Following our lunch, we took a short while to rest and let it all settle. Then, we gathered outside once again. Which is when I opened a portal. We all stepped through, into an empty copy of Cinnabar Town. The portal closed behind us as always. The girls and guys started to pull their weights off.
"Alright everyone, for today's training, we're doing a battle. Battle goes until one of you is left standing, submissions on yield or KO. No lethal attacks, just like last time, and no crippling. Melanie and I will heal any injuries after battle has concluded." I stated the rules. "And, one last thing, although leveling the city is going to happen, try not to bury each other in rubble. Not all of you can dig out of it as easily as others. Whenever you're ready, scatter. I'll signal when it's time to start."
"I'm gonna try something out, but it has potential to be…really bloody dangerous." Lexie said. "I'm gonna try to see if I can mix Electric and Fire typing together."
"Like the Lightning Fire Dragon Mode?" I asked. "Well, without the Dragon part. Still, not having that means you're very likely to have a lot of trouble with it. In your base form anyway. It might be doable in a powered up form, but still very hard."
"I know, that's why I'm only going to try it once. But, it can wait for when we aren't about to do a combat test." Lexie said.
"I'm going to train with my gravity powers for this." Melanie said. "I feel like I need to bring them up to level with my own powers."
"That's a good idea. It might help to practice with levitation while we're training. If you can get good enough with that, you'll even be able to fly." I said.
"Sounds fun. Wonder if I'll be able to recreate…never mind. It's far too dangerous to even try."
"What is?"
"Chibaku Tensei." I shook my head.
"No, we are not going to even try that. You might be immune to gravity, but we are not. Even if you were able to pull it off, the drain would be far too high. You would very likely kill yourself just trying it."
"Yes, you're right." My vision suddenly blurred for a moment, and I stumbled, but the girls caught me.
"I'll be fine, just an update." Fortunately not as big as the last one, but what was added is interesting. "Go on, get ready for battle. I'll signal once everyone is." They left after they helped me to sit down. Now, onto the update that just dropped. I noticed that Lexie took a seed as she left. Interesting, dunno what an Empowerment Seed will do for her. Maybe the System will create some sort of mix between her normal and Gigantamax forms, and use it as a Mega. Who knows?
As far as others taking a Seed goes, it looks like Evan also took one. Which is totally fine, as the sooner he starts Mega training, the better. He'll be able to better handle it when in battle, if he trains with it now.
As for the update, it's really just a bunch of small fixes geared towards the cross-world system. Although, there is one new thing of note. A new Raid system has been added. From what I can see, they're like Dungeons, but with a much higher challenge, in exchange for much higher rewards. Unlike Dungeons, which are at will, Raids seem to be limited. It seems that only specific things can unlock them.
Whether it's events, or, specific encounters, we'll see. Even more interesting is the fact that my team is credited for the Raid System creation. Question is why, although, I think I know the answer already. The answer would be our fight with Darkrai, and how we used the room to our advantage in order to weaken him enough to deal damage.
We also got the Raid System a few weeks ahead of everyone else, too. With the note that they want us to test it out, specifically, before they send it out. Along with all that, there's the new addition of a base portal. It's something that's been added to all systems, not just mine. It will allow me to create my own pocket dimension, one which my team can live in. And the portal on the outside is tied to my position, remembering my last location before entrance.
It will also solve our problem with how big the team is getting. No more having to worry about Pokemon Center rooms. Instead, once base is up, everyone will get a room of their own. Of course, this brings up the need to figure out either shadow clones, or reflections of some sort.
Because, there's going to be some issues going forward if I can't. As far as all the gals go, I don't know when their heat will be, except for one; Kaorah. And, while there is medicine that subdues the effects, it didn't work for her. Hers is starting very, very soon. In fact, it may have already started. Her mood has already begun to shift. And she has started showing signs, as well as the change in her scent.
Her first had been a few years ago, about two weeks after she became a Garchomp. And although we had the medicine mentioned above, it wasn't enough. It's the reason I had to put her in her ball like I did. The reason I promised to claim her once I was of age.
But, this time, no such restriction is in place. Sure, it's going to be exhausting, but it'll be fun.
[Zeryph, we're ready.] Mewtwo's voice echoed in my head. Since they're all ready to start, I gave the signal to begin. There were several distant flashes as everyone powered up. The only one who didn't was Lexie, but I can understand why. We don't know if it would even work.
As the first engagement started, Evan attacking someone from the air, I found a spot to sit down. They had all done a much better job of scattering, than last time. Especially since they all had a good idea of Mewtwo's radius by now. The Electro Ball that shot into the air, which Evan just barely avoided, indicated who his target was.
Lexie's ability to change types puts her at a big advantage, since she has a counter for everyone. But at the same time, she has to deal with a whole team of Megas. Granted, one of them is inexperienced, but still. Even with Lexie being a few levels ahead, and having EV training, she can still get tired.
Course, everyone on this team has EV training, technically speaking, since we use weights. Even I have some on, but I rarely have to drop mine. Although, I don't get much of a chance to actually spar, but that's only because I'm waiting until we have a Lucario.
Also, on the note of training, it seems that there's now a function that will let us do survival training. I'll get more into figuring out what that is, later. My senses reacted to something, and I felt a shift in the air caused by something very powerful. Although I'm less familiar with how his power feels, I still know who caused it.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Ketchum." Palkia's voice broke up the sound of the distant battle. More of the team had started to engage, and I could feel the ground shaking. It seems Kaorah's trying to draw everyone towards her, and whoever she's fighting. Likely Mewtwo, though it could be anyone. I can't currently see, from where I'm at.
"Hey Palkia. What brings you here?" I asked.
"I noticed a portal, of course. Decided I would drop in, see what was going on." He said. "So, having your entire team fight itself? Interesting. I don't believe I remember any similar cases."
"We're the only ones who can train like this." There was a crashing sound as a building was hit by a stray attack. "And, that's why, right there. We use this alternate plane in order to train with things too dangerous for the outside world."
"Hm." Palkia looked upwards, his attention drawn towards a distant boom. "I see your Flying-Type has evolved."
"He did, very recently." Evan pulled up from his dive at the last moment, creating an even louder boom as the Mach Rush slammed into the ground. With his Mega form, it hit even harder than it has before. A small signal told me that Solais and Cerise weren't able to avoid it in time. It wasn't long before the two of them appeared, limping towards us from the battle zone.
"Palkia?? What's he doing here?" Solais asked.
"I'm only here to see what was going on. I shall be leaving shortly." Palkia said.
"Before you go, you should be aware of something." I went on to explain the new base system that was added. All that I knew about it, anyway. I figured now was a good time to let him know, since I fully intend to use it.
"That's…interesting." Palkia said. "I'm afraid I must be going. However, when you plan to set up the new base, please let me know. I can certainly help out. Having a pocket dimension to yourself will certainly help you and your team, going forward."
"We'll let you know when we're ready." I started working on healing Solais, who had laid down next to me with her head in my lap. Palkia disappeared, causing the air to ripple briefly.
"You should be aware of something. I feel…off, about this island. Something feels wrong, but it's very faint." Solais said.
"That would be the volcano. The major warning signs haven't even started to appear yet. The fact you can sense it so early isn't a bad thing." It also means, we're gonna have to let the local Jenny know about what's going on. Better for them to have a warning much more ahead of time than normal.
There's also the potential that it could blow way earlier. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the system sets it off before it's meant to.
"We should probably let someone know, just in case." She's right. I nodded in agreement, letting the town police know, means they'll be ready. I just hope this thing doesn't blow up like the Red Mountain did.
I finished healing Solais, then I motioned Cerise over so I could heal her. Evan slowly limped his way up to us, dragging a wing as he went. I winced when I saw it.
"Did you land wrong?" I asked.
"Yeah, Lexie nailed me with a Pyroball. It was an incredible shot, but the impact dazed me. Couldn't recover fast enough and I crashed." Evan settled next to us. I switched over to him as Cerise's injuries weren't as bad.
"How about this wing? Broken or dislocated?" I asked.
"Dislocated, can't move it."
"We're gonna need to pop it back into place then, before I heal you. Cerise, hold him for me." As Cerise moved over, vines sprung up from the ground and restrained Evan. She then wrapped her arms around him, as well.
"Is this gonna-"
"Yeah, it's gonna hurt. Nothing we can do about that. On three, ready?" I asked.
"Yeah…I guess."
"OK. One-" There was a loud pop as his right wing snapped back into its socket.
"OW! I thought you said on three!" He moved his wing in order to work the soreness out, and I started to soothe the pain with some healing magic.
"Going for a full count gives you too long to think about it." I said. "Besides, it worked."
"At least that healing magic takes care of the pain." Evan said.
Several minutes later, Melanie and Lexie came over to join the rest of us. Lexie was coated in dirt, which can't be nice for her fur. If she was hurt, Melanie had already taken care of it. As for Melanie, she wasn't hurt, but she looked exhausted. We're really going to have to work on her stamina more.
"Hey ladies, all done?" They both sat down next to me, on either side.
"Yeah. Kaorah and Mewtwo are still going. Those two are crazy." Lexie said.
"I have to agree. Mewtwo was the last one standing, the first time around." Melanie said. "Besides, you out-level the rest of us, with the ability to change types. If anyone should've won, it's you."
"Maybe, but you all have Mega Evolution, I do not." Lexie held up the Empowerment Seed that she took. "I did take one of these, but decided not to use it. I really don't know what it's going to do, and I don't think I want to risk it."
"That's fair. I can understand that hesitation. Although, Evan certainly didn't hesitate with his." Melanie said.
"Oh yeah, sorry for hitting you in the face like that. I didn't break your beak, did I?" Lexie asked him.
"No, no, it's fine. I did dislocate my right wing, but we've already taken care of that." Evan said.
I felt Melanie lay her head on my right shoulder, and Lexie did the same on the other side. I wrapped my arms around them in return. We sat like this for a while, and it took a little bit before our missing members finally started heading our way. Kaorah had Mewtwo's arm around her neck, supporting his weight. They both looked…rough.
"What did you two do?" I got up and hurried over, taking Mewtwo's weight off of Kaorah and supporting him myself. Unlike the others, these two weren't just bruised, they were bloody. Their cuts weren't serious, and it looked like Kaorah's snout was bleeding, too. Melanie checked it over to make sure it wasn't broken.
"We…may have not wanted to…give up." Kaorah said. Mewtwo nodded, faintly. Guy's exhausted, so I don't blame him.
"You two…it's training, not a test to see who can almost kill the other one." I said.
"It was a draw…this time." Mewtwo mumbled. I just sighed and shook my head.
"Come on, let's get you both cleaned up, then you can go get some rest." Their battle had actually carried on into the evening. The sun was starting to set, actually.
We returned to the outside world, then went to the Pokemon Center. Or, rather, the rest of them did. I had something else to do right quick, related to what Solais told me. I motioned for her to follow along, as well.
We walked to the local police station, and the door opened as we got near it.
"Mr. Ketchum, what--" Officer Jenny gasped. Apparently, I had gotten blood on my shirt. "What happened? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, nothing to worry about." I said. "Two of my Pokemon got a little more into their training battle than they should have. They're at the Pokemon Center now.
"Training battle?"
"I'll explain later. For now, we've got news that may be a little more important." I said. "My Absol, here, has sensed something off about the island. We believe that the Volcano may be building up to an eruption."
"Oh dear. Can she tell how long we have?" Officer Jenny asked. I can understand why she would be worried, after all, this town is her responsibility.
"None of the warning signs have begun to appear, as of now. Still, I think you should start having things prepared for evacuation at any time, just in case." I said.
"Yes, you're right. I'll get the word around, and we can start monitoring it for signs. Thanks for letting me know. Now, about that battle you mentioned."
"Yeah, that's right. Not the first time we've done it. It's all for training, for my team to get an idea of where they all are. It also helps us figure out what they need to work on, the most. My Garchomp and Mewtwo, just got a little too into what they were doing, and they started drawing blood as a result. I'm going to have words with them about pushing it too far, but that can wait until tomorrow." I explained.
Officer Jenny started to say something, but was interrupted by a growl. Judging by how Solais reacted, it may have been her. Or, more specifically, her stomach.
"I have to be going now, my team's going to be hungry after all that." I said. "Have a good evening."
"You too. And, be a bit more careful with your training in the future." Officer Jenny said. Solais and I left afterwards. About half way to the Pokemon Center, Solais spoke up.
"Are you aware that Kaorah has started acting oddly, recently?" She asked.
"Oh, that? Yeah, I know what it is." I said. "She's probably starting to go into heat. That could potentially cause us some problems."
"Yeah, I can see why. Between drawing the attention of other Trainers' Pokemon, and the wild ones as well." Solais said.
"Well, that's what is part of having a mate, helping someone with that. I already agreed to help you with yours, when it comes around." Solais nuzzled my leg.
"Yes, yes you did. We really should get back, so we can all eat." Solais shifted the subject towards food, and I agreed. It didn't take us much longer to get back, and we found a flame set up outside, in one of the outdoor grills. It seems that Lexie decided to light one up. The scent of porkchop met me about half way to the tables.
"Thought I'd try something new tonight." Lexie said.
"Where did you get the-"
"Your laptop." She admitted. "Figuring out how to type wasn't too hard." Certainly explains the dip in the money I have saved up.
"Really should let me know before doing something like that." I went over to start helping her. "Still, smells delicious. Where are the others?"
"Inside. Nurse Joy's reaction was about the same as yours was." Guess word about the last training battle had gotten around. So, at least, the Joys know what happened if anyone on my team is in rough shape.
"Going to send someone in to get them when food's ready?" I asked.
"I was already going to do that." Melanie said. She still looked tired.
"Alrighty. What about Evan?" I asked.
"Already returned him, after he had a couple berries. It's a wonder his appetite hasn't changed that much." Melanie said.
"Maybe not now, but it will in time." I said. "What about his wing?"
"I had Nurse Joy check on it, just in case. She says he'll be fine to fly again, after about a day." Melanie said.
"Good, glad he won't be grounded for an extended period." We faded into silence, the only sounds being from a quiet breeze, and the sizzle of tonight's supper on the grill. I'll be teaching Lexie how to marinade stuff, but that can wait for later.
It took several more minutes before food was ready. Melanie started to get up, but Cerise gently pushed her back down, then went to get Kaorah and Mewtwo, herself.
"I…guess I don't have to get up, then." Melanie had laid her head on her arms.
"You're exhausted, honey. Even I can tell." I sat down next to her and started to rub her back. "The last time you were this worn out, was in Fuchsia. You don't even have to eat, if you feel too tired." She smiled at me.
"No, it's fine. I'd rather not miss out on something you and Lexie worked on." Lexie served us our plates. I had pulled some mac that was left over from a previous night, for a side if anyone wanted one. Still think that my inventory keeping stuff at the exact state it was in, is one of the greatest features it has. Even if it's minuscule compared to some of the other things I can do.
Still, as someone who loves mac n cheese, having some that's freshly made, available at any time I want some, is pretty great. I heard the Pokemon Center's side door open, then the others joined us outside, minus Evan. Mewtwo and Kaorah had been cleaned off, and their cuts were bandaged. Kaorah's nosebleed had also been solved.
"What is this?" Mewtwo asked.
"Porkchop. Lexie decided she wanted to try making some." I took a bite of one of mine. "And going off the taste, she did an amazing job." Everyone agreed. Lexie really has turned into the team's cook. I bet she could really impress people if she were back home with skill like that. But, I don't think that Galar's laws, as far as Pokemon go, would allow her to do this.
Which is unfortunate, as it would all be wasted if she couldn't cook for her team like she does for us. We enjoyed our supper, and I even offered up some desert if anyone wanted some. Some S'mores, since it was a nice night to make some. Melanie asked for me to do hers last, before I do mine. I guess she wants to spend a little more time out here, with me.
One by one, the others went back in. And pretty soon, it was just the two of us. Melanie leaned over, then started to shift positions. Pretty soon, I found her in my lap, pressed closely to me in an embrace, with her head rested on my right shoulder. I returned her embrace, and quietly put our S'mores away for later.
A small flick of my right wrist, and we were pulled into another dungeon portal, without having to move.
"You just wanted me to yourself, didn't you?" I asked quietly.
"Mmm…yeah, I guess I did." We shared a kiss. "Hey, that bath I wanted? We have plenty of time, tonight. Just you and I." I shifted her into a bridal carry, causing her to giggle loudly.
"Then, what are we waiting for?" I asked. I carefully got up, then started to carry her to our room.
"Not gonna make me walk, hmm? You're such a sweetheart." She snuggled into my chest, making herself comfortable. "Hey, before we get in, cast Anthrofy on me. I'd like to be able to pull this gown off."
"Sure thing." When we got to the room, she pushed it open with her psychic power. We're in an alternate plane, so there's no reason to shut it behind us. Nobody's going to see, or hear, anyway.
I carefully set her down, then I readied Anthrofy, and with a flick of my wrist, I cast it on her. Melanie stretched as her form changed. I heard the water come on in the bathroom, matched with a glow from her hands.
"Got any candles?" She asked.
"No, but I can fix that. Any preference?" I asked.
"Anything's fine, just something that lights nicely." Melanie said. As I was using the market to get some, she gently started to pull her gown away. She let it fall to the floor, and her body was gorgeous. She gently placed her hands on her breasts, softly squeezing them in order to get a feel for the primary change brought by the spell.
"You are absolutely gorgeous, you know that?" I asked quietly. Melanie blushed softly, but she was smiling. "Got the candles, by the way."
"Perfect. I'll show you where I want them at." She reached out for one of my hands, gently taking it in hers, then she began to pull me into the bathroom. It was dark, as she hadn't turned the lights on. She gently guided me to where she wanted the candles placed, and handled lighting them herself. The door to the room was shut with a soft click.
I felt Melanie's hands on my sides, her fingers slipping under my shirt and slowly lifting it up. I let her take it off. I felt her do the same with the rest of what I was wearing. Then she took my hand and started to gently lead me over to the tub. She shut the water off with her mind, as there was enough water. It's a wonder the thing's big enough for us both.
In the low light, I barely noticed that it was full of bubbles, too. Interesting. Not that I'm gonna complain, of course. I was the first to step in and sit down, shifting until I was comfortable. Melanie lifted a leg, and began to slowly step in, gasping softly as the hot water met her skin. She was very careful with her positioning, as to not cause any undue harm.
Slowly, she lowered herself down into my lap, then leaned over against me. I could see the blush on her face, in the low light from the candles. I wrapped my arms around her and held her, and shifted so that she could do the same. With one hand, I started softly rubbing her lower back, where the water hadn't touched, yet.
"Mmm…love you, Zee." She mumbled.
"Love you too, Mel." I said back.
"You're-"
"I know." I had noticed pretty early, in fact, it had happened when Melanie was pulling her gown off.
"Shall we get that taken care of?" She quietly asked. I felt one of her hands wandering, already.
"Ladies first, Mel." I said. "What happened to being tired?" I asked quietly.
"I decided to not let it get in the way, this time." She put her hands on my shoulders, and lifted herself up. "Switch with me?" We traded places. She sat on the back of the tub, careful of the candle in the back corner that was against the wall. I lifted my hands from the water and gently wiped the bubbles off of her thighs, and away from the rest of her body.
I then sat up on my knees, and as I felt her brush the bubbles away, my arms were around her again, and we started to share kisses while in what was no doubt, a very intimate embrace. Much like the one we had shared on our first night.
I was the first to break away, although, not for the need of air.
"You know, there's another bonus to having breasts, specific to this form." I said quietly.
"Oh? What's that?"
"You'll figure it out." I started to softly kiss the right side of her neck, carefully avoiding the possibility of a hickey. A bite scar or scars from claws, easily explained. A hickey on the side of Melanie's neck? Much, much harder to explain. The same can be said for if Melanie were to give me one. It would blow our cover, for sure.
As I started my downward trail, Melanie gasped when I made contact with her chest.
"I have to wonder if any Pokemon ever has to do something like this." I said quietly, more to myself, although, she heard it.
"No, we can normally- ah-" I gently flicked her right nipple with my tongue. "C-can eat berries, right out of the egg. So it's…unnecessary. Although, I…mmm…" I had gently closed my lips around the tiny nub, and started to suck on it, very gently, as she had never experienced this before.
I gave it a few minutes before I switched to the other, so I could give it the same attention. Going by her soft moans, Melanie was enjoying it. I pulled away after a short time, and started to slowly trail downwards once more. It was when I reached her hips that I pulled away, reaching for the sides of her legs in order to start trailing kisses up her thighs. The same way I had done, on our first time.
I felt her legs shift, and found them on my shoulders. Then I felt myself pulled towards the middle. I reached up to her hips in response, grabbing on in order to hold her still, before I complied with her silent demand.
"Aah- Zee…" She moaned out loud when my tongue made contact, and I felt her fingers go through my hair. I closed my eyes and continued, making sure not to disturb the water, as to not make any noise that would disrupt what I wanted to hear.
I felt Melanie shift, likely leaning back against the wall behind herself. I felt her try to form a telekinetic grasp, but it didn't last long at all. I guess she's not really able to focus, right now.
I increased my pace, just a little bit. She doesn't have to say anything for me to know that she's enjoying this, her moans are enough. This, coupled with the attention her nipples got before, was pushing her closer to the edge, faster than it had last time we were together. Judging by how loud she was getting, it wouldn't be much longer. And it seems that I'm right.
"Zeee! I'm gonna…aaahh!" Melanie's climax interrupted what she was saying, and she squirted. Although I caught some, most would end up on my face or chest. Or in the water below. I swallowed what had ended up in my mouth, and gently pulled away, before pulling myself up in order to share a kiss with her.
"Mmm…that was wonderful. I think it was even better than the last time." We switched places once again. "You should do that after a massage, sometime. It would make for a much better happy ending than doing it by hand."
"You really enjoy it, don't you?" I asked.
"Oh, definitely. But, there's something I enjoy even more." I felt her pull me back down into the water. "Sorry about skipping over that, but I've already done it twice for you, if I'm not mistaken. That means, we're even." I smiled.
"Yes, that's true. There's a great position that would let us do it at the same time." I said. "But, it's not compatible with a tub."
"We'll just have to keep that in mind, for next time." Melanie started to line herself up. "Let me take the lead, from here. Ready?" When I nodded, I felt her start to take me in. "Mmm…feels just as good as last time." The first penetration in a lovely session like this? Always one of the best parts.
As Melanie started to slowly move her hips, I helped guide her through the motions she needed to make, until she got the hang of it. Then our arms shifted so that we were holding each other, and we started to share kisses, once again. Eventually, even those stopped, leaving the only motion being Melanie's hips. The only sounds being the quiet sound from the water shifting, mixed in with our quiet moans.
Melanie laid her head on my chest, and increased her pace, just a little bit. She closed her eyes and smiled softly.
"Love you, Zee." She whispered.
"Love you too, Mel." I whispered back. I started to purr, quietly, as I knew it was something she liked hearing. Even with our somewhat slow pace, I did start to feel the signs, eventually. Melanie's slow increase in speed, showed that she was aware of it, too.
"Zee-"
"I know." We continued, and it didn't take much longer for us to reach a shared climax.
"Mmmm/Mmmm." We both came, together, at the same time. Although, our lower bodies being under water meant that there wasn't really anything to see from it. The bubbles had almost all gone by this point, as well. And, the water was starting to get cold. Melanie slowly pulled herself off of me, and then settled back down. Soon the only sound was from her breathing.
It slowly grew quieter, until it was barely audible. Her eyes didn't blink open, indicating that she had dozed off. Quietly, I started the drain, then blew out the candles around us, before I carefully stood. I lifted her sleeping form into my arms, and she snuggled against me. After carefully drying off the both of us, I carried her to an empty bed, then laid her down before joining her.
As soon as I was laying with her, we were snuggled up, and her head was placed on my chest. I gave her a soft kiss on the forehead, and before long, I fell asleep with her. Tomorrow, will be another day of training, depending on if my cousin's team arrives in the morning or not. We'll see.