Predator - Initiation

Raai'kiel and Ash had returned from their market tour without anymore incidents after Baauli left. Raai'kiel was radiating pride and excitement as they returned to their home and Ash was talking about training and asked him for his assistance. Raai'kiel had been training with Ash's Pokemon while on the ship but now Ash asked him to join the training. He was looking forward to the training and just like he had guessed his little mate did not disappoint at all. His mate was very agile and fast, but then again he had to be in order to deal with the Legendary Pokemon.

Raai'kiel purred, "You are very agile, my mate. It will be useful in helping you survive."

Ash panted, "Survive? I plan on winning. He challenged me, I will answer with kind."

Lucario, -Do you plan on using your aura?-

Ash, "We will see. Hopefully, it will not be necessary."

Pikachu nuzzled him, "Pika pikapi pikachu."

Ash, "I'm alright love. I'm not angry anymore, the training has calmed my anger."

Raai'kiel nodded, "It is better to direct anger into the training then to let it blind you in a fight."

Trevenant nodded, "Nant trev trevenant nant."

Ash, "We still have a few days though I believe."

Raai'kiel, "Yes, the game planet needs to be picked."

Ash, "Wait a minute. You have more than one game planet? How rich are you all?"

Raai'kiel chuckled, "Wealthy enough. The warriors to test you need to be chosen, which means Baauli may not be picked by his tribe."

Ash, "I have a question. I'm getting initiated into your family, right? So why would another tribe choose to test us?"

Raai'kiel, "It is to show if you can survive or not against a rival clan. If they capture you, you are at their mercy and most of the time are used to satisfy others. Or once bored used as a target for the young ones."

Ash raised an eyebrow, "I see, what if I defeated the opponents?"

Raai'kiel, "Though it is rare for it to happen you become a direct member of the tribe and can choose to either become a Warrior, Nrak'ytara, Healer or researcher. There are three currently researchers who are not Yautja, though most prefer to be healers."

Ash, "I know what I want."

Raai'kiel was not surprised, he knew his little mate had already chosen to be a nrak'ytara long before he even met them. He had watched Ash care, nurture and teach his cubs since he started his journey to adulthood and becoming the Champion of his people. The two returned to the residential area after the long hours of training following Ash's hectic yet organized training schedule. Raai'kiel could admit not only was the training satisfying to watch, it was very satisfying to complete as well.

Once the training was completed to both Ash and Raai'kiel's satisfaction, Ash declared it was time to clean up. Just because they were on Yautja Prime, a different planet, it didn't mean Ash would stop following his personal routine. He had been following the routine of training then cleaning up his Pokemon while helping them relax for too many years to just give it up. Raai'kiel hummed as he joined Ash in cleaning up the Pokemon, it had become a calming practice at this point. Once the Pokemon had cleaned and dried up, Raai'kiel decided to broach a topic. He had been thinking about it for a while and it was high time in his opinion to be more comfortable with each other.

Raai'kiel, "Join me."

Ash looked at him, "Join you? In the bath you mean?"

Raai'kiel nodded, "Yes, we are mates after all."

Ash mused, "You are right. Okay, let's take a bath together."

Raai'kiel, "I'm happy you agreed. Most don't, well not easily."

Ash chuckled, "You are known for being powerful hunters. People fear power."

Raai'kiel snorted as he pulled Ash into the bath and the two took off their armour and inner clothes. Ash looked at Raai'kiel, the same way Raai'kiel was now observing him before the dark haired man offered to wash his back. The bath was filled with curious touches and observations comparing the two species bodies, the many similarities and the many differences. Much to both their surprise, nothing sexual happened during the bath as they were both overcome with curiosity of the other.

Raai'kiel mused, 'Perhaps next time. No need to rush.'

Ash, 'I'm surprised he didn't jump me but that's fine. This is something new after all, better take it step by step.'

Gary and Urrr'kiel dropped by their training from time to time because Gary's Pokemon wanted to have an all out battle with Ash's Pokemon. For those battles they had to go to either the wastelands or to one of the game planets that belonged to the clan. Too'kiet would watch them with gleaming eyes as the six Pokemon dropped all inhibitions of looking harmless and change the very geography of the planet. The Council of clan Elders who never bothered to learn about Pokemon or humans were either envious of the beast or curious about them.

Most never bothered with that particular planet because of the clan of Rayquaza that guarded their territory very zealously. Before Too'kiet, an older clan member, Daar'tiet had gone to that part of the universe only to have to return because his ship was damaged by a heavy shower of meteor storm. It had taken him and his crew by surprise but now the Elder wondered if it was a natural meteor storm or rather that large green scaled beast's doing. Daar'tiet grumbled under his breath about troublesome creatures who's looks did not match their power.

Raai'kiel watched the two men exchange teasing barbs, "They look excited."

Urrr'kiel laughed, "You have no idea. Tell me, brother have you claimed him yet?"

Raai'kiel, "Not yet, but I plan to tonight."

Urrr'kiel snorted, "I see. Well just be careful, the Pokemon do not burst in. They are protective."

Raai'kiel raised an eyebrow, "There's a story there, that I will pester you for later. It looks like they are done."

Ash was grinning, "Shall we return home?"

Lucario, -The day after tomorrow should be interesting.-

Raai'kiel, "You don't plan to train tomorrow?"

Ash, "Nope tomorrow will be meditation day, to make sure our minds are focused and does not get intimidated."

Raai'kiel hummed as he led them back to the brother's private ship which Urrr'kiel flew back to Yautja Prime. Humans he noticed were always excited about many things and their human parents encouraged the excitement too. Raai'kiel helped Ash with the Pokemon before pulling him along to his private room instead of the shared one after their own baths were done. Ash looked at him with a gleam in his eyes, it looks like he had been anticipating it as well, and who was Raai'kiel to deny his mate. That night Raai'kiel claimed the dark haired man, marking him as his for the entire universe to see.

Lucario, -I'm not calling you Pappy.-

Raai'kiel, "Please, don't call me that ever. It is unnecessary."

Raai'kiel shuddered, 'If others find out I'll be hearing endless teasing.'

The next day was spent with Ash meditating and having to endure Gary making kissey faces at him. Ash rolled his eyes at the brunette knowing full well he and Urrr'kiel got together before he and Raai'kiel did. Who's the impatient one here again? The day before the initiation went by relaxing and meditating, a calm before the storm so to speak. Despite the Pokemon not throwing elemental attacks and moves around, it filled the guards and Elders who watched them train with anticipating. There was a lot of expectations rising among them, no other clan had humans or Pokemon join them before.

Ash looked at the game planet, "It's bigger than the one we used."

Lucario, -Figures there are other Yautja joining us. Wonder if they shared the video of our training with anyone else.-

Yagouti who was with them looked up, "You knew you were being watched?"

Ash laughed, "We are Champions my dear, we need to be aware of whether we are being watched by friendlies or hostiles. It come with the title and territory or I have no right to call myself the Champion of Kanto, Orange Archipelago and Alola."

Lucario, -Time to go Meema.-

Pikachu, "Pika."

Trevenant, "Nant."

Ash chuckled and jumped from the ship, "Let the games begin."

The four of them landed in the water and swam to the shore, the sun and weather was hot so the water was a good landing choice in his opinion. Lucario looked around curiously as he started to climb one of the large alien looking trees which had a dark blue bark with red leaves. Ash remembered Gary telling him about it and how the roots could be used as a blood coagulation catalyst. It was one of the few times they were together while the brothers helped the clan out with the duties and responsibilities.

Trevenant, "Trev trevnant."

Ash, "Yes, it is a very loud forest. Now, you know the plan Trevenant."

Trevenant nodded and dark shadows appeared from his feet covering him and pulling him inside. The Elders who were watching were surprised and curious about that ability and wondered if it could be replicated. Urrr'kiel was meanwhile watching his mate from his screen, on the ship as he made his way through the forest. They would not be allowed in the game planet till the last two days where they were to claim their mates for everyone to see. Raai'kiel was just like him impatient and waiting to join his mate and claim him.

Gary in the mean time was dealing with a bunch of alien spiders, "Haxorus bury them alive."

Haxorus gave a roar as he used rock tomb to bury part of the spiders, "Haxorus!"

Gary sliced through three spiders, "This is getting annoying. Altaria twister."

Altaria raised her majestic white wings and flapped them hard creating a tornado, "Ri."

Gary, "Nice one. Alakazam teleport me."

Alakazam nodded, -As you wish.-

Gary jumped as he was teleported above one spider and slashed it dead then was teleported to another, then another till all the alien spiders were gone. Altaria caught Gary and the green eyed man climbed up till he sat on top of the Dragon type as he looked around the area he landed in. All he could see were tall trees that looked like the coniferous plants back at home but in a strange purple colour instead of ever green. Gary hummed as he plucked one of the fruits which was a honey brown colour and bit into it.

Gary, "Urrr'kiel was not kidding. This really is sweet."

Alakazam, -Gary, should we set up camp here or move a little further?-

Gary, "Hmm, let's move a bit more I can see a shore a little further from here. We can have fish for dinner later."

Altaria eyed her partner then nodded at Haxorus and Alakazam as the four of them started to move towards the shore. Aside from the spiders, they did not have any other challengers trying to attack them, Gary wondered how Ash was doing though. They were always together whenever they were outside and Ash always had a habit of getting distracted much to his Pokemon's humour and exasperation. Gary pat Altaria and she landed in an opening while Gary started to walk beside Haxorus and Alakazam. That is when Alakazam's shield rippled as if someone was shooting at them.

Gary smirked, "Amateurs. That is not how you ambush someone."

Urrr'kiel began to cackle watching the screen where Gary pat Haxorus's neck and then the dragon Pokemon used earthquake. Though Urrr'kiel became vigilant on noticing one of the Elders known for his questionable experimenting was watching with his mate with interest. Urrr'kiel scowled darkly at Elder Orr'tiet and clicked at him in annoyance and protectiveness. He was grateful for the advancements he made for Yautja Prime, but that doesn't mean he will just hand his mate or his cubs over to him.

Orr'tiet clicked in amusement at him, "Calm young warrior. I won't do anything he does not want."

Urrr'kiel narrowed his eyes, "You better Elder, I respect you but I will not allow you or anyone to force your desires on him."

Orr'tiet, "I won't though I heard he is a heard correctly researcher. Also didn't you build a lab for the young one? He would do better with proper guidance. I have seen many young researchers hurt themselves because they got too ahead of themselves."

Urrr'kiel scowled, "I will talk to my mate. It will be his choice at the end of the day."

Orr'tiet eyed the young human who was starting to be registered as a dangerous warrior and nrak'ytara. In fact, most humans were considered a nrak'ytara, many blooded warriors reported about the powerful creatures and beings they raised. Orr'tiet also remembered his own young cub now a full blooded Warrior speak of the late Champion's Pokemon. Those high ranking creatures were very powerful and killed two of the warriors who had gone with his cub.

Orr'tiet, "I know how protective and dangerous these creatures can be."

Urrr'kiel, "Good just know I will not stop them from killing anyone who insults the one they consider their Mother."

Orr'tiet, "Fascinating beings, aren't they?"

Urrr'kiel, "Yes, they are."

Ash on the other hand came across a cave system, "Hmm, a cave or a mine. I wonder now."

Pikachu cooed nuzzling him, "Pikapi ~ pika pikachu."

Lucario, -There's something inside.-

Ash, "Hmm, should we flush them out and claim the cave for ourselves?"

Lucario, -They are coming.-

Ash, "Guess the decision has been made for us all."

Ash and his Pokemon braced themselves as a rumbling noise came from the caves and Ash saw what looked like giant Centiscorch. The two Pokemon jumped away as Ash created a long thin needle of aura and stabbed the one in front of him. The large bug hissed but was no longer attacking him, sensing their leader stop the other bugs were confused as well but before anything else happened a crackle sounded. Pikachu rained a heavy amount of thunder wave over the bugs frying them while Ash used the one he stabbed as a shield.

Lucario, -Good one brother.-

Pikachu gave a cute victory sign, "Pika pika Pikapi ~"

Ash chuckled as Pikachu landed on his shoulder again, "Great job buddy. You were amazing today."

On the ship the watchers were looking at Ash's actions with interest, they knew that humans could raise and train these creatures to be powerful. But that attack was beyond what they had originally expected from the little yellow mouse who was now acting very cute towards his nrak'ytara. Raai'kiel who had seen the little one's attacks bring down high level Pokemon who had more experience than he did. Raai'kiel looked around the room at the rest of the Yautja, smirking at the shock on the faces of those who had originally doubted his mate.

One of the older blooded warriors approached him after seeing the attack curious about the creatures who looked weak but were stronger then they looked. After training together with his mate and his cubs, especially Lucario he was now calm and collected unlike a few days ago. A few days back, he would growl at any Yautja who looked at his mate, even if they were cubs and looking at him out of simple curiousity. Ash had been patient with him and teased him about being an overprotective father even before they were joined officially as a couple.

Raai'kiel nodded in respect, "Warrior Brir'tiet."

Brir'tiet was surprised by the calm greeting, "Well met warrior Raai'kiel. I would like to talk about your future mate."

Raai'kiel, "You wish to challenge them?"

Brir'tiet, "Is it that obvious?"

Raai'kiel grumbled, "You are not the first to ask."

Brir'tiet, "Did either of you accept?"

Raai'kiel, "Ash personally accepted Baauli's challenge."

Brir'tiet, "What?"

Raai'kiel, "I asked him why and he said it was personal as it was between the Ketchums and Ferr'ga'tii clans."

Brir'tiet, "Ah! His father who sired him was hunted by one of them. Of course, they did not return unhurt either if rumours were true."

Raai'kiel nodded watching the screen, "From my observations over the many years, humans are very patient nrak'ytara. They have to be to deal with the different cubs they choose to raise as their own into powerful beings. Most would think these cubs are a waste of time and effort but many times humans proved that thought wrong."

Brir'tiet, "Indeed, I must confess I was skeptical about the little thing. You have chosen a fine mate. Would he consider training one of mine?"

Raai'kiel, "He will not turn anyone away if that is what you are worried about. He was already willing to allow the young cubs to watch them train yesterday."

Brir'tiet drawled, "The mad dash the five of you were doing? I saw some of the recording and all I can say it was chaos."

Raai'kiel gave a feral grin, "The chaos is the reason they are powerful as they are. Mind you I trained with them one on one before jumping into the madness. But even then I was almost burned alive by the little sadist over there."

Brir'tiet looked back at Pikachu who was now sparking his cheeks to start a fire while Ash and Lucario secured the cave. Trevenant had somehow separated the meat from the dead Amengi which he ripped apart and put some herbs and salt. That confused the older Warrior, how did that being know which plants to use and where did he get the salt. Seeing the confusion Raai'kiel explained Trevenant was part plant and had the ability to sense which plants are good and valuable. Raai'kiel remembers Gary asking Trevenant for help on many occasions after a day of scrounging and collecting samples.

Brir'tiet snorted, "Be aware your mate does not get stolen by the Research division."

Raai'kiel, "You mean, Trevenant might get stolen and my mate will go berserk on them?"

Brir'tiet walked away, "Same difference."

Raai'kiel watched him leave returning his attention to his mate who was accepting food from his strangest cub. He found Trevenant's existence a strange contradiction, living trees represented life and yet, Trevenant here represented death. But he was not one to judge, the Universe was very big and Ash did mention there were Pokemon who could enter and control your dream. Raai'kiel shivered just thinking about it, well, they would not have to worry about those here. As far as anyone knew, the only known creatures who can do something like that around here are the Weavers.

Ash looked up as the two suns went down, "I have to admit that is a lovely sunset."

Lucario, -Agreed. Should we worry for night hunters?-

Ash, "Hmm, I am sure we can handle it. It would not be the first time someone tried to eliminate us while sleeping."

Pikachu grumbled, "Pika pika."

Trevenant nodded, "Nant."

Lucario, -We will take turns then. Trevenant watch first then I will watch second, Meema's third and final Pikachu."

Ash agreed, "Sure, I bet Gary is having a golly time going research crazy without Urrr'kiel to keep him in check."

Lucario snorted, -I will light candles for those who are unlucky enough to run into him.-

Ash, "Rest in peace, you poor unfortunate soul."

Raai'kiel blinked at the exchange but one peek at Urrr'kiel's screen, 'Oh Paya! He is correct. I pity the unlucky Yautja too.'

Urrr'kiel was exasperated, "Stop collecting so many things already, my lou-dte kale. I can get you better quality ones."

Orr'tiet chuckled, "Will you really not consider allowing him to join us?"

Urrr'kiel looked at him dead in the eye, "That us his decision and I'll only repeat what my mate once told me. Be careful what you wish for."

Orr'tiet, "Interesting advice."

Urrr'kiel scowled, "No, I mean it. Knowing my mate he will make you question everything you believed in."

Orr'tiet, "That is the meaning of research young one."

Urrr'kiel grumbled under his breath deciding to ignore the stubborn Elder and watching his little mate collect an insane amount of items and samples. From collecting plants to going on hunts for animals around the place, something that his Dragons seem to enjoy a lot as well. Yes, his mate may have been born human but his soul was without a doubt of a Yautja hunter. In fact, he hunted the animals which were supposed to attack him over the next few days in one day. Maybe they should reconsider how they released the targets in the game planet, at least the Elders were impressed.

[A. N.: Have a wonderful Christmas everyone.

See you next year.]