Pleasure and Pokegirls

Alicia, supporting an emotionally weakened Aeris, walked back to the others. Spotting his distraught pokegirl, Cloud ran over and took her other side, leading her over to a nearby log. “What happened? Where’s Michael?” he asked.
“Michael ran off,” Alicia replied, trying to hold back her own tears. “I think he went to fing Akasha by himself, leaving me alone.”
“We better follow him,” Cloud said, helping Aeris to her feet and handing her pack to her. Slinging his own over his shoulder, he added. “There’s no telling what he might be walking into.” Motioning Yuffie and Tifa over to them, both were waiting with their packs already on. Cloud grabbed a huge sword that was lying by a nearby tree, unnoticed by Alicia until now. It was easily as tall as her, but he hefted it with ease, swinging it over his head single handed before attaching it to his harness. Looking at the others, Alicia noted that they each carried a weapon of some sort: Yuffie had what can only be described as a giant shrunkien, Tifa’s weapons seemed to be her ever-present gloves, Cloud was handing Aeris a long metal staff.
Seeing curiosity in her eyes, Cloud told her, “Sometimes you’ll face obstacles that regular pokegirl abilities just won’t do.” Alicia nodded in consideration. Picking up Akasha’s forgotten pack, she slung it as well as her own on her back, adjusting them until they were in a comfortable position. Nodding to the others, they set off in search of Michael and Akasha.

She had no idea how long she had been running. Pure fear drove her headlong through the woods, branches and shrubs slapping and tearing at her naked skin. After a while of running, she no longer felt the welting pain of the branches, or the sharp tear of wild thorns. She could no longer feel her legs beneath her as they propelled her forward as if by some unseen force. Her eyes were red from tears that still flowed freely down her cheeks.
Her bleeding foot caught a stray root, causing her to fly face-first into the ground. Akasha cried out in pain as her ankle snapped with an audible crack. Laying where she fell, she held her broken ankle tenderly in her hands, crying out in pain, new tears flowing fiercely down her face. As if feeling her mood, a light rain began to fall on the pokegirl.

Stumbling for the umpteenth time, Michael picked himself up and continued running through the woods. He was sure that he had found Akasha’s trail. He managed to find his way back to the small pond where they had found the distraught pokegirl. Stooping down, he picked up her discarded clothing, and ran in the direction he remembered the Goth taking. A light rain began to fall, imparing his visability.
Picking himself up once again, he stopped dead in his tracks as he heard what sounded like a woman crying out in pain. Fear driving him onwards, Michael barreled through the woods towards the sound. He could now hear a woman crying. Pushing through a thick bush, he nearly stumbled over Akasha.
“Akasha, what happened?” Michael cried, seeing her crying and holding her broken ankle. Kneeling beside her, he wrapped his arms around her quaking shoulders, leaning her head on his shoulder. “It’s ok now.” he whispered, stroking her hair.
“Michael...I....” she began, but was silenced as Michael kissed her lightly on the lips.
“Sh...it’s alright.” he comforted her. “I know that you’re going through a hard time. But I’m here with you now, here to help you through this.” I’m not sure what you’re going through, but I’m not going to let you run away anymore. He told himself. Looking down at her broken ankle, which had already swelled twice it’s usual size, he winced, imagining what it probably felt like. “We’ve got to do something about that ankle.”
Rummaging through his pack, he soon found the small pack of medical supplies he received when he became a Tamer. There was nothing that would repair a broken ankle, but at least he could ease her pain. Taking out a small vial of a substance similar to morphine, he gave her a small injection. Almost instantly he saw relief from the pain come over her face and body.
“Does that feel better?” he asked, she nodded in reply. Looking around where they sat, Michael spotted a few pieces of wood that he could use to make a simple splint. Soon, he had immobilized her ankle to prevent further damage from occurring. Not perfect, but it would have to due until they arrived at the next Pokecenter. Helping her to dress in her discarded clothing, he helped her to her feet, supporting her. After checking the direction with his Pokewatch (what he dubbed the wrist-device Katie had given him in Corsett), they slowly headed in the direction of Navette.

“They couldn’t have gotten very far...” Tifa said, wincing as another branch swing back to hit her in the face. Looking ahead of her, she caught Yuffie’s smirk as she let another branch fly back, this time hitting her in her well-endowed chest. I swear, I’m going to kill that kid one of these days! She thought to herself, swinging yet another branch out of her way. Hearing a cry of pain behind her, she called back, “Sorry Aeris!”
Alicia had led them back to the pool where Akasha had attacked Michael. Noticing that the Goth’s discarded clothing was gone, she knew that Michael had come through here. She did her best to remember the direction that the Goth had gone, but, unfortunately Yuffie had taken it upon herself to lead them through the woods, claiming to be an expert at tracking.
“Yuffie!” Alicia, Cloud, Aeris and Tifa cried out simultaneously as they, for the fifth time, came back to the pool. Yuffie just shrugged and sat down on a rock. “I thought that that was the right one, I really did!” she cried.
Shaking her head in dismay, Alicia looked down at her watch, wondering how much time they had wasted searching this time. She was just about to lower her arm, when a pulsing red light caught her attention. It looked like a small red arrow. Moving her arm this way and that, she noticed that it remained pointing in the same direction. Taking this as some sort of location marker, she tapped a few controls, bringing up a 3D display of the area.
Seeing a 3D map suddenly popping up above Alicia’s arm, Cloud came over beside the Ice Maiden. “What’s that you got there?” he asked, looking at the map.
“It’s a new technology that Michael and I received when he became a Tamer.” she replied. Looking at the map, she noticed a pulsing blue light where the pond was located on the map, and another pulsing red light, this one moving slowly through the 3D woods. “If I’m not mistaken, this blue light is us, and the red light is...”
“Michael and Akasha!” Aeris finished. “According to this, they’re not too far away.” The three of them nodding in unspoken agreement, they headed in the direction of the red light.

“Michael, please...I need to rest for a bit...” Akasha panted, leaning heavily on her Tamer. They had traveled swiftly without rest for about an hour or two, she had lost track of the time. All that she knew was that if she didn’t rest soon, she’d collapse. Or worse, she’d injure herself even more.
Stopping, Michael helped Akasha to sit down, leaning her back against a tree. A sigh of relief escaped her thin lips, but was quickly replaced by a sharp intake of breath as a wave of pain emanated from her tortured ankle. The morphine must be wearing off, Michael thought to himself, brushing stray hairs from her wet brow. I don’t want to give her another shot, I don’t know how much she can handle.
Taking a look at her ankle, he was glad to see that the swelling had stopped, but it wasn’t going down. She can’t go too much further on that ankle, he thought. Looking at the pain that clearly showed in her eyes. There’s only one other option...
“Akasha...” Michael whispered. She looked up at her Tamer, tears running down her cheeks. “You can’t go too much longer on that ankle, or you’ll end up hurting yourself even more. I think that it might be a good idea if I put you in your Pokeball, just until I reach Navette. That way, I can run to...”
He was cut off as she leaned up and kissed him.“It’s alright.” she whispered in his ear, embracing him. “I was thinking that myself. But I was afraid, I’ve never been in one before...but I’m just hindering our progress like this....”
Reaching into a pocket in his belt, he withdrew an empty Pokeball. Pointing it at her, he looked into her eyes for confirmation. Slowly she nodded.
“Akasha....Return!” A red beam of light shot out of the button of the Pokeball, covering Akasha in a red glow. Slowly her body dissolved into the beam, and it returned to the ball. Looking at the ball, he whispered. “I’m sorry, just hold on. I’ll get you to a Pokecenter as fast as I can.”
Clutching the ball to his chest, Michael checked his location on his Pokewatch, then ran off in the direction of Navette.

“We’re getting closer!” Alicia called back to the others, running ahead of the group, her eyes on the 3D map. Seeing the two dots moving closer and closer together, she looked up from the map just in time to jump to the side as Michael came barreling through the bush in front of her, nearly knocking her over. Without a word to the others, he ran past the group, a Pokeball clutched to his chest.
“Michael! Wait up!” Alicia cried. Turning on her heals, she ran after him.
“What’s gotten into those two?” Tifa asked, looking back in the direction the two had gone. Cloud just shrugged, turned and followed them, his girls behind him.
Michael did not let up his wild pace any time soon. Soon the others were panting behind him, trying to keep up with the swift Tamer. The only time that he stopped to catch his breath was when they broke out of the woods, coming out upon a low hill.
Down below them, in a shallow valley cut out of the hills, was a large town the size of a small city. On one side it was sheltered beneath the mountains and woods, the other the dark expanse of the sea churned, breaking upon a white beach at the town’s western edge.
Upon seeing the town, Michael’s seemed to renew his spent energy and before anyone could say anything to him, he was off again, speeding down the hill towards the town. “Michael!” Alicia cried as she ran after him, the others following close behind her.

Sitting at an outdoor café, a Tamer looked up as he heard a commotion in the streets behind him. Putting down his coffee cup, he stood up, his long mane of silver hair flowing like a waterfall down his back as he turned his head towards the source of the commotion that was drawing closer to him. His green eyes pierced through the crowd, following the movement of someone charging through the streets. Glancing at the man’s hands that were clutched at his chest, he saw a Pokeball. That means he’s a Tamer, he thought to himself, I wonder why he’s in such a hurry? Sitting back down, he returned to his coffee, a chilling smile coming to his lips. Oh well, it’s none of my business. He didn’t notice the five other people who followed close behind the manic Tamer.
Hearing the sound of someone tripping behind him, he turned his head over his shoulder. “Sorry about that, miss.” he said, holding out a hand to the woman who had tripped behind him. Taking the offered hand, she allowed him to help her off the street. “I should be more careful with this.” Reaching down to his belt, he unfastened a buckle. A shocked expression came to the woman’s face. She gave the Tamer a cold glare and stalked off.
Smiling to himself, the Tamer placed a long, thin sword onto the table before him.

Michael did not stop running until he came upon the doors to the Pokecenter. The automatic doors opened before him into a softly lit reception area. Looking around quickly, he noted that there were only a few other Tamers in the hall, all of which were giving him strange looks. His gaze finally fell upon a cute looking Nurse Joy behind the main counter. Like all Nurse Joys her smile was both warm and full of love, but when she saw Michael, her expression turned to one of worry. Running up to the counter, Michael nearly collapsed on to it’s marble surface.
“Oh! What’s the matter?” the Nurse Joy exclaimed, helping Michael to his feet. “You look terrible....” Her eyes went wide as she saw the Pokeball clutched to his chest, his knuckles white. “What’s wrong with her?”
Gasping for breath, Michael answered. “Akasha...she...broke her ankle...”
“Is that all?” the Joy responded, with a hint of amusement in her voice. “Just give me her Pokeball, and I’ll fix her right up.” Taking the Pokeball from his grasp, she gestured to a nearby bench. “Have a seat, it shouldn’t take too long.” Turning on her heal, she walked off to one of the medical rooms.
Sitting down on the bench, Michael hung his head in his hands. Once again I find myself sitting in a Pokecenter, awaiting the outcome of a Pokegirl.

Alicia, with the others following closely behind her, entered the Pokecenter minutes later. Spotting her Tamer on one of the benches, she ran over to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Tears streaming down her face, which became small icicles.
“Don’t you ever do that again!” she cried, hugging him even tighter. “You scared me by running off like that. And don’t you ever say that you’re not fit to be a Tamer, because that’s wrong! I love you, you’re the kindest Tamer that I’ve ever met! Don’t you ever say that about yourself...” her words were lost as Michael kissed her deeply.
Breaking apart, Michael looked deep into the blue pools of her eyes. “I’m sorry. I was just scared. I was worried about Akasha....I don’t know what came over me...”
“Bonding.” Cloud said. Looking up, Michael suddenly noticed the other Tamer standing before him, with his Pokegirls around them. “When you bond with a Pokegirl, you almost become one with the girl. Sharing feelings and experiences. You also have a strong desire to help and protect them.”
“Whatever.” Michael replied, not caring about what the other Tamer just said. All he cared about was that his two Pokegirls were back. Looking around, his eyes fell on Aeris, a worried expression came over his features. “Oh, Aeris, I’m so sorry for hurting you back at the camp. I didn’t mean to hurt you, I’m sorry.”
The Megami smiled softly back at him. “It’s alright.” she whispered. “You didn’t hurt me too badly, just a few bruises.”
Just as Michael was about to respond, the Nurse Joy from the front desk walked up towards the group. “Excuse me.” she whispered, her voice like a feather on a summer breeze. “Mr. Kirishima?”
Hearing his name, Michael stood, facing the Joy. “That’s me.”
Smiling at him, they Joy nodded. “Your Goth is resting peacefully. Fortunately the ankle was not too badly broken, plus the splint helped to refrain from further damage.” This brought a sigh of relief from the worried Tamer. “Also you have a phone call.”
“Phone call? Who the hell knows where I am? Or even who I am!” Michael shook his head as he followed the Nurse Joy to a nearby phone terminal.
Sitting down, Michael lifted the receiver to his ear. The line beeped once, then the screen flickered on, revealing the image of a man. The man was wearing a white lab coat over what looked like engineer overalls. He had a pack of cigarettes stuck in a headband. Michael had no idea who the hell this man was.
“Ah, Michael. How good it is to finally be able to talk to you. How’s my equipment working?” Looking past Michael’s image, he noticed the other Tamer behind him. “Ah, Cloud, how good it is to see you again.”
“Same to you, Professor Cid.” Cloud replied with a smile and a slight bow.
Professor Cid growled in frustration. “I thought I told you to call me Cid, I just hate formalities.” Looking back at Michael, Cid continued. “I would like to meet you all in person. My aid will bring you all to my place.” Cid nodded at something behind the group. Glancing behind them, they suddenly noticed that a man wearing a dark suit was standing a few feet behind them. “And don’t worry about Akasha, Mcihael, I’m sure they will take great care of her here.” With a bemused smile, Cid cut the link.
“If you’ll follow me...” the aid spoke to the group, gesturing to the doors. Turning around, they followed behind the aid. Michael cast a worried glance towards the doorway where the Joy had taken Akasha through, before turning and following the aid.

The aid took them through the winding streets of Navette, passing many colorful shops and restaurants along the way. Finally she lead them towards a large stone wall. Following this wall, they soon came upon a large iron gate. Wrought into the framework of the gate were the letters “C” and “H”. Pressing an intercom, the aid announced them. With a bone-jarring squeal that forced both Tamers and Pokegirls to cover their ears, the gates swung inward, exposing a long drive that headed up hill. As they crested the hill, the small group stopped in their tracks as they gazed down into the small valley contained within the high walls.
Below them was an extensive compound. There were multiple large domed buildings surrounding the main complex. Here and there were strange circular paved areas with a large “H” painted on them. With an impatient “Hrmph!”, the aid led the wide-eyed group down the path towards the main complex.
Buzzing yet another intercom, the aid stepped back as the large oak doors swung open. Standing in the doorway was a woman dressed in a lab coat. Seeing the group before her, she smiled.
“Miss Shera, these are the Tamers that Professor Cid summoned.” the aid announced, gesturing to the group.
“It’s good to see you again, Shera.” Cloud said, taking the woman’s hand and kissing it, while all three of his girls gave him dirty looks.
“It’s good to see you too, Cloud.” Shera replied. “Hello Aeris, Tifa. Miss Yuffie, you’re staying out of trouble?” The Kunoichi nodded, tracing little circles in the dust with her left foot.
With a nod to the group, the aid turned towards Shera. Pulling off a quick salute, he turned on his heel and strode off towards one of the other buildings.
“Shera!!” called a gruff voice from within the complex. “Who’s at the door? Don’t tell me, I bet that you’re just standing there with them standing on the door step! Let them inside for fuck sakes!”
Trembling nervously, Shera bade them to enter. Michael and Alicia gazed around the vast entrance to the complex. A huge grand staircase lay before them, splitting at one level to continue to the left and right. Large paintings covered most of the wall space, the rest being covered by large tapestries depicting historical events, some Michael could distinguish, while others were a complete mystery. On the ground level, ancient suits of armor stood guard at various places, some flanking the many cavernous doorways.
Hearing footsteps to the left, Michael turned towards the source of the noise. Looking up the staircase, he spotted a man descending the stairs. Clad in a blue outfit which consisted of baggy pants and a jacket with various patches on it. A white scarf was wrapped around his neck, even though it was still early fall. He had a pair of goggles on his head. Michael assumed that this was Professor Cid, since thrust into the band of the goggles was a open pack of cigarettes.
“Welcome!” Cid greeted them. Looking at Shera, he yelled. “Damn it woman! Don’t just stand there, get our guests something to drink!”
Bowing in compliance, Shera began to leave the group, but was stopped by Aeris. “Don’t let him push you like that.” the Megami whispered. “You deserve to be treated better than this.”
“I don’t mind,” Shera whispered back. “Besides I...” whatever she was about to say was cut off by a curse from Cid. Bowing quickly, she ran off to fetch some refreshments.
“That woman...” Cid muttered to himself, as he led the way to an outdoor patio.

They spent the next hour sitting on an elaborate outdoor patio, sipping cold ice tea and talking about the many things going on around the world. Grudgingly when he was asked about himself, Michael told the professor and his shocked assistant the events that had passed in the last few days.
“That’s some adventure that you’ve had there, Michel.” Cid said, after Michael had finished his tale. “The authorities in Corsette were right when they told me to watch you. That’s why I told them to give you your Pokegear.” To this, Michael looked at his Pokewatch in wonder.
Almost reading his thoughts, Cid continued. “Yes, in that watch, as well as that of your Alpha and your main Pokedex is a tracking device, so I can tell where you are in the world at all times. It’s also what the Remote Pokeball Switching System, or RPSS, uses to exchange your Pokeballs....which reminds me. I have something for you in my lab. I’ll get it for you after I give you a tour of my complex.” Getting up, Cid turned to face Cloud. “Cloud, since you and your girls have already seen the place a few times, you can either take it again with us, or go freely and look around. Just be sure to meet us in the lab in two hours.”
Cloud nodded, and motioning to his girls, led them off in the opposite direction that Cid led the others. Aeris, still undecided about Michael, decided to tag along for the tour.

When Michel and the others entered the first of the many large buildings within the compound, they were shocked at what they saw. Standing about 40 meters tall, and about two Pokestadiums long was a huge mechanical device. Seeing the bewilderment on their faces, other than that of Aeris’, Cid began to explain. “This is the Highwind. It is what is described as in ancient lore as an Airship.”
“An Airship? A real Airship?” Michael asked. “I’ve read tales about them, they’re supposed to only be legend, way before Sukebe’s time!”
“Yes, they date back to well before Sukebe first created Pokegirls.” Cid explained.
“‘They?’ You mean that there’s more?” Alicia asked.
“Of course there’s more of them.”Cid replied, smiling. “In fact, we have excavated about twenty of them, from around the globe. All seemingly from different time periods. Following back along the ones we’ve uncovered so far, we can see the evolution of the Airship.” Walking deeper into the cavernous building, he pointed out other vast vessels, some standing, some hanging from the immense rafters. “There’s one called the ‘Falcon’, ‘Tiny Bronco’, ‘Hilda Guard’.”
The group stared in amazement at the vessels as they passed each one in turn, noting how as the Airships got older, they slowly returned to the shape of a large boat with huge propellers suspended from it’s masts. Stopping in front of a strange looking piece of equipment, Alicia asked, “Professor Cid, what’s this?”
The item in question stood about 8 feet tall, and when one looked at it, it had a vaguely bird shape to it. “Oh, this? This is what’s known as ‘Magitek Armor’. It contained extremely high magical powers, and seemed to be powered by magic. A human piloted it into battles.” Cid explained to the group, suddenly he got very quiet. It was a minute later when he broke the silence. “When we found this piece of technology it was encased in ice...” shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he continued. “It was in perfect condition, and we were even able to extract from it some of it’s remaining magical charge. We’re still analyzing it now.”
They spent the next our and a half walking through the different buildings, looking at all the different technology that Cid and his colleagues had discovered. Eventually they made it to the main laboratory. In the center of the circular lab was what looked like an egg incubator, but instead of eggs, it contained Pokeballs. Along the walls were many computer consoles and video screens. A minute later, Cloud and the others entered the lab.
“I’m glad that you made it.” Cid greeted them. He motioned the two Tamers and their girls over towards a long table. Set upon this table was two silver cases and a Pokeball in a protective stand. “I have something to give both of you.” Cid gave the Tamers each one of the silver cases.
Opening the case, Michael discovered that it contained a single black glove. Covering the glove were silver wires leading from the wrist, down each of the fingers, ending at a sensor at the tips. On the other side, two wires led from the wrist down into the palm. Looking over at Cloud, Michael saw that his case contained a similar glove, and a brand new Pokewatch. Finding the watch, Cid quickly explained the piece of tech to the bewildered Tamer. “These gloves that I have now provided you with is what makes the Remote Pokeball Switching System work. Put the gloves on,” both Tamers looked at each other, and shrugged. Michael tugged the glove on his right hand, it fit snugly, like a second skin. When both Tamers were wearing the gloves, Cid continued.
“Now take the wires at the wrist and plug them into your Pokewatch.” Michael complied and when he inserted the last connector, he felt a slight tingling sensation in his hand, but it soon diminished. “Now you are able to switch members of your Harem to and from storage anywhere in the world without needing to go to a Pokecenter. All you have to do is hold the Pokeball of the girl you want to exchange in your palm, then say: “Switch Pokeball for...’ and state the name of the new Pokegirl. Sometimes it helps to say what type of pokegirl you want.”
“Wow, that’s amazing!” Tifa exclaimed. “Now you can easily get rid of Yuffie whenever you want!”
“Hey!” Yuffie cried, she was playing with some lab equipment.
“Tifa...”Cloud reprimanded the Amazonchan.
Cid just shook his head in dismay. “Oh, I almost forgot!” Turning around, he took the Pokeball from it’s stand. “Michael, since you only have two Pokegirls at the moment, and you seem to have a natural talent for helping Pokegirls...I was wondering if you can take care of someone for me?”
Looking at Alicia, who nodded, Michael looked back at Cid. “Um, sure.” Taking the Pokeball, Michael looked at it briefly before it automatically opened.
Emerging from the Pokeball, the white beams solidified into the form of a young girl. She was nearly the same height as Michael, maybe a few inches shorter. Her hair was a brilliant shade of green cascading down her slender shoulders, a strand falling seductively between her pert breasts. She was wearing a crimson body suit with shoulder guards and a blue short skirt. Red boots came up to mid calf. Her green eyes surveyed her surroundings, before falling on Michael.
“Her name is Terra, she is an Esper. And yes, despite her youthful looks, she is the legal age for Taming, she’s 18.” Cid explained, turning to Terra, he continued. “Terra, this is Michael. He’s a nice Tamer and is going to look after you for a while. Is that alright with you?”
Terra stared into Michel’s eyes, seeing that he was good natured, she replied, without looking away. “Yes, it’s ok. I trust him, though I can feel that he still doesn’t trust himself.”
Just as he was about to say something, Michael’s Pokedex suddenly started beeping. Pressing a button on his Pokewatch, an image of the Nurse Joy from the Pokecenter appeared. The poor Joy looked frantic. “Michael Kirishima? This is the Navette Pokecenter. You better get back her immediately, something’s happened to Akasha.” Before she could say anything, she began to cry.
Not saying anything, Michael bolted from the lab, heading towards the Pokecenter. He was quickly followed by everyone else.

Within minutes, Michael ran through the doors to the Pokecenter, collapsing onto the desk, he gasped for air. “W-what’s wrong...with...Akasha?” he gasped.
The Joy at the desk looked at him, then recognizing him, she ran around to the front of the desk and supporting him, she led him to one of the benches in the lobby and helped him to sit down. “I’m sorry...” she said, tears forming in her own eyes. “We did all that we could. We were able to fix the broken ankle, but then something happened, and she began to slip away...” The Joy forced back the tears that were running down her cheeks.
“What happened?” Michael looked into the distraught Joy’s eyes, looking for an answer.
“I’m sorry.....” Was all that she could say. With a wail of pain, Michael broke down and began to cry openly. Not knowing what else to do or say, the Nurse Joy just held the Tamer in her arms, trying to soothe his pain.
At that moment, the others entered the Pokecenter. Seeing her Tamer clinging to a Nurse Joy, crying, Alicia ran over to him and placed her arms around him. She didn’t need to ask what had happened, she knew by looking at him and feeling his pain that Akasha was dead. Cloud and his girls headed over to one of the benches, and sat there, not knowing what they should do, but wanting to stay there incase they were needed. Cid joined them.
Terra, seeing her new Tamer in pain, walked over to him, and sat down beside him. Placing her arms around him, she held him, while her own feelings of despair washed over her.