Eevee Therapy for Little Magi Chapter 37: A City for Two Peoples

Rin watched as Agate and Ren loped away from their park bench, the girl smiling briefly before she turned her attention back to the email she’d been sent. After a few minutes, she frowned. “Sakura, our partners are really only two months old, yes?”

“I’m not entirely sure.” Sakura shook her head, humming in amusement as she stared in the direction their starters had gone, “Given they’re mystery gifts, it’s likely Arceus simply chose the most likely age to be of the most help to us.”

“I suppose. But in life experience, we just sent two friends with less than a year’s life between them into formerly gang-infested land. On their own.” Rin looked up from her tablet. “Is it weird that I’m not worried for them?”

“We’ve talked about this before, lass. Age is not equal to maturity. Otherwise, Libra would be the wisest one here,” Gordon said from his spot atop a muffin, slowly eating his way into the treat.

“What Gordon said,” Sakura shrugged as she browsed through Sufficient Battling. “I don’t think it’s strange, neesan. I’m not particularly worried either.”

“I suppose we’re hardly normal.” She opened her mouth, then looked over at N, the boy meditating while covered in wild Pokemon. “...no, he’d be no help.” She shrugged, and went back to her emails. “...do you think we’re going to run into any of the legends? The Emiya family have already had several encounters.”

“... I would hope not,” Sakura hummed with a soft shake of her head. “Legends mean trouble, and there’s already more than enough trouble as is.”

“And a lot of them are assholes,” Gordon grumbled.

“Might be a good fight, though!” Ana chirped from her own spot in the sun.

As the whole group erupted in a conversation, Sakura glanced over to see the tail end of her starter and his sister vanish into the brush. She smiled and returned to her book, Other curled up at her side.

Meanwhile, Agate led her brother into the underbrush, cutting through the leaves as the sun slowly set. “I’m fairly certain our hosts are back this way.”

“My nose works just as well as yours does, sister,” Ren responded, sniffing the air and catching the scent of a dozen Eevee up ahead. Rounding the corner, both Eeveelutions looked out over a horde of brown fox-cats interspersed with two dozen of their evolved brethren.

Many of the nearest Eevee perked up and turned to see them, bounding over with a deluge of welcome and rapid questions. Agate threw up a quick barrier to keep from being swarmed under by the tide of fluff. “Well, they’re enthusiastic.”

“It’s not too often that we invite trainer pokemon around. And much longer since anyone here’s seen a Mystery Gift.” The crowd parted, a larger Eevee with gray streaks in his hair and tail padding forward, coming to a stop before the two. “Well met, strangers and kinsfolk. Welcome to the Tussle.”

“You’ve been around a long time, elder,” Agate observed, absent any other way to proceed. “We are honored that you would greet us.”

The older Eevee tilted his head back letting out a conjoined series of chirps. “Veeveevee… It’s not like there’s that much for me to do tonight. The big issue has been resolved; the gangs are on the run or quiet, and the foreigners are leaving soon. The tourists will be back, as will the street vendors; and winter is still a ways away.” His gray-streaked tail wagged happily. “The kits want to ask you what being a trainer partner is like, but that’s something that can wait. Come along, and meet the rest of us older folks.”

The three fox-cats advanced through the crowd, the elder leading them to a quieter spot in the eve of several large trees. “We don’t have shrines or hollows like some communities do, but this spot’s been used as a meeting ground for centuries before humans settled. We have it at the dusks at each quarter moon, and many other days besides.” He explained, as he led them to the clearing. Most of the Pokemon awaiting them were evolved Eevees, with a smattering of larger or visibly scarred unevolved members. “We hash out any conflicts and coordinate when necessary here.”

“I see,” Ren answered simply, casting his gaze around with wide eyes, “It is… good to know one of the cultures my species tends to practice.”

The elder chuckled. “Fighting wastes resources. A lot of species meet up like this to hash out differences before it comes to blows; or escalates into feuds.” He padded into the midst of the leaders, turning around twice to perch on a patch of moss.

One of the other elders chuckled. “Like the humans generally tend to. Our ways of life are not so different that we cannot understand each other when we bother to try.” With a hum, he nodded. “That is why we make it a point to impart our way of life onto trainer Pokemon that pass through here, especially those Eevee that have never seen our way of life and express interest.”

“We’re both interested, to be sure,” Agate nodded, taking a seat near the center of the gathered elders. “I can’t help but notice that not every evolved or even old Eevee back there came here. Is there some criteria for joining these councils, or…”

“Nah, kit,” a Jolteon with ruffled fur spoke from her spot. “Packs don’t have alphas or anything like that; the Pokemon with the most patience and responsibility gets suckered into talking at these meetings.” One paw pointed at a tiny Eevee with bright, focused eyes. “Junior over there represents his pack, since he’s suited for it.”

The little Eevee waved. “Kinda weird being the elder when I’m so young, but I think I handle it pretty well.”

“So by merit of patience rather than by simply outliving everyone else,” Agate hummed. “A good system. One that is fairly new, I’d imagine?”

With an amused huff, the first Eevee laughed. “Yes. We began our experimentation with this system around when the humans in Unova were doing something of the same; experimenting with democracy. Our old system was far more akin to that often depicted in feudal dramas.”

Ren tilted his head. “I wonder who learned from whom?” His ears twitched. “A question for another time. So, beyond Eevee, do you all meet with other Pokemon groups? I know there are Patrat, Purrloin, and Lillipup groups here in the city, and you probably run into other Pokemon, too. Do you negotiate with them for space?”

“You can’t just claim space. There’s plenty of room for coexistence,” a Vaporeon instructed. “We do share places to gather food, and there’s cooperation to keep the rat population going.” They tapped the ground with her tail. “And keep the humans from just bulldozing all the places we live in…”

“Now now, they’re not all bad. Hell, they’re usually nice. But they do have a tendency to expect their old buildings to be up for grabs twenty or thirty years later,” one of the Eevee elders chimed in. “The local Zoroark matron actually owns a lot of communal properties under her human identity. We all chip in with found wealth to let her keep up with the taxes, and it keeps our sanctuaries running.”

“Well, some of you do,” the young elder snarked, shaking his head fondly, “Some of us also went ahead and got paying jobs to contribute to that fund too.”

“...paying jobs?” Agate muttered. “Do some of you moonlight as therapy or petting Eevee, or are you online these days?”

“Little bit of A, a little bit of B, and some of C,” the ‘elder’ singsonged, his eyes alight with mischief as the rest of the elders groaned with old frustration and amusement in equal measure, “Some of us work for the local kitchens, some of us work directly for major companies, some of us work as therapy mon, and some of us do online streaming, despite most of our audience being utterly unable to understand us, though that is changing thanks to your trainer, Miss Agate,” he explained more seriously, several elders nodding severely. “The ‘C’ in this instance refers to commissioned work. It’s a practice that was brought by word of mouth to Unova in times long since forgotten, but Pokemon often post jobs they don’t want to do themselves, and offer various rewards for doing so. Some of those rewards can be sold to the humans, either through the Zorua skulk or through the more liberal humans - who kindly act as our intermediaries for a price.”

Ren perked up. “So if our trainers are taking jobs, we might be able to take a few ourselves? Not sure what I’d do with the money, but I’d be game for that.”

“We were practically already working for the police during this last op,” Agate mused. “And I know Rin or Sakura would happily give us a cut of their checks.”

“Now you’re thinking like a businessmon,” Little Eevee chortled. “Don’t forget that even other Pokemon might have money or jobs for you.”

“We are getting a little off-subject,” the gray-streaked Eevee interjected. “Do you have any other questions, kits? We do have a few of our own, but they’re not urgent.” 

“I’m guessing you let your youngsters choose whether or not to seek out trainers. But how do you deal with poachers, or even normal trainers, trying to seek out you?” Ren asked. “We’ve dealt with a lot of smugglers, and it seems like a common problem.”

“Violently in the case of poachers and smugglers,” the Vaporeon from earlier stated severely, her tail curling at the very thought.

“As for trainers,” the female Jolteon from earlier added, “it depends on if they can take no for an answer or not. Generally, we let them be. They aren’t causing harm, and especially if they’re Castelian, they generally know what lines exist and which lines result in you getting mauled by an angry mom for daring to think of poaching her children.” Pausing, a flicker of electricity danced through her fur. “As for the ‘stronger’ trainers who think their strength means they can simply take what they believe to be theirs by right?” She grinned nastily, her eyes tracking a Eevee vigilantly standing watch over the clearing from the vantage point on a tree-branch, “Well, there are more than a few of us here who have gone through full journeys and parted ways from our partners amicably. Some of us here even returned to our homes after our partners died.”

Ren’s ears drooped. “Sorry to hear that. But I suppose the humans don’t object when you get… aggressive?”

“The locals know better. Hell, if you get a gang of Pokemon trying to ambush a trainer with a fresh catch, nine times out of ten the police or rangers will go after the trainer, not the Pokemon,” the lone Sylveon in the group said, grinning. “If a kit of age chooses to let a trainer attempt a catch, that’s sacred. If we’re protesting, the humans know that’s a Follow Me.”

“That makes sense,” Agate hummed, eyes alight with curiosity despite the turn the conversation had taken. “...actually, speaking of sacred, something came up recently. One of the officers we were talking to mentioned that the legendaries are supposed to be treated as myths by the public. Is there any normal way you guys discuss legendaries, or what?”

“Hmmm.” The silvered Eevee hummed, “We are aware the Legends are real. We simply do not advertise that fact beyond those that need to know.” Severely, he looked at the pair of mystery gifts, “I would advise you and your trainers to keep mum about the Legends. The humans have the right idea when it comes to the control over the realities of the so-called myths. They have done us great services.” He paused, looking towards the Sylveon, who winced slightly, shifting on her leg, which was missing much of its fur.

“They have also caused us grievous harm. It is simply not worth the risk of bothering them,” she finished with a huff. “Just because I’m the keeper of lore doesn’t mean I need to field all of these questions, old man.”

“You’re older than me, woman!” The Eevee shot back with a huff, receiving only a cackle from the fairy in return.

Ren chuckled as he watched the byplay. “Thank you for the advice, but I think our trainers are going to end up dealing with at least a few legends. We’re proof that might happen.”

“Mystery gifts do tend to bring a bit of trouble.” The Sylveon laughed. “I’ve a few stories about those. Any interest?” She smiled as both the younger pokemon nodded rapidly.

--(0)--

Sakura looked up as a loud call sounded through the park. She stood, Other hopping off her lap to pad by her side as a loud man in a black cap trailed by two lighter-dressed figures made their way into the picnic space. “Ingo, it’s good to see you again.” She offered the man a handshake, reinforcing her wrist as she went. “Subway Master Emmet, Captain Bles–”

“At this point, I think it’s just Selvaria, Miss Sakura.” The officer responded with a small smile. “Thank you for inviting me along; getting some time away from the station has been difficult.”

Ingo released Sakura’s hand, voice carrying as he nodded. “Necessary maintenance, I think. Or rather, just some time to rest the wheels.”

Emmet lifted his own arm. “I brought something to pad out the meals. My personal chili recipe, and fresh sourdough.”

“Thank you kindly,” Rin said, helping the man set up his addition to their picnic. She winced at the spice she could smell wafting off the crock of stew; it wasn’t nearly as pungent as her guardian’s favorite tofu dish, but there was some heat there. “I don’t think any of us could focus on small talk before we discussed the Cufant in the room. How did the raids progress?”

“The threats were neutralized handily,” Ingo stated blandly, filling a bowl with chili and accepting sandwiches and a water bottle from Sakura. “Your information was exactly what was needed; none of the local leadership managed to escape our arrival.”

Emmet chimed in. “A lot of the foot soldiers managed to escape, but there has been a sudden exodus of criminals from the city. Without leadership and with the police on high alert, it seems most of the local gangs are seeking depots outside the city.” He chuckled darkly. “We’ll run them down eventually.”

“Your work was very well done,” Selvaria finished with a smile. “It was a pleasure working with you all, despite the ninja issue.”

“It was a pleasure to be of assistance to the Pokemon League after all they’ve done for us.” Sakura demurred, bowing from her seated position. “However, now we come to another matter.”

“Payment. Policy indicates that the league is to pay trainers impressed into service during a crisis depending on their badge level and contributions.” Rin recited, a small smile on her face, “It may seem extremely mercenary of us, but.”

“We know what we’re worth, and definitely could use the supplies purchased with that money to improve ourselves. Which in turn will benefit the league more should our services ever be required again,” Sakura finished, giving her sister a high-five.

Emmet and Ingo both laughed. “No, this is the right line to travel.” Ingo said with a chop of his arm. “You are right to ask about that.”

Selvaria nodded. “There are some trainers who defer taking payment, but I wouldn’t have allowed you to walk away from this one without payment.” She produced her tablet and pulled up a file. “Since you were technically involved in an Interpol-League operation, I sent them the paperwork for your payment.” She tapped the screen. “They’ve approved of specialist payment in combat operations; 20000 each, with some adjustments. However, before I finalize the payments, I should ask: do you want to be kept on the list for consideration for future police or league operations? Local ones, of course.”

Sharing a glance, the pair of preteens nodded to each other. “Sure,” they answered in tandem, “We have no issue with assisting interpol and the league.”

“I’ll leave you on the contact list, then. Hopefully, this won’t come up again, but considering the current situation, that’s unlikely,” Selvaria said with a sigh, tapping her pad a few times. “The paperwork is being processed, it shouldn’t be more than two days before you get your payments.” She coughed. “As league associates, you can also expect a discount at Pokemarts. Five percent adds up.”

Emmet chuckled slightly as Rin perked up. “You might want to look into expanding your teams a little, if you will keep doing operations. It’s always best to have cars in reserve, very good idea.” He stretched out the word ‘very’, rolling his tongue.

Ingo nodded. “While the engines of the gangs were captured at their stations here in town, some of their passengers and cargo made it out.” He said bluntly. “Without Castelia, operations will slow, but those who are left will likely not vanish.”

“We understand the dangers.” Sakura replied instantly, “We still feel an obligation to help.”

All three adults nodded, Ingo and Selvaria sighing as they did. The captain gave a bitter smile. “Just don’t get in over your heads.” She then looked over at the third child in the clearing, N looking back at her with a frown. “And hope those assassins don’t make another appearance.”

“I’ve written to my sisters. Before, and again now,” N muttered, Zorua pushing into his hands from underneath to reassure his partner. “They’ve been honest. And… I think they’ve been smarter than me. About father.” He swallowed, looking down and stroking the red tuft of fur atop his partner’s head. “Not all of Plasma is wrong. But I don’t know what part is.”

“Until you know who you can trust, I can’t recommend you go back,” Selvaria said firmly. “Honestly, I’d want to put you in protective custody, but there are a lot of problems with that.  Not the least being that you should stay with people you feel safe around. And that seems to be constrained to these two for now.” She looked at Rin. “The gangs are one thing, but a full-fledged Team is another matter. It may be excessive, but I’d appreciate twice daily updates when you’re out on the road; dawn and dusk.”

“Given what we’ve been told of teams, I cannot object,” Rin replied severely, glancing at her transceiver. “I should probably give Professor- Mom updates as well, so she doesn’t get overly worried.”

Selvaria shuddered. “She passed on her… displeasure with me for conscripting you two, by the way. When you call her, could you please let her know it was your choice to remain on the League roster?” she asked plaintively. “I don’t know if her wife really can make me have constant nightmares about the police academy, and I would rather not find out for sure.”

“Of course,” Sakura answered immediately, tapping on her transceiver to do exactly that, fingers slowly but surely typing out a text message for her mother, along with a promise to call later. “Is there anything else, Officer?”

“Nothing urgent.” Selvaria looked out from the park, gaze passing over the treeline towards the waters of the bay and the setting sun visible there. “Ingo, Emmet?”

Ingo shook his head slightly, focusing on his meal. Emmet, meanwhile, had his hand out, Gordon perched upon it and buzzing back and forth with the white-clad conductor. “This one is very knowledgeable, and has not evolved yet. I wonder why?”

“Food’s always an issue when you’re traveling. Being a little squirt means I can get by with a lot less grub,” the Joltik responded.

“...I did not understand that.” Emmet’s eyes brightened as Rin handed over her translator. “Oh, wonderful! Are you thinking of evolving soon, since you now have a trainer to feed you?”

“I’m thinking about it.” Gregor hummed, “I’m familiar with being a little tyke, but there is a part of me that’d like to get big enough to throw my weight around. Sadly, no going back if I like being small to big, and I cannae tell without trying.”

“I think I understand, ser Gregor,” Libra hummed, looking towards her comrade. “There are times when I do miss being smaller. Yet,” with a look that wouldn’t be out of place on a particularly elderly woman, she smiled, “I do enjoy being a Lampent. I do believe I would enjoy being a Chandelure as well.”

“And that is why you ask your partners if they want to evolve and do not force it,” Emmet said firmly.

Selvaria nodded. “That’s actually a crime on the books in a lot of districts around here. It only barely failed as a law for the full region; apparently there are some tourist areas which didn’t want the headaches of enforcing it on foreigners.”

Sakura tilted her head, shooting a short glance at N, t “...Pokemon rights have come a long way here, it seems. I wonder why Plasma even exists here?” She asked, mostly to herself, her voice still reaching the rest of the group

“Because,” N began, catching himself instantly and taking a breath. “Because even if there are protections in place for Pokemon, they still do not have a say in our government. The wild pokemon have no protections beyond those offered by the Compact of the Four Swords and the unspoken understanding between our people and theirs. Because legally, our Pokemon are little more than well treated slaves, and given my very very basic research so far, this loophole in the law has been exploited more than once before.”

“Well reasoned, N,” Selvaria nodded, “You are correct. Pokemon in Unova do have rights. However, they are not legally equal to humans, nor are they equal to humans in fact. There are cities where they are, Castelia City is one such example, in fact, but the protections Castelia can provide are extremely limited beyond her borders and the courts can overturn her laws if they so desire.”

Ingo made a chopping motion with his hand. “All correct! But it does lack cultural context, too. Though laws are more sparse, most Unovans– indeed, most people– would protest any harm given to Pokemon, and listen as best they can when they speak. One of the reasons those laws don’t exist is because many people argue they aren’t needed. Which is wrong, but coming from a position of ignorance, not malice.” He brushed the Pearl Clan sash at his waist. “Also, some traditional societies argue Pokemon should not be subject to human laws, because if angered, they need to be able to respond decisively through battle. Which is again, short-sighted.”

Rin chuckled. “When I thought Pokemon were phantasmals, I wondered why they put up with being treated as pets. But there’s a lot more nuance than ‘Pokemon are strong, and can defend themselves.’ And if they want to join society as equals…”

“They need the same laws,” Sakura finished.

“Mmm. New laws do need nuance, and there are study groups and think tanks, joint operations with humans and Pokemon working on legislation, but that takes time,” Selvaria admitted. “And in the meantime, we get protests, exploitative criminals…”

“And now, a Team,” Emmet finished grimly. “Verrrrry concerning.”

Other yawned. “Problems on both sides, doesn’t excuse the idiocy. We’ll deal with it once we know more.” With that simple truth laid out, the comfortable silence of a sundown picnic slowly seeped back into the world.