down on him fully letting his shaft fill her muzzle and the tip graze the back of her mouth. Leafeon gave a gentle squeeze on the knot with her paws and heard Tavi's moan turn to a yip. He was ready, she sucked hard swallowing while she squeezed on both sides of his knot with her paws. 

“Flaarreeee!”  For the first time in his life Tavi cried in bliss.  Leafeon kept up her suction as she continued swallowing taking every jet of seed that left his member. He was still moaning lowly though his pants as she slowly pulled off and gently laid his shaft back on his stomach giving small licks keeping any oozing seed from staining his fur.  The Flareon was far gone from the world floating in an exhausted pleasure paradise unable to think anymore about what was wrong with what she had done.

His back legs were stretched out and his ears and head buried in the dirt as his mouth hung open to allow air to flow down his open throat.  Leafeon kept up her gentle licks and nuzzling till his member was again just a red peaking tip.  She stood up and turned so she could lick back up his body till she reached his neck and mane.

Tavi felt the licking and summoned up enough energy to roll over on to his side so he could look at her. She gave a few more licks to his chin and muzzle before she spoke.  “Thank you Tavi. Today was wonderful.”  She gave one more lick before adding, “Especially my time with you.”  He heard her move away and tried lifting his head to watch her go.  “Come to the den when your ready, you can sleep next to me now.”  She moved out of Tavi's eyesight and around the bush as he kept his ears perked listening to her paw falls as she walked across the open space and crawled in to the den.
   
Tavi took a while as the darkness crept in, he was trying to come to terms with several things that had happened today.  Beyond everything that had just happened he was also thinking about the little female Eevee. She was the one who asked him to stay for the night and had been closer and closer to his side all afternoon happy each time he called her name and paid attention to what she said.  'It would be easier if I was just a regular Flareon.'  he thought.  Some how among all that happened, he still didn't feel he belonged, 'They would be better with someone else.'  He decided getting to his feet. Tavi took time to stretch before he walked to the den. There was still just enough light for him to see Leafeon raise her head after he entered, he carefully walked around the cubs as she stood to let him lay down. She snuggled in close resting her head on his shoulders as he curled up.  Although Tavi's mind thought this was all quite different, maybe even wrong, his body quickly adapted to her body and he fell in to a rest full sleep.

He woke the next morning feeling even stranger.  Leafeon was gone and Eevee had one of her arms wrapped around his neck and her muzzle buried in his mane.  He tried to pull away but ended up waking the sleeping pokemon.  She stirred pulling her head away and staring at him.  “Good Morning.” She said stretching out to lick his chin.  He stayed still as the little cub scrambled upright and watched her as she shook, stretched out, and headed out of the den.  'She is not my sister.'  He thought.  Tavi's dreams had been full of half remembered sites and sounds.  His sister and his brother even his mother and father were somewhere else.

He got up and crawled out the entrance then sat down trying to groom out his mane and tail as he pondered through what he remembered of the nights dreams.  There had been a den, in a sort of overhang.  Tavi could remember a huge cliff with trees and bushes growing out of the slope, the berry bushes and shrubs surrounding the glade at the bottom of the slope and the smell of water nearby. The image was far to real to be a dream, and he wondered if his family would be there, would they even remember him?
   
Eevee scampered up to his side rubbing against him.  “Come on let's play.”  Tavi rolled on to his side as she tried climbing on to him.  He allowed her to climb on to his side and when she was perched on top he rolled slightly causing her to slide and try to scramble back up.  Each time she stood straight up Tavi wiggled or moved, several times causing her to stumble off.  The play went on for quite a while till Leafeon and Eevee walked around some bushes returning with berries. “Yaaaaa!” Eevee jumped up in the air landing heavily on Tavi causing him to Ooff, before rushing to greet her mother and claim breakfast.
   
While the female Eevee munched away Leafeon dropped two bunches of berries next to Tavi. “Are you alright?  I told her she is getting to big to do that now.”
   
“I don't mind.” He said starting in on the berries.
   
She waited watching him finish before she asked, “I took Eevee out early this morning to talk, so do you mind staying here with him so I can talk to Eevee?”
   
“Did you want me to take him out?”
   
“No just stay here with him. I'll be back soon.”  Tavi nodded and Leafeon went to speak with her two cubs before the pair trotted out.  He laid back on his side watching the Eevee who seemed intent on just staring back at Tavi.  After a while the cub suddenly charged forward swatting a paw at Tavi before jumping back and creeping to a new angle before charging forward again. Tavi made no move to get up he simply watched the Eevee waiting for the next charge then trying to move what ever target the cub had picked paw, limb, ear. It wasn't until the full head but to the back that Tavi realized something was up.  As he sat up he had to quickly spin his rear avoiding the cub who charged past with his head lowered.
   
“Eevee I think that is enough.”  He watched the cub who ignored him shifting to a new angle for an attack.  The cubs whole stance and effort it was putting out made it obvious that the boy was trying to attack Tavi.  He waited for the Eevees next charge a full frontal attack. The Flareon easily hopped completely over the Eevee as he ran past, with speed much faster that the cub Tavi spun and fell in behind. As Eevee tried to slow and turn Tavi charged over the cub scooping him up around the middle and hauling him up into the air by standing on his hind legs.
   
“What, no put me down!”  The cub said kicking uselessly out with his legs.
   
“Relax,”  He said stepping forward still carrying Eevee, “I think that is quite enough for now. I don't want a little cub like you getting hurt.”
   
“I am... not... a little cub.” The Eevee said struggling in Tavi's arms irritated by the treatment.  Eevee stopped struggling, “Play fair and I can beat you, I can show mom I can protect her.”

Tavi gave a hug to the young Eevee, “Hush, your just a baby you don't have to protect your mom.”
   
“I am not a Baby!” Eevee called out.  That statement suddenly upset the Flareon who dropped the cub. Eevee landed hard on his bottom. “Ow, hey you cant...”  As Eevee scrambled away and turned to face Tavi he stopped terrified.

The Flareon had dropped back to all fours growling.  He put as much hate and malice in to his features as he could.  The Eevee whimpered to scared to do anything other than close his eyes and cower as he felt the air warm around him.
   
“Eevee?”  At Leafeon's voice the cub fled to his mother pressing his head against her legs and sobbing in relief.  The mother wasn't sure what she had walked in on but the aura that surrounded the Flareon had left her stunned, worried, and scared.
   
“Leafeon please send you cub over here.”  He asked shaking out his mane and sitting down looking completely relaxed.
   
“Eevee?” Leafeon asked again; “Mooommm he was gonna, he was gonna...”  The cub quivered against his mother moving so he could stroke his muzzle against her side.
   
She looked back over to Tavi who shrugged, “He attacked me, he wanted to defeat me.”
   
“He WHAT? Eevee why would you?”  Leafeon stepped away from her son who was sniffing and looking at her.  “You apologize right now.” / “But mom he...” / “NOW Eevee!”  The Leafeon cut her cub off.
   
“No.”  Tavi stated.  “Don't make him apologize he had his reasons. But you should come over here Eevee I have a few things to tell you.”  She watched the hunched back of her cub, deliberately turned to face away from Tavi. She waited for a moment before stepping forward and turning Eevee around and gave him a forceful shove on the rear.
   
“And Eevee.”  Tavi said in a softer tone addressing the female. “Could you please come over here as well.” The little cub had stayed next to the bush as soon as she had seen him looking so frightening. She had been prepared to bolt into the den. but when he finally called to her in such a nice way she realized her brother was the one in trouble and she had nothing to worry about.  The little cub trotted forward passing her brother and sat right down in front of the Flareon.
   
Tavi waited a moment before sighing, “Eevee quit crawling over like that. I have not and wont hurt you.  You don't even realize how  you and your sister are.”  The cub stopped paw half raised staring at Tavi. “Well come on then.”  The little male stepped forward again confused 'he was special?' He tried to stare at Tavi as he walked forward lifting his head but then dropped it down and rushed forward to sit next to his sister crouching down.
   
Tavi watched as the cub still wouldn't face him, he felt upset that he had taken it so far but he wanted more than anything for the Eevees to understand, he needed it.  Tavi gently leaned forward enough to lick the side of the Eevees turned head.  “I am sorry.”  He waited for Leafeon to sit behind them and watched as she nuzzled her sons flank finally giving him the courage to face Tavi.

“I want you both to listen well.”  Tavi looked at Eevee, “Don't argue.  You both are cubs, babies, pups, kids as humans say and that is something wonderful.  It makes you very special.  You love you mom, you want to keep her safe right?”  Tavi addressed the male waiting till he nodded. “To bad that isn't your job.”  The cubs ears drooped, “Your job is to stay safe.”  He laid down so he could easily look at both Eevees.  “Being a cub is special you get a mother and you have a sister or brother.  You have a nice safe den and your mom would do anything to feed and protect you.  I am grown up and I have no one.”  He said a bit forcefully. “You want to grow up, fight, be strong, that usually means leaving home and your family.”  The Flareon watched as the two cubs looked at each other, the little female even looked back at her mother.
   
Tavi tapped a paw on the ground getting both to look at him again.  “If you love each other than your job is clear, you stay safe.  You don't fight, you listen to your mother, and...”  Tavi leaned in to whispering, “You stay cubs, you play and have fun.”  He licked each cub on the muzzle before sitting up. “Your mother loves you, her job is to protect you and do you know why?”  He stopped watching both cubs as they stayed silent, “Because you really are special enough to protect, love, and care for.”

Leafeon grabbed one Eevee with each arm and pulled them close.  “I will always love and protect you no matter how old you are or how big you get, you are MY special little cubs.”  As Leafeon was licking her cubs muzzles and as they licked back Tavi stepped away.
   
“I'll be back in a little while.” 
   
“Wait!” Leafeon said, “You don't have to go we can spend some time together.”
   
Tavi turned stepping away, “I just need some time, I'll be back soon.”
   
“I'll come.”  The little Eevee spoke up scrabbling away from her mother to follow him.
   
“No, little one. I want to be alone for a bit.” Tavi stated, the little Eevee tried not to look upset and asked in a pleading tone, “Next time?”
   
“I don't...” Tavi couldn't quite tell her there wouldn't likely be a next time. “Maybe.”  He offered walking out into the forest.
   
He wondered for the rest of the morning and a ways into the afternoon finally returning while struggling with an entire branch three times the length of his body.  There were still several apples left that had not fallen off while he carried and dragged the limb though the brush, more than he could have brought any other way.  He did take the little Eevee back out to retrieve a few of the fruit that had dropped off close by much to her excitement.  When he finally spoke with Leafeon again it was in the den helping her to stash the apples while the cubs played outside.

“I'm leaving tomorrow.” Tavi stated. Leafeon ears twitched but she didn't respond till she had finished covering the apples.
   
“Will you still go if I asked you to stay?”
   
“I have to, this.. this just doesn't feel right.  You're not my mother and the cubs are not my sister and brother.”  He tried to explain.
   
“Mother??” Leafeon choked. “How stupid could you be?”  She moved forward placing a paw on his shoulder trying to make him lay down.  As he rolled she kept him going till he was on his back. Leafeon placed on paw on his sheath and licked his chin lightly saying, “Mother and son do not do what we did last night.  This is what mates do, and those cubs wouldn't be you sibling but your cubs. Your son and your daughter.”  She could feel him wriggling beneath her trying to shake his head to what she was saying.
   
“I can't you wouldn't want that.”  He told her.
   
“Why not? You said they were special didn't you?”  She stopped wondering if some how he wasn't as naive as she thought.  Leafeon stepped away and watched Tavi move to a sitting position. “Did you mean it, are they special?”
   
“Of course I meant it. Every cub is special and deserves to be protected.” Tavi told her.
   
'Every cub' Leafeon repeated in her head, didn't he feel any special attraction to her or the Eevees, “Tavi we need to talk.”
   
He shook his head, “It doesn't matter I would be an awful father, I would just end up scaring them or hurting them.”  Tavi dropped his head feeling bad again about frightening the Eevee and remembering about all the pokemon he had hurt so easily.

She gave a sad little smile, out of all the males that had waltzed through her den Tavi had been the only one that was totally open with his feeling, even the ones he tried to hide.  “Come with me.” Leafeon told him leaving the den. “Eevee.”  She called waiting for both to sit in front of her, “Inside now, I'm taking Tavi out for a bit so your to stay inside until I come back.”  Both Eevees moved past Tavi who had just exited the den and crawled inside.
   
She nodded her head to him and took a few steps leaping up on to a bunch of roots, she jumped again to the trunk and clawed the rest of the way up looking back to him. When Tavi made it up she walked off down the tree without saying a word. 

When they finally made it to the old branches he could see the brush of this area was dense and crowded.  It seemed that several other trees had been knocked over allowing more of the afternoon sunlight through and more dense ground growth to grow.  Tavi followed the female as she wove her way though a few broken limbs that stuck out before walking out on a branch that was aimed at the ground.  He followed behind hopping down in to a pocket of clear area surrounded by dense multi colored green leaves which crowded all sides except where the trunk was.
   
“No one will see or hear us here.”  She told him. “I want to start by asking you to just tell me the truth Tavi don't lie. If you feel like you don't want to answer then just say that.”  Leafeon turned so she was facing Tavi. “Do you like me, or the Eevees?”
   
“Yes.”
   
“But if I asked you to stay, even asked you to be my mate you'll leave.”  He kept his mouth shut and just nodded to her question.  “WHY? Don't say you wont make a good dad, yes I know you can be... a bit mean. But in time you would get better. Please tell me, why do you have to leave?”
   
Tavi thought about all the things he didn't tell her, how mess up he felt on the inside.  “I don't want to hurt you or your cubs I'm worried that I might do something.”

She could once again feel something beyond what his words were saying, “Are you scared or just worried?”

“Scared.” Tavi spoke in a whisper, “If I lost control.”  He shuddered squeezing his eyes shut, “Please understand I am strong and sometimes it seems like it doesn't take much.  I couldn't stand it if I really hurt someone especially the cubs.”
   
She realized this was a lost argument, he had already made up his mind, even with all she could show him about how wonderful he was, how special he was himself, he wouldn't listen.  Leafeon stepped forward putting her head on his shoulders, “Where are you going?” She finally asked.
   
“I have a mom and dad and siblings, they must be somewhere.”  He sat down pulling back enough to look at her, “If you lost Eevee... would you ever forget your cub? Would mom.”  He almost choked, “Would mom remember me?”  He squeezed out.

“If you haven't forgotten them, then they will remember you.”  She said trying to give him hope, “I would always remember my cubs.  But the world is big it might take a long time to find them.  Are you sure Tavi, you could have a new home right here.”  She offered one final time.   He looked at the ground not wanting to have to tell her no again, nor argue more reasons why he should leave.  “Roll over."  She said.
   
Tavi dropped to his side rolling on to his back holding his legs open displaying his privates. Part of Leafeon sighed, another part grinned, he was learning well.  She reached out to rub his crotch feeling that he was already reacting, member plumping with in his sheath.  The grass pokemon stepped back before laying down as well just a foot away.  “Do you know enough to keep yourself well?”
   
“I think so.”

“And you know enough on how to care for yourself?” Before he could answer she added, “You also know that it's okay to feel pleasure or let someone pleasure you.”  Tavi nodded and she could see the hopeful look on his face as he watched her. “Than have you realized you could do it on your own?”
   
Tavi looked at Leafeon wondering, he leaned in to stare at his own peaking red tip.  “Go on lick yourself.”  She encouraged.  

Tavi leaned in and gave a lick across the tip. It was no where near the soft caress he had felt last night, but it was good and he could feel his member throb in answer to a second lick.  “See it's not wrong or gross or bad at all.  I assume you do know about the whole thing, how to properly mate with a female?”
   
Tavi stopped to stare at Leafeon, part of his body shuddered with anticipation and possibilities as his eyes wondered over her body.  A second later part of his mind recoiled flashing back to the night he fled.  Yes he understood how the exact mechanics of the mating process worked.
   
“Than I have nothing left to teach you.”  She stated as Tavi started nodding his head but finally understanding her answer he stopped.

“What's wrong?” 

“Nothing is wrong, you can sleep here tonight and leave in the morning. Please Tavi don't come back to the den just go.”  She said while she stood up.

Tavi thought he understood why she asked that figuring himself it would be best. “I understand.”
   
“Do you Tavi?”  She asked.  “It's winter soon so travel won't be easy even if you can ignore the cold. But could you promise me one thing.  If... if you can't find your family will you come back?  Be sure to make it before next winter or don't bother.”  She could see the puzzled look on his face.  Leafeon hopped up on to the branch, “The Eevees will be grown by next winter.”  She sighed realizing that wasn't enough of a clue for him and she should be more direct. “I wont accept you in the spring if your late.”  She stated as she climbed back up on to the tree trunk.  “Don't forget to please yourself once in a while.”  She called down to him trying to grin, “And try to stay safe.”  The female turned and worked her way back to her den and her cubs.  She wasn't quite crying but she was feeling a sense of loss over letting him go, sadly the cubs wouldn't be happy either.
   
The Flareon listened to the noise she made till it blended in to the forests regular sounds.  She had almost told him he had to please himself, totally missing the offer she made.  Tavi looked back between his own legs and once again leaned forward this time giving a much softer lick.  He shivered from the soft caress on his tip, deciding there was plenty of time to think later, he gave another few laps running over the shaft and sheath as one grew out of the other.

Tavi woke up as dusk was settling in, he first worked to clean up the drying seed off his belly and muzzle before giving himself a full groom.  It had been a lot of work for him to bring himself to an orgasm.  He had tried several different positions and ways but found it hard to suck on his shaft while panting and whining with pleasure.  He had worked out an uneven rhythm using both his paws and mouth taking short breaks in between to gather his breath or get comfortable.  Although he hadn't realized it at the time his inexperience along with the experimenting and breaks, trying to find what was most pleasurable, meant that it took him far longer to reach his peak which was an explosive orgasm. With his shaft and knot swollen to full when he finally did release he jetted out several strong pulses of cum into his mouth before choking. The rest shot out onto the ground and onto the Flareon as he choked and tried to swallow while the pulses of pleasure racked his body.  He had nearly passed out from lack of air by the time he cleared his airway and was left gasping and shivering on the ground only to fall asleep exhausted a few moments later.

As he finished grooming his mane and tail he decided he didn't taste that bad, and the pleasure was well worth the effort it took to clean up.  Tavi skipped trying to find something to eat and curled up again a moving a bit away from the drying leaves and dirt he had made a mess on earlier. His mind replayed a great deal of his life centering on his dreams of last night and the events of the past few days. He spent time reviewing places he had been, even the short times he had spent away from Daniel at some ranch, where he had been cared for a few weeks at a time before he was sent back.  He even thought back to the little he could remember of being an Eevee and the winter he spent locked in a house with Daniel.  He had no clue where his home was but he had a general feeling, a sense, of where he had been before so he decided to start from there.

With that done he was ready to get some sleep though Tavi still spent over an hour thinking about the family on the other end of the tree.  He wondered what it would be like with a family and always came back to the fact that he would never be the one to have something like that, even his own. He would be happy if he just found his own family, to know where they were, and that they were safe. Maybe when he found them he could live somewhere close.

Alone would be the best thing for him and for everyone else, but he could visit maybe, if he got lonely. Deep inside Tavi believed he was more than just dangerous and that maybe it would have been better if they had taken him from Daniel after the last pokemon battle.  Although he didn't really remember all of the fight against the Weavile he had enough flashes in his mind and the memory of the smell of burnt fur and skin when it was over to know he was far beyond just simply dangerous.  He could be a killer, yes he thought yet again, they are better off without me.  He finally felt at peace with his plans, in the morning he would begin his search for home.

Pokemon Domestic to Feral

Chapter 3:  Mind (part a)

It was just over a week later since the Flareon had left Leafeon and her cubs, he was making his way down a steep hillside on the back side of Devant.  It was the first time he had come across a place he finally recognized, something that he didn't remember fondly. It wasn't a pokemon center either, instead it was the place of one of Daniel's cruel jokes.  At first Tavi wasn't sure if it was exactly the same place but the plaza that stood across from the center had a pattern of multi colored squares which he thought were the same.  Even though he wasn't able to approach close enough to inspect it, because of a man was sweeping the grounds in the early morning, he still felt it had to be the same place.
   
The fire type sat hidden in the bushes along side the center carefully watching.  As the morning progressed and the light brightened he was able to see more, like the strange wires that hung overhead with small lights and now he was sure he could pick out the darker metal spaces of drainage grates.  Tavi vividly remembered Daniel yelling to dodge as he hopped between the color patches avoiding the jets of water that would randomly spout upwards but he still ending up soaked from jets of water that he couldn't seem to avoid.  Just a few minutes after the human had left and Tavi thought it was safe to slip across to inspect the area water burst from everywhere.
   
He watched as a quick run of all the water spouts started up one side then back down the another.  Now that he was far enough away he was even able to see that there were several poles which shot out water in arcs that rained down over the area. Tavi growled in displeasure as he jumped up, nearly stepping out in front of an Absol and a couple of humans as he moved to leave.  Although the Absol had seen the brush move and sensed the hidden pokemon it could do nothing about it as the couple had already crossed the street and were calling their pokemon to follow.

He was still thinking how stupid he was to believe he had a chance of dodging when he finally passed the last houses and was free of the town.  The first slope he climbed showed a large road across the shallow valley.  From the top of the hill he watched as multiple vehicles racing along and he felt that heading in the direction the road ran was a good idea but he also decided make sure to stay a good distance from the actual roadway.

He traveled along passing a town every few days by either sneaking though in the night or traveling far around the outskirts to the other side.  He kept a direction that mainly had the sun in his eyes most of the morning feeling that often times it felt like he had walked towards the sunset in the afternoons with his ex-trainer when he helped to look for a campsite.  Tavi tried to stayed hidden, sleeping in the day or night as was required to continue his journey, eating what ever he found or even sometimes what he dug out of trashcans when darkness and hunger required.

He hadn't been seen by a single human yet and planned on keeping it that way until one afternoon when he smelt a truly enticing aroma.  The Flareon had used a small bridge early in the morning crossing over a rather wide part of a stream and had decided to head upstream for a bit to avoid the houses that he could see ahead.  Creeping forward towards the water he came upon a campsite that was set in a clearing just above the stream.  His mouth watered as he drooled over the smell of fish cooking over the campfire. Tavi moved half way around the clearing till he could see the fire and the human who was still in the water.  Unable to resist the Flareon ran from cover dashing forward and grabbing two of the sticks that held the unattended fish only to see an Azumarill running across the clearing from behind the tent to block his escape.
   
He tried darting sideways but the water pokemon was able to keep pace.  “Friend, friend up here.”  The pokemon called out.  Tavi dropped the fish and blew out a little fire across the ground withering and turning the bits of vegetation to ash.
   
“I'll burn down the tent and everything else.” He threatened.  The aqua pokemon quickly answered with a water gun that dashed the small puffs of smoke.
   
“Aquia what are you doing?”  The human called from the water causing the mouse pokemon to look over Tavi's shoulder.  He had one fish and was off like a bullet, charging into the safety of the scrub and trees on the bank side.  The Flareon wasn't afraid of a water gun attack that got weaker as the distance grew and there was no way he was going to slow down.
   
He tore into the fish the moment he thought he was far enough away and sure that there was no pursuit. Tavi smiled please with the free meal, the human had plenty and could easily get more.  Finally with a full belly of good food he decided to stop early when he found an abandoned nest dug underneath a bramble. There was enough room for him to stretch out and a nice soft sandy floor, he figured, maybe it was time to try out pleasing himself again.

Tavi was once again in a heavily forested area only this time pine trees dominated the slopes and gullies. He had been walking for a full two days and now was working his way over a mountain area still excited with the fact that he had somehow jumped back onto his trail to a time that was nearly a year ago.  He had needed to alter his path once he realized which town he had gotten to, it had a large train station that he could easily remember from the tempting aroma of baked breads and fruit smells that seemed to hang in the air.  From his vantage point outside of town he could see the train Daniel had taken. It came straight out of the mountain side and into town where it stopped in a station for a rest before it ran down the valley and off into the distance.  Tavi had been in two small fights in that town while Daniel waited for the train.  What caused his joy though was that the train headed far out to the ocean.  Some how he had cut through time and in weeks gone back to his trail from last year. Of course this meant he had to travel over the mountain rather than take the train, but that wasn't going to hang him up for long.
   
It was more than a week since he had swiped the fish and a day out of the forest when he had to start sneaking across small groups of homes. They quickly built up till he was moving through an area where houses seemed to be everywhere he looked.  He spent the next two days hiding in bushes and creeping through hedges raiding garbage cans at night while trying to figure out where he was, feeling more than a little lost by the seemingly endless homes that were lined up one yard after another.
   
It was on his third day that he found what was a small busy highway.  The street he was on had ended in a wooden fence with a small part broken that he was able to slip through.  With a broken wood, stone, and brush barrier behind him the Flareon watched the cars zoom past a few jumps away but what had his current attention was the other side where open hills stood and what looked like tree groves scattered about.  Taking a chance the Flareon dozed the rest of the afternoon waking up in the late night to attempt a crossing.  Tavi studied for several minutes before deciding the best place to cross was the straight shot where he could see the other side and the middle was not blocked by shrubs or concrete though the cars were mostly gone they appeared at frightening speeds roaring through with sound and stink.  The agility boosted dash across the road lasted seconds but seemed far longer as his heart pounded out.  By the time he got to the other side he was starting to wonder what he had been so scared of.  He had stared when he was sure of the silence and still hadn't heard a vehicle as he moved away from the pavement.
   
Later that morning he stumbled in to what seemed like a human party in the middle of nowhere. There were tables and benches and odd chairs along with humans of all ages scattered about the area doing all kinds of things including eating. The problem for Tavi was there were also several pokemon who were lounging, playing with kids and just running around excited.  He was worried that any moment someone was going to spot him as he tried to sneak away.  He felt so foolish once again he had followed the enticing food smells when his ears had obviously picked out a great deal of noise that should have had a feral pokemon fleeing.

The Flareon mentally tried to silence the rumble that came from his middle as he now picked a path around the noise and bustle. He had to stop twice crouching in a bush or shrub hiding when someone came close. When he was sure he had passed most of the people he came to a steep grassy slope that had no cover to use.  Tavi charged upward hoping that speed would be the best answer for any lack of cover.  He kept going even after he had crested the hill running out several yards into a new field area. The grass at the top was well trampled down in a wide area around the middle and the edge near were he stood was short and prickly just reaching his belly.
   
As he moved out onto the trampled area, carefully sniffing, he heard a young voice call out, “Thunder shock!”  The Flareon instinctively dodged and rolled away from the voice avoiding most of the crackling air that enveloped where he had just stood.  He was off as soon as he aimed his nose across the field and away form the voice. “Get 'em Flaaffy.”  The human called as he could hear the grass rustle closer than he thought.
   
“Micheal stop leave it alone.” A female voice called from further off.
   
“Na uh I'm gonna catch my first pokemon. Thunder wave Flaaffy, shock 'em.”  The young male called again.
   
'Not on your life.'  Tavi thought putting out an extra burst of agility's speed eating up ground and diving toward a wood rail fence ahead. He felt the crackle of energy as his hair started to rise with a charge as another attack was unleashed.  The Flareon raced on unaffected leaping between the top and bottom boards of the fence while at the same time the female's voice cried in shock and fear. “Flaaffy STOP!!” Tavi plowed into the high thick weeds dodging a bush only to break free and see the ground end ahead.
   
He tried to stop and turn anything to keep from going over the edge. He lost his footing landing hard on his side rolling over and sliding to a halt with his rear paws just inches from the edge.  Tavi's heart was pounding and his head spun as he crawled from the edge back to the bush trying to hide. He could barely hear the humans arguing over the roar in his ears and the frantic pounding in his chest.
   
“If you keep this up I won't let you go on any journey or keep Flaaffy, Return!” / “But mooomm I could have caught it.” The whine started.
   
“Micheal you might have killed that Flareon!!  What do you think would happen if you drove it off the cliff.  Or worse what if it used a fire attack.  You would have been responsible for burning down the whole park or more. Now, Go!  Back to the gathering, we will talk about his at home. There is far more to being a trainer or coordinator than being able to throw a poke-ball.”
   
Tavi still hadn't moved from his spot even after he could hear someone move away. He suddenly moved further back into the bush as something bounced by stopping just short of the edge. There were two more paw sized blocks that bounced against the ground before the female voice called. “I am sorry about my son. Your safe, if you want to come out.”  'Fat chance.'  He thought back. His mind warred between staying hidden and launching an attack.  He had finally calmed down enough that he was in control again and decided as long as she stayed put so would he.
   
Another chunk bounced across the ground this one close enough to the bush that Tavi could see it was some orange color that gave off a light berry flower scent. “It's food, you can eat it if you want. I just wanted you to know I am sorry and I'll be going now.” He waited long after the footsteps disappeared before creeping forward to the closest chunk of food. The Flareon snatched up two more before returning to the bush leaving the one near the edge untouched. The sun was low and night was approaching before he felt safe enough to make his way back through the fence and head off into the evening.

Days later Tavi was again sneaking through a town well before dawn.  The poke-center had been easy to find and the two arguing Kricketot who said they lived between the center and the daycare had told him that there was a gym on the far side of town. Well at first, one was sure it was a dojo the other a gym. He interrupted the two arguing insects long enough to get vague directions before backing away and trotting off down the street. He kept a fast pace instead of trying to dodge between shadows. There didn't seem to be anyone about and he had plenty of time to hid from the two cars that drove by with blinding lights and noise.
   
The dojo when he found it was a little ways out of the town and it had a huge slate stone area out front that was larger than a football field.  The Flareon couldn't bring himself to step out on to the smooth rock remembering the harsh pain and ridicule he had lived through on that stone. Now he had again by trusting his instincts traveled back more than a year to a place where Daniel had one of his major defeats and Tavi's first crushing defeat fully failing his trainer.  After loosing his first match ever had in some sort of official setting Daniel had kicked him outside the gates and berated him on the cold stone for failing. It wasn't until later that he found out his trainer had saved him for last and expected not to use him at all knowing that the Flareon wasn't ready for such a battle.
   
That though didn't stop him when the other trainers outside began joining in with a verbal assault. His trainer had agreed with every horrible comment: Pitiful, Helpless, Tiny, Stupid, and Worthless. Tavi had no clue which of the fighting type had kicked him first, but the others had joined in urged on from their trainers and his own. They treated him like a soccer ball until he had been booted to the edge and  stumbled off the rock slate. Daniel had recalled him to the poke-ball telling him that next time he wouldn't bother with the poke-center he would just leave him behind.

He found a good hiding place to try and rest for the day only to startle himself awake dodging phantom kicks and hearing echoes of taunts that seemed real.  The only thing that heartened him when he finally rose that evening was the sudden realization that he must be much closer to home than he realized.  He looked out across a browned dry grassy hillside that rose in front of him feeling some of the chill from the cold wind that blew down at him.  Acting on no more than some odd instinct or whim he changed directions following the base of the hill and moving along the bottom of a small dry gully. By late evening he had come across a trail that ran across the brown rolling hills in the general direction he now wanted to take.  The Flareon took time considering but not smelling any humans, or pokemon for that matter, he decided the ease of a trail was worth the risk.
   
It was well into the night when he smelled the remnants of a fire and five minutes later he found himself at the edge of a campsite with one large tent that was zipped tight against the cold.  He listened carefully to the heavy breathing as he crept around the area hoping for something to eat.  All Tavi could find though was two bowls and a pot stacked near the last dieing embers of the fire. He quickly pulled the bowls out licking them clean before nosing his way around the pot picking out the last bits of a rice mixture. It wasn't much but it left a nice taste in his mouth that was far better than many of the roots and things he had been gnawing on for his recent meals.
   
He continued wondering around going mostly towards the direction he choose although the trek through the hilly countryside made it seemed like he was going nowhere.  He avoided all contact with humans and most pokemon as well keeping to himself even if it meant hiding or walking out of his way to keep his solitude.  There wasn't a real encounter till a several days later.
   
The weather had changed the past two days from the seriously dry crisp cold days of early winter to the very last few warm days that came just before true winter set in. The Flareon had his front paws in a patch of mud trying to lap up one of the remaining puddles in an almost bone dry creek. Tavi's ears twitched as he heard laughing coming from one of the trees of the lightly forested area.  He watched cautiously as an Aipom dropped out of a tree obviously waiting for him to move out of the stream bed.
   
“What ya doing?” The pokemon asked still seeming to grin.
   
“Moving on.” Tavi answered turning.
   
“Wait.. Wait” He was told as the Aipom who scampered out in front of him. “I just have to ask. Have you started any fires lately?”

“What?” 
   
“You know Flame thrower, Ember, FIRE. Did you start a fire around here?” The Flareon suddenly pounced on the other pokemon driving it to the ground as the bushes nearby rustled.
   
“Human, your trainer.”  Tavi growled. “Your trying to stop me so I can be caught.”  He had all his attention and senses concentrated on the form emerging from beside a tree that he totally missed the punch in the side by the hand like tail. Off balanced he rolled away allowing the struggling pokemon to escape.
   
“What did you find Handy a water pokemon?”  She asked as the Aipom ran up her side to perch on her shoulder.  “A Flareon.... Did he start the fire?”  The human asked watching as Handy grunted shaking its head making his ears flop.  “Well I'll check him out anyway.” She stated pulling a device from her side hip pocket. The Flareon took several steps back growling.  He wasn't sure what she was doing but he squared off against the Aipom as it jumped to the ground just in front of the human. “Capture GO!”
   
'What?” Tavi thought readying to dodge a poke-ball thrown by the stupidest trainer ever with out even allowing the Aipom to attack. However the white blur that spun towards him was definitely not what he was ready for.  It zipped past and behind him but before he could turn he already heard it coming back on the other side.
   
Tavi watched as it spun faster and faster forming a white loop around him. “NO!” he barked looking over and bracing for the attack he expected now that he had been distracted.  His gaze saw the human was just spinning a circle with one hand and her pokemon was still just sitting at her feet. By the time the ring recaught his attention it was inches from his fur and closed about him before he could decide how to react. He felt a tingle that spread though his body as the human spoke. “Capture complete.”
   
“Flar flar/What NO!”  He rolled on the ground and shook his body trying to figure out what she had done. He was free, he had to be free.
   
“Flareon.” The females voice caught his attention.  “Easy.” She said stepping forward seeing his agitation. “Relax I just need your help.”

“Arrrrr!” Came the growl of response.

“Mary... Mary.”  A call came though the trees.  He watched the human step back, “Over here Mike!”
   
“Hey relax.” The Aipom chirped coming to stand right next to him. “She wont hurt you. We need your help.”
   
“My help?!” Tavi spoke backing up even while some feeling seemed to urge him to stay put as the two humans met and began talking.  A small Snubbull rolled out of the brush irritated she shook herself off.
   
“Stupid trees, stupid roots. What on earth is she thinking Handy we needed water pokemon.” The Snubbull stated.
   
As if on clue both humans turned to look at the pokemon. “What on earth are you doing we already have a fire on our hands!”  The male human echoed his pokemon's thoughts.
   
“Flareon can you tell me if there are any water pokemon around?” With out even thinking Tavi took a step forward shaking his head in answer.  “Let's see.”  The Flareon watched closely as she pointed the device at him again. “Flame thrower, Fire spin, Agility, Bite, Slash, Fire blast, Take down, and Rage. Geez his stats are unreal. Where is your trainer Flareon?”
   
That comment had Tavi fighting with all he had against the feeling to comply. He dug his claws into the earth ripping out a chunk which he flung backwards while growling loudly. “Mary!” Mike said grabbing her arm and pulling her back as both pokemon rushed between the Flareon and the humans.
“Let it go and let's move. We need to get back, water pokemon or no.” He actually had her stumbling back before she yanked away.
   
“Mike stop. Haven't you ever heard of fighting fire with fire? Flareon please we need your help.” She said stepping between the Aipom and Snubbull. “There is a horrible fire burning and were having trouble stopping it. The weather is warm and everything is far to dry. We need everyone who can help. Thousands of acres have burned and were no closer to stopping or containing it.”
   
“Apa Ape ook/ Come and help.” Handy stated.
   
“Flaaar eeon on/ I am not helping humans. Eon eonnn/ And I'm hungry.”  Tavi spoke. 

The Aipom scampered back Mary's leg latching on to her side as he popped open her back pouch at her waist. He dug out a brown chunk tossing it at Flareon. “Apa/Food!”
   
Tavi took a little taste test before snapping up the rest licking his lips. “Do you want more?” Mary asked. “Flare.” He barked back. “Fine you help me out and I'll get you food.”
   
“Mary this is a really bad idea.” Mike said from behind.
   
“Snubb bble/ Are you coming?” Snubbull asked.
   
“Flaaar onnn/ To help humans?” 
   
“Snubb snob snob bulll/ No stupid the pokemon they are in danger” She told him gesturing at the two, “Snub snublll/These are rangers.”
   
Tavi reluctantly followed the other two pokemon while they tried to explain how some humans protected the pokemon and the environment. They told him that a fire had broken out days ago and was now sweeping across the hill and soon would reach a huge forest. “All the pokemon will lose their homes and food.”  They informed him.  The Flareon ran with the group wondering how the humans had set such a fast pace, one that the Snubbull had trouble keeping.  It was a surprise seeing the humans   run, jump, and dodge nearly as well as some pokemon.

There was a high pitched scream as a Stantler charged thought the area followed by three more and a small gang of others causing the group to scatter behind trees to get out of the way. The wind shifted and now a light smoke scent quickly turned into a nose filling burnt smell.  A few more moments and they were out of the oak shrubbed hill and into a rolling scrub brush area. The daylight was slowly being consumed by the clouds of smoke that rolled forward in front of the true fire. The rangers hadn't even slowed down moving to run along the larger game trails trying to get back towards the front lines.
   
“It's to close.”  Mike panted out. Mary only nodded as she kept the lead and pressed on wards. There was a call overhead and the group changed directions following a Spearow that swooped down ahead of them and flew off. With in minutes they had joined a group of humans.
   
“Come on.” Handy called to Tavi climbing up into the back of a pickup and then on top of the cab. From the top he could look out over several small hills. Over the top of the first rise several rock pokemon, Rydon, Golem. And even an Onyx were slowly tearing apart the earth leaving a wide swath of dirt which several Diglets were moving through dragging scrub and large branches along. The hill beyond that Tavi could see several shadows that moved against a glowing orange backdrop on the top of the rise. “And over that way.” He looked where the Aipom pointed with its tail. In the opposite direction and at a different angle he could see the start of the oak scrub hills but after that tall mountains starting with deep greens and browns covering the entire mountainside in what seemed to still be in daylight.
   
“The fire is spread out but this is where it is the closest.”  The Snubbull called from the back of the truck.  Both Mike and Mary stood at the tailgate watching.
   
“So they want me to help?” He asked. No one human or pokemon answered his question. “You have water pokemon?”
   
“Some.” Aipom answered. 

Tavi instinctively knew fire. How it worked, what burned better and what would cause it to burn out. He had actually put out several small fires on his own after his ex-trainer had partied a little to hard with out caring for what was around.  One memory of an exploding bottle that had been casually tossed into the campfire came to mind.  He had spent hours burning out large patches and kicking dirt.
   
“Would they be able to put the fire out behind me?” Tavi asked jumping back into the truck stopping suddenly when he realized there were still humans at the end. He growled lightly as another human approached.
   
“Mary HQ has decided it is to dangerous to use fire. The back fires Arron set at the beginning only made things worse. We will use what earth and water we have and hope its enough. You should tell it to go.” The new comer added after a moment.
   
Mary stepped away nudging the other two aside, “There is a problem with that.  It is not a truly feral pokemon the capture program was only partly successful. Flareon the choice is yours.” She said addressing the pokemon. “You can leave or help however you wish.” Tavi lept off the truck and took off towards the fire. “Handy.” she called to the Aipom “Try to help him out.” With a little screech of approval the pokemon ran off in pursuit.
   
“Mary I will have to report this.”  The male stated.
   
“I know, but we can barely hold this side. If we can't stop it here and move on one little Flareon isn't going to matter.” She replied.
   
Tavi raced along dodging and jumping through the scrub and stripped berry bushes. Even before he reached the pokemon ahead he realized there was far to much dried brush and ground litter. All of it was dry and stems and branches rattled like bones as the wind blew across the area driving the smoke and fire forward. He stopped just at the rise watching two humans trying to order the pokemon to douse spots where the fire was advancing. The noise and confusion only worsened as Tavi watched several of the smaller water types kept jumping away when a wave of heat rolled across the area while others kept turning trying to put out sparks which swiftly turned bushes into flaming bonfires if left unattended.
   
He sidestepped several small jets of water trotting right up to the fires line squinting as the heat and flames literally pushed him back.  Tavi closed his eyes and dug in his claws drawing together both heat and flames for his attack.  'Fire spin' he called in his mind almost hearing an echo of his ex-trainers voice. He fought to control the attack from the moment he started. The wildfire sucked up the heat he needed to control the spin causing him to add more just to keep it going. Tavi blew out even harder and began stepping forward trying to physically force the attack to press in. As the seconds passed he gained control of the attack watching as it began ripping brush and fuel off the ground. With the last of his breath he sent the fire tornado on its way dragging everything along in its wake.
   
Tavi panted as he watched brush, bushes, and flames sucked in and destroyed. By the time it the attack had burned out just a little more than twenty yards ahead all that was left was a wide path of coals and embers laying on the ground while bits of debris and ash slowly fell down.
   
In the back of his mind he could see himself prancing forward as he stepped out in to the area he had cleared. He turned one way taking careful aim along the advancing line and built up as much power as he could before letting out a Fire blast that ripped across the hill rise ripping apart brush and flattening flames with its power. Tavi quickly turned and did the same in the opposite direction only his second blast was miss aimed and the end of the attack tore past the fires edge and into the yet unburned area.
   
Several pokemon had scrambled out of the way as the only large water pokemon, a Blastoise, began a Hydro pump. It soaked the entire area starting from where Tavi's attack ended and continued straight over the Flareon and out until it's attack had little effect.
   
Tavi growled as he shook the water off even as the human quickly jumped forward to organize the rest of the pokemon. In less than a minute they had halted and suppressed the flames along the entire ridge.
“Wow. Ow hot hot hot.” Handy called hopping back and forth a little ways off where the fires edge was.
   
“Send the big on that way,” Tavi waved with a tail.  “I'll take some and work this way.” He finished walking against the burnt ground towards the fire that was slowly working its way back to the area by creeping around the edge.
   
The next hour was full of heat, burns, soaking, and powerful attacks. For Tavi it seemed like one of Daniel's harder training sessions compressed into a short amount of time. They had covered more than two miles containing the blaze and halting its advance upon the wooded mountains.
   
Tavi was pushing himself hard and even though he was tired he often had time to wait while the water pokemon to recovered, several of which had stopped entirely some where along the way. The small group had come over a sharp rise a little ways back climbing down a rocky area that needed no help since nothing was growing but it had shown a view of just how big and how destructive the fire was. Even though they had come so far he could see that this was a very small part of what was a burning monster. He hadn't even slowed when he realized what lay ahead, if anything he had found a second wind and was beginning to work harder and press forward faster. He almost wished the humans would return and get the other pokemon up and moving because now they were barely even listening to Handy.
   
A roar overhead and several great gusts of wind announced the arrival of a Charizard and a human who rode on its back. Tavi stepped his way off the dieing embers and over towards the human as it climbed down. Several of the other pokemon were moving forward as well wondering what was going to come next. “Alright Nova take over you know what to do.” The human spoke.
   
With another roar the Charizard started forward, “Out of my way.” She growled to the pokemon stomping past. She made a point of walking directly over Tavi saying, “Move little baby. Now it's my turn!” The Flareon was to shocked by the comment to notice the tail that swept him aside knocking him off his feet.
   
“Hey are you okay?”  Handy asked trying to get the fire pokemon to its feet. 

Tavi growled lashing out and almost caught the Aipom with a slash of claws that might have ripped the ape had it not dodged out of the way.  He darted forward jumping over the group of water pokemon and up into the flames running in to the fire that was about to be put out. His eyes burned in reflection of the glow around him as Tavi released waves of heat protecting himself while allowing what did burn him to grow and amplify the fire inside. He waited starting his own attack just before the Charizard set to unleash an attack against the leading edge copying the same strategy Tavi had been using. No one even saw the Fire spin that had started until it ripped across the ground tearing apart everything in the way and swallowing the Charizard's attack causing it to stumble back before the vortex dissipated.
   
Tavi lashed his tail as he stepped out amidst the falling ash of his attack to square off against the lizard. He was barely able to control his emotions as they raged through his body.  Part of him knew this was wrong, but a stronger part was begging the Charizard to attack so he could rip her apart.
   
“Nova BACK OFF!”  He could hear the human scream.  Even as Nova roared out a challenge she took several steps backwards obeying the order.  The Flareon screamed out in frustration seeing the one capable opponent back away.  He could feel the edge of rage racing across his body leaving behind very few thoughts or options. His eyes and mind scanned for an opponent to attack finally coming up with the same thing he had been fighting for the entire afternoon.
   
Tavi turned and blasted his frustrations out running out behind the attacks to fire another. He quickly outpaced those who were following running into the fire and taking damage which he used to boost his own power. The only thing that he did some how keep in his rage hazed mind was that his enemy was the advancing line of fire and he was going to use everything to beat it down. He burned away its fuel, tore away its flames, and consumed the heat it used slowing its advance.
   
It wasn't that the Flareon put out the fire, although in several places it did burn out, instead he was forcing the wildfire to pause. Normally the flames moved forward emitting heat in waves preparing the land in front of it to burn easier. Tavi was forcing that heat back upon itself or sideways creating conflicting forces that stalled the advance. That and the conditions of the dieing winds allowed more time for the rangers and many trainers and pokemon to get in front of the fire extending the containment clear around the head of the wildfire.
   
It was half and hour later and another two miles away when the trainer ordered Nova to pick up the fallen Flareon and head back. They had waited overhead trying to avoid most of the smoke and heat keeping tabs on the bursts of fire that burned a line across the landscape.

Tavi woke later somewhat surprise to find himself again surrounded by four metal walls that radiated a soothing warmth against his body. The mat he laid on was far thicker and softer than any he remembered and his body felt far worse than he ever remembered. He struggled even just to turn from his side to his stomach trying to keep a whimper in check from the ache of every single muscle that protested. It seems his quiet noise had attracted attention though as a shadow passed over one side at the top of the box before vanishing.
   
He had gotten his front paws under him and was sitting half way up when he heard twin metal clicking noises. His growl sounded feeble even to him as one side of the box lowered showing Mary and her Aipom.
   
Tavi scrabbled about weakly with his hind paws trying to push away from the open side while she told him to relax.  He waited as she moved away keeping his ears trained on her noise and movement. The flame pokemon struggled again finally making it up to a sitting position before she returned.  The ranger was carrying a bowl which she sat near the edge of the mat that caused the Flareon's nose to twitch. He tried to pull himself forward towards the sudden savory aroma that wafted to him.
   
The Flareon was far to sore and distracted to protest as the human reached in and pulled his bottom forwards and kept a steadying hand against his side while he dove into the bowl gobbling down chunks of warm soft food.  She allowed him to lick the entire bowl several times before she turned him back and he fell onto his side.  As he closed his eyes as the box started humming again and he fell asleep.
   
They had several more short sessions together but Tavi never allowed the human to touch him again. He nipped her hand hard enough to draw blood the second time when she ignored his growl.  As he gulped down the food Handy angrily told him off while Mary applied a band-aid.  It took two full days before he had enough strength to finally crawled his way over the top of the box and out onto the counter.  Handy had been right there and shouted for the ranger before he had time to figure out how to get down.
   
Mary simply stood in the doorway allowing the Flareon to look around the room. There was dozens of units holding pokemon on the five long counters that were in the room. Including several large tanks on the far side that were filled with water pokemon who were still recuperating. “Over here.”  The Aipom  said walking to the end of the counter. There was a crate which he hopped down to before he dropped onto the floor. Tavi followed suit carefully placing his front paws on the crate before stepping down. He repeated the process only to find the human kneeling down in front of him.
   
“Please Flareon we need to talk.”  Mary spoke. “Aappa/ Please.” her pokemon repeated.
   
Tavi sat down not quite trusting his legs to keep him up giving a small nod, beside it wasn't like he could argue much.
   
“Listen you had a trainer right? Quit that will you.” She told him as he started growling.  “Would you consider working with a ranger?” Mary gave a little sigh as he continued growling and shaking his head. “Just listen would you.  I had to ask.  No one here would ever force you but many would be happy to take you as a partner.”
 
“Ape ap ppa/ It would be fun.”  Handy offered. Tavi only snarled in response.

“Well we want you to stay for a few more days, at least until your better. Will you please follow me.” Mary stood by the door waiting for him to follow. Handy whether by order or unspoken words stayed behind the Flareon keeping its tail ready in case the other stumbled.
   
She led him out into a common room where there were three sets of ranger and partners, they all stopped talking to watch him pass.  She opened a side door and walked though a small covered shed area and outside.  The ranger had led Tavi out into a large fenced area where he was able to walk out and sit on the short grass.  He studied the high metal fencing that surrounded nearly an acre of land complete with several trees and bushes.  There were even a few other pokemon who he ignored.

Feeling safe enough the Flareon laid out on his side in the weak cloudy afternoon sunlight.  The rangers and pokemon left him alone carefully stepping around him through out the afternoon when they or their pokemon needed to go outside.

In the early evening she came back out allowing Tavi to eat and showed him a blanket in the corner of the common room to lay on. She politely asked him to stay inside since it was supposed to finally start raining during the night.  He kept quiet but always kept one ear perked listening to the humans talk before they slowly headed upstairs to sleep.  He spent the entire night lightly dozing until the rain started unable to fall asleep again once it started.

Unable to sleep he thought about all the things he had heard the humans discuss that evening. The most important things to him was the fact that the rains would finally put out the last of the fires in areas that were too steep to reach, that a Nurse Joy would be checking the injured pokemon in the morning, and the most important was that he had been unconscious for nearly two days and that Mary kept telling the eight rangers stationed there that 'The Flareon' was uninterested in being a partner.  In his mind Tavi had decided he needed to leave or escape after two more days. His body had a great deal less pain when he moved but he knew he couldn't walk far on his wobbly jelly like legs.
   
The Flareon again woke to the radiating heat with the underlying hum of the metal box. He quickly scrambled to his feet and for the first time in days shook out his mane and tail. He carefully put his front paws on the top of the box and carefully tried to peek out at the room. He got a surprising shock staring in to the face of Nurse Joy. “BOO!”

Tavi tumbled backwards in surprise landing on his back. His mind was still trying to process what was going on as he was hauled into the air and spun in a circle. “Oh you really are so cute.” She said setting the small Flareon on an open blanket that was spread on a counter.
   
“Chan seey/Ready now.” Came a call from the other side of the counter.
   
“On your back now.” Joy told him easily flipping him over till his paws were in the air. He had quickly fallen into the inspection routine allowing each of his paws to be grasped and prodded along with his knees bent and legs moved. He only whined twice when she put to much pressure on recovering muscles.
   
It wasn't till she rolled him back over on to his stomach before he suddenly remember he didn't want  human touching him. He twisted and scrambled out of her grasp growling back at the nurse. “Chan can Seeey/ Hey were not done yet.”  He backed along the counter till he bumped into something behind him keeping all his attention on the human and pokemon.
   
“I do remember you.”  Nurse Joy spoke softly. “You were really cut up. All the boys pokemon seemed pretty damaged but you were the only one he seemed to care about.  I remember him telling me you fought really hard and won, and that I was to give you the best of care.  It wasn't until later that I realized he didn't really care about the others and that he really only cared about you because you won.”

The flame pokemon continued to stare as the nurse moved to a sink coming back with several wet towels before reaching down and setting out combs, brushes, scissors, and a nail trimmer.  “It is my job to care for you Flareon we can do that the easy way or the hard way.” As she spoke she pulled out a syringe and popped the cap off. “Chansey close the door please.” Tavi turned ready to bolt only realized the pink pokemon had already anticipated the orders slamming the door before he even had a chance to jump down.
   
He yelped spinning and swiping out with claws that only met air. Nurse Joy had already stuck his rear and pulled away fully expecting and anticipating all his actions.  She humped and shook her head leaving him standing there as she went and looked in on other pokemon. Tavi was straining to stay alert and standing twenty minutes later, growling occasionally when he saw the Chansey come close.
   
He wasn't even able to offer more than a feeble protest when the nurse came back. She started by rubbing him down with damp towels speaking softly.  “You know you're not even half as dirty as when you came in.  Full of soot, ash, and grime while rasping air though your mouth.”  The nurse continued grooming with brushes and combs.  Somewhere in the middle of it all he allowed the soothing strokes of the brush and the soft rhythm of words to lull him to sleep.
   
It was almost evening and all the rangers were outside in the back bundled up against the cold when Tavi woke. They had just finished with a training exercise when the door slammed open allowing the Flareon out into the yard. The door had been no problem for him since it was a lever handle instead of a knob, although he had to shove it open to counter the wind that had blown against it. In less than a minute he was assaulted by half a dozen pokemon all trying to be friendly and inquire how he was doing. The Flareon had slowly been backed to the wall before a human called out. “Super Sonic.. and stop.”
   
The Golbat's attack lasted only a few seconds but had every pokemon trying to quickly cover their ears from the blast of sound.  “Now everyone back away. In fact each of you go back to your partners.” They all obeyed instantly scampering to stand with their humans.

Tavi took a breath before shaking his mane and tail. It had been quite a while since he felt so clean and glossy.  If it wasn't for the fact he always felt foolish doing it Tavi might have even pranced forward to show off.  He did step forward though out of the buildings shelter and stood a few feet in front of the human who had spoken. “Flareon it is nice to finally meet you. Everyone was very impressed with how hard you fought against the fire.  As the head of this ranger training center I would like to thank you.” The man spoke.

Tavi considered very carefully, he no longer had a trainer to accept thanks or compliments and he wanted to be able to do that himself now.  The Flareon stood up on hind paws and carefully walked the few feet forward offering a paw at the human.  More than a little shocked the human took the paw and carefully shook it. “My name is Lenard by the way and, Thank you Flareon.”

He nodded and pulled his paw away shuffling back to sit down.  He was still wary, but perhaps, he could call a truce with humans who were rangers. “Well I want to ask now. Flareon are you sure you won't join with the rangers. We could use a special pokemon like yourself.”  The flame pokemon was already shaking his head before the man was even half way through. More might have been spoken if his stomach hadn't chose that time to gurgle.

“Ape ookaa/ I got it.”  Handy said jumping forward.  “Paa/Follow me.”  The Aipom lead Tavi to a large shed on the far side of the building showing him five dispensers that lined one wall.  “You'll like this one.” Handy said pressing both paws against a button allowing poke-chow to rain down into a cup. Tavi took a few sniffs before eating, it wasn't the soft flavorful food they had offered him before but it did taste good and crunched nicely without a hint of the stale dryness that he had always tasted before.
   
By the time he finished eating everyone had moved back inside. The door was slightly more tricky this time because he had to push down on the lever down and pull at the same time.  He started creeping back through the common room when the door blew shut with a bang causing everyone to stop and look at him.  Tavi was nervous with all the eyes and attention and still worried they might do something as he kept his tail and head low and nearly crawled across the floor to the blanket they had placed in the corner.

As if to answer his question or actions Mary had stood up and crossed the room squatting down a few feet away.  “Nurse Joy said you healed well, she was a little worried the first two days when you didn't wake up, but she says your almost healed now.  One more day of rest and then you can leave.  Just remember,” she said after a pause, “You can come back here any time.”  He was sure he would never come back, but as long as he saw no pokeballs he would trust them one more day.
   
It was again raining the next morning so the Flareon spent the time trying to learn more about what the rangers do.  Each of the pokemon he talked to were excited to tell him what they did and how they helped out in the hope that he would join their group.  Tavi had met several pokemon in the past who claimed their trainer was awesome and great. He had even seen some who seemed to love their trainers and the humans seem to love them back but he had always assumed it was some kind of act.  What he knew was what he had seen, friendship and caring meant nothing.  In battle pokemon were used, beaten up, and ripped apart till there was no more to call out.  The only time a human showed much emotion was crying in defeat as they left the arena.  They didn't care about their pokemon, if they did then they wouldn't keep urging them on to attack when they could barely stand up.

Tavi thought back to Slip wondering if the Butterfree wasn't more the norm for most pokemon. Eager and willing to please to the point of stupidity. “You shouldn't think that.”  Snubbull told him later after in the afternoon when he had gone outside to speak with her and a Turtwig named Rocky.  “Most humans are friendly and don't even have pokemon.”  Rocky put in, “True some are mean but most are nice.” he added.  They spent several moments in silence in the wet grass when Handy burst out the back door calling.

“Hurry Flareon we gotta leave.”  The Aipom had raced across to a gate built into the fence. “No no dang they locked it.” The three had moved towards Handy sensing his agitation. At the same time they could hear louder voices and people coming outside.

“..n't matter. He could be a dangerous pokemon causing a lot of trouble if we allowed you to let him go.”  The pokemon had picked up the conversation as two uniformed officers plus an Officer Jenny marched outside. They were followed by three rangers and a Growlithe who ran up to stand next to Jenny and Nurse Joy who came last.

“Listen you have to wait for Lenard. The ranger HQ has already made a decision.”  One of the rangers spoke.

“They can make all the decisions they want, this pokemon has already proven itself viscous and dangerous. We will take it in to custody.”

The Growlithe chose this time to step forward. “Ooorowww Grrowwlth/You are under arrest.”  It barked.  “Growlithe NO! Stand down.” Jenny ordered.  “Ooorowww Grrowwlth/You are under arrest.” It barked again jumping forward wagging its tail. The officer groaned at her new pokemon, the pup was young, eager, and rarely listened.
   
Tavi had had enough of this, there was no way he was going to let officers or anyone else take him. He studied the gate behind him ignoring the Growlithe as it barked again.  He stopped for a moment turning back hearing his name called. “Tavi.”  The officer spoke again watching as he twitched and stepped back. “I'd say that confirms it wouldn't you Nurse Joy. You boys go and grab the crate.”  She pointed to the two other officers.
   
Tavi had been growling lowly at the Growlithe ever since it had stepped forward again but when she said crate he lost it.  With a roar he let out a Flame thrower over the head of the other canine and barely over the head of Jenny causing the hat she wore to smoke slightly and almost catch fire. The other pokemon had jumped back feeling the heat rise in waves off the Flareon as its eyes turned red with their own heat.  A single look full of fury had the Growlithe whining tail tucked and dashing to hide behind officer Jenny's legs.  “Tavi here, run.”  The Aipom had called out rattling the gate behind him.
   
He turned and charged the gate with Take down. The metal was no obstacle as the fire pokemon plowed though bending both the top hinge and latch while snapping the bottom hinge in two. The gate hung nearly bent in on itself as the Flareon picked itself up and charged out into the open with Handy in hot pursuit.

The Aipom twice had to use agility speeding up to keep up with the Flareon as it fled.  Handy finally twisted using swift throwing out energy stars that flew by the fire pokemon causing it to spin and growl.  “Finally.” the Aipom huffed dropping to his butt.  “We have to go that way.”  He huffed out pointing with a paw.  Tavi searched in the direction it was pointing in, it was actually going back slightly to a hill rise and a road which had trees and bush lining both sides. The Flareon only shook his head before turning back. “Wait! Mary will be there.”

“A human? Never!”  He barked.

“Yes a human.” The Aipom stood up and stepped forward yelling. “She has done everything she could to help you ever since she asked for you help.  She gave you food and helped you get better.  She even told me to try and get you out of the yard.”  Tavi sat down watching the suddenly irate monkey. It wasn't that she was a bad human but he just couldn't decide if he could really trust one.  Handy could see that Flareon was considering. “If she was a pokemon would you come?”
   
That was easy if a pokemon had helped him, healed him, and fed him he would of course want to thank them even say goodbye before he left.  Although he really hadn't actually said goodbye to Leafeon they had parted ways well.  “All right.” He said stepping forward watching the Aipom bounce happily back and forth on its feet.
   
“Tavi right?”  Handy asked as they started back, “You okay? I mean with those officers back there and running off.”

He thought back to his last pokemon match and all the other times he had seriously injured another pokemon. “Maybe they should lock me up. I am a killer.” He spoke quietly.

Aipom stopped staring at the other pokemon.  “You killed someone?” None of that had been mentioned in the report that he and Mary had ease dropped on. As they walked Tavi explained how his last match ended.  Even to Handy's protests he kept explaining how dangerous he was and how he figured it was only a matter of time before he really did kill someone.  The Aipom tried to explain that battles were not like real life, while Tavi told him it wouldn't matter because he could kill, he was capable of it.

Handy shook his head, “You stopped. Why?”

“Because I was ordered to.” Tavi quickly replied.
   
“So then does that mean you have control or that you don't have control. Did your trainer stop you with words or did you stop because that was the order.  You attacked because it was an order, you stopped because it was an order.  You have control whether you realize it or not otherwise you would have already killed someone because you couldn't control yourself.  It's in YOU Tavi not in your trainer or anyone else.”  Handy told him.  He let the Flareon consider what had been said before adding. “And the police have no right to cage you unless you do something, otherwise they could lock up all the higher evolutions and legendaries.  Being powerful does not mean your dangerous as long as you have control.”
   
Tavi spent the next few minutes considering those words as the two crawled into the bushes to hide keeping hidden from the occasional passing car on the road. He was about to ask a question when the Aipom's ears perked up hearing a louder sounding vehicle coming closer. Both pokemon were quiet as breaks sounded and the gravel on the roadside crunched as wheels drove off the road. “I'll check.” Handy said, he wasn't even half way out of the bush when a door slammed and a female voice called out for Handy.
   
Tavi cautiously peered out seeing Mary set her simian down on the hood of the pickup. “Is he here?” She asked her partner scanning the trees and bushes. The Flareon slowly emerged and saw the human squat down and the Aipom jump down next to her. “Tavi, is that your name?” “Flare.” He answered nodding his head.  “The police want to take you back and use you as evidence against your trainer Daniel, and they say there is proof that you are dangerous. They evidently have several theft charges against him involving you, plus some other rather disturbing ones as well.” He growled and snorted at the humans words.
   
“Listen the rangers are already speaking with the authorities and the courts. It's not often we work for a single pokemon but we have our own proof that if your left alone you wont cause trouble. Also if you want the offer still stands, you can come back and be a partner with a ranger.” Mary watched as the Flareon shook his head. It was frustrating seeing a pokemon with  obviously distrusted to humans all because of one horrible trainer.  The Flareon was a strong pokemon who could be an excellent partner for anyone with what seemed to be excellent skills as well.
   
“Can I give you a ride? Tavi I can take you back to where the fire was.” She offered.  He shook his head again closing his eyes trying to call forth the feelings that had been guiding him so far.  His eyes flashed open in shock as he felt a human hand on his head.  So many times in the past he had been pet, cuddled, even picked up on occasion as people cooed and drooled over the pint sized Flareon. So many parts of him wanted to back away growling but there was a solid stern voice telling him to stay put and allow her this. Besides she was scratching behind his ear in just the right way as he just tilted his head a little towards the hand.

After a moment she finally pulled back and stood up. “This road leads to the fire. It takes about an hours drive to get close because the road winds and turns.” She told him pointing with a finger.  “Just remember Tavi, the rangers know you now and you can bet if you need help they would be more than willing to. You do look quite handsome you know that.”  She complimented him. Tavi gave a little shake still feeling the cleanness and gloss of his coat even though he had gone tearing though the grass, brush and weeds.  He stepped back and closed his eyes again sensing in a way where the fire had been off in the distance and the nearer closer voice that was guiding him.
   
“Aree eon/ Thank you.” He told Mary as he opened his eyes. They stared for a few seconds before he turned back to the bushes. “Bye Tavi, stay safe.” She called as he pushed his way back out into the open fields.

It took more than two months of traveling for him to get back towards an area that he knew for sure was one of the first places outside where Daniel had begun training and torturing his new Flareon. Tavi had spent almost as much time sheltering from the harsh rains and the few days of heavy snow as he did traveling just to get this far. He had no clue where the house was where he had spent time as an Eevee and certainly wasn't interesting in finding it. He tried not to remember all the pain he had felt from the attacks of Daniel's Geodude, Stone if he remembered the name right. The scorch marks of the area had long faded but the connection he felt let Tavi with no doubt where he was. Following his instincts again he headed off towards a mountain that was nothing more than a haze of a peak far on the horizon. There needed to be a forest or someplace with lots of trees he thought as he stared forward.

By the time night set in the Flareon was in the lee of a rock that only half protected his body. He was thoroughly soaked by the rain clouds that had rolled in the late after noon it wasn't long before the area and the Flareon were drenched.  He tried to tuck himself even closer to the rock keeping his body warm from the inside fire even though part of his body was still pelted by rain.
   
Tavi finally got up in the middle of the night still tired and unrested. The rain had stopped a while back and there was just enough moonlight coming through the clouds to leave a black shadowed landscape for him to stumble through, moving forward more by action than thought.  A while before dawn he was forced to stop, he had just tumbled down a short steep slope which had fully woken him up from his near sleep walking movements.  He realized that just a few feet from where he was standing there was a darker hole in the hillside that was more than twice his size.  The flame pokemon stepped closer sniffing deeply but even though he could smell multiple jumbled mixed pokemon scents he was unable to pick out anything recent due to the rain that had swept away any strong odors.
   
“Come inside or leave. You already woke most of us up.”  A female voice.  Although he was awake now his body still felt exhausted as he accepted the offer and stepped inside. Trusting that  meant that they wouldn't mind another body he moved to the wall just inside and laid down. Even with the strangeness of the place and the fact his body was still reeling slightly from his tumble down the hill he swiftly fell asleep with no trouble a moment later.

It was well past morning on a sunny bright and even somewhat warm day when the Flareon nose twitched smelling the nuts and roots that had been placed in front of his muzzle. In seconds he had eaten what was offered, stretched out, and was looking over the area around the cave before he finally saw some sign of his hosts. Two Sentret were walking back to the den along with a small Rattata and behind the three was a Furret obviously watching over the group. A side thought hit the Flareon as he realized that there seemed to be new grass and plants were growing up from under the dead weed and grass that covered the ground. He took in a deep breath finding that there was definitely the scent of growth in the air, winter was over or nearly over.
   
“Well you look better now.” The female Furret spoke when they got close catching his attention.
   
“Thank you.” Tavi answered back seeing the Rattata suddenly flee behind the female while she continued.
   
“You can stay one more night if you need to but I want you to move on like the others. I don't want you staying here and bringing the humans with you.” She told him.
   
“Humans?” He asked puzzled. Seeing his look the female turned to he young ones. “Go along and play see if you can find the other two and come back in a bit.” She told them.
   
“Hey I'll race you.” One of the Sentret call to the others running off with the other scout quickly on its tail. The Rattata had stayed behind hiding behind the large fluffy tail until the female moved aside and tried to shoo the mouse off. It took one look at Tavi before squealing and scurrying off after the other two.
   
With in moments the young ones were out of ear shot and Furret asked, “Where are you from?” as she walked by the Flareon and into the den. He followed wondering how to answer.
   
“I am heading home. I've been gone a long time.” In the light of day Tavi was able to see the den quite well. The front area was wide and taller than he was but the ceiling quickly dropped down before it evened out creating a very small but wide space in the back that the Furret could easily squeeze into but would be hard for someone Tavi's size.
   
“The little ones stay there, if they no longer fit they have to leave.” She stated seeing him stare. “Where are you headed then?” she continued with her questions.
   
He looked back outside, “To the mountains for now, I am looking for a forest.” He didn't see the twisting snarl of her mouth but he did hear her.
   
“Forget IT! You would be a fool going there.” He was surprised by the vehemence of her voice and listened carefully as she explained. For over a year humans had been hunting that area and she had left soon after it all started when her mate had disappeared. All over the mountain the humans drove their trucks in and captured anything that moved. Many had fled since passing though the Furret's new area she allowed them to stay for a few nights then had them leave. The only ones she let say were the smaller pokemon cubs and young ones who had somehow wandered half starved out on to the grasslands looking to find lost parents. “Very few pokemon are left, if there are any left. You should stay away there are no homes there now.”
   
Tavi had carefully listened to her story mind discounting human problems while it latched on to the facts he chose to hear and asking a question. “You said there is a forest there? Could you tell me where exactly? Would there be an Eevee family there?” Somewhere near the middle of their talk he ad turned and sat at the entrance looking in the direction of the mountain. He guessed it might just be a few days away maybe even less.
   
The female ran around the Flareon to watch him still staring off in the distance. “Get out! GO! The cubs will be back soon and I don't want you here.” Tavi stood up and walked away with out a word or a look back. All he could see in his mind were flashes of his dreams and a long lost echo of belonging to a family.

He traveled on light feet covering long stretches of ground hardly feeling tired or hungry, when he did rest it seemed his short dreams were consumed with him traveling forward getting nearer to his destination. By the second day he could see the landscape change to small rolling hills and large oak trees that seemed ready to burst with new growth. Tavi had never before felt so alive and free than on that day. It almost felt like he flew when he charged down a hill or that he was heading into the sky as he ran up the next slope. By the time late afternoon came and the trees were finally growing together in close groups with more variation he finally had to rest and eat.
   
The Flareon crawled between two bushes which still sported a few dried wrinkly berries which he picked off as he rested. After an hour of listening to the wind blow through the trees and the occasional insect noise he finally felt like he had enough energy to move forward. The wind had become chilly and night was coming soon so he decided to spend his time searching for a place to spend the night so he would be up early and ready in the morning.

Nearly right away he found a path leading into a bunch of dense brush and in the middle a well constructed den complete with woven sticks, leaves, and feathers with moss on the floor all cozy and homey.  He quickly backed out feeling uneasy for the first time and just a hint of worry.  Before dark he had found over a dozen more sleeping places or dens, some obviously had recent owners while other could have been easily fixed into a very livable space.  He had also found several caches of food or storage holes, two of them still fully stocked. That was the biggest glaring wrong for Tavi, plentiful food near the end of winter. He ate some of what he found while he thought 'Could there really be no pokemon left?'  The Flareon curled into a den that was dug out around the roots of a trio of pine trees. It was rather open but he wanted to be able to listen and make sure he wasn't caught unaware in case something came out in the night.
   
It was two days before he finally saw another pokemon, well not saw but heard.  Tavi ha spent most of the morning slightly soaked from the rain that had started falling the night before. He tried staying where the trees grew closer together trapping more of the rain water that fell but there still was enough that made it through to soak the ground.
   
“Well I've never seen you before.” A voice called out to Tavi. He looked around at the trees, “What?”
   
“What do you mean  your ears to drenched to hear? Well at least they can catch you and leave the rest of us alone.” The voice told him.
   
The Flareon tried studying the trees higher up where he heard the voice come from. “Are there still pokemon here?..... Are there Eevees here?....... Hello?” Tavi tried for several minutes before he gave up and moved on. Obviously who ever it was wanted to stay hidden and was not going to give out any information. He continued searching now deeper in the woods where the steeper slopes started that would be the start of the mountain base.  He did hear the occasional swish of brush or scuffle in the undergrowth, creatures that stayed hidden at all costs from any life form.
   
He was saddened still finding empty nests and dens in a place which should be readying itself for the new spring. On top of it all his dreams at night were becoming more real in his mind pushing his body forward in the daytime to inspect every place he could see often backtracking to make sure he didn't somehow miss the home that filled his nights.
   
He awoke the next morning with a decision and new determination. Tavi knew what he was looking for, an overgrown cliff with a tree that formed a den at the base. There would be a nice little clearing in front with high berry bush and brambles encircling it. With out a doubt he knew it was here somewhere all he needed was someone to help him find it. It didn't matter who he found but he was going to find someone and get some help or answers.
   
“Oh good you're still here.”  The same voice called out from the trees just as Tavi started out. “It's warm and the humans have been gone for several days. Why don't you do us all a favor and get caught.”
   
“No human will ever catch me again.” He called back. “Any who try will be sorry.”
   
“We'll see.” The voice said.  Tavi kept his ears swiveling if the creature had moved off he couldn't tell where it went and if it hadn't left it was far to still and quiet for the Flareon to pinpoint.

He began his wandering again this time paying extra attention to the possible noises of another pokemon. When he did hear something he crouched down and slowly crept forward. Ahead of him he could hear part of a quiet conversation and a great deal of rustling and thumping as he got closer.

“And THAT... and that.... You too.” Each phrase was accompanied by a soft thump. He was able to sneak forward far enough to see a movement of brown as it bounced off a tree trunk ahead of him.
   
Tavi's first thought when he realized it was an Eevee was to rush out and confront it. Instead he watched it practice as he stayed hidden worried that it might run off frightened. He waited for several minutes as it pounced on a small log before it ran over bouncing off the tree by ramming a shoulder against its trunk, but not very hard.  After a bit more running around and pouncing the Eevee collapsed stumbling onto its side. “See big sis. I can too take care of myself!” He called out.
   
Tavi spun half around searching the area for another pokemon. “Sis?” he heard the Eevee call again. By the time Tavi had turned back the Eevee was already leaving the small area.  Carefully he tracked it realizing that the Eevee must be full grown since it seemed to be nearly as big as he was. He stayed back as far as he dared and stayed as quiet as he could while following the other. A quick glance ahead and Tavi realized the Eevee had disappeared.  He crept slowly forward nose near the ground sniffing out ahead of him searching down the other's scent.  Around another tree he saw a line of bushes that had a small break and he could hear a slight movement inside.
   
Tavi waited several minutes but if the Eevee was hiding it was doing a miserable job. He could hear scrabbling noises along with an occasional growl or grunt.  The Flareon was beginning to wonder if the Eevee wasn't doing some different kind of practice with all the movement.  Being careful and cautious he moved forward till he was at the opening to the bushes where he bent down and peaked inside. He waited seeing nothing at first even while his ears now picked out a sucking sound. There couldn't be another pokemon inside was there he thought while taking a deep slow sniff. Just then a he heard a slurping pop and a brown fluffy tail and rear dropped in to view.
   
The Flareon was far to curious to stop himself from crouching down and entering the bush. Inside was a area just large enough for three pokemon his size to lay down together. Besides the two bushes he had squeezed through there was a mass of leaves and sticks that formed a nest that was oblong in shape and open to the canopy above. Tavi looked over the Eevee, it definitely was no cub but a full grown male in every way as it laid panting on its back.  The Flareon couldn't help but give a little chuckle as he realized what sort of practice was actually happening here.
   
“SIS!!” The Eevee flopped over hiding himself from the entrance only to stare shocked seeing that was not who had walked in on him.  Tavi sat down smiling it had been weeks since he had last enjoyed himself in a small hollow that had been hidden by snow. He felt a rush of anticipation as his own member responded to the site before him and his own memories. The Eevee lowered its ears and face trying to scoot further away while still keeping its hind legs locked together to hide its shaft.
   
Tavi's mind was racing with possibilities, not of mating but instead he wondered what other things he might learn and if the other was willing to show and teach him.  He dropped to his side spreading his legs showing his sheath that had just a bit more than a peaking tip.  The Eevee watched stunned as Tavi leaned in placing gentle licks working his way down the fur on his sheath, lapping gently on his nuts before finally stopping exposing his half arousal to the other pokemon.

“You can't... It's.. you.” The Eevee tried speaking quietly before his nose twitched a few times picking out the light male musk that came with the few beads of pre that leaked out of Tavi. He figured to return the favor leaning forward to almost touch the Eevee while breathing in the smell that had already started saturating the area.
   
“Can I see?”  He asked quietly.  The Eevee still seemed a little too stunned to truly respond even when Tavi stood up and moved above the other. Remembering everything Leafeon taught him along with the few things he had figured out on his own the Flareon placed one paw over the Eevee and gently started licking down its chest and nosing between its back legs. He got the legs to separate but not much, at least not until he placed the first few soft caresses with his tongue against the still semi firm member. By the time Tavi finally drew the first few inches into his muzzle the other had rolled onto its back and spread out its legs.
   
He kept at it drawing in nearly the whole thing before backing off allowing the now re-firmed shaft to slip from his muzzle. Although he had gotten used to the taste of his own seed the other male definitely left a much different taste in his mouth. “You taste good.”  He said trying to compliment the Eevee in the hopes that the other would be willing to return the favor.  The Flareon turned so that he could now stare at the Eevee below him.  As the two simply look at each other Tavi finally broke the silence and asked, “Is is okay if I continue?”  He wanted to be sure he wasn't forcing the Eevee in some way.  Tavi closed his eyes suddenly trying to block out all the times Daniel had forced him along with the shameful feelings and in doing so totally missed the energetic nod from the Eevee.
   
It wasn't until the paw touched his cheek that the Flareon opened its eyes staring into the face of the Eevee. He could see the excitement and the nod that begged him to continue.  He grinned himself realizing exactly what Leafeon meant when she told him it was different when someone wanted/offered to do this.  He moved so he fully stood over the brown pokemon before he began attacking the small shaft with lick.  Knowing inside that he would be able to give such good pleasurable feeling to someone else had Tavi excited in a whole new way as he began drawing in the shaft again swirling the tongue against the tip that was just inside his mouth.
   
While Tavi drew in all the way to the sheath he used his paw and mouth to try and press it back even further to allow the small bulb that would grow into a knot to come free. Just when he was about to pull in the last bit he felt the Eevee shift pushing his hips forward against his muzzle. A few seconds later he felt a moist wetness suddenly start against his own throbbing member. The Flareon had to let go and look back as he realized the Eevee was bending to it could both reach his member and push its own forward for easier reach.
   
Before Tavi even had a thought of going back the other suddenly squeezed with its mouth with just a hint of teeth. Shocked he stood still while the Eevee began suckling and squeezing the shaft in its mouth slowly drawing in more and squeezing harder but still only gently grazing with its teeth. The Flareon couldn't help the strong hump that caused his shaft to be thrust free of the Eevees mouth. The older pokemon pulled away panting and looking back at the Eevee who seemed to be grinning with a smirk of understanding.
   
With out a word the Flareon laid down and the two scooted together as close as possible each with a head between the hind legs of the other. When they started again Tavi worked hard using both his paws and mouth to stimulate while the Eevee went back to its special sucking/chewing motion.  Realizing he could offer more he sucked hard till his inside cheeks were pressed to the shaft and turned his head back and forth as best he could. The motion had stalled the Eevee who moaned out around the shaft in its mouth with the new treatment. Tavi tried gasping as the vibration of the moan sent a shiver of pleasure though his cock and up his spine.
   
From then on it was a small battle each trying to out do the other while not stopping by what ever treatment was offered. The Flareon retaliated with pulling off and rubbing hard with a paw before sucking down. The Eevee next with a gentle knot massage, Tavi with a tickle to the Eevees ball sac which caused it to cry out and thrust hard into the Flareon.
   
“What.. oh I can't... I …. I...” The Eevee was humping recklessly and Tavi couldn't keep the member in its mouth. The Flareon quickly spun around almost laying on top of the Eevee as he reached down to finish off his partner while thrusting against the Eevees leg keeping his own near peak close. He heard the Eevee cry in pleasure as he felt a glob of something land on his nose. Panting he reached his own knot and squeezed hard and with the next thrust groaned out as his seed shot out over the Eevee.

Tavi started licking up the mess on his nose as he cuddled close with the Eevee even as his member still shot out short jets of seed across the others stomach.  He could still feel the Eevees hindquarters jerk sporadically and a occasional feeling of warmth wetness that landed on his leg or chest. The two sat panting, riding out their orgasm and wondered what was going to come next. By the time Eevee could speak again he was splattered with  and was trying to figure out why the Flareon was licking him.
   
“What, what happened?” He asked the fire pokemon.
   
“You don't know?” Tavi asked surprised. “Haven't you done this before?”
   
“Never like that!” The Eevee responded. “I usually stop, or sis shows up.” Sudden realization prompted the next question. “We can do That AGAIN?”
   
Tavi laughed as he began truly cleaning up the other rather than just randomly licking. He explained all he could about what had happened and more importantly why. He touched on mating but didn't go into any detail as he allowed the Eevee to clean up the mess on his own body. By the time the two laid down next to each other again Eevee was exhausted and fell asleep cuddling next to the fire pokemon. Tavi wondered who this pokemon was, it was obviously not one of his siblings they would be far older now and he thought that maybe they had evolved by now too.  That was if they were still here, he took one moment to consider that fact before pushing it away, he couldn't have come all this way for nothing they had to be here somewhere.  At least when the Eevee woke up he would be able to get more information on who was still around and if there were any more Eevees or evolutions about whom he could talk with.

Feeling hungry Tavi wiggled away from the sleeping Eevee and stood with a long shake. He would find something to eat and come back later, even if the other pokemon left he was sure he could probably track it. With both his own smell and the Eevee's strong smell he should be able to find the other again if it decided to leave.

Chapter 3: Mind (part b)

Tavi could hear the wind blow through the trees overhead wondering it there might be more rain soon, still the warm day had felt good, plus the attention the Eevee had given him had been way better than he imagined.  He would definitely have to try to copy the suckling embrace he had just felt.  After a good shake the Flareon had exited the bushes wondering how long the Eevee would be out.  At least he could attend to the hunger he felt since he no longer felt the zapping exhaustion like the first few times he had cum.  All he had to do now was rest for a few moments and he was ready to go.
     
He slowly wondered back the way he came to where the Eevee had been practicing and wondered which direction he should head.  He could only assume that the Eevee wasn't to far from home with its own little training area and hiding spot.  'Later,' he thought, 'Food first then I'll look around.'

Before he took two steps there was a rustle of brush. Turning Tavi had no time to react at the Shadow ball that just tagged his back and shoulder knocking him sideways to the ground. Years of battles had him roll back to his feet unleashing a Flame thrower making a sweeping pass over the area where the attack had come. The extra moisture on the ground and new growth made sure his attack did nothing more than curl the vegetation and leave exposed branches and twigs smoking for a few seconds.
     
He could hear the growl even as the Umbreon lept over the brush and crouched before the Flareon ready to attack. “Where is he?”  The demand came between the constant growl. Tavi crept slightly to the side watching as the Umbreon barked at him and took a step forward. He waited and dodged as the black form leaped trying to land on his back. As the fire pokemon spun he smacked the Umbreon hard on the head with a paw before hopping backwards.
     
He didn't use slash or even his claws hoping the other would understand that he was uninterested in battling. The Umbreon crouched down again with a snarl and kept growling. “Where is Eevee?”
     
Tavi couldn't help smiling as he sat down suddenly filled with a good feeling again. She could attack if she wanted but now that he had been  by big sis he just grinned.  “He's fine. Back in his little hiding spot over that way.” Tavi waved his tail off behind him.
     
“Stupid FOOL!! There are humans.”  She charged forward deliberately plowing through the fire pokemon as she charged off to find her brother.  He picked himself up wondering what exactly was so bad about these humans.  They were all more or less bad in his book but how bad could a few humans really be.
     
He continued his search looking for home, pokemon, or even humans who he could teach a lesson to but found nothing that afternoon.  After finding a rather sizable food store he ate a little more than he should have.  Feeling weighed down and nearly in pain he decided that maybe he should go to sleep early that evening and go back to look for the Eevee in the morning.

The morning found him shaking a light dribble of water off his fur from the misty rain that had fallen overnight. The morning light was muted by a mist that hung among the trees.  Chewing down a little more of the food he had found the night before his meal was interrupted by a voice that again echoed from the trees.  “Imagine that the new comer is fine, yet one of the best protected is gone.”
     
Tavi stopped eating and stared out at the trees.  “Who is gone and why won't you answer me? You always run off after you speak so why speak at all?”  He sighed after a moment and went back to eating.  Who ever the disturbed pokemon was he was gong to start ignoring them from now on.
     
“The Eevee is gone the last one we had.  Pretty soon I'll be the only one left.” The food went to ashes in Tavi's mouth as his stomach flipped over and sank several inches.

“Where..”  He had to stop unable for a moment to make words come out he tightened throat.  “Where was the Umbreon? Was she taken too?” He stared skyward waiting for the answer. “DAMN YOU!! Where the hell is she?!! Tell me what's going on!”  Tavi scanned the branches, he had dismissed using a Flame thrower but wondered if he couldn't knock on one of the trunks to make a point. He turned and fled following his trail back to the spot where he had left the Eevee only to see part of the bush yanked back widening the gap. He had to search the area before he finally found the Umbreon's scent which lead away from the area and up to a creek where he lost her trail.

He was still searching and was farther up the creek when an odd velvety scent wafted across his nose. It brought with it a wave of comfort and emotions as he inhaled deeply.  Tavi track it back to a creeping vine that was wrapped around the base of a tree.  Dozens of tiny purple flowers were just opening and offering up the light scent. With out understanding why he was driven to find more of the flowers following is nose from one patch to another each time feeling his heart jump when he found the next bunch.
     
With out realizing it he was standing at a wall of them twined around and encircling all the brush before him. Something with in him suddenly shouted out “HERE! Right HERE!”  There was still a light scent of water and he could sense the ground rise beyond the barrier as shadows, scents, and images burst into his mind.

“You can't do this to me.” A voice wailed from behind the bushes. “Please just eat.” The light choking sobs were evidently not enough to hide Tavi's questing head and scrabbling feet that searched for an entrance. When he did find what seemed to be the way in a black mass shot out colliding with him and rolling them both over.  Tavi did nothing as the Umbreon scrambled up and used bite digging her teeth into his front shoulder and back. The pain for him was simply a flash of discomfort as he smiled up at the Umbreon.
     
“Hello Sister.” He spoke softly.
     
The female let go screaming “YOUR FAULT!” before she transferred her fangs from his shoulder to his neck squeezing. Even though she hadn't broken the skin Tavi realized he was fine with this, he had made it to the end of his journey found his home and if he died right here, that was okay.
     
He pulled in enough breath to speak out when her growling quieted, “Are Mom and Dad still here?” He could feel the jaws close tighter squeezing down and pinching off his air supply. “Sis.” he squeezed out with the last of his breath.
     
Just like that the pressure was gone. By the time Tavi had gulped down a few good breaths and looked around she was gone. He followed through the tunnel in the bushes as soon as he regained his feet.  At first glance he noticed everything seemed smaller, the steep overgrown hill seemed nothing like the cliff in his dreams, and the clearing was barely larger than a jump and a half across. At least the tree and overhang seemed large enough to fit an entire family but at the moment was only occupied by a Leafeon and the Umbreon that was nuzzling its shoulder.
     
Tavi took a step forward before the female stepped in front of the Leafeon growling. “Let them take me.” A quiet but definitely male voice rose from the ground.
     
“Dad?”  Tavi asked quietly while crouching down pressing the ground trying to appease the Umbreon.
     
“What?” The Leafeon said confused raising its head looking out.
     
“It's not Jolteon. I don't know who you are but LEAVE!” She barked.  Tavi crawled forward on his belly trying to get closer as the Umbreon began growling again.
     
“No not Jolteon. Eevee. I was taken long ago. You had two brothers Umbreon do you remember me?” Tavi asked hoping that somehow she would.
     
She stepped forward full snarl with teeth showing. “Get out. I only had one brother left, and thanks to you he's gone now!” Suddenly Tavi saw both pokemon look beyond the bushes listening to an odd shrill cry.
     
It was like a huge sign Tavi could see when the Umbreon raised her head and looking away, ignoring the Flareon, Attack Here.  Even as his body moved he thought it might be better this way as his head flew upwards connecting under her chin. She stumbled away collapsing, stunned as Tavi stepped over to the Leafeon. “Please, please Dad.”  He spoke as the other turned its attention back. “Please tell me you remember me.”
     
He stared at the Flareon for a moment before answering. “I see you, my youngest pup of the three, the one who vanished.” Tavi could actually feel the forgotten bond of family reattach, he suddenly felt light hearted and what he realized was giddiness as he pranced a few steps in front of his father.
     
“Another stupid fool who returns. You should never have come back. GO AWAY, I don't want you here.”  The male jumped forward clacking his teeth right at the edge of Tavi's nose. Whether it was something parental punishment remembered from long ago or the Leafeon's words Tavi felt his legs give out and he hit the ground hard. The added insult of the flat green tail slapping his head as his father left kept him to stunned to respond. His mind continually spun running thought events that lead him here before they came to a screeching halt with the echo of his fathers words. A few seconds later his mind would jump start again running a different set of memories all leading up to the point where he was told he was unwanted. Unwanted. That was what he was, no one ever wanted him. Screwed up, messed up, near killer.
     
It took several hard cuffs before the Umbreon could get Tavi to respond. “Where is he?”  The Flareon still looked dazed. With claws out she slapped him across the muzzle tearing through the skin. “Idiot!! The humans are here again! Where did he go??” He looked towards the entrance and she backed away tearing out the tunnel.
     
Tavi followed shortly after licking his cut lip and cleaning the blood off his shoulder before rubbing the side of his paw across his nose. She had already disappeared and he wondered if he should try to help or follow. “So we'll lose two more and still the new guy stays safe.” The voice called almost seeming to mock him from the trees.
     
“How do you know.” Tavi called out. “I don't see or hear any humans.”
     
“They always start at the bottom and work up. The old grass one is headed right for them and she is charging along behind.” Tavi sat down trying to think fast.
     
“Which way?” He called out. After a moment of silence he screamed out. “I'll burn down all of your trees if you don't answer NOW!!” He could see movement finally!  A Rattata hopped out on a branch and walked a few steps out curling its tail around the slightly swaying limb and sat up.  The two stared at each other for nearly a minute before the Rattata asked.
     
“Why do you care? It's not like you can stop them.” Tavi was upset and pissed and now even worried. He wasn't going to lose a family he had just found.  With a burst of speed he charged crashing his shoulder and body into the trunk of the tree. The Rattata had to grab the limb tighter with its tail and grab a hold with all four paws as the tree rocked from the impact.
     
“Tell me which way or I will bring the humans here with fire.” The mouse tried pointing even while it still clung the the swaying branch.
     
It didn't take him long to pass Umbreon as he crashed through the forest uncaring who heard him. He heard her bark out even as he could sense and hear several humans ahead. Tavi ripped through the brush and into a clearing. On one side was a huge beat up round red truck and behind that he could also see a second blue pickup that was in slightly better shape. Around the rest of the clearing he counted five male humans including the two that were just among the trees at the far side. The thing that caught his attention was the one with the long metal stick who was staring at a pokeball that rocked gently on the ground.
     
“Flarreee/Get Away.” He called sprinting forward.  He reached the ball in seconds pawing at the latch and watching as a read light reveled a prone Leafeon. Tavi jammed his paw inside the ball keeping it from closing with claws out he raked across the interior of the ball knowing already that the outside was to hard to be damaged. He only hoped that the inside wasn't the same. His paws and claws flashed as he dug inside the two cups feeling after a few seconds something tear and start to peel away.
     
The Flareon probably would have kept at it if his body wasn't hit with a jolt of electricity that felt like a Thunder attack.  He was shaking his head suddenly realizing that no pokemon didn't mean the humans weren't a serious threat.  He had just enough time to roll away emitting a short burst of fire as the human approached again causing it to drop the pole as it jumped back.
     
Tavi pushed himself to his feet and blew out more fire at the three approaching humans causing them to retreat leaving the pole behind. He continued to growl as they scurried back to the vehicles and grouped back together. By the time he turned back Umbreon was already at their fathers side trying to get him to his paws. He could hear the Leafeon moan out, “My mate is gone, my sons are gone, let me go.”
     
“NEVER!”  He barked back at his father butting hard in to his fathers rear lifting his backside several inches off the ground. “Take him home. I don't care if you have to drag him.” He ordered the Umbreon.
     
“What are you going...”  She stopped feeling a wave of heat coming from the Flareon who had turned and picked up the pole. With another shove Tavi had his father up and stumbling as Umbreon leaned in and guided him away. She kept her eyes locked on the bushes ahead, part of her was actually afraid to look behind because she could hear the foot falls of the Flareon and still feel waves of heat that seem to grow stronger with each step she took.
     
“Tavi stopped when they finally made it to the vegetation. Tossing the pole into the brush he ordered Umbreon to keep going. 'Humans!' The thought was like acid that burned into his mind.  These weren't trainers, certainly not rangers, this was something entirely different and evil.  They came to rip pokemon away from their homes and kept coming back time after time, day after day. Today though they are going back empty handed and if he had his way they were never coming back again.
     
The Flareon walked back towards the humans who where now standing in between the two vehicles. “Flare!!/Leave!!” He barked.  They seemed to move faster one running around to jump inside the lager red truck and start it up.  He was wondering if they were really going to leave until he saw three take several steps out and line up in a row one holding some kind of metal piece with a line attached back to the truck.
     
The engine roared louder and a rattling noise started as Tavi advanced several paces growling and turning his attention to the man who pointed.  He had no clue what happened, he was standing then a  blast that hit him knocked him clean off his paws and pushed him back.  The Flareon realized he was soaked even as he tried to regain his paws leaning against the high powered stream of water.  He almost made it up before the spray moved hitting his leg and sending him splashing down into the water on the ground.  He turned his head down and moved his body till he could feel the blast pounding right between his ears.  Tavi dug in his claws and forced himself upright bracing as the spray moved down his muzzle and hit his legs.
     
The humans moved the nozzle around but now that Tavi was prepared he was able to say upright and prepare for an attack.  He opened his muzzle as soon as he felt the pounding water move back to his legs. He let out the full power of Fire Blast with as much force as he could put behind it. Even though the man with the hose moved the line of water back up the attack was already moving forwards evaporating water as it advanced.  The Flareon took a deep breath and followed with Flame thrower as the energy of the first attack was quickly broken down by the constant pressure that shot out of the hose.
     
Tavi breathed out as long as he could using fire to hold back the water that was aimed at him. Knowing that this was a losing battle he thought out other options when he turned his head down and sucked in air before the water blasted across the top of his head again. He kept his fire as high as he could as he allowed them to continue with the soaking waiting for the attack to either stop or for an opening to appear.

After more than a minute he could feel the pressure lessen and the flow fall back. The entire area was soaked and Tavi was standing in several inches of water. He tried to shake some water out of his saturated fur while the humans jabbered excitedly.  Tavi looked back up in time to see one hurl his arm forward. 'What, really?'  He thought leaping up and smacking the pokeball away, 'Never!'  The Flareon let loose a huge pillar of flame straight into the air releasing just a fraction of the anger that was now rapidly building inside. The water around Tavi began to steam simply from the heat he was now radiating.  As the water blasted towards him again he slid sideways answering with a Fire blast. He lept over the water as they adjusted to deal with the attack all the while advancing forward.
     
Tavi fired again this time charging right through the water almost getting knocked off his feet from the sweeping force that rushed by to deal with the flame attack. All the while he kept pouring anger to his rage boosting his attack until he was ten feet away and literally erupted with fire as they turned the water back to him. He listening to the men scream as the water meet again with his Flame thrower and steam erupted in the area causing them to scramble backwards in pain. Tavi grinned as he stopped the attack when they moved behind the vehicles hearing them moan and curse.

In the pause he took Tavi realized that he was truly in control!  There was anger yes and he could feel the need to destroy and tear but that was all it was now, a feeling, a need.  He let out short bursts of fire each time he saw or felt something shifting behind the truck. The Flareon kept his ears perked back listening to make sure they didn't try and sneak up behind him. It wasn't until there was a loud clang that rocked the vehicle slightly that he came up with a plan.
     
The Flareon gave a snort of pleasure realizing how easy it was now to tap into the power of rage while he kept part of his mind clear. Maybe he was truly in charge like Handy said, or maybe it was the fact he wasn't taking much damage, but either way stepped away from the truck drawing on his boosted attack power and drawing the energies he needed. Fire Spin. He had heard water sloshing inside the vehicle and even though he wasn't sure this would work he needed to remove the water before he could remove the humans.
     
It seemed the humans had been busy with their own plans as Tavi unleashed the attack. The vortex quickly built to ten feet as the man on top of the truck aimed and opened the nozzle. As the bottom tip of his attack danced across the ground turning the standing water to steam the cone was doused with a powerful blast of water. The Flareon poured all he had continuing to add power and heat to the spin of the attack causing it to grow. At first it seemed that the water flowed straight to the heart of the vortex and would simply flatten the fire attack. But as Tavi forced more and more into his flames the water seemed to compress to the center before it erupted into a geyser of steam and super heated water.
     
Tavi could hear agonizing screams as the water began raining down. His own fur and heat resistance helped a great deal but the Flareon still felt spots on his body that were becoming uncomfortably warm and beginning to burn as more water fell and the air temperature rose dozens of degrees as the steam settled on the area. Unhindered now he pushed the vortex forward to its assigned destination.
     
Tavi watched and listened as the metal of the truck groaned from the heat and pressure of the attack. Inside the water tank the temperature rose as the vortex pressed against its side. With a squeal of metal the attack began transferring heat directly to the water boiling it inside the tank and causing the pressure to skyrocket as water turned to steam. The high pitched shriek sounded as the relief valve was thrust open and nearly ripped out of its housing.  As the pressure from his attack lessened Tavi began a barrage blasting at the sides of the tank with multiple Fire blasts causing the metal of he tank to radiate heat and start to pull straining at its seems.
     
With the forth blast, which were hitting the truck like an over sized sledgehammer, the metal reached its limit of integrity. Tavi fled using agility even as he heard the metal scream and tear apart under the pressure. Before he was able to make it to the trees the intense heat of over soaked air washed over him  dragging at his fur and rob him of any breathable air.
     
What seemed to only take minutes to move from the den to the humans took him over an hour on the return trip requiring several rests from the steep climbs and his weary body.  His fur still felt pretty soaked and heavy when he stumbled into his family's small clearing and collapsed.  He was nudged awake a little later by the Umbreon who had left several dried berries in front of his nose.  She sat back down next to the prone Leafeon and both watched him sit up and eat.
     
“What happened to the humans?”  She asked when he finished.
     
“Dead or gone it doesn't matter.”  Even though secretly she was happy she still looked shocked by his off handed remark while her father only looked thoughtful.
     
“You shouldn't be here go home.” Leafeon spoke. Tavi laid down on his paws in the clearing considering his fathers words before he spoke.
     
“I have no home.” For just a second he thought of a different Leafeon and of two Eevee cubs.  “I might have had a home once but..”
     
“There is no home HERE!” Leafeon barked out.  “Just broken remains.”  He finished quietly.
     
“Dad please we will think of something.”
     
“Eevee is GONE! Everyone is Gone!”  Tavi could see the Umbreon flinch and droop her ears with her fathers words.

“I can get Eevee back.” The Flareon spoke realizing just how stupid that sounded after the words left his mouth.  Leafeon could obviously see that as well not even bothering with an answer.
     
“If, if I get Eevee back then could....”  Tavi stopped hearing the Leafeon's growl while it stood up.

“You may stay the night, leave in the morning.” He spoke before retreating further into the den. Tavi sighed laying down on his side, evening was just starting even though he was hurt and tired it seemed like it was going to be a long night.  He closed his eyes but opened them again as he heard paw falls draw close.  Umbreon gave a weak smile and sat down just behind his head.  She used her paws and claws to start grooming his mane trying to fluff up the matted down fur.
     
She kept going asking the Flareon to flip over once so she could complete the other side. By the time she was done with his tail it was nearly dark but Tavi was actually feeling better. “Thank you for saving him.” She spoke.
     
“I had to.”  He answered.  She stood up allowing her tail to rest oh his haunches for a moment. “Will you come inside?” The Umbreon asked.

“I think I should stay out here for now.”  The Umbreon's rings pulsed for just a second in the darkness wanting to argue the fact but she let the fire pokemon be for now.  The dark pokemon stepped away allowing her tail to drag across his fur before she pulled it back and walked away.
     
The female turned back  at the den to see him with his head raised looking at her. “Are you really my brother?”
     
Tavi sat up enough to be comfortable.  “Long ago when we were young you, me, and Eevee used to play here. You used to always hid in that little spot in the bushes and Eevee used to always pull our tails.”  He paused to see if she would speak before he continued.  “I remember so little except what I see in my dreams.  I know you are my sister, whether you remember me or not.”
     
He woke late in the morning. The foggy mist of morning was already starting to clear and it felt like it was going to be a nice warm day. There was a small pile of nuts and dried berries not far from where he lay. First he peaked inside the den, seeing Leafeon near the back but no sigh of his sister.  He ate slowly hoping the female would return soon because he was not going to leave without seeing her.  Tavi waited more than an hour before she came tearing back into the clearing with the same odd scream like cry from the day before. Leafeon who he thought was sleeping the whole time was suddenly up and rubbing against the side of his daughter as she leaned against him.
     
Tavi stood up seeing and sensing the fear which radiated from both.  He was still tire, sore, and slightly injured from the day before but he simply pushed it all aside, “Stay Here.”  He stated and simply walked out.  Unlike yesterdays charge he took his time heading down ignoring the Ratatta's voice from the trees as it called out foolishness and other dire warning.
     
He had to cautiously sneak up to the clearing hearing dozens of humans moving around. The Flareon studied the activity wondering exactly what was going on.  There was one thing that he did see, as he watched the humans work on the red vehicle trying to pull together the ruined metal of the truck tying it down, was the fact there were two pokemon.  One was a Swampert and the second was a Bayleef.  As confident as he was about taking on the pokemon there were so many humans and after yesterday he was very wary.

Tavi watched changing his position every little while to keep from being noticed.  They had backed an even bigger truck with a long flat bed and now seemed to be pulling or pushing the red vehicle on top of the other one.  The Flareon kept tabs on the pokemon at all times and had to keep pulling back avoiding the Swampert which kept patrolling the edge.  The human that followed it around was obviously a trainer with pokeballs at his belt and a rather confident attitude.  As interesting as a battle against the mudfish might be Tavi was not going to take any chances at being caught since he wasn't sure who the Bayleef belonged to.  It seemed to just wander around near the middle watching but the Flareon was sure that the trainer and the grass pokemon had not interacted yet which warned him that there might be someone else who he hadn't spotted yet.

He waited till the humans finally had the broken truck secured and were moving the big truck out of the area wondering if he needed to do anything.  It seemed many of the humans were happy now and only a few were paying any attention to the forest around them. The Bayleef was sitting near the middle and the Swampert was well across the way.  An attack now would be the perfect time if it was needed.
     
As he considered the Swampert let out a cry and dodged into the trees with its trainer close behind. He was trying to change his plans as the humans began gathering together.  “Don't panic!” a voice called out, “Everyone stay calm.”  The Flareon had already abandoned any plans and was trying to circle the area hearing several crashes in the brush. He wanted to make sure they didn't capture anyone else before he sent the humans packing.
     
“Breeooon!”  A cry sounded driving Tavi forward with fear and worry.  He tore into the open racing across rather than slinking in the brush. Ahead the Umbreon and Swampert rolled out with her hind leg caught in the others jaw.  Agility had him across the area in seconds and Take down had the Swampert flying back into the trees before it could fully turn to face him.
     
Tavi shook his head and focused as he stepped over the Umbreon growing as the trainer jumped in to the brush to help his downed pokemon.  “Stay down.” He growled to the female as she tried to stand. He could see the Bayleef stepping forward and readied Flame thrower.
     
“Tavi?”  He heard the female grass pokemon speak.  The Flareon was assaulted by flashes of his past and the last time he had heard that voice.  He stood staring sure it was Leaf somehow standing in front of him but couldn't figure out why.  He hung his head in shame never believing he would ever see her again.  His throat closed shut even as he tried to find the words to share his feelings and offer an apology.
     
Leaf sat watching Tavi making a few assumptions as she spoke. “She is your mate?”
     
“What?” He asked suddenly dancing away, “No, no my sister.”  He answered allowing the Umbreon to her feet.  He still growled a warning when he saw a human approach even though he noticed the clothing worn was similar to the rangers only for some reason there was also a large yellow strip across his shirt.

“Leaf is that Tavi?”  The human asked as Leaf answered, “Bay!”
     
“Alright we'll try this.”  He spoke pulling the device out of his pocket.  “Capture GO!” Tavi didn't waste any time bolting forward snatching up the white disk in his mouth as it spun towards him. He growled again as he spit out the plastic tasting object out on to the ground.  He turned to watch the trainer and its Swampert come back into the clearing realizing with a ranger here he might have a different option.
     
“Where is dad?”  He asked the Umbreon who answered with just a shake of her head.  “DAD!!” Tavi called out loudly to the forest knowing the Leafeon had to be watching somewhere. “If you want Eevee back you have to come out!”
     
“There's no need to yell.” Leafeon spoke stepping out just a few yards off.
     
“Leaf I need to borrow a pokeball.”  He spoke while he positioned his father to sit next to the Umbreon. Leaf had to use her vines to pull her own pokeball from the rangers large belt pouch struggling before the human finally handed it over.  “You.” He said addressing the Swampert. “Take your trainer out into the forest.”
     
“Why should I ever listen to you!”  It sneered out.  Leaf used just one vine letting it out till it was able to lay across the mudfishes shoulders.
     
“Listen, I know this has to be very important.”  With a huff he fell silent at Leaf's words.
     
“I came here days ago with a warning that humans were hunting pokemon. Not capturing, Hunting!” The Swamper's crest fin like ears raised in interest. “Take your trainer into the forest. Look for dens and nests they will all be empty. The whole place,” He stopped taking a deep breath, “They took everybody. There is no one left.”
     
The Swampert studied Tavi for a moment before nodding. It walked over to its trainer “Pert swam pertt/ I want you to follow.” it spoke.
     
“What Waves?” The human asked.
     
Waves walked to the edge of the bushes looking back, “Pertt!/ Follow!”
     
While the ranger was distracted watching the pair leave Tavi had snuck around behind him with a cry he let out a short Flame thrower.  The attack had several humans screaming trying to hid behind one another while a few even bolted into the trees. It was not meant to be more than a show of power as he allowed only a wave of heat and not flames to reach the group. The Flareon turned around and dug his hind paws into the muddy ground. He flung out leaves, debris, and chunks of mud out behind him showing his true feelings at the garbage that should be buried behind him.
     
He huffed again as he passed the ranger carefully rolling the pokeball Leaf had dropped in between his father and sister. Tavi sat beside his father and barked. “EON!/LOOK!”
     
The ranger watched as the Flareon stared intently at him seeing Flareon, Leafeon, pokeball, Umbreon.
“Tavi what are you doing?” Leaf asked. He kept staring at the ranger willing him to understand.
     
“Someone's missing.”  He hissed out at Leaf.  Seeing that he really wasn't making any dent on the human he stood up and walked behind his father. Feeling a little humiliated he crawled forward on the ground between his father and sister till his nose bumped the pokeball “Vee” Tavi called out in a near mimic of an Eevee. The ranger looked surprised as Tavi batted the pokeball forward.
     
He marched past the ranger again glaring out at the group of humans.  “Tavi,” The ranger spoke, “If someone caught your Eevee there is nothing you can do . The rangers can not let you go around attacking humans.”
     
“Leaf,” The Flareon called, “hold his arm and take him over there.”  He pointed to where the water truck had stood earlier that day. While she moved he went back across the clearing quickly finding and pulling out the metal rod from yesterday. When he had it in his mouth it seemed a few of the humans did recognize and started forward calling out.  Tavi dropped the pole and instantly blew out fire watching as they stepped back to the group. He picked up the shaft again and trotted back to the ranger who had watched the odd exchange.
     
He thanked Tavi for the pole when it was passed over and studied it while the fire pokemon searched the ground around where the truck had been. With in a few moments he had found several pieces of melted hose which he dropped at the rangers feet.
     
“Leaf I need your help again, but this might hurt you some.” She nodded her assent as Tavi went to retrieve her pokeball. It was a bit of a struggle but he finally forced the ranger to release the metal pole after constantly trying to yank it away.  The Flareon carefully aimed at the Bayleef's rear jabbing her in the butt with the end. He tried again when he realized nothing happened the Flareon studied the end realizing the part he was jabbing her with was plastic while the other end was metal prongs. He turned around and tagged her bottom again hearing her short cry of pain as her rump dropped to the mud.
     
Tavi dropped the pole and quickly rolled the pokeball forward apologizing as he tapped the ball on her leg and recalled the Bayleef inside. He looked back to the ranger crouching down, “Vee!” He went back with his family waiting while the ranger seemed to inspect the area now with more interest. Several of the group of humans were now insisting on leaving and walked down the dirt ruts to go back to their vehicles. The Flareon was glad to see that the ranger had refused to return the pole several times once even aiming it at a male who stepped forward trying to grab it.

The ranger returned to the pokemon with several items, including a high pressure nozzle which he had found in the brush, when the trainer finally returned from his trip nearly and hour later.  Tavi listened closely as the trainer reported finding no pokemon in the area even though it seems there were several burrows and dens. Leaf who had been released a short while ago and at the Flareon's urging walked a short ways into the forest crying out several times.  She returned to the ranger with her head hanging low shaking it when the human asked what was up.

With all the items and information he had gathered the ranger reported in while Tavi made sure he was close enough to listen in.  “Yes Sir I do understand....  I believe the Flareon was provoked....  Three reasons, first there is some kind of shock stick which he used on Leaf in demonstration.  Second.. What? No Sir.  The pokemon used it complete with a pokeball for capture....  Second sir forgetting the injuries he destroyed a water tanker which I now have to ask why was it out here to begin with.  Third it appears the area has been cleared of pokemon.  Sir I am reporting a possible pokemon smuggling operation... Shock sticks, high pressure water nozzles, and an area clear of pokemon yes I am Positive! There is also the fact I was told to hand over the stun stick because it was company property.”

As the ranger listened Tavi stepped forward barking once before crouching down.  “Vee.” After a few seconds the ranger continued. “Also the Flareon Tavi is demanding the return of an Eevee. Sir he is standing in front of me and just reminded me... There is no . I don't know. I don't know. Sir. Yes sir. I can try.”  The ranger pulled the device from his ear and stared at the Flareon. “No pokeball, No capture.” With a sigh he continued. “Tavi, I was asked to bring you back to the local laboratory.”
     
[Tavi considered bolting] as Leaf wrapped one vine around his middle. “Relax it will be okay. I was at the lab until last week. Besides I can tell you about Daniel.” [Tavi considered Flame thrower.]
     
“If you come you can try to make a claim for Eevee. I'm not sure what good it will do but you can try.” Although he heard the rangers words he was still focused on Leaf and the vine around his middle.
     
“I wont go back to Daniel!”  He snarled in fury feeling the heat rise within.  No matter how much or how hard it would be to hurt her he would if she forced him to choose.
     
“NO wait!” Leaf let go of him waving both vine before her,  “Daniel is gone!  We were all gathered at the lab some are still there, I'll tell you everything on the way.”
     
Tavi was full of reluctance when he agreed to leave.  He told Leafeon and Umbreon that no matter what he promised to return. Even with his fathers stern remark about going away Tavi swore again that he would return.  He had found home once and no matter what his father said he would break free and find it again if he had to.
     
Even though there was a ranger Tavi made sure to stand between the trainer and his family as they left. The humans assurances was something he couldn't trust and he stood his ground glaring at the human male till it started down the road with its Swampert.  He quickly followed figuring he could trust the ranger or at least Leaf as they picked up the items they had found to bring up the rear.
     
Both Tavi and Leaf were allowed to ride in the bed of the pickup truck as the ranger and trainer rode in the cab.  Leaf started her story after Daniel finished with her the first time.  He had dragged the Bayleef into his tent and had gone back out looking for Tavi. “He was yelling and screaming and cussing for a long time before he gave up.” Leaf told him.  When he finally did come back to the tent he went right back to screwing the Bayleef.
     
“I'm sorry Leaf.” He said leaning against her side. “I couldn't stay and I couldn't help you.” Leaf just nodded before scooting away making space for herself and continuing with the fact Daniel had passed out on top of her as soon as he finished.  The surprise had come less than an hour later when she heard footsteps and Slip calling out in alarm.
     
It turned out the police were looking for Daniel since the owner of the liquor store had excellent surveillance which showed exactly what happened. When the police were tipped off by other disturbed campers over someone yelling and screaming in the woods they had gone to investigate.  The police had unzipped the tent and immediately arrested the passed out trainer and confiscated all of his pokemon.  By the time Leaf had been thoroughly examined by several people and nurses and had finally arrived at the laboratory days later all of Daniel's pokemon had been transferred along with a list of permanent injuries several pokemon had acquired who had been left behind at private ranches.
     
Leaf finished by telling him that several of the pokemon had gotten new trainers or homes and she, only a week ago, had been taken by Jacob.  Every few weeks the ranger had picked up one of the most problematic or challenged pokemon to help retrain them while he searched for a special home or trainer.  Jacob had actually picked the Bayleef first but at her own wish he had taken Tops instead when she guided him to the Oddish.

After they had dropped the trainer off Jacob drove them to what Tavi could only describe as a super huge ranch.  There were several stables set out across the long driveway they drove up and even more buildings and sheds when the passed the last set of gates. The main building was two stories and he could see several humans about as they pulled up and parked in one of the spaces.

Jacob had gotten out and lowered the tailgate, “Listen Leona is already here so try to be nice okay?” He addressed the Flareon as it jumped out.  He led the pokemon inside and was pointed down a hall and into a large room which had three steel tables.  There were two computer stations on the back wall and shelves full of items that lined the rest of the room.
     
“Leaf!” Tavi growled when the door shut and the four humans in white lab coats turned towards him along with a fifth which was dress in a modest skirt and blouse.  She had a clipboard which she had been tapping against her leg as they entered.
     
“Alright get him up on the table and let's get started.”  She ordered moving back to one of the computers.
     
The Flareon stepped sideways away from Leaf growling.  “I don't think that is a good idea.” Jacob spoke out.
     
“Non-sense.”  The female replied.  “No matter what you rangers think it isn't a feral pokemon. It has been captured and trained to take orders and it will.”  Tavi stopped growling waiting while two workers went to the far table and the other two approached. He stayed still all the way until the other female had put her hand on his mane and took a hold. A clawed paw flashed out ripping the lab jacket sleeve and slicing deep enough into the forearm to make her yell and step back. Tavi charged forward to the two lab techs who were at the table.
     
The table was of course bolted to the floor and was actually a metal shelf that was attached to a power unit on one side that raised and lowered it. The techs had the table about a foot from the floor and were forced to jump away as he barreled towards them. Tavi lept up and skidded slightly but was able to keep his paws and momentum as he turned his head and crashed into the protective metal which covered the inner workings and rails for the table. The whole unit bent with the impact as a metal crash and tearing could be heard. Tavi stumbled falling off the table unable to keep his feet from both the impact and the fact that the table was rocking and continued to do so long after he pulled himself back onto his paws.
     
The room was a mad scramble as the humans tried to cope with the unexpected events. The Flareon stumbled back to Leaf who let out her vines trying to shoo the humans away that were approaching with a syringe.  After a minute the lead female took charge.  “Enough! Jacob recall that Bayleef. Tina you can attend that wound yourself. The rest of you restrain and sedate him now!”

“BAAYYY!” Leaf cried extending her vines farther slapping both the seven foot ceiling above and the hard tiled floor below cracking out a circle of protection around the Flareon while it finally stood straight and faced the humans.

“Leaf door.”  Tavi spoke watching carefully as two protective vines became one and he could hear the door open after a few seconds.
     
“Am I missing something?” A new voice spoke. Tavi spun expecting a fight as he checked the doorway containing Mike, with his hand still out to open the door, and his Snubbull who walked right in.
     
“Jacob that Bayleef.”  “NO!” He called back interrupting her. “It's obvious that Tavi will not cooperate I wont force him nor break the trust Leaf has in me.”
     
Snubbull had walked right up to Tavi, “Your just stupid you know that. The humans wont hurt you but you can't trust them can you.”  She continued to watch Tavi as he stared her down.  “Leaf is it?” She asked and received a nod from the Bayleef,  “Choose two humans. Tavi stop acting stupid they are going to do an examination. Nothing worse than Nurse Joy would.”
     
Leaf retracted one vine while pointing with the other, “Aay, Aay/ You, You” Her vine chose the one lab coat who had gone to help Tina with her injury and Jacob.
     
“Okay so I guess I'm up.” Jacob said stepping around and over to Leaf's other choice. “Jacob nice to meet you.” He said extending a hand.   “Johny.”  The tech answered shaking the extended hand. “How about we use the far table.”  Jacob suggested waking to the simple steel table. “Tavi would you please come here.”  The Flareon stayed still for several seconds before growling and grumbling as he walked across the room.  He sped up the last few paces and jumped up landing solidly on the table.
     
Jacob reached out and slowly pet Tavi's back causing him to turn and huff at the ranger. “Easy. Your coat if fairly clean but it could do with a good brush.”
     
“Good now sedate it and we can move on.” The head female said. The Snubbull growled and barked as she stood in front of the human holding the syringe while Leaf readied to wrap him up.
     
“Stop it.” Mike called from the door. “Alyson he wont be sedated or do anything else he doesn't agree to. There are already several people seriously injured in the hospital, nearly fatally so and we don't want any more.”  What broke out was an argument between the humans who shouted as loudly as possible.  Jacob was again petting Tavi a few times telling him to relax. Things continued for several minutes until two more humans came in one a female ranger the second was the laboratories professor.
     
Jacob waved wildly trying to get Mike's attention, as he still shouted, and pointed to the door.  “Leona, Professor, we are having a small discussion here.” Mike stated.
     
“So we heard.” Professor Nealson said, “Alyson?” He addressed the female.
     
“Professor that pokemon is dangerous.” She said pointing to the ruined table. “It needs to be sedated and placed in a pen for everyone's protection.
     
The fastest response in the room came from Tavi who barked,  “EONN!/ NEVER!” He growled and snapped at Jacob when his hand got close again.
     
“Has he harmed anyone?” Leona asked.
     
“He attacked Tina!” Alyson answered hotly.
     
Leona looked around the room spotting the other female with the bandage on her arm and checking again at the destroyed equipment and looking at each of the other workers. Addressing Tina she asked, “What exactly were you doing when he attacked you?”
     
Looking around the room for help or confirmation she spoke, “We were going to move him to the table.”
     
“And did he give you any warning or indication of an attack?”  After not receiving an answer right away Leona continued. “I assume you are a competent employee if you have a position here so answer me, did he give you  indications?
     
“Yes.” Tina spoke, “He growled. Then went silent and perfectly still.”
     
“Still as in come pick me or or still as in don't touch me?”  Hearing no answer once again Leona spoke, “I assume since you are not being rushed to the hospital it wasn't that bad. Also I would say his actions including destroying that.”  She gestured, “were in a way defending himself, with a great deal of restraint since I see no burn marks from one who could probably torch the entire building.”
     
“I did warn them.” Jacob spoke up.
     
“If it wasn't for the fact you have the equipment we need I would send him somewhere else.  Do you think your staff can handle this?” She asked the Professor.

“I believe so but maybe we should stay here till it's over.”  Professor Nealson answered.  Before anything else happened a growl again sounded from the Flareon, who moved to the end of the table, but before he could jump down Jacob had grabbed his mane and yanked back hard dragging Tavi back to the center of the table. The Flareon rowled out turning his head and snapping his jaws less than an inch from the rangers arm.
     
Trying to mimic, Jacob was growling back,  “Do it and see what happens. LEAF! You will come here if he hops off the table put him back up.”  He said letting go. The Bayleef had come over looking between the human and pokemon. “Please Tavi.”  She said finally turning to the Flareon and allowing her vines to come out and rest against the edge of the table.
     
Tavi turned all his anger and attention on Jacob growling and advancing right to the edge of the table in front of him. He knew it was natural for a captured pokemon to follow orders, but the fact that Leaf had chosen to heed the human had upset Tavi while at the same time made him wonder how the human had gained her trust.
     
“I believe you just upset him, Jacob back up.” Leona spoke. “I do see what you mean now though.” She said walking over to the table. “Tavi the Professor and I will handle the exam.  Understand the rangers need this information if we are going to allow you back into the forest on your own.”

Tavi considered what she said before making a request of his own.  “Vee!” he crouched down low wagging his tail behind him “Eeveee.”
     
“Very, very interesting.” Nealson spoke heading around to the opposite side of the table. “Is that supposed to be yes or no.”
     
“He is asking about an Eevee. There was a Leafeon and a Umbreon. He put a pokeball out and did that before showing me how it was captured.” Jacob explained.
     
“We are working with the police it is not our job to deal with hunting down criminals. The rangers are meant to protect the environment and the pokemon. That is why you are here Tavi we have to perform a few... tests.”

Tavi could hear the pause she used and wondered if he should comply while the Snubbull again spoke, “Don't be stupid. She wont hurt you and what ever she does, and she will do several things will be for your own good.”
     
Not really giving Tavi any time to decide Leona said, “Alright Professor we will start with the scan.” The Flareon saw movement overhead as a box moved out across the ceiling from over the computers. It ran out on two metal bars, attached to each wall, to the middle of the room before it slid sideways until it was over Tavi. After a few adjustments a pale yellow light shown down on the Flareon and part of the table. “You can move but please don't move outside of the light.” He heard the Professor speak.
     
Over the next ten minutes Tavi listened to the humans talk about statistical data, release and capture programs, max outputs, and limits.  Most of it he didn't understand excepting key words.  When the light shut off he was given what would be compatible to a complete physical including several x-rays and more than just a bit of blood drawn which he grumbled about the entire time.

“Alright Tavi it seems your in great health and the strongest Flareon around.  That added to the fact you understand humans very well makes you a problem for the rangers.  Here is the solution.”  Leona said picking up a pokeball and walking to the center table where the Snubbull had been placed.  A simple tap on the head and the pokemon was absorbed in a white light drawn into the ball.
     
“Capture is complete. Simple as that, no fight, no hassle, and no way to keep the pokemon inside.” As she spoke the ball opened releasing the Snubbull in a glow of white light.  “This is called an Exploration ball.  It has several use full features, one being it looses all data and the capture I.D.# when it is used again.” She walked over tapping Leaf.
     
Tavi watched again as the Bayleef was absorbed inside and then released. “Jacob please try to recall Leaf.”  Taking out a pokeball the ranger aimed, the red beam shot out but when it connected there was a small white flash and the Bayleef still stood there. “You see this would allow us to transport any pokemon, captured or not.  We could move injured pokemon with ease or simply remove them from danger and never worry about disturbing wild pokemon or having to constantly release and reprogram pokeballs.  The problem is,” She stoke walking back to Tavi, “they are still some what experimental. I got this one especially for you.”
     
She gave a light swat to the muzzle surprising him just as he started to growl, “Quiet and Listen!” She placed the ball on the table next to him. “You are being given a choice. You can leave here but the moment you harm another human trainer or any human we will be forced to either recapture you or remove you to a place where you can't harm anyone.  The second option I think will be better for you. Because of what happened at Skyback Mountain we have petitioned for the area to become a protected no capture area. We would release a few pokemon to try and repopulate and encourage pokemon to return.  We would also place a warning of a guardian in the area capable of protection pokemon and keeping poachers out.  That would be you.  The problem is we couldn't allow a guardian to be captured and the exploration ball would prevent that. We would register your data then lock the ball preventing it from being reused.  That would ensure no trainer could capture you and second it would mean you were registered as being part of the rangers.”  Leona finally stopped watching the Flareon as it seemed to consider all she said.
     
“This offer is only because you have always stopped short of malicious harm. We reviewed everything including your battles and you have always done enough damage to get the job done even against the toughest of opponents and several times with out your trainers orders it seems. 'End it.' could be taken many ways and you don't always use the same move with that command. You respond with enough force to deal with the problem.  You don't deliberately harm when many times you could and you have just the kind of power a guardian would need.”  The Flareon listened carefully hearing part of Handy's words echo in her speech.
     
He crouched down one more time with a little cry of “Vee.” He could handle being captured again, sooner or later they would provide him with an escape if this were some kind of trick.  But if he could get them to return Eevee, well that would make this much easier to do.
     
“I make no promises.  There is no way to even know where your Eevee is, sadly they can be worth a lot of money.  But I will make as many inquires as I can, and if we locate any Eevee we can check to see if it's the one you know.”  Leona waited as the Flareon stepped to the edge of the cart extending its paw out.  “Fllare./ Alright.” She replied by taking the paw and giving it a light shake. Hoping deep down inside his trust wasn't some huge mistake Tavi turned and nosed the ball.
     
A glow of white enveloped him and drew him into a space, a darkness. He took two slow thoughts of breath before trying to push. With no effort he was back on the table in a glow of white automatically shaking out his mane and tail. “So now just to make sure you understand how it works, Return!”  The female called. Tavi tried to hold to the metal table as the white beam hit him. 'Stupid enough to trust humans.' the thought echoed through his head as the white light surrounded him and every part of him wished to see his family again.

“Well that is a first.” Professor Nealson spoke seeing the white tight retract leaving the Flareon on the table. “We did record his ID# on the ball right?”

“Yes Professor.” The lab tech said from the computer. “The release program was activated before the recall was finished.” Tavi waited while the humans watched him wondering what their next move might be.

“Could a pokemon avoid the capture system?” Leona finally asked.
     
“No it's a different system entirely. Absolute capture of any pokemon. That is why I programmed the auto release aspect. There is to much power of one of those balls were used wrong.”  The professor spoke.

“I know. I remember you objections and that is why the rangers took over your project, to protect pokemon. This just makes me wonder.”  She paused a moment before waving to the Flareon.  “Okay Tavi follow me please.”
     
The rangers gathered around and led him to a different part of the building. Stepping through a door Tavi was able to see a large room that had windows far above casting light down to a tiled floor. One side had several computers and monitors the other had a large sectional circular couch with the center of the area carpeted. Everyone looked up when the group entered and he could see several humans and nearly a dozen small pokemon as well.
     
Tavi was lead over to an odd machine where Leona placed a vid call.  He had seen the phone used enough times to understand they were talking with someone far away.  What caught his attention was when they placed his new pokeball on the machine.  In a flash of a mini electrical storm his ball vanished.  Mike called him close to the screen and after speaking for a second the ranger dressed human held up his ball.

Just to be sure Tavi stood up on his hind paws and walked forward and stretching up touched the screen with a paw. No there was no trick some how that pokeball was somewhere else.  He took a few steps back and turned to see every human was now staring at him.  The Flareon dropped to his bottom with a little huff sitting down.
     
“You are full of surprises aren't you.”  Leona spoke. “Mark the ball and have it stored.” She spoke to the screen before ending the call.  She stepped out to the center of the room. “Well little guardian what else can you do?”
     
Tavi gave Leaf a rather significant look and got a nod in reply. He once again stood up on his hind paws walking forward after covering more than six feet he rolled backwards pushing his paws up by his ears and hand standing. He collapsed a second later before scrambling back up and trying to balance on his fore paws again. It had been nearly a year since he last did this and it showed as he took several shaky steps forward.

“Quiyou!”  With a call a Sandshrew raced forward.  It ran several quick circles before curling into a ball spinning. The ball rotated several times before it slowly uncurled with its hind feet in the air and head spinning on the ground like a top. As the shrew slowed down it dropped on leg down standing upright on one paw for the final rotation.
     
Leaf was walking around the two heading toward Leona. “Baay/Here”  She told the female reaching out with her vines handing over two ranger capture devices and several other items she had borrowed from the pouches of Jacob and Mike. While the two males called out in surprise Tavi inspected the shrew.  Daniel had one from time to time but the Flareon had never really trained with nor learned the name of the pokemon.  Leaf greeted the Sandshrew by the name of Ray and the two spoke while Tavi looked back to Leona who was staring at him.
     
“Any other useful talents?” She asked. He sat down waiting, there were several odd things he had learned to do but most required the right situation or object, opening an aluminum can for instance. “Alright then are you willing to spend the night or do you want to go back now.”  He stepped over to Leaf before he answered. “Onn/Here.”

Tavi spent the evening following the Bayleef around checking on those of Daniel's pokemon who were still left but somehow all but Leaf seemed distant and changed.  He was also shocked by how they seemed to enjoy being around humans and a few even told him they were waiting to get back with a trainer and be able to battle.  He didn't like the fact that even Leaf seemed to pick the captured lifestyle refusing to sleep outside even when he promised to keep her warm.  Understanding his wishes she chose an area inside one of the barns but twice wiggled away when he had moved closer to her.  He allowed her the space even as he realized it was him that truly wanted to be close to someone he liked while he slept.

When she finally fell asleep Tavi crept outside to think in the moonlight.  His mind dwelt on the harsh treatment all the pokemon had received and the sexual acts he and the others were forced to endure while wondering if Leaf really understood anything about that yet.  The fact that she seemed to trust Jacob and humans he guessed was an okay thing but he could tell how uncomfortable she was when he had snuggled close.  Maybe she needed the same kind of help he did to understand and heal, the only question now was if she was willing to trust him enough to show her.

He slept a few hours before heading back in at dawn and carefully laid down and leaned against her back now that she had moved onto her side and waited.  Less than a half hour later Leaf stirred and Tavi deliberately leaned on her before pulling back till they just touched.  Her reaction was just what he feared as she scrambled with her legs and rolled on to her stomach. He had already gotten up and was staring at her face and eyes while she stood.
     
Tavi kept staring which caused Leaf to step back troubled. “What? What's wrong?”
     
“I don't know, you either don't like me or don't trust me.”
     
“No please it's not that.” She started staring down at her feet.
     
“Leaf... I am sorry I left you. I couldn't stand what was happening and I just couldn't stay.” Tavi spoke softly.

“No it's not your fault. I chose to let it happen, I didn't want to see you or anyone get hurt.”  She tried to explain.  There were other pokemon who were now awake and moving so Tavi asked Leaf to lead them to someplace quiet where they could talk alone.  Even though she was trying to assure him it was okay the Flareon kept insisting, saying he had one more very importing thing to tell her.
     
Leaf led them to a rickety shed shoved back between two of the buildings. Tavi wasn't sure that it would be private enough as he watched the Bayleef nose up a wood latch that held the door closed. She gripped a string in her mouth pulled the door open and led them inside a empty four by eight foot space that was missing half the roof.
     
“I guess this will work.”  He spoke to the female pulling the door mostly closed. “Leaf I wanted to apologize and show you something special. But I need you to trust me.”
     
“What do you mean trust you?” She asked stepping away as he sat down next to her close enough to rub against her.
     
Deciding to be blunt Tavi asked, “Have you ever done something or mated with someone  wanted to?”  She lowed her head and closed her eyes.
     
It was more than an minute before she answered. “We're not like that Tavi.”
     
“NO, your not like that and it's because of . You wont ever be like that because.... If I asked you, would you say no?” She just stood there doing nothing refusing even to open her eyes. “Don't think I don't understand.  I was there, but I found out something and if you would just trust me, I could show you.”

“I am not interested in a mate or an egg.” Tavi gave a little light laugh finally getting her to look at him.

“Then we wont mate. I promise not to do anything you don't want to.  All I ask from you right now is to lay down on your back and trust me.” She did lay down on her stomach but was still to reluctant to roll over. Tavi decided he would work with her however long it took.  He walked up and gently nuzzled her face softly rubbing their cheeks together with just a light pressure.
     
“Relax Leaf.” He spoke as he stepped in rubbing his side against her chest while rubbing the base of her neck with his head. He leaned against her and began walking to her side side brushing his fur against her body.  When he got close to her hindquarters he could feel her tense up even more.   He squashed his sigh and every bit of irritation over her reactions as he rubbed his head as high as he could reach against her back and turned around. He pressed in again and walked back around under her neck and onto the opposite side. He gave several licks on this side as he slowly walked her length continuing on even though she tried to pull away when he passed her back leg and licked over the top of her tail.
     
The entire time Leaf had been intently watching him as he moved and now he was behind her she was worried, “You still can't trust me? Listen I promise not to hurt you, I promise I will stop if you really need me to.”  He paused looking over her back at her head.  “How about just on your side?” The Flareon waited willing the Bayleef to roll hoping she would let him help.  With a light thump the female flopped over but at the same time laid her head down squeezing her eyes shut.

It was obvious he still needed to take it slow, walking around her again this time rubbing up her back. By the time he reached her neck and saw her scrunched eyes and her tightly pressed lips he wonder if this was the wrong time and he was going to end up forcing her, except what other time did he have. He tried to relax her by leaning against her neck and licking up to the back of her head.  He tried thinking of dozens of things to say as he walked around her head, each seeming pointless as he moved to squeeze between her fore legs wriggling his body as he imagined she was hugging him.
     
Tavi rubbed and licked the short soft fuzz that covered her belly feeling the smooth skin between the hairs. He kept his slow pace forward nudging his muzzle between her hind legs.  For a moment she squeezed her legs tight denying him access. The Flareon waited gently licking and insistently nuzzling before he was finally able to squeeze his head between her legs and lift the top one to his neck so he could step forward.
     
Now he had to stop and stare, this was the first time he had ever seen a female up close like this.  His first really good look and of course the first time he would touch. Suddenly he wondered exactly what he should be doing, this was obviously going to be different and he didn't have a clue how to proceed. He let out a held breath blowing across the smooth sealed slit which caused a surprise reaction as Leaf squeezed her back legs hard causing the Flareon mind to jump from her reaction. Gently he blew again feeling her leg muscles twitch in response.  With careful grace his muzzle moved forward and his tongue slipped out. The softest lick he could give was placed below here slit and to one side and then gave a lick to the other.  Remembering his very first time with Leafeon he kept the licks as gentle and soft as possible slowly caressing every part but one. When the entire area was damp he blew a gentle breath across the area.
     
The Bayleef almost drove the air from his body gasping and squeezing the fire pokemon in a death grip locked between her hind legs. It was a little rougher than he wanted but his tongue reached out and slurped again her slit for the first time.  Tavi felt her legs tremble and her entire body shake as she moaned from the touch while he licked a second and third time.
     
“Leaf,” he spoke quietly pulling himself from out between her legs. “Please roll over.” At first he really couldn't see anything staring over the large behind in front of him.  He kept waiting finally seeing her head lift high enough as her body shifted and she rolled over on to her back allowing her legs to spread apart. He could see how her pussy was no longer pressed tight, still closed shut now it sat there looking like it wanted to be parted.  He hopped up on to his hind legs able now to see over her body and stare at her face.
     
With one paw resting gently on her leg for balance Tavi asked. “Pleas Leaf, will you let me touch you.  I promise it will be better than you ever thought.  It's so different when you do this together rather than someone forcing you.”  Even though he knew he had basically been pressing her the entire time he was going to make sure she agreed before he went any farther.
     
He could see her confusion wondering if he hadn't worn the same face knowing first hand the conflict that was going on inside before she closed her eyes and muttered something. “What?” He asked leaning against her straining to hear.  “I trust you.” She whispered out. Tavi's heart jumped and joy spread through his body, he placed both paws between her legs and allowed his chin fur to touch her with a huge grin on his face. He waited remembering his own surprise at Leafeon's joy and wanting to share his happiness with Leaf.
     
It took a few seconds before she realized he wasn't moving which caused her to opened her eyes and see an ecstatic Flareon who was grinning at her with such joy.  He immediately went to slathering the between her legs with his tongue, rough massaging licks were given as he basically attacked her lower belly with lick.  She wondered what he was doing till he pulled back and gently blew across the area chilling his saliva and causing her to squeak in shock.
     
He was still grinning while he stared at her thinking this was something he would have to try on himself before he suddenly received a week lift of her hips in return.  'Yes!' he thought inside dropping down, now if he could just finish the job and bring her the pleasure she deserved to feel.
     
His first real lick against her slit was firm enough to part it slightly, had he been watching better there would have been the lightest hints of soft pink flesh.  What he did get out of it was a hint of a new flavor that increased just slightly on his next pass.  Each swipe added light pressure making her lips slowly spread and allowing him to find and memorize his first taste of female.
     
Tavi continued with his work suppressing most of his own arousal and focused entirely on the Bayleef feeling his own pleasure at each moan or groan she was unable to suppress. He wanted nothing more than to hear her cry out like the Eevee did and watch knowing he had helped her find her first feelings of true pleasure.
     
For the most part Leaf had kept her legs up in the air knees slightly bent and jerking every so often. But now her legs were getting tired and she allowed them to lower spreading out one leg on each side of the Flareon. The movement lowered her slit and caused his tongue to slide in deep as he pressed forward. Tavi heard the gasp along with the pressure against his licker as the tunnel squeezed. He forced in a bit more and wiggled it around and was rewarded by her first cry of “Yes!”  His tongue moved back and forth causing her body to move in response rocking with his movements while her legs flattened out hoping to draw his tongue in deeper.  Tavi sensed her unspoken request and drew his lips back and opened his muzzle wider pressing hard against the outside of her lips and forced his tongue as deep as it would go.

The Flareon's ears were perked absorbing each noise she made when they picked out an odd wood sound.  Still working the task at paw he cock his head and see a shadow near the door that he now could feel was open.  Mentally cursing whom ever was disturbing them he twisted his tongue around and back hoping to distract the Bayleef from whatever audience they had gained.  He was glad when he pulled back for a breather and he glanced back the shadow had vanished.
     
He gave several licks to the lower side of her lips cleaning up both his saliva and her juices that were leaking out between his panting.  When he was ready to dive in again it seemed so was she.  Tavi felt two vines wrapping around his middle and neck as she jerked him forward to grind against.  The Flareon did his best to help with his tongue as every so often she tugged on his body with pulls that seemed to get stronger each time. One strong pull hauled him up and forward enough so that his front paws were barely touching the floor and his lower jaw was straining against her folds and started slipping inside.
     
Tavi tried to get his paws up and push away but he wasn't fast enough as the Bayleef gave the most forceful yank yet screaming out as several inches of his lower jaw was forced inside. The Flareon's mouth was open as wide as it would go and he struggled to free himself as she gripped even tighter feeling like she was going to snap his neck as she pulled against the base of his skull as she was brought to her peak by the his struggles and the intrusion.
     
Tavi stopped moving when Leaf screamed out one of the loudest, longest 'bays' he had ever heard.  Her tunnel had squeezed down pinching his tongue against his teeth painfully.  He struggled to pull his tongue back worried that with as tight as she was if he moved to much his teeth would cut into the hot soft flesh.  She gave several more jerks on his body humping back as the feeling from her orgasm started to fade.  He waited until the vines slacked off before he slowly wriggled his jaw free and stretched his strained neck.
     
The Flareon gave a few tentative licks inside grateful he was only tasting her hot juice and not blood. As the vines slowly retracted he continued by lapping up most of what had drooled out of her body and down his chin.  Leaf rolled to her side when he finished still feeling and living through the emotions she had just felt.  She waited as Tavi once again prodded between her hind legs squeezing through them and rubbing on her belly as he went.  She lifted a fore leg watching as he made his way up her body with gentle licks and nuzzles.  When he stepped over her leg she dropped the top one down and squeezed him tight while she lavished licks across his face and muzzle tasting an odd flavor that was soaked into his fur.

He licked back several times feeling proud and excited over what he did.  The Flareon gave her a few more moments before asking her to stop.  When she did he spoke, “I still have more I want to show and teach you but someone is waiting outside.”

She looked distracted for a few seconds looking at the door before she looked back.  “Tavi, I... It's not that I don't but..”  He pushed forward forcing his muzzle against hers in a semblance of a human kiss. She pulled back but at least he had stopper her stumbling words.
     
“Relax Leaf, I wont hurt you or force you, but we will have to talk later.”  He waited till she nodded before wriggling away. “When you're ready come out.”
     
It certainly seemed brighter outside as Tavi pushed his way through the door. The lack of a major part of the roof didn't compare to the shaft of sunlight that was beaming down between the two buildings just a few feet away. He turned towards the shadow that stepped forward seeing Jacob stare down at him.
     
“You didn't, shouldn't have done that.  It makes me wonder if your any better that you trainer.” Tavi was a little surprised that hearing the comment didn't effect him.  He felt so pleased with what he had done whether the human understood or not didn't matter in the slightest.  He tilted his ears back hearing Leaf leave the shack.  Jacob moved forward staying just far enough to respect the space she had always needed. “Leaf are you alright? Did he hurt you? No pokemon or human has the right to force you even if you do know them, why didn't you fight to stop him?”
     
“Bayy bay bay Baaaayyy bayyy.”  Leaf began explaining with excitement telling the ranger what had happened.
     
After the third hard look Tavi received from the human he stopped Leaf.  “He thinks I forced and hurt you.”
     
“What?”  She asked looking back and forth between the two.
     
Jacob watched the exchange. “Leaf did he hurt you!?”
     
“AY!” She answered shaking her head.  “Are you sure? I'll make him leave now if you want.”  He watched in shock as the Bayleef stepped forward nuzzling his leg and rubbing her top leaf against him. He had a hard time believing her actions even though he had always wished for it. Leaf had constantly kept a little security circle around herself always trying to make sure on one touched her especially a male.

Jacob heard the Flareon snort and lightly growl walking away before he remembered why he had gone looking for him in the first place. “Tavi wait, they found an Eevee that they want you to see.”  He watched as the Flareon stopped to look back. With a bark it charged off leaving the other two behind. “Come on Leaf let's go.”  He said lightly patting her head and marveling at the lack of a flinch. “You finally trust me?” “BAY!” She answered walking back with him to the main building.

It took several minutes before they were able to place the call for Tavi.  While they waited someone explained how the police had raided the warehouse the destroyed water tanker had been taken to.  Inside they had found dozens of caged pokemon and nearly twice that in occupied pokeballs.  There were also snares, catch poles, several types of stun sticks, backpacks filled with CO2 canisters with wands, and several more devices that would cause enough harm to a pokemon that would make a capture easy.
     
Tavi tried to wait as the officers found the correct pokeball and released the Eevee.  It was a bit of a struggle to get the pokemon up onto the counter where it could be seen easily.  At the Flareon's bark the Eevee stop struggling.  Tavi stood up making sure the screen would see him and with another short gruff the Eevee suddenly pulled free scrabbling and licking at the screen on its side whining pitifully.
     
“Well I'd say that confirms which Eevee that is.” The one of the lab techs stated.

“Even so we can't just hand over evidence.”  A red light beam flashed and the Eevee vanished,  “There are policies which..”  The officer on the other side was cut out by the deep rumbling growl that gained volume as the Flareon expressed its disapproval. Tavi dropped down and went over to the machine which had taken his pokeball and barked once. He was silent standing there waiting for an answer.
     
“I hope the police will find a way to make an exception.” Jacob stated.  “You should remember this is the pokemon that destroyed that truck and sent five people to the hospital.  I would much rather drop him off there to argue with you than have him here tearing this place apart.”
     
The officer on the other side of the screen opened its mouth twice trying to find the words to protest the threat before Jacob continued. “I will have the ranger organization call you shortly. Perhaps you can speak with your supervisor and decide if keeping one Eevee for evidence is worth pissing the Flareon off again.”

He reached out and shut the vid call off among snickers and giggles of the lab workers who were near. “Relax Tavi we will try to get your Eevee here in a few hours, or tomorrow maybe I will drive you over.” Jacob excused himself to make a more private call.
     
Tavi spent the next hour or so grumbling and stalking outside only to come back a few minutes later to check on the pokeball transport machine. He probably would have continued all morning and afternoon if someone hadn't suggested a pokemon match against the Flareon. Four humans had taken up the idea each going and grabbing a pokemon and meeting Tavi outside to challenge him.

Just before they could start Professor Nealson ran out and called a halt to their actions stating that none of the pokemon they had was a significant challenge to the Flareon and might be seriously injured. The argument was ended as Jacob walked up with Leaf and volunteered her to go first admonishing the Flareon to be nice and that this was training more than a battle.

The encounters drew a crowd as a few more workers grabbed a pokemon and joined in. Tavi stayed away from all major flame attacks but Flame thrower making sure to roast each of them slightly with a powered down attack that didn't leave any more damage that a simple spray couldn't cure with the exception of Leaf. Their battle had left her with a good burn across her side and limping while Tavi was on the ground winded and almost seeing stars wondering when she had learned to use vine whip to trip and toss a pokemon.

Jacob had to step in and stop them when both seemed ready to go again.  Thankfully he realized that 'training' was a bad choice of words and had asked the Flareon to go easy on everyone else.  When the whole thing seemed to be at an end Leona walked up with a younger teen girl.  “Tavi this trainer is Melissa and she just got her first pokemon.  You will be extra nice wont you?” She asked.

A little way off the professor was protesting that they wouldn't be giving out any pokemon until the next week recognizing the young female who was to be a candidate.  “It has been taken care of.” Leona cut in. “Go on.” She encouraged Melissa as she stepped forward. Tavi gave a grumble of disapproval, a new trainer with a new pokemon was likely going to get hurt no matter what he did.”
     
“Pokeball GO!”  Melissa cried tossing the ball out. The red light blasted out forming an Eevee which left the Flareon totally floored.

“Ve? Vee Vee Vee vee vee vee.” It cried charging across the field and literally tackling Tavi knocking him to the ground as it laid on top licking at his mane and neck.

“Tavi is unable to battle.... Eevee Wins!”  Leona called out causing the young girl to squeal out in pleasure.  She had been promised first pick of the starter pokemon next week if she won.

Several hours later saw Tavi and Leaf holding down an Eevee in the back of a pick up as it drove up a bumpy windy trail.  The young pokemon had been both surprised and happy to learn he had an older brother again.  Tavi had spent the trip home entertaining the Eevee with short stories of his travels skipping several parts about his trainer while still including Leaf at times.  By the time he got back he had learned a lot more from the young pokemon about how somethings had happened.

Their mother had gotten sick and gone away when he was still very young and he could hardly remember her but almost immediately his older brother Jolteon had shown back up which made Dad happy again.  “Then came the  and everybody left including Jolteon.  Big sis and Dad were always upset.”  The Eevee explained. He seemed to stop after that and Tavi could understand why.
     
“Don't worry.  Big brother is gonna make sure all the humans stay away now.” Tavi told him.
     
“Really?” The Eevee asked in wonder. Tavi licked his younger brother head. “All the mountain is under my protection now and all the humans have to stay away.”  The Eevee thought that maybe this was some kind of joke till Leaf spoke.
     
“Your brother is bringing you home. He made the humans give you back, I'm sure he can keep them away.” The ride came to a rather bumpy halt and Jacob got out to lower the back gate. Eevee was still wary of any human even after both Leaf and Tavi had assured him it was alright.  In the end Jacob moved back and Leaf lowered the young pokemon out with her vines.
     
“I know where I am! I know where I am!”  The Eevee began to shout wildly while running around.
     
“Then go home and tell Dad and Sis I'll be back in a while.” The Flareon said giving a firm shove to the Eevee's rump.  With a 'Vee' of joy the brown pokemon charged across the ruts where the truck had stopped and dove into the brush.

He waited a moment to be sure his brother was gone before he called Leaf over. “We need to talk.” Tavi headed in a different direction with Leaf ready to follow before he growled lightly and barked. “Eeoon/Stay.”  He spoke to the human who was walking into the forest after them.  He chose a spot where they could both comfortably lay down before he flopped on to his side and spread his hind legs showing himself off to Leaf.
     
The Bayleef stood back several feet unwilling for the moment to come closer. “Leaf please come over here.” Tavi spoke rolling on to his belly to help her feel more comfortable.
     
Although she had stepped closer she still didn't sit or lay down. “Tavi this morning, we, it's not what.” She closed her eyes taking in a deep breath.
     
Tavi interrupted her before she could continue, “If you really trust me Leaf relax and lay down.” When she finally did he started. “Daniel hurt all of us.  You more than anyone else.  Did it ever feel like today?  Have you ever felt like that before?”  He watched Leaf's vigorous head shake. “You still don't want to mate, I know, but you do know how if you ever wanted to.  Believe me when your ready it can feel even better than what we did.  You will learn just like I did.”  The two stared at each other till Tavi rolled over again waiting to see how she would react.
     
After she looked him over again he asked to be sure.  “Do you trust me Leaf? Do you want to try and mate with me?”  He was glad she didn't get up even though he could see her muscles twitch and tense up like she was going to. He continued to wait hearing her take several deep breaths before trying to speak.
     
“Iee.. eeck... I trust you.” She squeaked out.
     
“Then you would know that I wont mate with you, you're not ready.” The sigh of relief she gave was greater than he expected.  Remembering the next big step he told her, “You do know of course you can feel good with out anyone's help.”  That seemed to shock and catch her attention. She looked over her own body stretching her neck back but knowing she could barely make her muzzle reach her back leg much less do something like the Flareon had done that morning.
     
She looked back at the fire pokemon who was laughing lightly at her,  “WHAT?” Leaf demanded. 

“Well can't you think of anything besides a tongue? Something you have that could rub and even go inside?”  Tavi spoke watching as she actually started to blush with his statement causing him to chuckle even more. “Well?”  He asked again when she finally stopped seeming to glow with embarrassment.
     
She caught his meaning and spoke, “Now?.. but..”  Leaf swallowed under his stare and slowly let out her vines but found herself unable to go any further while he watched. “I'm not ready.” She said hoping he would agree.
     
Tavi opened his legs a bit wider, “Are you ready to try something else then?” He said deliberately staring at her vines then his own privates.
     
“NO”  She said pulling her vines back. “Leaf you don't have to do anything, but I am asking if you will at least touch me.”  It was something he wanted to see if she could accomplish.  He was aroused but there was no need behind it.  He was asking this because he felt if she could touch him just once, then she could do it again in the future. Tavi could see her thinking probably trying to say no but still find a way to answer his request. “Just touch it Leaf.” He tried to encourage.  She allowed her vines to extend hovering just over his body.
     
Realizing this was probably much harder on her than he thought he almost called her to stop when it seemed her she couldn't lower her vines. 'A choice.' Tavi suddenly thought.  “This is not a battle I can truly help you with, I can only give you the opportunity to fight if you wish.”  Leaf looked back to his face searching for understanding. “I wont hurt you.”  He said as her vines dropped onto his body holding still against his fur.
     
“Now when ever your ready see if you can coax it out then we will be finished.”  Tavi waited amid the gentle pokes and prods trying to will himself full in the hopes of helping her confidence.  He tried to keep track of her face trying to be sure he wasn't pushing to hard while he concentrated on any good feelings. Suddenly thoughts of a female Leafeon filled his mind and Tavi involuntarily thrust.
     
When he opened his eyes again she was staring at him.  “Please Leaf don't stop.”  He begged.  His needy words seemed to help the Bayleef as she wrapped a vine all the way around the half peaking shaft. She felt it throb in her vines and gave a little squeeze.  “Oh Leaf!”  She herd him moan out and thrust against her vine helping to slide the shaft out as he pushed forward.
     
He was panting a little when the two sets of eyes met again.  “A little more.”  She pushed against the bulge that was forming even while she slid the other vine down. The lump inside seemed to be growing as she watched and she wondered now how it was supposed to come out or if it was not.
     
“That's enough.”  The Flareon said shivering. More than anything he wanted to pump against her vines or do something more. His mind raced with sexual thoughts before he truly gained control, this is about her, he told himself.  Tavi nudged the vines away and gave himself a few licks cleaning off the pre that was leaking out.  One last test one last nudge his mind decided slowly sucking in part of his member before pulling back off with a little pop. “I'm kinda glad I don't taste anything like .”  He said quietly. “You don't, do you want to taste?”
     
The question seemed so simple as Tavi licked himself a few more times before he looked over at her. He could easily see the part of her that was caught in revulsion and fear binding up her feeling while it seemed another part, her body, had become aroused at this.  Tavi licked one last time almost slurping at his tip before pulling away.
     
It was a struggle of inches as Leaf turned towards him and slowly moved forward.  He did nothing, no words, and no movement beyond the gentle pulse that ran through his member.  This had to be her choice and hers alone.  By the time she had gotten close enough that her tongue could reach him she had closed her eyes.  She took several deep breaths smelling the Flareon.  Her tongue darted out just as he spoke. “It's okay Leaf you don't have to.”  His words seemed to egg her on as her eyes opened and the tongue darted out quickly lapping and even swirled around the tip before she sucked the whole thing down to his trapped knot.
     
Tavi tried biting his tongue keeping down the volume of his surprised moan.  The Flareon shuttered ejecting a hefty spurt of pre as he tried using his hind paws to slowly push her off.  “Leaf stop please.” She pulled back confused as Tavi tried to clear his mind of the cloud of pleasure it was lost in. “That's... enough.” He got out through a few pants.
     
“I can do more.” She offered.
     
“No”  He spoke pushing away a little with his paws. “Two things, First.”  He stopped with the best serious voice and face he could pull together. “I don't taste bad do I?”
     
Leaf pulled back some not even registering the fact that his flavor had been left behind. With out even waiting for an answer he said, “Second it seems Jacob is coming. NO Wait!!” He cried seeing her jump to her feet. “Please lay down, and don't answer him.” Tavi said hearing 'LEAF' being called out in the distance. “He will find us but I still have more to tell you, a few more things.”
     
Leaf sat back down. “The one thing I want you to remember above all else is that this is not wrong or bad.  Today felt good because you allowed it.  I know I pushed you some but because you needed it. Find a partner Leaf someone you trust and remember  is gone.  Take it slow do what you feel comfortable with.”
     
“I trust you.”  She spoke when he paused.  They both turned when her name was called again, he was getting rather close.
     
“Don't get up. It will be good for him to see you with me.” Tavi spoke making a point of spreading his legs farther causing the still aroused shaft to stand out more. “He doesn't really need to see that.” He said when she had trained her entire vision on his privates.
     
“Tavi do you like me?” 

He had to wait a moment before answering trying to think of what he needed to say. “Yes I care for you.  I would fight everyone I had to make you safe and I will do what ever I can to help you out. Which is why you will leave with Jacob.”  As if on cue the human walked out.
     
“Leaf why wont you answer?”  Looking over at the Flareon he frowned a little, “Is that all you think about?”  He asked Tavi.
     
Leaf struck much to the surprise of the ranger. Whipping out a vine and striking his leg hard enough to make him gasp at the sting.  Tavi let out a light huff with a growl to emphasis the point.  “Tavi,” she spoke looking back at the Flareon. “Why?”
     
He stood up and turned to rub muzzles with the Bayleef. “Because you needed me.  Someone cared enough to show me and help me.  I owe her, more than I realized, but also it was to help me too. I made you happy Leaf.  I got you to feel... wonderful, and that make me feel great too.”  He licked her muzzle tip once before pulling away.

“You will make a great ranger partner and have lots of adventures. And maybe you'll meet a pokemon along the way who you totally trust.  But my family needs me now more than you and everyone who's left should be protected and that is what I will do.  Besides, something tell me we would never really be close, we both need someone to understand us and love as as we are.” While he spoke those words Tavi realized that was what they both truly needed. Someone who loved them.

He left Leaf with the ranger and arrived back at the den to an ecstatic Eevee, a cuddling Umbreon, and a father who said no more than, “Thank you. And you may stay the night.”  He watched his father walk back into the den as his brother and sister still danced or rubbed up against him.
     
Eevee wanted nothing more than to drag Tavi about and show him all the best places around to forest while the Umbreon quickly dashed off to gather together stuff to eat.  Tavi told his brother that he needed some rest and he would be more than happy to explore tomorrow before he went down and laid under the brush at the far end of the clearing.

In a little while the family was eating an evening meal together while Eevee pestered his brother to tell more of his adventures and things he had seen. “And you're really going to keep us all safe, everyone?” The young pokemon asked again watching as the Flareon nodded. “So no more hiding.” The Eevee seemed pleased with the thought.

“You will come home when your told and you wont be out when there are humans!”  The Leafeon spoke firmly.
     
“But Flareon says the humans wont bother us anymore!”  The Eevee spoke back. Before an argument could start Tavi spoke explaining the entire thing starting with the rangers and ending with the fact that he would now protect the whole mountain as its guardian.
     
“Good! Then you can drive all the humans away or are you going to kill them All!”  The Umbreon spoke.
     
“No!” He said shaking his head at her surprised look.  Leona had explained exactly what she wanted before he left. “For now I will chase all humans off, but when the pokemon return I have to only make sure that none are captured for a while. I am supposed to only injure those who wont leave or who are causing a problem.”
     
“What good does that do? Humans shouldn't be here at all they destroy everything. They are all evil.” She told him growling and daring him to argue.
     
Tavi shook his head again this time at the true irony of the situation.  He didn't want any humans around nor wanted anything to do with them but here he was going to defend them.  “Humans are evil, that would mean none of them worked with me to help get Eevee back.  What about the humans who don't have any pokemon are they all evil too?  Then what does that  make the humans who are making this mountain a protected area, are they evil?”
     
Umbreon nudged her other brother looking for support and asking, “You think humans are evil don't you?”
     
“I, I don't know. Some seemed nice.” The Eevee said quietly hanging his ears down expecting some for of retaliation for not agreeing with her. Umbreon instead look to her father.
     
“We know there are bad humans and we have learned there are good humans. The same can be said for pokemon, there are those who are most kind and others who you never want to meet, most fall some where in the middle.” The Umbreon lashed her tail clearly unpleased with what her father said.
     
Tavi tried one more time. “I was told once to treat humans like pokemon. If they help me when I was hurt or found food for me when I was hungry, then I should thank them and return the favor if I could. But if they are mean and try to harm me or do something to harm others or the forest then I will treat them just like a pokemon who is doing the same. I will run them out and stop them however I can.” He took a breath while staring at Umbreon wondering what else he could say. “You don't have to like humans in fact staying away would be best. I will deal with them.”
     
Leafeon got up and nuzzled his daughter and youngest son before looking at Tavi. “Are you sleeping in the den tonight?” He nodded in response and watched his father come close enough to rub his muzzle gently. “Thank you for bringing my son home.”  The Flareon closed his eyes with a little shiver of pleasure before his mind caught the exact wording.  Leafeon had already turned back to the den and suddenly Tavi didn't want to know which son his father was talking about.

He had a hard time trying to fall asleep that night Leafeon was curled up at the back while Umbreon had laid down right near the front and Eevee had plastered himself to Tavi's side rolling over in his sleep to get even closer when he had shifted away.  After nearly half the night was over he pulled away from his brother and slipped outside the den.  His family was nothing like the last one he had spent time with.  Here it seemed, except for Eevee, they wanted space when they slept and even during the day each was independent.  While back with Leafeon and the cubs the few nights seemed comforting with the bodies piled together and the closeness that was shared during the day had felt right.
     
It only took him a few minutes to fall asleep on his own but when he woke in the morning and was following Eevee through the forest he kept wondering if there wasn't something wrong with his family. There was only confirmation later when his father once again told him that this wasn't his home but he would allow him one more night.
     
Things seemed even more strained by the third day between father and son when Tavi mentioned his name and that he would prefer to be called that. After calling his son a fool and asked if he really did want to go back to being a humans pokemon the Leafeon had taken off leaving the Flareon angry at his father especially for the fact that it seemed he couldn't get even one nice word from the grass pokemon.
     
That afternoon when another shrill cry sounded Tavi raced back to the den finding all three of his family already there before he went out and tried to find out where the humans were. He hadn't even gone very far from the den before the Rattata's voice sounded mockingly from over head. “So that lasted how long?  Already humans again?  Are you sure you're even up for the job?”  Tavi ignored the other knowing that the Rattata had been no where near the humans and had no clue as to what Tavi had already done.  He did know that Eevee had told some of the few pokemon who were left that they no longer had to worry about humans because the Flareon was going to protect them.
     
It took quite a while to find the humans they were much further down the mountain than before and he wondered who or what it was that made the odd cry that alerted everyone to the danger. After Tavi found the humans he crept in closer seeing a large van and a jeep were stopped on one of the lower roads of the mountain.  He immediately recognized two of the three humans as being rangers and was unsure who exactly the third would be.  Being cautious he barked once still hiding in the brush.  As one the three humans turned towards the noise and one of them called his name.

Tavi stepped out into the open and walked down to the road.  One of the rangers saluted stating, “All hail the Guardian of Skyback Mountain.”  To the Flareon's relief the second, a female ranger, elbowed the first in the gut causing him to almost double over. She went to the back of the van with the third human and opened the doors crawling inside.
     
“So Tavi,”  The ranger started speaking slowly,  “My name is Todd, the other ranger is Sandy, and our friend is named Micheal. Todd, Sandy, Micheal.”

“Todd are you going to quit being an asshole?”  The other male said from the back working on getting whatever was being pushed out onto the ground. “We were told to be polite and that he would understand just fine.”

“I know I was just trying to find out exactly how....”  The ranger stopped speaking and began staring in awe as he saw the small Flareon stand on its hind legs and offer a paw.  Tavi waited quite a few seconds before wiggling his paw again in front of the human. “Eon./Hello”

The struggling and banging at the back drew the Flareon's attention and before Todd had even excepted his paw Tavi lept forward and was at the back of the van. He scrambled on to the wire cage containing the two Reckon and began growling out at the humans. The male Micheal stumbled backing away as he heard the female inside call out “Todd?” from behind him along with several other pokemon noises and cages rattles that started with his growl.

There was a loud metal bang several feet away as a Broadloom landed on the hood of the jeep having jumped out of the back seat.  “Tavi stop.”  The Flareon stopped growling long enough for it to explain. “We are dropping pokemon off who we believe were taken from here.”  The Breloom continued and after a few moments the fire pokemon hopped off the cage and allowed the humans to continue after a half hour twenty pokemon were following the Flareon back up the hill.  A few ran out ahead knowing the way already but at least a dozen of them had no clue where they were.  When they got to territory that was more familiar to Tavi he began pointing out burrows and dens after answering a few questions like where water was and what was going on, after a little bit all but two of the pokemon had left.
     
Before he could try and sort out whatever problems they had his father showed up telling the Flareon to follow him. Tavi allowed his father to lead him quite a ways before he protested demanding to know what was up. “Pick yourself a den while your out here being the guardian. Don't come back to my den unless its for a short visit.”

Tavi snapped yelling out at his father.  “What have I done to get kicked out!  I traveled all this way just to find you and you don't want me.  I thought being a family meant something but you don't seem to love or even care for your family.”
     
It took several seconds for Tavi to try and figure out what happened.  He was on the ground, his jaw and muzzle hurt, and his head felt like it was wobbling all over.  In truth he felt like he had been blindsided by Iron tail.  The Flareon tried to focus back on the Leafeon with only limited success. “You think I don't love you?  Are totally stupid or more of a fool than I thought.”  Leafeon waited till his son had gained his feet. “It was bad enough that I lost you as a cub but I could at least hope you could find a life somewhere.  Jolteon should have never come back, I almost had you sister convinced to leave by then.”

“You want us all gone?” The Flareon said shocked. “Why?”
  
“Gone? You don't understand do you.”  The grass pokemon took a deep breath and sat down. “I hope for the best for all my children. I did my best to care and raise them well.  Do you understand how hard it is to see Umbreon staying at home thinking she has to care for me?  She should be out with a mate and cubs of her own enjoying life, not stuck here afraid and worried.  And now you who has the best chance besides Eevee to have a good life is now rooted here as strong as any tree.  Don't you have any wish to have a mate?  Someone who could care and love you?”  Seeing his sons confused and even guilty expression he asked. “You have someone? That Bayleef Eevee spoke of?”

“No. Not her. We wouldn't be right for each other.” 
     
“Then who?” His father asked.  Laying back down Tavi started with his time spent with Leafeon about how she taught him what plants to use, then with some embarrassment how she taught him to use his own body for pleasure.  “And you just left her there?”
     
“I thought it was for the best. I am not the best of pokemon, or at least I wasn't. It was different then.” He tried to explain to his father.

“Do you think you will go back?” Leafeon asked his son.
     
“Well she said I could I guess but it has to be before winter.”
     
“What do you mean before winter. What exactly did she tell you.” His father ruffed slightly seeming upset.

“Nothing she just said that the cubs would be grown and that she wouldn't accept me in the spring unless I was back before winter.”  Tavi barely had the words out of his mouth before his head was ringing again the blow this time was softer but that only meant he wasn't knocked to the ground this time.
     
“FOOL!! She was offering to be your mate.  She was giving you everything a family and a chance at having cubs.”  Leafeon was screaming out at his son.  He spent nearly a minute breathing heavily waiting for the Flareon to recover.  “I don't want to see you again. NOT because I don't love or care for you.  I don't want to see you again because I want you to leave.”  With a much quieter voice the Leafeon walked out of the clearing.  “Some things in life are worth fighting for with all your heart. Coming back here isn't one of them, nor is staying.”
     
Tavi closed his eyes ignoring the pain from his muzzle and head. There was so much truth to what his father had said especially about him being a fool. But not about coming back, so much of what he had gone through had been just so he could get this far and that had been worth fighting for every bit.  But as to whether or not his father was right about the last part.  The Flareon wondered what the right answer would be, fighting to protect others including his family here or leaving and following the growing feelings that seemed to call him back to Leafeon and maybe leaving his family defense less if the humans returned.  He knew the choice would have to be soon the year wouldn't last forever and he would still need time to travel back, if he was going.