Author's Notes:

Part two of ten. Gotta catch all the chapters!
There may or may not be spoilers located within any of these chapters for Ausbrony's story A Brave New World.
If you notice any, call a spoiler officer at 555-2714.

Lala was having a relatively normal day. Greet some ponies and Pokemon, tell them the pricing for an apartment depending on how long they intended to stay, fend off an amorous Scizor, and read an interesting book. All in all, fairly standard for her. And then they walked in. The Sylveon and Earth Pony mare. If she had to pick a time at which everything started to take a turn for the weird, that would be the moment. Lala looked up at them from her book and blinked a few times. “Oh, visitors? Or tenants?” she asked.

“Visitors,” the pony replied, “My name is Apple Fritter and this is my beloved, Rika.”

The Leavanny nodded once before putting her book down. “I am Lala, and behind you by the door is-”

“WOBBUFFET!” the psychic nearly screamed at being mentioned.

Fritter suddenly lashed out in surprise, and stopped her hoof only a few millimeters from Wobbuffet’s face. The force behind the blow still gave off a gust of wind as it stopped, enough to tell the experienced Pokemon that he narrowly avoided being put through the wall.

“Ah- Ah’m so sorry!” Fritter quickly apologized, her accent dropping. “Ah didn’t mean to!”

“Wobbuffet likes sneaking up on ponies and ‘mon alike, and he’s a defensive powerhouse. I keep telling him not to, but he never listens. Though I get the feeling he will after this one. Won’t you?” The Leavanny smirked over to the blue blob, who was wiping off his forehead.

“Wobbuffet,” he said with a slight nod before retreating back to the door.

“Ah really didn’t mean to scare him,” Fritter said quietly, her ears flat against her head.

“Hey, it’s alright,” Rika said, wrapping Fritter up in a hug. “No-one’s blaming you and no-one got hurt. Honestly, I nearly Moonblasted him myself.”

“Like I said, defensive powerhouse. He’d probably walk it off. So!” The Leavanny sat up a bit more straight behind the receptionist desk and looked over it at the guests. “You’ve met me and Wobbuffet. Are you here to see Jessie, James, Meowth, or any of the Nurem family?”

“VINNY’S HERE!?” Rika cried happily. “Lucky~”

“While we weren’t looking for him at the moment,” Fritter said, “We were coming to meet him eventually.”

“Mm. Floor three then. And take care, I think the family is going through something. Sam mentioned something about a Heat when he tried flirting with me this morning on his way to work.”

“You and Sam are an item?” Rika asked earnestly. “How’d he score a cutie like you?”

Despite the slight pause the Sylveon’s words had on her, Lala responded. “I am merely intrigued by him at this moment. It is not every day one finds one trained by their own father, after all. And despite his thicker chitin, he appears to have no difficulty dodging my attacks in the morning as retribution for his...cheesy lines. Such a feat is not easy for anyone. For most, it is downright impossible.”

“I’m so glad Ignis isn’t here,” Rika said with a sigh of relief. She paused and gave the Leavanny a hard stare. “Can I ask something strange? Do you know a Florges named Titania?”

“A fellow guild member, yes. How many have you run into?” To say that Rika had Lala’s interest would be akin to saying Arceus could be kind of a jerk.

"Just Titania," Rika said with a huff. “Waaaaay back when we first arrived on this world.”

The thought of not having any news on her father was slightly disappointing. Perhaps she would ask Vincent to contact Xavier and see if the two of them could pass messages back and forth through them. She waved at the pair with an arm-blade. "Like I said, the Nurem family is on floor three at the moment, apartment 301. Do take care, I’m not sure which member is afflicted with the Heat, but it’s something to keep in mind anyways.”

“Thanks for the tip Miss Lalah,” Rika smiled. And with that, the two girls headed upstairs to see the family. Lala nodded as they passed before returning to her book.

Bit was not pleased with having to abandon his workshop for any amount of time. He could understand the need for a door guard, certainly. But surely he could have sent Jessie over instead? As it was, very few ponies or 'mon bothered the family...

Just then, someone knocked on the door. Perhaps he would have to reassess his previous statement. Bit opened the door and poked his disconnected head out of it, noticing two familiar forms on the other side. “Ah, Miss Fritter, Miss Rika, hello. Is there a reason behind your visit?”

“Itty Bitty~” Rika giggled, grabbing the head and hugging it. “We came to visit like we promised.”

“S’good to see y’all again,” Fritter agreed.

The program ticked a few times as his eyes focused on the Sylveon holding his head. “...I suppose I did something to deserve this,” he grumbled, pulling the rest of his body out and closing the door behind him. “Still, your timing could only have been worse if you arrived some weeks later. Did Lala inform you?”

Rika paused for a second before responding, “Something about a Heat? She didn’t know much herself.” The Sylveon then poked at the Porygon’s head with a ribbon, “And what’s got you all pouty? Did you get locked out of a library or something?”

“I could be assembling my rudimentary computer right now, but the family is busy helping Subject Thir- I mean, Christine. Well, those that can are helping her, anyways. So I am on door duty, as Jeanne cannot reach the doorknob.” The program had hastily corrected himself from slipping back into the way he used to refer to the former subjects.

“Ah, so you can’t tinker?” Rika nodded. “Don’t worry Bitty, when Sethy gets here, you’ll prolly be free to do whatever. He had to go see the Town Guard about something.”

Bit dinged a few times before beeping in a negative manner. “Not advised. Luxray and Lucario share an egg group, and it is currently Lucy who is afflicted by a Heat. None of the family would take it well if something were to happen.”

Rika and Fritter paused and their expressions darkened. “If Sethy were to try anything...”

“That boy wouldn’t walk straight fer a month!” Fritter finished. “Seth is ours, an’ ah think he knows that.” A sly grin made its way onto her face. “An’ ah’d be more worried about Rika, she does like to tease after all~”

“Ooh! I hadn’t thought of that,” Rika giggled.

Bit looked between the two females before performing his version of a shrug; waving his arms up quickly before returning them to their normal state. “Still, the scent is likely to afflict him in some manner. I must remain on guard until Luke, Mage, or Vincent are free, or until Sam returns from work. And seeing as how there is delicate work going on, I doubt they would appreciate you entering at this juncture.”

“So we can’t come inside?” Rika giggled, causing Fritter to groan and facehoof. “Well, what should we do until then?”

“Jeanne is still free,” Bit clarified. “And I think she would not mind giving you a tour of our facilities...assuming one of you gave her a ride. She is a Bellossom, after all.”

“Ah don’t mind,” Fritter said. “One question... what’s a Bellossom?”

“I can show you in a moment,” Bit said before looking at the ribbon around his horn. “Assuming I am free to leave.”

“Ah, whoops?” Rika let Bit go and smiled. “Sorry Bitty.”

Bit did his version of a smile, something you’d have to look at his eyes for, as he briefly altered the eyes to show off small smiles instead of interlocked rings. “Forgiven. One moment…”

With that, the program opened the door and closed it again, to retrieve Vincent's mother. She was easy enough to locate, as she was observing the proceedings in the living room with no small amount of sadness. Bit tapped her once to get her attention, and the Bellossom turned to look at the program.

"Some of Vincent's friends are here, but seeing as how he is occupied at the moment, I suggested that you would be able and willing to take them on a tour of the building."

Jeanne nodded a few times to clear her head before smiling up at the program. "I can do that...and I think I need to get away from this reminder anyways. Thank you for thinking of me, Bit."

Jeanne walked back to the door, and Bit opened it up again, letting her walk out with ease. Jeanne looked up at the mare and the Sylveon that had come to visit, a few stories from Vincent's travels tickling at the back of her brain and making them seem familiar. “Oh, hello there, dears. I’m Jeanne, and if I’m not mistaken, you know the others?”

Rika nodded, “Yes, my name is Rika Crescent and this is Apple Fritter. We met Vinny and the others when they visited Canterlot last week. We might also be responsible for his lovey-dovey-ness with Lulu.”

Jeanne blinked a few times before smiling and making to hug Rika. “And good on you for doing it, they love one another so much that I’m sure they’ll pull through even this with no more sanity lost among them.”

Rika gladly reciprocated the hug, and Fritter spoke up in the meanwhile. “So I take it you’ll be our guide while they’re... intertwined?” the Earth Pony mare asked.

Jeanne giggled a bit before disentangling herself from Rika and responding to Fritter. “While Lucy is a bit...tied up at the moment, Luke, Mage, and Vincent are helping a very strange Gabite. Which is why Bit’s on door duty, normally it’d be Mage. I can guide you around the place, there’s plenty to see. Most of it is in the basement, though there is the garden on the roof.”

Fritter’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Y’all have a garden of the roof!?”

“Well that didn’t last long,” Rika giggled. “Mention farming and she’s in her element.”

“She’ll like it up there, but let’s save that for later, then. James is probably still making sure the plants have water at this time of day, now that I think about it.” The plant looked from the pony to the Eevolution, a spark of mischief in her eye as she asked the next question.

“Sooo...which one of you do I get to ride?”

“Oh my, so forward~” Rika giggled. “You’d never be able to keep up though.”

“Ah’ll be yer method of transportation,” Fritter sighed.

“I just can’t help myself, dear,” the Bellossom said as she drew closer to the mare. “I’ve been trying to compete with Luke as to who can make more dirty jokes, so as to effect Vincent, and sometimes it slips out without my noticing around others.”

“Rika’s the same, ‘cept she just does it cause she’s Rika,” Fritter said, leaning down so Jeanne could climb up.

“Oh hush,” Rika said. “You don’t mind when I talk like that in bed.”

Apple Fritter said nothing, but her red face spoke volumes.

“The basement, then,” the elder of the three said as she settled in on the pony’s back. “There’s a few things down there, and as long as you two promise not to touch, we might be able to look at what Bit’s been up to as well.”

“Fii~nee,” Rika said when Fritter looked at her. “I won’t touch the shiny things.”

“Well then,” Fritter got back up. “Let’s go!”

The trip down was four stories of stairs that, thankfully, were still pony-friendly. Once the small party arrived in the basement, the heater and air-conditioner were obvious, as well as the fact that they’d been modified from anything that could be considered normal.

Fritter looked at the modern conveniences. “Wha? What is half of this stuff?”

“Air con, a heater... ohh, you totally teched out this apartment!” Rika exclaimed. “Aw, I wish we had air-con...”

“It only works because of Bit’s Ice Beam, dear,” Jeanne explained while slipping off the pony. Walking over and opening up a compartment in the side, she continued to explain. “While they have a backup that runs off the generator in the next room, they’d work better if we had an Ice-type to chill the air in here. And the heater,” she continued, walking over to the next one, “Works off of similar principles with Fire-types. Assuming Jessie ever learns how to control her fires, this one won’t be an issue either.”

“Pokemon power huh?” Rika commented. “Well, as long as Bitty doesn’t try and use Sethy as a battery...”

“Ah doubt Bit would do that,” Fritter giggled. “But this is pretty ingenious.”

“He might ask for a quick charge from Seth, but not a whole lot - he doesn’t like using his Charge Beam for the generator. Says something about how he’s just putting power in to take it out later when he needs it again. And the others did ask him to stop siphoning electricity from the city grid for himself as well.” The plant looked into the next room and nodded. “Right, the generator is in here, as well as Bit’s workspace. I’m trusting you two!”

“Hai, we won’t touch!” Rika saluted.

“We promise,” Apple Fritter agreed. “Ah hate it when somepony messes up mah farm tools.”

In the next room, a generator was hooked up to a capacitor, along with a fuse box for the whole building. In another corner…

...Well, it looked like a very primitive computer had exploded and had a few magical additions made to it along the way. Chalk had been used to write out calculations or circle some parts, and wires connected nearly every part of the whole mess.

“This looks... messy,” Rika commented.

“Mah brain hurts,” Fritter said, looking at the mathematical equations. “Wait, are those magic crystals?”

“It’s probably best not to question how he makes his computer, dear. Only that it’s something for him to focus on with all the knowledge Genesect traded with him. Let’s just hope he succeeds, otherwise he’ll be sulky about not understanding magic for days.”

“Seth tried to explain compu-thingies when he showed me his Pokedex... ah still don’t get them.”

“And I find that adorable for some reason,” Rika giggled. “But a magic computer? That would really be something. I know Sethy wants to get phones working more than anything.”

“Bit probably has information on that as well,” Jeanne said with a shrug. “Nobody’s asked because he’s oh-so-busy on his computer.”

Apple Fritter and Rika looked at the cluttered workshop, giving it one last look around before the Sylveon spoke up. “Well, we should probably leave. I think I can feels Bit’s pressure for us to get out from here.”

Jeanne nodded and drew close to Apple Fritter. “A wise idea. So long as nobody touches anything, he’s merely peeved that others enter his workspace. I think his time outside of a computer is negatively effecting him.”

“Heh, well let’s go then!” Apple Fritter said excitedly and trotted cheerfully out of the room. The mare narrowly avoided knocking over a toolbox on her way out, the heavy case caught by Rika at the last second.

“Watch it Appleflank,” she giggled. “That would not have ended well.”

“Eheh, sorry bout that,” Fritter replied sheepishly.

Jeanne sighed and wiped a hand over her forehead at the aversion of the near disaster. Then she took note of where the two had gotten to and jogged after them. “Wait a moment, you forgot about me!”

Apple Fritter paused as Rika lifted the elderly Bellossom up and placed her on the mares back.

“Sorry Jeannie~” the Sylveon giggled.

The plant settled back in on the mare’s back and nodded. “At least you stopped. Right then, to the roof?”

The Bellossom suddenly had to grab on tightly as Fritter practically raced up the stairs. Once they’d reached the top, Fritter practically squeed with excitement when she laid eye on the beautiful garden.

“It’s... amazing!” she whispered.

The noise had drawn the attention of a nearby Roserade, and he stepped out from between two flowering plants. “Ah, hello again Jeanne...and who are they?” he questioned while pointing one bouquet at her companions.

Jeanne hopped down and walked over to the other plant-type. “The mare is Apple Fritter, and the Sylveon is Rika. They’re here to visit and see the things we do and how we do them, James dear.”

Apple Fritter was getting over her initial excitement and was now taking a more professional eye to the garden. “Let’s see, ya’ll have a nice set up here. This glass provides some excellent shade and the layout of the garden itself is good. Not too much space between each plant and... hmm... do y’all have irrigation? Watering this many plants by hoof would be quite the chore.”

“Not yet I’m afraid,” James said with a bit of a slump. “And despite the water tower on that corner,” he pointed it out while continuing, “We have no Water-types in residence to help keep it filled, so at the moment it runs off the city. Had we a sprinkler system like we keep looking for, this would be easy, but Bit’s a bit busy today. Said something about being shanghaied into being a door guard.”

“Vincent and Luke and Mage are trying to help one of the subjects, James,” Jeanne explained. “He was the only one they could ask.”

“Well, why don’t ah help out?” Fritter offered. “Ah know what kinda system would be perfect fer this place. As long as y’all have the Bits that is.”

James blinked a few times before looking at Fritter slowly. “That...would be perfect. I just got done checking for weeds and seeing which ones needed watering, so as long as Miss Jeanne and Miss Rika stay here to keep watch for any Bug-types, I would be willing to look with you. Vincent has given us a few leftover funds, not a lot, to purchase a system that catches our eye. I can go get those and meet you in the lobby if you’d like.”

Rika flexed her ribbons and grinned sadistically. “Oh don’t worry rose-boy, no little buggies will touch these berries.”

Jeanne merely smiled and touched one of the flowers on her head. “I might not be one for combat, but I do know a few incapacitating moves myself.”

Rika tilted her head, “You don’t know any attacking moves?” She was suddenly standing in front of the small plant Pokemon. “Heehee, let’s change that shall we?”

Fritter shuddered and grabbed James. “Okay, we better leave.” She gave her beloved a worried look. “ByeRikahaveagreattimeandtrynottokillher!”

Jeanne looked up and smiled. “Dear, you really shouldn’t have gotten that close. Maybe when you wake up, you’ll be more reasonable. Sleep Powder.”

Rika jumped back and grabbed a nearby Chesto berry, crunching down on it as the sleep begun to take hold.

“Ooh, that’s naughty~” she giggled. “Safeguard!” the aura surrounded her, protecting her from further status effects. “Don’t be like that, I just want to teach you an attack or two.”

“Pity,” Jeanne said. “Status moves like that are all I know. And I’m of the opinion that you’re a bit too enthusiastic in your approach. But there’s one thing that I have over you still.” The Bellossom was still smiling, even as she described her situation.

“Yeah, sorry... I get a bit...” Rika hung her head as she trailed off. “Nevermind, I’ll just... stand over there...”

Jeanne drew close and laid a tiny hand on Rika’s leg. “Dear, you just need to calm down a bit when you get like that. I didn’t say I didn’t want to know, I merely didn’t want to be subject to more pain than I’ve felt before. Which would be an achievement, by the way, considering who I was married to.” She then huffed and crossed her arms while muttering.

“Wha? NO! Nononononoo! I wasn’t going to hurt you!” Rika gasped as tears stung the corner of her eyes. Jeanne wordlessly opened her arms, the universal signal for ‘hug.’

Rika nodded and hugged the little Grass-type. “Sorry, I’ll try to be... calmer in the future.” She nodded a few times before continuing. “Okay, moves... I can do that.” She closed her eyes as she seemed to think before a small smile grew on her face. “Yeah... that’ll do nicely~”

“Let’s not forget to keep watch as well. I’m not sure how many Bugs James has to fend off, but it’s not a few.”

Jeanne and Rika were rudely interrupted by a new voice that came from above them, with a droning wingbeat accompanying it. “Oh, you know, just a Ledyba or two a day tend to wander up here, but that was then.”

Rika glanced upwards, a small scowl on her face. “Now what?”

The next thing either of them saw was a small swarm of Ledyba, and in front of them were half-a-dozen Ledians as well. The one in front spoke up next. “That’s mostly because the others can’t fly up here as easily...oh, and did I happen to mention I’m tired of hearing my little brothers and sisters cry about not getting any of the largest garden in the city?”

Rika sighed before trying the diplomatic route, “This is a private garden, but once it’s harvested I’m sure it’s owners would share should you ask. Vinny wouldn’t be so heartless as to turn away starving children.”

He seemed to think about it for a moment, even humming, before shaking his head. “Nah, this way is easier, gets more food in their bellies. And hey, thanks for telling us that the usual defender is out. This’ll be a snap.” He raised his right arms to the sky before pointing them at the garden below. “Go for it!”

With those words, the swarm descended. There was a blur from Rika, as one of her ribbons snapped like a whip and a nearby cinderblock fell, neatly cleaved in two.

“Last. Chance.” she said, taking a breath. At her display, the swarm had stopped, but the Ledians landed around the pair of Rika and Jeanne, apparently not impressed.

“Okay, so you know a move or two,” the original leader stated. “Just means we need to get you out of the way before we get at the Berries.”

Rika shuddered. “Calm, calm... must remain calm. Jeannie? I’m finding this most difficult at the moment. Please let these gentlebugs know that I’m trying my very best not to embarrass them in front of their kids.”

“Shh dear. I think I can get them to back off.” The elderly Bellossom walked forward to the de facto leader and smiled. “Now I’m going to tell you two things, two very small things. And then I’m going to let you judge how to best handle the situation,” she said calmly.

“And what’s that?” he questioned.

“First, this garden is property of Vincent Nurem.”

At that statement, silence descended on the roof, save for the droning wings from above. The Ledian in front of her gulped thickly before daring to speak up again. “And...second?”

Jeanne actually glared before replying. “And second, he’s my son. So which is worse? The situation you were just in, or the situation you’re in now?”

After another moment, the Ledian on the roof took off like shots, leading the swarm up and away. “We’ll be back!” was the sentiment, though whether it would be in peace or with a larger swarm was unknown. Jeanne sighed and slumped a little, thankful her bluff had worked.

“Seriously!?” Rika said, “How often does that actually work?”

“More often than you’d think, considering who I was once married to,” Jeanne said sadly. “He used to be so nice, so devoted...and then…” This time it was the Bellossom who was nearing tears.

Rika didn’t ask, she just hugged. “It’ll be alright, you have your son back at least, and from the looks... and smells, I’m guessing you’ll have grandkids before long.”

Jeanne hiccuped before nodding. “I hope they’re as good as their father...and I hope Lucy returns to rationality soon, I can’t wait to hug her again for making my boy so happy.”

“The first Heat for a canine or feline Pokemon is always the worst, you should have seen mine...” Rika remembered that night. “It shouldn’t last too long.” She cast a glance at the retreating bugs, well at least they wouldn’t be a problem... for now.

“So. You were planning a thing, am I right? Something about teaching me a move, maybe?”

“Yeah, I’m thinking... Solar Beam!”

“Sounds involved…” Jeanne said. “Are you sure you can do that?”

“Well, the concept should be similar to Moonblast, and if I were a Leafeon, then I could learn it.” She looked around, “It’s nice and sunny out, so absorbing sunlight shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Just remember dear, I’ve no practice with offensive moves…” Jeanne made sure she wasn’t standing under any of the glass and looked back to the Sylveon.

“Well, you’re not gonna be using it right off of the bat... unless you’re some sort of savant,” Rika motioned for Jeanne to stand in the sun. “First you need to practice absorbing sunlight.”

“Easy enough,” the Bellossom said while making sure that her skirt was still clean enough from the earlier altercation. “I could stand in the sun all day.”

“Easier said than done,” Rika replied. “Absorb too much and you run the risk of exploding!”

The elder of the pair blinked before looking at Rika with an expression that just screamed ‘I do not believe you.’ “You’re joking, right?”

“Wow... you are a tough nut to crack,” Rika smiled. “Yes, I am kidding, but just standing there won’t do anything. You need to focus and absorb the solar power... umm...” She seemed to be thinking of how best to explain the idea. “Sorry, this is the first time I’ve had to instruct a human before.”

“Bet it’s novel, doing things the other way around, isn’t it?” Jeanne couldn’t quite contain the snickers. “Imagine the number of Pokemon teaching their Trainers on the first day. Oh, the irony!”

“It is pretty funny,” Rika giggled. “You should have seen Seth back then. He really wasn’t used to having four feet, and he constantly fell over... still does on occasion.” She smiled as she described his situation before continuing with her instruction. “Okay, let’s continue. First, close your eyes and tell me what you feel, standing in the sun like that.”

Jeanne did as she was bid and hummed a little before responding. “Warm...happy, for some reason...oooh, and it tingles a bit. I’d put it down to just being a Grass-type, but I would have to have some basis for comparison.”

“Okay, that tingling is good. It means that you’re absorbing small amounts of solar energy. Focus on that feeling, see what happens.”

Unconsciously, the Bellossom stretched out her arms and did a small turn so she was more directly facing the sun, sighing as she did. “You’ll tell me when something starts happening, right?”

“Like your flowers lighting up like a Christmas tree?” Jeanne heard the Sylveon ask in a slightly disbelieving tone.

“Yes, something like th-...it’s already happening, isn’t it?” Well, this got interesting.

“Okay, this is happening a lot faster than I thought it would,” Rika said calmly. “You already seem to be building up a Solar Beam... now you need to discharge that energy. I’d say stop, but you have too much already, so you’ll need to use it. Hmm, okay! I want you push the energy down, kinda like... taking a wizz.”

“Dear, you need to work on your analogies,” Jeanne said with a wince. “And if it went ‘down,’ wouldn’t it hit the roof? Or are you merely telling me to harmlessly release it?”

“Release, yeah, that sounds better. You should feel a warm, fuzzy feeling all over if you do it right.”

The tingling she had been feeling from earlier grew a bit in intensity, before starting to lessen and dissipate. “Done,” she said, opening her eyes at last. “That felt...very rewarding, for some reason.”

Rika nodded and sighed, “That’s because instead of learning Solar Beam, I have no idea how, but you used Synthesis instead.”

“Just my luck,” the Bellossom said with a sigh. “I tried to use things like Magical Leaf and Vine Whip when I first got this body, but all I managed to do was things like Stun Spore and Sleep Powder. I got very good at those, though.”

“Well, Bellossom can’t learn Vine Whip,” Rika pointed out. “But you seem to have an affinity for status and healing. Maybe you could learn Protect or Safeguard?”

“Maybe,” Jeanne said with a shrug. “Still not giving up on Solar Beam, though. I’d like to have at least one move in my repertoire should I need it. So...while I sit over here and practice, anything else you want to know, Miss Rika?”

“Hmm, well you have the energy absorption down, maybe Giga Drain might be an option as well?” Rika sat down, yelping when she sat on a particularly hot section of concrete. “Owwie, um, well... how did you find Vinny?”

“No idea,” Jeanne said, slowly turning in place. “Went to sleep in a jungle one night, woke up on their front door the next morning. Was quite a surprise when my son was the one who woke me up, but I’ve stuck by his side ever since...except when he took after his father and went up to Canterlot on his own, but that’s another story.”

“Vinny came back to Canterlot?” Rika tilted her head. “He never came and saw us, what was he doing there?”

“Saying ‘hello’ to a certain ambassador for breaking his replacement father figure,” Jeanne said blandly. “He also used something he calls Total Recall. Go on, guess why he didn’t say hi.”

After a moment to think, the fairy spoke up again. “Did he go to see Mewtwo?” Rika asked, “Cause after the incident with those mind-controlled Pokemon, I didn’t think Mewtwo would want to see anyone for a while.”

“He certainly took interest in Luke, a Gallade, and the first one Vincent met who actually cared about him. Enough of an interest that the poor dear was a broken shell of a ‘mon. Vincent went out to correct that. As said by both him and Bit, you don’t hurt a member of our family and not expect some form of payback.” Jeanne’s face now had a scowl on it. “The boy is as headstrong as Rupert, and it’s probably only thanks to the others that he’s still sane.”

“But why would Mewtwo...?" An expression of shock danced across Rika's face before she asked another question. "This Luke... did he have particularly strong mental defenses?”

Jeanne turned back to Rika and nodded. “At least, when he was normal, or so Vincent tells me. Vincent’s run into two psychic tutors, and he holds Luke dear to his heart. Apparently, Luke could stand toe-to-toe with a normal Metagross, and the Metagross Vincent met, one Xavier....it’s likely only a Legendary could do the same with him. He just keeps running into gifted teachers, my boy. It’s almost enough to make me wonder what he’ll be like as an Alakazam.”

Rika gulped, “A few days ago... there was, an incident. A Unicorn brainwashed a bunch of Pokemon, up to and including an Alakazam. He used magic that replaced the victim’s memories, and also applied strong mental defenses to stop his work from coming undone.” Rika’s ribbons lost their life as they drooped to the ground, her glossy gaze just staring off into the distance. “Mewtwo offered to help us, and it was thanks to him tearing down the mental walls of the Alakazam we captured that we were able to discover Control’s plans... but that was a trap and some of us almost died. But, if Luke was wandering around the castle... there’s a chance that Mewtwo mistook him for another victim, and Mewtwo himself became a victim of his own curiosity...”

“Well, he got that curiosity cured, that pesky cat,” Jeanne said, grinning sharkishly. “Unless Vincent was lying about how far back through his memories his move went, then I can’t see Mewtwo being curious ever again.”

“Sweet Arceus,” Rika sighed. “You know, I think I’m going to leave this topic alone. What about you? Any questions for this now terrified Sylveon?”

“Hmm, just a few, dear. See, it’s been a long time since my last, ahem, encounter, so I need to brush up on my lexicon if I’m to stand any chance in that apartment. Luke and Sam have histories, but I’m mostly stuck with what little I knew before Rupert. Any chance you could help?”

“Um, let’s pretend I have no idea what you’re talking about?” Rika replied dryly. “What kind of help?”

“That little joke when we met? That’s about the limit of my double-entendre skills. It’s been a while.” Jeanne finished her small dance and looked to the Sylveon with a sigh. “It’s no fair that the males in the apartment are better at that than me...I need something to fight back with.”

“Um, well...” To be honest, Rka had nothing. “I don’t really know any...”

“So what was that with Apple Fritter, then?” The Bellossom tilted her head to one side in curiosity.

“Did I say something weird?”

“I quote, ‘You don’t mind when I talk like that in bed.’ I figured that meant you knew something.”

“Oh, ah, I just say stuff like how beautiful she is and that she tastes like apples and ah...” Rika blushed furiously as her face turned bright red and her words trailed off. Jeanne merely chuckled and hugged the cherry-red Sylveon.

“Oh, you’ve got it bad, don’t you? Well then, when you calm down, why don’t you tell me which of your family would be better suited to this, if not you?”

“Selena, definitely Selena,” Rika squeaked. “She looks tsundere on the outside, but she a real perv.”

“Mmm. How will I recognize her?” Jeanne still hadn’t let go, thinking that Rika might need the comfort for the moment.

“Huh? Oh, Selly’s an Absol and the one that beat Christine... twice.”

“Ah, excellent. Well then, I should probably meet her for a few reasons.” At that point, the Bellossom slipped up onto Rika’s back and patted her a few times. “So why don’t you show me where she is, dear?”

“I don’t know where she is,” Rika said, “Her and Ignis went off to find something to do before we came here. Maybe Vincent could spare a moment to find them?”

“They’re a wee bit busy working on fixing Christine as much as they can. The two main issues are her obsession with Sam’s Scyther form and her out-of-control anger...individually, Vincent could handle either, but together?...Still, a ride back to the lobby at least, that way I can ambush them as they come in, would be appreciated.”

“Righto then, off to the lobby!” She headed downstairs just as the front door opened, revealing a tired-looking Luxray.

“SETHY!!” Rika seemed to forgot all about her passenger as she leapt forward, hugging the Luxray. Said Bellossom found herself a victim of physics, as holding on tighter to her ride only ended up with her on Seth’s back once it came to a sudden end.

“Oh dear, terribly sorry about this,” she said from her new perch. “Some days I wonder what Arceus was thinking, turning me into a Bellossom.”

The Luxray who was apparently Seth nodded, “Turning a lovely lady into a lovely flower... I think it’s fitting. Oh, my name is Seth Crescent, might I ask yours?”

“I’m Jeanne, and I think I got that much from Rika here. Rika, darling, I don’t think Seth wanted to be mummified just yet.”

“Mmnope, wanna hug~” Rika cooed. Seth sighed, but didn’t bother prying her off.

“Well, I can tell from here that Vincent is still... busy,” Seth commented. “Is there somewhere we can go until it’s safe to return?”

“Bit’s on door duty, dear. Unless you have a penchant for ignoring those interested in you and going after the female in Heat, you should be fine. And even if you do, I’m sure Rika and Fritter will catch you before you get too far.”

“I-what!?” Seth took a step back. “I would never do such a thing!”

“Seth’s pretty loyal,” Rika agreed. “I know I don’t have to worry about him, but we should find Selly and Iggy, they still don’t know where we are.”

Jeanne giggled and put a hand over her mouth. “Oh, apparently you didn’t know. This is Las Pegasus, dear. You can find anything for the right price. How long ago was it that you lost track of them?”

“Shortly before we separated... so about an hour or so?” Seth replied. “Ignis wouldn’t be too hard to find, he’s not exactly subtle.”

“As that roar proved,” Jeanne deadpanned before brightening up. “Bet you five bits they found a bar already~”

“None of us drink, so I doubt it.” Seth thought for a moment, “Selena’s been feeling out of sorts lately, so Ignis is probably trying to cheer her up. Hmm...” Seth tapped his chin with his paw as Rika finally let go of him. “Is there a bakery around here?”

“None that I know of, but there is a place that does remarkable Italian food, thanks to their chef. Does that help?”

“Yep, that might do it,” Seth nodded, “Would you like a ride Mrs Jeanne?”

“To Fredrick’s and Sam and your friends, hopefully, then?” She inquired semi-sarcastically as she settled in on top of the Luxray.

“Lucky, Sethy’s fur is simply divine~” Rika cooed. “I love riding him.”

Seth smirked as he leaned in close, “And maybe soon, I’ll ride you?”

That did it, Rika’s face erupted red and she nearly fainted on the spot. Jeanne merely chuckled and leaned over so that both of them could hear her. “You sure I need to go all the way to Selena to get tutored in how to best make a double-entendre? I think I could pick up a few things on the walk over, dear.”

“Hm, what’s that?” Seth asked. He looked to Rika for an explanation, but the Sylveon just stood there, her mouth slightly open and her face bright red.

“I’ll explain on the way over. That is, assuming we’re all going, and that’s not just an impressive sculpture designed to look like the cutest Sylveon ever.” Saying that Jeanne was enjoying teasing Rika would be a slight understatement.

“She is pretty adorable,” Seth agreed. He leaned down and placed his head under her belly, hoisting her onto his back. “Okay, please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for take off. This is the express route to find our acquaintances, bathroom breaks will be permitted. Get comfy and enjoy your ride~”

Jeanne gulped audibly and tightened her grip on Seth’s fur. She hoped it would be enough to keep her attached for the ride...

The storm had finally died down within Christine's mind. Vincent had more than enough power on his own to do such a thing, but not enough practice in using it nearly as well as Luke could. It would be like comparing a sledgehammer and a surgeon's scalpel. Instead of just forcing her personality into being something nicer, she was led along that path.

For a good portion of the time she was under, all Vincent really had to do was hold her metaphorical hand down memory lane and emphasize the good things that had happened to her, even in that horrible place. Luke's guiding touch let him know when he was trying a bit too hard, and when Vincent felt it, he eased off of whatever tack he was on.

Slowly, they came to the crux of the matter, that of Sam's Scyther form, and her obsession with him, her idea of him being hers...