It had been a few days since the house had reopened, and the family had more or less settled into a routine. Even the former Rocket members...those that woke up in the morning anyways. James and Meowth would come by for breakfast, Sam would go to work afterwards, and Lucy and Vincent would engage in a bit of ‘exploration’ before she, too, had to go. Once Jessie awoke, she and Bit would go out into the city at large, returning after a few hours with more parts for his projects.

James would supervise the new Berry crop, Lala and Wobbuffet would monitor the lobby, and Meowth tended to hang around the basement, with all the newest devices. It was only thanks to the survival instincts of the others that he didn’t meddle with them. Vincent would catch up with Jeanne, slowly thinking of her more and more as his mother as he regaled her with tales of what had happened to them in this new land.

Of course, while he did that, he was also practicing with his powers, feeling more comfortable with them by the day. His reach kept growing, while his fine control slowly improved to the point where he wasn’t accidentally breaching pony minds. He was actually engaging in an exercise to see how far he could extend his ‘reach’ when he ran across a familiar mind.

A very familiar mind. One that had helped train him. It was only because of that familiarity that he recognized it.

Because it wasn’t like it had been. It was now broken, shattered...and Vincent highly doubted Luke had done it to himself. He extended a slightly larger portion of his strength, and made contact.

Vincent felt a wave of panic from Luke as he pressed against the weak barriers of the Gallade’s mind and felt Luke flinching instinctively away.

Please... don’t come... in, he heard Luke broadcast at the ‘intruder’.

Lu...Luke? Luke, what happened? Vincent had felt that it was bad, but this! His shyness, his mannerisms...they were like when he had helped see off Tolerance!

Oh... it’s you Vincent... hello... I suppose... I suppose you would have... would have recognized my mind the moment that I... I came into the city, Luke replied, his mental voice brittle as cracked glass.

You only trained me, after all...Luke, what the bloody hell happened to you? This...oh dear gods. A passive scan showed Vincent the most disturbing thing yet. All your walls, I can sense it from here. They’re all down, even the ones you put up to repress parts of your past...who...who did this to you?

It... it doesn’t matter Vincent... it doesn’t, he said softly. How... how are you?

Luke, you’re not brushing this off. It matters to me. You matter to me. Instinctively he began composing a small information packet for the others of the family. Either you tell me now or I Teleport you in here and give you the big pouty face until you give in.

... it does not matter... Vincent... it truly doesn’t, Luke replied insistantly. Do not worry... I will repair... Mage is helping me... it will just take some time.

I figured out how to best teleport other people, even multiples, Luke. Not all that hard when he figured out what he’d been doing wrong. I’m getting the truth from you or her, then. And while I could just walk in...I respect you too much for that. Make your choice as to who’s telling me, because one of you is.

I...I... I don’t want you to... get hurt Vincent... Revenge is never... worth it... I thought I told you that... Luke trailed off. It is... it is in the pa-past and you need not worry about it. I’m... I’m fine-fine I promise.

Were it something that happened on Earth, I would not be worried. But whoever did this is making you relive all your experiences from there. It happened in this new world, and quite frankly, I will have words for whoever did this. Now either tell me now or be Teleported, my teacher. He pulled his normal spoon from its place in his hat and awaited the response.

... Teleport us Vincent... I could use a hug...I think... Luke told Vincent.

A flash of blue light would surround the pair, and after a slight tugging sensation around their bodies, the ghost and swordsman found themselves in a slightly familiar locale. To Luke, anyways. It was Vincent’s apartment, and sitting on the couch was a certain Psychic, who slowly walked forward and stood in front of his once-teacher.

“Who...did this to you?” he asked softly.

I’d rather... not say... Luke said quietly before smiling slightly. Though you’ve certainly... increased in power Vincent... quite significantly too... I knew you would.

“What he’s saying is that he doesn’t want you to get hurt,” Mage said with a sigh.

“Has he told you what I did when someone hurt Sam before we left on vacation?” Vincent questioned without looking at Mage.

“No, I don’t think so,” Mage said as she came closer to Luke’s side, wrapping an ‘arm’ around him and hugging him.

“I knew it happened because of our links,” Vincent said, tapping the side of his head with one hand. “So I gathered Bit and waited for his unconscious body to stop moving. And once we arrived, all hell broke loose. You don’t hurt a member of the Nurem family.”

A voice spoke up from behind them, once that Luke also knew. The voice of said program Pokemon. “You never hurt a member of the Nurem family.”

Luke turned to see Bit hovering there. Ah... hello Bit... it’s good to see you, he said, a small smile crossing his lips. Have you gotten over your... issues?

“We are not talking about this unit,” Bit retorted, his eyes red and cross-haired. “Vincent stated that you appeared grievously damaged, and this unit can see it in the way you act and your speech patterns that this observation is true. Please enlighten this unit as to who needs to be Hyper Beamed.”

Someone who could redirect the Hyper Beam back at you... as I said... I don’t want anyone to get hurt on my account... I just wanted to see you again... Vincent... Luke said, looking to be on the edge of tears. Please just don’t... just don’t.

“Luke, you should tell them,” Mage said quietly, moving up to give him a kiss on the cheek. “I won’t do it for you but you really should.”

“Indeed,” an older, female Bellossom said as she walked from the master bedroom. “You really should. If you trained him, you know he doesn’t give up.”

Ah... hello Ma’am... I don’t know your name... Luke said slowly, giving her a bow. Another of the... experiments perhaps?

She giggled slightly and shook her head. “Here’s a hint for you. Like father, like son. How would I know that?”

Luke’s mouth opened once and then closed. Ah. I see... it is a pleasure to meet you... Mrs. Nurem... your son is wonderful... though headstrong and... quite impulsive...

The Bellossom nodded. “Like I said, like father, like son. Though, thankfully, Vincent still knows right from wrong. And dear?” She drew closer and laid a hand on his chest, causing Luke to flinch away. “What was done to you? Wrong. Vincent seems to think it needs to be corrected. While he respects you, he won’t stop until one of you tells him who did it. I should know. Rupert didn’t stop until he felt he’d made amends...when he was still human, that is.”

Luke sighed for a moment before he glanced around the room. Perhaps... perhaps it would be easier if I just... showed you... who does not want to see it?

At this, the Bellossom smiled and shook her head. “Thank you for acquising, but no. I’ve no desire to have you in my head at the moment.” A quick glance around the room showed that Bit and Vincent hadn’t moved at all. “I think I’m the only one.”

Of course, and you’re welcome... Luke replied before glancing at Vincent and Bit. What... What I’m about to show you is rather... personal and... dark... but... but if you believe you must see it... do not think ill of me... I... I... I tried.

“I really hope you didn’t forget who you’re talking to,” Vincent retorted. “I think I can take it.”

Bit dinged a few times before nodding as well. “Our opinion of you shall not change. A promise.”

Luke nodded his head and suddenly they were both in Luke’s shoes watching everything that had transpired between the time Mewtwo entered his mind and when Mage finally came to his rescue. That also included every single memory that he’d forced into Mewtwo’s head in response.

After the show, Vincent merely stood there, his fury seeming to have vanished. “He did that?”

Luke nodded, on the verge of tears as Mage comforted him silently.

“Pardon me. I have an appointment to make with a certain ambassador.”

With that, Vincent vanished in a flash of blue light. Bit dinged before shaking his head.

“I shall refrain from joining him for multiple reasons. Not the least of which is: someone will have to look after this apartment while he is away.”

Luke just stood there, shaking as Mage hugged him.

“It’s for the best, I wish he’d brought me along,” Mage told him quietly as she rubbed his back.

But... he... he’s going to get hurt... and... and it will... will be my fault, Luke stuttered.

The Bellossom and the Porygon-Z exchanged a look before the plant started laughing. “Oh, that’s a good one. Vincent getting hurt more than he already has been.”

Something about her tone made Luke’s eyes harden and to her surprise, he raised his voice. HE DOESN’T KNOW WHAT HE’S DOING! HE IS STILL A CHILD GRASPING AT WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A WARRIOR! MEWTWO WILL EAT HIM ALIVE AND IF YOU ARE SO ARROGANT TO THINK THAT YOUR SON IS UNBEATABLE THEN YOU ARE HARDLY FIT TO BE A MOTHER! He stood there panting heavily, staring down at her with an edge of blue in his eyes. He will be hurt and it will be my fault!

Jeanne held a hand to her head and wished for an aspirin before she replied. “Dear, do you know what I did on my second day here? I nearly made the grave mistake of accusing Lucy and Vincent of Pokephilia.” The Bellossom shook her head and lowered her hand. “That caused Vincent to say three simple words. Releasing Psychic Seal. Now while I admit that Mewtwo is powerful, so is Vincent if he has to use such a thing. As well, I'm sure you know the stories.” She hoped the mention of the technique Vincent had used would elicit some response from the angry psychic; it certainly had from her when her son had released it.

Luke blinked and then shook his head. He is still a child... he will be beaten... he will be hurt... I can’t allow that to happen... he is too precious to me for that to be allowed...

The grass-type smiled and drew close to him again. “Would that his own father felt that way...but you’re still underestimating him. Once he did release his Seal, it felt like there was an Alakazam in the room with me. An angry Alakazam, and he wasn’t using his Twisted Spoon then, either. In a tussle between him and Mewtwo, I’m not sure who would come out on top. Especially if he packed both his spoons.”

... I am the same strength as an angry Alakazam... Mewtwo still demolished me... Luke said before glancing at Bit. You saw him... tell her.

“While it is true he tore apart your defenses,” Bit said, “You are overlooking one thing the two of them have in common, but something Vincent has in excess. Their pasts. What was it you said? Trauma forges the sharpest swords?”

“To be honest, dear, I pity Mewtwo. If half of what I’ve heard regarding my former husbands’ experiments are true, then he’s going to have one hell of a journey through my boy’s head.”

Luke just sagged and Mage lead him over to the couch, which he fell into. “It’s going to be fine Luke,” she said gently.

... I hope so... Luke said very quietly. If it’s not... then I may not be able to live with myself.

“You think you’ve got it bad,” Lucy said, only just now walking in. “Vincent gave me a quick burst of information before he left. Something about ‘off to kill Mewtwo for hurting teacher.’ If he’s doing that, I should be by his side. Hello Luke.”

... Arceus will dissipate him from reality if he kills Mewtwo... Luke said softly. It is why I did not when I had my blade at his neck... otherwise I would have without hesitation.

“I’m pretty sure you’re underestimating how much you matter to him,” Lucy retorted. “While it is true you never hurt a member of our little broken family, Sam and I consider you a friend at best. Bit probably likes you a bit more, but then again, he’s friendly with most...if you know what to look for.”

...I’m just his first teacher... and not a very good one if he is still so Taursheaded... Luke replied quietly, looking down at his waist.

The Bellossom drew close and laid a hand on his knee. “Dear, from what I’ve heard, you’re the first one he met who cared about him. Methinks that earned you a place near to his heart.”

“Please don’t touch him,” Mage said, giving the Bellossom an apologetic smile as she removed the hand. “He’s... sensitive to physical contact.”

Thank you Mage... Luke said softly.

“You’re welcome Luke,” Mage replied, moving up to kiss him on the cheek again.

“My apologies,” the grass type said with a small nod. “I should have learned that from the first time you flinched. And think about it, mister Luke. What normal child is not angry…”

She put a hand to her mouth to cover most of her smile before she said the next bit.

“When one of their parents is hurt?”

Luke just stared at her, his eyes widening. ...what? He sounded completely dumbfounded by the very idea.

“Think about it,” she said. “He idolizes you far more than he does his other friends...what were they called?...ah yes, Checkmate. Or those PLA people he met. Or even Fredrick, the griffon who employs two of the former Subjects. He likes you far more than any other male figure in his life, and when he saw you were hurt, wasn’t taking no for an answer as to how it happened.” She cast a gaze over to the ghost. “You can sense emotions with that necklace, right? How did he feel before he left?”

“Unbelievably mad,” Mage answered with a small nod. “And you really should have seen this coming Luke.”

... I just... I’m not worthy of being anyon-

“Hey! Don’t say things like that remember?” Mage said, cutting him off.

Still... out of all the people he could have chosen to be his... ‘father’... he picked me... the damaged... worthless...-

“Luke!” Mage exclaimed.

The Bellossom merely huffed and crossed her arms. “You’re a damn sight better than his actual dad, I’ll tell you that much. Despite his constant differentiation between the two, I know that there were still elements of Rupert in the Doctor. And neither were a father to Vincent. You’ve got that going for you, and quite frankly, I approve.”

Luke just stared at his waist.

“Just don’t try and make any moves on him,” Mage said, giving the Bellossom a small, almost joking glare. “I’ve worked hard for him to actually realize that I liked him.”

“Dear, when I was human, I was pushing forty,” she replied with wave. “I’m not that much of a cougar. Have your boy if you want him that badly. Just keep in mind, you’re probably getting a teenager to look after if you do.”

Mage actually smiled. “So we get to skip the parts where he’s pooping everywhere, great,” she said, doing her best to cheer Luke up, or knock him out of the shock that he was still in.

...grand?... Luke just sat there stunned. I can’t... I can’t believe it... He shook his head and glanced at Lucy. Please don’t give me... grandchildren... for a while please... if you need advice on good alternatives to... vaginial I can give you suggestions...

Lucy blushed before shooting a mock glare at the psychic. “Okay, first of all, please stop poking in my head without my permission. Without Vincent nearby, my defenses aren’t nearly enough to keep you out. And secondly, I make no promises when Vincent is here. It took a lot to get him into bed, and I intend to make the most of it when he’s amicable.”

“By which she means, she got my boy drunk and tricked him, and she’s still dealing with the fallout,” the grass type said with a huff.

“Hey, that wasn’t me, it was Checkmate that did it! I just took advantage of the situation.”

“And him.”

Luke’s expression hardened into a knife. It would be best if you avoided that in the future Lucy. His voice was soft and almost kind... like velvet around a blade.

“Okay, look, I apologized after the fact, and after a lot of talking... seriously, nearly an entire day’s worth… he and I agreed to take it a bit slower in the future. But I finally got him to see me in ‘that’ sort of light, which is what I really wanted.” The fighting-type defended herself.

Drunken sex is hardly the ‘sort of light’ that your first time should be... though there are worse, Luke said before shaking his head. But you are a Lucario so your spots are rather prominent when it comes to pleasure. In fact, there is one located around this area that many do not know of... Luke trailed off as he used his mind to gently pull Lucy’s dreads and pressed against the area beneath them.

She yipped and blushed quite profusely before batting at the Gallade with one paw, causing Mage to snicker. “Quit it! I’m not yours!”

I’m simply supplying you with information that will provide you with pleasure so that you do not take advantage of my... son... again without his permission, Luke said, giving her a vanilla smile. Now then, another little known one is the footpaws, odd as it may sound, Lucario actually have exceedingly sensitive paws that are also zones. He smiled as his psychic energy softly poked a spot on both of her feet.

“Yipe!” Lucy said before glaring at him. “Okay, seriously, stop it. You’re going to take all the fun out of our little nightly exploration sessions with each other if you keep this up.”

Luke nodded and ceased. Just remember Lucy... do not harm him.

“Never,” she replied. “And like I said, no promises on the grandchild thing...I may or may not try to honor your wishes.”

“Though it is nice to see you accepting of what he sees you as,” the Bellossom said. “Now all we have to do is hope he returns the same as he was when he left.”

... if he does not then... Arceus will hear from me... Luke said very quietly.

“Not...what I meant, dear. He’s been practicing, refining a new technique. He finally got all the parts down for his Pings, and he’s been working on a new attack...one that leaves him in tears when it’s over.” The Bellossom sighed and looked at the ground while shaking her head.

“Hmmm, well, whatever the case, I think Luke might need a nap, no matter how much he’ll try and deny it,” Mage said, floating around Luke’s head.

... actually... a nap sounds wonderful... though I do not know how I will drift off to sleep distressed as I am over Vincent... Luke said before shaking his head and glancing at Bit. Is there a free bed somewhere?

“You are currently on the couch,” Bit replied. “It unfolds into a bed, we’ve recently discovered.”

The grass type nodded. “Normally, that’s Sam’s, and I take the master bedroom. I think a bit of shuffling can be done, though. You…” Here she looked up to Mage and winked before continuing, “And your lady friend can have the couch. Sam can have the master bed, and I’ll pop down to the store and get myself a sleeping bag.”

I would not want to kick you out of your bed... or deprive Sam of his... Luke said quietly.

The Bellossom shook her head. “Dear, you matter. Things can be altered for you. All you have to do is ask, and we’d be happy to accommodate you. Besides...were I to do any less for the one my boy so idolizes, I’d have to be heartless.”

A small smile crossed Luke’s face and he nodded, standing and giving her a bow. Thank you dear lady... your generosity is befitting of a queen.

“Yeah, what he said,” Mage agreed with a small chuckle.

The Bellossom motioned for Mage to drift a bit closer, which she did, and wrapped her in a hug. “Think nothing of it, you two. And please, simply call me Jeanne. I would have divorced that monster a while ago if we could find him, so no last name for me.”

As you wish, Jeanne, Luke said softly, gently putting an energy hand on her shoulder. Now then... to sleep.

Author's Notes:

Ed: Aww... Luke’s experiencing SO MANY new things, and for once, they’re not awful! Still... Vincent had best be careful.

Thad: Y’feel that? Ah kin feel it in mah bones. A shitstorm be brewin’. Best head to the bunker.