“Okay miss Lucy, this is your town so what should we start with?” Asked Valerie.

“I would say we can leave the drinking for last, although we can get a cup or two.” Added Rouge.

“Ehm, I don’t want to be the materialist of the group but: how are we paying for this?” Asked Pancha.

“Isn’t obvious?” Replied Edge as she walked behind the group. “We have a best seller writer's credit, the money of a mob group and the best currency of all.” She made a dramatic pose before saying the next part, “Imperial I.O.U.s!!”

“Just don’t go and empty my account.” Said Daring with sarcasm while also adjusting her pith hat.

“Just to ask…” timidly asked Roa, “What is alcohol?”

“Sam told me once,” Lucy said while pulling a face of disgust. “Apparently it lowers inhibitions. Depending on how much you drink, you can either just be a little tipsy, or you can make all sorts of...interesting decisions. I would honestly prefer to not have any, but I don’t think I’m getting a choice,” she finished while shooting a slight glare at Pancha. “As such, I’ve no idea which of these places would be best to visit.”

Roa trembled, a lot, at Lucy’s explanation. Yet, Valerie seemed to catch on to her trepidation as she placed a wing over her shoulder.

“Don’t worry dear, you don’t have to drink if you don’t want.”

“Yup, the one we are getting stoned is miss dense here.” Joked Pancha.

“Darling, wrong ‘poison.’” Clarified her friend.

“So if none of you girls wanna pick a place, then it falls on me to lead this into a good night!” Proclaimed Daring quite heroically. “I say we first assault… there!”

A raised hoof pointed at a rollercoaster right on the middle of a miniature version of Manehatten.

“That should be enough to raise the adrenaline a bit.” Proudly said the explorer, only to receive a scoff from Edge.

“That, please, I can fly faster in my sleep.”

“Okay, you can sit this out if you want.” Calmly said Daring as she continued to walk toward the uncanny attraction. “It’s okay to be ‘scared’ after all.” She taunted at the end.

“Oh you did not!” Edge proclaimed.

Lucy sighed at the sight of the rollercoaster before turning to Roa and softly shaking her head. “Yeah...it’s not for everyone...but I’ll give it a shot. One.”

“One is all we need!” Replied Pancha with a grin as she pushed both Lucy and Roa toward the huge contraption. Edge, surprisingly, was going behind them as well.

“Oh yeah, we are going to have so much fun with this…” she said with very faked enthusiasm. “huhu!”

The line was long, yet the attraction was so fast it took them only a few minutes to reach the carts. Surprisingly, again, there was a cart large enough for Edge to fit in, apparently it was made for larger creatures like Minotaurs and Griffins. Although Edge still had to use four seats instead of one.

“I know is redundant but I have to ask,” shouted Daring among the excited screams from the rest of the Ponies, and Pokemon, taking the ride. “Have you girls ever been on one of these before?”

“I get kicked out of amusement parks because I never drop them!” Honestly replied Pancha.

“I am the one who ends making her ‘drop them’” Added Rouge.

“My life is a rollercoaster.” Colly, but nervous, said Edge.

“Why would people find these interesting?” shouted Roa as the carts began to back down.

“They are nice once you get over the initial fright!” Reassured Valerie, although she didn’t seem as calm.

“I’ll let you know when that happens,” Lucy said, eying the thing with more than a hint of trepidation. Being a fighting-type from birth, she had more than a slight fear of heights.

A constant ticking resounded as the machine dragged the carts to the start of the fall. Then there was the sound of steam being magically pumped into the catapult, and finally a couple of Pegasi flew by to take a last inspection. With a hooves up gesture, the team cleared the area.

There was nothing but a single ‘clang’ sound, and then the carts were propelled by the steam and let gravity do the rest. First there was a long perpendicular fall, followed up by a couple of tight turns, a small drop and a pronounced climb, only to fall once more and directly into a double 360° loop. Finally was another tight turn, but at this point, the force behind their speed was definitely weaker. At last the carts stopped and the security belts were released.

“That was so amazing!” Shouted Pancha as she literally jumped off her seat. “Let’s go again!”

“Come on dear, we still have a long night to go…” calmly replied Rouge as she did her best to keep her food in her stomach. “Besides, you can come back later, okay?”

“Okay…” sadly accepted Pancha, “But we have to come together right!?”

‘DEAR ARCEUS NO!’ Mentally shouted the Roserade.

“That was quite exciting I must admit.” Acknowledged Valerie.

Meanwhile Edge was doing her best to keep her food in her stomach, the noises which came from the nearest bush would seem to mean she failed epically.

“So much noise…” she upchucked before continuing with, “why do people like this!?” and more of her previous meals fell into the shrubbery.

“Oh come on, it wasn’t that bad, right girls?” Asked Daring to Lucy and Roa.

Lucy was holding on to a nearby bench, breathing heavily. “I thought...I thought we hadn’t taken any drinks yet...why is the world spinning if that’s the case…?”

“...” Roa kept silent as she looked at the rollercoaster, her fur bristling at the screaming sounds coming from another ride, and then she turned with a sharp smile, “THAT WAS SO AMAZING! The adrenaline pumping and the constant movement, the constant screams at each new turn and the huge amount of fear roaming on the air! Oh! it was almost as going into a hunt! Although I was trying to keep my food from going out instead of making it go in. das ist die beste Sache überhaupt!”

“And we have a winner!” Proclaimed Daring as she hold Roa’s paw up. “Sorry Pancha, but she beat your enthusiasm fair and square.”

“You win now, but I shall prevail!” the Hawlucha replied quite dramatically, meanwhile her friend looked more calm now that there was somemon looking forward to ride with Pancha again instead of her.

“But enough of this, the adrenaline is good to go, now lets get us some endorphins!” And with that said, Daring guided the group towards their next, and probably more interesting, destination: the night clubs.

Lucy slowly seemed to regain control of her stomach and noticed their destination before sighing. “Let’s get this over with…”

Almost a block away from the nearest club, Edge stopped once more. “Nope! We are not going there!” She redundantly proclaimed.

“Ahg! What now?” Exasperatedly asked Daring.

“I am sorry but we aren’t even there and I am starting to hear the wubs, and trust me, you don’t want me dizzy when we start.” Edge explained.

“Are you kidding me!? It’s a night club, all night clubs have loud music at this hour! Where to you want to go, some country club or something like that?”

“Hey, I am sorry, but I see through these,” points a wing at her ears, “So I have to be careful with them!”

“Perhaps, I should be able to assist you in this.” Said Valerie as she flew close to Edge, “Now hold still my friend, this will only last a second.” And then her body shone. “There you go.”

“Okay, what…” the dragon paused for a moment, and then, in a much louder tone, asked, “WHAT DID YOU DO!?”

“Yeah… that… explain.” Said Daring with curiosity.

“Not much really, just a dafting spell, it may not be too useful in normal occasions, but it is just what we need right now.”

“THAT IS AWESOME!” Shouted Edge again.

“But why is she screaming this laut?” Inquired Roa as she kept a paw on her ear.

“I would dare to say that is because she has such a good hearing, that she found having a more normal level of audition similar to being actually, well, daft!” Valerie explained.

“You will tell me how you learned that, but later. For now, there is a club with our names on it!” And with nothing else to add, they once again made their way toward one of the many night clubs.

“Your names?” Asked a rather tough looking Earth Pony with an earpiece, a similar looking Toxicroak standing right beside him as they both took care of the door.

“I am Celestia’s 1000th nice.” Said Daring as she put the hundred bit bill on the stallion’s hoof.

“A good number.” He happily replied, “This way ladies.”

The group make it in with no other problem as the other guard gave them a “Enjoy the night!” with a playful wink.

They went through a long and dark hallway until they reached a door which seemed to be pulsating with each soundwave.

“Okay girls, this is it. You are ready?” Daring asked to the group, but actually she was looking at Roa and Lucy.

Lucy sighed but nodded once before looking at Roa with a raised eyebrow. The Zoroark swallowed audibly, despite the vibrating sounds around them, and nodded as well as she turned to Lucy, “W-we girls have to stay together, r-right…?” she timidly asked.

“That is the spirit!” Daring and Pancha, for some reason in unison, replied as they both kicked the doors open, letting the full blast of the dubstep hit the group head on and the spinning light show from the magical light blind them as they made their way in.

The place was packed to the brim with many creatures, both from Equus and from Earth, and yet they all seemed to be females, as this appeared to be a female only club, although there was a stallion or two.

“Okay, good start for you girls.” Screamed Daring as loudly clear as she could. “This place is rather ‘clean’ from any lecherous hunter. But that means we chaperones would be on our own…” she said at the end mostly to herself.

Rouge and Pancha seemed to catch on to this as well, as they too seemed slightly disappointed.

“Ah well, let’s look for a table!” Ordered the explorer.

“What did I get dragged into?” Lucy muttered to herself. “Why did I let myself get dragged into this?”

It took them almost half an hour, and a very intimidating glare from Edge, for the girls to get a seat. A rather comfortable table close to the stage, as it appeared the club had some sort of event despite having a DJ playing, yet pretty far away from the bar.

“Well, I guess it could be worse, we could have no table.” Admitted Daring as she then said. “I will be having a beer, you girls?”

“A pina colada for me.” Asked Edge.

“I would like a mint julep.” Properly requested Rouge.

“Charro negro!” Barged in Pancha.

“I think… I will have… this one!” Said Valerie while looking at the little menu they had on the table, and which no one had cared to look at before. “A caipirinha, it such a nice sounding name.”

“That only leaves us with you two,” said Daring as she looked at the neophytes. “I guess we can start with something soft, how about some cider?” she suggested.

“Whatever won’t ruin the experience for me,” Lucy replied. “I’d like to form an honest opinion on my own, and not because the drink was supposed to taste like fire.”

“So you want something strong, but not that strong?” Inquired Daring with a grin.

Roa, meanwhile, looked at the menu as well.

“Strong enough to feel, but without an aftertaste that will make me regret it,” Lucy shot back.

“If that is what you want then, an appletini for you it is, and you Roa?”

The Zoroark yelped at the question, and just put her finger on the first thing she found: a cola.

“Okay then.” said Daring simply as she and Rouge went for their drinks, leaving the girls waiting and Roa with a slight sense of defeat. Lucy went to place a paw on the Zoroark’s shoulder in a comforting fashion.

“It’s okay, like I said, it’s not for everyone.”

Roa just smiled back at her new friend.

A few minutes and some elbow punches later, Daring and Rouge were back with the drinks.

“Well, isn’t it getting crowded all of a sudden.” Pointed out the Roserade as she placed the drinks on the table.

“So it seems huh?” Noticed Daring as she did the same. “I presume it has to do with the stage.”

With the drinks in place and all the girls sitting around them, Daring held up her beer and proclaimed. “Before we start I would like to give a toast, so who goes first?”

Lucy nodded and held her drink up. “To new friends in this new, yet now familiar, world. May our bond never weaken.”

“Good start,” proclaimed Daring as Edge used her wings to hold her straw up, since her wings didn’t let her raise her beverage in such a crowded place.

“For new thrills, may bright skies shine upon us and strong wings carry our dreams!”

“For peace.” Calmly said Rouge, “a luxury we haven’t experienced until now. May it keep lasting for now and more.”

“For the heck of it!” Proclaimed Pancha. “May we enjoy this noche to its fullest, and hopefully we may remember it.”

The group laughed nervously.

“For love.” added Valerie as she raised her drink with both wings. “May it keep us company all day and night. And may it find those good girls who still have to have one true love.” she giggled as she looked at the lonely ones, namely the rest of the group. Save Lucy of course.

“For… family…?” slowly said Roa, “as it’s not made by blood ties…” she smiled warmly as she finished. “but by the people who are there for you. May it keep growing stronger and larger.”

Valerie couldn’t stop herself from hugging the PLA member after her words.

“Ahem,” now was Daring turn to begin. “For adventure, because what would life be without it? Lets make out of our lives the greatest stories this world have ever witnessed!”

And thus, the girls gave in unison a “Cheers!” and proceeded to take a few sips from their own beverages. Some more than others, as both Daring and Pancha placed their now empty glasses on the table with a sonorous ‘clung.’

“Ah! I been missing this thing.” Daring exclaimed, “how about you?” she then asked of the Lucario.

Lucy softly swirled her appletini while contemplating the flavor. “Sweet, a hint of bitter, and while I can taste the alcohol, it’s not overpowering. Not a bad introductory drink.”

“Wow, since when did you turn into Bit?” asked Pancha with confusion.

At the mention of the program, Lucy seemed to slump a bit. “I...had him play back some files from his time in the mainframe. The Doctor had a ritual when he had alcohol: one drink a year on Halloween. Whatever was wrong with his head...the alcohol helped him to ignore it for that night. I was expecting something similar, but I don’t feel it ye-”

The Lucario trailed off as she seemed to waver in her seat, apparently losing her center of balance. “This is...different…”

“I’m willing to bet that is a new record in lightweights.” Pointed Edge out.

“What kind of drunk you girls think she is?” Proposed Pancha, “my money is on a crying one!”

“Darling please!” retorted her friend. “Is not polite to make such things to a lady. Besides she is obviously the friendly one.”

“I only hope she isn’t the angry or aggressive one.” Said Daring as someone decided to join Lucy that surprised her.

“Yo girls, have you noticed how flaring these lights are… oh wait they are the roof lights… then why are they moving?” Asked a now more than tipsy Valerie.

“Oh right, I forgot.” Mentioned Edge. “Weak to poison.”

Lucy turned to look at Roa and the only words that could be used to describe her at that moment were ‘interested’ and ‘intrigued’ “Hey Roa...did you know you’re fluffy? C’mere…”

“... eh?” Roa asked back, even though she didn’t back away from Lucy.

“You know my husband has this odd fetish, he likes to go and make me use these toys to…”

“Okay! that is for another night!” Cut in Daring before anything could be said. “Jeesh, I knew we would have to take care of Lucy, but I didn’t expect to baby sit Valerie as well.”

“But that is strange.” Noticed Pancha. “Her drink is still full.”

At a glance it seemed that she had given just a sip to her glass and that seemed to be enough.

“Let me see…” Said Edge as she took a small amount, only to puke it right away. “Ppppfffff!” What the heck is this thing? Sugar covered in sugar!?”

“My turn.” Said Rouge as she took a sip from the glass in question. “Well the sugar levels are definitely high and… oh my” suddenly, a couple of her petals changed colors. “This thing has quite the punch.”

“Explain…” said Daring as she took a small drink of the same glass.

“Roserades change their color and perfume depending on the toxins of the ground, the more dangerous the poison, the more drastic the change!” Valerie quickly replied without taking a breath. “What…? I have to know these things to protect my hubby from those ugly Poison-types… no offence Rouge… please don’t hate me!”

“None taken.” Said Rouge with chuckle. “It appears Valerie is a talkative kind of drunk.”

“You don’t say!” Proclaimed Edge.

“And what kind is Lucy then?” Asked Roa, still under the Lucario’s paws.

“Y’er fluffy,” Lucy said simply, pawing at the Zorark’s fur. “Fluffy and warm. Why can’t Vinny be this fluffy?”

“The curious one.” Calmly replied Daring. “Relax, as long as her curiosity is satisfied she won’t do anything drastic.”

Pancha on her end snorted, “Heh, Vinny. I knew she had nicknames for him.” Then Pancha smirked. “Say, Lucy, do you have any other curiosities regarding ‘Vinny’?”

Lucy nodded, not even looking at Pancha, more interested in hugging Roa from behind so that she could get closer to the fluff she was so enamored with. “Oh yeah, I know loads of things about Vinny. Whatcha wanna know?”

“My stars, Pancha! How did you even consider this,” said Rouge surprised. “I am impressed with how smart you can be. Would it be because of the alcohol?”

“Hush!” Replied Pancha, “Is there anything in special that he likes to do to you? You know…” and then she waited.

Lucy, somehow, blushed even more, and shook her head. “Nah, we haven’t done anything like that yet. Vinny said something about wanting to find some brain bleach first...get the images out of his head from when he pinged the city the first time.” Her look then turned sultry. “I offered to let him show me what he meant...but he just stuttered and changed the subject.” She huffed and went back to examining Roa’s fluffy coat. “Why does he have to be such a nice guy about that? ...If he wasn’t I probably wouldn’t love him as much, come to think of it…”

“Auch, can’t blame him if the first thing he saw was the cream of the crop in the city of sins.” Said Daring as she returned to the table with a new beer, as well as a big bowl with cheese nachos. “Here, eat.” She ordered rather than offered.

“But you know dear, being a good mate isn’t only doing what the other tells you to do.” Pointed out Rouge as she took another sip. “I mean, I am sure there had been times you have been the one ordering him around. How do you feel in those times?”

“s’not really all that different,” Lucy said in between bites of her chip. “I was always the one he listened to before, when he got lost in the past...though now it’s nice to know that he’s listening to me for me. I reign in his anger, he reigns in my pro...pro...my guarding instincts. We’re good for each other.”

“So you both have a balanced role as the leader then?” Asked Daring.

“Then you can make him show you, can’t you?” Asked Pancha with an evil grin.

Lucy blushed again before slowly shaking her head. “I...I respect him too much to force him into anythin’. We basically grew up together. I don’t wanna force him before he’s ready.”

“That is actually very mature from you dear.” Praised Rouge.

“It’s a young love, what would you expect?” Retorted Daring, as they both missed the Hawlucha getting up out of her seat with Valerie’s little kicker with her. “It’s not like she is going to push him down and get her way with him.”

“That is actually not such a bad idea.” Said Pancha as she sat back, the drink on her claws. Although there seemed to be a bit missing. Not to mention Lucy’s drink seemed more sucrose by now. The Lucario picked her drink up and knocked it back, draining it and its addition, before setting the empty glass back on the table.

“Sweet,” she commented before turning back to Roa. “So much fluff. I must know the secret of being fluffy.” She resumed pawing at the Zorark with one paw.

By the time the girls noticed what Pancha had done, they could only glare at her.

“The idea is to make her have a good time, not make her have a good time she won’t remember!” Said Daring between her teeth.

“But I am curious though, didn’t Weiss say Steel-types are immune to this?” Asked Rouge.

“I think is because she isn’t a full, ugly Steel-type, those mean dangerous things…” Interrupted Valerie once more with her wise insights. “She is mostly biologic inside, not like those… what was I talking about again?”

“Okay, that makes sense.” Daring said. “But will she stand what you just gave her?”

“Only one way to find out,” replied Pancha while turning to Lucy, “Say, Lucy, what would you like to do to Vinny?” A suggestive tone accompanied those words.

Lucy seemed to slow in her pawing of Roa’s fur while she thought about the question. “I...I wanna know what he saw...then I wanna replace all those images with memories of the two of us, but he’s being stubborn and thick again...why’m I listening to him about it again?”

“Because you love him?” Stated Rouge.

“But don’t you wanna have proof of how much he loves you!?” Quickly added Pancha.

“Okay, that’s it, will you cut it out-auch!” Daring tried to stop the inquisitive Hawlucha, but as soon as she raised a hoof to her, an unseen blur with her exact shape and proportions gave her a smack.

“I...I do love and care about him, and I know he loves me too...but he’s being real stubborn...’s not the first time I asked to know what he saw and he brushed me off...why can’t he give me an answer? What’m I doing wrong?” To say Lucy was confused would be understating it mildly.

Daring and Rogue looked at one another before nodding and turning back to the Lucario.

“Well… you are being too supportive of him.” Daring began.

“Y-yeah, you shouldn’t keep yourself from having your way from time to time. I mean, a relationship is a game of two, if only one keeps winning then that is not a fair game.”

“What they are trying to say is: be more assertive!” Finished Pancha in the end.

Lucy slowly sat more and more straight in her seat as the words sunk in. “Assertive?” She nodded a few times. “Assertive.” She slowly braced herself and started to stand on shaky legs. “I...I can do assertive. I’m gonna go home, I’m gonna find Vincent, and if he won’t tell me what he saw, I’m gonna have to guess and KEEP guessing until he tells me. But no matter what...I am gonna have him tonight! How’s that for assertive?!”

“That… is a good start.” admitted Daring. “But I am afraid he is not home right now, remember?”

“Yes, we are still on a ladies night, and we have only just started.” Added Rouge while she and Daring put her back in her seat. ‘I can only imagine how this will end, oh Arceus this night is going to be too long.’ She thought.

“But, you can use your time tonight to keep planning. I mean…” repeated Pancha again, “I am sure there are other things you wanna try, don’t you?”

Lucy slowly nodded, before frowning and shaking her head. “I don’t know what he’s got in that big head of his...I’m gonna need something big to get it out of there...maybe you girls can help me?”

“Depende, which head are we talking about?”

“WHAT MY FRIEND MEANS!” Quickly cut in Rouge, “Is that you need to focus on what you want first, so tell us: what do you want?”

“Some cuddling through the night, some kissing session or maybe something more intimate- oh buck!” Daring cursed.

Lucy slowly started to smile even as the blush intensified. “Yeah...Sam told me about that already, girls. And that’s exactly what I want...but how to best go about doing it is the question.”

“Well… that is direct.” Admitted Daring yet again.

“Would you like it to have a romantic memory then?” Asked Rouge as she sent Pancha for more things to eat, the Hawlucha obliged as she mumbled under her breath.

“Empolladas, engreidas, me quitan mi diversión…”

“Romance would be nice,” Lucy slowly answered, before saying, with a bit more steel in her voice, “Mostly I want him to give in. If I can get him to agree just once, I’m sure he’ll see things my way.”

Rouge thanked her lucky stars that Pancha was away, as this was most likely the moment she was waiting for.

“I am sure you could put him into Submission, and then have your way with him.” Started Rouge.

“But then what do you think he will feel about you?” Completed Daring. “If you want to have him, you have to work for it hard.”

“Oh no, hard is the reward she will get!” Joked Pancha as she returned with some fries, more nachos and some tacos, a Vine Whip to the face being her welcome gift.

“So, how do you think you can make him to give in, without resorting to force!” Finished Daring more to Pancha than to Lucy.

“I get it, I get it. Oye Juan para que escuche Manolo.” She replied.

A plan slowly formed in her head, and Lucy smiled. “I’m gonna need to se...se...trick him. Good thing the boys are getting him drunk, but how do I go about tricking a psychic?”

“...” Daring looked at Rouge and Pancha, “Don’t look at me, I never been with a telepath before.”

“One trick is to be subtle,” Began Rouge after some thinking, “little hints here and there. Random shows of appreciation, making him think of you more than normal. So when the moment comes by he has nothing but you on his mind.”

“Or you could just go and tell him what you want. Fair and square.” The glare Pancha got from her friend may mean she didn’t approve her words. “Come on, he is a psychic, he will know sooner or latter. Best to be swift and direct, even if he can see it, he won’t be able to avoid it.” She proudly finished off.

“I guess there is indeed something in the drinks.” Added Daring as she too found Pancha’s increased rate on her ideas quite shocking. Lucy nodded and pointed at Pancha before replying.

“That. That right there. That sounds good. I want to make him want what I want...was that understandable?”

“Absolutely!” She chirped. “Now don’t just go and drop the bomb on him too suddenly. If the moment isn’t right, he would just Teleport away. Just as Rouge said, give little hints and stuff asi, but once he starts to think something is up, you come out and tell him what you want!”

At this point, Pancha stood up in the table and pointed directly at Lucy.

“So tell me, Lucy… do you have a last name?” The Lucario shrugged, and Pancha picked up the thread once more. “What is it that you want!?”

“Vincent,” Lucy said simply, before dropping back into her sultry expression. “All of Vincent, tonight.”

“Por eso manta, no va a ser esta noche.” Replied Pancha and then shout again, “I did not hear you: what do you want!?”

Lucy growled and grabbed the Hawlucha before drawing her close. “I’m going to get laid by Vincent tonight, and I’m not shouting that to the world. The table will do.”

“Good enough… but I told you already it is not going to be tonight.”

“Now you two, get down.” Said Daring calmly. The sudden return of Lucy’s reserved self was a good sign. “We don’t want trouble. Besides, we are all cheering for you both.”

“Indeed.” Added Rouge, “It would be terrible if such a lovely couple such as you two didn’t get to feel the wonderful experience which is to fully love one another.”

“Not to mention it’s only a natural thing to want.” Added now Edge, which got a confused look from the rest. “She finally passed out.” Was all the explanation she gave as Valerie was comfortably snoring on her seat.

“And I think I speak for all of us when I said your children would be way too adorable!” finished Pancha, which cause the girls to be scolded with gazes again. “What, too soon?”

“A bit,” Lucy said. “But I think you all are underestimating me. When I want something, I take it. While I may have to trick it out of Vincent this time, I’m going to start doing that the moment I see him again.”

“Properly making sentences, no longer losing her balance, she stopped playing with Roa’s fur…”

“Dank Arceus!”

“Yup, I say she is back to being sober… almost at least.” Proclaimed Daring as she took what was left of Valerie’s drink and put it far away from Lucy. “So what do you think of alcohol?”

Lucy blinked a few times as she considered the question. “It’s...an interesting experience. Loosening of my inhibitions to talk about those sorts of things.” A thought crossed her mind, and she smirked. “If Vincent is still drunk when he returns home, though? Let’s just say, you’re going to be thankful for the soundproofing that’s already in place.”

“I wouldn’t be too sure.” Joked Daring as she remembered a bad time she had. “Let’s just say soundproof rooms aren’t exactly hit-proof.”

“But if you do score tonight I would like to point out it was all our doing!” Proudly said Pancha while adding, “So I’ll want details!” And then another Vine Whip whacked her head.

“I apologize for her, she does get carried away, as you may know.” Apologized Rouge. “But… if you don’t mind, I would like to know how things turn out if possible.” She quickly raised her bouquets and added, “Nothing personal of course, just how things turn out before and after you, lets call it, score.”

“I for one would be glad to sleep outside tonight, I am sure there will be a lot of noise I wouldn’t feel comfortable hearing.” Pointed Edge out.

Lucy shrugged. “Fair enough, though if you do come up with something that could be better than what we have for soundproofing, do let us know.”

“You guys can always try with your mental selves.” Said Pancha, yet again.

“How many of these are we going to tonight? I already lose count.” Added her friend.

“Sorry but I didn’t get it, what does she mean?” Asked a confused Daring.

“You see, the realm of the mind is a place where Psychic-types can be for thinking and meditating if they want. But they often bring a mental representation of their body.” Explained Rouge.

“Not to mention some Psychic-types can bring in others if they want.” Added Pancha.

“Indeed, this trick was originally made so two Pokemon could train without having to use their actual bodies. Since the mental version of both bodies is identical, the reactions and stimuli is just the same as in real life.”

“Which is quite useful when you want to get intimate but don’t have the time to, like that convenient service we had back in Oblivia, that Sigilyph sure had a big-auch!” The Hawlucha then received yet another whack. “I was going to said mind!”

“Oh, sorry, my bad.” Said Rouge, not sounding sorry in the least. “But yeah, some Psychic-types can make use of their minds that way, I have heard some even prefer that form than direct contact as it brings both souls more closer than with their actual bodies.”

Lucy shook her head at that. “Nope, our first is going to be all physical. If I have to tie him to the bed, I’m going to get that sort of first time from him tonight.”

“Someone is dead set on course.” Said Edge with a chuckle.

“Is alright! Show us that fighting spirit!” Proclaimed Pancha as she nudged Lucy, but quietly added, “But once you are done with that aplenty, I highly suggest you two go and try the mind route as well. You will be surprised of what can one ‘learn’ there.” She chuckled as well as he finally added. “And if you ever get a girl, I want her to be called like my abuelita Maria!”

Lucy gently cuffed Pancha. “My family, my decision. If that even happens, anyways. So...any tips for my planned encounter, girls?”

The girls smiled warmly as they knew Lucy was asking while in possession of her senses now, thus there was no reason for them to not help her out.

“This drinking stuff is crazy.” Said Roa to herself as she took care of the unconscious Valerie. “But it sure brings people together, I may want try it one day.”

Vincent looked at the mug in his hand, the amber liquid sloshing around as he rotated it gently. “And you’re sure this is a good idea?” Under Xavier’s instruction, he wasn’t to touch his mental powers while intoxicated, because in an unstable state, it made controlling them that much more difficult.

“Of course it’s not!” Simon shouted back as he held his own mug filled with some Vodka. “Why else do you think we came all the way here, to the middle of no where, to have you try some booze?”

“Not to mention you passed up the chance of drinking almost harmless cider back then, so now you have to endure some good old whiskey.” Added Weiss.

The Kadabra sighed. “Fine.” He then took a deep breath and threw the glass back, but he was stopped by Char before any of the alcohol touched his lips.

“Easy there kid, you don’t want to hit it so quickly. Besides there is something you may want to know about sharing a drink for the first time.” Said the Scizor calmly as he looked at Vincent.

The Kadabra looked confused at Char’s words, but waited for him to explain himself.

“Thank you.” Said Char as he moved around the little campfire they had made to keep the cold at bay. “You see, alcohol is bitter and makes people act dumb, most of the time that’s it, so why do we drink it?”

The rest of the group apparently decided to keep silent and let Char give his little speech. Vincent slowly looked at the cup in his hand to the people around him before smiling.

“For the company,” he softly said.

At his reply, Vincent received a soft, yet bone-crushing palm from Simon. “See? I told you guys he was a keeper!”

Char chuckled at the Excadrill’s antics and proceeded with his talk.

“That is true, the company. It makes us remember than even in the bitterness of life, there is something worthy to look forward in it.” He then looked up to the starry sky and continued. “We have been through a very painful life, all of us.” The group keep a moment of silence, serious silence.

“Yet we have found comfort in the ties of our friends, our comrades, or our family.” the last part was probably meant for Vincent, “So to honor these ties, we drink this sour and bitter liquid as an oath, an oath that acknowledges each and every one of those who stand here are brothers and sisters, or at least we were if there were any.” Char joked, causing a couple of laughs to erupt from the group. “As I was saying, such uncommon family may have no ties in blood, but we can forge even tighter ties with our actions than those of blood would ever prove.”

Finally, Char raised a claw high into the black night and proclaimed.

“Let us all share a drink this night and become a family with ties stronger than anyone, or else may you run away and never return if you were to leave this cup filled. So with nothing else to add: gentlemon, cheers!”

And at the signal they were clearly all waiting for, the group took the contents of their respective poisons and drunk them down in one go.

“AH! That is the good stuff!” Proclaimed Simon as he patted his belly.

“So young Vincent,” now asked Weiss, “would you like to be part of us? Or will you leave us hanging?”

The Kadabra gulped before downing a large swallow of his whiskey. There was silence for a moment, and then he spoke up again.

“Burns!”

At that word, the group erupted in cheers and applause.

“That is how life is supposed to taste like little Vincent!” Cheered Simon the Kadabra once again. “Yet we found joy in this fire, am I wrong?” Asked the boisterous mercenary to the group and receive a joyful choir of ‘Hu-ha!’ in response.

“Okay, all the drama is done, so what do you feel Vincent?” asked Weiss once the euphoria died down enough for him to ask.

“...Nothing yet. Is that normal?” The little psychic looked into his mug with a slight frown.

“Normally, one would be mumbling incoherently by now, but since you are a Psychic-type, I doubt this ‘poison’ would be enough to do anything to you, at least until you increase the dose.”

“...And I guess I’m not going to be allowed to leave until I do that,” Vincent deadpanned. “Can I at least get something that doesn’t burn on the way down?”

“Nope!” Replied Weiss. “But you can soften it down with some cola!”

At this, Simon took a bottle of the soda and poured it in Vincent’s mug while also adding some of the whiskey.

“Here you go, a Black City’s special!” proclaimed the barmon with a stylish smile.

“It’s good to take this challenge head on, but just doing that is a tad boring don’t you all agree.” Said Char. “So how about we get to know you a bit better Vincent?”

“Other than the sad stories please.” Quickly added Gold. “What? This is supposed to be a party isn’t it?”

“Not all my tales from then are terrible,” Vincent said. “It’s only when they ended that they became that way. I was friendly with all of them. Kind. I didn’t tell them what was going to happen.” He took another sip of his drink, grateful for the soda in it. “Nobody deserved to know that sort of fate...and not all of them experienced it, after all.”

“Yes we know, we have heard them, or rather had them projected on us.” Said Weiss quite solemnly. The mere memory seemed to cause the rest of the team to shiver at it. All save Gold and Sylveon.

“Ehm, are we missing something?” Asked the eeveelution.

“When Xavier and Vincent… met, he got to see through all and every experiment little Vincent went through.” Explained Weiss.

“Nothing our metallic tactician can’t shrug off though.” Added Simon.

“True. But then we became close with you Vincent and with your family. So we thought it was unfair for only you three to know that pain.” The mercenary let his words sink in. Vincent’s eyes widened in shock and he nearly dropped his glass.

“You...once I calmed down I regretted even inflicting those memories on another. Once the training sunk in, I knew I had to stop using them as a weapon, because even dragging them up caused me so much pain. Why...why would you do that?!” His voice had raised in pitch ever so slightly towards the end.

Because, as you yourself told me once: they had to be remembered.

The mental voice of Xavier echoed in his mind.

Their lives were filled with pain and may have had a terrible end. But they were not all pain, nor were they all darkness. There was a small shimmer of light which helped them through their agony. You.

“You kept them company and were kind to them.” Added Char, showing that Xavier was talking to more than just Vincent.

“You gave them a reason to not let go of this world.” Said Simon.

“And you decided to keep them living, even if that meant having to carry the pain of their departures.” Finished Weiss.

You took their pain, so the world won’t forget Vincent, but at the same time, when you and your family came to this new world: you gave them freedom.

“I still don’t fully understand what is going on here.” Said Sylveon with confusion, “But, I do understand you have been through much suffering mister Vincent, yet you have managed to keep this smiling attitude despite that. You deserve all of my respect for that.”

Vincent sighed, but smiled. “I...I’m not sure whether to thank you or punch you for that.” He took a sip of his drink before continuing. “Maybe I’ll decide after this drink.”

“It won’t be the first time we deserve that though.” Weiss said.

“And definitely won’t be the last!” Joked Simon.

Char then turned to Sylveon and Gold and properly explained to them.

“As you may understand. Vincent had seen many friends go. He showed this to Xavier one time, and again as I said, since we forged this little tie with him, we decided to know this pain as well. So we asked Xavier to show us what Vincent had shown him.” Again, Simon shuddered at the memories.

“But, we do have our share of bad dreams too, so I am sure it won’t hunt us for too long… I hope.” Said Weiss.

Vincent then turned to the two who had yet to hear his full name and gave off a wry smile. “Oh, were we never properly introduced? My name is Vincent. Vincent Nurem. Subject 37, first and longest survivor of the Doctor of the same name. How’s your life been treating you?”

Sylveon did react to the name, but seemed a bit confused and sad. He muttered something to himself. Gold on the other hand, seemed utterly shocked.

“Nurem, as in that Nurem… the savage who mutilated thousands of our kind… THAT NUREM…?” Scratch that, Gold seemed to be utterly furious for a moment.

“Never mind…” he finally said after some deep thinking. “I’ve seen you and what you have done, I have no reason to blame you for what that monster did.”

“Yeah,” Vincent said before knocking back the rest of his drink. “Now think, how do we both have the same last name? And I’m still a subject. Chew on that for an answer. You won’t like it.”

“... what do you mean by-oh my!” Gold suddenly got the idea, looking very angry again. “How in the name of fuck! does someone experiment on his own son!?”

“There Gold, it’s all done now.” Sylveon said in a soothing tone to the Golduck, although he couldn’t stop looking at Vincent with more sadness than before.

“Bit knows,” Vincent said while looking into his glass. “I know too, as does Sam...and Luke. We were all there for the retelling. And I’d recite it too, but I suddenly stopped caring thanks to this wonderful little concoction. The past belongs with him: hopefully dead on Earth. Can I get another?”

“That is the idea little Vince, that is the idea.” Said Simon as he poured more liquid on Vincent’s mug.

“So we all know the sad story.” Said Weiss definitively. “So: shall we please go to the happy ones?”

“Sure, which one do you wanna know?” Vincent sipped at his new drink and nodded.

“Well, we know you and Lucy hitched up. But we don’t know how you reacted, was it too intense or did you blow up another street?”

Sylveon and Gold looked confused again.

“Oh come on, you two were there!” Simon shouted.

“It was actually just right,” Vincent said. “I mean, Seth and his family interfered and made it plain as day to me, plus I needed a little help putting some...things to context, but Lucy and I confessed to one another atop the Sundial at Sunset. If there were a more perfect moment, I don’t want to know about it.”

Simon opened his mouth, and then Char claw shut it tight.

“That is… rather normal.” Admitted Weiss. “So there was no mental blast, no threat to someone’s life, not even a little bit of action?”

“Nope,” Vincent said while taking another sip. “The biggest mental hurdle, a Charizard named Ignis helped me get over. Mostly. I think. Okay they’re still up there, but I’m working on it.”

“Things?” Asked Char while Simon began to experience some severe deficiency of oxygen.

“You know how my Ping works?” Vincent questioned.

“Do we look like Psychic-types?” Asked Weiss.

“You catch the collective mental images and information of those around you in a defined perimeter.” Quickly said Gold. “What… I can use Psychic too, you know.”

“That’s how it should work. I can get away with not defining the limits, or only doing it vaguely,” Vincent said. “Yeah...Luke raised a good one. So imagine letting a Ping loose in Las Pegasus near dusk, when you’re looking for ‘things to do.’”

“Oh my Arceus…!” Was all reply Char gave as the idea finally settled in, which also made him release Simon.

“Huh...that sure... must have been… educational…” Said the Excadrill between breaths.

“Try ‘scarring.’ It was my crash course in the Pidgeys and the Combees,” the Kadabra replied with a voice that was drier than a desert.

“Well, Xavier did tell you not to pick into others' minds.” Added Weiss. “Karma?”

“If it is, then I think I’ve suffered more than enough. Because there weren’t just ponies in Las Pegasus when I let it loose. And pony-on-pony is only one section.”

“I can imagine.” Said Weiss dryly as he took a sip from his drink.

“Not to also mention those of many-on-many,” Added Simon with a laugh. “Those are fun!”

“Regardless of what my comrade said,” Continued Char, “Why haven’t you asked Xavier to help you remove those memories?”

“Despite his helping me, what with all of that training, the first thing I remember when I entertain that notion is the feeling of my brother’s claw around my neck.” Vincent took another sip before continuing. “It’s a silly thing to remember, I know, considering everything that happened afterwards, but it’s still enough to make me not want to ask.”

The mercenaries chuckled. “Not the first time Xavier has gained someone’s distrust.” Admitted Weiss. “But then again, it’s not that common for him to get so attached to someone.”

“I would even dare to say he is almost emotional with you.” Added Simon.

“You three do realize he is currently hearing us as we speak, right?” Inquired Char.

“Been there,” Said Gold with a shiver. “I am just glad to be away from Gard’s mental ‘protection.’”

“Glad to be away, period.” Vincent drained his glass again and squinted into it. “Are they supposed to go this fast?’

“That depends on each one and the kind of drink.” Replied Char.

“But you know, you should go a bit slower here, this IS your first drinking night after all.” Said Simon with worry, even though he offered to refill his mug.

“If there is no pain in the head by the next day, then it doesn’t count as a first drinking night.” Replied Weiss solemnly as he empty his mug.

“Well, that has a bit of truth.” Admitted Sylveon as he open some snacks and offered them to the group. “How will he know how to behave from now on if he doesn’t fully know how bad this can be?”

“But he is still technically a minor.” Pointed Gold.

“Also technically 21, at least mentally, thanks to what Xavier and I did. Physically is a bit of a stretch, I know, but I was well aware of what I was getting into.” He set the drink down and took a few snacks before continuing. “After all, if I didn’t, I could have Teleported away before we even left the city.”

“You could have tried!” Joked Simon with a sinister smile. Then he received a claw to the head.

“Then there would be no meaning for this gathering.” Scolded Char.

“True, there is no point in enjoying a drinking night if one is forced into it.” Admitted Weiss.

“But you guys did force him.” Added Gold.

“In any case!” Barged in Weiss, “We have yet to hear about this information in your head little Vincent. I mean, I know what is there, but we still want to know what do you want to do with that information?”

Vincent slowly shook his head as he took another sip of his drink. “I want it gone. I had no right to it in the first place...and I’ve gotten a lot better with my pings since. I’ll not look for any replacement, and quite frankly, it’s just holding me back at this point.”

“I can understand why would you want to get rid of such shameless and perverted images, but why is it holding you back?” Asked Sylveon with curiosity while drinking some soda.

“Quite simply, Lucy’s trying to be a bit more intimate with me, but every time she tries…” The Kadabra held one hand up to his head for the next bit. “One of the thousands of images in my head interrupts, and I flinch away. It’d be easier if they weren’t there.”

“This is an outrage!” Exclaimed Sylveon back, “to be unable to hold the one you love most because of the sinful actions of some perverted adulterer.” At this words, the Intertwining Pokemon placed a paw over Vincent shoulder. “But fear not mister Vincent, as I am sure you and your lady are destined to one another and thus the providence will be at your aid!”

“... you guys are sure he hasn’t drunk anything?” Asked Weiss.

“All… extravagance aside, I think he is right.” Admitted Char as he placed a claw on Vincent’s other shoulder. “You two deserve to be happy.”

“So lets see what can we do…” Start Simon, “Maybe make you like the images?”

“Then he would be nothing less than a pervert.” Replied Weiss.

“How about he places Lucy as every female?” Suggested now Gold.

“I doubt he would like that on the scenarios where there are is only one ‘Lucy’ and more than one ‘Vincent.’ If you catch my drift.” Replied Weiss again.

“I’d normally suggest a Psychic Seal,” Vincent said, “But I don’t want them just to be repressed. As Bit would say, the files have been marked for deletion. How best to do that to myself is the question.”

“Well…” Gold took another long drink and then continued, “I am not entirely a Psychic-type. But I do know how to use some mental tricks, even though I am not at the level of you or Xavier. And please let us not talk about Gard.” And then he shivered again. “What I mean is that I may be able to help you locate said ‘files’ so you can properly delete them.”

“That...sounds good," Vincent slowly said in reply. "So long as we target only the things that simply must go...I see no reason why this can’t work.” Vincent took another sip from his drink before setting it down and patting the ground next to him, a gesture for Gold to come closer.

The PLA member obliged, yet somemon else raised a new question. “But doesn’t mister Vincent have these strong mental walls protecting him, wouldn’t they react on instinct when they feel their master’s memories to be in danger?” Sylveon spoke up.

“True, they may react like some anti-body.” Acknowledged Char.

“Think there is a way to lower them?” Asked Weiss.

“How about a battle!” Suggested Simon with way too much enthusiasm.

“... how about something which doesn’t kill him?” Retorted Weiss.

“Y’all are over-complicating it,” Vincent said. “I made them. And while I might be… slightly… ooh that’s a new feeling.” The Kadabra shook his head to clear it of the slight fog that had settled in. “Okay, so I may be a tiny bit tipsy. But I’m pretty sure asking nicely will still get you everywhere. I made them to react to hostile intent. If I go in with you, that’ll count as ‘non-hostile.’ Or should. Never done this before.”

“Still this may be a painful event, it is a stranger mind entering your own.” Said Simon as he gave Vincent a new mug, with less cola and more whiskey.

“Wasn’t that bad when Xavier helped train me,” Vincent said, taking another sip of his drink and sticking his tongue out. “Bleh. What’d you do, switch to a soda with less sugar in it? In any case, it’s to prevent the future from hurting near as much, so I’ll deal.”

“If you insist then…” And Simon left Vincent’s side, although not before pouring some more whiskey in his mug.

“Okay, first of all, and sorry if I repeat myself, but I am not very experienced in this, so this may actually hurt…” And with nothing else to add, the Golduck placed a hand right in front from the Kadabra, as he slowly make his way toward his mental realm. Only to hit a mental wall, quite hard.

‘Ouch! You said you would be helping!’ Mentally shouted the spy.

‘Try knocking and asking,’ Vincent said back. ‘They’re partially reflexive, I can’t control all of it until I’m made aware of ‘where’ they are.’

A moment more passed before the Golduck spoke again. ‘So can I pass now?’

With him asking politely, Vincent found the walls in question and created an opening in front of Gold.

‘Yeah, good enough. Found ‘em. Get in here,’ Vincent replied as he more fully concentrated on his mental realm. Appearing in the glade, he cast his eyes outwards, seeing the Golduck at the fringes of his mind. He then cast his gaze up and started grabbing a hold of the images that plagued him.

Gold moved across the mental path as he began his journey inwards. ‘What do these memories look like? Some people figure them as images, others like books, what do you figure them as?’

‘Well, you see those walls around us now? Eight hundred and fourteen. Think about that number and my past and you’ll know what each stone is. That’s a good portion of my memories.’

‘So there are almost a thousand bad memories in here.’ Replied Gold. ‘And only one of them is the one I am looking for, speaking about finding a needle in a haystack.’

‘Don’t, and I mean DON’T! mess with the wall. You’re in, but if you start testing my defenses, my influence will count for nothing...’ Vincent idly replied as he grabbed a hold of more memories, finally snagging the last one. Though they were slippery and quite uncooperative, causing vague flashes of themselves to go through his head, trying to make him drop them.

‘Okay, why am I hearing voices inside of someone else's head!?’

‘Well I would hope you could hear my voice, it’s only my head, after all! Look for me. Follow the path, it’s made of the memories of my time here. I have the folder of images I want taken out in hand...but holding them isn’t exactly pleasing for me!’

After a few moments, Gold neared the final gateway to the glade that Vincent thought of as his core.

‘... do I really have to go through there?’ Asked Gold as he looked at the final gate.

‘Sadly, yes. My final gate is comprised of what happened to my big brother. I...apologize in advance. Had I known I would have others visiting me, I would have never set it up like that.’

‘... I bloody dislike you...’ Said Gold as he let things end and pushed the sticky stone. Vincent closed his eyes as he thought about what the Golduck would see.

Gold would find himself taking the place of Vincent, a syringe in his hand, Sam the Scyther strapped to a table, and an elder male human talking to him. “Subject thirty-seven, inject the serum,” the human would say. Vincent knew this, he'd set it up like that so that anyone who passed that gate would feel what he felt that day.

‘... WHAT THE BLOODY HELL?’ Vincent winced as the mental voice of Gold rang out before falling silent as the memory replayed. ‘And how am I supposed to go through this?’ Asked Gold after a moment longer.

‘Part of my training with Luke was to try and fight my memories and deny them. Because otherwise, why was I alive? In a moment, he’ll notice that you’re not doing as he’s telling you to, and draw closer. Were I stronger when it was happening, I’d have killed him then. You have that option...or you could let it play out.’ Vincent replied. Gold was silent for a moment before he shone with power and turned an attack onto the representation of Doctor Nurem.

‘Confusion!’

At this word, the doctor was sent flying into the wall, yet instead of hitting it and falling to the ground as it should, the body of the human shattered the wall entirely as the whole memory turned into dust.

‘... how… was t-that…?’ Asked Gold with a tired voice.

‘Good, but I would have jammed that damn syringe into his eye,’ Vincent said. ‘He jammed it into enough subjects, after all. Only fitting. I’m just through there.’

Finally, Gold reached Vincent’s mental form. ‘You know, this is a bit too epic for just helping someone to get laid!’ was the salute Gold gave. ‘Now what?’

Vincent held out a hand and concentrated, causing an overstuffed manilla folder to appear in it. ‘Here they are. All the memories that I really, REALLY shouldn’t have and don’t want.’

Gold took the envelop and thought what to do with it. He cast a quick look at it before it burst into fire, the ashes drifting away in the wind. Vincent looked to his mind, finding no trace of the memories, causing him to smile and hug the Golduck. ‘They’re gone! Finally, they’re gone! I can’t remember a single one of them! Oh, thank you!’

‘Well yeah, you know me, I couldn’t let a lad such as yourself be burdened with such worries.’ Replied Gold, quite proud and full of himself.

A second later, a sort of roar could be hard, quickly making its way towards the pair. ‘... what was that…?’ asked Gold with a dry throat.

‘My influence wearing off. Oh dear. That sounds remarkably like Chip the wingless Charizard. He did not go quietly into that good night. No indeed. He fought tooth and tail against the security system, which shocked him to death...’

As if on cue, a massive, bloody, and slightly battle-scarred Charizard head poked its way into the glade and glared at Gold. “INTRUDER!” it bellowed.

‘... daddy, I don’t want to meddle with other’s minds anymore.’ Thought Gold aloud. ‘Exit-way-yesterday!’ He quickly exclaimed as he began to run away from the manifestation of Vincent’s mental defense.

‘You have options! Either you can get thrown out by me or him! The only promise I can make is that I’ll try to be gentle!’ To say the Kadabra was frantic would be like saying the ocean was damp.

‘Then do it now!’ Exclaimed Gold as he dodged the barrage of flaming balls raining at him.

‘Right, I do hope you’re not afraid of heights!’

‘... why do I suddenly feel the zombie Charizard isn’t such a bad way out...’ said Gold as the ground under him changed. From a glade to a strange wooden platform.

‘Going up! The shock of falling will get you out!’ And indeed, the platform under Gold sprang up with a cartoonish sound effect, launching him high into the sky.

‘The whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!’ Gold wasn’t able to finish his sentence as he was propelled high into the mental sky.

Back in the real world, Vincent broke into a smile and closed the short distance before repeating the hug he’d given to Gold in the mind realm. “That’s...that’s such a load off my mind. You have no idea.”

Gold didn’t seemed to mind the hug, but possibly because he was muttering to himself.

“He'll be fine.” Said Weiss without knowing about what happened in the few seconds they were out.

“So you are ready for some action then?” Asked Simon as he added, “You know, some good old ‘Bow-chika-bow-wow?’”

Vincent pulled back from Gold slightly and turned to Simon, slightly blushing. Whether it was because of the booze or the embarrassment was uncertain. “I...wha...you…” He shook his head a few times before replying. “Good Arceus, you don’t just spring that on someone who’s effectively been made a mental virgin again!”

“You know, when one thinks about it properly, this is a bit like cheating.” Said Char with a smile. “Removing a mistake from your memory is not exactly fair.”

“Ignore him, mister Vincent.” Retorted Sylveon right away. “As I said before, you deserve the pleasure of discovering the wonders of love with your beloved one, and trust me, it’s a once in a lifetime experience!”

“Come on guys, give him some space.” Intervened Weiss. “So he is ready to go all the way with Lucy, congratulations by the way, but that doesn’t mean he is now ready for that. It’s a big step and all, so give him some time okay?”

“Yeah,” Vincent said with a nod. “Plus I’m pretty sure that if I still had that information and cared to...some of it could serve as blackmail information. Think about it: city of sin? I’m glad it’s gone, really. Information is power, and I’ve more than enough of that on my own.”

“A shame though, you could have used a couple of those ideas for yourself.” Said Simon casually.

“... I have to agree.” Said Char, to everyone’s surprise. “Love is about commitment and fortitude, but it also requires constant experimentation and new ideas in order to avoid becoming repetitive.”

“... you lost me at ‘Simon is right’” Said Weiss. Vincent pointed at Char before replying.

“You have a point, but it’s a journey we should take together,” he retorted. “So if you’ll kindly butt out of how we choose to do things…”

“Said the boy who pinged himself into this trouble to begin with.” Calmly retorted the Scizor. “And may I add that it was all by his own.”

“Yeah, get a girlfriend of your own, then I’ll listen to your advice on relationships,” Vincent said coolly before taking a sip of his drink.

Then Simon and Weiss went speechless. “I’m a widower.” was all Char said with a very, very cold voice. Vincent sputtered and spat out the sip he’d been taking, coughing profusely.

“Oh shit. I...I did not know. I...get the feeling that ‘sorry’ wouldn’t do much. Just tell me she wasn’t one of his victims, please.”

“...Say Simon, think you can show me that awesome stuff you were working on?” Asked Weiss in an overacting manner.

“WHY OF COURSE, I WOULD LOVE TO SHOW YOU THAT STUFF WHICH I WAS WORKING ON BEFORE… RIGHT AWAY… AND FAR AWAY!” Replied the Excadrill with a similar, but louder, tone.

Sylveon only smiled as he took a hold of the still shocked Gold and followed the two.

“...” Char remained silent until he finally spoke. “She passed away from an illness, it was peaceful.”

Vincent looked back in his glass. “I...would ask. But I’ve no right to intrude. Frankly, I’m going to drink until I forget the depth of my misstep.” With that, the Kadabra knocked the rest of his glass back and took note of the fact that Simon had taken the booze with him. “Hey, c’mere! Bring the liquor back!”

Without looking back, Simon threw the bottle right into Vincent’s legs, with just enough force to arrive without shattering.

“That is what I mean boy.” Said Char a bit less angry, but still a bit cold. “We make mistakes, and we have to live with them. Erasing them won't make you better.”

Vincent picked the bottle up and started to drink from it, a little at a time. “Yeah...but something like a relationship with Lucy, I deserve to start that off with a fresh slate. Any mistakes I make during it, sure, I could change...but I won’t. And the ping was before we were in a relationship, so I see no problem with getting rid of those memories.”

“You can lie to yourself all you want.” Replied Char as he took the bottle from Vincent and took a deep drink of it, then he turned his back. “But the fact I want to make understood remains. Living life means getting used to screwing up. Big time, even. And who knows, maybe one of the greatest failures may become one of your greatest victories.”

Vincent took the bottle back and took a deep draw from it before pulling off. “Yeah, no. An entire city’s worth of intimate moments. The city of sin’s bedroom activities. I don’t recall them anymore, and that’s fine and dandy with me. I get to replace them instead. Really, the only things that could have worked would have been me removing the memories, or sharing them with Lucy. I’ll give you a hint as to what I wasn’t going to do.”

Char took the bottle again and took another long drink, “Illuminate me, then.”

Vincent smirked and gently tugged the bottle back. “Can’t, I forgot them! Or if you’re asking why I wasn’t going to share them with Lucy...I respect her too much to make her bear my burdens. We’ve all got our own weights already. I’ll carry mine without forcing her to carry any more than hers. Hell, if I can find a way to lessen her load in life, I probably will.” He then took a swig from the bottle and started to sway a bit more than normal.

“And what if she would have asked you, or rather, ordered you to tell her?” Inquired Char as he took the bottle again. “I know you want to protect her, but what do you think she wants? To be protected? I am sure you know the answer already, so why keep her out then?”

“Because it was my screw-up. I hadn’t known about those...sorts of things before. I got a crash course in the more intimate aspects of life, and for all I know, Lucy doesn’t know what she’s getting into. Not fully. I’d rather we be on the same footing, like we should be, than I be more experienced and act on knowledge that she’s not ready for.” Vincent seemed to have noticed the lights of the city in the distance and was looking at it unerringly.

“And what makes you think she doesn’t know?” Asked Char as he made Vincent look at him, “She may know more than you even acknowledge her capable of. Trust me, women can look frail and calm, most of the time in your case, but they too have their own questions and worries, and they too look for answers. Either we know it or not.”

“Fair point,” Vincent said while snagging the bottle back and draining it considerably, wobbling as he did. “But what’s done is...ish done. I know how things work, I didn’t lose that...but I don’t know the details of every other being’s shex life. Ish better this way.”

“I think you are no longer at the point of listening to reason.” Admitted Char, “You, however, must remember this: you love her enough to take the whole world down. And she loves you just the same. I hope you can think about that while you go to sleep.”

“Whaddya mean, sleep? I’m not sleepy. Now make the world stop spinnin’...” To say the small psychic was wobbling would be a vast understatement.

“By the look of your balance, I would say you will find out soon enough, not to mention the spinning will end by then.” Pointed out Char as he took the bottle and drunk what little was left of it. “But I have to praise you, to get like this after a whole bottle of whiskey, that is a merit on its own.”

The Kadabra put one hand on the ground to steady himself as he breathed deeply. “Oh...man. This feels weird...and now I know...what Xavier meant about...my pyschic powers tonight. Don’t...don’t want to imagine...what would happen…”

“I presume we would have to put you to sleep then.” acknowledged the Scizor, “in the ‘still been able to wake up’ sense of course!” He then placed a claw over Vincent’s hand and gently make him look up. “Now breath slowly and try not to think on the stars.”

After a few minutes, the Kadabra stopped wobbling as terribly as he had been, and nodded slowly at the Scizor. “Thanks,” Vincent said. “And sorry for my comment earlier.”

“You didn’t know.” Calmly replied Char. “Besides, I am used to receiving harsh words from a bunch of maniacs.” He smiled at the thought. “It’s interesting actually, to be the voice of reason among such a less than normal family.” He then added. “Well, one of the three voices of reason actually.”

“Welcome to reality, normal is overrated,” Vincent said as he began to struggle to his feet. “‘sides, I’m pretty sure normal went out the window when Arceus said ‘Hey Earth! Fuck you! I’m taking my kids and we’re going somewhere more fun!’”

“I presume you are right,” Said Char with a chuckle as he quickly stood up and helped Vincent stay on his feet. “Or maybe even long before that, when a certain cosmic egg decided to give life to an omnipotent and immature being.”

Vincent took a look around and asked a very simple question. “Where’d everyone else go?”

“I think they either expected me to go ballistic over your comment, or you to go soper nova on alcohol.” Replied Char as the rest of the drinking gang appeared in the distance behind a small boulder.

“So we don’t need to be worried about the landscape then?” Asked Simon as he keep his hoodie tightly over his head. Vincent waved one hand at them in a dismissive manner.

“Nah...but I’m gettin’ cold. Maybe we should start headin’ back?”

“A long walk in the coldness of the night is a good remedy for alcohol.” Admitted Weiss as he dusted himself off. “And I am sure we have plenty of time for you to get back to your senses.”

“So Mister Vincent, how are you feeling?” Asked Sylveon with worry.

“Dizzy...a bit slower than normal, and every so often, the world seems to tilt. But I think that’s normal for the amount I drank. Right?” Vincent leaned to one direction for a moment before correcting himself and standing mostly straight again.

“Actually, we should be carrying you by now, if not worrying about alcohol poisoning.” Admitted Simon.

“You have to thank your typing.” Added Gold, who seemed to be over the whole zombie Charizard fright.

“So: was it as bad as you thought?” Inquired Weiss as he patted Vincent on the back. The smaller ‘mon stumbled for a moment before catching himself and shooting a very slow glare at the Bisharp.

“Watch it...and no. Fa-the Doctor had a ritual. A drink a year on Halloween, if Bit’s files are right. It...helped him ignore whatever was wrong with his head, brought Rupert back for that night. I was looking into why anyone would drink…” here the psychic looked at Char with a smile. “And I found quite a few reasons. So, thanks for that.”

“Any time kid!” Said Weiss while patting the doozy Kadabra again, a tad bit stronger as well.

“If you want, we can make our own ritual as well… but does it have to be once a year?” Inquired Simon as his face showed a slight red coloration, probably because of his own drinking.

“Three guesses as to why he chose that date. Hell, any date you choose, I could attribute to something horrible that happened there. Let’s..." Vincent suddenly had a plan. "Idea. Assuming one of us has funds, any day you come to Las Pegasus? We drink!”

At these words, the Excadrill’s replied enthusiastically in an instant. “I WILL MAKE THIS TOWN MY NEW VACATION CENTER THEN!” and then placed one of his large claws over Vincent’s shoulder, not gently though. “I promise to visit you guys whenever I can!” Tears dripping off his smiling face.,

“I think that what our friend wants to say is that we would be honored to make such a ritual with you.” ‘Translated’ Char.

“That is quite the honor indeed, it would be the first time someone does invite us while knowing what we do for a living.” Admitted Weiss. “But… I guess our rep doesn’t count anymore over here… right guys?” The mercenary asked with not much resolve on his own.

The Kadabra picked himself up from the ground while shooting a glare at Simon, after which he looked at Weiss. “In the words of the immortal Arceus, ‘This is a new world, get the hell used to it.’”

“Ye-yeah… That is what his gloriness said right…?” Asked Simon with a radical return to his normal voice, which also seemed slightly unsure.

“We may have a new world young Vincent.” Added Char, “But our past may come after us eventually. That is inevitable.”

“Well… things got depressing quite quickly.” Intersected Gold. “And here I thought the kid here was the brooder.” He then pointed at Vincent.

“Let them be mister Vincent.” Said Sylveon. “I know these people have a good heart, that is why they worry about their past misdeeds.”

“Nah,” Vincent said while shaking his head. “I don’t hold it against ‘em. But that might be ‘cause what I learned from Luke’s training. I don’t let the past define me. It happened, yeah. It’s not happening, it doesn’t affect me unless I let it. I use it, harness it, but I’m not that kid anymore. I defy what happened there, ‘cause otherwise, it’s like I never left. Yeah, their past might catch up with them. Unless they defy it, try to make amends for it, make up for what they did...atone! That’s the word I was looking for!” He then walked closer to Sylveon and wrapped an arm around the eevolution as they began their walk back to the city.

Meanwhile the Mercenaries slowed down for a second before chuckling. “Atone, such a hard concept to do, yet we are so willing to.” Said Weiss lowly.

“Why not start with whatever you did with Latias that made you such a person of interest to her and go from there?” the psychic innocently questioned.

“I… I didn’t do such a great thing…” the mercenary replied calmly and yet slightly embarrassed at the same time. “In fact… I think I may be the second most horrible person in her life…” His tone was clearly sad.

“Feh, you’re not the Doctor, you can still atone.” The group fell silent for a good portion of their walk back.

“So how do you girls feel?” Asked Daring as they finally reached the Nurem’s apartment.

“I feel quite well actually.” Replied Valerie, as awake as ever. “Only problem being that void in my memory after the first sip. Seriously, I thought I knew how to hold my alcohol,” she cutely pouted at the end.

“Thank Arceus you didn’t end taking ‘your alcohol’ all over us.” Replied Edge who had her hearing back at normal levels.

“As a certain Dragon did?” Teased Pancha as she dodged a Dragon Tail.

“Come on girls, act your age.” scolded Rouge. “But I agree this was a night worth to remember, or won’t you agree Lucy?”

The Lucario nodded once. “Okay, so, we’re all read up on the plan, right? I act tipsy to get Vincent to take me to bed. You all are going to need to agree on how much I ‘supposedly’ drank.”

“Enough to leave you senseless?” Inquired Pancha with a childish smile.

“We do know the plan dear, you don’t have to worry that much for us.” Rouge said calmly. “In fact, I am more worried about you. You sure you want to do this right now?” She asked kindly.

“I know what I’m getting into,” Lucy replied. “And there’s nobody else I would rather do it with. With Vincent, you have to be blunt, and I’ve tried hinting already. Yes, I want to do this now.”

“Just making sure darling, nothing more.” Rouge replied as she patted Lucy on the head.

“We already know how straightforward you can be to suddenly get all wet tail and run from your own idea.” Added Daring with a sonorous chuckle.

“Tell me about it.” Said Pancha as she tapped the top of her head.

“But now the question is: how are you feeling about this?” Asked Edge.

“Nervous,” Lucy replied honestly. “You only get one first time, after all. And I’m not sure what sort of state he’s going to be in. But even if you offered me anything else, I’d stay right here. Now if only the rest of my body would listen when I say there’s nothing to worry about…”

“Been there!” Replied all girls back, only each one was colored a different shade of pink or red.

“But I still thinking you are over-thinking this a bit too mucho niña, love is love, stuff from the heart.” Pointed Pancha out as they reached the apartment building with a laser installed wall. ”Planning this much will only lead to either failure or underwhelming expectations.”

“Okay… is she still drunk?” Asked Daring.

“I can hardly tell.” Replied Rouge with a shrug.

“I’m not expecting much,” Lucy admitted. “Especially considering I don’t know what state your friends left him in. Hell, I’ll settle for ‘conscious enough to react and remember.’”

“Lets hope he isn’t as such though.” Said Daring. “It would be sad for him not to remember his first time with you, his one true love.” The last part was said with overacted fairy tale tone.

“Not to mention it would be a bit rude on your part,” Said Edge from one of the windows, as she climbed up the side of the building and used the windows to keep chatting with the girls.

“Yeah, there is that as well,” Pointed Rouge out. “Wouldn’t you prefer to have him a bit awake first?” she hold one of her bouquets up and added, “I can help with that.”

Lucy considered for a moment before holding her paws only the slightest bit apart. “Only a little, and only if he really needs it. If he’s too awake, he might actually manage to Teleport away before anything gets started.”

“Sounds fair, and legal, enough to me.” Said Daring as they reached the apartment both families were using at the moment. “We are back!” Exclaimed the explorer as she open the door.

Sam and Bit were in the lobby, and both of them looked at the door at the exclamation of Daring Do. Upon seeing her family waiting for her, Lucy immediately adopted a slightly drunken expression and started acting in an exaggerated manner.

“Sam! Bit! So nice to see you guys!”

The Lucario then grabbed a hold of both ‘mon and pulled them into a hug. Well, as much of a hug as one could do with a Porygon-Z, anyways. Sam looked over Lucy’s head to her entourage. “And...how much did she have?”

“A couple of appletinis,” replied Daring, “poor girl can’t hold her alcohol.”

“Not to mention she gets quite nice and calm once she gets like this.” Added Pancha.

“Hey, wait,” Lucy said, pulling back and frowning. “Where’s...where’s Vinny? Shouldn’t he be back by now?”

Bit ticked for a moment while he considered the question. “Vincent has not yet returned. Yours is the first party back.”

“Makes sense,” Said Edge from her window, “They did said something about having their party away from anything they could damage.”

“And… how was your day boys?” Inquired Rouge, trying to give Lucy some time, as it would be too obvious to have her acting for too long.

“It went well,” Bit replied. “The Central Air Conditioning is installed, the Heater modifications were made, and the Generator continues to perform adequately. This house is quite nearly ready.”

“More importantly,” Sam said, “Nothing blew up or caught fire. Which you know could still happen, given our luck.”

“These devices do not possess the requisite explosive charges to randomly explode. Should I rectify that?”

“Darling, you really need to go and learn about sarcasm.” Aided Rouge.

“And our guys?” Asked Pancha as she noticed the lack of the rest of their actual team.

‘I and Greninja are in the apartment Vincent gave us for the night,’ Replied the shiny one as he then focused his link to Lucy. ‘And I know you are going through a lot of emotions right now young one, all but drunkenness.’

‘Ruin my plan, and I swear to Arceus I will complain to Arceus...or would Cresselia be a better choice? Either way, I will get on a train to the temple. You have been warned.’

‘And I could turn you into a vegetable before you had even left that room,’ calmly replied Xavier, but then he chuckled. ‘I do not wish to interrupt the happiness of my pupil, especially when he holds you in such high regard. So all I will say is this: he likes that you keep trying, despite his hang-ups.’ Then he added, ‘But like me, he will be able to notice your current mental state, so…’ the Metagross proceeded to place a mental filer around Lucy’s thoughts, ‘this is handy when doing undercover missions,’ and with the equivalent of a mental wink, Xavier said, ‘Good luck.’

“Is anyone hungry? Because I am starving!” Said Pancha loudly as she made herself the new center of attention.

“You guys know of any good restaurant with delivery service which also works late at night?” Asked Rouge.

Sam hummed for a bit. “Weeeeell, if you ask real nicely, maybe Mary will make a pizza for you. Buuut...she’s probably asleep. Twenty-nine, third of five. Her claws haven’t met a match yet. Feeling brave?”

“Maybe if Shredder or Lala were around.” Said Rouge with a shiver. “But for now, let’s settle for some other fast food shall we?”

“Please tell me there are tacos in this world!?” Exclaimed Pancha as she clung to Daring.

“Of course they exist, but I still don’t know where to get some.” Replied the explorer as he turned to look at Sam and Bit. “Any suggestions?”

The two looked at one another before both shrugged. Okay, one shrugged. The other did the best he could. “I’m no chef,” Sam said.

“I am information given form, not ability. I believe that were I to try to cook at this point, without practice, the resultant food would not be edible. As well, I do not require ‘food’ in the traditional sense, so I do not make notice of places to obtain it,” Bit replied.

“Ah for the love of…!” Exclaimed Valerie, with a bit of tiredness. “Don’t you guys have a phone guide?”

Sam shrugged again. “Maybe? We’re new to the whole ‘we own a building’ thing. Check your apartment, there probably will be one in there somewhere.”

“...” Valerie then floated to the nearest phone and took it, only to toss it at Daring, “Ask the operator for a food establishment working at these hours.” Then she turned towards both Sam and Bit, “You two really need to learn about how to be proper hosts.” Her reply came with the eyes only a mother could give.

Daring, meanwhile, did as asked and was currently calling at some place called ‘The Dragon’s bun.’

‘Target approaches.’ Said Xavier’s mental voice as a head’s up.

“Hey look,” corroborated Edge from the window, “isn’t that Vinny and our guys?”

“So I said, I said to the little Growlithe, g’on, go get the ball! And he went to go for it, and guess where it was?” Vincent’s voice was unmistakable.

“And where was it?” Asked Char with a parental tone as he entered the apartment with Vincent on his back. Weiss, Simon, Gold and Sylveon were not far behind.

“Night girls, how was your party?” Asked Weiss with a slightly absent tone.

“All okay.” Replied Rouge calmly.

“IT WAS AWESOME!” Added Pancha.

“In my hand! Oh he didn’t like that! But the one time I did throw it after he complained, I beaned an aide, right as he was entering the room! That was awesome, especially when the little guy jumped ‘im and started licking his face!” Vincent then seemed to notice where they were. “Home! My own bed!”

Lucy turned to look at Vincent and ‘unsteadily’ made her way over. “Vinny!”

The Kadabra slid off of Char and looked at the Lucario. “Lucy! It’s so good to be home!”

Lucy then ‘tripped,’ falling to one knee in front of Vincent. “Ack!”

Vincent took notice of Lucy’s seeming state and looked to the other females in the room. “How...much did you give her?”

“Ehem…” Rouge calmly cleared her voice as she replied, “Not more than you had I see.”

“How was your night boys?” Asked Daring to the new arrivals.

“It was...decent. Is decent the right word to use?” Vincent said while helping Lucy back to her feet. “Sheesh. However much you gave her, I’d give her a glass less next time.”

“That seems to be a good idea,” Replied Rouge as she too helped Vincent with Lucy. This done, she suggested to him, “Vincent, why don’t you be a good mate and take Lucy to her room?”

“Was gonna do it anyways,” Vincent muttered. “C’mon up, love. Bed’s calling my name too, let’s get you in it so you stop tripping and falling.”

“Okay Vinny,” Lucy said as the pair slowly made their way up the stairs.

Sam and Bit exchanged a look before looking at the gathered Mercs. “This unit would like to know what ulterior motives are in play,” Bit stated.

“How about we explain to you over dinner…” began Daring as they waited for the sound of footsteps to get further away, once there was also the sound of a door closing she added. “So who is up for eating out.”

Before either Bit or Sam could reply, Pancha said with a serious tone, “It wasn’t a question.” And opened the doors.

Sam gulped and followed meekly, whereas Bit merely dinged. “This unit does not eat traditional food...but for information, will follow you anyways.”

And so Checkmate and half of the Nurem Family left the apartment building…

Vincent slowly helped Lucy up the stairs, grunting at her weight with every step. "Okay, note for later: we don't drink on the same night ever again. It'd be a lot easier to carry you with my powers than doing this."

Lucy giggled a bit at the Kadabra's observation. "It's a good plan...if we can remember it..."

After what seemed like an eternity, the two of them arrived on the third floor, and Vincent reached for the doorknob while also keeping Lucy mostly stable with the rest of his body. A short moment later, and the two of them stumbled into their apartment. With a quick kick behind him, Vincent shut the door and kept dragging Lucy's body to the bedroom they both used.

Another short balancing act later, Vincent and Lucy nearly fell into their shared bedroom, and the door shut behind them. Vincent propped Lucy up against one side of the bed and gave her a quick shove, causing her to flop back onto it. She giggled as Vincent grabbed her feet and shoved her onto the bed. The Kadabra then hopped up and made sure her head was resting on a pillow before nodding and falling down next to her. "G'night, love."

Lucy waited all of a minute before rolling over and enacting part two of her plan. Her left paw started to stroke Vincent's face as she whispered into his ear. "Vinny..."

She noticed his ears twitch, and one of his eyes cracked open, looking at her. "Lucy?"

She giggled and hugged him closer before licking his face. Vincent sputtered, then realized what she just did. "Uh...Lucy, did you just-"

The Lucario cut him off by nodding and repeating the motion. "What are you trying to do, Lucy?"

"I'm trying to seduce you, Vinny," She retorted. "Why? Is it working?"

Vincent paused for a moment before his reaction made itself known to the Fighting-type. She looked down and grinned. "I'll take that as a yes."

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Vincent questioned. "I mean, we've both been out drinking. Who's to say that our actions-"

Lucy cut him off by putting a paw to his mouth and shaking her head. "My actions are my own, Vincent. I just hope this is memorable enough that you'll recall it in the morning."

Author's Notes:

AND THEN THEY SCREWED EACH OTHER!

...Three of four. The last one will be shorter and deal with the...consequences of their actions.

It's mostly going to involve talking. A lot of talking.