Harley groans, her head throbbing like a bass drum at a metal concert. "Ugh… what hit me?" she mumbles, her vision swimming.
Ivy stirs beside her, her emerald eyes fluttering open. She blinks, trying to focus on the blurry surroundings. "My head…" she murmurs, her voice raspy. "What happened?"
As their minds slowly clear, fragments of memories resurface: a brightly lit store, a flash of yellow, a tiny, furry creature crackling with electricity.
"Wait a minute," Harley says, her voice gaining clarity. "We were fighting a yellow mouse?"
Ivy furrows her brow, her memories aligning with Harley's. "And then… we were hit by a jolt of pure electricity."
They exchange confused glances, trying to make sense of the bizarre encounter. They had been so sure they could take whatever they wanted from this establishment. It seemed like an easy target.
Then, they see him.
"Well, good morning, ladies," Orion says, his voice cheerful as always. He stands before them, Pikachu perched comfortably on his shoulder, its cheeks sparking with amusement. Beside him stands Zygarde 10% Forme, its canine form exuding an aura of quiet power, its multifaceted eyes fixed intently on Harley and Ivy.
Harley's eyes widen as she takes in the scene. "We've been captured, Red!" she exclaims, her voice a mix of surprise and annoyance. She tugs at her wrists, realizing that they are securely bound with rope.
Ivy, however, is less concerned with their predicament. Her gaze is fixated on Zygarde 10% Forme, its presence resonating deeply within her.
It's… incredible, she thinks, her mind reeling. She can feel its connection to the earth, to the very essence of life. It is a guardian, a protector of nature's delicate balance, and its power is unlike anything she has ever sensed. Her connection to the "Green" allows her to feel the immense power.
"Greetings," Orion says, his voice cutting through Harley's outburst. "I am Orion Oak, owner of this establishment. You can call me Owner. And these are my companions, Pikachu and Zygarde."
He gestures towards his Pokémon, his smile warm and inviting. "I must admit, I am somewhat familiar with your… reputations. Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, Gotham's notorious villains. I've heard tales of your escapades."
Orion's tone shifts, becoming more serious. "Now, I am not one to judge, but I cannot condone your actions here. Attempting to rob my store and harm my Pokémon is simply unacceptable."
He pauses, allowing his words to sink in. "However," he continues, "I am willing to offer you a deal. I will not hand you over to the authorities… provided you agree to behave yourselves while you are in my establishment."
He raises an eyebrow, his gaze unwavering. "If you fail to comply, if you attempt any further acts of violence or theft, I will have no choice but to unleash Pikachu and Zygarde upon you. And trust me, you do not want to experience their full power before being sent to jail."
Harley and Ivy exchange nervous glances. They have faced their fair share of adversaries, but the combined might of a powerful Electric-type Pokémon and a guardian of the ecosystem is a force they would rather avoid.
"Okay, okay!" Harley says quickly, nodding her head frantically. "We'll be good. We promise! No more funny business."
Ivy nods in agreement, her eyes still drawn to Zygarde. "We understand," she says, her voice sincere. "We will behave."
Orion smiles, satisfied with their response. "Excellent," he says, his tone lightening. "In that case, allow me to release you."
With a flick of his wrist, Orion undoes the ropes that bind Harley and Ivy, freeing them from their restraints. They stretch their limbs, grateful for the release.
"Now," Orion says, clapping his hands together. "Let me properly introduce you to the Pokémon Home."
He launches into an explanation of his establishment, detailing its purpose as a sanctuary, a training center, and a place where humans and Pokémon can connect. He explains the concept of Pokémon, their origins in another dimension, and their unique abilities. The explanation is a condensed version of what Valeria received, with less of the warnings.
Harley listens with a mix of amusement and skepticism, her eyes darting around the store, taking in the various displays and gadgets. Ivy, however, is captivated by Orion's words, her mind racing with possibilities.
"So," Orion says, concluding his explanation. "Are you interested in becoming Pokémon trainers?"
Harley grins, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "You mean we can get our own little monsters?" she asks, her voice laced with excitement.
Ivy nods, her expression thoughtful. "The prospect is… intriguing," she says, her gaze fixed on Zygarde, who seems to acknowledge her with a subtle nod.
"There are two ways to acquire a Pokémon," Orion explains. "You can try your luck with the lottery system, which guarantees a Pokémon with high potential, or you can venture into the sanctuary and attempt to befriend one."
He pauses, allowing them to consider their options. "Which will it be?"
Harley and Ivy exchange glances, a silent conversation passing between them.
"Let's try the sanctuary," Ivy says, her decision firm. "I wish to see these creatures in their natural environment."
Harley shrugs, her expression carefree. "Sounds good to me! Let's go meet some new friends… or punching bags! Whichever comes first!"
Orion smiles, pleased with their choice. "Very well," he says. "Follow me."
He leads Harley and Ivy towards a shimmering portal, Pikachu trotting happily beside him. Zygarde 10% Forme follows closely behind, its presence a silent reminder of the consequences of misbehavior.
"This portal will transport you to the sanctuary," Orion explains. "It is a place of untamed beauty, where Pokémon roam free and humans are merely guests."
He gestures towards the portal, his eyes twinkling with anticipation. "Are you ready?"
Harley and Ivy exchange glances, a mix of excitement and trepidation swirling within them. They take a deep breath and step through the portal, entering a world unlike anything they have ever seen.
Harley gasps, her jaw dropping in amazement. The sanctuary is a vibrant tapestry of colors and sounds, a paradise teeming with life. Lush greenery stretches as far as the eye can see, dotted with sparkling waterfalls, crystal-clear ponds, and towering trees that reach towards the heavens. Pokémon of all shapes and sizes frolic in the meadows, soar through the skies, and swim in the waters, their joyful cries filling the air.
"Whoa…" Harley breathes, her usual boisterous energy momentarily subdued. "This is… intense."
Ivy, however, is beyond words. Tears well up in her eyes as she takes in the breathtaking scene. Her connection to the "Green" allows her to feel the immense power and unspoiled nature of this place, its purity untainted by human greed and destruction. It is a sanctuary in every sense of the word, a testament to the beauty and resilience of life.
"It's… magnificent," she whispers, her voice choked with emotion. "A true paradise."
***
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Advance chapters in P@T0n Najicablitz.