The room that the five Pokemon were in had very few features. In fact, it was noticeable for its lack of features. Four beds were dotted around, but only three were in use, and all of them were nailed down. Sam lay on one, muttering about how the dragon he’d been fighting was lucky his chitin was so thick or else she’d be seeing murder charges. Lucy lay on another, looking at the ceiling, deep in thought. Bit hovered in the middle of the room and recanted a string of numbers to himself, occasionally interrupting a string with a different one. The other inhabitants learned to tell after a while.

And Vincent’s small form occupied a third bed. The darts had been removed, but if someone looked, they could see his eyes moving rapidly beneath the eyelids and the occasional jerk from his arms or legs.

Luke sat on the bed beside the Abra, a soft look of concern on his face, his lips frowning faintly as he looked down at the little Abra. Lucy looked over at the small psychic fox and frowned. “What move did you use to put him down like that?”

I did nothing... he was hit by a pair of tranquilizer darts, Luke answered without looking up. If he had, he would have seen the other three pokemon look at him at the same time.

“That...was a bad idea,” Sam pitched in.

“A seriously bad idea,” Lucy added.

“T-T-The amount of times Vincent was tranquilized unexpectedly and awoke to an experiment going on ex-ex-exceeds one hundred,” Bit finished.

Ah... I thought it better than using Night Slash to incapacitate him, Luke murmured, his lips turning up into a frown.

“Well,” Sam said as he made to move before halting with a hiss of pain. “Depends. Did you want to break his mind, or his body? Cause one of them is more easily fixed.”

Neither... that was the point... not hurting him, Luke replied, frowning as Vincent gave off a particularly strong jerk. Ultimately though, it appears that there was no better way to avoid that.

And that was about when the little Abra woke up, screaming bloody murder. “NOT AGAIN! NEVER AGAIN! I WAS FREE, DAMMIT!” Vincent sat bolt upright, his hands lashing around him as he threw off adversaries from his nightmare.

You are not in the lab Vincent, Luke’s gentle voice spoke in his mind, and Vincent looked around as that gentle tone brought him back to reality.

“Wait. If...if you’re here, then it wasn’t a dream, it was all real, and we’re all still free, and…” With that, the Abra threw himself at Luke and proceeded to hug the living daylights out of the Gallade. “Oh, thank everything that is good and right that we’re all still free! I had the most horrible nightmare that it was all a drug-induced hallucination test!”

Luke clearly fought down the urge to flinch in surprise at the Abra’s sudden grasp but closed his eyes and used his energy to gently pat Vincent on the back. No indeed, this is real life Vincent... though I hate to inform you that you are not exactly free.

Bit nodded at the words. “We face serious ch-ch-charges for what we did, Vincent. Perhaps we c-c-can mitigate some of them with you answering a simple question when the Rangers come in. Should we send Luke here to r-r-retrieve them?”

Vincent considered, then slowly nodded. “Yeah...but I still feel the need to hug something. That was a terrible nightmare…”

Lucy slowly got up and made her way over to the Gallade. Extending her arms and making a ‘come on’ motion with them, Luke got the idea and carefully unwrapped Vincent’s arms from around him with his power and sent him into Lucy’s grasp. The following scene would be forever etched into the memory of the inhabitants as one of the more heart-warming things to exist as the Abra hugged and cuddled his ‘little sister’.

Luke smiled slightly and then frowned. It seems that Abby has left us, she’s out on a patrol at the moment. Captain Ace of the Guard is here though.

Vincent nodded into the embrace. “Still...If we’re going to be asked questions or whatever, better get it done now...or in a minute. Still need hug.”

Take your time, the Captain is doing repetitive paperwork at the moment, I can call her at any moment, Luke said. However, Lucy shook her head, then motioned to the door with her muzzle.

The Gallade smiled faintly and got up from the bed, walking out the door and leaving the little family to themselves.

“Are you okay, Vincent?”

The Abra nodded and hugged Lucy a little tighter. “I’m...I’m getting better. It was just...so soon, so real...I was convinced I was back there again.”

Bit hovered a little closer and tilted his head as he considered the problem. Then, in a lightly jesting tone, he delivered his version of a joke. “The odds of this being a ma-ma-mass hallucination on our parts or even a holographic projection are less than point oh five percent.”

Silence reigned for a moment before the Abra started to chuckle. “Always knowing just what to say, eh Bit?”

“I try, sir.”

Captain Ace walked into the room, black mane back, green eyes looking over the group. “Let’s see here, your charges are as follows. Stealing, assaulting several officers of the guard, resisting arrest and destruction of property,” the Captain said, looking over the group before her. “Ordinarily, you’d be in Court right now and probably already be sentenced, but because of who and what you are, I’m not going to send you there right now. That, and you’re not actually Equestrian citizens. So, what does that mean for you?” she inquired, giving them all a look. “It means that you’re going to have to find some way to earn the money back for the casinos you robbed along with pay for the damages you caused. You will do this while being escorted by an officer of the Guard, in this case, most likely Luke.”

The four criminals looked at one another and nodded before Vincent spoke up. “Any ideas on how that would work? Because with Sam as he is, I’m pretty sure our options are limited.”

“Well, you could volunteer to help fix the damage that you caused at the casinos,” Ace said with a small shrug. “That would at least mean that you didn’t have to pay them back for that. As for the actual money? I’d suggest getting jobs of some sort.”

The Abra hummed at that. “Hmm...some things do come to mind...Well, maybe with Lucy’s help, the repair work would-”

“I have to leave,” Lucy said softly, and every other noise stopped. Vincent worked his mouth a few times, but the Lucario held a paw up in his direction to keep him quiet.

“I have to leave. I was taken when I was a Riolu, and I wasn’t taught anything by my parents before. Just because I have these now,” and here she showed off her spikes, “doesn’t mean I know anything about being a Lucario. I have to learn these things, and I can’t learn them here.”

Lucy walked over to Vincent’s bed and knelt slightly before placing a paw on his shoulder. “You said we mattered more to you than anything else. You matter more to me. But I can’t help you, can’t defend you, unless I learn this. And face it, you need it.” At this, she cast a glance over to the captain. “If that’s alright with you, that is. I would come back and still serve whatever I must, but I need to learn this, for his and my sake.”

Ace frowned. “What would happen if you didn’t learn?”

Lucy sighed. “I would be useless. Worse than useless. All I know of combat was taught by a simulator. All I know of life came from a screen and interacting with Vincent in the lab. I have to learn these things, otherwise I’ll never be able to help them the way they deserve.” Her eyes turned pleading as she looked more fully at Ace. “Please. Let me learn this from one of my own.”

Ace closed her eyes for a moment. “This is very irregular, if there was any other circumstance, I’d deny you... but... I’d rather not have a God angry with me because I was keeping one of his subjects from succeeding...” the mare let out a sigh. “I’ll need your word that you’ll come back, and I’ll need you to allow me to cast a spell on you that will make sure that you do when your ‘mission’ is successful.”

The Lucario nodded once at both halves of the condition. “Your spell is fine, so long as it doesn’t interfere too much. I’d prefer a reminder rather than control, for instance. And you needn’t worry overmuch. I would always return…” here she smiled. “For my family.”

“Very well,” Ace’s horn glowed once and Lucy felt a strange tingling sensation trail down her spine before it vanished altogether. “There, when you have completed your mission that tingling sensation will begin again, the longer you take to return, the worse it will get. It will however stop when you go to sleep so have no fear of that, and it will never become painful, just insistent.”

Lucy nodded once and looked around. “Can I have my hat, please?” At Ace’s frown, Lucy crossed her arms. “It was the first thing I got in this world, it means a lot to me. I think it was my first gift ever, actually.”

“Fine... I’ll make sure you get it,” Ace said, closing her eyes slightly again, working with Pokemon was beginning to give her headaches. And it was only about to get worse, not even a translation spell could get rid of Bit’s stutter, as she’d discovered.

“Captain, who would I t-t-talk to about the slot machines on the strip being used to launder b-b-bits?” As the heads in the room turned to him, Bit continued. “It is the only logical c-c-conclusion I can come to with the data available.” At this, his tone turned wry. “I prefer not to consider the il-il-illogical ones.”

Ace frowned deeply at him. “What do you mean?”

“The bits ta-ta-taken in at the last two casinos I was present in were not delivered to the main co-co-collection point for such things. Also, the bits being paid o-o-out were, again, from elsewhere in the building. Con-con-conclusion: the bits being paid out at the casinos from the strip are from criminal fam-fam-families or illegal activities, while they take in other bits to re-re-replace them.”

Ace blinked twice. “... this week keeps getting better and better,” she grumbled before shaking her head. “I’ll have one of my detectives come in and talk to you about that later, Bit. For now, I’m going to leave you with Luke and he’ll tell me about any further plans you come up with.”

Vincent perked up at one particular word and turned to Luke as the door closed. “Detective... that’s a person who uncovers secrets, right? Goes in, finds out things that others try to cover up... works for money for clients and occasionally the police?”

Yes, though in the Guard like the Police it has a slightly different meaning, Luke answered, fiddling with his right arm. Do you wish to become one?

Sam chuckled. “Yeah, kid had an active imagination in the lab. Blessing, really. Kept his spirits up when he was allowed to visit me or Lucy. Filled his head with tales, and one of them was about detectives and all the crime they would uncover. I think his other one was about pirates.”

“Hey! Pirates are cool! You said so yourself!” The Abra pointed an accusing finger at the injured Scyther, who chuckled.

It is an admirable goal... that much is true, Luke said slowly. But to be a real detective takes... training. Lots and lots of training Vincent... I know that you are intelligent, but at the moment, your mind’s walls are paper thin and your only attack is the ability to teleport. Granted, that can be a very useful skill... but not at the level you are at.

Vincent breathed deeply twice before nodding. “I...I know. But I’m willing to try. And I’ve got a bit more control over myself than you might think. I maintained a connection, small one, with my family and Iron Will in the casino. I can skim minds, which, might I say, from a human perspective, is awesome. Plus, the ponies haven’t experienced Psychics before.” The small form glared up at the Gallade and crossed its arms in defiance. “I’m willing...no. I’m going to try...as soon as we get our things back, including the Spoon.”

Actually, I will be keeping the spoon, the Gallade said simply. You are not ready for it yet and you should not rely on a crutch like it at your level.

Vincent blinked at that, but nodded. “I...I kinda just wanted to make sure it was looked after. Was probably going to give it to you anyways. I mean, can you imagine a pony picking it up?”

Luke nodded his head. Indeed, he said before a light smile touched his face. Do not worry, I will be looking after it... I will keep it safe.

The Abra looked up to the top his head as well as he could before looking back at Luke. “But I would like my hat back, at least. I liked my hat.”

I think that much I can manage, Luke said, and Vincent felt a bit of dry wryness in his voice before he looked at Bit and Sam. Sam... I would like to apologize... on behalf of my friend Rill for the amount of damage she did you.

“No worse than what happened once the change was stable for a week,” the Scyther muttered. “Damn doctor took a blowtorch to it to determine how thick and resistant it was. Still, could sure use some healing right about now. Got anything for it?”

Luke smiled lightly and lifted up a hand to point at him. Heal Pulse, he said before a band of pink energy leapt out of the hand and wrapped around Sam’s chest. The wounds slowly faded as though they’d not been there, leaving only a faint mark on top of chest in the vague pattern of the attack. The Scyther slowly sat up and ran a claw over the mark before nodding once.

“Eh, chicks dig scars. Plus it’ll remind me to not go after a dragon again.” Thus saying, Sam blinked once before turning to the Gallade. “Random question, but you wouldn’t happen to know if there are any Metal Coats in this world, do you? I’d like a shot to evolve like Lucy, see if it helps with my...issue.” Thus saying, he buzzed his wings once and smiled sheepishly.

I would not know, Luke said apologetically. But... I will remember to look.

The Scyther nodded and walked over to near Vincent’s bed, where he was staring at Lucy. Lucy was staring back, and still had a paw on one of his shoulders.

“Why?” he asked, and a moment passed before she replied.

“You,” she answered as another moment passed before she stood up, nodding at Luke, and making her way to the door.

Luke just nodded back at her and then returned his gaze to Vincent. Now seems to be a fine time to get your mind more practice. Shall we?

Vincent shook his head. “Not here. The plan was for Iron Will to leave after our latest run, and judging by the fact that he’s not here, I assume that worked. He was going to leave the apartment to us, and we have a few weeks before rent is due again. I’d...I’d rather go back to what’s become our new home before we do more training.”

Luke frowned but then nodded. Very well, I will inform the Captain. He was silent for a moment before he looked at them. Okay... I shall teleport us now if there are no complaints.

Bit ticked for a moment, considering that he hadn’t yet talked to a detective. “Will they know where to fi-fi-find us? I still wish to pass on in-in-information.”

Luke was silent for a moment longer, winced once, and then nodded. Yes, they will know... I believe that Captain Ace was not prepared for this type of situation... when she took up her job.

At this, Sam smirked. “The day someone can prepare for Arceus is a dark day indeed. Let’s go.”

Luke nodded and they were simply in the apartment. Those that had legs stumbled a bit at the sudden transfer, while Bit merely blinked once. “Ack, I still am not used to Teleporting,” Vincent muttered.

You will grow used to it... in time, the Gallade answered before gesturing towards the couch. Shall we?

The Abra sighed, but hopped on top of the couch and relaxed. “Fine...get this over with…Hey Sam, go down to the station and pick up our things? We seem to have left without them.”

The bug nodded and looked to the Gallade. “Will they give us all our things back, or will we have to put up a…” at his near-glare, the Scyther changed tactics. “A big, legal fuss?”

It will most likely be okay... though I do not know the proper procedure here, Luke answered, shrugging slightly. Sam shrugged and grabbed a hold of one of Bit’s arms.

“C’mon, two Pidgeys with one Geodude.”

And thus the psychics were left alone in the apartment.

The two were in Vincent’s field again, looking at the clouds. This...I will never get tired of this, Vincent said quietly. Our first moment of real peace, of freedom. Of tranquility. I will cherish it forever.

As well you should, Luke stated within his mind. Now then. We will start by creating a small wall. Imagine it in your mind, create it on top of this memory.

The Abra nodded and closed his eyes. At the edge of the field, a single block materialized, slowly. Hmm...I don’t just want a wall, Vincent thought. After all, a wall can be made of many things. I want a strong wall. A wall made of peace and tranquility is well and good, but those things can be broken. I want a wall that’s...secure, stable.

Around the two, the image began to shift, turning from the field to the apartment they were even now in. Colors bled, furniture sprung from nothing, and in the end, the two were, again, on the couch.

Ah, Luke said, nodding slightly.

Vincent opened his eyes and was slightly shocked. So shocked that he spoke out loud. “What? I didn’t want to wake up. I just wanted something I thought of as secure, but nothing was coming to mind…”

Luke just looked at his pupil, raising an eyebrow slightly but saying nothing.

Vincent slowly looked around and thought of a good way to test something. “If we were still in that mind-realm, then you wouldn’t mind me hugging you, would you?” And with that, the Abra stood up and slowly made his way closer.

The Gallade smiled slightly and opened an arm for him. Vincent took advantage of it and hugged the Gallade, not as tightly as before, but enough to be noticed. Eventually, his mental voice rung out again. So...we are in the mind realm...which means this is the place I consider most safe and secure? Bizarre…

Not especially, Luke answered as he wrapped his arm around the Abra. The only other memories you have are of a place where you never had any control over your life. Of course this place is secure to you, Vincent.

At that, the Abra pulled his head back and tilted it to the side. Now that I think about it, Arceus did say something about only the worthy being the ones pulled along for the ride with the Pokemon, right? At Luke’s blank look, Vincent’s tone turned sheepish. I...maaaay have had a slight fit and passed out when his voice was directly in my head. That part of that day’s still a bit of a blur.

Ah, that makes sense, all things considered, Luke said with a small nod as he released Vincent from the warm hug. So; your wall.

Work with me here, Vincent said as he waved an arm around them. That is what he said, right? Something about only the worthy humans coming with?

Your father is not here Vincent, Luke assured him comfortingly, knowing the heart of the issue on the Abra’s mind. And if he was, I would kill him myself.

But that’s just it! The scenery around them began to change rapidly. He was about as unworthy as you could get! So if he’s not here, this entire world is safe and secure! Images of everything the little Abra had seen in this world began to blur around the pair rapidly, and Vincent couldn’t stop himself from feeling giddy. And if this entire world is safe and secure, then I can use every memory of my time here to build that wall!

I wouldn’t, Luke stated, which caused the scenery to halt where it was. Curiously, that was somewhere between the first casino the company of Vincent had visited and the apartment.

...Okay, there’s probably a really good reason for that, and since you’ve been a psychic-type pokemon all your life, I’ll defer to your expertise. Why shouldn’t I do that? The Abra sat himself down on the floor and looked up to Luke.

I’ll leave that up to you to figure out, Luke said, giving him a smile. A part of being a Psychic type is critical thinking after all. I will give you a single hint though; sand.

The Abra grumbled as the world around them slowly returned to the apartment, with them on the couch again. Sam told me of beaches, never been to one. Sand, sand castles. Or do you mean sand’s properties?

The Gallade smiled and his hand was suddenly full of sand, which then trickled out of it and fell to the floor. Vincent blinked but looked up to the Gallade. ...Aaaand while that was an answer, it wasn’t very useful…

You are building a castle Vincent, Luke said casually. Keep that in mind.

Vincent looked at the sand, then at the room around him, and began to think. ...Two things come to mind, and I don’t like either of them. Either I have to be picky about what I use because otherwise it will all come crashing down because of ‘structural weakness’...or I have to be picky about what I use because the memories I use will be used up in the forging of my defenses…

The firstly was partly right, the second is completely wrong, Luke answered with a small nod. Tell me Vincent, how many things can you truly concentrate on at one time?

Vincent thought, and the scenery shifted again. First, to an alleyway in the city. When I started, it was hard to maintain even basic communication links, or to borrow Lucy’s eyes so I could still see. The scenery shifted again, this time to the second casino they’d hit, the Monte Colto. But I got better. Links became easier...though I still had to have my eyes closed. And finally, the Crown Jewel’s slot section. I even managed short range Teleports before, well, the Abra sported a small grin, you caught me. So I’d say I can concentrate on quite a bit.

You miss my point, Luke said. You do not build ‘walls’ on every memory in your mind because it will be like you’re building a castle in an ever shifting desert. You will never be able to hold up a wall of any kind if you spread it out between every memory you’ve ever had since coming to Equestria. Pick the strong ones. The proverbial bedrock, else it will blow away and erase your efforts. Plus, it’s hard to dig through bedrock, sand can be moved.

The Abra nodded at the Gallade, and the scenery changed again. This time, it was as though the apartment was outside the field, and when Vincent opened his eyes, he shook his head. No...I can’t combine them...though it’d be nice. And if I have to choose one… here he looked up to Luke, who gave a soft nod, then I choose Security over Tranquility.

The field faded, and the two were, again, on the couch in the apartment.

Good, Luke commented with a small nod. The first thing you should go about constructing is your ‘keep’. Your final point of defense should someone assault your mind, your last bastion of safety should all else fail, retreat to your keep. The world around them shifted and Vincent found himself standing in what appeared to be a memory of Luke being hugged by a tall blonde woman. For example, my keep is centered around my first real hug after Abby rescued me.

Vincent looked at the memory and smiled. So...Safety for the bedrock. Would Tranquility or Happiness be good for such a Keep? If so, I’ll still have to pick and choose, I’ve had so many such experiences since coming here…

Luke remained silent for a moment and then reached out to gently touch the Abra’s shoulder. Pick only memories that mean a great deal to you Vincent. The ones that changed your life.

At that, the scenery shifted again, to the holding cell that they’d been in. Everyone else was still there, but fuzzy. Only two beings were in focus, and everything they said could be heard clearly.

“Why?” the Vincent on the bed asked of the Lucario in front of him. And his voice rang out again. Why would you leave after you evolved?

“You,” she replied, and her voice rang out again. You said words to make me evolve, and you’re probably listening now. Until I can say those words back, I have to go. Take care, Vincent.

As the Lucy in the memory stood up and walked out, Vincent’s voice rang out again. She...she cares enough to go learn how to properly defend me. Even if she has to go halfway across the world, I know she’ll come back. She’s my little sister, after all. We’ve always been there for one another.

The Vincent next to Luke smiled and nodded. That was when I realized how much my family cared about me. Just like how I’m willing to do anything for them, they’re willing to do anything for me.

Luke nearly smiled at the thought, then waved a hand at the memory. I have a slight confession to make...about what happened directly afterwards. At the wave, Vincent’s form blurred, but Luke’s came into focus.

The Lucario nodded at the Gallade, and her voice rang out again. Arceus help me, Luke, but if he comes to any harm while I’m gone, type-disadvantage or not, I will beat you back into the old world with my own two fists. Sam and Bit I can trust, but you...

Luke smiled faintly and nodded. This is a good one to make a wall from.

Vincent looked at Lucy’s new form and sighed forlornly. I just hope...that she does, and can, return…I wouldn’t blame her if she walked off into the sunset...

Do you really trust her so little after all you’ve been through together? Luke asked blandly.

It’s not a question of trust, Vincent replied. It’s a question of if she can or does ever find training. Lots of Pokemon came with us, she could easily be attacked. If she finds training, I know she’ll do well, I know she’ll return. It’s the things she can’t control I worry about.

Luke looked down at the Abra and then touched his shoulder calmingly. She will be fine Vincent. Have faith in her and in Arceus who brought us here.

Her and Arceus I trust. It’s the world I don’t. The scenery shifted to the field, but the horizon seemed...somehow threatening. Like she said, we have very little life experience, and it’s a big, new world out there. If there was anything I could have done to help, if there’s anything I can do…

Vincent, I know that this is going to be an unfamiliar concept to you, and believe me, it was for me as well... but sometimes you just have to believe that things will work out for the best, Luke told him quietly. I was kept awake for days and days at night after Abby saved me fearing and dreading what would happen if I was ever captured again. What would happen if that vile Absol ever found me and forced himself upon me again.

The world around them shifted to show a snarling Absol leering down at a cowering Kirlia.

Eventually, Abby talked to me about it...

The scene shifted so that the same Kirlia was sitting shivering against Abby’s side, holding onto her leg for dear life as he sobbed.

“Luke... look at me,” the woman’s voice, not all that disimilar from the one the Ninetales possessed now, yet quite a bit younger. The Kirlia did so hesitantly, tears falling from his eyes. “I will never let anyone hurt you ever again the way they did. I will personally kill them with my bare hands if anyone touches you in a way that you don’t like. I will drive my Ranger’s knife through their heart for you,” she said quietly as she stroked his back slowly. “But there will be times that I’m not there and do you know what you do then?”

The Kirlia shook his head, biting his lower lip.

“You believe that you can do it, you work your hardest at becoming the strongest damn Gallade on the planet and you make them sorry yourself,” Abby instructed him softly, staring down at him. “And at the very least Luke, I’m not going anywhere. You’re going to be fine Luke, sometimes you just have to have a little faith okay?”

The memory froze and dissipated, leaving the two psychics in the field again, with a normal horizon once more.

Faith, huh? The Abra mused as it held a hand to its chin. It...It’s going to be a bit of work. But her coming back...that’d be a start, I suppose. And until she does...will you help?

Of course I will, Luke answered with a smile as he bent down and gave the Abra another hug. It is why I volunteered to stay with you for a time.

Only one of them noticed as a wall silently started to form at the edge of the field, and it caused him to smile at his charge’s progress. It was small yet, but it was progress.

The bug-type tapped his right scythe on the counter, irritated that he would have to wait for another ‘translation spell’ or Psychic to make its appearance before he could ask for their things. A door opened on the right wall, and Lucy walked out in her sunhat that somehow still worked for her new form.

“Lucy,” Sam greeted.

“Sam,” Lucy replied. “They know what we want, and they’re bringing them now. Well, except for the Spoon you found. Both it and the normal one will be delivered by the Rangers to Luke later. They’re taking no chances.”

“Do you think you can succeed?” the Scyther asked, which caused Lucy to hesitate for a moment before she shook her head. She didn’t reply until she was nearly out the door.

“It’s not about whether or not I think I can. I have to. There’s no choice involved.”

With those words, the Lucario was gone. The door in the wall opened again, and a unicorn walked out with a box in its ‘magical grasp’ that had the effects of the Pokemon that had been brought in. It was going to take a while to adjust to the ‘ponies’ and ‘magic’ bit, Sam knew. The Scyther carefully took the box, checked to make sure the hat, monocle, and tie were still in it before nodding in thanks at the pony.

“Don’t mention it,” the pony replied before turning and leaving. Sam made to do the same, but was stopped by an unfamiliar voice.

“Hey, you’re one of those guys we beat into the floor earlier, right?” Sam turned his head to see a large golden Haxorus walking towards him, a large bag in its claws. “Pretty stupid of you guys really.”

Sam shrugged. “My first trainer was an old man who only really wanted someone to talk to and pass his ‘gentlemanly rogue’ ways on to. He died peacefully in his sleep. My second was supposed to be his grandson. Never got that chance before I found myself in Nurem’s grasp, so the only real ‘battles’ I’ve been in are simulations. Add in the fact that I can’t actually fly, and yeah, I was gonna be beaten. I knew it going in, I was just trying to buy time for Iron Will.”

“That was the minotaur thing, right?” the Haxorus asked with a raised eyebrow. At Sam’s nod, he continued. “Well then, he said for you to have these,” he said before he thrust the large bag of bits into Sam’s surprised arms. “Next time, fight better,” he added before starting to walk off.

Sam opened the bag and was surprised by how many there were. “Are you sure? I think the guards would have kept some of this to pay for the damages if they knew how much was in here. Why do this for us?”

“Because I was asked to and I’m a Ranger’s Pokemon,” Axel replied, as if it was that simple, before walking off.

Sam thought for a moment before realizing the right thing to do. He turned to the counter and tipped the bag so that half the bits fell out. “A down payment,” he said, even though he knew the pony behind the counter wouldn’t understand.

“Um. I’ll...tell the captain...later. She’s in a mood.”

Figuring that would be as good as he would get, Sam shrugged and noticed Bit coming out from that same door again. “You good?”

“They have b-b-been informed of the data I collected, yes. However, two does not a pat-pat-pattern make. Should I acquire more, then it will be cau-cau-cause for action.”

Sam nodded at the sentiment. “Home then, Bit?”

Bit nodded once. “Home.”

Lucy looked back at Las Pegasus and smiled, holding her sunhat to her head with one paw. “Take care, Vincent.”

A Butterfree floated past and chatted wildly. “Oh wow, another Lucario! Hey, why are your spikes so small?”

Lucy instantly bristled at that. “They’re a memento of my past, and…” What the bug had said suddenly clicked. “Did you just say another Lucario? Where did you see one before?”

“Oh, I saw two of them! They were in a rocky area over that way,” the Butterfree gestured aimlessly. “They were talking and shouting a lot, but there were definitely two of them.”

A couple, perfect. She could learn from them what she needed to know. “Thank you for your assistance,” Lucy replied, and began walking towards a quarry in the distance she could vaguely see.