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"I think we've hidden long enough" I said.

"It's only been five min-...oh right you can't tell time yet." A sigh then "Ah well if we were in trouble there would've been a lot of noise by now."

So we climbed out from underneath the couch.

"Snack time woohoo!" I shouted while running towards the kitchen with my hands up in the air. Don't know why I did it. Just felt right to me. Nil didn't share in my excitement. In fact Nil looked a little...wobbly on his feet like I did after I'd transformed into the bigger Noibat thingy. So I stopped, turned around, and asked...gently: "What's wrong Nil?"

"Only when you're worried about me will you call be by that name huh?" Even Nil's chuckle and voice sounded weak; which was probably why it ended as quickly as it began. Nil coughed afters and said "Don't need to worry about me Master. The three days straight I've spent worrying that you wouldn't wake up wouldn't let me rest and it's starting to catching up to me is all. Our earlier play pretty much exhausted all of my limited energy supply."

I walked over, hugged, and nuzzled into Nil's neck while saying into it "Well I'm all better now and you're the one not feeling good. We can play the game you want to play later. After we eat I want you to sleep."Nil opened his mouth to say something but I stepped away, crossed my arms, and talked before him with anger in my...voice. "and I will not let you say no."

Nil didn't say anything and he didn't look happy not one bit. Just nodded, lowered his head so that he was looking at the floor as we began walking towards the kitchen again.

Took a bit of climbing in the icebox but we found a bag of orange round things. Turns out they shared the color's name. They didn't look or smell very yummy. Tasted icky too. I found that out the hard way. I must have made a funny face because Nil laughed a little before explaining that we had to peel the hard skin off to get to the good stuff. I did as Nil said and tried again; smaller bite this time to taste it first. What I got was extra yummy! Even better than those... awesome apples.

We had managed to eat lots more when Papa found us. He was wearing a pair of...jeans and a shirt with a number on it. Papa's eyes weren't on us though. I looked down...and around at the mess Nil and I had been making seemingly without realizing it in our rush to fill our tummies. I was too afraid to meet Papa's eyes again because I was afraid of what I might see.

"We'll uh...clean this up right away sir." said Zillian in a soft voice.

"After the mess I'd just found in the bathroom? You'd better." Uh oh Papa did sound mad...maybe I should start running?

"Oh! You'd take out whatever it is you have lodged up your sphincter!" We all looked towards the staircase and at AunC who was coming down them. "They're kids! They make messes it comes with the freaking territory!"

Was this AunC to the........ rescue? I'd better cross my fing- claws!

"I wasn't going to punish them. Just give them a stern talking to is all."

Cecelia sighs; she sounded very tired all of a sudden. "Blake you don't know the meaning of a stern talking too. My guess is you'll say a few words then spank their asses a few times to get your point across."

Papa blinked at AunC for a few seconds for saying "...it's a effective teaching mechanism."

"I'll show you my effective teaching mechanism!" Pause then "and no that wasn't meant to be an innuendo. Especially after all of what you've put me through the past three days and not to mention that session we just had upstairs." AunC shakes her head "I'm pretty sure we scared poor Zillian for life"

"It's Nil. You did. and ICK! TMI Cecelia TMI!" Nil shouted so loudly that it made my ears hurt. Speaking of-

"You done eating Nil?" I asked while turning to him.

Nil gave me a tired look "My hunger is satisfied for the moment yes. But Master I've lasted this long I can stay awake at least until we finished-"

I pushed him towards the stairs "I can take care of our messes no problem. Go to bed right now or I'm gonna kick your butt!"

"Due to the vast level difference between us: I would likely win a fight even if you were in human form."

I didn't know what all of that meant but it sounded like Nil was being a smarty pants. So I kicked his butt a little harder than I'd meant to. Nil turned to me while rubbing at his butt. Even though Nil was hopping around like angry froggy: I was still able to see the angry look he'd shot me while he yelled "Owww Oww oww did you really just do that to me? And why so damned hard!? That wasn't even necessary!"

I shrugged and then pointed up the stairs. I tried to make the same face Papa does when telling someone to do something. I must have succeeded because with a huge, long, and tired sigh: Nil stomped up the stairs. Was sure taking his sweet time with it to. Don't know whether it was because he was that tired or he moving slow just to annoy me. Maybe both?

I began putting our mess in one big pile. I began picking up the smallest pieces first. I guess that I'd somehow forgotten that Papa and AunC were with us because hearing AuntC's voice made me jump a little:

AunC's voice "Okay you have to admit that whole exchange was laughably cute. I mean c'mon! He's like a mini you!"

Papa's voice "Cecilia. I don't know the meaning of that ugly word and for the record: you wouldn't be saying any of that if you'd been here to witness the circus of events he'd orchestrated. Up until now I'd thought he'd just inherited my good looks."

AunC made a hmm noise and said "Why what happened while I was away?"

I'd finally finished gathering all the peels when Papa said "I'll explain that mess while I cut Miles's hair, get his arms re-bandaged, and help him dress himself. First things first though: help Miles locate the trash can and let me clean up the mess they left upstairs."

AunC took my arm and began walking to the kitchen. To I guess find this thing called a trash can? While we walked away she said "That's awfully nice thing to do for a person that says he's miffed about something. Figured you would make him clean it up."

"We don't have the half an hour to burn. Probably even more. Boy was much too thorough with those oranges. Which leads me to believe that he would do the same with the mess in the bathroom. Tub included. Why waste that much time when I could easily get it done in a couple minutes tops?"

---

Not going to bother telling you about all the boring stuff. Just gonna tell you the stuff that I learned during what felt like lasted a whole Barney and Friends episode:

• Hands smell like oranges after you eat them. As if I needed one more reason to make my favorite food.
• I will never be able to outrun Papa.
• I like getting my haircut. It feels good and it's fun to rub the prickly bits.
• I can change my hair and eye color just by wishing for it. Papa can too but he changed his back after trying. We both got both kinds of thirsty afters though.
• I heal super duper fast whatever I drink lots and lots of blood. Papa made me drink so much I barfed it back up in the toilet. But at least my arms don't hurt anymore!

I should probably tell you what I look like now. My hair is black and my eyes are the same green Kate's and Mom's are. Nil might not even...recognize me when he wakes up. I wanted to try other colors out but Papa told me that he wants me to keep this one because I won't attract attention this way...whatever that means. I'm now wearing a black boxer shorts,blue shirt with white fluffy clouds all over it, a pair of jean shorts, white socks, and purple shoes with a white checkmark on it's side.

Oh and lastly-

• Papa, I, Elly, and Dad are going shopping...whatever that means. AunC, Nil, Runt, and Chase decided that they were staying home.

Elly is borrowing a shirt that has a red 's' in a yellow diamond (Elly taught me the diamond word) He was also wearing stretchy red, white, and blue shorts. And blue socks. No shoes yet because he'd burned them up when he transformed into the big doggy thingy.

Papa said one of our stops was to get him and Dad some. Dad and Elly said they really should be leaving to a different place since they had to leave or something bad might happen. Papa said not to worry about it and that there was no way they were getting out of coming with us without a fight. Then Papa and Dad began... arguing.

While Dad and Papa were arguing: Elly asked how I changed my colors. I told him how and he didn't seem all that surprised that he was able to do it. Made his white hair a color called blonde (That's what he called it. Although it just looked yellow to me) and made his blue eyes green. He'd said they had always been these colors but someone had changed them to what they were without telling him how or even that he could fix it.

Well that wasn't very nice! I told him that and that I wanted to punch the person that done it and he just laughed and rubbed my head. I got even more thirsty after showing him but it was worth it because Elly was so happy about having himself back normal that he hugged me before getting scared for some......mysterious reason and stepping away from me very fast.

I was about to ask him why when Dad said "Fine we'll go! But only so that you'll learn just how stupid it is for us to strut around in public actually is! But I swear if this little jaunt has just one consequence: I'm taking it out on your ass and not in the fun way!"

Then Papa said with a scary sort of smile "Oh but Paul, what you're hinting at is the fun way." Dad just sighs and steps outside. Papa sort of pushes Elliot and I out the door and towards-

Elly laughed a little and said "Didn't take you as a pick up truck type of guy. Especially a truck that yellow even dark as it is." pause then "Actually I can't picture you in any type of vehicle." Pause than "Do you even have your license? Why would you even bother with that since you have your dragon to fly you everywhere."

Papa makes a noise with his nose "I'm not. I prefer motor bikes actually and would have one if I ever broke down and gotten another one. I know how to drive and driven plenty. But the problem with having a license when you're an armed and dangerous criminal is your location would be flagged every time you got it checked. Sort of like leaving breadcrumbs, only its paper. So I don't have my own personal ID on me; just lots of fake ones."

Dad paused midstep, turned around, and asked "Then how the heck did you buy the car and the house? Even if you paid in cash you'll need all sorts of paperwork and to fill out even more."

Papa gave Dad the same look I'd seen myself make in the mirror when Papa came at me with the hair clippers "You actually think I bought this house and car?" Papa laughed this really hard and scary laugh for a little bit. Papa seemed to be the only one that seemed to find this funny because no one else was laughing. But Elly and Dad didn't look confused, rather...caught off guard. Finally Papa stopped before wiping his eyes and saying "Thank you. I hadn't laughed like that in a good long while."

Elly and Dad opened their mouth to speak but Papa shushed them with a hand and then said:

"You see part of the reason why I know it's safe to go out is because the area surrounding my ca-base is our territory. No one comes in and no one gets out without us knowing or saying so. We are it's highest authority. Meaning if for example if I were to spontaneously want a particular roomy house with an even roomier front and back yard in the middle of nowhere. But there was an elderly couple already living there who wouldn't skedaddle...well let's just say they or any trace of them won't be sticking around for very long."

Elly blinked at Papa and then looked at Dad and said "Seeing Blake playing Daddy kinda made me forget who Blake really was."

Papa raised an eyebrow and asked Elly "Oh and what am I in your eyes?"

"Elly don't you-" Dad began but Elly spoke over him in a... matter-of- fact way."The biggest bully in the playground."

Dad groaned and slapped his own face with his hand.

Papa just grinned and used a hand to mess up Elly's hair while he said "Damned straight. You know...for such a small thing you have a set of huge balls. Saying whatever what you want no matter the consequences. I'm quite fond of that little quirk as your father and Darkrai are. Just remember-"

I blinked and I missed seeing it all happen. When I opened my eyes again: I saw that Elliot was on the ground. Elly looked like he also missed what just happened. Elly's pants were pulled down almost to his...knees so I could see that his butt was red as if he'd been hit there. Elly didn't seem to know what happened. I finally...realized that Elly had been spanked. I was about to tell Elly that when Papa said with a bit of anger:

"-like my late Master I won't tolerate being even minimally disrespected -even if it's the truth- without enacting proper punishment. Be thankful I like you and are wary enough of those around you not to do what I usually do in those situations. Ya dig?"

Papa didn't wait for an answer. Just got into the pickup truck and shut the door.

The next thing I heard was Dad stomping over to us really loudly as if the ground had done something to make him mad. Sometimes having to stop to pull his foot out of the hole it made. Elly must have known he was in trouble because he had an 'Uh-oh' face and he'd tried to get up and run away from Dad. Elly tripped over his pants it looked like.

Dad was on Elly before he could even finish pulling them all the way back up or get up again. Was Dad's turn to whoop Elliot's butt it seemed. Had Elly bent over his knee the same way Papa done to me and held him there despite Elliot's fighting and wiggling to get free.. Each slow slap hard enough to make Elliot cry out in pain and afters each one Dad said some words:

"That was unbelievably stupid! You. Know. Better! Never. Try. That. Shit. Again! You. Will. Begin. . Respect,. Me or so help me-"

Dad didn't finish because Elly had actually managed to wiggle out his grip. What came afters happened really fast. After Elly landed on the ground: he rolled to his feet, jumped up and at Dad, and threw a punch at Dad's nose. Something Dad didn't even seem to feel. I say that cause Elly couldn't even pull his fist back before Dad's hand closed over his face. Squeezing so hard that Elly yelped like a puppy right before Dad threw him like a ball at the truck. Elly's back hit the side hard enough to leave a Elliot sized...........dent on the door and even lifted it off the ground a little bit.

Apparently Elly decided that it was sleepy time after all that. I understood. Just watching all that made me a bit tired.

Dad sounded tired and a bit sad when he said "C'mon Miles. I don't think you'll be sitting shotgun with your Papa. Door's dented so badly that it'll likely fall off ontop of you if you tried pulling the handle. Sitting in the back of the truck is more fun anyway...most of the time anyway."

So Dad helped me (and sleepy Elly) into the truck and we drove away without another word being said.

---

Dad was right, riding in the back of the truck was fun! The wind...stroking me in the same way when Vector helped me fly. The air tasted great here. Everything out here was so pretty! From the flowers to the animals to the Pokemon. All of which I didn't even know the names of yet but I wanted to and hug them all. My eyes wanted to see them all but couldn't because we were moving too fast. Only one thing could make riding in the back of the truck even better.

"Has he stopped vomiting yet?" Papa yelled from the driver's seat.

I groaned, fell back onto my knees, and pressed my forehead against the side of my arm the same time Dad answered "Not yet!" Again I tried thanking Dad for rubbing my back and keeping a hold on of my pants so I wouldn't almost fall fall out of the truck again. Still felt like I would every time we hit a bump in the road. But whenever I tried thanking him: more icky things wanted to come out of my mouth.

"What's wrong with Miles?"I heard Elly say the same time that I wiped some icky stuff from my face. "His voice has pain in it" the Beast -that's the name I gave the voice in my head- pointed out. Before I could question it Dad said:

"Just a little motion sickness is all. Poor little guy's stomach doesn't like traveling by motorized vehicle it seems. Something he shares with his Papa apparently."

"Genetics are such a -...pain" Elly after a brief pause.

"Mmm hmm. Speaking of where do you hurt?"

"Just a headache, my back, and my a- butt. I remember why my back and butt hurts but why my head?"

I began throwing up again.

Dad had to raise his voice to be heard over me and the wind "Miles almost fell headfirst out of the truck thanks to Blake hitting a pothole and momentum. Luckily I was close enough to lunge and catch him. Unfortunately before that I'd been keeping the both of you from being bouncing around like pinballs, hoping to avoid that very scenario. As a consequence to that: you came with me and bumped your head pretty hard against the side of the truck. No concussion or blood thankfully, just a nasty looking bump."

"Guess that explains the odd position you have me in. Here I thought having my head cradled by your legs and pinned to your crotch was some sort of strange new form of punishment. So I guess that by saying this it's quite the opposite won't be bursting any bubbles."

"Still? Despite what happened back at the house and your current pain?" Pause for a breath then something prickly entered Dad's voice."And for the record I had you facing away from me. But you kept turning back into me. So finally I just gave up adjusting you and left you be. You can ask Miles if you don't believe me."

"There is no real need to get all defensive over stuff like this." Elliot made a noise through his nose then said: "Here are a few fun facts. Firstly:I've been through so much worse that what you did doesn't register beyond a minor annoyance. Secondly: I was intentionally being a brat because I was trying to make Blake irritated with us enough to change his mind about taking us on this field trip. I agree with you on how needlessly stupid, dangerous, and reckless this silly trip is. Probably for the same reasons you do."

"Because our enemies won't give the slightest damn that they are trespassing on Blake's territory?"

"Exactly."

Dad...chuckles a bit and says "Well seems we were on the same page for once." a pause then Dad said with a tiny bit growly voice "Doesn't mean I'm going to let you off the hook. Your idea was a very idiotic gamble."

"I know. Also there is no such thing as a smart gamble."

Dad chuckles again and said "Nice try. But quoting me isn't going to butter me up enough to allow you to escape my ire."

"Da-" pause "-rn it!"

My tummy finally told me that it didn't have anything left to give. So I was finally free to do what I'd wanted to do ever since I began to feel all icky: I turned around, lied down, began using Dad's lap as my pillow while placing my face in-between the place between Dad's tummy and legs. I very surprised and happy to find that Dad's smell was helping me feel better. But being by him like this was making me very warm and sleepy all of a sudden.

I'd just gotten comfy when Dad moved a little. I wanted to know why so I lifted my head a little and took a quick peek. Could only open my eyes a little because the light was so... bright that it hurt my eyes a little. All Dad did was let Elliot free from his lap. That answer wasn't worth the pain. Okay now this whole trip was making me...what was the word Elly used? Irritated I think. Yeah the word seemed to fit better to what I was feeling rather than angry or grumpy.

Anyway I heard Elliot move away from us, Guess Elly wanted to sit at the other end of the truck. Then I heard nothing but the wind rushing past and the stupid truck's wheels go round and round over the road and the......occasionally hearing and feeling a bump. Then Dad said "I suppose now is a good time as any to finish that chat. Now that we're currently in the best setting and mood where there is little chance for distractions to pop up."

Elliot didn't say anything so Dad kept talking "You seem to finally understand how flawed the idea of trying to distance and flee from the ones that love you is. That going down as a martyr won't improve the lives of the people you've touched. How all that I've just said will only makes everything worse for everyone. We have Taz and Miles to thank for that."

I felt eyes on me now. Which confused me more than I already was; which was a lot. What did I do? I thought and was about to ask that exact question when Dad's hand went underneath the back of my shirt and began scratching my back. Than I pretty much forgot my own name because what he was doing felt so good!

Even I had trouble hearing Elliot's reply but the anger was clear "All reiterating all that has done is making me feel like crap."

Dad's voice was all growly and twice as angry. "Which is why I said it. And I'll continue to shove it down your throat so you won't forget that ugly lesson. Now hush. I still have plenty more to say."

Dad made a noise with his throat before speaking more:

"You're almost an adult. In a normal world that would gives you the freedom to make your own decisions and mistakes. That isn't the case in this one. Quite the opposite really since it's now more than ever you have to obey authority like any small child or handicapped person would."

I heard Elliot take in a breath. Even a dummy like me knew he'd had something to say in...response to what Dad had just said. But before Elliot could get a single word out: Dad said this next bit so quickly that it was... difficult for me to follow in places:

"Before you get all huffy and puffy, know this: What you're carrying within you is an extremely valuable and fragile package. To the world at large -once they inevitably learn about the recent change in development- in their eyes you'll be nothing more than a pregnant mother carrying an infant whose well-being and happiness means the future salvation or doom of multiple worlds. Many dangerous people and godlike deities want to seize and exploit that package for their own ends. That means your cross to bear is the fact that your life is no longer just yours anymore. Luxuries such as privacy and freedom of choice are forfeited until this metaphorical baby is delivered " A pause then "Are you following me thus far son?"

Elly laughed a laugh that sounded...empty and sad. The fact that he was sad kinda made me sad too. "Instead of saying all that you could've just simply said that circumstances haven't changed."

"What I said was mostly for Miles's benefit." The hand stopped scratching and I was shaken a little while Dad softly said "Did you get all that son?"

I nodded "Mmm hmm. Elly very important to everyone and has bullies that want to use him as a........tool. Protect Elliot." I said this next part mostly to myself " I love him so I was going to do that anyways"

Elly's voice became really angry and he began to sound like an angry doggy"I'm not letting you fight for me and that's final Miles. You're way too y-""

My saw red as I lifted my head to glare at Elliot and began talking over him. The pain was worth it this time "Then I'll just have to take you down before I take care of the bullies then now won't I!? Are you really going to make me face the bullies alone Elly?"

Elly's eyes became solid red like mine do when I got too mad or too thirsty. I guess Elly was trying to make it go away because he was blinking really fast. Maybe later I'll tell him that doesn't work but not right now. Than Elly said in a voice that was soft but angry, growly, and animally "Of course I won't."

I put my head back into Dad's lap. "Then I don't want to hear another word about it."

What I said must have made Elliot mad because I heard him hit the truck. It must have made him feel better because then he kept hitting it over and over again. The way he was hitting it told me that he was using both hands and feet.

Dad lifted me up and began hugged me to his chest. I felt that Dad was shaking a little. His voice and words sounded...choked up all of a sudden as he said "Miles...thank you. Thank you so very much. You have no idea...how much that promise means coming from you."

I tried to look up at Dad but his hug covered pretty much all of me and it was so tight that I couldn't move. So I just said what I wanted to say "It's nothing really. Elly would do the same."

"Yes...yes he would."

The next few seconds passed by in almost quiet before I asked "Can you keep holding me for the rest of the ride? I like this and it also makes my stomach feel like a gajillion times better."

Dad...relaxed a little. I was lowered into his lap but he didn't let go of me as he began scratching my back again. Dad's voice was soft as he said "Just say the word and I'll hold you whenever you want me to for however long you want me to."

Elly's..... temper..... tantrum eventually stopped and I heard him move toward us. I turned my head just as he began leaning against Dad's side with his shoulder. I wanted to touch him too but I didn't want to let go of Dad either; so did the next best thing and offered him my hand. Elly took with a tiny smile and his face became even more redder than it already was.

For the rest of the ride I stared at him and everything that passed by us while he just stared and...toyed with my hand. Later Elly took off my shoe and sock so he could play with my feet. Which felt both really good and tickled! Every time Elly's eyes became cloudy and sad (which happened a lot) or when his fingers would only sometimes move to do the good stuff to my foot I would push against his hands. Elly's eyes would... re-focus and then he would give me this funny look before becoming normal again. You would think after the gazillionth time that I'd done that he would catch on that I didn't want him to be thinking about whatever was making him so sad.

Gah! This big dummy needs to be kicked in the pants by tons of fun. Maybe even a hug or two. Maybe then he'll stop being such a..............worrywart! I may be dumb myself but even I can figure out that what the problem was. The adults sure as heck won't do darned thing about it and seemed to just be making everything more badder. Guess that leaves just me...again. Even though I'm still hurting and tired from last time I tried helping out.

Ugh what the heck are adults even for anyways!? Do they just tend to the booboos and feed us? If so why are they not fixing Elly's booboos and making more? Sure you can't actually see them because they are inside. But even someone that can't see should be able to use other ways to...sense them. Maybe they could sense them but just didn't know what to do about them?

Hmm...the Beast just said that there was someone did know how to fix Elly's booboos. She just needs finding. Well hopefully we can start looking soon. Maybe we should ask Zillian for help.

---

Papa slammed the truck door shut. At the same time: Dad lifted Elly and I up and hopped out of the truck as if we both didn't weigh anymore than a bag of animal crackers. Dad landed on the black ground then set us down during the same moment that Papa asked: "What did you three talk about?"

Dad shrugged and said with no feeling behind it "Gave Miles a bit of a debriefing. Seems to understand the jist of what I'm saying because like you: he wants to fight the bullies with us."

Papa gave Dad a strange look. Dad then said "His wording not mine."

Papa does nothing but scratch the back of his head for a few seconds. Then suddenly shrugs and says "Given his behavior thus far: that was pretty much a given. The only question that remains is whether or not he'll lose heart and retract that promise." A pause then "Given what I've seen of his mother thus far and know of myself: the chances of that are next to zero." Papa looks at me "Don't really know yet if that's a good or bad thing."

Papa grabs my hand and tugs me towards the building that was alot bigger than our house. I really have no choice but to walk with him. I hear Elly and Dad follow behind us. We'd only gotten a few steps when I heard Elly say "Why isn't this blacktop boiling hot? I was expecting to feel my feet being cooked like a bunch of eggs before the pain receptors were finally burnt off. Instead it just feels like I'm just standing on pavement that's been cooled by the shade or night air."

Dad's voice was matter-of factly as he said.. "Not many surfaces seem hot to Houndour and Houndoom paws."

Than Elly said "Oh...that really should have been a no-brainer. Man I think this stupid heat is finally making me lose it."

"Can't lose what you never had." said Dad

"Hearty-har-har. Very funny."

Now I was confused. Sure I noticed that it was hot outside but I hadn't felt any hotness through my shoes so I bent down and put my hand to the ground. Big no-no! Owowowoww! I blew on my hand; trying to get rid of both the hurty and weird........tingly feeling while the jerks to the side of me and behind me laughed.

What was so flipping funny seeing me hurt?

I stuck my tongue at them because that seemed to be the thing to do. At the same time Papa stopped walking for some reason. I kept walking only to have Papa pull me towards him really hard and fast. I was about to complain but was cut off by a loud, scary noise which made me scream a little. My eyes were pulled to the car that drove over the spot where I'd been standing before Papa pulled me to him. I may be a big dummy. But even I know being ran over by a car would've hurt a lot more badder than a burned hand.

"Seems holding your hand was the right call." Papa's words sounded a bit....annoyed but not mad.

Too much spit was in my mouth so I swallowed it before saying "Sorry Papa I should've looked both ways like Barney told me to."

Papa looked and smelt surprised. Even paused mid-step just to look at me. "Already learned about traffic safety did you?"

I nodded my head.

Papa smiled at me and rubbed my head playfully. "Another point for me then." Papa's face became serious "If I let go of your hand do you think you can make it the rest of the way without getting ran over." I nodded my head really fast. Showing Papa I wasn't a big dummy at everything suddenly seemed...important to me for some reason. "Alrighty then." Papa let go of my hand but I still walked next to him.

From behind us Dad laughed and said "Minus the part where Miles was almost made into a pancake: that little moment was almost cute."

Papa looked backward and gave Dad a confused look. So that's what I look like when I make that face. "I'm afraid I don't know the meaning of that word. Though given how I've heard it used: I don't think I want to."

Elly made a noise with his noise then said "Your expression and tone are so genuine that if I didn't know any better than I would swear that you were telling the truth."

Papa made the same noise with his nose then said "Might as well be. Leave me and cute alone in the same room together and only one of us will be able to walk out." It got quiet again before Papa said "Just so you know I wasn't joking when I said that last bit. Ever since I was a boy: nearly all the experiences that I or other people near me ran into something that was deemed cute...well let's just say it ended very badly for all that were involved.

Then Dad said "You know if you finally broke down and taught Cecelia a Poison or Steel attack: you'd have an easier time dealing with those pesky Fairy types."

Papa made another noise through his nose before saying "The problem isn't just those goddamned pixies. Which believe me: I know more than anyone just how lethal those dainty little flowers can be. The problem lies in the fact that times are changing and I'm too stubborn and lazy to change my strategy with dealing with problems."

Dad made the same noise through his nose before saying "What strategy?"

Papa laughs a little before saying "Exactly."

We finally entered through a door and entered into the massive house. It's pleasant coldness made me sigh happily with...relief. I heard the others make the same noise. We'd taken a few more steps into house when Elly said in "So why go through all this trouble to make us presentable when we were just going to Wal-mart?"

Papa raised an eyebrow at them "What's wrong with Wal-mart?"

Elly and Dad gave Papa a funny look that said to me "Are you kidding?"

Papa gave them a confused look before suddenly laughing a... bright laugh I've never heard out of him before. Than Papa said "The fat cat aristocratic lives you led before are finally rearing it's ugly head? Man! Here I thinking you both were total plebs through and through." Papa..........sneered and said "Funny... I didn't think I would be adding panties to our shopping list."

Dad said some ugly sounding words and went to punch Papa in the face. Papa caught it with an ugly little smile and said "Temper, Temper. At such a mild tease no less! Either I just hit a sweet spot or is the old pooch cranky because he wanted lie-in and bury his bone in his newest bitch?"

This time Dad yelled so loudly that my ears began to hurt as he threw another punch at Papa. Papa blocked it. Elly had pushed me out of his way and with an ugly noise he kicked Papa in what I knew were those dangly bits that I think all boys have. It must have hurt very badly because Papa said some ugly words then...groaned while also taking in a...sharp breath and falling forward.

Rage took over then. The Beast whispered that it didn't want to kill Elly, just wanted to hurt him. Alot. I wanted that to. So I let it take over.

"Motherfucker!" Don't know why I screamed that word or even what it meant but I felt like it was the right word to say as I jumped on top of Elly. I knocked him over easily and we rolled. I landed on top and used that...chance to punch his face as hard and as fast as I could. I didn't get a lot in before he threw me off. Which surprised me. I guess Elly was a lot stronger then he looked. Even made me bang my head against the door pretty hard. Hurt way worse than spanking! The Beast was happy though that it gotten a few licks in (whatever that meant) so it told me to just lie there on my stomach even after the owwy went away. I listened.

After a second or two I heard them all walk almost run to me.

"Miles are you okay!?" Elly sounded scared.

For some reason I hurt so badly that talking seemed not worth the... effort. So I groaned instead and rolled over so I could look at them. My eyes were watery so I couldn't see them very well until I wiped them. They were looking at me. I just looked at them and rubbed my head until the owwy went away. Then I sat up, gave them a smile, and said "Yeah I'm good."

Papa was giving me a funny look while he asked "Miles do you know what that word you said meant?"

I shook my head.

Papa squinted his eyes at me, the Beast told me that Papa didn't believe me. "Are you telling the truth?"

I nodded my head really fast (which hurt!) and said "I'm not fibbing! I swear!" I took a second to rub the pain away again before saying "To be honest: I don't really know what any of the words that I say mean. I just say whatever pops into my head or what the Beast tells me to."

Now everyone was giving me a funny look and they all asked "Beast?"

I shrug and say "It's what I call the other voice I hear in my head sometimes. It sounds exactly like the voice that I use while I'm a Noibat. Sometimes it uses my body. It's been very helpful."

I frowned when everyone gave me a funny, worried looking look. I made a face, tilted my head, and asked "What? Doesn't everybody have another voice."

They were all frowning as they shook their heads and looked at each other with funny looks that I couldn't read. Papa wasn't talking to me anymore when he said "There is too much truth in his voice for him to be lying."

Elly and Dad nodded in...agreement before Elly said "Guess it was too much to hope that Miles escaped his trauma unscathed." Elly said some ugly words under his breath and hit the floor with his hand. "I knew something was off when he could call people by name and didn't come back to us as a drooling baby."

Dad put a hand on his shoulder and said "It's possible that Miles's split personality is only temporary." Dad tapped his chin with a finger as he seemed to think really hard about something before saying "Perhaps it's similar to an imaginary friend. Something that was created by his subconscious to help do damage control and help the conscious mind adjust." pause then "Stranger things have happened."

Papa helped me stand, rubbed my head, pulled me against him, then said "Whatever it is it's a red flag. Whether it's a red flag for dormant psychosis or sociopathic tendencies only time will tell. I think we'll all in agreement that this new issue must be dealt with swiftly but carefully." Papa looks somewhere behind Dad and Elly "I would like to request your aide in this Mewtwo if it isn't too much trouble."

Elly and Dad sucked in air very quickly as they turned around equally as fast to face a funny looking cat-person. The kitty cat person had been looking at me, Elly, and Dad...curiously before he looked at Papa and gave him a little nod and said "Would be to much of a waste of potential to have this child's growth stunted by something we had a chance of fixing before the issue could fully mature. I will gladly help however I can. On the condition that I am given the answers that I seek."

Papa smiled and nodded "With them here that's easily do-able. I accept your terms."

It wasn't until that moment that I realized that the ki-...Mewtwo had been talking without even moving his mouth! Neat! I wonder if he could teach me how to do that...

---

POV Change: 3rd POV

When Mewtwo didn't attack for several tense and awkward moments: the equally paranoid father and son calmed their racing hearts and quenched the flame that threatened to consume them and their clothes. The flame being a knee-jerk response to being totally blindsided by Mewtwo's unexpected appearance and the possible danger he poised to their welfare and those they loved. The little wisps of smoke coming from both of them being an obvious clue to their raging emotions. Something that drew and held Mewtwo's curious gaze as he appeared to dissect the strange specimen's with his eyes. Blake walked with purpose towards an unknown destination. Miles sprints to keep up with his Papa. Mewtwo with courteousness far from mind: waved for the suddenly skittish Elliot and Paul Braxter to go ahead of him with a small friendly smile.

Paul and Elliot would be outgunned many times over even with Blake's and Miles's help. So left with no other choice the father and son followed after their companions. Being sure to drag their heels out of mostly spite rather than hesitation.

"First things first I su-" Mewtwo began but was rudely cut off by a flash of light and an explosive blast and it's shockwave. Totally unprepared for such an unexpected occurrence the four near-humans and single Pokemon were unable to stop themselves from being catapulted back towards into the partially brick walls and their large glass windows. Their backs slapping against the barrier hard enough for the shatter resistant glass to splinter. Than the explosion and it's shockwave caught up with them and finished the poor, defenseless windows off.

Elliot and Miles were rendered unconscious instantaneously. The others would just be sporting nasty bruises in the morning...if their supernatural healing factor didn't take care of the miniscule damage in just a few minutes. The two men and Pokemon gazes are yanked towards the epicenter of the blast the instant they recover from being stunned. The trio's eyes fall on an a spectacular and unbelievable sight:

An alive and in the flesh Melina Gabriele Br- (Oopsie!) Melina Gabriele Kimmerly was single handedly using a Barrier sphere to block none other than the Legendary known as Mew's psychic blade from butchering her, Rai, and finishing off the very injured and very much incapacitated Kate. Although if one only had Rai's loud, incessant wailing to make a judgement call: than one would assume Kate dead. A condition that would surely change if given enough time.

Paul had been just as stunned stupid as Blake and Mewtwo were until he'd caught a whiff of the coppery tang of blood. Kate's blood to be precise. That sure as hell was enough to snap him out of his stupor. Paul's mind could barely process the situation before zeroing in and locking onto two facts. The first being his only daughter was injured and possibly dead. The second was the one most likely responsible for that injustice was still alive and was threatening to do the same to others that he cared deeply for.

Unfathomable rage so intense that a normal man would have surely fallen over with heart attack seized Paul at that instant. Awoken by that rage: something within Paul stirred, took stock of the current situation, snapped, and then joined Paul's bestial howl for bloody vengeance. But perhaps even greater than the beast's rage was a heat so intense that creatures born of fire would've sweat at it's still increasing intensity. Heat that couldn't quite safely be contained within the body that was being made indistinguishable by crimson light and a swirling inferno.

Thankfully Mewtwo was a teamplayer and had fast enough reflexes to protect himself, Blake, and the boys from the resulting backlash with a powerful psychic barrier before they meet a fiery end in just the nick of time.

Meanwhile the cat fight was still going strong. Mew was seemingly absorbed in her own righteous, indignant fury that she didn't seem to notice the change in scenery from a newly dilapidated hotel room building to a Wal-mart in a disarray that was still settling. Nor did Mew see the hellspawn barrel out of the inferno with a guttural roar.

Speaking of hellspawn: Paul's appearance had changed drastically. Not in the sense that he went from being a normal, everyday human to an anthropomorphic Houndoom. But in the sense that he was still in the same traditional shape, yet at the same time different:

The ridges on Paul's back had thickened, and he gained additional bone-like rings around the base of his tail. The rings on his tail have small spikes on top, causing them to resemble vertebrae. The ridges at the base of Paul's neck is longer and curves forward towards his shoulders. Instead of a band with a skull pendant, there is a large, toothed structure around his neck. This bone-like formation has two large spikes on either side and three pointed teeth on the bottom. Paul's horns now point straight up with a small, outward curve in the middle. The two brands on his hind legs have vanished, and those on his arms are broken in front. Paul's inhuman hands are now tipped with dark red claws instead of black. Finally, the tip of Paul's black tail is now split down the middle in an almost fork-like shape.

On another separate note: not a single conscious being seem to hear the death wails of people and Pokemon that Mewtwo had taken the time and energy to knock unconscious with unknown but surely psychic powers. Apparently being burned alive wakes those beings up; thus rendering Mewtwo's attempt to keep this secret rendezvous a secret meaningless. But how could anyone notice any of that noise when they were too absorbed in watching a creature straight out of a hellish nightmare catch Mew by the tail and then use all of his unearthly might to repeatedly slam the shapeshifter into the tiled floor. Unfortunately the effects of being stunned could only last so long. However Paul did manage to make at least three more Mew-sized indentations into the floor before Mew inevitably Teleported away.

Leaving only an out of a inconsolable, maddened, and bloodthirsty Mega-Houndoom in her wake. Whom immediately began howling seeminly bestail nonsense to the heavens. But it was very likely these were likely the demand for whatever Gods watching to bring something to quench his unsated bloodlust. When that demand was denied: the monster began smashing and flinging flame in all the forms he could wield it at anything moving and unmoving.

In response: Elliot donned his new costume before (like always) began bull-rushing full tilt straight towards the nightmare made incarnate with convoluted plan; that instead of fixing things would only pour gasoline on the already out of control blaze.

Melina's focus had been solely on the Teleportation her, Kate, and Rai out of harm's reach. So Melina hadn't yet seen the actions of her middle child. Even if Melina had seen she wouldn't have enough reserves or time to do anything but scream in protest. Which is what the mother did as soon as she did notice the happenings around her with a few colorful curses thrown in.

Fortunately Rai was there to bail Elliot out of trouble...like always.

"NO!" Rai screams with an ancient but familiar voice as he slams his own Shadow Claw straight into his own heart. Rai's corpse had only finished falling when the tiny spectre tackled Elliot and consequently catching a stray fireball meant for the foolish boy for his trouble. Elliot's Pokemon ability was Early Bird. So even with fire resistance: this might've spelled disastrous if the fireball had hit just the right area. Knowing that Elliot would've rather endangered their lives by wasting precious time arguing instead of going back to safety: Rai seized control of Elliot's body.

An action that was at one time, only possible for this tiny mortal alone could to do without imploding into many tiny pieces. That was after all one of the few traits that had made Elliot Timothy Braxter such a unique pawn for Dialga and Palkia. Something Elliot and Darkrai were purposely built to do.

The instant the two became one. The package that Rai was carrying slid into the hands of the only inheritor that it could resonate with. For some unknown reason Taz's fragment ignored the boy's doppleganger still riding shotgun completely. Compatibility must've been the issue. Anywho. There was a violent collision as the fragment melded itself into it's new home. Once settled: the package detonated. The chord tying two souls together being the only casualty.

Elliot's body was encased with a icy blue light that was strong enough to temporarily blind anyone looking directly at it. The light eventually cleared; leaving in it's wake just a tiny Cubchoo cub with bright blue luminescent eyes. Eyes that would occasionally flicker to green during the brief instances that Elliot was successful in seizing control of his own body; but would inevitably flicker back to blue. At but a glance down at the new shape: Rai knew what had transpired. The spectre didn't know how he felt about it just yet; so he just mutely flew straight towards the rampaging Mega-Houndoom.

That apparently had deemed lil' ole them a threat because the randomly thrown fireballs and dark matter now had a target.

Rai ignores the demands for him retreat. Instead; after dodging only a few fireballs, the Cubchoo flies within firing range. With a deep breath, both for courage and for the preparation for an attack. Rai stops his series of aerial acrobatics and takes aim. Which takes a lot longer than planned because the hellspawn was sprinting towards him while strafing a bit; still throwing fireballs as he goes. Which wasn't a problem at all. Only an amateur wouldn't be able to hit a moving target that big and Rai was by no means an amateur; either in this life or his past one.

Still Rai had to throw up a Enduring status to avoid getting swatted out of the sky by a pesky fireball. Rai only barely registered Melina's grief-stricken scream. After the resulting smoke cloud parted: Rai once again took aim. This time made easier because the Houndoom had arrogantly stopped to howl with triumph because he like everyone else thought Rai was toast. Then finally releasing a jet of water from his borrowed mouth: Brine.

Instead of the measly water gun that a normal Cubchoo would produce when performing the move: Rai's and Elliot's combined water geyser was at least at an Beartic's level. Possibly beyond. All of course thanks to Rai's special attack stat being stacked on top of Elliot's special attack stat. One bonus to this temporary merge that was always exploited to it's fullest extent.

The Houndoom had been temporarily stunned stupid by the sheer volume of water that was coming out of such a tiny creature. By the time the beast recovered: it was already too late to do anything but take it like a man. Something that just wasn't possible for fire type to do with that much volume of water. Add in the fact that Paul was rendered to half-hp status as a result of that explosive shockwave earlier; thus activating the move's special bonus. Then it would be completely understandable why Rai's attack was a OHKO. Consequently the water put out whatever fire in it's wake, leaving only brief small amounts of steam and soot..

Rai cut off the flow when he saw the tell-tale light of his adoptive father de-transforming. A quick glance around revealing that there were more than a few small fires that would likely cause trouble for them. With a shrug Rai took the time to take them out before joining Blake and Miles's dash to the side of the wet, unconscious, naked human male lying face down in a pool of water.

Rai didn't even have time to determine that his adoptive father was okay when a strong telekinetic force jerked his borrowed body off it's feet. Rai recognized the psychic signature to be that of Melina. Given that what they'd been though it was easy to guess why she wanted the Cubchoo. Ignoring Elliot's illogical sense of fear and dread, pleads to stay for just a while longer, and the insistent tugs on his cloak; Rai left him to meet whatever fate awaited him.

It was only then that Rai registered that he was still the same size as his eight year old body. A strange fact that perplexed him because he'd always assumed that it was Taz's light that was responsible for the small stature of his spectre shape when he cut the ties with his body. So why was Rai still small now that what he'd stolen was technically returned?

In the span of a blink: Rai was back in his human body just as he last left it. Minus one gaping hole in his chest and the addition of a pair of black athletic shorts. The shorts appearance brought irritation with it because he shared his Ma and Pa preference of walking around in the buff. The Godslayer however frowned on it for obvious reasons. Which was why that spectre taken the extra effort to cover Rai's giblets. Just when Rai had decided to take the shorts off out of spite: Rai was once again being telekinetically yanked off his feet by the same telekinetic force.

What in world would Melina want him for?

That question was kind-of answered when Melina wrapped him in a tight inescapable hug and began bawling her eyes out while muttering unintelligible gibberish. Rai got the gist of it though: he was being thanked. By the person that most disliked him. Awkwaaaard. Nonetheless Rai hesitantly hugged her back while muttering an equally hesitant "You're welcome?" Questioning because Rai honestly didn't know what he was being thanked for.

"Thank you Rai" Elly said softly into his ear while using his entire body to hug his side. Now that was either sweat, tears, or snot running down Rai's side. Given the current mood Rai assumed it to be the latter two. Which consequently made the entire situation just a tiny bit awkward. Nonetheless Rai repeated himself.

"Paul you really shouldn't be moving."

"Shut...up" came a guttural but familiar rasp.

Moments later Rai saw his Da crawl on hands and knees to check the state of the Manectric still lying unconscious on the ground. Unconscious but stable enough not to be in the danger of once again being whisked away by the Grim Reaper.

Melina must have healed his Ma with a Healing Pulse. Which was feasible given the fact that the creature that Melina pulled her supernatural powers from was Mew and thanks to the teachings of what had been an alive-and-kicking human but what was now an Audino spirit kept under lock-and-key in a canister in stuffed toy form.

Had to of. Otherwise Paul wouldn't have dared move Kate if there was even the slightest chance of him making his daughter's injuries worse. Especially to do something as uncharacteristic as laying Kate over his bare lap and sobbing into her fur. In-between them Rai could hear garbled words that sounded suspiciously like "Thank you"s. Since Rai didn't know who his Da was talking to: it didn't seem right to answer. This whole mini incident must have shaken Da up quite badly for him to show this much weakness in front of others. Was like Elly in that respect.

Speaking of whom; Elly had moved off of Rai to sit in-between his parents. The boy first cleared his eyes of tears before looking down at himself for the first time. Elliot's eyes shone with clear childlike wonder and curiosity. Perhaps Elly didn't know what he was yet? Typical Elliot. A potential disaster was just barely averted and he was pretty much hanging to consciousness by a thread. Yet the stupid boy was more worried about the new toy he'd gotten out of it.

Typical Rai for noticing such an absurdity while equally roughened and shakened up.

Rai senses Blake's, Miles, and Mewtwo's approach before the ones around him could. Good thing to. Rai sent them all a telepathic message which they surprisingly accepted without even a token of resistance. Probably force of habit given his psychic signature and the voice that wouldn't leave him no matter how hard he tried to will it away and accept the one that he was given once...once that catastrophe happened. Anyways; Rai says to them:

I wouldn't approach us just yet. The 'rents are so worked up at the moment that they're liable to lash out at anything that moves within a certain range. Even in the weakened state that they are in: that mistake could prove lethal.

Two "Understood"s and an "Okay?" Was the plain, almost robotic thoughts Rai was given.

Eventually emotions calmed to a dull roar. Milena detached herself from Rai to quite shakily re-dress in a matching black panties and sporting bra, over that putting on an unflattering baggy black T-shirt, and grey sweatpants. Meanwhile Paul asked Rai (still a little choked up). "What the hell happened?"

Rai sighs wearily while falling backwards onto his butt and hands before replying using his child voice:

"Well there we were: just innocently lazing around watching cartoons. Suddenly some old friends showed up. Ma and I fought them off the best we could be we were quickly overrun. Just when we thought we were royally screwed- BOOM!"

Rai makes an explosive gesture before pointing to Melina "She pops out the doll like a Jack-in-the-Box. Apparently the stress of the situation forced a deciding battle to take place. Long story short: arrogance was once again the old me's downfall. As a result Melina regained her mortality back just like she was promised. Happened just the nick of time to help us fight off our adversaries like some silly japanese cartoon heroine. Almost the instant we won: Mew disobeyed orders to satisfy her curiosity. Melina was forced to explain the link between the two of them. Mew got brassed off and...well the rest is as they say history."

Given that Mewtwo was born a mute; he had to telepathically broadcast his question "And what is that link exactly?"

Rai had opened his mouth to answer but Melina answered for him in a tone that told the observer that she'd became weary of re-telling and re-hearing this tale being told over and over again. "Remember when you, Darkrai, and the Eon Pokemon teamed up to try to assassinate that female bard/anyone that just happened to be with her in that cabin in the woods? Only to have Latias betray you and get your asses handed to you before Darkrai threw an all or nothing Nightmare attack to assumedly buy time to strengthen yourselves in preparation for future battles?"

Mewtwo gave the female the same confused and dumbstruck expression that the Darkrai from her dimension had given her when she asked him the same questions. Eventually the humanoid-feline creature slowly nodded his head and gave her pretty much the same response Darkrai had: "Yes but how do you know the exact details of such a top secret operation?"

Paul snorted and said with a smirk "Easy. We were there with you in spirit."

The dumbstruck look was replaced with confusion as he replied "But-...Oh...you meant literally. But that's-" there was a pause as Mewtwo reconsidered arguing improbabilities with people that actually died when he knew nothing about what happens after one left this mortal coil. Once the comeback was dismissed as silly, Mewtwo said instead. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"The truth is-" Rai interrupted in his Darkrai voice. Rai now had Mewtwo's undivided attention again as he continued the explanation without changing voices "Though I can normally see spirits: I can't see them when Dialga and Palkia hides them from view. Neither can Giratina's Hellhounds apparently. Well excluding one but that's only because that one was meant to see them. You see Bro-..." Rai cleared his throat and said "-Mewtwo. Sorry force of habit. I'll try to refrain from calling you by that title until you give me permission."

Mewtwo nodded and waved Rai onwards. Not exactly knowing if that action had a duel meaning behind it. Rai decided to just continue. "You see Mewtwo. Elliot wasn't Palkia and Dialga only pawn. Once Elliot's family died by my indirect hand and their direct hands: they were snatched up by Palkia and Dialga, was told a few sweet words, given some minor spiritual powers of influence, and were given a list of instructions. One of those directives was to have Paul -that would be Elliot's father-. absorb and become a dark spirit with that power at his disposal. Also consequently increasing his power of spiritual influence. Then Paul was free to do whatever he wished to the girl. The result depends on the dimension. But the only thing that Palkia and Dialga wanted out of it was for Paul to weaken Mew enough for Melina -that would be Elliot's and Miles's mother- to stealthily rip off and consume a portion of Mew's soul. Which in turn granted Melina the same benefits Paul received. Given what transpired just weeks ago in this timeline: you can guess for what purpose."

Mewtwo nodded. "No wonder Mew wants her head."

"Right" says Rai.

Mewtwo glanced at the Cubchoo that was currently being held (squirming) in his mother's protective embrace. Miles had shown up and had sat next to her. Looking puzzled as usual; his attention was fully on his mother. Miles gaze appeared glued to his mother; as if the boy was trying to memorize every inch of her. The primary expressions on the mother's and father's was caution and distrust. Their body language hinted at being ready for anything and everything. Mewtwo then chose to say:

"I would challenge that explanation and declare it a work of an overactive imagination of a child if not for the evidence being right in front of me." Mewtwo glanced back to Rai, this time with a glare "So what's your story?"

"A long one" was Rai's instant rebuttal with a playful tone, his 'normal' child voice, and a crooked grin.

Mewtwo rolled his eyes and said "I suppose pulling that answer out of you wouldn't be quite that easy. Nor is it the time or place for that. So here's a series of questions for you: Why have I been left in the dark about everything surrounded all of this? Why am I currently being treated like a ticking timebomb by everyone" Mewtwo's expression became angry as whisp of a bluish aura made out light could be seen dancing around him. Everyone seemed to tense and hold their breath "Including seemingly you."

Rai smile evaporated and was replaced with a very sad smile as he continued in his ancient voice "Because you're an unknown variable. I -same as you- have always exercised caution with unknown variables." pause then "Hopefully you can understand that."

It was like a bucket of ice water fell on Mewtwo's temper; which meant blue wisp no longer danced. "That I can." there was a moment's 'silent' pause while Mewtwo closed his eyes; assumedly to compose his emotions and thoughts further. "Okay so the next obvious question is why I'm considered an unknown variable."

Rai's reply was said with a mischievous smirk "Because chaos is always an unknown variable."

Mewtwo raised an inquisitive eyebrow and tilted his head "I'm afraid I don't understand."

"Same here." agreed Miles, Elliot, and Melina with a frustrated and weary sounding sigh.

Those said sighs had just finished when a familiar black portal appeared underneath Mewtwo and an equally familiar face physically dragged Mewtwo into the black abyss with an evil, crazed sounding cackle before anyone could make so much as another peep.

Rai let everyone process what he'd been expecting before explaining using his kid voice: "Mewtwo and a few others are classified as the sparks of chaos. It's better that we have that particular litter of kitties in one singliar basket. If I know my opposite counterpart like I think I do: This was his way of cutting a corner and save us and him from explaining the happenings here and Miles's backstory to the others in that dimension."

Rai tapped his chin to ponder on something before saying it "Also/or probably to stem the unending flow of the torrent that is Mewtwo's curiosity."

Rai rolls his eyes "Trust me we would've been pinned here for the rest of the day answering questions if Mewtwo wasn't whisked away to Gods knows where."

Miles, Elliot, and Melina once again sigh, this time however in exasperation. The answer had been too vague and only confused them further.

Rai rolls his eyes again Why would they ask a question when they should know by now that they wouldn't be able to understand the answer? Various of pained sounds of surviving people and Pokemon waking up with splitting headaches were suddenly heard. Outside there was the distant sound of approaching ambulances,fire trucks, and police sirens. Which forced Rai to say "I suggest that we get going while the gettin' is good."

Everyone nodded, rushed to pile in the back of Blake's truck, then peeled out of the parking lot. It was at that moment that Miles remembered something that everyone else seemed to have forgotten. Miles shouts over the wind: "Papa turn back! We forgot to get the shoes!"

Surprisingly Miles's Papa had heard him. Then called back to him "I'll call and send someone I know on a shopping spree. Beside we'll need to because it seems your Mom is unexpectedly joining us."

Blake was apparently done talking because he turned on the stereo and blasted this song:

Elliot and Rai apparently recognized and hated the song because they groaned with typical childlike/teenage indignation.

Miles however bobbed his head and listened intently to the song. Apparently the boy quite enjoyed it judging by the smile on his face.

Meanwhile Paul leaned down and whispered "Blake is planning something but I don't know what. Can you pluck the answer out of his head?"

"I can try." Was Melina's response her eyes briefly glowed pink before she shook her head and replied "It's no good. All I'm getting is song lyrics."

"Damn" Paul mutters in the same instant Melina uses the cargo bed's walls to cover her shapeshift into an Audino. Than Melina uses her rapidly dwindling reserves to heal the worst of Kate's injuries. By the time Melina ran out of juice completely: Kate was only a little banged up, but was still unconscious.

With nothing else to do: everyone settles in for the drive towards Gods knew where.