[PKMN] SPACE CASE!

[skinstealer]

LAST TIME...on SPACE CASE!
A sudden encounter with a certain golbat led Stretch on a whole different path than expected- both face to face with a mysterious gang with a bone to pick, and anxiety over the worst possible thing for our hero...

How does he take on a beautiful vampire visiting him in the dark? Find out in:

EPISODE 3: A MIDNIGHT SNACK

---

She's watching you, gauging your reaction with all the gentleness in the world.



You could tell her to fuck off. You could run away.




Your hand trembles as you put it on hers. Any confidence falters in your mouth as you stutter, her patience making your chest hurt.

STRETCH: P.
STRETCH: P-ple-
STRETCH: ...please...
MINERVA: You need it that badly?

 

You feel pathetic as you nod, breathing heavy as she leans over you.

MINERVA: ....is using your words hard?
STRETCH: Nn.

 

Another nod, avoiding her eyes.

STRETCH: Not- not good at it.
STRETCH: Talking.
MINERVA: I can understand you just fine.
MINERVA: And-


 

She lifts her skirt, your breath hitching at the lacy underwear underneath.

She's just as worked up as you.

MINERVA: It's- been some time for me as well.
MINERVA: And, well-

 

She lets the skirt settle on top of her bulge, tapping her claws together.

MINERVA: That, ah- effect of yours-
MINERVA: The...
STRETCH: ...pulse?
MINERVA: Yes!
MINERVA: Yes, that.
MINERVA: I want to feel more of it.
MINERVA: Is that okay?

 

You can't even blink at her, stunned.

STRETCH: It- you don't hate it?
STRETCH: People usually-
STRETCH: What?
MINERVA: Well! You know!
MINERVA: It's, sort of a vibration-
STRETCH: h
MINERVA: And I can't help but wonder if all of you does that-
STRETCH: H
MINERVA: And it's just so exciting, such a new feeling-
STRETCH: C-
STRETCH: Can, I-
STRETCH: take my pants off please

 

She looks down, seeing your strained expression over the increasingly painful denim prison.

MINERVA: Oh!
MINERVA: Yes, of course!
MINERVA: Please.

 

Your hands are outright shaking now as you fumble with the zipper, Minerva's eyes widening.

MINERVA: My goodness.
MINERVA: You're-
STRETCH: I'm- I'm aware.

 

With how much your heart's pounding, you had plenty of current circulating through your body-



....the blue glow managing to shine through your simple, completely plain underwear.

STRETCH: Very aware.
MINERVA: May I?

 

Oh.


Oh, god.



It sinks in.


Words fail you, a nod all you can muster.

She reaches forward with her claws, tracing the tip of it. You have to clap a hand over your mouth immediately, embarrassed as a wet trace sticks to her hand.

MINERVA: Poor thing...

 

There's a smile to it, no real pity so much as careful teasing.

MINERVA: Did I really get you so worked up?

 

You watch as she does it more, playing with the little energy arcs.

STRETCH: M. Mhm.
MINERVA: ....would you like me to lead-?
STRETCH: Yes.

 

You do not hesitate.

STRETCH: Yes. Yeah.
STRETCH: You can lead.
MINERVA: Relax...

 

She helps work the rest of your jeans off, massaging your legs and running her claws along each stripe. There's a sense of curiosity to it, her touch lingering whenever the sensations intensified.

MINERVA: So pretty....
MINERVA: Why don't we continue where we left off earlier?

 

You twitch at that, getting back to breathing into your hand. The bat positions herself close to you, your heart beating out of your chest as she slowly straddles your hips.


You touch the floor of the tent, her weight grounding you. Minerva's eyes widen as it gets a proper noise out of you, a large grin crossing her face.

MINERVA: Ohhh!
MINERVA: That's why it got you so worked up, isn't it?
MINERVA: I suppose it'd be rare for you...
STRETCH: Uh-
STRETCH: Uh huh-

 

She puts her full weight down as she starts grinding against you, the hand press not enough to keep you from whining audibly.

MINERVA: Relax...

 

Your head is swimming.
Someone's finally touching you.
She's outright on top of you, and it feels really, really nice-


Minerva makes a hiss of her own, and you can't take it.

You can see her struggling to get a good angle, her claws not much help to getting the most friction out of it.

She gasps as you nervously work both of your underwear down, directly holding yourselves against each other.

MINERVA: E-excellent-

 

The direct contact with your body works her up immediately, the occasional hiss turning into something more rhythmic.

MINERVA: Y-you're-
MINERVA: Really good with your hand-



 

You try very hard to internalize that as praise and not psychic damage over the state of your sex life.

MINERVA: H-hey-

 

You readjust your focus to her face, breath taken away as you see how flustered she is.

MINERVA: Do you-
MINERVA: Want to try putting it inside?

 

Ohhhh no.

Bad idea.


Bad idea.



Really really bad idea.

STRETCH: You. Do not want that.
MINERVA: Is something wrong?
STRETCH: Uh.
STRETCH: It's-

 

You grimace, trying to figure out the way to put it.

STRETCH: It's, weird-
MINERVA: Oh, if you don't want to-
STRETCH: Nnno, it's, I do-

 

You close your eyes as hard as you can and gesture to your dick.



In the heat of it, she hadn't noticed something utterly glaring.

MINERVA: Oh.
MINERVA: Wow.
STRETCH: Yyyyeah.
MINERVA: Huh.


 

She pokes at the floating fluid droplet, much to your horror.

MINERVA: I've never seen that.
STRETCH: Ghh.
STRETCH: I- I know it's-
MINERVA: No, I- I see your concern!
MINERVA: Who knows what that could do inside someone!

 

You cover your face entirely.

MINERVA: It's alright, hang on-

 

You hear her rustling something, pulling something out from the satchel underneath her poncho.

MINERVA: Here!

 

You peek between your fingers, spluttering as you see the foil-wrapped squares fanned in front of you.

MINERVA: Would psychic type work, do you think?
MINERVA: I figure the medium should fit-
STRETCH: yes okay we can try a condom that's fine

 

Working it on is a whole new kind of stress, glancing up and down as you try to figure it out. She helps guide your hand, avoiding poking it with her own sharp claws.

You're really doing this.
She's lining herself up, and you are pretty sure the glow coming off of you could be seen from space.

STRETCH: W-wait-

 

She freezes.

STRETCH: I-
STRETCH: There's-
MINERVA: Is everything alright?
STRETCH: B. Be careful.
STRETCH: Things, tend to-

 

She ends up shifting onto you by accident, making a surprised hiss as she's bounced back up.

STRETCH: ...that-
MINERVA: Stretch, are you telling me-
MINERVA: That that deflective ability you have-
STRETCH: Nnn..
STRETCH: P-probably-?
MINERVA: Excellent!

 

You're definitely audible as she pushes down, your body automatically trying to rebound and push back.

She does it again, far more forceful this time and taking the ride without much issue.

As the shock of her working you over settles, you find yourself falling into a familiar thought pattern as you watch her.




Golbat. She's a golbat. Type variant, clearly- the plant-like features a clear tell for grass type. But...


You have never felt this kind of heat in your life, even through the condom. You hated to admit that your obsessive analysis of different pokemon applied to...this, but there was no doubt about it.


Only fire types felt like this on the inside. You wonder if her mouth is the same. It's so easy to forget you're even in a tent in the woods, more akin to sitting next to a pleasant woodstove.




If, you know, it was specifically focused on your dick.



Her voice cuts through your ruminations, more nonsense sounds than any kind of coherent words.



You remember one more thing, however.


You tap her side, bringing her attention down to you laying there.

Unsure how else to express it, you tilt your head, exposing your neck.

MINERVA: O-oh, are-
MINERVA: Are you sure-?
STRETCH: Willing. Feeders, right?

 

She lunges, her long body forming an arc over you.




Her teeth pierce your entire shoulder, bite marks through your hoodie. You couldn't care less, her wing-hands on your chest pushing you down for stability. The pressure alone-





You don't know how much time passes before you realize you can barely take it anymore, your head faint and-

STRETCH: M-min-
STRETCH: Hhhey-

 

She pulls back immmediately, electric blue blood dripping from her teeth.

STRETCH: G. Gonna-

 

Your hips are shaking, forcing yourself to slow down before you get her okay.

MINERVA: Shh...
MINERVA: You held out a long time...

 

She gives you one more hard ride, all you need to grab at her thighs and really push.

You nearly white out, feeling faint as the tent spins around you.




You manage to slap your hand around enough to get the condom off, too tired to care about it hovering after being tied. Minerva strokes your chest, smiling at the mess she made of it herself.

MINERVA: You did wonderf-

 

You fumble around next to you, trying to get into your backpack. She watches in confusion as you pull out a spritz bottle-





-wrenching off the top and downing the potion raw.


She stares in shock as you regain energy, the wound on your neck sealing back up.


You give her a thumbs up, still glowing plenty.




You always did prefer long sparring sessions.

 

The images come through like an old recording.







It's cold.
They don't have the heat on properly and won't give you the space heater anymore.

MOTHER: -can't keep doing this.
MOTHER: I can't take it.
FATHER: And what do you want me to do?!
FATHER: I didn't sign up for-





 

You start counting individual nubs on your bedroom's popcorn ceiling.






One. Two. Three. Four.





Something breaks.

You have to start over.






One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven-


Start over.









You get to twelve this time.

New record.

Start over.

MOTHER: She can't stay out of school forever.
FATHER: What, and have our family known for raising a freak?
FATHER: Just look at her!



 

You roll over, covering your head with a pillow as you sniffle.

MOTHER: Our reputations are more at stake if she flunks and becomes, some, some-
MOTHER: Some sort of junkie drop-out-
FATHER: Look at her report cards, she's halfway there already-
MOTHER: And whose fault is that?!



 

You screw your eyes shut, and imagine how the stars in the sky had looked that night.




One. Two. Three. Four. Five-







You wake up with a jolt, your breath catching and choking on phlegm. Minerva startles, moving to unwrap her wings around you-




-only for you to clutch onto her torso, burying your face in.

STRETCH: Nn-
STRETCH: Don't-

 

She hesitates before resting claws against your hair, pulling you back in and grounding you.

The tears come easy, way easier than you'd like. You just slept with her the night before, you're making an ass of yourself-

MINERVA: There, there...
MINERVA: It's okay.

 

She squeezes you tight, the pressure feeling like all you could ever want.



It scares you.




You cry more, grasping at her for dear life.

Why are you like this? Why can't you-


Why?




You can't even-

STRETCH: M...sorry...
MINERVA: ....
MINERVA: Do you want me to give you space?

 

You shake your head.

MINERVA: I could keep holding you.

 

You nod.







The world grows fuzzy.








You're guessing by the hazy feeling in your head that you got another hour in, the telltale sign of a nasty post-nightmare sleep.

You startle when you look up and Minerva's still staring at you.

STRETCH: A-
MINERVA: Good morning!

 

R. Right.


Nocturnal.

Yeah.







She had definitely been watching you sleep.



...and cry.




The self hatred seeps back in, a deep sigh escaping you.

STRETCH: We.
STRETCH: Should- get ready.
MINERVA: For the best...
MINERVA: Though-
MINERVA: Ah-

 

You rub your head as you gently push her wings away, settling into a hovering sit-


-only to see the sheer size of her abdomen, making you choke.

MINERVA: ....
MINERVA: We may have overdone it.

 

Oh, god.
How much-

You put your hand to your neck, feeling the bruise there.



Ohhhh no.

Oh, god, no. They-



They were definitely going to know.



You startle a second time as you look around the tent, starting to panic breathe more than a bit.

MINERVA: Going to need to stock back up....
MINERVA: Do you have a trash bag-
STRETCH: YES HANG ON


 

Shame hits you as you clean up the mess, cursing how far you went. You're wounded, she's- swollen up like that, her silhouette completely different, undisguisable-


What would you even tell the others?


Eerie had already-



You just screwed a stranger-



Frond literally knew you since childhood, who knows what the fuck he's going to say-





Her soft body presses against you, the additional bloating making you feel warm and fuzzy despite the angst.

As much as you feel guilt that you- that you did that to her, there's something...



You don't want to analyze that right now.

MINERVA: We'll figure it out.
STRETCH: ...
STRETCH: Right.









 

Eerie's got her arms crossed, leg jiggling violently.

EERIE: You cannot be serious right now.
STRETCH: I-
EERIE: No. Nope.
EERIE: You-
EERIE: She-

 

She jabs her finger directly at Minerva, her dress and posture strained.

EERIE: You cannot SERIOUSLY expect me to believe-
MINERVA: It was simply helping me unwind!
MINERVA: Just a sip.
EERIE: IT DOESNT EVEN HAVE THAT MUCH BLOOD IN ITS FUCKING BODY
FROND: I mean-

 

You wince, Frond munching a bag of chips to the side.

FROND: I dunno.
FROND: If Stretch wants to give her some blood, I don't see the issue.
EERIE: For fuck's sa-
EERIE: We're trying to- we're not even out of the woods yet!
EERIE: DON'T GIVE YOUR BLOOD TO PRETTY STRANGERS!!!

 

Your antennae flop, Minerva giving you a worried, guilty look.

MINERVA: I-
MINERVA: I apologize.
MINERVA: I should have been more careful.

 

She bows, making the shame much worse in your chest.

MINERVA: Forgive me for my intrusion!
EERIE: ....
EERIE: Don't say it like that.
EERIE: Fucking weirdo.

 

She tilts her head back and snorts in annoyance.

EERIE: Okay. Whatever.
EERIE: Are you going to be good for this.
EERIE: Otherwise, I'm stealing Frond and-
FROND: I'd rather stay with Stretch, actually.

 

He gets to his feet, readying his pack.

FROND: I. Get it, sort of.
FROND: ...but it's a grown ass adult.

 

You blink.

FROND: It could have made a bad choice.
FROND: But-
FROND: It's still standing, right?
FROND: Looks pretty stable to me.
FROND: Not really your call if it fucks up or not.

 

Eerie glares him down, the root vegetable completely unbothered.

FROND: My two cents.
EERIE: .....whatever.
EERIE: Get your shit together.
EERIE: If the bat can't keep up, we're leaving her behind.

 

You and Minerva meet eyes, mutually unsure whether to be relieved or more worried.

STRETCH: ...right.





 

The woods are just as pretty as yesterday, but in a different way during early daylight. It eases some of the stress from your mind, and even with your hovering, the breeze occasionally brushes grass against your feet.

Heavenly. Just heavenly. You're more and more aware even just in the last 24 hours how...dire, your need for grounding is-



Minerva audibly winces behind you, your head whipping around.


She's visibly struggling to keep up, breathing a bit hard from the added weight.




Shit.

MINERVA: I'm-
MINERVA: I'm fine!
MINERVA: Really, I'm-

 

She hiccups, covering her mouth.
She looks a little confused. Just for a moment- before shaking it off.


You have no idea how to handle this situation.



The idea of sex had already been just, completely off the table- and here you were not only having slept with her last night, but causing injuries to both of you.


You did this.


You weren't careful enough- because of what?


Needing to get your dick wet?



Being so- so desperate and starved for it?


Seeing her strain to cross a fallen log makes you want to die in a hole.

Minerva notices your expression and does her best to smile back, an attempt at reassurance.

MINERVA: L-look, Stretch...
MINERVA: This has happened before.
STRETCH: ...Ah.

 

You have to take a second to process that this isn't some horror unique to you.
Wh. What was she doing on her own. Was this normal for her?
Was this. A thing?
Would she want you to do this again?
Does she like this-?




Do you like this?



Oh, god.

MINERVA: I know how to handle myself.
MINERVA: All I ask is-
MINERVA: Well, like I said...

 

She manages to straighten her posture, adjusting her hat.

MINERVA: -to be escorted back to Pewter.
MINERVA: I'll simply stay out of trouble.
MINERVA: Is that alright?

 

You look ahead, seeing Eerie and Frond already a sizable distance away- but enough for you to see them well enough.

STRETCH: ...okay.
STRETCH: I promised to keep you safe.
STRETCH: ...be careful.
MINERVA: I will.

Slowing down and watching her closely, you start to realize your own issues. Not only your neck feels like shit now, but your entire upper back. Potions helped in the moment, but you were seriously going to need to get looked at when you got to the next center.




...with any luck, Eerie and Frond would be okay leading the pack...








You are now Eerie, and you are a rhyhorn that uses she/her pronouns.
In your effort to actually achieve something for once, you have made the grave mistake of trusting what appears to be an alien with attachment problems.



This is not your greatest regret in life by a long shot, but it is slowly getting up there.


Frond is...surprisingly decent company, at least. You don't usually get along with guys period, especially not these sort of...bro types. Even with your dissagreement earlier, he doesn't seem to hold it against you, which is equally weird.

FROND: And it's just- you know what it's like?
EERIE: ...huh?

 

Fuck. Spacing out.

FROND: Y'know, having, like-
FROND: A really good poffin.
FROND: Fresh out of the oven.
EERIE: ....
EERIE: You sure do think about food a lot.
FROND: Yeah, of course I do!
FROND: Food is awesome!
FROND: Brings people together, all sorts of kinds-
FROND: And making it's the best.
EERIE: Why not become a chef, then?
EERIE: Instead of...this.
FROND: Whatcha mean?
EERIE: You don't seem like the League type.
FROND: Oh.

 

He has to think it over, tilting his head to the side.

FROND: That's easy!
FROND: Everyone knows travelers get the best ingredients-
FROND: And adventurers have the best appetites!
EERIE: Huh.
EERIE: Weird.
FROND: But true!
EERIE: I gue-

 

There's a sudden green blur-



-as something slams you directly in the nasal horn.

EERIE: MOTHERFUCKER
FROND: H-hey, what do you think you're doing?!

 

The farfetch'd sneers-


Its wings shaped like hands, pulled into fists.

FROND: Shoot-
EERIE: What?!
EERIE: What is it-
FROND: Modded! It's modded-
FROND: Watch out for any punches!
EERIE: Fuck if I'll be punched by a bird-

 

You grab your club and toss it, catching it before trying to do a batter's swing directly into the attacker's skull.






It doesn't do jack shit.

EERIE: WH
EERIE: THE FUCK ARE YOU
????: Someone keeping trash like you from getting back to the city-!
EERIE: God's sake-
 

You take another swing, the farfetch'd dodging effortlessly.

You're panting, realizing how bad this can get.


You aren't even associated with those guys anymore. What the fuck did people expect you to do, go unarmed?
Oh yeah, great decision with-



Frond manages to block the next punch, leaping in to keep it from making contact.

The bird reels back, baffled that a vegetable tanked it better than you did.

FROND: Yeah!
FROND: Alright, now we're talking-
FROND: Lemme show you what I've got!
 

Frond fires off a massive spray of stars, your assailant nearly doubled over before going for a hit. He takes it no problem, getting clearly hyped up now.



You can't help but stand there in shock as he keeps exchanging moves, faster on his feet than you ever would have guessed. The bird can't keep up, can't chip away at his stamina in time-!



By the time Frond looks winded at all, the farfetch'd is completely downed, a flower-star sticking out of its head feathers.

FROND: Wh-
FROND: Whoooo!

 

He has to sit down, taking a big, deep breath.

FROND: Been a bit!
EERIE: ....
EERIE: You're- insane.
FROND: Yes!

 

He pumps his nubby hand into the air.

FROND: And I will continue-
FROND: Continue to pull weight!
FROND: ....
FROND: AFTER a nap.

 

There's crashing through the brush, the tension easing out of your posture and replaced with annoyance as it reveals itself not to be any more attackers, but your useless party members.

STRETCH: ....
EERIE: Great job!
EERIE: You missed a fight.
EERIE: Good thing I had a potato to help.
FROND: I'm-

 

He yawns, already getting comfortable against a rock.

FROND: So. Useful.
STRETCH: ................
STRETCH: S. Sorry.
EERIE: Yeah.
EERIE: Good.






 

You are now Stretch again, and you are very, very tired.

It's a mere ten minutes before Frond is up and at 'em, stretching and taking deep breaths.



FROND: Nothin' to it.
FROND: Only one gimmick, and my types won out.



You nod, thinking it over.

STRETCH: ...this early in the League, we're not likely to meet people with large movesets.
STRETCH: Or...
STRETCH: Cohesive ones.
FROND: Mom told us that near Pewter, it's mostly people relying on things they've been born with and honed over time.
FROND: Just like us!


 

He winces at your dead-eyed expression, rubbing the back of his head.

FROND: Mostly.
MINERVA: That means that the gym should be fairly simple, right?


 

Eerie narrows her eyes.

EERIE: You say that like you're tagging along.
MINERVA: ....
MINERVA: ......I suppose, yes.
STRETCH: We're-
STRETCH: I'm escorting her.
STRETCH: We can figure out where to go from there.
FROND: Besides-


 

Your root vegetable companion points to a worn down signpost.

FROND: We're practically there!
FROND: We did it!!!


 

Eerie gives a halfhearted "woo", Minerva tapping her claws together in an quiet attempt at clapping. You shrug, your backpack feeling utterly miserable to carry at this point.

STRETCH: Let's go.








 

You haven't been to Pewter in ages, and-




Uh.




Well.

FROND: Whoa.
FROND: They did some serious redecorating around here!

 

You remembered the use of rocks and geodes throughout the architecture and decor, certainly-


-but you can't say you care for the use of fossils.



And.

More.

Fresh. Looking.

Skeletons.

STRETCH: The fuck-
MINERVA: W-well, you know how it is-
MINERVA: With the way, things-
MINERVA: have gone
MINERVA: around here


 

You and Frond give her- and the environment around you- blank stares.

EERIE: They're country bumpkins, bet they're not used to the new management.
MINERVA: nnngh
EERIE: The sooner we can get-
MINERVA: -away from that gang-
EERIE: -the better.
MINERVA: -the better.

 

The two women look at each other in shock, before turning away in embarrassment.

MINERVA: I- I mean-
MINERVA: They're bullies, after all-
EERIE: More trouble than they're worth.
EERIE: Dumbass punks.

 

Minerva eyes the bone on her hip, nodding quietly.

MINERVA: ...yes.
MINERVA: Well said.
MINERVA: I-
MINERVA: Should probably lay down.
MINERVA: I usually sleep during the day-
EERIE: and you sure didn't get any last night

 

Your tail crackles as you hold back the urge to snap at her, Minerva seemingly unphased.

MINERVA: And a little nap for a few hours should have me right as rain.
FROND: Will you be okay at the center?
MINERVA: Oh, yes.
MINERVA: I know the area quite well.

 

Eerie raises her brows at that, but makes no comment.

MINERVA: Stretch, may I ask for your escort-?
STRETCH: ...yeah.
STRETCH: Need to get patched up too.
FROND: We all do!
EERIE: Let's get on with it....






 

You are relieved to find that the community center is primarily devoid of bones, the usual little artifacts in frames on the wall. Normal things. Familiar-

The nurse applies a medicated patch to your neck and shoulder bruise, causing you to groan.

NURSE: Stay still.
STRETCH: Nn.
NURSE: You made it out a lot worse than your companion.

 

You hunch your shoulders, pained by the fact that they could tell.

NURSE: Put those back down, you need this to stick.

 

Following doctor's instructions is not one of your strong suits, but you oblige.

NURSE: ...still, you're quite strong for this area.
NURSE: Are you planning on challenging the gym?
STRETCH: ...yeah.
NURSE: Good.
NURSE: Cleave's been needing some new fighters.
NURSE: He...gets rather antsy about it.
STRETCH: ......

 

You don't reply.




Cleave's new. You hadn't heard of him before, not the same guy as when you last visited.

Worrying. Very worrying.
You'd have to try and scope out the area to get any details. Any shred of info-

NURSE: Alright, that should do it.
NURSE: Take it easy, okay?

 

You nod, hopping off of the counter and heading for the exit.

Minerva had already told you she was going to check in after getting seen, making a point to ask you if you wanted to share a room tonight. Saying yes had happened before you could stop yourself, the guilt settling in as soon as you were out of view.




....just one more night. Just- it could be normal, too. Totally normal.


Right.



Frond is waiting for you outside, already pacing around and looking everywhere.

FROND: What's the plan, man?
STRETCH: Hm.
STRETCH: Any info on the gym leader?
FROND: Not a clue!
FROND: Sounds like a-
STRETCH: New guy, yeah.
FROND: Well-
FROND: You know what that means!

 

Oh, no.

FROND: Iiiit's-
STRETCH: please no
FROND: I spy time!
STRETCH: Nnngh.

 

It had been a game you'd played together in the woods, looking for signs of wildlife, travelers, berries...

You both got good at it, something that came in handy during schooling. You never understood why Frond got such average grades when he had worked so hard at developing a sense for this, but-



-he was certainly enthusiastic now.





It isn't long before his eagle eye picks up something you really, really wish he didn't.

FROND: Hey-
FROND: You, uh-
FROND: Okay?

 

Your posture is distinctly shrimp-like.

STRETCH: Fine.
STRETCH: I'm fine.
FROND: You look terrible.
FROND: Here, let's-

 

He powerwalks over to a bench, hopping up and patting for you to sit with him.

You don't even try to protest, practically tossing your pack to the side and slumping onto it.

FROND: ....
FROND: So, like-
FROND: Is it the blood thing-
STRETCH: Sure.

 

The gloom nods.

FROND: You always were a determined guy.
STRETCH: I don't see how doing this equates to that.
FROND: Simple!
FROND: When you want to do something, you commit!
STRETCH: It's-
STRETCH: I-
STRETCH: Don't think that applies to-
STRETCH: what happened last night

 

You trail off, face flushed.




No one says anything for a few moments, it slowly sinking in.

FROND: Wait, you-

 

You squeeze your eyes shut.

FROND: Dude.
STRETCH: Don't-
STRETCH: keep your voice down
FROND: That's huge, man!
STRETCH: please
FROND: Up top!

 

You crave the sweet embrace of death as Frond raises his fingerless hand.

He seems absolutely delighted at your pathetic high five, not even acknowledging the inevitable rebound off of your palm.

FROND: You need that kind of win!
STRETCH: ....
FROND: ....right?

 

You don't meet his eyes.

FROND: Hey-
FROND: It-
FROND: You're...okay, right?
FROND: She didn't-
STRETCH: No!

 

It comes out too fast.

STRETCH: No, it-
STRETCH: ...She. Wasn't like that.

 

His look of concern makes you sigh with your whole body.

STRETCH: It wasn't like that.
FROND: ...you sure?
FROND: You, uh-
FROND: Don't seem that happy about it.

 

The image of you desperately latched onto Minerva flashes in your mind.

STRETCH: I'm-
STRETCH: Not sure if I'm supposed to like this.
FROND: Supposed....to?

 

His frown gets worse, yours matching in turn.

FROND: ....you can't keep-
STRETCH: Drop it.

 

Frond flinches, making you further feel like shit.




You always do this.



You wish he'd just stop caring.





You swallow.

STRETCH: She.
STRETCH: Is very nice.
STRETCH: It was nice.

 

His tension relieves, if only for a moment.

STRETCH: There.
STRETCH: Is that enough?
FROND: ...yeah, man.
FROND: It's good as long as you're good.

 

You both fall into silence.









One hour of scouting around passes, and then two.
Useless. All of the former tells, all of the posters advertising the badge challenge-


Covered up, torn down, all replaced with painted insignias of bones.

FROND: ...Stretch.
STRETCH: Nn.
FROND: I think something really bad happened here since we were kids.
STRETCH: .....

 

The flag above you has some kind of indeterminate splatter.

STRETCH: Yeah.
STRETCH: Don't like it.
FROND: Will-
FROND: Minerva...lives here, right?



 

You don't respond.

FROND: Eerie too?




 

Words don't really cover the feeling of dread seeping in.

FROND: ....
FROND: Let's go, man.
FROND: I-
FROND: We should check on them.
STRETCH: Right.



 

Your heart pounds with every hovering step back to the center.

It's too different. Too loud.

You feel the eyes of passersby.

You stick out like a sore thumb.

Frond sticks close, and for once, he looks just as worried as you feel.




This isn't the exciting, gemstone covered place you remember-

????: HEY
????: ASSHOLE
 

Your anxiety makes you nearly screen as you whip around-


Only to see a familiar face, arms crossed.

SLIPPER: You think you could beat me, huh?

 

Fuck's sake. Not now.

STRETCH: I'm busy.
SLIPPER: Nope.
SLIPPER: No!
SLIPPER: You know the rules!

 

Your antennae fall back.

Rivalry rules. God, it was stupid.
Encounters between badges meant either party could declare a battle, the other unable to refuse. It was more dramatic for televised fights, not...



Whatever the hell this situation is.

STRETCH: I am.
STRETCH: Busy.
SLIPPER: Too bad!

 

Frond looks up at you with a shrug.

FROND: She's right, unfortunately.
STRETCH: Ugh.

 

Fights in cities were allowed, so long as they were declared. Frond gets you some open space, finding a decently clean fighting field. It's just a tile plaza, looking less ideal than you'd like. There's not much of a crowd, but a referee was easy enough to find- albeit just an interested citygoer. This kind of stuff didn't have to be clean.


You exhale, sliding your backpack off and raising your palms.

STRETCH: Let's make this quick.

 

Slipper doesn't step up first, gesturing for someone else to step forward.

You had honestly thought the nidorina was a part of the people milling around, from how little attention they had paid you while Slipper talked shit.

????: Oh, sorry-

 

Your eyes widen as they step into the ring.

They are huge.
And absolutely ripped.

STRETCH: Ah.
????: I didn't realize we were doing this now!

 

Okay.


Sure.



That's. Fine.



The ref counts down. You try to focus. Focus. Get your head in the right place-

REF: GO!
 

The nido gets the first move, moving far faster than you with your fucked up shoulder. You snarl in pain as you strafe to the side, fully aware that further injury would put you in even more trouble tomorrow.

Her entire body clenches-



-the release firing off a stream of needles. PIN MISSLE, no doubt.

The crowd scatters, stepping back and cheering. Splash damage was accepted as a risk, and a lot of audience members loved it. You never understood it.

Three of them make contact, but uselessly bounce off your torso. More of a pinch than anything, really.

????: What?!
????: Not fair!
 

You rush her down, spying an uncovered shoulder and driving a palm spike in.

Another to the chest is enough to send her flying, tumbling to the ground.




Sore loser, just like Slipper.

All buff, no brains to it.
Pathetic.

Frond cheers along with the crowd, waving an arm around.

FROND: You want me to tag in, bud?!
 

You stare down the grimer, seething at you with all the malice in the world.

STRETCH: No.
STRETCH: I have this.

She looks ready to kill as she slides into the ring, shaking her arms out and sneering at you.

SLIPPER: You think you're-
SLIPPER: So fucking cool.
 

You do not feel cool with the current amount of upper back pain you have going on.

SLIPPER: Let's see you handle this!

 

Her hand begins to shift-



-taking the shape of a massive bird head, swinging it at you with maximum force.


It makes contact, energy flashing as it drives against your pulsing body.




Not good enough.

She's just as unable to handle your needled palms, yelping in frustration as you knock her back, harder and harder.

STRETCH: I told you.
 

Her tantrum-like pounding on the ground, summons another fissure-



Not going to work.

You float effortlessly over the chasm and backhand her, following it up with a spike to the cheek.

STRETCH: I'm busy.

 

She goes down.



The crowd goes wild. You feel a bit of pride, if only for a moment.
Even if that was a shit fight, it felt...good.
To be acknowledged outside of your small town feels nice.



Up until your back hurts again.

STRETCH: Okay.
STRETCH: Done here.
STRETCH: Going. Back now.
FROND: Yep! Yeah, let's-

 

He runs over to take a slip out of the grimer's pocket- a voucher for prize money. You were both required to carry them at all times, so long as you were deemed the party leader.

FROND: Shopping time!





 

The fluorescent lights buzz above you, hitting right in the overstimulation part of your brain. Being in marts was bad enough on a normal basis, let alone Minerva excitedly running up to you when you got back, applauding you on your victory, taking you shopping, and pulling you aside to-

MINERVA: So, it worked pretty okay last time, right?

 

You flick your eyes to the massive wall of packages in front of you.

MINERVA: Size was okay?
MINERVA: Not too tight?
STRETCH: Y. Yeah.
STRETCH: Worked well enough.

 

She plucks two boxes off the rack and holds them out to you.

One lists extra protection against type-related effects- the other advertising less
barriers. Something about- you see the words "true potential" and decide you've seen enough.

STRETCH: We'll.
STRETCH: Have to try both.
STRETCH: Right?

 

Your chest aches as she grins.


You aren't sure why you're even entertaining this.
After everything, you'd had assumed-

A bellsprout wearing a bulky coat not-so-inconspicuously stares at Minerva as they pass by, back at you, and back to her.




YOU NEED TO LEAVE THIS AISLE IMMEDIATELY




Your pulse skyrockets, mind rushing with the implication of it all. You're standing next to a beautiful woman, obviously- oh, god.
She's literally holding condoms up to you specifically. This was not rocket science. Anyone who saw, would-
Know that you did that to her-

MINERVA: You okay?

 

You startle.

MINERVA: Your antennae are glowing.
STRETCH: shit

 

You flatten them back against your skull, trying to press them down with your hands.

MINERVA: Are you- I'm sorry, I don't really know what that means for electabuzz-
STRETCH: It's.
STRETCH: Nothing.

 

Her brow furrows.

MINERVA: Are you sure?
STRETCH: ...I'll.
STRETCH: Tell you later.
STRETCH: Nn.

 

The tension leaves your body as she pats you on the head.
You hate how fucking good that feels.

MINERVA: I'll hold you to that.

 

You approach the checkout, the sight of Minerva politely holding her shopping basket stressing you out again. If you had known how...much...public eye that doing this would bring, you likely would have had more than second thoughts.

STRETCH: I'll-
STRETCH: Let you check out, if that's-
STRETCH: Okay.

 

Minerva takes a moment to process.

MINERVA: Oh!
MINERVA: Oh, yes!
MINERVA: That should be perfectly alright!
MINERVA: They know me well here, it won't be any trouble at all.
STRETCH: ...Ah.
MINERVA: You get some air, okay?
STRETCH: Right.






 

Your rhyhorn party member leans against the side of the building, gnawing on some kind of jerky. Your whole posture stiffens, gritting your teeth as you pass by.

EERIE: Hey.

 

You keep walking, hands in your hoodie pockets.

EERIE: Hey.

 

An exhausted huff bursts out of you as you whip around, antennae back.

STRETCH: What.
STRETCH: What do you want.
EERIE: Tch.
EERIE: Didn't think you could talk back.

 

Usually, you'd clam up.
Hell, you still really want to.
But you have had

A
Day

and you are sick of her shit.

STRETCH: I
STRETCH: Did not
STRETCH: Even invite you.
STRETCH: Okay?

 

You take furious floating steps towards her, jamming a finger into her face.
She doesn't flinch, meeting your glowing, wide eyes.

STRETCH: You inserted yourself into this.
STRETCH: So if you're-
STRETCH: If you want to get to some kind of contest hall, for whatever. Whatever reason that is.
STRETCH: And you want my help-
STRETCH: Please.
STRETCH: Get off.
STRETCH: My dick.
EERIE: Maybe you should give the bat that advice.

 

She crunches some jerky, your face turning completely electric blue.

EERIE: Would help her lose a few pounds.
STRETCH: I-
STRETCH: Ah.
STRETCH: Mmmmmmmmmm.

 

Your leg is jiggling in anger, tail tip lashing.

EERIE: Thought you were going for league.
EERIE: Sounded reeeeal serious up until you ran into her.
STRETCH: I am serious!
STRETCH: J-just-
EERIE: Just what?
STRETCH: I- you-

 

You turn away, gripping at your hair-antennae as you groan.

STRETCH: Why are you doing this.
STRETCH: You can just go!
STRETCH: You can leave.
STRETCH: I didn't-
STRETCH: .....

 

You lower your hand, staring at your long, rounded fingertips.

STRETCH: ask for this.
EERIE: ....
EERIE: I lied.

 

You look back over your shoulder, the rhyhorn pitching the empty bag in the trash.

EERIE: The contest hall thing.
EERIE: I just needed a way out of there- and out of here, too.
EERIE: That's what I wanted to tell you.
EERIE: If you want me gone, congratulations.
EERIE: I am now outside of shit ass Pallet Town, and did not die.
EERIE: Yippee.
EERIE: ....
STRETCH: ....

 

The night air feels strange as you stare each other down.

STRETCH: ....why lie?
EERIE: Would you have done it if you recognized me?

 

Your eyes flick to the bone strapped to her thigh.

STRETCH: ....no.
STRETCH: I wouldn't.
EERIE: People see a pretty girl going to a contest hall and assume they need protecting.
EERIE: From how you look at Minerva, my guess is right.
EERIE: You like the damsel type.
STRETCH: Hrk-
STRETCH: THAT
STRETCH: IS NOT-
EERIE: Relax, I'm not hitting on you.
EERIE: Just a convenient out for me.
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: So.
STRETCH: You picked me because?
STRETCH: Why, exactly.
STRETCH: Easy. Easy mark for-

 

An outright growl escapes.

STRETCH: I'm not!
STRETCH: Like that!
EERIE: Because I wasn't lying-
EERIE: -about recognizing the occult shit.
EERIE: If I was going to hit up somebody, I.
EERIE: At least wanted someone who would get it.
EERIE: Good enough for you?
STRETCH: ...you don't get anything.

 

It comes out angry enough that you spit.

STRETCH: No one does.
STRETCH: Okay?
STRETCH: Okay.

 

It's her turn to not meet your eyes.

STRETCH: Great.
EERIE: I-
EERIE: League badges give you access to a lot of resources.
EERIE: I need one.
EERIE: Just one.

 

You hear the strain in her voice for the first time.




The flags earlier flash in your mind.

STRETCH: .....
STRETCH: No more mind games.
STRETCH: No more lying to me.
STRETCH: And-
STRETCH: Leave. Minerva out of this.
STRETCH: ...she's just trying to help.
EERIE: ...alright.
EERIE: Just don't be so loud next time.
STRETCH: HEY-

 

She's already walking off.

EERIE: Already booked a room for myself tonight.
EERIE: We'll meet up to talk gameplan tomorrow.


 

You think you might hate her.

MINERVA: ...Stretch?

 

You jump out of your skin as you whip around, surprised to see the bat carrying multiple large shopping bags.

STRETCH: I-
STRETCH: That's not, all-
MINERVA: Oh, no.
MINERVA: I figured we would need a restock on medical supplies before tomorrow!
MINERVA: And...
MINERVA: I wanted to show appreciation for- everything.
MINERVA: ....
MINERVA: Is everything okay?
MINERVA: I thought I heard yelling.

 

You jam your hands back into your hoodie pockets.

STRETCH: ....Fine.
STRETCH: It's...fine.
STRETCH: Nothing happened.
MINERVA: ....
MINERVA: If. You're sure.
STRETCH: Yeah.
MINERVA: Ooookay....
STRETCH: Mm.

 

The incoming headpat clears your mind instantly, Minerva giggling at the small pulse you give off.

MINERVA: See?
MINERVA: All better.
STRETCH: Mmgh.
STRETCH: ....thanks.

 

The two of you stand there under a streetlight, sharing a quiet moment as you both munch on some protein bars.






....



You wonder if a better person would have more words to say right now.
Someone who actually knew how to handle situations like this.
Or- knew how to properly react to someone taking interest in you.


Somehow, the golbat doesn't seem to mind, tossing half off the bar into her massive mouth and stifling another hiccup.

STRETCH: ....

 

You glance over, somewhat relieved to see her abdomen less bloated than earlier- easier to actually judge now that you're not panicking in a convenience store.

STRETCH: It doesn't hurt?
MINERVA: Hm?
MINERVA: Oh, no.
MINERVA: It's....cumbersome, but-

 

She closes her eyes in a full smile.

MINERVA: Truth be told, it makes me really happy.

 

Your heart flutters a bit- unclear if it was out of anxiety or something far more terrible.

MINERVA: We should be more careful, but-




 

She pauses, tilting her head past you and causing you to turn.





The bellsprout from earlier stands there, leaves in their coat pockets.



Looking at them closer, they were mostly covered up- a beanie, long coat, boots-

-and a lot of accessory pins, keychains hanging off of their travel bag.

????: I overheard you and the rhyhorn's fight.
MINERVA: But I thought you said-
STRETCH: Wasn't a fight.
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: What do you want.
????: ....
????: My name is Filigree, and-
FILIGREE: I want to take on the league too.

 

You stare down the miniscule plant, their gaze unwavering.

FILIGREE: I've tried to beat the gym before.
FILIGREE: You can't get through without a proper team, and-
STRETCH: If you can't win, why should I-?
MINERVA: Stretch!

 

You flinch.

MINERVA: They're trying to help.
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: ........
STRETCH: Okay.
STRETCH: Fine.
STRETCH: Sure.
STRETCH: I'll hear you out.
 

Another fucking party member inviting themself. Alright.



.....at least Minerva gave you headpats about it.


You stop that line of thought. Not now.

STRETCH: But.

 

You have to grit your teeth, steeling your nerves as you actually lay down a decision for once.

STRETCH: If we're going to do this.
STRETCH: Training.
STRETCH: We need to actually train.
STRETCH: ....as a team.
STRETCH: Meet us at the center tomorrow morning.
STRETCH: We'll see if you can work it.
FILIGREE: ....

 

They look just as uncomfortable as you.

FILIGREE: ...thanks.
FILIGREE: I'll. Do my best.
STRETCH: Yeah.
FILIGREE: Yep.

 

Minerva taps her claws together anxiously as she looks back and forth between the two of you dissociating through this conversation.

MINERVA: Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
MINERVA: Should probably get going!
STRETCH: ...right.
STRETCH: ....
FILIGREE: ................

 

There's a bit more awkward silence before Minerva gently leads you away.





She doesn't say much, just looking down at you worriedly. You don't even know why she's giving you the time of day at this point. Can't be a good look to be standing next to someone so absolute, completely-

MINERVA: I'm sure it'll go fine.




 

You don't say much.





....You just want the day to be over with already.
 

---

With Minerva giving Stretch a wild head start on training, will our electabuzz hero be able to whip the rest of its mess of a team in shape? What does this Filigree person want anyway- especially so suddenly?

But most importantly....what the team does about this gang situation is up to you, dear suggestors- next time on SPACE CASE!