You Little Terror [Hunting For Answers]

Maximillion stepped out into the back yard of the home he and his brother shared. Max was out on a job again, and Million was enjoying the peace and quiet of having the entire house to himself. His pokemon were definitely enjoying it as well, making soft humming and wuffing noises as they followed him around.

A whine from Giz drew his attention to the very back of the expansive wildflower garden, where he spotted faint orbs floating in and out of the vineyard and orchard, almost as if they were dancing in the shadows. He watched them cautiously for a time, standing on the patio deck. It was only a foot and a half off the ground, with a set of stairs leading down to the start of the massive garden, but the stable, level ground made observation easier.

The garden itself was a tiered one, with subtle paths and ‘levels’ leading down what would have otherwise been a steep hill, until it reached the bubbling stream that wound lazily through the trees at the base of the hill. From there it extended back some, though there was a fence hidden behind the grape vines and trees.

It was fascinating, really. He wasn’t sure of all the details of what had happened to cause such an ‘outbreak’ of nera, some containing pokemon DNA, others containing attributes, elements, and other such curious things. He wanted to gather them all for study, but knew it wasn’t safe to do so, no matter how careful he was.

His thoughts and silent observations were broken when Gizmo leaped off the deck with a loud ‘arf!’ and charged down the hill at full speed. Before he could react, Aodhán had jumped down from his perch on Maximillion, charging after Million’s partner pokemon.

“For the love of…” He trailed off, taking a deep breath as well, then charged down after the two trouble magnets. Well - one trouble magnet, one troublemaker. “Giz, get back here! You’re teaching Aodhán bad habits.”

Though slightly annoyed, there was a hint of amusement in his tone. A sassy ‘wuff’ was all he got in response. Shaking his head, Million slowed down to a jog, easily able to keep track of the two ‘mon out with him. It wouldn’t do for either of them to become injured.

“Come on now. You both know better. Leave those alone.”

No response, not even an ear flick from Giz. Aodhán on the other hand - the tiny cutie turned back to his trainer, let out a chirp, and signaled he wanted back up on Million’s shoulder. Crouching to scoop the tiny pokemon up in his arms, Million glanced around them. There were way too many nera around right now for his comfort. Time to retreat, though only far enough that it’d be safe.

“C’mon brat. If you’re a good boy, I’ll give you a treat.”

At the word treat, Gizmo’s head shot around and he fixed his Trainer with an expectant stare. Said Trainer shook his head, patting at the side of his upper leg. He wasn’t about to give Giz a treat yet. Little brat hadn’t done as he was told. And until he did, there’d be no treat. He did, however, give the pokemon a glimpse of the treat. “Ever since you were fused with a Yamper you’ve given me more sass and won’t do anything unless I bribe you.”

Though he was grouching about it, Million actually didn’t mind that much. It was interesting, studying his own partner pokemon, as well as any that friends, family, even acquaintences brought by. It wasn’t just to show them off though - not to him, at any rate. He knew they were in this neck of the woods to stop by his parents’ place as well. While fusions were nice and all, his parents continued as responsible breeders.

They’d recently surprised him with a pedigree spropup, which had been a pleasant surprise - that particular pokemon was one of his favorites. Drawn back out of his head by excited barking, his eyes fixed on Gizmo, who was excitedly running around and snapping at a nera floating just above his head and drifting slowly toward him. The little spitfire was far too focused on it, refusing to acknowledge Million even when he called.

Sighing, his brows creasing as he called for the little terror again, his tone of voice was firmer this time, more commanding. “Gizmo. Over here, now.” He shifted Aodhán back up onto his shoulder, then slipped his hand in a trouser pocket once he was sure the younger pokemon was secure. Giz responded, but not how Million wanted. A single short sassy bark was the only answer given.

“GIZMO. NOW.”

Firm, and a little harsh, but he was really uneasy about the nera floating ever closer to the small pokemon attempting to jump up and snap at the edges of the wispy form, his teeth making a loud ‘clack!’ every time he missed and his jaw snapped shut. The longer he tried and failed, the more whining and barking he did, his pitch going higher as he grew more frustrated. Million was about to call him again, when Aodhán gave a soft chirp jumping down into his arms. The little pokemon focused on the ground, chirping again.

“You gonna go tell your brother off for not listening, hmm?” Million set Aodhán down, watching the flame that was a big part of the tiny creature ripple and flicker, its shape ever changing. A small chirp was the only reply, though Million could hear a hint of annoyance in the tone, which had him chuckling slightl. “Okay, bud. You can try. But if he doesn’t listen this time, he’s back in his pokeball until we’re inside for the night.”

He shifted his attention back to his noisy little brat, whose yapping had taken on an even higher pitch as the nera floated higher, following a lazy, winding path that only it knew. “Giz. Now.” Million held up the treat, then looked at Gizmo expectantly. With a loud whine, Gizmo started to come back to his trainer, though his attention was quickly diverted - the nera floating down near his nose. With a low growl he lunged at it, jaws snapping together, barely missing Aodhán as he bounded over.

With an indignant chitter, the smaller pokemon started to scold him, Aodhán’s flame flaring up a bit. He looked at Gizmo, then back at Million, made another expectant noise, then started to hop back over to the behaviorist. The poochyena fusion grumbled then fell in line next to his ‘brother’, yipping softly as he stared up at the treat still held in Million’s hand.

Million gave a short bark of a laugh. “You seriously think you’re getting this without any good behavior on your part? I’m glad you got excited by the nera, but good lord - stop being a knucklehead and ignoring me. Now, sit.”

The canine pokemon did as instructed, one front paw held up as he stared up at the treat. “Lay down.” Million wouldn’t hand over the treat easily, not after being ignored multiple times. After a moment’s hesitation, grumpy at not being given the treat, he huffed and flopped down, staring baleffully at Million.

“Good boy. Here’s your treat. Just… behave better next time, you little terror.”