The Wild Man Of Pokemon

When it comes to excavation and construction, Shedinja was the Pokemon for the job. Between his telekinesis and sticky thread, creating our new den was a cinch.

It comprised of three chambers, the first and nearest to the entrance was our main living space. Our beds were set in a line, while Absol and Inkay were left with a pit to do as they pleased. The second was a bathroom area. It was a narrow tunnel that lead to a pit and mound of dirt.

Before I was taken to this world, I had studied hygiene religiously. Leaving waste was a sure fire method of gathering flies and diseases; thus I devised a method for getting rid of it while minimizing stench. I simply go in the deep hole, then throw down some dirt to bury it.

Cringe inducing stuff, but life necessitates it.

On another note, I reconstructed my work shop. Most of my materials were still in my shadow, but I got my tools and a bench set up.

'Not bad for two days work, huh?' I asked Kangaskhan.

'Impressive, though I think raising the ceiling would be wise.' It was true, she had to stoop over just to walk. For me and my approximately four foot two stature, I was barely able to touch it.

'Yeah, I will get on that later. I believe today is food day right?'

'It is indeed. We will show you to Malamar's garden.'

'I can't wait.' Smiling, I continued the tour, demonstrating our architectural prowess.

For the last few days, the parent Pokemon has been showing us what it means to be a Kangaskhan. At dawn, all the Pokemon will gather at the spring and bathe. A practice of cleanliness for them. After that, they will eat a light breakfast consisting of berries and wild herbs.

At noon, training begins.

Kangaskhan are an oddity in the Pokemon world. Every single one of them are female. There was no such thing as a male Kangaskhan. So how do they breed? Cross species relations. During a specific time of the year, m.a.t.u.r.e specimens will go out in search of a mate. Their preference normally lean towards Pokemon of similar physique, here at Glittering cave that almost always means a Rhyperior or Rhydon.

They, like most creatures, will have a battle of dominance. If the Rhyperior or Rhydon win, the Kangaskhan will have to wait a year before trying again. However, if they lose, the parent Pokemon will practically force themselves upon them. I still have shivers at that morbid detail.

It was a lesson I would beg to forget.

Anyway, aside from the graphic teachings to newer generations, training mostly involved harsh exorcise and punching rocks. My hand were covered in blisters from that particular regiment.

When night roughly falls, we bath again before eating dinner. Some of the Kangaskhan are in charge of foraging wild herbs and mushrooms. Berries are good and all, but they lack several key nutrients.

Conversely, today was food day. A select few Pokemon will gather to Malamar's garden to get their weekly rations.

Due to my status as a traveler, I will be joining the expedition to meet some of the other clans. The head Kangaskhan leading the way. Another interesting fact, Absol and Inkay were not part of any formal clan. Apparently, there was an incident that forced them to leave. Due to this, they are ranked low on the totem poll.

'So how far is Malamar's garden?' I asked. Ducking under some moss, I wait for her response.

'Not sure, however the sun will be well into the night before we return.' Kangaskhan answered.

'That far?!?' That was ridiculous, 'What happens if someone steals you food, or there was a flood that carried it all away? That's a long time to go without having food.'

'You underestimate us. While not preferable, we can last a week or two without food and still function.'

Interesting, I guess nature really was an unfair mistress. While humans are hard pressed to function two weeks without food, Pokemon comes and laughs that time off. Likely because humanity decided to put all our stat points in intelligence.

Tripping on a rock, I face plant onto the course gravel.

'You alright? Are you sure you can make the trip?'

Luckily, Honedge was back at the base with Croagunk, else he would be laughing at me right now.

'I'm fine. Just not used to all the sharp rocks.'

'I could see how that would be a problem.' She mused.

Crossing a pass, I noticed a cabin not far from us.

'Who lives there?' I asked.

'Hmm?' She looked at the building, 'Ah, a man and his wife. Sometimes, they greet me as I pass.'

'I see.'

Cresting over the peak, we started to travel downhill. The closer to the bottom, the more green we came across. It was well into the afternoon that it became a forest.

'So what do the ranking games entail?'

'Depends. Salamence changes it up each year. For example, last year, it was a race to find a statue, while the year before was a contest to build a shelter.'

'So it could be anything this year?'

'Yes. Thankfully, I know you happen to have rounded skills so we should be set this year.'

'What happens if I'm not?'

'Then I would be disappointed and hope that one of my kin can cover for you.'

That stung a little. I may be small, but I still have pride!

The area changed. There was a distinct quality to it, heavy but embracing. Glancing at the trees, I see various berries hanging, plump and ready for picking.

Noticing my change in demeanor, Kangaskhan spoke, 'What you're feeling is Malamar's reception field. It blankets the area and informs her about the goings on of the forest. Its also why no one can steal from her.'

With how consuming it was, I agreed. My own field was nearing five feet in diameter and I could tell exactly what was going on in it. Considering the sheer magnitude of hers, I doubt that anyone can wipe there bum without her expressed permission.

Entering a clearing, I was surprised by the number of Pokemon waiting. A group of six lithe, weasel Pokemon bordered the outskirts, a crew of Zangoose following them, and Inkay were flying about, delivering berries of different sorts.

'The ones on the back are Meinshao, they are martial art practitioners. They may look weak, but their punches and kicks are devastatingly fast.' She explained, 'The Zangoose you are already aware of and… oh my is that… Excuse me a moment.' She trudged off to a black and pink bipedal pig.

'Well look who it is, the thief. Come to steal more of our food?' Fate, I hate you.

Spinning towards the glowering Zangoose, I replied, 'I think you are under a misunderstanding. I stole nothing and from what Absol told me, neither did he.'

'Ha, look at the little kid trying to be grown up. That food was ours and there is nothing you can say to change that.'

'Are you sure? Now that I have a chance to really look, your aura is just plain slimy. I would be remiss to ever believe a word coming from your mouth.'

'Big talk coming from someone so small.'

'Takes one to know one shorty.'

The look of pure una.d.u.l.terated rage was comical on the sloths face.

'Oh you will definitely being paying for that. What are you doing here anyway? This grove is for mountain dwellers only.'

'Oi! What are you doing with my kin dweller?' Kangaskhan just came back with her friend.

Startled, Zangoose stammered, 'Wha… Nothing, we were just talking.'

'Is this the human you were bragging about winning the ranking games? He doesn't look like much.'

Twitching at the dismissal, I greeted, 'A p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to make your acquaintance, I am Oliver the war maker, vile toad slayer, ex-chief of the mountain to the east.' Zangoose twitched at my toad slayer title. The thing about thought rays iwas that words are just too plain to describe it. Emotions and memories are often attached to truly get the weight of the tittle across.

For him to even react to vile toad was tantamount to knowing who the toad in question was. Something to look into later.

'Impressive, to speak our tongue and to know our mannerisms is rare for a human. Next time you're in Grumpig territory, stop by and say hi. Might show you a thing or two if you impress me enough.' The now identified Grumpig said.

'An honor that would be. I am always looking for knowledge and friendship between Pokemon.'

'Cut it with the stiff speech. I don't really care for it like Kangaskhan does.'

'Alright.' We both grinned at each other.

'Hey, I don't like being ignored!' Zangoose interjected.

'You're still here?' I quipped.

'For that, I challenge you to a right of sustenance.' He exclaimed.

'Careful little one, this one is under the protection of my clan. To challenge him is to challenge us.' Kangaskhan threatened.

He flinched at the declaration.

'If I may be so bold, what is a right of sustenance?' I queried.

'It is a challenge for a Pokemon's food. If there has been a disagreement between Pokemon, they can invoke the right of sustenance to take the others weekly rations.'

'Its a glorified battle.' Grumpig clarified.

'I see.'

The Zangoose looked constipated at being ignored again, 'Stay out of this! This is a dispute between me and him before he ever became apart of your clan!'

'Is that so? Then how do you respond Kin dweller?' Kangaskhan smirked.

Sighing, I responded like the idiot I am, 'I accept you challenge in kind; however, I stipulate that when I win, you drop whatever grievances between your clan and ours.'

'When you win? As if. I accept you terms.' A whispering filled the clearing. If the blood thirsty grins of the other Pokemon to go by, they all loved a good battle.

'To invoke the right of sustenance in my territory is a bold move, little ones. I shall enact my right over the territory and oversee this battle.' A floating upside down squid levitated down to us.

'Malamar, I greet you.'

'Hows it going fire cracker.'

'Well met Kangaskhan and Grumpig, if you weren't present, I would have assumed the worst of these two idiots.' For the one that controls all the food on the mountain range to show respect to others was a big deal.

'I greet the keeper of the forest grove. If I have disturbed the sanctity of your sanctuary, I apologize and shall take my petty squabbles else where.' She eyed me down, reevaluating me from my response.

'Well met little human. While not advised to invoke the right of sustenance in my territory, I am unable to prevent it. Be weary, if I find my sanctuary to be damaged, the same damage will be returned in kind.'

'Tis fair.' I replied.

'Are we going to be babbling all day. Hurry up so I can bury this pipsqueak.' The air itself began to feel heavy.

'Careful little mon, this is my domain and my respect for your sire is the only reason I haven't invoked the same right as you. Do not test my patience.' The little sloth was sweating now, 'I shall preside over this dual to ensure what has been bet be fulfilled.'

We both nodded.

The Pokemon all backed away to the edges of the field, while I grabbed my spear from my shadow. I found that I could suspend things near the surface and they not move. Makes it easy for quick retrieval. Stepping away from my opponent, I noticed Malamars quirked brow. Smiling, I tilted my head.

'Ha, what do you think a stick will do? You won't be able to beat me.'

'You talk to much.' I sighed.

'Are the challengers ready?' Malamar asked.

We both nodded.

'Then, begin!'