Poképhilia Story
Love has No Bounds
Play Ball
By J.C. Solis
The warming summer day was so invigorating and fresh, so much so that those who were out and about working out and doing activities would be surely energized by the warmth of the sun. It was on days such as these that people and pokémon alike were sure to get much down while feeling the warmth all around. And for sure the PokéPark would be full of people wishing to take advantage of this moderate summer temperature and get along with having fun. With children now done with school, it was only natural that the part was full of the gleeful squeal of children who were out and about with little pokémon ad their playmates. And the atmosphere of the park wad energized with everything from jungle gyms being swing around in all the way down to pokémon battles being held in the battle courts.
But one curious thing was what happened on the baseball diamond off to the side. The place was full of adults and their pokémon, tossing around baseballs and swinging bats in the hopes of scoring a home run.
The whole gang was present. Saria, Jason, Justin, Kiara, Fran, Rose, Natasha, and Sarah were all on the diamond along with their pokémon, divided into two teams that competed for glory. Razor, Camilla, Lance, Lillia, Christopher, Dante, Ivan, and Virgil were on the same team with their trainer’s, hoping to wait until their turn to help their respective trainer’s succeed. Two teams of eight were created, with everyone taking their turn to go up to bat when it was their team that batted. The other teams wore baseball mitts and would attempt to catch the ball before it allowed the batter to run. It was Saria, Razor, Jason, Camilla, Natasha, Ivan, Sarah and Virgil up against Justin, Lillia, Kiara, Lance, Rose, Dante, Fran and Christopher. The teams were set to play ball, and they were all happy to pitch in.
In truth, this game of Pokémon Baseball – PokéBase as it was also known as – would be a tricky one. The pokémon did have much experience batting or catching, though their speed and power certainly helped when it came time to either bat or run to catch the ball.
Razor was up on the mound, wielding an aluminum bat in his hand. He played PokéBase many times before, so he was perhaps the most experienced among the pokémon. He took his position and got ready to swing.
“You can do it, Froggy!” cheered Saria from the sidelines.
“Get em,’ Razor hun!” called out Camilla.
“Razor bud, you got this bro!” cheered Jason.
And Natasha, Ivan, Sarah, and Virgil also cheered him on.
Justin was the pitched on the mound. Out of everyone in the field had was the one with the most experience playing Baseball. He had played the sport during high school and a little during college, so he knew how to throw and how to catch. In comparison to the crappy throws that the other players managed, Justin had the technique down and was capable of throwing the ball really fast. The thing that countered this was the fact that, as a Greninja, Razor had superior reflexes and speed. It would be hard for Justin to counter the Greninja and his agility.
“I’m not going to go easy on you, Razor friend,” noted Justin. “No hard feelings, bud.”
“None taken,” replied Razor. “Just watch out if I smack the ball and it flies right for your nuts.”
Justin’s eyebrows raised, the man clenching his groin out of protection, much to everyone else’s laughter. With that gag out of the way, Justin swung his arm and launched the ball forwards. The ball whizzed by at frightening speeds. Razor was taken by surprise at the fast ball, and thing landed right into Lance’s mitt as catcher.
“Strike one!” called out Justin.
Razor steadied himself again. He didn’t want to miss a second time, and all while his teammates on the sideline cheered him on and offered their support. Justin threw that ball once more, once again with blazing speed. The Greninja swung his bat and managed to hit the ball, but he didn’t hit it square on, and instead the ball continued to fly backwards towards the backstop. Lance went off to retrieve the ball as the second miss was called out.
“Strike two!” yelled out Justin.
This time, the cheers turned into jeers aimed right at Justin, the man seemingly in a tough spot. But with close to striking out Razor in his sights, he steadied himself and prepared to throw the ball at the same blazing speed as before. He motioned his arm to throw the ball, this one perhaps being his hardest and fastest pitch to date.
But Razor was not about to be struck out again. He swung his bat as the ball came at him in top speed. There was no room for error.
The sound of the bat smacking the ball was heard by all, the resounding crack from the force reverberating all over the field. The ball flew far and high into the air, with the catchers out on the field running to make sure they could catch it. Lillia came chasing after the ball on the outfield. She could’ve easily used her psychic powers to catch it, but that was obviously an illegal move. She was helpless as the ball fly over her and straight out the ballpark, landing on the concrete behind the outfield fence.
It was a resounding homerun, with Razor jogging forward as his teammates cheered him on. He was proud to have struck his mark, hoping that Sariah was proud of him for having scored such a definitive hit. Justin, meanwhile, looked at his friend with amazement. When he was playing competitive, it wasn’t often that players managed to strike his ball, let alone strike it with enough force to land a homerun. Then again, he was playing against an actual ninja with lightning-fast reflexes.
Razor walked back to the dugout after trotting around the bases. Saria was waiting for him, and when he arrived she hugged him and planted a kiss on his cheek.
“Oh Froggy, I knew that you’d do it!” cheered Saria.
“I guess it’s good to have faith,” noted Razor,
Next was Ivan’s turn. The brutish Incineroar definitely looked like a slugger. The only problem was that Ivan had little to no experience with baseball. The only sport he ever played was wrestling and battling, and for sure he’d win against the others if this were a pokémon battle.
“You can do it, Brawny Cat!” cheered Natasha.
“That make one of us, Natasha,” said Ivan wearily. “Ivan prefers beating people to pulp, not swinging bat at ball and make ball fly.”
“I’ll go easy on you if you want, Ivan,” suggested Justin, perhaps teasing him a bit.
“Just throw ball already, imperialist Daegar chuvak!” snarled Ivan.
Justin prepared to throw, making it seem as though he was going to throw it hard. But it wasn’t even a throw but more like a slow toss. Ivan did best to hit the slow-moving ball, but it seemed that he wasn’t used to the bat. He missed the ball entirely, not even coming close.
“Remember, Ivan, make sure to move the bat in the area of the ball being thrown,” noted Justin. “I’m not throwing the ball that fast. You should easily hit these”
“Justin! Don’t give the opposing team pointers!” cried of Kiara from the outfield.
“Blooming heck, you’re giving the other team the lead!” cried out Rose.
“Trust me, Kiara and Rose, Ivan needs all the help he can get!” called out Lance from behind the batter. Ivan looked back at him and growled.
Justin threw the ball slowly again. Ivan swung the bat and managed to hit the slow ball, though just like with Razor the balls still went backwards. Ivan was at a loss for swing. He wondered what he could do to optimize his chances of success. He’d seen multiple games of PokéBase on the TV, and some of them in person. It was then that he remembered a technique that was often used during the games. It would be sure to come in handy during this game.
Justin threw the ball again, the flying just as slow as before. But Ivan didn’t swing the bat. This time, he clutched the bat simply smacked the ball forwards. He bunted the ball causing the ball to slowly move forwards. The other teammates were caught off guard, never thinking that Ivan would resort to using a bunt as a sound technique for the game. He made a mad dash for first base while Lance ran after the ball, hoping to catch it in time and chuck it to first base. But by the time he was about to throw, Ivan has already made it – all with a smug smile on his face.
“Hey! That’s cheating!” cried out Fran from the outfield.
“No, it’s legal alright,” corrected Justin. “I should know. I often bunted a lot back when I played in high school.” He then caught the ball the Lance chucked at him. “Alright, who’s next?”
Virgil stepped up to the plate. The Zoroark looked confused at the baseball bat, wondering what on earth to do with the thing.
“This is a strange sport, everyone,” noted Virgil. “To hit balls with large wooden sticks is something that I do not really understand. But I’ll do my best, either way.”
“Go for it Virgil!” cheered Sarah from behind the bullpen. “You can do it!”
Since the inexperience of the Zoroark was evident, Justin figured that he’d need to go easy on him as well. He tossed the ball into the air, with Virgil poised to take a swing. The pokémon had his eyes on the ball as with was chucked in the air, but what no one expected was for the Zoroark to take a swing that was comparable to that of a major league hitter.
The sound of the bat hitting the ball was phenomenal, the ball flying far and high into the air. It seemed that the ball was coming to close to making a homerun, but just barely kept into the ballpark. Even worse was the Christopher was aiming right for it, catching the ball with the mitt he had.
“And that’s what I call an out!” declared the Midnight Lycanroc as he got grabbed the ball from his mitt.
The hit proved little to dampen the spirits of the other player, however. With such little experience, it was surprising that Virgil could connect and make the ball fly like he did. It was such a phenomenal strike, one that if angled better would no doubt have scored a homerun. But sadly this was not to be. And yet Virgil was far from looking dejected. He knew that he tried his best and was happy to have struck the ball as he did. With the teams swapping out from bullpen to ballpark, he reunited with Sarah – who was all the more happy to have witnessed his successful hit. Though he proved himself to be quite the slugger, he preferred being a catcher, chasing after the balls with ferocity when they came to his side of the outfield.
The teams swapped places, with Justin taking up the spot for batter. Being that he was the one with the most experience, he was expected to be the heaviest hitter. He took the bat in his hands and got it into position. Natasha was up to pitching, with the spunky wrestler taking up the mound.
“I don’t really know how to pitch, but I’ll give it my best,” noted Natasha.
“No worries. If you don’t know how to throw a fastball, you can at least chuck it into the air,” suggested Justin. “Would sure make my job easier to hit a slower ball. Everyone here is a rookie.”
“Yeah, sure buddy, like you’re so high and mighty since you played in high school,” jeered Jason, who was on the same team as Justin.
*conk* “Ow! What was that for, Camilla? They’re the opposing team?”
“Don't give your friend a hard time, dummy,” chided Camilla the Blaziken.
“If nothing else, a quick chuck into the air will do,” noted Dante. “I don’t reckon a fast ball is all hunky-dory, given that the lass doesn’t know how to pitch properly just yet. Someone’s likely to be hit by a ball thrown lopsided.”
“We’ll just have to wait and see,” noted Christopher. “Let’s hope Natasha throws the balls well.”
Natasha still tried her best, attempting to throw the ball the way a major league pitcher would do. But thought the ball left the mound at high speed, the aim was just a bit off. What happened next was equal parts comical and worrying.
Justin gripped his groin upon the hit, taking the ball square to the nuts as he collapsed onto his knees and then fell to the floor in pain. His hands gripped his groin at the immense hit, letting out a high pitched, soprano yell as he looked on in agony. Meanwhile, everyone else got a good laugh at the poor hit, though Natasha was not laughing as she rushed to her friends in worry. All the while, Ivan, Dante, and Razor rushed over to help their friend, hoping that he was okay.
“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry, Justin!” cried out Natasha, frantically apologizing for the hit. “I didn’t mean it to hit your there. I threw the ball wrong, and it just went there. Are you okay?”
“Just dandy… ugh…” Justin tried to stand up but found himself unable to just shake it off. Ivan and Razor came over to help him up, all while laughing as they did so.
“Remember what I told you earlier, Justin?” commented Razor. “Well, I didn’t necessarily mean it would be me who’d hit you there.”
“Well, if Natasha darling was aiming for his testes, then she was certainly on point,” noted Dante with a chuckle. “My word, chap, you took quite the hit.”
“You might need sit, My Friend,” said Ivan with a chuckle. “Getting hit on balls by ball is most painful thing. Just try not cry too much while recovering, no?”
Justin was eased off to the side of the game, where everyone came over to check up on his and get a good laugh. It was uncommon for someone to usually get hit in their groin, but Natasha made it seem so easy. And for this reason is why professional players were cups over their valuables so as to protect them from stuff like this happening.
“Ugh… what did I do to you, Natasha?” groaned Justin.
“Well, Natasha certainly struck you out,” noted Lillia as she used Heal Pulse to reduce the pain of her partner. “I just hope you’ll recover well so we can keep playing.”
“To be honest, after seeing Justin in this state, I kinda want to do something less dangerous,” admitted Kiara.
“I agree,” said Rose. “PokéBase is not really my sport, if we were playing football – or soccer as you yanks call it – then I’d have a better chance.”
“Well, would all you guys like to see a movie?” suggested Fran. “I mean, it’s not like we have anything better to do.”
“Yeah, let’s go catch a cool flick. There this one called Top Gun that really want to see?” added Jason. “I call dibs on the front row seat.
“I’m kind a in the mood for a romcom movie,” commented Sarah. “What kind of movie would you like to watch, Cousin?” she asked her older cousin.
“Anywhere where my balls are safe… ugh…” He then picked himself up and gave his opinion, having mostly recovered due to Lillia’s help. “I think the movie Jason wants to see is good enough.
“I second that,” said Kiara.
“And me third!” jumped in Saria.
“And me fourth, hehe,” giggled Natasha.
“I guess that makes me fifth,” added Rose.
The pokémon didn’t have a say in what kind of movie they wanted to watch. They were just glad that they all agreed upon a movie that they could all enjoy. It didn’t matter if the movie was about actiony fighter jets or a romantic comedy, so long as their trainers had fun.
The gang all left the PokéPark in a hurry to make sure they’d get the best seats in the theatre. It would be a rather long walk towards the center of the town, and with a groups that was fourteen strong it would require a lot of cars to take them all over there. But the gang compromised, doing something that none of them had thought of doing in such a long time. They put their pokémon back into their Pokéballs, with the pokémon complaining that they were to be set free as soon as they arrived at the theatre. The gang separated in two cars, with Jason, Saria, Kiara and Fran taking Jason’s red Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye while Justin, Sarah, Rose and Natasha riding in Justin’s Mustang GT500. Both cars screamed down the streets, the whine of their supercharged motors evident as they went down in a hurry.
The gang arrived at the downtown district of Lakeshire Town in a jiffy. The two cars found parking as they all got out of their car. Upon arrival, they let out their pokémon from their balls, allowing them to take some time to stretch their legs before entering the movie theatre. The Shire Lake Cinema was usually packed during the weekend, and even more so as people were coming over to watch the best movies of the summer. The cinema was known for having reclining seats, ones which would be comfortable for those who were taking in the movie. The gang ordered their tickets and walked into the theatre, with still plenty of time to wait at the concession stand for some overpriced snacks.
Saria, for one, was looking forward to spending her day with both her Froggy and friends. It had been such a long while since the gang were all together – though some people noted to Natasha’s presence, given as she was a famous wrestler. But this being a respectful town full of respectful people, they all left the wrestler and her pokémon alone so that they could enjoy the movie. Saria was just happy that Natasha and Ivan were enjoying their time with them, despite Natasha’s mishaps with throwing a baseball. She was so happy that all her other friends had come along with their pokémon partners as well.
The scene with Poképhilia was not so intense these past few days as they had been months prior. There were no more riots and protests, and vanguards of the Anti-Poképhilia Crusaders, like Father Matthew Grint, have not made much headway in their preaching. What was even more welcoming news was that the Daegar Government was in the midst of passing some laws that would make Poképhilia a gray zone, a place that was neither legal nor illegal. It was still a long road before the practice would be fully legalized within the country, and for now people were biding their time and waiting patiently for whatever laws the bureaucrats in office decided to pass into legislation.
It was this peace that Saria strived for. She grew tired of the endless fighting that started between the two sides, and she didn’t have the heart for more protestors to crowd the streets in a bid to enforce their own beliefs onto others. Though she was a Poképhile, she grew tired of fighting for her right to choose whom she wished to love. Maybe she’d meet a human man who was right up her alley, someone with who she could connect with on a romantic and sincere level. But for the time being, it was the Greninja who would be her man. He was her center of attention, and she wanted him to remain with her for as long as she wanted.
The gang entered into the room and took the entire front row, much was the size of their group. But they were all happy to be in front of the movie screen as it would soon start. Some commercials played for a few minutes, highlighting future blockbusters that were to come in the future, hopefully to much fanfare by the people. Jason, being a big movie buff, was keen to watch these movies, and if he didn’t come back with his friends then at least he would show up with Camilla at the very least. He could always count on his fiery chickadee to join him in pretty much all the things he wanted to do. There were so many movies to watch, and with a fat wallet he would be sure to enjoy them.
Justin was not quite so forward as his friend. He preferred staying at him, living quietly with his partner Lillia. The Gardevoir was always so keen to be with him in pretty much all of their activities. There wasn’t much that she didn’t feel up to doing with her trainer, and whether it was taking a stroll down the street, hanging out with their other friends, or looking at her trainer as he wrote poetry on his laptop made her days whole and complete.
Kiara felt the same with Lance, as did Fran. Both girls were always ready to have fun, though their partners were usually the ones to hold them back. The Lucario and Midnight Lycanroc forged a friendship, however, with the two agreeing to be sparring buddies whenever they had battles. Though Lance had the type advantage, Christopher had more experience and was in many ways stronger. The two would often go all out, bringing each other to the point of fainting. But their battles would almost always end in a draw, with them shaking hands as they carried on their friendship.
Virgil was not used to being in a public place, however. He was not used to being in a movie theatre, being around so many people and their pokémon. He was happy to spend time with Sarah, officially becoming her partner after all. But he much preferred the quiet of nearby Lake Shire as opposed to the ambience of downtown Lakeshire Town. He was more than happy to make some exceptions every now and again, and he was more than happy to make friends with the other pokémon.
Rose was happy to be here with Dante. She enjoyed the Daegar region well, and the region began to grow on her. It was a fun places, with many beautiful cities and with beautiful landscape and nature abound. Lake Shire was not the only place that look picturesque for a good picnic or fun time. And her time in the artist studio she worked in was thankfully not as stressful as she originally thought it would be. The people of Lakeshire Town were all pretty warm, too, happy to have a Galar native come part as their ranks. And Dante would be sure to join her as she continued to explore the region.
As for Natasha and Ivan, the two Russians were more than happy to escape the glamor and glitz of their time over at Ritz Regal City. They didn’t want to spend their time being hounded by fans – though in reality, they were both thankful for them and their support. The two just loved spending time in Lakeshire Town during their offseason, where they could relax in the moderate safety of town while everyone left them alone. Though some people would wave at them and thank them, the two were mostly left alone by the locals; they understood what it meant to live privately and didn’t wish to ruin the alone time that the wrestlers wanted to have. If the two ever entered a pub, however, they would be greeted by people who’d eagerly wish to buy them a drink, and Ivan for one was not about to turn down an offer of free vodka when faced with such an opportunity.
All of the Poképhiles were just so happy to be with their partners, and they were happy to spend time with their pokémon and with each other. This was the first time that everyone gathered together, and they hoped that this would start a trend of everyone hanging out and having fun – ideally, without the men having the fear of having a baseball thrown at their nether regions. The movie soon started, with the room going dark. The opening scene was that of a fighter plane taking off in the air, the noise of the movie reverberating through the hall. And the people and their pokémon all stood quietly to get a good listen in on the movie.
After two hours the movie came to a conclusion, and one that was both satisfying and enjoyable. The crowds clapped and cheered, having enjoyed what was indeed a terrific showing. Even the Poképhiles cheered for the movie’s grand finale, having seen a showing that conveyed both friendship and the rectification of past mistakes. It was a wonderful flick, and even the pokémon looked on impressed at what they saw.
For Saria and Razor, though, it was more than just time spent in front of a large screen. They got to spend so much time with their friends – all twelve of them. It wasn’t often that the gang got to hang out together to go on an outing like this. First they were playing PokéBase, and now they watched a good showing. It was something that would stick with the two of them for a while longer yet. But as the fourteen friends and pokémon walked out of the theatre, there was still a longing, a yearning for more. It was this kind of wholesomeness that made one wish that this bliss could be continued. Soon, the friends would all return to their lives, returning to work while also seeing what the future had in store.
The friends were just happy to have spent time with each other, and it was a wholesomeness that they wished would last forever. There was no telling what the future might bring, and there were bound to be many more hijinks to come in the future. Lakeshire Town was at peace, and it was this peace that everyone wished would last.
So the Poképhiles could hope. It wasn’t always just sexual encounters with their respective partners. It was something so much more…
