The next morning was...interesting. Interesting seemed to cover quite a few situations in this new world. Bit was hovering in the middle of the living room, reciting his numbers to himself, and Sam sat at the kitchen table, slowly stirring a cup of coffee. Vincent and Lucy had yet to make an appearance. From one side of their shared bedroom door, if you knew what to look for...well, the signs were really, really obvious.

Beyond said door, Vincent stirred, feeling another body next to him and pulling them closer with one arm. Said body shifted and let out a little moan. "Vincent..."

At the tone in which his name was uttered, the Kadabra snapped his eyes open, the previous evening coming back with perfect clarity. "Oh."

He looked over at Lucy's dozing form, noticing that there were still stains in her fur coat. Checking himself, Vincent sighed as his memories reflected what had really occurred. He then reached out and gently shook Lucy awake. "Lucy. Lu. Sis, c'mon, wake up."

Lucy slowly stirred before cracking an eye open. Upon catching sight of Vincent, she smiled and closed the eye. "Morning, love."

Vincent sighed and poked the Lucario, causing her to let out a small yip. "Lucy, do you remember last night?"

Lucy grumbled a bit, but upon hearing the question, sighed and nodded. "Best. Night. Ever."

Vincent blinked at that before putting on a slight glare. "You weren't drunk at all, were you?"

The Lucario seemed to hear the steel in his voice and turned to look at Vincent, a sheepish expression on her face. "Uh...not...really?"

Vincent sighed at her admission and shook his head. "We're...going to talk about this later."

As though that had been their cue, both Pokemon's stomachs started growling. Lucy coughed lightly and looked up at the Kadabra. "Perhaps after breakfast?"

Sam had just raised his cup to his mouth and taken a sip when the sounds of hushed conversation trickled into the main apartment. The Scizor carefully set his mug down and adopted a neutral expression before closing his eyes, appearing to have dozed off in his chair.

“Okay, Bit’s reciting, and Sam seems to be sleeping. Let’s sneak in, grab some food, and sneak back.”

“Agreed, we have a few things to talk about still.”

Sam waited for the sounds of a cupboard opening before cracking his eyes open, seeing both the Lucario and Kadabra with their backs turned and raiding the cereal cabinet.

“So how was it, Lucy?”

The rate at which the boxes were dropped and his little siblings whipped around bordered on sonic speeds. Both of them were in a bit of shock and embarrassment, judging by their wide eyes and flushed cheeks. Vincent spoke up first. “Sam, I know you have a few things you probably want to say…”

The Scizor waved a claw. “Nah...just lemme know when I’m going to be an uncle. I have to have time to make the adjustment, after all.”

His offhanded comment brought on a fresh wave of embarrassment, in the form of two Pokemon sputtering. Sam then downed his coffee and gave a wink to the younger pair. “Now play nice, you two. Especially you, Lucy. I need to head into work, and I’m sending Bit out to see about those things on the to-do list.”

Indeed, at the Scizor’s statement, Bit snapped himself out of his recitation and nodded at Sam. “Agreed. I shall see about the filtered glass and water tank today, see if there is anything to be done.”

The young lovebirds were left alone in the apartment again, and Sam chuckled as he closed the door behind him. “Took her long enough.”

If the tongue could let someone see his mouth, Sam could have seen Greninja’s celebratory smile as the Ninja Pokemon seemed to be currently guarding the door to the room his team was using. As it stood, the Ninja Pokemon just seemed more cheerful than usual.

‘I would say that for her, it may be long enough.’ Came Xavier’s mental voice. ‘I am afraid we may not be here once you return. So on behalf of my team: we thank you for your help in our moment of need.’

Sam flinched slightly at the sound of the Metagross’ voice in his head before replying out loud. “Yes, well, don’t thank me, thank Vincent...assuming you stick around long enough to do so. And if you could pass on my thanks to the rest of your team for nudging them together, that’d be fine by me.”

‘You are welcome...’ Came a rather tired reply from the minds sort of awake at the other side of the door, via Xavier’s mental link. ‘So they said. But still, I think you own our thanks as much as Vincent. I would just want to ask for one thing.’

“I’m listening, beyond that, I make no promises,” Sam replied with more than a bit of steel to his voice. Vincent wasn’t the only one that could hold a grudge.

‘Take care of him...’ Was all the Metagross said in what could only be described as a paternal voice. ‘I know you have done it before and will more likely do it from now on, but...’ and more amazingly yet, Xavier seemed to be at a loss for words.

“Already was planning on it. He’s a lot more stable now, but the kid needs all the help he can get. Whether it be from his teachers or his family...I think the pain is nearly completely gone now. He’s moving past it at an incredible clip. I used to be afraid of him falling back into his memories of the darker times, but then Lucy confessed to him. Such a positive influence on each other, those two are...I’ll look after him, but I’m not certain he’ll need it for much longer.”

‘That is to be expected, but I still felt I had to ask you for this.’ Replied the tactician. ‘He has to find his own way, and I am sure Lucy will only help him to become a more stable and powerful mind. But in the meanwhile, since I can’t be here, I am entrusting him to you. Even when you already had him in your custody to begin with.’ Finished the Metagross with his regular monotone back in place.

“Yeah, yeah. Figured that much...I’ll do this for you, if you do a favor for me in kind.” Sam said, now in the lobby of the building.

‘I am listening’ Replied Xavier.

“Ask Bit for a list of survivors. If you run into any, try to make sure they’re taken care of? We know they’re here, thanks to Arceus, but where is a mystery. They don’t need to be shepherded here unless they want to know where Vincent is, but after the life they’ve had…” Sam trailed off as he considered the things that had happened in those walls.

‘I will,’ came Xavier's simple reply.

“Thank you,” Sam said. “You don’t need to take care of them yourself...but making sure they have a roof over their heads would be a good step. They could do with a little safety, security, and happiness in this new world. The Doctor is not here. His staff are not here. We are...and that’s all we need. I’m sure carrying that message to them would bring a smile to all their faces.”

“From mercenaries to shepherds, we sure have changed,” Said Char as he noticed Sam get down the lobby, as he was currently and calmly sitting at the reception desk while reading the news. “Bit asked me to see if anyone arrived.” He said as all explanation.

“At least until the young couple upstairs overcome their shame and get ready for the day?” Sam shot back with a low chuckle. “Well done by the way. I was going to give it another week before I got involved.”

“I am sure you could have done it okay,” Admitted Char as he left the newspaper down, “You are quite balanced for someone who has gone through the life you all had. To say you deserve some recognition is an understatement Sam.”

“We’re probably only as well-adjusted as we are because Vincent interacted with us more,” Sam admitted. “It might be that we owe our sanity to him. He tried with the others, but some of them preferred to be alone...and some were just plain mad. If there’s a better way to repay him than by being there for him now, I don’t know it.”

Char chuckled lightly at Sam’s reply, “You know, I sort of envy you.”

“Grass is always greener on the other side...right up until you hop the fence and see how many brown patches there are,” Said Sam with a hint of cheek. “Anyways, I have to get in to work soon...so thank you again, and take care out there.

“Farewell then, until next time we meet,” Replied the veteran as he held a claw towards Sam. The younger Scizor met the claw with his own, a slight ringing noise echoing as they met for a second, and after that, only the veteran remained in the lobby.

Vincent set out the bowls for breakfast, and Lucy poured the cereal in and took her seat. Vincent added the milk and spoons, and took his seat, which was opposite the table from Lucy. Until the two of them had talked, he wasn't sure how close he wanted to be. "Okay, let's go over all of what happened last night. You weren't actually drunk."

Lucy gave a small nod. "When we did what we did, no. When the girls and I went out on the town, yes. It's what led to that. They unbottled my urges, and then I acted on them."

Vincent sighed. "Whereas I was drunk. Not enough to forget, but enough to lower my reaction times, make running unfeasible."

"I was counting on it," the Lucario countered. "You were avoiding the issue, so I took matters into my own hands."

Vincent sighed again, and then there was a knocking on their door.

“Coming through.” Came the voice of Weiss before he opened the door. “Please don’t shout me out!”

Vincent and Lucy both looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “Yes?” Lucy said.

“Can we help you?” Vincent tacked on.

Weiss looked over his raised arm and sighed in relief, “Nothing, just some bad memories… anyway! Can I please have some coffee?” he asked very politely.

Vincent pointed over at their coffee-maker on a nearby counter. “Sam made half a pot and only had a cup. I’ve had one as well, and so long as you leave one for Lucy, feel free.”

“Thank you.” He gladly said as he passed by them, grabbed a mug, poured some coffee in it, passed by them again and politely asked. “So are you guys okay to take us to this pizzeria you all talk about?” He asked with the warmest of smiles while his cup began to shake in his hand, just slightly though.

Lucy and Vincent exchanged a look, and Vincent sighed. “We...have a few things to talk about still. I could tell you where it is, if that would suffice. As well, someone needs to be home in case Bit actually finds the things he’s looking for today.”

“Okay then,” Said Weiss as some sweat started to come down his face, “... so where is it?”

“Five blocks west, two blocks north. Known only as Fredrick’s, named after the griffon who runs it,” Lucy said, before asking the critical question. “Are you...okay, Weiss?”

“Why of course, better than ever in fact.” Said the now slightly green Bisharp, “So if you two will excuse me…” and headed to the door, fast.

Vincent and Lucy exchanged another look and a shrug as the leader of the mercenaries left their apartment. If he said he was fine, he was fine, and it wasn’t their problem.

"Okay, so let's agree to one thing right now," Vincent stated. "No more drunken sex."

Lucy nodded. "Fine by me. I just took advantage of the situation to show you what you were missing out on."

Vincent sighed. "And can we please go back a few steps in this whole intimacy thing? I'm really not used to it. Like maybe tonight, a little bit of physical fun, but only a little, and slowly build up to what we did last night again?"

The Lucario frowned. "We're going to have to define just how many steps back we take this."

And so the haggling began...

In the middle of the afternoon, Vincent called a halt to the haggling over affection and cast his mind towards those of Checkmate's. They appeared to be at the train station, and Vincent became an impartial observer to what was going on, a set of ears and a mouth without a body.

“You think they will come to see us go?” Simon's voice rang out.

“Well, Sam is working, Bit is working on the house and Vincent and Lucy are working each other out, so I wouldn’t be too surprised if they didn’t come. Not that I blame them though.” Char summarized, “they are now normal members of this world.”

True, while I can’t see you off... Vincent held his head as the familiar headaches started up again. Owch, and doing this with a slight hangover hurts...I can at least give you some parting words. Thank you for visiting, Checkmate...my friends. I hope to see you again some day. Vincent’s ‘voice’ rang out among the team after Char’s words.

“Would you look at that, he is acting more like Xavier every day.” Joked Pancha.

“I think the pleasure has been ours as well.” Said Weiss with his calm, elegant tone. “I am sure we will be more than glad to stop by your place if we ever have the chance. Of course if that is okay with you two.”

You are always welcome to return...in fact, if there’s an apartment open when you do, it’s yours for the night...for a few bits, of course. By the time you do pay another visit, the house will be operational again, and we can’t just give away shelter during operating hours. Still, our door is open to you and whoever else you pick up on your journey through this new world. And ladies? Vincent allowed them a moment to respond to his suddenly too-sweet tone.

“We have an empires’ account on our back niño, I am sure we can repay your kindness.” Said Pancha with her cheerful tone.

Rouge added “What is it dear?”

Lucy told me of your role in the actions of last night...while I approve of the result, I do hope you don’t intend to plot or scheme around me or her again. That would not be a wise move. His voice had suddenly turned as hard as nails for a moment before returning to a cheerful tone. Now do take care on your journey, and if I meet any wayward chess pieces, I’ll hold on to them until I can get a message to you!

“We only promise not to unless your lady asks for help, as she did last night.” Replied Daring nonchalantly.

“And I would be grateful if you take care of anyone from my ‘family’ mister Nurem.” He said very respectfully. “We would just ask you to please not be as cryptic as some of our other members had been when giving us the news.”

Hmm...but this presents a problem. If you’re constantly moving around...idea. Xavier, how hard do you think it would be for us to set up a permanent relay between our minds? That way, I could tell you right off the bat if I find anyone.

‘With a normal mind would be impossible without proper equipment and gadgets, but with your mind...We could make use of a ‘empty memory’ to keep a link with each other. Somewhat similar to voicemail. We can leave a thought there and see it when we ‘think’ about it.’ Xavier explained and proposed.

“Thank you for saving us the trouble of knowing how that works.” Said Weiss, “and I do mean it.”

The only slight issue might be what might happen to said ‘empty memory’ should I ever Evolve again, but for now, let us make use of your plan...aaaand I’ve only just thought about it, but this is probably going to sting, isn’t it?

‘Like placing a needle on one of your lobes, but it wont last.’ Xavier replied. ‘And we can create a new ‘memory’ if it happen to be erased when you evolve, but I hope it doesn’t. I would like to know when that happens.’

“Call me a Goldeen and put me in a fish bowl, he is really caring for him!” Exclaimed Simon.

‘Are you ready then?’ Xavier asked.

Let me just... the Kadabra grabbed a hold of the couch a bit more firmly before replying again. Okay, braced. Do it now before I have second thoughts.

And then a ‘memory,’ or more literally, a part of each of the psychics’ brains were subjected to a sudden application of psychic powers, forcing a link to be generated between the two so no matter where, both pieces could contact with each other. Needless to say, it hurt just and exactly as Xavier said it would.

‘Done’ was all that was said by Xavier about the experience. Vincent was a bit more vocal however.

Son of a Mightyena, that hurt! Oh hell, ow ow OW! Okay, if I ever say I want to do this again, somebody slap me, because I’ll have clearly taken leave of my senses! ...On the bright side, I...think I can work with this so that it won’t hurt nearly as badly should I decide to try making translation a permanent thing for the ponies and Pokemon of Las Pegasus.

‘Ah… a mental chip!’ Xavier recognized the line of thought Vincent was on, ‘an interesting technique, one people can easily abuse, so I trust you to use it wisely.’

“We don’t use it because it can be ‘hacked’ by other psychics, or on some cases, cause a ‘total wipeout’ order on our brains. So thanks, but the old mind link is okay for me, thank you very much.” said Weiss.

Fair enough...which is why I’m going to devote a portion of my time to making sure they not only work, but are secured from such simple tampering. It...might take me a while, and a few sessions with Bit to come up with ideas. But thank you for visiting and the ideas you’ve helped churn up, as well as all the help and ‘help’ you’ve been.

An unfamiliar mind appeared on his 'mental horizon', and with a flicker of effort, Vincent determined that it was the conductor for the train they were all waiting on. I’m afraid, however, your train approaches.

As Vincent finished talking, a shrill, distant whistle was indeed heard.

“So it seems.” Pointed out Char.

“We have been happy to have a proper time with you ‘lot’ specially since we didn’t fight over anything this time.” Said Weiss.

“We did take a building down though.” Said Simon.

“And we sure enjoyed our girls night!” commented Pancha.

“We truly did, and I look forward for the next time we can share a similar evening.” Added Rouge.

“I wish you luck with your building mister Vincent.” Said Valerie.

“And your berries.” Added Sylveon.

“Specially the berries!” commented Edge.

“And if you happen to meet anyone from the PLA, just don’t bee too harsh with them.” Said Gold coolly.

“Th-thanks for everything, I really enjoyed knowing you mister Vincent.” Said Roa more than a hint of joy to her voice.

“I see why Sam said such things about you.” Commented Char, “you have this uncanny ability to make people like you.”

“Is one of the best out there!” Admitted Gold, “the commander sure knows about it.”

“Well, the train is here and our time is running short. So see you later guys, and congratulations on your ‘grand opening’!” Daring teased. The collection of minds moved, presumably onto the train, before anyone else spoke up.

“I really thank you kid, for being so damn nice to a bunch of mercenaries like us. I hope we can return the favor one day… one day…” Weiss said sadly.

‘I hope we can keep in contact if we need to, even if is to know about idle things or to help with your progress about your psychic designs.’

Or if it’s just to warn me about when you intend to visit, so I can warn the bars about needing to stock up before you do.

‘I will try.’ Said Xavier with a chuckle.

And so the two families parted ways once more, but unlike last time, they did look forward to meeting again in a near future.

A Leavanny wiped the sweat off her brow as in the distance, a glimmering city appeared. "See? I told you I could protect you four through the desert."

Behind her trailed a Meowth, who flopped down on top of the sand dune she'd climbed onto. "Yeah, but you sure picked the scenic route."

"Meowth, please treat her with a little respect for guarding us," a male Roserade said, his leaves noticeably wilted from the heat he'd experienced over the last few days.

"Yes, she's more than earned her pay...once we're safe in that city, that is," a female Pyroar said, looking hardly the worse for wear, though there was definitely sand in her coat.

"Wobbuffet!"

Author's Notes:

Part 4 of 4.
*Pulls up a huge image of the last scene with black silhouettes taking the place of the players in it.*
WHO ARE THOSE POKEMON?!