BREAKFAST AT VIRIDIAN FOREST
After a light breakfast of berries and leftover stew we packed up the tent and continued our journey through the thick woods.
Soon the trees opened up, and we reached a wide river.
The river rushed past us, fast and loud, slamming against the sharp rocks with heavy crashes. White foam sprayed high with every hit, and the current looked strong enough to drag anything (or anyone) under in seconds.
There was no bridge.
No fallen log.
Nothing.
Just a wild, raging river blocking our path.
"What do you think?" I asked, turning to Meowscarada and Lopunny. "How are we going to cross? That water's moving way too fast... it looks dangerous."
While I stood there staring at the roaring river, trying to figure out how we'd ever cross it, a low rustle came from the bushes behind me. (slow, deliberate, too heavy to be a Rattata).
Something big was coming.
The leaves parted.
Out slid the Arbok from yesterday (four meters of dark-violet scale and muscle, hood half-spread, eyes locked on us).
It stopped a few steps away, tongue flicking once... twice... tasting the air.
Its narrow yellow eyes glowed under the wide hood. The scary red-and-black face pattern stared out from its hood and belly, twisting a little as it coiled up. Its long forked tongue flicked the air and it let out a low "Hsssss... charbok..."
I wasn't scared. I knew it had been following us for a while. That's why no wild Pokémon had come near our camp; this big snake had quietly kept them away like a silent guard.
It came closer eyeing the raging river then turned those sharp eyes on me. "Hssss arbokkkk...?" it hissed its body undulating in slow waves as if asking a question.
I froze, not understanding, "Uh... what?"
Meowscarada and Lopunny stepped forward.
They listened to Arbok's low "Hssss.. arbok... ssskree?" and quickly talked back.
"Nyaa... nya...."
"Lopuu... Pun... luu!"
A few more hisses and purrs later, Meowscarada looked toward me and pointed at the river, then at the
Arbok, and mimed swimming while holding something tight..
Lopunny nodded, patted the snake gently, and made a cradling motion toward me.
I got it right away.
"So... you want to carry me across the river?"
The Arbok lifted its head, hood dipping in a clear nod.
"Arbok... hss.
It sounded almost eager to help.
For a moment, I hesitated,
Wait... there are three of us. How was Arbok supposed to carry all of us across?
My eyes widened, then I almost laughed at myself remembering.
"Right... Pokéballs. I keep forgetting we have those.''
I reached for them on my belt.
AG
I haven't used them much since catching them. Buneary was easy, but Sprigatito... she just played with the ball like it was a toy before it finally clicked.
I exhaled, steadying my nerves.
First, I recalled Meowscarada and Lopunny (two quick flashes of red light, their forms vanishing safely into the Poké Balls).
They looked at me until the very last second, big eyes full of worry, like they didn't want to leave me alone with whatever was about to happen.
I gave them a small, calm smile and a nod (trust me, I'll be okay).
Only then did the beams pull them in completely.
The clearing felt suddenly bigger... and quieter.
Just me, the river, and the Arbok watching me from the shadows.
I looked at the river again. The wind was cold, blowing mist across my face.
To keep everything dry, I took off my clothes one piece at a time, shirt, pants, folding them carefully and packing them tight inside my backpack.
Soon I was left standing in only my boxers, backpack strapped firmly to my shoulders, the morning air cool against my skin.
I took a slow breath.
"Alright... I'm ready."
Arbok moved closer, lowering its long, thick body like a living bridge, waiting for me to climb on.
I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around Arbok's thick neck just behind the hood, hugging it close.
My bare chest pressed against its smooth, cool purple scales. I swung a leg over and straddled its wide body, thighs gripping the firm muscle.
With only the thin fabric of my boxers between us, my half-hard cock rested right against the slick scales of its back, shifting slightly with every breath.
As soon as Arbok slid into the river, the force of the water hit me like a wall.
The current pushed hard against my legs, trying to pull me sideways even though I was holding on tight.
Arbok's body tightened under my hands. I could feel every muscle working as it fought the flow.
The water slammed into us again and again, heavy and fast, like someone shoving me from all sides.
Cold rushed up my chest, stealing my breath for a second.
Arbok pushed forward anyway, cutting through the current in a smooth, steady line.
Its tail whipped behind us, keeping balance each time the river tried to twist us around.
For a moment, it felt like we weren't moving at all, like the river wanted to drag us backward.
But then Arbok surged forward with a strong pull, and the pressure slowly eased.
Bit by bit, the far bank got closer.
When Arbok finally reached the mud and dragged me out, my arms were shaking from holding on, and the weight of the river still felt like it was pressing on my chest.
But I was safe...
A MINUTE LATER,
I knelt and ran a hand gently over its nearly dry hood. "Thanks, Arbok..."
It gave a soft, contented hiss, low and warm. "Arrr...
AG
I released both of them from their Pokéballs. Meowscarada and Lopunny appeared in twin flashes of red light, instantly pressing close to my sides, worried and protective, but calmer now that they saw I was safe.
I stood slowly and put my clothes back on, glancing at Arbok with a small smile.
"Since you helped us cross the river... do you want something?"
Lopunny's ears perked up. She stepped forward, translating with gentle gestures and soft "Lopuu~" sounds, making sure Arbok understood perfectly
Arbok lowered its hood a little more, tongue flicking once... twice.
Then it slowly curled the tip of its long tail forward and tapped once, very deliberately, against the obvious bulge in my pants.
Its yellow eyes locked on mine. The message was crystal clear.
My face went scarlet. I put both hands over myself, stammering, "N-no, that's not... I can't give you that!"
Arbok tilted its head, expression sad, almost disappointed, and let out a low, drawn-out bokkkk"
Meowscarada and Lopunny, looking between me and the big snake.
They understood perfectly what Arbok had asked for as a reward.
Meowscarada's tail flicked once, sharp and jealous. Lopunny's brown eyes narrowed just a little, her paw tightening on my arm.
They didn't hiss or growl:
Arbok had helped them, yes... but this was Ryan's choice, and whatever he decided, they would stand by him.
Arbok waited, hood lowered, looking almost hurt.
I swallowed hard, cheeks still burning.
"I'm really grateful... but I can't give you that."
"That's only for the kind of thing you share with someone you love... someone you've spent a long time with... someone you want to spend your whole life with..."
Arbok tilted its hood, eyes narrowing a little, like it was trying to understand.
Lopunny stepped forward again and spoke softly.
"Lopuu... unny luu puun lopu~"
Her voice was gentle but clear, carrying pictures of her feelings from the moment she first opened her eyes, as if she were reliving every second.
The night she hatched from her egg in Ryan's cozy bed, the shell cracking softly under moonlight, she tumbled out weak and shivering, a tiny Buneary with wide brown eyes, curling her fluffy body against his warm arm for safety, her little ear flopping over his wrist as she purred in relief, feeling his heartbeat for the first time.
Sprigatito hatched beside her the same way, both of them instinctively nuzzling into his heat, too tired to move far, falling asleep there like he was their world from that very first breath.
From those quiet beginnings, they grew together in Viridian City, tiny paws clutching his fingers as he carried them to school each day, laugh with friends while playing with them;
After class, exploring the bustling streets side by side, chasing other Pokémon in parks, her bouncy steps matching his steps while Sprigatito scampered ahead, always pulling them into little adventures like sneaking into alleyways or splashing in puddles after rain.
There were ups and downs, of course:
the day she scraped her knee during their first wild chase through the park, tiny Buneary tears falling until Ryan knelt, wrapped her paw in a soft bandage, and held her close until the crying stopped;
the thunderstorm that sent her rolling into a terrified ball under his bed, only calming when he sang quiet gentle song and coaxed her out into his lap;
the proud highs, like when she finally beat that mean Ariados and Spinarak, and leapt straight into Ryan's arms "Lopuu~♡";
or the lazy afternoons helping him with homework, her head resting on his thigh while he read stories aloud, Sprigatito draped over his shoulder, all three dozing together in the warm golden light filtering through the window.
Countless days blurred into a tapestry of trust: schoolyard races where she'd cheer him on, explorations of the forest edge where they'd huddle against the warmth of his hand guiding them home;
Every memory flowed with her words, warm and steady like a heartbeat, painting a life woven from small joys and unbreakable closeness.
Arbok listened without moving.
Its tongue flicked once, slow, tasting the weight of years in her voice.
Yellow eyes softened, hood lowering a fraction in quiet understanding.
Meowscarada stepped forward last, tail held high but her movements calm.
She looked straight into Arbok's sharp eyes and gave a short, proud 'Nyaa~ nya... yaa.. naa.....
It was soft, but clear, like she was saying:
"Don't you have someone you love...?
Someone you'd fight for... someone you want to do all these things with?"
Arbok stayed still, silence stretching heavy in the air.
Its yellow eyes softened further, hood nearly brushing the ground.
In that quiet, memories seemed to ripple back, rising like mist from the past.
A tiny Ekans, abandoned by its mother, left to survive alone in the tall grass.
A hungry Pidgeotto diving down with spread fangs toward it.
Then, suddenly, another Ekans, slightly bigger, scarred, fearless, throwing itself between them.
It had fought like a hero, took wounds without complaint, drove the bird away, and then, the Ekans lowered its head and gently patted the trembling little one on the head with the tip of its tail (just once, soft and quiet), before turning and vanishing into the tall grass without a word...
The little Ekans had fallen in love right there, hearts in its eyes, promising itself:
"One day I'll grow strong like that Ekans... and I'll find it again."
That dream pushed her forward.
She trained, battled, grew, and finally evolved into this proud Arbok.
But somewhere along the journey she had wandered too far from her old territory, and the memory of that brave Ekans slowly faded... until today.
Now, looking at me and my two girls, something clicked.
She understood the white liquid wasn't just a treat; it was something shared only with the ones you love most.
And she didn't have that yet.
Arbok let out one last soft, almost wistful "aaar... bok..."
It dipped its hood in a slow, respectful goodbye, tongue flicking once more.
Then it turned, not toward the far bank, but back into the deep forest on this side of the river.
It slid away between the trees, moving with new purpose, hood held high, eyes bright, as if it had finally remembered where it was going: to find that brave Ekans who once saved it, the one it had promised itself to meet again when it grew strong enough.
I stood there stunned, blinking.
"Wait... what were you three just talking about? Why did Arbok suddenly left?"
I glanced between Meowscarada and Lopunny.
"What's going on...?"
They both purred quietly and leaned against me as we walked on.
Meowscarada and Lopunny exchanged a quick, knowing glance.
Meowscarada gave a tiny shake of her head.
Lopunny pressed close to my side and gently tugged my hand.
"Lopuu...❤♡❤♡
Neither of them said a word.
Some stories, it seemed, weren't theirs to translate for me.
I sighed, scratched my head, and let them pull me down the path.
"...Fine. Keep your secrets."
They both purred quietly and leaned against me as we walked on.
-x-X-x-
After walking for a good while, the forest finally thinned out.
Trees grew farther apart until they disappeared completely, opening into a wide grassland.
Tall golden grass brushed against my knees, swaying softly in the wind.
Most of the Pokémon we saw here were familiar faces:
Rattata, Spearow, Ekans, Nidoran...
Common grassland Pokémon.
There were far more Rattata and Ekans here than inside the forest, but all the Ekans every one of them avoided us, some even changed direction the moment they sensed us.
I frowned. "Strange... they're acting like something dangerous has passed through."
A thought hit me.
"Can Arbok leave some kind of pheromones that warn other snake Pokémon....?"
I scribbled the idea into my notebook.
While I was writing, Meowscarada suddenly leaned in and licked my cheek, her tail swishing impatiently.
"Meowwww~!"
She pointed at her stomach, looking dramatically hungry.
I laughed. "Alright, alright. Let's take a break and eat something."
Both Pokémon nodded. Lopunny stepped forward and used Low Sweep to flatten part of the grass, while Meowscarada used a light Leafage to clean away the loose blades. Together, they cleared a neat circular space with teamwork so perfect it made me smile.
I unfolded a small travel table and started preparing food, simple stuff:
rice cakes, grilled berries, and vegetable stew with whatever ingredients we had left.
The smell spread through the warm grassland air.
That's when a Ponyta appeared.
It stood far away at first, watching us with big curious eyes. Its flames were a soft red-orange, flickering gently in the breeze.
I narrowed my eyes and noticed something else,
2-3 more Ponyta grazed even farther behind it... and nearly 5-8 Rapidash stood a bit far away.
A whole group.
Definitely wild. Definitely protective.
Best not to make any sudden moves.
The young Ponyta took a few steps toward us, head tilted, sniffing the air like it wanted to come closer.... but one of the Rapidash, its mother, probably, stamped the ground sharply.
A warning.
The Ponyta whinnied back "Pony-taaa!", then trotted back to its mother's side....
but kept glancing at us every few seconds, eyes shining with curiosity.
After lunch we packed up and kept walking through the tall grass.
Meowscarada pressed against my left side, her short and fluffy leaf-like tail flicking behind her.
She flashed a playful grin, grabbed my wrist, and guided my hand between her thighs.
Lopunny mirrored her on my right, gently taking my other hand and pressing it to her bare heat.
Their entrance fluttered warmly around me, hot juices coating my hand and dripping down my wrist with every slow rock of their hips while moving.
My face burned bright red.
"W-wait, stop! We're walking in the open, what if someone sees us?!"
They didn't care at all.
Meowscarada purred a smug "Nyaa~ and curled one long arm around my shoulders from behind, pulling my face up into the soft warmth of her chest while she rolled her hips harder, forcing my buried hand deeper.
Her slick walls clenched tight around my fingers, hot and wet, the short green fur at the base of her entrance brushing my knuckles with every thrust, her juices running freely down my hand.
Lopunny gave a sweet "Lopuuu~♡", long ears flopping over my shoulder as she rode my other hand in slow, steady circles.
My fingers slipped through the silky brown fur of her lower belly, then parted her smooth, bare lips (plush, swollen, and dripping).
They fluttered open eagerly the moment I touched them, her tight heat swallowing two fingers whole, pulsing softly while thick, warm wetness coated my palm and dripped steadily down my wrist with every gentle rock of her hips.
Her fluffy paw kept stroking my back like she was calming a shy child, even as she soaked my hand completely.
Every step made my fingers sink deeper.
Meowscarada's tight walls pulsed and squeezed, her wetness running freely;
Lopunny's warm heat clenched in gentle waves, juices slicking my whole palm.
Their tails swished happily (Meowscarada's long and vine-like, Lopunny's short and cotton-puff), ears perked high, purring loud enough for the whole grassland to hear.
I stumbled along between them, cheeks on fire, heart pounding with embarrassment.
Every few steps I thought, "What if someone sees us..?"
But they only purred louder, like the idea excited them even more. My hands stayed trapped deep inside their slick warmth, fingers curled and soaked, completely at their mercy while we walked through the open grassland.
After what felt like forever, the sun dipped low and night finally fell.
Only then did they slow down.
Meowscarada gave my ear one last teasing lick and purred, "Nyaa~♡"
Lopunny nodded with a soft "Lopuu~♡", gently pulling my dripping fingers free so we could set up the tent together, both of them still flushed and smiling like nothing had happened.
But if anyone had walked me, they would've noticed in one glance:
My hands were completely soaked, fingers slick and shiny, red from how long they'd been buried inside them.
There was no hiding it; my wrists glistened all the way up to my sleeves, and the sweet scent clung to my skin like perfume.
My face was a mess too: bright red, covered in soft bite marks along my neck and jaw, lipstick-like kisses from Lopunny and little playful nips from Meowscarada's fangs.
I looked like I'd been mauled by two very affectionate cats.
-x-X-x-
As I stood by the campfire preparing dinner, Meowscarada and Lopunny knelt quietly in front of me.
They took turns sharing their "special protein" straight from me (slow, loving licks and gentle sucking until they were both purring happily, lips glossy).
After that they wiped their mouths, tails swishing, and helped me prepare the food like perfect little assistants.
A little later we sat in a small circle around the fire, eating.
I had warm flatbread, a bowl of sweet vanilla pudding, roasted Pecha berries, and a big mug of cold
MooMoo Milk (extra for me, to recover the protein I just lost").
Meowscarada and Lopunny wrinkled their noses at the milk; they never liked this milk, so they stuck to berries and bread, licking the sweet Pecha juice from their fingers with happy little purrs.
The fire crackled softly, and the night sky was full of stars.
While we ate, a faint orange glow appeared in the dark, moving slowly toward us....
I squinted. "What's that light...?"
The flame drew nearer until I could finally see it clearly.
AG
A lone Ponyta, its mane and tail burning in soft yellow and reddish-orange embers, more yellow than usual.
It limped badly, holding one front leg off the ground.
Every shaky step made its flames flicker smaller, dimmer... almost going out.
I scanned the darkness around us.
Nothing.
No other firelights.
No Rapidash.
No herd.
Just one injured Ponyta, alone.
I turned to my girls.
"Do you see anyone else?"
Both shook their heads immediately.
Lopunny's ears drooped as she whispered a soft, aching, "Lopuu..."
Meowscarada's tail went still, her pink-red eyes clouded with worry.
The Ponyta stopped at the edge of our campfire light, trembling so hard its legs nearly gave out.
When its wide eyes locked on us, pure panic flashed through them.
Its flames flared sharp and wild, then shrank back to weak embers.
A soft, broken cry slipped out as its legs buckled.
It sank helplessly to its knees in the grass, too terrified and exhausted to run anymore.
We rushed forward, but the moment I took one step closer, Ponyta flinched hard.
"P-Pony...!"
Its flames spiked high in a frightened whoosh.
Ears pinned flat, body shrinking away from me, only me, trembling like it had seen a ghost from its past.
Meowscarada instantly stepped in front of me, blocking my path.
She faced the trembling Ponyta and slowly raised both paws, palms open.
"Nyaa..." she murmured, soft and low, like a mother cat soothing a frightened kitten.
Lopunny slipped past me and dropped into a low crouch beside Meowscarada, close enough for Ponyta to feel her warmth.
Her ears stayed relaxed, her voice soft and steady.
"Lopuuuu... uuu...."
A gentle, rhythmic hum, promising nothing would hurt it here.
Ponyta's flames wavered, shrinking to a nervous flicker.
It still watched me with huge, frightened eyes, but it stopped trying to scramble away
I forced myself to move like a snail: slow, predictable, no sudden reaches.
Meowscarada and Lopunny stayed close, purring and humming the whole time, their calm presence the only thing keeping Ponyta from panicking again.
I stopped at a safe distance, pulled out a Super Potion, and held it up so the firelight glinted off the bottle.
"Easy... this will help, I promise."
Meowscarada crouched beside Ponyta's trembling head, voice soft and steady.
"Nyaa... nya~
AG
She gently rested one paw on Ponyta's neck, just below the fiery crest of its mane, stroked once along the cream-colored fur, then tilted her head toward me with a calm, trusting nod.
I nodded back and moved closer slowly.
I knelt beside Ponyta, close enough to feel the faint heat of its dim flames.
Carefully, I checked its body.
The worst injury was the right front leg.
When I lifted it gently, Ponyta let out a tiny, pained breath.
The cream fur was scraped away in large patches, raw pink skin showing underneath.
Long, dirty scratches ran from the shoulder almost to the hoof.
Dark purple bruises swelled around the knee and ankle.
The leg trembled in my hands and wouldn't straighten.
It was too swollen and sore to bear any weight.
I checked the rest quickly.
Smaller scratches marked the left hind leg, dirt stuck in the cuts.
More bruises lined its ribs and side, like it had been kicked or fallen hard.
Its whole body was dusty and matted, but the right front leg was clearly the reason it couldn't stand or run.
Ponyta watched me with big, tired eyes.
Its ears stayed low, flarnes dim and flickering whenever I touched a sore spot.
"Try to bear with it."
I shook the Super Potion and began spraying carefully along the cuts and swollen areas.
Ponyta's ears twitched.
"...P-Pony..." it whispered shakily, tensing as its flames flickered.
But it didn't pull away.
Instead, it slowly lowered its head and shifted the injured leg into my hands, letting me support it.
Trust flickered in its eyes, small, but real.
The flames settled again, softer now, warm against my skin.
I kept my voice low and steady, explaining every step as I worked.
The first spray made Ponyta jerk and squeal, flames flaring, but Lopunny was already there, paw resting lightly on its neck, humming louder.
Meowscarada leaned in, gently nuzzling Ponyta's cheek until the shaking eased.
Little by little, we worked together.
Cleaning cuts.
Wrapping the worst leg.
Rubbing salve into bruises.
Spraying over its skin.
When we were done, I offered Oran Berries, one large Sitrus Berry and some Pokémon medicine.
(It was a good thing I had visited Nurse Joy so many times in Viridian City.
I had learned the basics:
how to clean wounds,
how to wrap bandages tight but gentle,
how to check for fever,
how to calm frightened Pokémon,
and which berries helped with pain or energy.
I knew I had to learn all of that if I ever wanted to travel, And right now, every bit of that practice finally mattered.)
Ponyta sniffed, ears twitching, then took tiny, exhausted bites.
Its eyes fluttered half-closed as the tension finally drained away.
At last, it let out a small, shaky breath and curled up. Its flames settled into a soft, steady glow.
We stepped back quietly.
Carefully, we moved the campfire a little closer and stayed by its side through the night, taking turns to watch over it.
We all had the same thought, why was it alone and so badly injured?
But that answer would have to wait until Ponyta woke up tomorrow...
-x-X-x-
FIRST MORNING LIGHT
Lopunny woke me with a gentle tap.
We had taken turns watching Ponyta through the night.
Now, dawn has come.
The morning light was soft and cold.
The fire had burned down to warm ashes.
Ponyta was already awake.
It had managed to stand up on its own, all four legs under it again.
The injured right front leg still trembled and it kept most of its weight on the other three, but it was.
standing, tall and shaky, like a newborn foal finding its balance for the first time.
The soft yellow-orange flames along its mane and tail flickered gently in the cold morning air, brighter than last night but still pale, as if the fire inside was only just waking up too.
It looked around in confusion.
Ears drooping low.
Head lowered, neck stretched out as it turned slowly, searching the empty grassland.
Lost and scared, completely alone.
Then its eyes found us.
For one long second, it froze.
Then something changed.
Its ears lifted slightly.
Its flames brightened, not strong, but warmer than before.
It took one careful, limping step toward us.
A small, soft "Pony..." escaped its throat,
quiet, gentle and uncertain.
Not scared.
Not angry.
Just... trusting.
It remembered the help.
Maybe not everything, but enough to know we weren't bad people.
It didn't run or pull back.
I stepped forward slowly, hand raised palm-up.
Ponyta flinched a little,
ears flicking back, head pulling away, still unsure.
Like it wanted to trust me...
but old fear still lingered.
Meowscarada and Lopunny moved up beside me, calm and steady.
I whispered,
"Can you ask it?
Where are its parents?
Its herd?
Why was it alone yesterday... and hurt so badly?"
They both nodded.
Meowscarada stepped forward and knelt neatly in front of Ponyta, tail curled loosely behind her, voice warm and gentle.
"Nyaa... nyaa..."
Lopunny moved beside her, crouching low so she was eye-level with the little fire pony, tone soft and comforting.
"Lopuu... lopuuu...."
Ponyta blinked.
Listened.
Then it answered in small, shaky sounds, soft foal-like cries and quiet, trembling voices, rising and falling like a sad little song.
They spoke for a while,
gentle voices, ear twitches, tiny nods.
I didn't understand the words.
But I saw it in Ponyta's eyes: fear, sadness, anger, then deep, heavy exhaustion.
Finally, ten minutes later, Meowscarada and Lopunny turned to me.
They had the full story now.
And they were ready to tell me everything Ponyta had said.
Meowscarada started first, as always.
She came close to me, paws moving slow and clear, gestures sharp but gentle, like she was drawing pictures in the air.
Lopunny joined right after, her fluffy paws adding softer motions, repeating some signs, filling in the gaps with patient circles and points.
I don't know why, but I understood them better, but I do for some reason.
Maybe I am getting good at reading them... or maybe they just knew me so well they could make anything clear.
Their eyes stayed on mine the whole time, making sure I followed every part.
When they finished, the story sank in cold and heavy.
Ponyta and its herd had been sleeping deep in the grass when someone came, more specifically, humans in dark clothes, more than one.
They attacked without warning, Poké Balls flashing, nets flying.
Ponyta's mother and other Rapidash, fought back to protect them (Ponyta), flames roaring high.
But they caught them.
Young Ponyta ran blindly in every direction, flames flaring in panic as red beams flashed behind them.
More Pokémon were sent after them, big, mean ones chasing through the grass, snarling and lunging in the dark.
In the chaos, this one stumbled and fell hard into a hidden ditch, tumbling down sharp rocks that scraped and bruised its sides.
That fall saved her, no pursuer saw where she went.
With Cut, bruised and alone, she crawled out hour later, legs shaking, and just kept limping through the night, too scared to stop until her strength finally gave out last night.
I looked at the little Ponyta resting by the ashes, flames soft and steady now
"Does it know where this happened?" I asked quietly.
Meowscarada nodded once.
Lopunny pointed northwest.
AG
I thought for a while, then took out a map and pointed my pen at one spot, trying to match the route.
I suddenly realized Pewter City was close, just over that way.
It would take at most one day to reach it.
If my guess was right, those thieves probably came from there.
Why catch a whole herd of Ponyta and Rapidash?
To sell them, most likely to the black market, underground battles... or worse....
I remembered reading about it.
Back then, Poké Balls wouldn't release a Pokémon unless the trainer truly wanted it to come out.
The League changed that design after too many cases:
trainers dying while their Pokémon were still trapped inside,
and poachers using Poké Balls to capture Pokémon and escape easily.
Now, modern Poké Balls allow Pokémon to corne out on their own and escape.
Which meant one thing.
If someone caught a whole herd of Ponyta and Rapidash, they couldn't rely on Poké Balls anymore.
They must have used something bigger.
A large truck..
Cages.
Or some kind of transport strong enough to hold many Pokémon at once.
Now I had two choices.
First, I could run to Officer Jenny in Pewter City, but if the Poachers had already moved on, it might be too late.
Second, we could follow the trail ourselves and save those Pokémon, but it could be dangerous.
I looked at Meowscarada, Lopunny, then instinctively at the sad Ponyta.
Meowscarada's pink eyes were narrowed, Her usual playful smirk was gone, replaced by a tight, serious line of her mouth, like she was already planning the fight ahead.
Lopunny stood tall beside her, brown eyes burning with quiet anger. Her fluffy paws were clenched at her sides, cheeks slightly puffed, the gentle kindness replaced by a rare, protective fire.
Ponyta sat a little behind them, head low, and sad. Its big eyes were glassy with sadness, ears drooped completely, and every few seconds a small, shaky breath made its whole body tremble.
She looked small and lost, hoping someone would save her mother and her family, but still scared.
My heart was pounding with a mix of worry and resolve.
Or... we could do both.
But that would be far more dangerous.
If things went wrong, we could end up facing multiple Pokémon.
But I couldn't walk away.
I still remembered that warehouse years ago, rows of stolen eggs, so many I couldn't save.
I only managed to grab two.
Now I was older, stronger, with partners who trusted me completely.
I had to try.
If the Poachers had stopped to rest for the night, we could still catch up.
Every hour we waited, they got farther away... and who knew what they'd do to a whole herd of Pokémon.
I looked at my girls, then at Ponyta.
"We're going to help them," I said.
"We're getting her family back."
Meowscarada's tail flicked sharp, pink eyes burning with determination.
Lopunny's ears stood straight, a fierce little nod.
Ponyta lifted her head higher, watching us.
She didn't understand the words... but she felt it, this human wanted to help her....
But...
But... I paused and looked at Meowscarada.
"Meowscarada, you go to Pewter City and tell Officer Jenny what happened."
For a moment, her expression changed. Her ears tilted back, pink eyes narrowing with worry.
"Don't worry," I said quickly. "We're not going to fight them head-on. That would be too risky. We'll just slow them down a little, just enough so they can't get away fast."
Meowscarada still hesitated.
She opened her mouth as if to protest, pink eyes full of worry, tail flicking uneasily.
Lopunny stepped closer too, her ears drooping slightly.
She was strong, yes, and Meowscarada was faster, but Ryan only had the two of them.
If Meowscarada left for Pewter City, she would be alone with Ryan.
If something happened, if those poachers attacked them, she wouldn't be able to protect him by herself.
Seeing their worry, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around both of them, pulling them gently but firmly against my chest.
Their soft fur pressed warm against me; I could feel their hearts beating fast through the closeness.
Meowscarada's cheek rested against my shoulder, Lopunny's long ears flopped softly over my arms as she leaned into my other shoulder.
They hadn't expected this when I said I'd help the Ponyta and Rapidash.
Putting myself in danger like that,
if something bad happened, Meowscarada could easily grab me and escape with her speed and tricks.
But if she left for Pewter City, Lopunny would be the only one left to protect me.
And she wasn't fast enough to run with me if things went wrong.
That thought scared them more than any fight.
I held then tighter, voice low and steady.
"I know you're worried. I'm worried too.
But we can do this together.
We trust each other, right?"
I looked toward the little Ponyta watching us from the ashes, her flames flickering with quiet hope.
"And look at it... we need to save its family.
If we all rush in now, there's a high chance they'll just escape,
or worse, if they turn out stronger than us.
So it's best to delay them, buy time, and let the police deal with them."
They stayed quiet for a moment, just breathing with me.
Then Meowscarada let out a small, reluctant 'Nyaa..." and pressed her head against my shoulder.
Lopunny's arms tightened around my waist, a soft "Lopuu..." of agreement escaping her.
I smiled, even though my own heart was racing.
"Good. Then let's get moving."
"It'll be okay," I whispered. "I promise."
She tensed briefly, then slowly eased.
"Nyaa..." she murmured softly.
When I let go, she gave a single nod.
I pulled out a pen and paper and quickly wrote a short note.
"Take this to Officer Jenny," I said, handing it to her.
AG
Meowscarada folded the note carefully and held it firmly in her paw, then stepped close again.
She cupped my face with both paws, pink eyes fierce and full of love.
Without a word she leaned in and kissed me, deep, slow, desperate.
Her red tongue brushed mine in one long, lingering stroke, tasting me like she was memorizing everything.
Her body pressed hard against me, chest warm, hips rocking once as if she didn't want to let go.
The kiss was all worry and promise and affection, pouring everything she couldn't say into that single moment.
When she finally pulled back, a thin, glistening string of saliva stretched between our lips for a heartbeat before breaking, leaving a warm trail on my chin.
Her cheeks flushed a deeper pink under the edges of her dark green mask, the color spreading along the visible light green fur just outside the mask's points.
Her pink eyes shone with emotion, bright and intense.
"Nyaa~ she whispered, soft and fierce.
Then she turned, cape flaring, and vanished into the tall grass, running full speed toward Pewter City, a green blur disappearing over the horizon.
Lopunny and I watched until she was gone.
I took a deep breath,
"Come on," I said quietly. "We've got a family to save."
After that, I turned to Ponyta.
"Can you take us there?" I asked gently, keeping my voice low.
Ponyta hesitated for a moment, ears twitching, flames flickering uncertainly.
Then she dipped her head in a small, determined nod.
Lopunny stayed close to my side as we followed Ponyta through the tall grass.
The little fire pony walked slower than usual pace, but never stopped, glancing back every few steps to make sure we were still with her.
Her flames glowed a little brighter with each glance, like our presence gave her strength.
I kept pace carefully with Ponyta's slow limp, my hand wrapped tightly around Lopunny's soft paw, hers in mine, or mine in hers, I wasn't sure anymore.
My other hand rested lightly on her Poké Ball at my belt, thumb brushing the smooth surface every few steps, ready if things went wrong.
We were heading straight into danger.
I didn't mind putting myself at risk, I'd do anything to give that little Ponyta her family back.
But Lopunny... no matter what happened, she had to stay safe.
I'd throw her ball and recall her in a heartbeat if it came to that.
I glanced sideways at her.
She walked close, ears perked forward, brown eyes sharp and determined, paw squeezing mine like she'd read every worried thought in my head.
A quiet "Lopuu..." escaped her, soft but firm, almost like she was telling me not to even think about sending her away.
I squeezed back, heart heavy.
"We'll be careful," I whispered.
"Promise me you'll listen if I tell you to return."
She didn't answer with words, just pressed closer, her fluffy warmth against my side saying everything:
I'm not leaving you.
Not ever.
ABOUT HALF AN HOUR LATER,
We reached the place.
Just like I suspected, no one was there anymore.
But the signs were obvious.
AG
Deep truck tracks had crushed the tall grass flat in wide, ugly lines. Mud was churned up where tires had spun hard.
The ground was torn and messy, hoof prints scattered everywhere,
some small and frantic, others large and deep, left by Rapidash trying to fight or flee.
We followed the trail carefully.
Almost ten minutes later, we found it.
A camp.
Two large white trucks dominated the area.
Each one was massive, big enough to carry an entire herd of seven or eight Rapidash, with tall reinforced sides and heavy cargo compartments built for transport.
They were parked a short distance apart.
Two simple tents were set up nearby.
A small campfire was still warm, supplies scattered around carelessly.
The trucks were silent.
Closed.
No way to see inside.
But they were still here.
The poachers hadn't moved on yet.
My heart started pounding.
We weren't too late.
We could still save them.
...
Near the camp, two Pokémon stood guard.
A Raticate crouched beside one of the trucks. Its sharp red eyes scanned the tall grass constantly, nose twitching as it searched for any strange scent.
A Machop leaned against the other truck's wheel, gray muscles flexed, arms crossed like it was just resting.
But its eyes narrowed and alert, ready to spring the moment anything felt wrong.
They hadn't noticed us yet.
I crouched low and signaled everyone to stop.
...
Ponyta froze the moment the camp came into view.
Her small body began to tremble again, harder than before.
She stared at the two large trucks, ears pinned flat, legs shaking as if she could already feel her family trapped inside, smell their fear, hear their voices.
A low, frightened cry slipped from her throat, barely louder than a whisper.
I stepped closer and gently placed a hand on her warm neck, fingers sinking into her soft cream fur.
"Easy... you're safe, I whispered, keeping my voice low.
She took a shaky breath, chest rising and falling too fast.
Her wide eyes stayed fixed on the trucks, but she leaned just a little into my touch, letting the warmth of my hand ground her.
Lopunny moved to her other side, resting a fluffy paw on Ponyta's shoulder with a soft, comforting
"Lopuu..."
The trembling eased, but only a little.
We were here.
Her family was so close.
But the danger was closer.
"This is dangerous," I whispered. "Can you stay inside a Poké Ball for a while?"
Ponyta tilted her head, ears twitching in confusion.
She stared at the red-and-white Poké Ball in my hand, then at me, clearly not understanding what it was.
To show her, I took out Lopunny's Poké Ball.
"Lopunny, return."
A soft red light wrapped around Lopunny, and she vanished inside.
Ponyta jumped back a step, flames flaring in alarm as she stared at the empty spot.
A frightened little "P-Pony...?" slipped from her mouth.
I released Lopunny right away.
The red light flashed again, and Lopunny reappeared beside us, calm and steady.
She gently brushed Ponyta's neck with her paw, reassuring her.
Ponyta's ears twitched, then relaxed a little. She leaned into the touch, letting out a quiet, trusting breath.
"Like that," I said softly. "It's safe inside. I promise. No one can hurt you there."
Ponyta hesitated, eyes flicking between me, Lopunny, and the distant trucks.
Her legs still trembled, but after a long moment, she dipped her head in a tiny nod.
Unsure, but trusting.
I raised a Poké Ball carefully.
Ponyta leaned forward on her own, pressing her warm forehead gently against its surface,
It opened with a soft flash.
A warm red light wrapped around her like a blanket, and her body turned to light without any struggle.
The ball gave a single soft shake,
not from resistance, but from her settling inside,
then clicked quietly.
Caught.
I stared at the warm Poké Ball in my hand, heart still racing.
Ponyta was safe now.
I closed my fingers around it for a moment, then clipped it to my belt.
"You'll be safe," I whispered. "I promise."
I looked at Lopunny.
"Let's go."
....
We dropped low and slipped into the tall grass, moving careful and silent.
I pressed myself almost flat to the ground, crawling through the golden blades.
Lopunny mirrored me perfectly, body low, ears folded back as she glided forward like a shadow.
This wasn't a fight.
Not yet.
I stayed hidden, watching the camp closely from the edge of the grass.
I studied the trucks, the tents, the guards, trying to guess which direction they would move.
If they took a path, I'd circle ahead and slow them down by setting up traps.
Lopunny crept closer on her own.
Her sharp ears twitched as she listened to voices from the camp, counting how many men were talking, watching their movements.
Every few seconds, she glanced back at me, calm and focused.
We waited.
Silent.
Hidden.
Ready
....
Four men came out of the tents as time passed, stretching and yawning.
Two more Pokémon joined them,
a Primeape and a Golem.
Their voices carried through the clearing.
"If this goes well, we'll be rich," one said, rubbing his hands together.
"Yeah. A whole herd like that? Easy money," another laughed, kicking dirt over the dying campfire.
....
Lopunny listened to the poachers' voices drifting across the clearing, her long ears angled forward, catching every word.
Then she turned to me, brown eyes dark with anger, and explained with her soft voice and gentle hand gestures.
"Lop... lop... lopuu...."
Every movement of her paws made my anger grow.
They were bragging about selling the Rapidash and Ponyta for big money.
"Rare Fire-types like these sell fast overseas, one of them said.
Another laughed about keeping the strongest Rapidash for underground battles.
"It'll make good money."
Someone else joked about "breaking the young ones so they won't burn the buyers, laughing like it was funny.
To them, Pokémon were just things to sell or use.
Prizes. Toys. Money.
I dug my fingers into the dirt, jaw clenched tight, and forced myself to stay hidden and quiet.
We had to stop them.
No matter what.
I nodded to myself.
I'd already slipped ahead while they were busy packing, setting the first part of my plan
....
Eventually, the poachers started moving.
They packed fast:
tents folded, supplies tossed into the trucks.
The Pokémon vanished in flashes of red light.
Engines roared to life, trucks turned onto the rough trail heading northwest.
I crouched low in the tall grass, heart pounding, watching them come right toward my trap.
Lopunny pressed close beside me.
The first truck rolled closer.
Any second now.
-x-X-x-
THE TWO TRUCKS ROLLED FORWARD TOGETHER.
For a few seconds, nothing happened.
Then,
HISSSSS
A sharp, angry hiss burst from the left, followed almost instantly by another from the right.
Both trucks jerked at nearly the same time.
The drivers slammed the brakes, tires skidding slightly as the front wheels sagged fast, air leaking out in loud, furious streams.
"What the hell?" one of the men shouted as he jumped out.
All four poachers climbed down, boots crunching against dirt and flattened grass.
One of them crouched beside the right truck's front wheel, swearing as he pulled out a nail from the tire.
The tire was going flat fast, the rubber sagging lower as air hissed out.
It still held a little shape, but it was clear it wouldn't go far.
Another checked the left truck and found the same thing, sharp punctures, air hissing out.
One of the men,
a tall, scarred guy in a black jacket,
growled as he pulled a nail from the tire.
"Punctured. Someone scattered something sharp on the trail."
They argued for a moment, voices rising, suspicion creeping in.
"How did both trucks hit it at once?" the shorter one with a beard snapped, kicking the grass.
"We came the same way yesterday, nothing like this happened then."
Heads turned, eyes scanning the tall grass around them, hands hovering near Poké Balls.
But they still didn't notice us. We had already moved far away.
They shook it off as bad luck and got to work fast, dragging out tools and spare tires from the backs of the trucks.
They moved quickly, like they didn't want to waste time,
...especially with illegal goods.
Perfect.
RYAN WAS WATCHING ALL THIS FROM A BIT FAR BUT NOT TOO FAR, HIDDEN LOW IN THE TALL GRASS WITH LOPUNNY WAS BESIDE HIM.
The longer they stayed busy, the closer help got.
They were distracted.
Focused.
Annoyed and confused.
Exactly what I needed.
'Earlier, while they were still packing their camp, I had guessed the path they would take and slipped ahead to set up the trap.
From my bag, I took out a handful of small steel nails.
They weren't weapons.
I carried them for everyday things: fixing torn straps, pinning down tent corners in hard ground, repairing loose gear on the trail.
Light, cheap, and handy,
....so I always kept a small box of them in my pack.
I pressed them carefully into the softer parts of the trail, spacing them out, sharp ends angled up but hidden under a thin layer of grass and dirt.
Not enough to destroy a truck,
Just enough to slow it down.
Now, watching them curse and kneel beside the wheels, I knew it had worked.
They weren't too suspicious yet, from what Lopunny had told me, they were blaming their luck or something.
They weren't checking the area.
They thought it was just misfortune.
Perfect.
Hidden in the tall grass, I watched silently as they worked, their attention locked on the damaged tires.
I glanced at Lopunny and let out a faint smile.
"Let's go, I whispered. "Next trap."
Lopunny nodded once, ears flicking forward with focus.
We slipped away quietly, staying low in the tall grass, while the poachers stayed busy with their tires.
Every step was silent, hearts pounding, but we kept moving, toward the spot I'd already picked for the second trap, a bit farther away down the trail.
Time was on our side now...
Lopunny and I moved far ahead to prepare the next trap.
Once there, Lopunny started digging a hole.
She couldn't use DIG, so she relied on her raw strength instead.
Lopunny crouched low and started working with her strong legs.
She used Double Kick... quick stomps with both feet, one after the other... to break up the soft dirt.
Each kick pushed her feet into the ground, loosening big clumps quietly, just soft thumps lost in the wind.
Then she used Low Kick, sweeping her legs low in wide arcs.
The side of her foot scraped the loose dirt away, making a shallow hole across the trail.
In just a few minutes, she had created half a dozen wide, bowl-shaped pits...
the trail deep enough to trap a truck wheel.
No loud noise.
No big mess.
Just quiet, strong work from her powerful legs.
She followed up with careful Ice Beam attacks, aiming low and controlled to freeze a thin layer at the bottom of each pit, just enough to hold the shape for a moment.
Next, I released Ponyta and asked her to help.
She lowered her head carefully, flames flickering soft and yellow from her mouth,
warm flames licking the thin frozen layer at the bottom of each pit.
The ice melted evenly, turning to water that soaked into the loose soil below.
Soon the dirt turned into thick, deep mud, sticky and heavy, the kind that would suck in anything heavy.
I quickly scattered loose grass, dirt, and leaves over the pits, pressing them down lightly with my hands to make everything look natural again.
From a distance, the trail looked untouched.
Normal.
Safe.
It wasn't.
Once we were done, I recalled Ponyta with a soft flash of red light.
She vanished back into her ball, safe and resting.
Lopunny and I slipped far away, back into deep cover among the tall grass.
We crouched low, hidden completely, watching and waiting
It took them about twenty-five minutes to replace the tires,
...cursing the whole time.
When the trucks finally started moving again, they rolled slow and careful for maybe five minutes.
Then the lead truck hit the softened ground.
The front wheels sank suddenly with a wet SQUELCH, the whole vehicle lurching nose-down as thick mud swallowed the tires halfway up the sides.
"Shit...stop!" the driver yelled, slamming the brakes.
The second truck tried to stop sharply,
....but it was too late.
Its wheels dropped into the next hidden pit, sinking just as deep.
Mud splashed high as the engine roared in vain, tires spinning uselessly.
Both trucks were stuck now, side by side, buried in thick, sucking mud.
The men shouted louder, panic creeping into their voices as they jumped out again.
This time they knew it wasn't just bad luck.
"This ain't random!" one shouted.
"Someone's out there, doing this on purpose!"
-x-X-x-
MID-MORNING
I watched from the far, heart hammering in my chest as Lopunny crouched low beside me, her warm fur brushing my arm.
The sun had been up for a few hours now, bright morning light pouring over the open fields, the tall grass swaying gently in the breeze.
She glanced at me, eyes sharp, and tapped her long ear twice, our signal for THEY'RE GETTING SUSPICIOUS.
I nodded once. "Let's get out of here... fast."
Lopunny gave a quick, firm nod back. "Lop"
....
"This is getting suspicious, one of the poachers, Hoba, muttered.
"First the tire... now this?" another growled. 'No way this is just bad luck."
Koba clicked his tongue, clearly pissed.
"Enough," Jax snapped. 'Let's see who's messing with us."
He grabbed a Poké Ball and threw it forward.
"Go, Raticate!"
A red flash lit up the clearing, and Raticate landed with a heavy thud, fangs bared, nose already twitching.
"Raticate," Jax ordered, pointing toward the disturbed ground. "Smell it out. Find who did this."
Raticate lowered its head and sniffed the hole, nose moving fast as it tracked the scent.
Then it froze.
Its ears shot straight up.
Slowly, it lifted its head and stared directly toward Ryan's hiding spot.
A low, threatening growl rumbled from its throat.
"RRRRAAA..."
Raticate snapped its head toward the tall grass.
"In that direction, Jax said coldly.
Raticate charged forward at once,
The other poachers followed right behind it.
....
Although we were already running at a fast pace, we were still slower than the poachers, who were charging without anything holding them back.
Lopunny glanced back over her shoulder and cried out, "Lopun! Lop!"
"They're chasing us."
Lopunny nodded firmly, ears bouncing with the motion.
"Then let's just run!"
We stood up straight and ran forward.
"There!" Viktor shouted, pointing straight at us. "In the grass!"
Heavy boots pounded the ground, coming fast.
Viktor grabbed a Poké Ball from his belt and threw it high.
"Go, Fearow!"
A sharp screech split the air as the red light burst open. A Fearow materialized, wings spreading wide, sharp beak glinting in the sunlight.
It shot upward instantly, powerful wings beating as it climbed into the sky.
"Fearow!" Viktor yelled. "Chase after them! Circle and hit them with Aerial Acee... don't let them get away!"
The Fearow let out a piercing 'SKREEEEE!" toward us like a predator locking onto prey, eyes fixed on us as its wings sliced through the air, ready to dive.
We were still far ahead, legs burning as we ran across the grass, but Fearow was flying,
it closed the gap in just 30 seconds, wings beating furiously.
The whoosh grew louder, its shadow falling closer overhead.
Once it was over us, it used its move, Aerial Ace.
"Lopun!" Lopunny cried, spinning around mid-run, body dropping into a fighting stance, paws clenched and ready.
Fearow tucked its wings tight and dove like a missile, body glowing white as it rocketed straight at Lopunny with Aerial Ace.
Lopunny sprang upward in the same heartbeat, "LOPUNNY!" legs coiling and then launching her forward with HI JUMP KICK.
Her knee smashed dead-center into Fearow's glowing chest.
A loud CRACK echoed across the grass
Feathers burst everywhere.
Fearow let out a pained "SKRAAAA!" and tumbled wildly through the air, crashing hard into the ground in a cloud of dust, wings twitching but unable to rise.
Lopunny landed lightly on her feet, ears still up, breathing steady, ready for whatever came next.
The poachers had come closer... I had also stepped forward as Lopunny stopped in her tracks, planting herself firmly between me and them.
"Useless," Viktor muttered under his breath, scowling as he pointed the Poké Ball at the dazed Fearow.
"Fearow, return."
A flash of red light pulled the bird back inside. He clipped the ball to his belt and reached for another one.
Koba narrowed his eyes, pointing straight at Lopunny.
"Look at that... I've never seen a Pokémon like this before."
The others leaned in, greedy smiles spreading across their faces.
"It must be rare," Hoba muttered, licking his lips. "Realy rare."
They all turned their hungry stares on me.
"Kid," Jax said slowly, voice low and threatening, "hand over that Pokémon nice and quiet, and we'll forgive you for those little pranks you've been playing."
His eyes were fixed an Lopunny, greedy and cold, like he'd already decided she was his.
The other poachers spread out a little more, closing the circle around us.
My fingers brushed Lopunny's Poké Ball on my belt, ready to recall her if things got too bad.
Lopunny shifted her weight, ears flattening against her head for a second before flicking back up, she wasn't backing down.
Not yet.
Not ever.
Seeing I wasn't giving up, Hoba shrugged with a cold grin.
"Well, we warned you. We're not responsible for what happens next."
All the poachers reached for their Poké Balls at once.
Four more balls flew through the air, red light bursting across the grass.
Raticate was already out, ready to strike.
A massive Nidoking appeared in a flash of red light, letting out a deep roar as it landed heavily on the ground.
A Machop materialized with a flex, fists clenched and ready.
A Beedrill burst out, buzzing loudly into the air with its sharp stingers gleaming.
A Pinsir emerged with a sharp click of its huge pincers, stepping forward aggressively.
My hand was already moving slowly toward Lopunny's Poké Ball on my belt.
One of the poachers, Jax, stepped closer, another Poké Ball gripped tight in his hand.
"You three take care of the rabbit," he told the others. "I'll deal with the kid."
The rest nodded.
Poachers turned to their Pokémon. "All of you, attack that rare Pokémon! Take her down now!"
Raticate snarled and crouched low.
Nidoking let out a deep roar.
Machop cracked its knuckles.
Beedrill's wings buzzed louder.
Pinsir snapped its pincers, stepping forward.
I wondered what to do. My heart pounded, my finger on the ball, I was about to withdraw her and make
a run for it.
Jax pointed his own Poké Ball right at me, grinning wide.
"You think you can get away after messing with us?" he laughed.
He pulled his arm back, ready to release whatever was inside.
Just as the red light started to flash from the ball,
A sharp hiss cut the air.
Something purple shot out from the tall grass.
The glowing sharp sting slammed straight into Jax's hand.
He yelled in pain, fingers jerking open.
The Poké Ball slipped and fell to the ground with a dull thud.
Jax staggered back, clutching his hand as purple toxin spread across his skin.
Everyone froze.
"Whoo...."
-x-X-x-
"Whooo...?"
No one had time to answer.
I barely had time to breathe or understand what was happening. Then another wave of attacks came, straight at them.
Hundreds of purple-glowing Poison Stings burst from the tall grass in rapid volleys, a storm of sharp needles slicing through the air.
They struck fast.
Too fast.
Every Poison Sting targeted the poachers and their Pokémon perfectly, curving through the air as if guided by an invisible hand.
Not one came near Lopunny or me. They swerved past us harmlessly, never even close.
As the glowing needles flew by, it hit me what they were: Poison Sting attacks.
Someone...
or something...
was helping us.
And they knew exactly who to hit... and who to spare.
My mind raced.
Who was doing this?
Why were they helping us?
A sharp sting hit Raticate in the side.
It let out a high-pitched screech and stumbled sideways, fur puffing up in shock.
Dark purple spots spread quickly across its body, like ink soaking into paper.
The poison burned deep.
Its legs buckled, and it dropped to one knee, shaking hard as it tried to stay upright.
More stings slammed into Nidoking before it could even turn.
"DOOOOOKING....!"
The massive Pokémon roared in pain, the sound echoing across the grassland.
Purple blotches bloomed fast across its thick skin, ugly and dark.
Machop wasn't spared either.
"CHOPPP...!"
It cried out as stings struck its shoulder and thigh.
It made the burning spots, face twisting as its muscles locked up, arms stiffening from the poison.
Beedrill buzzed wildly, trying to dodge, but three stings clipped its wings and abdomen.
"BZZZZZT!"
Its frantic buzz broke into a pained whine as it lost control, spiraling down into the grass.
Pinsir snapped its massive pincers in rage.
"SIUR
A direct sting hit its back.
The huge bug froze instantly, body locking up as poison rushed through its joints.
Its pincers trembled but wouldn't close, stuck mid-air.
Even the poachers weren't spared.
One sting hit Viktor's leg. He cried out in pain.
The others shouted and swatted at the air, but more needles struck anyway shoulders, hands, calves each one leaving burning pain and spreading weakness.
The area exploded into chaos.
Roars.
Screams,
Curses.
Bodies staggered and fell as the stings kept coming.
Then the tall grass moved.
A low hiss rose up, soft at first.
"Ekansss..."
Not one voice.
Dozens.
Then a deeper, stronger hiss cut through them all.
"ARRRRRBOK!"
The grass parted.
Arbok slid forward, hood flared wide, eyes sharp and bright.
Dozens of Ekans followed behind it.
The fight ended almost instantly.
Ekans swarmed the fallen Pokémon, wrapping tight coils around legs and arms.
Their fangs hovered close but never struck, holding them pinned.
Minutes later, it was over.
The four men lay on the ground, wrists and ankles bound tight with thick vines dragged from the grass.
Strips of torn cloth were stuffed into their mouths, muffling their angry grunts.
After that, I pulled a Pecha Berry spray from my bag and applied it to the poisoned wounds.
The purple swelling faded quickly, leaving only sore red marks.
They wouldn't die from the poison just stay weak and dizzy for a while.
Their Pokémon were recalled into Poké Balls.
Arbok and the Ekans stayed close, watching carefully, making sure none of the poachers tried anything funny.
Lopunny stood beside me, ears perked high, a satisfied little hum escaping her.
"Lopuu~♡
Her fluffy tail twitched as she leaned lightly against my arm, warm and proud.
Everything was quiet now.
The poachers weren't going anywhere.
And the herd was safe.
The Ekans gave one last warning hiss, then slipped back into the grass, disappearing from sight.
Only Arbok remained, hood slowly lowering.
My heart was still racing as I walked toward the trucks, Lopunny close beside me.
I opened the trailer doors carefully.
Inside, the Rapidash and Ponyta blinked at the sudden light, heads low, eyes wide with fear as they stared at me.
I released the little Ponyta first.
A soft red light flashed, and she appeared beside me, flames flickering gently.
She blinked, taking in her surroundings... then saw the open trailer.
Her ears shot straight up.
Her eyes went wide.
"Pony... pony-ta.....
Her soft cries trembled with joy as she saw her family through the cage bars.
Her flames flared brighter as she pressed close to the metal..
Inside the cage, the big Rapidash mother stepped forward, wary but proud.
She snorted, flames crackling low.
"Raaapidaaash...
A clear warning.
Stay back.
Humans are dangerous.
Our Ponyta shook her head firmly.
She turned to her mother and the herd, then gently tilted her head toward me, voice shaking as she called again.
"Pony-ta... pony....
He's not bad.
He saved us.
He's good.
The mother Rapidash paused.
Her flames dimmed slightly as she watched me closely.
The other Ponyta leaned nearer, listening.
Slowly, fear faded from their eyes.
Trust small, fragile, but growing.
Because the little Ponyta believed in me.
And that was enough..
One by one, I opened every cage.
The Rapidash mother stepped out first.
Her once-dull flames flared bright again, warm orange and red dancing high.
She lowered her head and gently pressed her forehead to her daughter's.
Their flames mixed into a soft glow, lighting the grass around them.
The rest of the herd followed, stretching stiff legs, flames growing stronger with every step.
They gathered close, nuzzling each other softly.
I stepped back, smiling, letting them have their moment.
This was why I loved the Pokémon world.
Pokémon understood each other.
Families stayed together.
They cared. Protected. Trusted.
Animals on Earth could be gentle too, but not like this.
Not when it comes to understanding and trust.
Seeing a mother and child reunited, flames burning brighter just from being together...
Moments like this made everything worth it.
Arbok watched quietly, its hood fully lowered now, clearly satisfied with what it had done.
Lopunny leaned against my arm, ears relaxed.
"Lopuu~"
They were safe.
They were together again.
And for the first time all day, everything felt right.
When they were ready, the herd turned to me, heads dipping in thanks, before walking away into the open grass.
The little Ponyta pressed her warm face gently to my hand one last time, a quiet thank you and a goodbye.
Then she ran after her family.
I watched until they were nothing more than small specks on the horizon.