After a quick five minute crash course on how to use the GTS, Ethan was entranced. The Global Trade System was a thing in the games and he knew about it, but to think that something so mind-boggling actually existed? From anywhere on the planet, people could transfer pokemon to and from locations at the speed of a text message—granted that both parties were willing and waiting with said pokemon in their balls.

  As he typed in the species of various pokemon, tons of information about specific trades or sales popped up and flew by. You could narrow down the search from there, listing gender, moves, ability, size, age, and many other factors. Ethan didn’t care too much about delving into the specifics at the moment, instead opting to just browse the many listings of some of his most memorable pokemon.

  The first up was Sylveon, as it was definitely up there with one of his favorites. Surprisingly, there were only two up on the GTS. Two… in the entire world up for trade or sale—at least on the system.

  After clicking to discover more, a large page opened with all of the pokemon’s relevant details and even a long—and he meant long—backstory. Ethan’s smile faded as he read about the heartbreaking separation between this particular pokemon and its original owner. The attached picture was also tragic, as it showcased the normally (in his mind) jovial flesh-ribboned pokemon on its side and staring listlessly out of the window it was next too.

  Its owner had passed away from old age and its grief pierced the veil of the screen.

  “You are not the first, nor will you be the last to search up your favorite on this machine, Ethan. You will also not be the last to have your day ruined.” Jocelyn spoke up from behind, a pitying smile etched on her face as she stared at the picture on screen.

  “Not my favorite… but I can see what you mean.” Ethan replied, closing the menu and beginning his search anew.

  His next search was something he was actually interested in for the ranch. While his little Skiddo would eventually give him access to milk, he doubted that she alone could provide for all of his needs. Skiddo also had quite a way to go before she was grown enough to help out. Miltanks were the first to come to mind for producing milk, and he was happy to see thousands and thousands of Miltanks up on the GTS.

  Unsurprisingly, nearly every single one he viewed was much more wholesome than the horror story the Sylveon’s had. Many of the Miltanks for sale were younger and wanted to leave their nests, so to say. Many pictures of beefy pink cows smiling in fields or alongside their owners flashed by as he browsed.

  Ethan’s smile, which had returned, faded away. They were a tad too expensive for him.

  While they weren’t as expensive as an Eevee, they were most definitely out of his price range. A hundred thousand pokedollars was the equivalent to one-thousand USD. Ethan was poor. It wasn’t a shocking revelation, but still. It puts a damper on certain things.

  Thankfully, not all of them were so pricey. There were older Miltank for sale or trade, even some former battlers. Ethan had learned the hard way, like many others, never to underestimate a Miltank in battle. Many of the descriptions listed on specific trades required certain environments to house them or a positive battle record—indicating that said Miltank would go to a ‘good’ team. These ‘demands’ seemed to be deal breakers, and they were listed upon nearly every entry, even those for the younger ones.

  “Pokemon cannot be sold without their consent. They have wants and needs that cannot be disregarded.” Jocelyn said. She had pulled up a nearby chair to sit next to him while he browsed. “While they have no use for money like humans. They do grasp the concept of money. They know that their old owners will be rewarded for their efforts of raising them.”

  Ethan nodded with a slight smile. It made perfect sense. “That’s actually kinda sweet.”

  His next question was… uncomfortable. After a slight adjusting fidget in his seat, he asked. “Do people… eat them…?”

  Jocelyn’s eyes swerved to lock onto his own. Her face didn’t even twitch as she kept her impassiveness. “No.”

  “Good.” Ethan let loose a breath he didn’t even know he was holding.

  Suddenly, a burst of hot hair rolled over his hand. He jerked his hand back in surprise, tearing his gaze down to find…

  “Pon-pon.” A small fire pony curiously sniffed Ethan’s hand. It’s flaming tail swishing back and forth idly.

  Jocelyn’s impassive face broke into a smile as she giggled. “Had to distract you. She was sneaking up on you. That’s Flare, my Ponyta.”

  Ethan held his hand out towards the very warm pony, letting her get her sniffs in. After she was satisfied with her inspection, Ethan hesitantly reached out for a pat. He only made it a few inches before the flicks of Flare’s fiery mane became too hot to handle. Jocelyn casually reached down and ran her hand along Flare’s back, completely immune to the fire. To Ethan, it looked like she just burned herself without a care in the world.

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  “She’s gotta accept you before you can pet her.” She explained, jogging Ethan’s memory.

  He did remember that some people could pet and ride Ponyta and Rapidash without any harm. It was in an episode he watched as a kid, although he couldn’t for the life of him recall any of the specific details. “It’s nice to meet you, Flare.”

  “Pon-poooon.” The little pony gave him a nod before wandering over to collapse next to the entry door for a rest.

  An hour flew by before the shifting sounds of the Pokemon Centers doors pulled Ethan back to reality. Jocelyn had wandered off to do whatever she did in her free time, but Flare was still napping next to the entrance. The tiny Ponyta raised her head and flicked her ears as she looked at who was entering.

  Joyce took two steps inside, swiveled her head, saw Ethan sitting at the GTS with notebook in hand, and then sighed. “Really? We’ve been waiting for you to come back for an hour.” Joyce noticed Flare as she began to stand and walked forward to give her a comforting stroke—naturally, without getting burned. “Hello, Flare. You look healthy!”

  “Poooony,” Flare neighed out, voice high pitched.

  From first impressions, Flare the Ponyta was very docile. In his mind, he had imagined the little fire horse to be full of energy and begging to run across the meadow… Well, that would be just like Emolga, now that he thought about it.

  Ethan wrapped up his typing on the GTS, letting one of the Miltank owners know about his interest. He linked his website, left his phone number, and wrapped up his business. “Is Jennifer still around?” He asked as Joyce fell into step with him.

  “Sadly.” Joyce muttered. “I think her Incineroar was wrestling with your Ursaring.”

  Ethan almost tripped, having been completely caught by surprise by that statement. “Who what now?” He pointed at himself. “My Ursaring… is wrestling?”

  Joyce, who was obviously not as in tune with his own pokemon’s habits and attitudes, didn’t seem to think that such an occurrence was odd. “Yes?”

  Ethan picked up the pace, leaving Joyce behind. “Hey! Rude!”

  “You better hurry up! I don’t want to miss this”

  —-------------------

  A hoard of pokemon were creating a giant circle of cheers and jeers as Incineroar and Ursaring were duking it out mano-a-mano. Ethan, after seeing that this was purely a friendly bout of two strong pokemon going at it with smiles and pride—and no moves—relaxed and began copying Jennifer, who looked like she belonged in a gambling den.

  Jennifer was screaming and cheering for her pokemon. Every time Incinceroar lost the upper hand, she would scowl and talk smack. If you put a bottle of booze in one hand, a wad of cash in the other, scrapped her uniform, and gave her some tattoos, she’d be a shoe in for a lowly gangster in some independent film.

  Ursaring was putting up a fight, gaining all of her advantages by using her size and strength. While Incineroar was using technique. Every time the fire-cat brawler successfully tossed Ursaring about, landed a solid hit, or slipped away from the big bear's grapple, he would show-boat in a very smug and confident pose. Flames licked at the edges of his fur and the corners of his mouth as he fought, yet Ursaring was no pushover.

  Since this was the most he’d ever seen out of his big mama bear, Ethan had immediately started filming. Everytime the two brawlers got too far out of the middle of the little circle made by the surrounding pokemon—which included many wild ones—the circle would shift and shuffle to put the two battlers back in the center.

  Ethan started filming and clicked play on one of his many playlists.

  Music started blasting as the sun began to set. Bright flashes of light trailing from the big cat with every decisive and swift movement. The light from Incineroar’s flickering flames reflected off of Ursaring’s pearly white grin and focused, wide eyes, creating what looked to be a once in a lifetime scene for all to enjoy.

  “Tiiiinkaaa-TIIIINNNNKKKK!!!!!!!” His pink menace screamed from his feet as she clanged her tiny hammer against her small diamond shaped breastplate. Tinkatink was enthralled, eyes practically sparkling at the display of two large ‘fighting’ pokemon. He wasn’t sure about when she’d wandered over to him, but as she rapidly tugged on the hem of his shorts and cheered, he couldn’t help but smile at her excitement.

  Both of the Teddiursa were there cheering on their momma. Every time Ursaring got hit with a clothesline or leg sweep, they cheered on their mom with cries of desperation.

  Those cries, of course, only fueled Ursaring to get back up.

  After another ten minutes of full on action, both pokemon were at their limits. Incinceroar’s heaving breath came out in foggy plumes of heat, while Ursaring’s was a ghastly and greedy heave for relief.

  All was silent for a scant few seconds.

  With an unknown signal, both pokemon charged forth with as much speed as possible. Incineroar held out his hands, arms spread wide as he thrust his head forward in a savage headbutt. Ursaring took that challenge head on—litterally. Instead of leading with only her head, she grasped her massive paws to clench Incineroar’s shoulders, then pulled their heads together with a surge of strength.

  Both pokemon reeled back, and even Joyce took a step forward with a sudden frown from the strength of the attack. Her instincts as a Joy were making itself known.

  “Get up! Get up! You’re my Champ, aren’t you?” Jennifer shouted. Ethan wasn’t even sure if it was encouragement or beratement, but the effects were clear.

  Incineroar shifted slightly, struggling to even tilt his head upwards to stare into his trainer’s eyes. With the last dregs of strength, he ever so slowly pushed himself onto his knees, then braced himself to stand.

  “Teddi! TEDDDII!” One of the Teddiursa screamed in joy, jumping and pointing ahead, shaking its sibling with fervor.

  Ursaring sat up.

  It was eerie, in a way, seeing a massive bear capable of Hyper Beam go from still to alert in the blink of an eye.

  The Undertaker would be proud.

  Ursaring twisted her torso to look behind her at the still struggling Incineroar, then grunted. She stood with a heave of force, one hand on her knee. She then slowly walked over and towered above the still rising dark-type, flashing a menacing, smug grin….

  And then she bent down, tossed him over her shoulder, and walked off toward her cave. With her free hand, she shoved her kids toward Ethan as she passed them by.

  Jennifer spluttered, Ethan choked, and Joyce cackled.

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