But… I paused and looked at Meowscarada.
"Meowscarada, you go to Pewter City and tell Officer Jenny what happened."
For a moment, her expression changed. Her ears tilted back, pink eyes narrowing with worry.
"Don't worry," I said quickly. "We're not going to fight them head-on. That would be too risky. We'll just slow them down a little, just enough so they can't get away fast."
Meowscarada still hesitated.
She opened her mouth as if to protest, pink eyes full of worry, tail flicking uneasily.
Lopunny stepped closer too, her ears drooping slightly.
She was strong, yes, and Meowscarada was faster, but Ryan only had the two of them.
If Meowscarada left for Pewter City, she would be alone with Ryan.
If something happened, if those poachers attacked them, she wouldn't be able to protect him by herself.
Seeing their worry, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around both of them, pulling them gently but firmly against my chest.
Their soft fur pressed warm against me; I could feel their hearts beating fast through the closeness.
Meowscarada's cheek rested against my shoulder, Lopunny's long ears flopped softly over my arms as she leaned into my other shoulder.
They hadn't expected this when I said I'd help the Ponyta and Rapidash.
Putting myself in danger like that,
if something bad happened, Meowscarada could easily grab me and escape with her speed and tricks.
But if she left for Pewter City, Lopunny would be the only one left to protect me.
And she wasn't fast enough to run with me if things went wrong.
That thought scared them more than any fight.
I held them tighter, voice low and steady.
"I know you're worried. I'm worried too.
But we can do this together.
We trust each other, right?"
I looked toward the little Ponyta watching us from the ashes, her flames flickering with quiet hope.
"And look at it… we need to save its family.
If we all rush in now, there's a high chance they'll just escape,
or worse, if they turn out stronger than us.
So it's best to delay them, buy time, and let the police deal with them."
They stayed quiet for a moment, just breathing with me.
Then Meowscarada let out a small, reluctant "Nyaa…" and pressed her head against my shoulder.
Lopunny's arms tightened around my waist, a soft "Lopuu…" of agreement escaping her.
I smiled, even though my own heart was racing.
"Good. Then let's get moving."
"It'll be okay," I whispered. "I promise."
She tensed briefly, then slowly eased.
"Nyaa…" she murmured softly.
When I let go, she gave a single nod.
I pulled out a pen and paper and quickly wrote a short note.
"Take this to Officer Jenny," I said, handing it to her.
Meowscarada folded the note carefully and held it firmly in her paw, then stepped close again.
She cupped my face with both paws, pink eyes fierce and full of love.
Without a word she leaned in and kissed me, deep, slow, desperate.
Her red tongue brushed mine in one long, lingering stroke, tasting me like she was memorizing everything.
Her body pressed hard against me, chest warm, hips rocking once as if she didn't want to let go.
The kiss was all worry and promise and affection, pouring everything she couldn't say into that single moment.
When she finally pulled back, a thin, glistening string of saliva stretched between our lips for a heartbeat before breaking, leaving a warm trail on my chin.
Her cheeks flushed a deeper pink under the edges of her dark green mask, the color spreading along the visible light green fur just outside the mask's points.
Her pink eyes shone with emotion, bright and intense.
"Nyaa~♡" she whispered, soft and fierce.
Then she turned, cape flaring, and vanished into the tall grass, running full speed toward Pewter City, a green blur disappearing over the horizon.
Lopunny and I watched until she was gone.
I took a deep breath.
"Come on," I said quietly. "We've got a family to save."
After that, I turned to Ponyta.
"Can you take us there?" I asked gently, keeping my voice low.
Ponyta hesitated for a moment, ears twitching, flames flickering uncertainly.
Then she dipped her head in a small, determined nod.
Lopunny stayed close to my side as we followed Ponyta through the tall grass.
The little fire pony walked slower than usual pace, but never stopped, glancing back every few steps to make sure we were still with her.
Her flames glowed a little brighter with each glance, like our presence gave her strength.
I kept pace carefully with Ponyta's slow limp, my hand wrapped tightly around Lopunny's soft paw,
hers in mine, or mine in hers, I wasn't sure anymore.
My other hand rested lightly on her Poké Ball at my belt, thumb brushing the smooth surface every few steps, ready if things went wrong.
We were heading straight into danger.
I didn't mind putting myself at risk; I'd do anything to give that little Ponyta her family back.
But Lopunny… no matter what happened, she had to stay safe.
I'd throw her ball and recall her in a heartbeat if it came to that.
I glanced sideways at her.
She walked close, ears perked forward, brown eyes sharp and determined, paw squeezing mine like she'd read every worried thought in my head.
A quiet "Lopuu…" escaped her, soft but firm, almost like she was telling me not to even think about sending her away.
I squeezed back, heart heavy.
"We'll be careful," I whispered.
"Promise me you'll listen if I tell you to return."
She didn't answer with words, just pressed closer, her fluffy warmth against my side saying everything:
I'm not leaving you.
Not ever.