I had mud in my boots.

It was pretty much all I could think about as I squelched back to the Fuchsia Gym. The asshole Ninjas had chased me all night. Sleep? What was that, did it taste good?

Fuckers. I had been forced to jump into a swamp at one point and pull off the old breathing through reeds trick I had seen on some anime just to get five minutes of them not sticking kunai into my butt.

Janine hadn’t been fooled for long though and after she purposefully plugged my reed with her finger forcing me up. I had five new holes in my butt from her chasing me around and cackling.

Hence the mud in my boots.

“You did good.” She offered with a grin as she easily kept pace beside me, showing none of my exhaustion as she walked steadily to my heavy trodding steps.

“You are very mean.”

“Aww come on you lasted the whole night! Father is very impressed. Now you just have to train more so you can stay fighting fit all night like me.” She teased.

I glared at her, because I know for a fact she and the horde of Ninjas chasing me throughout the night had been on shifts. Staying up all night, my pitted ass.

“You suck.”

“Survival training always sucks. But at least now we can be confident you can survive a night running away from angry Johtan trainers.”

“I wouldn’t need to run if I had my team.” I grumbled at her, but it didn’t have any heat. Knowing that you could escape from people on foot by yourself?

Well I am sure there were many trainers during the war that had either really wished they had this training, or gone through it and had a much higher chance of surviving.

So I just glared letting her know I wasn’t happy as I continued squelching up to the Gym.

At the foot of the entrance stood the beautiful woman that was actually Koga’s wife, and Janine's mother. Her expensive and perfectly tailored Kimono hid the fact she was just as much of a ninja as Koga was.

Seriously, she might even be scarier. She had that air about her. Like she could smile at me while stabbing me in the throat at the same moment.

I greeted her with a stiff bow which she returned as she instantly attacked me with a towel.

“Blegh!” I managed to get out as she rubbed my face vigorously, Janine standing beside me giggling as Tsunade went to work on me.

I mean thankfully she wasn’t blonde and ‘stacked’ so I wasn’t worried about getting flicked into the ground or anything.

“Acceptable.” She said after a while as she guided me inside to the baths.

I took a long time warming up and relaxing in the waters. Aya, Koga’s sister joined at one point, which I was thankful for, she had saved me from the water at one point as I had almost fallen asleep her giggles telling me how silly I must have looked.

Then I crashed into bed forever and ever.

—--

“You are leaving.” Koga spoke practically appearing at my side as I stepped out onto the steps of the Gym.

“Yep. As fun as this has been. I still need to finish the other Gyms on my Journey.”

“Good. Time is short, but for you that should be no issue… I suggest you stop at Cinnabar on your circuit. There is a secret Gym there, still being run by our former Champion Blaine. I expect you will learn much from a match with him. It is hidden, you will need to gather some information to find it.”

I nodded slowly. I already intended on doing just that, but it was good to know that Blaine was still there taking challenges. “I’ll do that.”

“Do not forget what you have learned Victoria, the world is more dangerous than you believe.”

“I’ll do my best to stay safe. I promise.”

Koga nodded. He started to turn before stopping. “You are an acceptable student, but the path you have chosen to walk will not be easy. If you need assistance. The Fuchsia clan will not forget you.”

I was actually a little surprised Koga wasn’t a man that showed his emotions much.

“Thank you Koga-Sensei. I learned a lot, I owe you. I won’t forget that.”

“Good. Defeat Lance, and I will find my time to not have been wasted.”

“So just defeat the strongest trainer around and I’ll have been worth it. Sure. I’ll get right on that.” I muttered as he walked away, although I noticed he had a smirk on his face, as he left so he definitely heard me.

I turned, for the first time in a while heading out of the Fuchsia Gym free to do whatever I wanted.

“Hmm. Greasy food first.” I decided aloud, smiling as I put a bit of pep into my step. I hadn’t been able to eat anything unhealthy the whole time. Koga’s wife was an excellent cook, but it was all very traditional foods.

Unfortunately halfway to the nearest fast food place, I was attacked.

“Vicky Justice Kick!” I cried out as Kiba attacked me with a tackle. The two of us tumbling and groaning in the dust as while my kick had connected he had still knocked me off my feet.

“B-Bitch!” He groaned rolling the ground. “Why’d you kick me!?”

“You jumped me asshole!” I snapped back.

“Do you have any idea how long I have been waiting for you?” He growled, Mightyena was there beside him. I noticed the dog sniffing his master a bit before settling down. Uncaring about his master's distress.

Heh.

“I was busy! With secret stuff!”

“Ninja training.”

“Noooo. I never did any ninja training ever. Like at all, You must be talking about the Magical girl Pretty Protector Sailor Nike! She is as amazing as she is mysterious.” I inform him with a firm nod.

“You are such a dweeb.” He groaned into the ground for a moment before pushing himself up and clutching his stomach as he glared at me, just in time to catch a Pokeball to his face. “Bitch!”

“Don’t call me a dweeb!”

“Stop being a dweeb and I’ll stop calling you one! You spazz!” He yelled earning a second chucked Pokeball which he barely blocked by covering his face. “Stop aiming for my face!”

“Hmph! We are done here.” I told him standing up and wiping myself down before taking two steps, which ended as Kiba grabbed my boot and I tripped face first right back into the dusty road.

A quick kick to his face leaving a dusty boot imprint later, we were glaring at each other, Mightyena sensing a battle was about to ensue didn’t look very confident.

“Let’s go you spazz.”

“Fine! Arcanine I choose you!” I roared glaring at the boy as the two of us faced off once again.

Or at least that was the plan because a moment after appearing Arcanine betrayed me! Betrayal most foul!

“Oof!” I gasped as she turned and with all her bulk just flopped right on top of me.

I was dying! Too heavy!

Oh wait actually. It wasn’t too bad. Just bulky so I couldn’t get her off me.

With a bit of wiggling I managed to get my head out from under her fur and catch sight of her face.

Oh no she was sulking. “Aww c’mon don’t be like that. It was just one battle!”

My argument was ineffective. Instead I got a glance from her as she puffed up her cheeks before huffed all the air out and just rolled over on me, meaning I was once more in the fur jungle.

That was about the time I felt someone start poking me with a stick.

“Kiba! I’ll kill you, you better stop!” I screamed out, but I am sure all he heard was muffled shouting as the stick did not in fact stop it just started poking harder.

I couldn’t even reach for my other Pokeballs!

Betrayed!

“C’mon it was just one battle! I was saving you for last! But Chansey did a great job! You can’t be mad!”

Arcanine could in fact be mad as I learned over the next twenty minutes of her absolutely refusing to get off me.

There was a rock poking me in the back.

—--

“So does that happen often?” Kiba asked as I stared at my burger. “The whole pleading with your pokemon thing.”

“I wasn’t pleading.”

“You were crying by the end. Sounds like pleading to me.”

“Kiba.” I hissed leaning in until our faces were practically touching. “I have ninja training now Kiba. I will kill you and no one will ever find the body.”

“Pfft. You don’t scare anyone. You aren’t tall enou-Ack.”

“What’s that? I couldn’t hear you over the sound of you choking on your burger.” I say sweetly, after jamming his half eaten burger into his throat.

Of course a few moments later the two of us were kicking each other under the table which Kiba swiftly learned would only lead to one winner as my boots and strength had him yelping.

Rubbing his shin, he glared as he finished off his burger. “So what was that all about yesterday?”

“Hmm?”

“Don’t play dumb! That battle! Was that Gyarados flying? Did your Chansey, who is a sweet lady who wouldn’t hurt a fly, beat up a Nidoking? What the hell Vicky! I was watching and I almost didn't believe it.”

“I don’t see why any of that is weird.” I answer as a take a chunk out of my burger.

“Don’t give me that shit! Since when do Gyarados fly!? And what the hell is up with Chansey?”

“Gyarados are flying types. They could always fly… I guess. And Chansey has always been strong.”

“Bullshit.” He grumbled glaring. “Gyarados don’t fly Vicky. Everyone knows that! I mean I have an aunt that moved up to the mountains to get away from any large bodies of water specifically because she is terrified of them. How did you teach a Gyarados to fly? It’s scary!”

“It’s really cute honestly.”

“Only you would think so, you Magikarp fanatic!”

“Damn right! Magikarp are great!”

“Magikarp are useless. You're just a weirdo. Ow! Stop kicking me!”

“Stop being stupid and I will think about it.”

“Yeah whatever… I fought Koga after you did. Nothing he brought out was even close to that match you had. You really are a monster you know?” He said, quieter than his usual boisterous tone.

“Eh. I just had a few extra years of training my team. Plus that was my rematch against Koga. He beat me the first time.”

“I’ve had years with Mightyena too, but we can’t do half of the shit you pulled.” He pointed out before sighing. “Don’t let some idiot beat you in the League. With all your crazy shit, you better win.” He demanded with a pointed look.

I took in the serious tone the way he was looking and I gave him a firm nod. “I have no intention of losing to anyone.”

His smile after was much like his dog, all teeth.

—--

After lunch with Kiba he took off with just a wave over his head as he walked away. Hopefully the sight of the battle between Koga and I will give him inspiration for the League.

We all had a long way to go in our own way. It was something I had learned, no matter how strong my team was, that was only a piece of the puzzle.

I shook that thought away. I had something I needed to do. Specifically a grumpy pup that needed some treats and exercise.

I headed out of town towards the forest before releasing my still sulking girl.

The moment her paws hit the ground she turned her back on me huffed loudly.

I flopped into her back which only earned another huff as she purposefully turned her head away from me.

“I’m sorry I didn’t use you against Koga in the rematch.” I say which was completely ignored. “You know I trust you. I love battling with my girl.” I started lightly petting her which didn’t get her tail going like it usually does.

I huffed a bit myself as I leaned against her only earning a cold shoulder.

“Is my favorite fluffy puppy upset?” I baby talked to her. “Does she think I don’t trust her? Or that I don’t love how strong and amaaazing she is?” I cooed earning a whine from my girl.

I smiled. She was getting irritated with my baby talk.

“Is my little puppy all-pfft!” I was interrupted by a big paw that came up and mashed me in the face. Arcanine was huffy at me.

“Oh you want to fight do you?” I taunt reaching over and grabbing her snout and wiggling it back and forth, earning me a growl as she suddenly turned on me. She was on me. Her paws reaching out to push into my face as I kept grabbing her nose and wiggling it in a way she hated soon we were rolling around on the ground my strength and hands meant she couldn’t just put me down completely as I was always able to reach up and irritate her.

Ten minutes later I was out of breath and my face was lightly scratched up from her constant attempts to pin me down. Paws weren’t the most gentle thing on skin. She had given up and simply decided the best way to get me to stop irritating her was to once more lay on top of me. Her bulk kept me pinned.

“Feel better?” I ask, earning a huff but she did angle her head down towards where my head was pinned beneath her arms. Then she licked.

“Pfft!” I blew out my tongue as she left a trail of saliva across my face.

I could see the instant she knew what she was going to do.

“No you don’t.” I roared as she leaned down to start licking me frantically. Using every ounce of strength I lifted her off me enough to free my arms, and then her snout was caught in my hands her tongue half way out of her mouth as I clamped down.

“Haha! Who has got who now!?”

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Her narrowed eyes told me her thoughts about that as she went on the attack.

“Ack! Too much tongue!” I couldn’t help but yelp as she lowered her snout to start licking like an ant eater in and out over and over,

“Noooo!” I cried out as I couldn’t over muscle her off me and so I was tortured until finally I released her snout.

Only to remember that Arcanine has no mercy in her heart!

An hour later now completely soaked from Arcanine spit I glared up at her weakly as she panted happily atop me.

“Satisfied now?”

“Arc!”

“Yeah I bet.” I grumble at her poking her a bit until she finally stands up off me letting me up. A quick use of a towel from my bag later and the two of us were facing off sitting across from each other.

“I might not use you in every battle you know?”

“Arc! Arcanine!”

“No, of course I am happy to have you battle, but this was Chanseys turn.”

“Arc!”

“No Milotic and the others needed this win too. You had already defeated one of Koga’s Pokemon. I needed the others to know they could do it too.”

“Ararar-acanine.” She whined at me almost pleading.

“You act like we won’t have a ton of battles soon! We are getting ready for the League, there will be hundreds of strong trainers to fight!”

“Arc!”

I rolled my eyes. Her snippyness told me plenty about what she was feeling. “Of course I will still need you! Just because Chansey is strong doesn’t mean you aren’t my ace still!”

“Arc! Arcanine Arc-arc!” I sighed as she rose up on her hind legs begging.

“Silly dog.” I whisper as I rise up and swamp her in a hug before she could fall. Easily holding up her bulk as her arms fall on my shoulders. “You are the one I trust the most in battle, you should know that. Just because Chansey has found her desire to battle, doesn’t mean I am going to have her replace you! No one can replace you.”

She looked down on me for a while before huffing and I could hear her tail starting up.

Once the Arcanine super tail motor began, it wouldn’t stop. Her gentle lick across my nose told me she was happy again as well.

“There, see. Now how about we go run around, find a place to get some exercise, we will be heading to Saffron next. We have to face the Psychic Gym Leader, and she is crazy strong.”

“Arc!” She barked happily, of course the idea of a strong challenger was all Arcanine really wanted.

“I’ll let you start the fight, how about that?”

“Arc!” She wiggled happily the idea of battle once again turning my battle maniac into a happy pup.

—-

“Yeah Mama. Training is all done. I beat Koga.” I showed off my new badge to my mother on the call as she looked surprised at the sight.

“And a Star Badge! Vicky. You are definitely going to cause a stir during the League. Look at you. I never earned a single Star Badge! You have collected them all so far!”

“I just have some advantages with my team. That’s all.” I demurred. Honestly nothing that I had done was that special, even Gravity training should be an idea that someone else has somewhere in the world.

“Well your father will be so proud when I tell him! Everyone knows Koga is a tough Gym to defeat, especially if you challenge him late. Look at you.” Mama said looking almost teary eyed at my accomplishment. Which made me go all gooey on the inside.

“T-thanks!” I offered with the brightest smile I could to tell her how happy I was. Mama and Papa were the best!

“But you really should catch some more Pokemon… Or take an extra Milotic Vicky. You are going to need six Pokemon for the League.”

“I have six Pokemon though?” I answered instantly, without a thought.

Like a damn idiot.

I realized it the moment it left my mouth. The absolute fool! Idiot sandwich!

“Oh? Who is your sixth? You told me about your Baby, but you didn’t tell me you caught someone new.”

“A-ah. Umm No, I didn’t! Just a slip of the tongue, definitely!”

The instant the words came out of my mouth I knew Mama wouldn’t buy it. In fact I knew she didn’t because her eyes narrowed. The same look of ‘you fucked up’ that she gave me whenever she caught me doing something I wasn’t supposed to.

“Victoria. What are you hiding?”

“Hiding? Me? Of course not.” I rambled a bit so far on the back foot I might as well been metaphorically falling over.

“Victoria Ferrous.”

I felt myself floundering. Quick. Come up with a lie!

“I caught a Magikarp and helped it evolve into a Gyarados, and he is a good boy!” Wait? Fuck. That was the truth. Shit.

“VICTORIA!” Mama, literally screamed into the phone forcing me to yank it away from my ears. “What are you doing! Gyarados are not safe! They are incredibly dangerous! You need to release it immediately! No I’ll call the Rangers they can-”

“No.” I said absolutely firmly, as firmly and seriously as any ten year old could ever sound. “I will not. He is a good boy, and my friend.”

“Arceus.” Mama whispered as she struggled to say something to override my stubbornness. “Vicky, you, they. Gyarados!”

“Yeah. He is great. He helped me beat Koga. We played at the beach on the weekends… I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I knew you would react badly! I kept trying to tell you how sweet Magikarp and Gyarados could be, but-”

“Victoria Ferrous! We told you to stay away from them because they. ARE. DANGEROUS!” Mama once more yelled. Making me wince as the video phone captured the entirety of her meltdown. She stopped then. Took a breath for a few minutes. “Come home. Jump on Arcanine, or Dragonite, and get home. Now.”

I opened my mouth to say anything, but I realized instantly that this had escalated.

Mama was really freaking out… Shit she probably wouldn’t handle Gyarados hugs very well either would she? “Okay. I’m on my way right now.”

Mama breathed heavily for a few moments before she nodded. “I’ll see you soon.”

—--

I was honestly pretty nervous as Dragonite touched down. It was getting late the sun had gone down before I had even left Fuchsia, which left home lit up by the lights around it.

Dragonite gave a questioning little purr as I sort of paced a bit instead of heading inside. The kitchen lights were on, and I could see a few Growlithe already perking up at my arrival from their gathering on the well lit porch.

“I’m really worried. I was told a whole bunch that I wasn’t allowed to go capture a Magikarp or a Gyarados, but… It’s my journey and he isn’t a threat to me. Mama and Papa… And Gram Gram too I suppose. Aren’t going to take this well.

“Pree? Drag-Dragonite Dragon.” She comforted after making an “Ah” Noise patting me on the shoulder a bit.

“Yeah I can’t stay out here all night… Besides, I didn’t do anything wrong. Magikarp, and now Gyarados is my friend, it’s not wrong to make friends!” I give a nod which she nods along with. Dragonite and Gyarados didn’t do much together, but Gyarados being a friend for little Dratini had warmed Dragonite to the big fish.

“Why don’t you all settle in for a while? No telling how long this is going to take.” I tell them, releasing everyone from their Pokeballs. Except for Gyarados.

I would need him with me. Dratini was half way up my leg when Dragonite scooped him up, earning a little giggle as the family went over to the stream and trees to greet the Flock. Chansey wandering over as well to give everyone checkups.

I sighed psyching myself up even as the Growlithe pack ran over to demand treats. After a few berrys slipped into puppy bellies I could hear the front door open.

It was time.

It was Papa that was standing at the door. He didn’t look happy. He wasn’t glaring but I could sense tension in the way he stood.

“Papa.”

“Come inside Vicky.” He ordered not unkindly, but it was with a definite unhappiness.

Yeah this was gonna be rough.

I stepped inside, and I could feel myself relaxing regardless. The smell of home was something you never really forgot, plus Arcany perked up at my entrance and gave me a little whuff of greeting from around the living room couch, which was apparently his new spot. The fact I could see his old puppy bed under his butt, not even starting to hold his massive body, made it all the cuter.

Ah, Pokemon were so cute!

But Papa led me into the kitchen, where Mama was baking.

Stress baking. I recognized it. She didn’t really enjoy baking stuff, but when she was upset she tended to start.

Gram Gram being there as well made me wince. This was a ‘family’ talk.

“Sit.” Papa ordered and I settled into my chair slowly trying to look anywhere but at all the eyes there were on me. Although Mama wasn’t looking at me. Too busy stirring something in a bowl furiously.

“Vicky. Why did you capture a Gyarados?” Papa asked after a moment as he sat in his chair.

“I didn’t… Well okay I know what happens when you capture a Magikarp. So yeah I captured a Gyarados… I wanted one.” I answered, stating the truth. I had always wanted one. They were awesome. Cute and scary all at once.

“We told you. Many times in fact, you weren’t allowed to play with Magikarp.” Papa’s voice wasn’t loud. He was speaking calmly, but I knew he wasn’t happy.

“That was when I was a kid, and I’m on my journey now.” I answered, trying to be reasonable. I mean it was the truth.

“Vicky. You know we are taking care of any of the Pokemon you catch on your Journey. It’s why we told you to be careful about how many Pokemon you catch. We have to be able to afford and take care of them. But that isn’t the point. We specifically told you not to capture a Magikarp. You are smarter than this, so don’t play it off. Why did you disobey us?” Papa demanded firmly.

“You were wrong.” I answered simply. My eyes locked onto his as I said it. “You’ve told me since I was little how dangerous Gyarados are. How Magikarp are terrible Pokemon to train because at any time they can go wild and attack you. I’ve heard it all! You told me horror stories all the time remember? About trainers who couldn’t control Gyarados, but you were wrong! All of you!” I yelled, my heart beating fast in my chest.

“Vicky! Do not raise your voice to us!” Mama demanded threatening me with a spoon. “You are in so much trouble right now. I can’t even describe it to you! You broke the biggest rule we gave you! It was practically the only restriction we put on your Journey!”

“Because you were wrong!” I almost… Almost snapped back. Instantly it was only a little heated. “Gyarados aren’t these horrible monster seeking to attack everyone! They are just-”

“They do attack people. All the time. Victoria, why are you unable to understand this?” Gram Gram asked softly. Looking upset.

Crap I made Gram Gram upset too.

“That isn’t the same thing at all.” I argued. “My Gyarados is a sweetheart. I mean literally. Dratini is his best friend and they play together. Dratini.” I repeated waving my hands. “Dragonite would never let Dratini around a dangerous Pokemon. Gyarados… No Magikarp he was utterly alone when I found him. Utterly. All he was doing was swimming around in circles just waiting for something to happen, and you know what? I happened. I reached out to him and showed him that life wasn’t bitter loneliness and cruelty! Yes Gyarados are dangerous! Most of them have no socialization! They never had friends, or family to develop those sorts of skills! Of course they are aggressive!” I waved my hands above my head as I tried desperately to get my point across.

My words were taken in for a while, all three adults hearing me out, which just went to show how awesome my parents were.

But that doesn’t mean they agreed.

“Vicky. You wouldn’t be our child if you weren’t trying to help out every Pokemon you could.” Mama offered settling her mixing bowl down with a thud. “But you were told. Firmly. Multiple times not to do exactly what you did. Arceus only knows where your fascination with Gyarados and Magikarp came from, but that isn’t what we are angry about. You disobeyed us.”

Papa broke in then. “And that is the crux of the issue. Vicky. You know we love you and we worry for you, and there are reasons we put down the rules we did when you set out on your Journey. If you aren’t responsible enough to listen, maybe you aren’t ready for your Journey.” Papa said and I blinked.

Was that even an option!?

I didn’t even know how to respond to that. “You are grounded for now to start. We will figure out what we are going to do… we will figure out your punishment tomorrow. Go to bed Vicky.” Papa demanded.

I hesitated.

Part of me was getting angry. I didn’t like being treated like… well like a child. At least not in this. Not for something this important.

Another part of me realized that they weren’t trying to be mean.

They were scared.

That was the part of me that realized I messed up. Not in actually capturing Magikarp. Gyarados was my sweet blue heart, and anyone that tried to bully him would earn a Vicky Justice Kick in short order.

But my parents were really not okay with a Gyarados around their ten year old. Their… well even I could admit. Their very small, ten year old.

Who was walking around with a monster in her pocket, that they were all afraid was going to eat her someday.

I mean it could happen, but it wouldn’t be a painful experience. Just uncomfortable for both parties I am sure. I doubt Gyarados were built for puking.

I ran through ideas. Arguments I could make. Forcing them to meet Gyarados, but I realized everyone was tired. Mama was still stress baking and Papa was angry at me for not listening.

Gram Gram just looked disappointed.

Alright. “Okay. In the morning then.” I agreed firmly. Stepping away from the kitchen before a voice called back.

“The Pokeball.” Gram Gram said suddenly. Causing me to still as I still had Gyarados on my hip. “We will hold onto it.” Gram Gram spoke firmly, but this time I frowned for real.

“You do know that I still need to feed and take care of him. If you want to hold onto him. It can’t be for very long.”

“Pokemon don’t get hungry in their Pokeballs Vicky. He can last a while.” Papa said, but I immediately turned to him.

“Put Arcany in his Pokeball for a few days then.”

The instant denial on Papa’s face that he stopped himself from voicing the denial was all I needed. I held up my Sweet Blue Hearts Pokeball. “Since you are afraid. I’ll let you hold onto him tonight.” I offer handing the Pokeball to Papa who nodded, and swiftly minimized it and put it in his pocket.

“Go to your Room vicky. We will talk more in the morning.” Papa ordered.

“Okay.” What else could I say?

—-

It took forever to get to sleep. To relax from all the anxiety of what had happened. But the feel and smell of my own bed. The room I grew up in, and the noise of my Pokemon out the window lulled me to sleep eventually.

One of the Growlithe had even snuck in as he had apparently been using my bed in secret and cuddled with me, so that was nice.

Although he kept trying to steal my pillow.

After waking up pillowless I grumbled and ignored the happily snoring Growlithe as I stumbled out of my room into the bathroom to wash up. With that I headed outside.

My team of course needed some breakfast. Cooking up breakfast for my team right outside the house felt weird. Even Chansey happily chattering away beside me as we cooked enough for everyone made the whole situation a little surreal.

Of course, it was mostly weird because I didn’t have a big fish hanging over me wiggling back and forth as I cooked.

Seeing that Mama and Papa were up, and my meal was almost done I headed inside.

“Morning.” I called out to my parents who were both waking up nursing cups of Coffee as Mama cooked breakfast.

“Good morning Vicky. Your Pokemon taken care of?”

“Mostly. I still need to feed Gyarados.” I answer simply purposefully not sitting down as I started the parents down.

The tension of course ratcheted up as I spoke but Papa sighed. “Alright. Let’s get this over with. C’mon trouble.” Papa said as he stood up and headed back into his room for a moment before appearing with Arcany following him, and Gyarados’s Pokeball in his hand. The Premier Ball obvious.

He led me outside and towards the whole flock. To my surprise Papa gave a quick whistle and the entire pack of Growlithe started rushing from every corner of our land. Watching them climb out of holes they had dug, or from under bushes had me fighting back a smile as they rushed over, lining up beside Arcany in a line.

Arcanine even settled in purposefully pushing one of the Growlithe out of the way to sit beside Arcany, which was hilarious because then all the Growlithe had to push each other around to settle into ‘their’ spot.

Papa had obviously given them some training.

“They are so cute. You didn’t tell me you had been training them?”

“You ever lived in a house with a pack of wild Growlithe? No. You didn’t. Trust me, your mother would have killed them if I hadn’t stepped in.”

“Oops.” I offered simply earning a snort from Papa.

“There is a reason we worry about you Vicky. You don’t always think things through when it comes to Pokemon.”

“Yeah, but I’m right.” I offer simply. “Gyarados would never hurt me. Ever.”

“Well that’s what I am here to see. If something happens I don’t like. Arcany and the pack are right here.” He answered firmly, and I shrugged.

Gyarados was a sweetie.

Finally he handed me the Pokeball and I nodded preparing to throw.

When I had a thought. A realization. Perhaps an epiphany.

So I lowered my hand. “There is one thing I should probably say before I release my sweetie…”

Papa quirked his eyebrow up at me, already judging me with his stare.

“So Gyarados… Well he is a little lonely, so he tends to hug me when I first release him especially when I haven’t for a while. So just… It’s not dangerous at all? It’s just how he shows affection.”

“My confidence in this is already zilch, and I know when you are being evasive. What are you saying Vicky?” Papa asked with a strong stare. Ah! He was using his Growlithe training voice! I was weak to that!

That wicked little part of me wanted to right that moment just release my sweetie and shock Papa with what would happen, but I knew that was the childish part of me.

And this was serious.

“He is going to put me in his mouth in a hug.” I say simply, and the moment it took Papa to take in what I had just said really had it all. First he blinked as if he couldn’t comprehend what I had just said, and then twitched, and his hand rushed to his face to pinch the bridge of his nose.

“You ha-”

“It’s perfectly safe. He doesn’t have arms and he is lonely Papa. He just wants to hug me. Just relax okay. Give it a minute he will let me go right after and I can show you why he is probably my sweetest Pokemon.”

“You should not be letting your Pokemon, any Pokemon put you in their mouth Vicky. That’s just… Bad training in general. If I had a Growlithe that had a tendency to grab people with its jaws I would train it out of them!”

“I know.” I agree easily. “It isn’t something to be proud of, but Gyarados is really really young Papa. He was a tiny Magikarp, and I’m the first person to ever really interact with him. I’m still socializing him, but in order to do that, I can’t stop him from showing affection. That is how you get angry Gyarados.”

Papa sighed looking every inch the man that wanted to ground me forever and throw Gyarados’s Pokeball into the hands of the first Ranger he could find.

But he didn’t. Whether it was because my Pokemon knowledge gave me some leeway, or because I actually was pretty good with Pokemon he eventually relented.

“Chansey.”

“Huh?”

“Chansey is your sweetest Pokemon.” He offered along with a ‘do it’ gesture with his hand.

I stilled at that. “You have never seen her battle before, or you wouldn’t be saying that.” I tell him utterly dead serious. I nodded after turning away. “Come on out! My Sweet Blue Heart! Breakfast time!” I shouted out happily as I tossed the Pokeball towards the stream.

And a moment later a light roar shook the area startling the Milotic who were playing, although Milotic being my partner, and their leader quickly called out and all of them calmed instantly. The entire Flock watching on in interest at their newest guest.

But Gyarados didn’t notice any of that. As always when he was released his eyes instantly swept around searching for the one thing he treasured.

It was honestly really flattering. My arms widened like I was gonna give a hug and a moment later he struck.

The sun disappeared around my feet.

—-

“I can’t believe this.” Papa said, sounding a little high strung as I continued wiping saliva out of my hair.

“Yeah he is pretty great.” I chirped, as I sat atop Gyarados’s head spike my Blue heart was laying on the ground and gurgling happily at our closeness as Papa stood to the side surrounded with surprised Growlithe who all looked ready for battle. Even Arcany was standing ready to fight but it was Arcanine beside him who was yawning and lying down without a care that had helped relax Arcany.

“How is he so passive? I’ve seen trainer Gyarados before. They are never this…” Whatever he was going to say never reached an actual word because Papa was poking Gyarados, touching and even pulling his whisker a bit to see if he would react.

He didn’t. Gyarados was used to Dratini playing with him, he didn’t get angry at being touched.

“I told you. Gyarados is a sweetie. I raised my Blue Heart right!” I crow a little vindication running through every inch of me, as Papa’s attempts to pull a bit of aggression out of Gyarados failed again and again. In fact the Milotic Flock had even wandered over and were checking out their new friend.

All of it was done to the soundtrack of Dratini who was giggling as he played with Gyarados’s tail that was splashing happily in the water as his lower half was still in the stream. Seeing my little noodle rising up out of the water on the end of Gyarados’s tail and then getting dropped back into the stream with delighted giggles was a wondrous backdrop.

“Ah let me get your breakfast sweetie.” I called out remembering why I had needed to bring out my boy. As I climbed down his face. His complete nonreaction as I stepped down onto his nose and then his lip as I climbed down showing Papa just how safe my boy was.

Then I settled onto the grass and headed over to the big pot of Chow I had been cooking just for him.

Chansey had already pulled it off the fire and simply hauled the pot up in her arms completely unbothered by the weight of the thing as she waltzed over as if she wasn’t carrying a heavy pot. Then as easy as could be Gyarados opened his mouth and Chansey and I poured the food in.

Honestly most of it was for taste more than anything. Considering how big some Pokemon could get. A lot of Pokechow had super nutrient dense food that didn’t taste good, but could fill up even a Snorlax with just a pot full of chow, but by cooking it with his favorite super spicy Liechi berries cooked in, and turning it into a sort of stew Gyarados got a nice taste along with all the healthy vitamins he needed.

The fact it made my eyes water just coming near the pot because of just how spicy Liechi was was an unfortunate fact of life when you lived with a spice lover.

Pouring it in, earned a pleased grumble from my fish as he waited until it was fully poured out before closing his mouth and seeming to enjoy the flavor for a bit before swallowing.

And then he opened his mouth again and sighed pleased.

Even if his sigh made my nose run from how spicy it was.

Papa had been taking this all in with a look of sort of offended bafflement.

“Gyarados should not be this calm.” He finally repeated himself. “Vicky. Gyarados are never this calm.”

“Of course not. Most people don’t train them right!” I answered firmly even as my eyes watered and I realized I didn’t have my travel bag that had my tissues ready to blow my now runny nose from all the spice.

“Ack, one sec!” I cried out as I rushed back to the house so I wasn’t doing a Cubchoo impression. As I entered I could see Mama hovering over the kitchen window obviously fretting as she could see Gyarados.

After clearing up my sinuses so I wasn’t dying. I didn’t head back outside.

“Mama?” My question startled her as she had been locked onto Gyarados out the window.

“V-vicky?” She asked, whirling around. It took a moment but eventually she seemed to breathe again as she held her chest. “Don’t startle me like that.” She whispered before catching my concerned eye.

“Did… Is the reason you don’t like Gyarados… Did you ever?” I asked, as I realized Mama wasn’t just scared for me.

She was just plain scared.

“I was eighteen.” She finally answered after a while. “I was too late to see everything myself, but it was a town in Johto. I was… well I was trying to show off by collecting the Johto badges. I was getting ready to retire, but I wanted… It doesn’t matter. I was wandering around a place called the Lake of Rage. It-”

“I’ve heard of it.” I offered. “They have a lot of Gyarados attacks there, that is what earned it the name.”

“Exactly. The Gyarados had rampaged the day before. There was almost nothing left. Just… Just those who hadn’t been able to escape. I offered to help cleanup. Meowth’s sense of smell is particularly good. We helped the Johto rescue teams.”

She didn’t say anything more, but she didn’t need to. I could hear it. See it on her face what she had found.

Bodies. Probably a lot of them. Probably kids too.

“My Sweetie isn’t like them. I know… I know you don’t believe me, but it’s true. He isn’t angry. I’m making him the happiest Gyarados that there ever was. So he won’t have to be like that. So that people can realize that they all don’t have to be like that.”

“I know. You have always been like that. I still remember when you dragged Feebas home.”

“Feeby was so cute back then.” I answer with a nod.

Mama actually snorted a bit, breaking some of the tension that had been running through her. “Only you Trouble would think a Feebas is cute… But I guess only you would evolve them into a Milotic as well.”

I smiled at her. “Want to come meet him? I promise he is nice… Just don’t offer to hug him, we are still working on that.”

“I.. I don’t think I’m ready for that Vicky. Why don’t you go on. I’m sure your father is getting nervous standing next to a Gyarados.”

“Gyarados is playing with Dratini he won’t go anywhere, but okay. I’ll head out… But if you ever want to try. Let me know Gyarados would be happy to meet you, and we could even go for a ride! His flight isn’t as smooth as Dragonite, it’s like a roller coaster!” I call out as I rush out the kitchen to get back to Papa.

Not hearing the quiet question of “Flight?” That Mama uttered a moment later.

Rushing back outside I hurried over until I could flop onto Gyarados’s face next to where Papa was still standing and poking and messing with Gyarados.

The fact I was basically hugging Gyarados’s face which hadn’t even earned a twitch from him caused Papa to startle back a bit. “He won’t bite. I do this all the time so he knows it’s okay.” I tell Papa as I grab big blue cheeks and mash them around “Isn’t that right my Blue Heart! Aren’t you such a good boy!” I cooed which finally caused a reaction as his mouth opened, and his tongue rolled out to splatter across my entire body.

“Pttth!” I spit gagging a bit as icky fish saliva got in my mouth.

“Heh.” Papa chuckled as he looked at my disgust for a moment. “Alright. Vicky. Alright. You win. You can keep him.”

“A-awesome.” I gagged from the floor as I was spitting and trying to get the not just disgusting taste, but incredibly spicy taste out of my mouth.

“But you are still grounded, and you will be helping Mother with the yard work around her home. For a week.”

“Wha? Why am I still grounded!”

Papa this time kneeled down and he was not smiling at me as he poked my nose. “Because you were told. Specifically to stay away from Magikarp and Gyarados and you disobeyed. You took a risk, and yes this Gyarados is… Unique. But I and your Mother still gave you a rule and you broke it.”

“That’s… Fair.” I sighed. Aww man. I was grounded! For a week! And I hated yard work! It wasn’t like you were growing something or doing something useful! Who cares what a yard looks like! It wasn’t even a garden or a farm just grass!

“Also do not release your Gyarados anywhere in the city. I do not want Jenny to be hounding me for the next ten years.”

—--