CHAPTER 1 - Impending (Houn)Doom

(CW): Feral, Temporary Identity Loss

“Alright, let’s do this.”

Kalos was bustling with activity. The cafes were busy, the streets were crowded, vendors were selling merch out the wazoo, it really was a hot time for Lumiose City. The Prism Tower was the backdrop of many photos taken by tourists, the Lumiose Museum was sold out of capacity for the day, the Wild Zones had plenty of activity, and many figures in Kalos are ecstatic to reveal that today may just be the heyday of the city for the month!

And on the other side of the city, lies Wild Zone 6. It is one of the many Wild Zones erected by Quasartico Inc. as a mission to ensure a home for the recent surge in wild Pokémon arriving in Kalos. It is well known for its presence of an Alpha Pikachu, Houndoom, and Binacle. Many trainers have tried and failed to capture these Alphas, due to their immense levels when compared to the standard mon.

Walking down the streets approaching Wild Zone 6 was Emmanuel, a Kalos native. He is a 29 year old Pokémon veterinarian, who recently joined a non-profit organization of numerous researchers, doctors, veterinarians, and the like, the Pokémon International Veterinary Society (PIVS). He’s always had a strong heart and always dreamed of opening up his own ranch in the countryside of Kalos. But a bizarre phenomenon in recent times have made him change course for the time being.

He stood proudly at 6’, wore a vet’s getup that included bright blue scrubs that had the logo for PIVS on the back of the shirt. He wore a sling pack over his shoulder that contained all the necessary equipment for the missions he was assigned. His blue, white, and red sneakers were covered in dirt that was caked on due to time. Finally, he wore modified goggles on his forehead that were multi-use, but this mission most likely wouldn’t make those goggles of use. His eyes were shimmering green, medium length jet black hair, and a smile that would brighten anyone’s day.

PIVS was once a genuine veterinary society, only for a unique event to have them be repurposed and have more walks of life recruited. A couple of weeks ago, there have been reports of people disappearing in certain intervals, and more Pokémon cropping up, with the ones that were the rarest being the one that raised the most eyebrows. But when one video of a man from Sinnoh transforming into a Pikachu blew up like wildfire, that’s when many put two and two together. The missing people transformed into Pokémon for one reason or another.

On one hand, the mystery was finally solved, but that video left people with more questions than answers. How did it happen? Who was more susceptible? Why a certain Pokémon? And Emmanuel’s recent assignment had those three core questions be blurry for their latest hypothesis.

All of this centered around one Brandon Sawyer. Brandon was originally from Unova, college-aged, registered as a Pokémon Trainer years ago when he got his first Houndour from an egg. He was actually attending a prestigious university in Kalos where he was enrolled in their Pokémon psychology curriculum. He was also decently popular on social media, people just couldn’t get enough of a wholesome trainer with a Houndour who remained cute even after evolving into a Houndoom.

But all of that sadly changed when some time ago, he was last reported going into the area that would be later known as Wild Zone 6. And this was reported before the walls were erected. According to eyewitnesses, he wanted to try out Mega Evolution with his Houndoom. But about 5 minutes later, no one located him, except for one new arrival in another Houndoom, but an Alpha.

Oddly, this Alpha was not hostile at all to the surrounding public. When people surrounded it, it was more, scared? Confused? Usually Alphas would search for a pack of their own or pre-evolved life or outright become hostile towards those they saw as threats to their territory, but this one was a far cry from the some other Alphas that have called their respective Wild Zones home. In fact, the only time it communicated with anyone was with the regular Houndoom, who was suspected to be Brandon’s, to which it ran over towards a high-school trainer.

I’m an Alpha...

That means...

A new Wild Zone...

But, what about Hades..?

Please, take care of him, while I’m gone...

The Alpha kicked the Poké Ball over to the student, almost as it it was saying “he’s under your care now”. But the tranquil moment was interrupted by a loudspeaker. “A new Alpha Pokémon has been detected in this area. Building a new Wild Zone.” it spoke, as the hologram green fencing that was familiar with all Wild Zones started to form. Everyone took the hint and started to evacuate, but some looked at the Alpha Houndoom with sadness.

The student smiled at the Alpha, and that was the last thing the Houndoom saw before everyone left, and the fencing was erected in full. A big number 6 formed at the gate. Another product of Quasartico. Another piece of land for Alphas and wild Pokémon to call home.

Wild Zone 6.

The student, Leslie, was a frequent visitor of the vet center, firmly believing that the Houndoom was no ordinary Houndoom. She requested an invoice, and the clinic agreed, and that’s when the studies began. Drone observations, looking at the zone from a distance, sometimes even going in as well, and it took 2 weeks before a conclusive answer was made. This Alpha Houndoom was indeed originally human, having undergone a metamorphosis.

But then she asked a question that stuck with the vets and agents, “What if that’s Brandon in there?”. A lot of them were taken aback, but the possibility wasn’t dismissed. Emmanuel was then picked to lead the mission, citing his previous successes in numerous missions, and many believing that this one wouldn’t be any different. They hoped that Brandon was the Alpha Houndoom, not only would they free a human turned feral beast from the confines of the Wild Zone, but also give his family and friends closure, while also helping him readjust to his new form.

But for now, he was a feral Alpha who’d defend his Wild Zone at any cost.

“Okay, control center, I’m within considerable distance of Wild Zone 6. Can you confirm that he hasn’t moved from his original position? Over.” Emmanuel spoke over the radio, and got a quick response. “Control center, we can confirm the Houndoom has remained in his position, sleeping. Exercise extreme caution as to not wake him. Over.” the representative in the control center revealed. “Ugh, it’s not any Houndoom. It’s Brandon. Get it right guys.” Emmanuel muttered under his breath as he rubbed his face in frustration, hating that they’ve always referred to the Alphas by their species, not the name of their previous human identity. But he still had a mission to do.

It just had to be him. The Alpha Houndoom of Wild Zone 6 had to be Brandon. He was last seen near the Zone’s barriers before he “disappeared”. There’s no other way to explain it.

“Okay, I’m going inside. Keep watch, and do not interfere unless I say so. Remember what happened with the Alpha Krokorok in Wild Zone 8?” Emmanuel bitterly reminded them. “No, that won’t happen again. We’ll only provide our assistance if you call for it directly, Em. Good luck out there. Over and out.” the control center issued for the last time before disconnecting. “Okay, Emmanuel, you got this. It’s like all the other times you helped them. Regulars, Alphas, all of them. This one should be no different.” he whispered under his breath as he approached the front gate of Wild Zone 6. Just one step in...

“HEY!” a voice shouted out in Emmanuel’s direction, to the vet’s surprise. “Headin’ in that Wild Zone there chap?” the trainer asked, eyeing at the vet with a suspicious look. “Uh... yeah..? I was just, about to head in..?” Emmanuel explained, confused. “Watcha gonna get in there? No one goes in those Wild Zones without a reason.” the trainer pestered. “Just my job, now please sir, can you leave me be? I have to do this job, uninterrupted.” Emmanuel firmly stated, hoping that the trainer would back off.

Thankfully, he did, and walked over to a nearby cafe. “Oh, don’t mind him.” another voice rung out, diverting Emmanuel’s attention to the source, another trainer, but dressed very pristine. “Bryant’s always like that, still bitter that he lost his Aron to an Alpha Aggron, but he brought that upon himself, didn’t treat the poor guy correctly. But, if you’re going into Wild Zone 6, stay safe in there buddy.” the trainer patted Em on the back, before making his leave. If the pristine suit was any indicator, he was most likely a member of those SBC snobs, but he did not expect this trainer to be cautious if he was indeed one of them.

“You see something new everyday.” Emmanuel pondered as he walked through the gate, and entered

WILD ZONE 6

As much as he wanted to see the rest of the zone, that was cut short when he acquired the target; the Alpha Houndoom. Indeed, he was still sleeping, but even better, no Houndours were nearby. Although that relief was silenced when he realized that, he could be as quiet as a mouse, yet inevitably, the Houndoom would wake up, and when he’d noticed intruders, would fiercely defend his Wild Zone. It wasn’t a question of if, it was a question of when.

‘Okay then, I got two options, either I prepare as much as I can before he wakes up, or I just wake him up, and try to reach out to him right then and there.’ Emmanuel was playing in his head the multiple outcomes. He had his Poké Balls out with him, and knowing that Houndooms were weak to Fighting, Ground, Rock, and Water, he didn’t want him to faint, just a contingency to knock some sense into him if it gets that far. Oh he hoped in wouldn’t go that far.

...

...

...

Well, he’s gonna wake up sometime, best do it now.

“Hey.” Emmanuel spoke in a regular tone, at normal volume. “Rrr?” the Houndoom growled as its head jerked slightly. The Houndoom slowly got up, and assumed its standard posture, staring right back at the vet. “I want to talk to you.” Emmanuel continued, his face one of sympathy and care, the Houndoom’s attention now fully on the vet.

Usually, the Alpha’s first instinct was to attack, call upon its pack, anything that alluded to “top dog” behaviour or pack mentality. But oddly, this one, didn’t. Should he really say his name now? Maybe that could help.

“I’m not here to take your zone, I just want to talk is all.” Emmanuel consoled, raising his hand in a caring gesture. “I’m looking for someone. Someone disappeared near this area. He was a student, he was a trainer, and he loved Dark-type Pokémon, Brandon Sawyer?” Emmanuel detailed, hoping that maybe this could be a good place to start with the Houndoom. “Hrr? Hounddoom?” the Houndoom growled as his glowing red irises flared up, but not engulfing the sclera. “He was well known for his adventures with his Houndour online, he’s here, isn’t he?” the vet continued, trying to be careful with his words so that nothing would be derailed.

The Houndoom looked, perplexed, the red slightly fading from his eyes, and slightly backing away. “Gotcha.” Emmanuel whispered under his breath. “Hey, it’s okay. I’m here to help.” he consoled as he got slightly closer to the Alpha. On one hand, this was looking too easy...

But the naive would automatically believe they’d gotten through to him, but Emmanuel knew better. One of two instances would happen in these scenarios, either their confusion is a front and they spring into action the first chance they get or when certain guards are dropped, or a part of them knows that the vets mean no harm, but that instinct to protect their Wild Zone or their pack overrides their humanity, forcing them in the passenger’s seat. Judging by how this was going, the Houndoom’s distress was signalling the latter. Poor guy.

When the Pokémon transformations happened, what made it unique was that the transformed kept their mental humanity intact. While they remain in the driver’s seat, certain lines of thought, mannerisms, melded with their psychology. It was some sort of unique reaction that created a Pokémon in physical and mental form, but the affected’s humanity is still the primary consciousness.

But the Alphas were a much different story, where the human conscious can be difficult to maintain total control, and all it takes are certain triggers, and the feral Alpha forces you in the passenger’s seat, and won’t even let you back in until it’s decided the threat has been dealt with.

He’s been in the Wild Zone for how long? Forced to keep his humanity together until someone came to challenge it, or even simply wandering the Zone? How many times has he been forced to fight the battle to remain in the driver’s seat, just to feel human? The implications were terrifying, but Emmanuel couldn’t back down now.

He got Brandon right where he wanted.

But the relief didn’t last long, as the Houndoom’s eyes glowed a fierce red, sclera and all. He lowly growled, before letting out a bestial roar, the Alpha had regained dominance and is the primary conscious. “*sigh* I’m sorry Brandon, please forgive me.” Emmanuel whispered sadly as he pulled out a Poké Ball. He gave it a light throw, and a Lucario came out of the ball.

“Lucario, use Protect every chance you get, only use Aura Sphere when I say so. Try to use the environment to confuse him. Got it?” Emmanuel instructed. “Lu!” his Lucario growled in approval as he looked at the Houndoom. He really didn’t want to fight. But as of now, he has no choice.

“Lucario, use Protect!” Emmanuel commanded as the battle commenced. Lucario used Protect, while the Houndoom used his fire breath, hurting Lucario, but receiving minimal damage. “Lucario, come here!” Emmanuel commanded, bringing the canine behind a building as a temporary retreat in the battle. He had a plan that would hopefully knock some sense for Brandon.

“Okay, Lucario, on my go, use Protect, then you’ll use Swords Dance to bump up your attack, and then you’ll use Aura Sphere. If we can try to get to Brandon, the Houndoom being dazed may help. You good with that plan?” Emmanuel plotted out. “Rr.” Lucario voiced in approval, giving his trainer a fist bump. The low growls got louder as the both realized that the Alpha was approaching. “Okay, 3, 2, 1, use Protect!” Emmanuel called out as the Lucario used the ability, jumping from behind the building as a surprise attack. Resulting in the Houndoom bumping into a car, stunning him temporarily.

“Now use Swords Dance!” and Lucario did just that, bulking up his attack. The Houndoom then used an attack that Emmanuel dreaded the Alpha would use; Sludge Bomb. While it didn’t hurt Lucario health wise due to the Protect, he was still poisoned by that. But before he could be recalled, there was one more attack.

“Lucario! Use Aura Sphere!” Emmanuel called out, to which Lucario abided, and delivered the blow against the Alpha. The Houndoom’s health dropped to 3/4, and looked incredibly dazed. Good, that should be enough time to help Brandon.

“Brandon, I know you’re still in there.” Emmanuel consoled, approaching the canine. “Please, tell us anything.” he compromised. “It’s just you and me, no one else.” he continued, trying to reassure Brandon that he was okay. And for once, in the whole fight, Brandon opened his eyes, still a fierce red color, but less intense than when the Alpha took over.

Good, he’s there.

~in Brandon’s head~

In the dark and murky depths of the mind, Brandon was lost in a dark labyrinth. When he first saw this veterinarian, he finally found hope. That maybe, he can finally be freed from this Wild Zone. But he had to, go into, the driver’s seat...

“I’m not here to take your zone, I just want to talk is all.” he consoled in a calming voice, even putting a single hand up as a gesture that he truly does mean no harm. “I’m looking for someone. Someone disappeared near this area. He was a student, he was a trainer, and he loved Dark-type Pokémon, Brandon Sawyer?” the vet continued. Oh my Arceus, somehow this vet knows, he just needs to get there... “HEY! I’M HERE! CAN YOU HEAR ME?!” Brandon called out, and feeling the mouth movement, made it clear that what he wanted to say, he did, even if it was through growls and shouting his species’ name.

“He was well known for his adventures with his Houndour online, he’s here, isn’t he?” the vet continued. Brandon finally made it to the edge of his mind, but he heard a familiar low growl. Oh no, it’s coming... “No, back away! I don’t mean harm!” Brandon shouted, while not speaking those words, he managed to back away.

“Hey, it’s okay. I’m here to help.” Emmanuel said, Brandon finally knowing his potential savior’s name after seeing the name tag. “Back more away, I’m not hurting hi- OUCH!” Brandon yelped as he tried to regain control, only for the monster to tackle him. A monster, in the form of a glowing red Houndoom that easily dwarfed the trainer, had set him aside, and has regained control of his body. “No! NO! Don’t hurt him! He’s not a threat!” Brandon tried in vain to dissuade the monster from attacking him.

Even in despair, he heard Emmanuel whisper something as he took out his Poké Balls.

“*sigh* I’m sorry Brandon, please forgive me.”

‘No no! C’mon, think think think! What can I do against this Alpha?!’ Brandon thought with fear as he tried desperately to think of anything that can break off the Alpha mentality. But thankfully, he didn’t have to think of that for that long. The Alpha bumping into a car due to a diversion tactic, followed by a heavy blow from Aura Sphere, the Alpha was thrown back some considerable distance, allowing Brandon to regain control, even if it was temporarily. “Thank Arceus thank Arceus.” he repeated as he truly regained control.

Just a little bit of time, he means no harm...

“Rrr, rr! Houndoom! Houndoom!” the Houndoom tried to call out, his own words understandable to himself, but not Emmanuel. “Brandon? You there? Please, do anything, tell me you’re here...” Emmanuel worried as he continued to look at the Houndoom. While the Houndoom was unfamiliar with his new body, he took a paw out, and drawn something using his fire, charring the asphalt, spelling something.

“I’M HERE”

“I’m, not familiar with all this, but Brandon, try to remember. What happened? Why did you become a Houndoom?” Emmanuel tried to reason. And Brandon closed his eyes, trying to remember. In peace of mind, things grew less cloudy. Then he remembered.

...

“Hey buddy! You ready to Mega Evolve?” Brandon asked as he gave his Houndoom, Hades, a ruffle on his head. He’d recently obtained a stone that allowed Houndooms to Mega Evolve, the Houndoominite. And he was excited to give it a try. “Houndoom!” Hades shouted in approval.

“Alright! Erm, how about you go look for a stick nearby while I go find that stone?” Brandon asked. “Rr.” Hades nodded as he bolted off into a vast park. “Alright, I know I got the stone here somewhere...” he mumbled under his breath. It shouldn’t have been too deep in his bag, he doesn’t have a lot of stuff in it...

He’d heard about the news stories about all the mysterious Pokémon that has been popping up lately, in much larger quantities than usual. He follows the Pokémon International Veterinary Society, and he thought their reasoning for it was, a bit far fetched. C’mon, people transforming into Pokémon? That’s preposterous!

“Ah! Here you are!” he called out in excitement as he also called for Hades to come back now that he’s found that Arceus forsaken stone, ad indeed, Hades came back with a stick in his mouth. The Houndoominite in his hand, it was ready to start the Mega Evolution. “Here you go buddy.” he said with a hint of cheer in his voice, giving Hades the stone. And finally, he took out a bracelet, and touched his Key Stone.

And in the blink of an eye, Hades Mega Evolved, and his impressive form stood in front of Brandon. “Ah! It worked! Hades, spell your name in the grass!” Brandon instructed. Hades obliged and used his tremendous fire abilities to spell it out in the ground. “HADES”, it read. “Hey, that’s pretty good buddy!”Brandon cheered as he gave Hades a berry.

“Now, create a fire show!” he commanded next. Hades obliged and directed the fire in unique ways, creating one heck of a fire show for the spectators. “Wow, this is really cool! I can certainly see the appeal!” Brandon congratulated as he handed Hades another berry.

Although, before he could suggest the next thing, Hades suddenly got hopped up like he drank so much caffeine, that he started to run around the park. “Hey! Hades! Stop! Come back!” Brandon tried to call back, to no avail. He tried to recall Hades back into his Poké Ball, that didn’t work either. Brandon was at a loss for ideas.

But before he could even think about what he could try next, Hades was soaring headlong in Brandon’s direction. “HADES! NO! STO-”

*WHAM!!!*

7he f0rce was p0werfu1 en0ugh t0 sha77er 7he s70ne...

T̴h̷e̶y̶ ̸b̶o̷t̴h̷ ̸f̶e̵l̵l̷ ̸t̶o̴ ̷t̴h̴e̴ ̷g̶r̷o̷u̸n̶d̸,̴ ̶t̵h̴e̴ ̷s̶t̸o̷n̸e̸ ̷s̶h̴a̶t̵t̸e̸r̵e̴d̷.̵.̴.̸

A̴n̸d̸ ̷h̸e̶ ̸b̵r̸e̶a̸t̷h̸e̸d̶ ̴i̷n̴ ̶t̴h̸e̶ ̷p̸a̶r̴t̴i̴c̸l̷e̴s̷.̷.̵.̸

...

Sadly, before Brandon could remember further, his eyes lit up all red again, the Alpha taking over. “HOUNDOOM! RUFF! RUFF! Rrrrrrr...” he barked and growled in anger as a deterrent against the intruder of Wild Zone 6. “Brandon, I’m not leaving.” Emmanuel firmly stated, holding out another Poké Ball. Emmanuel really didn’t want to do this.

The Houndoom let loose another bestial roar, intending on dealing with the intruder once and for all. Emmanuel simply closed his eyes and tossed the ball. A Gyarados. Let’s try this again.

“Okay, Gyarados, use Scary Face.” Emmanuel commanded, to which Gyarados complied. The Houndoor slightly flinched, and his Speed was lowered. “Use Aqua Tail.” was the next command, and Gyarados blasted the Houndoom to a considerable distance. They both ran over to the Houndoom to check up on him.

He was dazed, and his health was 1/2. Oh no, he better be careful, otherwise, he faints, it’s game over. “Brandon? You don’t want to do this, I know you’d never want this. Please, continue to fight it, I know you can, but I can help you...” Emmanuel consoled, trying again to reach out to him. The Houndoom’s face softened again.

Brandon came back, and he tried again, while he still had control over his mind, remembered again. But he winced when he remembered what happened to him. The pain, and body modifications... Oh wait... it’s coming back now...

...

The two collided with enough force that the Houndoominite cracked. When they both fell to the ground, Hades reverted back to his original form, while the Houndoominite shattered. “Ugh...” Brandon groaned as he rubbed his temples. But little did he know, his nostrils felt warm, due to the remnants and particles that were emitted by the shattering of the stone, which he inhaled unknowingly.

When Hades approached his trainer to see if he was alright, he was startled when he noticed something about Brandon. “Huh? Hey buddy, you good?” Brandon groaned as he ruffled Hades’ head, but looked confused when he saw his companion back away slightly. “What?” Brandon asked, feeling his nose to see if it was busted, only to discover that it felt, different. It felt more like a snout.

“H-Huh?” Brandon gasped, only to feel a slight pain in his hands. “Ough... Wh-What is this..?” he groaned as he got on all fours. On his hands, his ring and index fingers receded into his hands, while his pinkies, thumbs, and middle fingers started to grow in size, becoming more candid in shape. His nails for his digits grew longer, and sharpened like claws.

“W-WHAT THE?!” Brandon shouted in shock as his feet also underwent a similar change. Ring and index toes receded, the pinky, middle, and big toes gaining size, nails sharpening, turning into a candid stance. But what also mystified him was that he noticed he was growing black fur at his transformed limbs. Hades looked at his changing owner with a look of horror.

While he was distracted, Brandon didn’t notice two bony protrusions erupting from the side of his head, starting to grow out, gaining curvature. “Nnngh... Hades... Help... rrr...” Brandon pleaded, only for his line to be cut off by a growl leaving his throat, voice dropping in octaves. “A-AAAUGH!” he shouted in pain as his neck grew some sort of collar-shaped bone, and some sort of skull-shaped pendant erupting at the base of his neck as well. During the neck bone’s growth, he also noticed his limbs have grown two white bands for each one, with his entire body growing more and more candid in posture, stance, and appearance.

Hades noticed it first, and when Brandon opened his eyes, he saw it too. “A H-Houndoom? Hades, call for Hound!” Brandon called out to his companion, but his utterance of the word ‘Hound’ made him realize what was going to happen; his speech was going to be limited to just barks, growls, and his species’ name. But before Hades could run for help, a crowd formed. Oh no...

Brandon grew an orange goatee, while he grew three rib-like arches on his back, firmly leaving his stance as candid, being on all fours. The black fur continued to spread across his body, progressing the transformation. Then he felt something in his behind. A stub was worming in his pants, no doubt the tail.

After enough growth, his new speared tail erupted from his clothes, while the crowd looked on in silent shock, seeing such a radical transformation unfold. Finally, all the fur grew around his body, the only one untouched was his head. “Urgh... Hound, doom... Rrr... Houndoom!” Brandon tried to call out, his speech nearly fully limited. Finally, his hair was starting to change color, and the orange goatee started to spread across his face, in preparation for the muzzle.

His paws have finished re-shifting into their candid musculature, while he was also growing to a size not seen for a regular Houndoom, and Brandon knew what that would mean. Eyes closed, his face started to crick and crack, before pushing out into a canine muzzle. The black fur spreading across his face, the orange fur shaping the muzzle, and the two horns above his head finishing their transformation. Finally, it ceased, and Brandon had now become an Alpha Houndoom.

The crowd waited with baited breath, seeing what would happen. But when his eyes opened, Brandon’s eyes weren’t bloody red. While the irises changed color to a fiery orange, he didn’t look feral. No, he looked, scared, nervous?

Ƭhe ©rowd loØked, §ympªthetic...

BuƬ what Ǎbout HÆdes...

And when the walls of Wild Zone 6 were e®ected?

...

Sadly, again, the red returned to Brandon’s eyes, but it looked less fierce than before. His eyes also looked sad, realizing what is going on around him. Emmanuel also took note. The Alpha returned again, but it looked like Brandon might be slowly coming back to his old self mentally.

“Hurr Hound, Houndoom... [I-I don’t want to hurt you...]” he whined. Emmanuel realized that Brandon was still somewhat in control, trying to resist the Alpha’s next move. Thankfully, a flub-up on the Alpha’s end allowed Brandon more control for just a bit more longer. “Hah...” he panted, before bolting into the inner area of the Wild Zone.

“Wait! Brandon! Come back!” Emmanuel called out as he too gave chase, seeing the Houndoom’s footprints scorched in the asphalt, Gyarados and Lucario helping alongside him. “I can almost feel his presence coming back... He wasn’t feral, he actually fought off against it...” Emmanuel whispered between breathes as he continued to run after Brandon.

He will not stop until Brandon has been returned to them.

After regaining control of his mind, Brandon shouted out “Hey! I’m here! It’s me!”, but as to be expected, all that came out was barks and saying his species name. “Brandon? You there? Please, do anything, tell me you’re here...” Emmanuel worried as he continued to look at Brandon. Realizing that his anatomy was much different, he picked the simplest way of communicating his humanity, drawing a simple phrase proclaiming his presence in the asphalt, charring it. “I’m, not familiar with all this, but Brandon, try to remember. What happened? Why did you become a Houndoom?” Emmanuel tried to reason.

Brandon then closed his eyes, and everything came back...

The Park...

Wild Zone 6...

The Houndoominite...

The cool tricks...

Hades going wild...

And getting hit by him...

An aggressive growl rung through, the Alpha pushing Brandon out of his head, and the monster regaining control. “HOUNDOOM! RUFF! RUFF! Rrrrrrr...” he barked and growled in anger as a deterrent against the intruder of Wild Zone 6. “Brandon, I’m not leaving.” Emmanuel firmly stated, holding out another Poké Ball. But Brandon didn’t wait until he got hit, he had to act now against this monster.

“HEY!” Brandon called out, holding a sliver of ingested Houndoominite. Flicking that in the Alpha’s direction temporarily stunned him, allowing Scary Face to be effective. Then, when Aqua Tail was used, that’s when they both felt the jet. The Alpha was pushed further away, while Brandon managed to regain control. But he felt weak, how much health did he have left?

“Brandon? You don’t want to do this, I know you’d never want this. Please, continue to fight it, I know you can, but I can help you...” Emmanuel consoled, trying again to reach out to him. Brandon then remembered again. How it all came to be. And how it felt...

Unlike the first time, it all came back as the transformation played out as it did, but before he could process the crowd’s reactions and what happened after he turned, the Alpha came back. “No, no no no not again, not this time!” Brandon screamed at the beast as the two engaged in a scuffle, clearly fighting for control. Thankfully his efforts weren’t in vain as the Houndoom was stuck between Brandon’s mindset and the Alpha, but the trainer managed to at least secure some dominance, but growing tearful for putting this innocent vet in this predicament. “I-I don’t want to hurt you...” he painfully spoke, and using his last bit of mental willpower to tell himself to run away blindly.

“Wait! Brandon! Come back!” he heard Emmanuel scream, but his voice grew quieter and quieter as he continued running into the heart of Wild Zone 6. He let go of control, and just tackled the Alpha just to spite his feral side, while also trying to keep his mind in check before Emmanuel inevitably finds him.

Oh he wished for this nightmare to be over...

“Brandon?”

Emmanuel had been calling out for Brandon for a bit, even his Lucario and Gyarados was searching the Wild Zone for him, encountering the odd wild Pokémon, a Houndour here and there, but no sign of the Alpha. He couldn’t give up now, not now. Thankfully, a few minutes later, Lucario found some charred footprints in the ground, no doubt telling whose those belong too. And they lead right to Brandon, who was resting underneath some rubble that created some shade.

“Hey, Brandon.” Emmanuel greeted, approaching the Houndoom slowly, yet intentfully. Brandon snorted as a threat display, but Emmanuel knew that the Alpha wouldn’t do that, which signalled a power struggle, one that the trainer was winning, yet not backing down until his victory is secured. “Brandon, please, I want to help you, you’ve been doing incredible...” the vet consoled as he continued his trek, his Lucario and Gyarados not too far behind. Brandon looked worried, afraid that he may lose himself again, afraid he’ll hurt the vet, just afraid that something bad will happen, and that he’ll be the root cause.

“It’s okay, it’s just you and me. You’re safe.” Emmanuel continued. But then he got an idea, one that can help the Houndoom. “Hey, remember Leslie, the student trainer? The one you gave Hades to?” he started. “Rr? [Leslie?]” Brandon growled, but intrigued. “Yeah, she always believed that the Alpha Houndoom was you, I know some witnesses to your transformation weren’t sure if it was you because you were too far in, but she must have saw it from the beginning. She even thanked you when she went to our clinic. She never lost hope for you, Brandon.” Emmanuel revealed, a small smile curling on his face.

That got Brandon’s attention. There were people, who didn’t lost hope for him? People who didn’t see him as a mindless monster? People who missed him?

A tear was noticeable in Brandon’s eye, the one that’s not as glowing as the other. “Yeah, she’s been taking care of Hades since Wild Zone 6 was established, you remember that, don’t you?” Emmanuel pressed further. If Leslie was the hook, then maybe this will work. He couldn’t afford to back down, or make any mistakes.

“Think back, you have friends at the university, they miss you, you’re family back home, I’m sure they want to see you again, don’t they?” Emmanuel continued, continuing his slow approach as his hope that this would succeed flourished.

Trying to keep his humanity intact, Brandon nodded, but still looked wary, anticipating the Alpha to come back in one form or another. “Think back to everything.” Emmanuel proposed.

“Think of all the times you trained with Hades.”

“What about Leslie?”

“Your family, your friends, your peers.”

“Hades is probably worried sick for you...”

That was more than enough to give him the willpower to remember everything. The park. The transformation. And now, finally, the aftermath...

...

When the smoke cleared, Brandon was surrounded by a curious crowd. “Rr? Houndoom?” he tried to speak, but his speech was truly limited. He started to move his body, still trying to get used to the quadrupedal stance, while also getting used to his canine body as a whole. But the crowd waited with baited breath to see what would happen next.

Usually, an Alpha’s first instinct was to summon a pack, assert their dominance of their land, or even attack others to assert that dominance. But this Houndoom, didn’t do that. More than anything, he looked like he was trying to be familiar with his new body. The humans turned Pokémon, have they always felt this way?

“Rr... Houndoom!” Brandon called out for Hades, and the regular-sized Houndoom complied. “Master? What happened to you?” Hades spoke, Brandon being taken aback that he can actually understand his companion in full. “It was the Houndoominite.” Brandon confirmed. The two were conversing back and forth, but the observers noted no hostility or recruitment for being part of a pack.

But Brandon realized something. He was an Alpha Pokémon, and soon, a Wild Zone will be erected, just like the other times an Alpha came into Kalos. “Hades, Leslie will take care of you.” Brandon said with a tone of acceptance. Hades gave off a confused murmur, only for Brandon to point his paw at a high-school student trainer with her Aromatisse, someone who he met in a cafe two weeks ago, one that he knows will keep Hades safe.

“Don’t worry, Leslie will keep you safe. Go back in your ball, and I’ll pass it over to her.” Brandon planned as he motioned Hades towards the ball. Hades sadly shook his head, wanting to stay by his master no matter what happens. “Hades, a Wild Zone will be erected when they see me. Please, I’ll be okay, I’ll be back soon!” Brandon accepted as he looked at Hades with a reassuring face. Hades sadly nodded, and tapped his Poké Ball, going back inside when the red energy encapsulated him.

Brandon hunched over, picked up the ball with his mouth carefully, and looked at Leslie. He motioned a paw towards her, to which Leslie looked, confused, but then took the hint as she held out her hands. He gave it a light toss, and she caught it. “Houndoom. Hound, rrrr. [Take good care of him. I’ll be back soon.]” Brandon barked, smiling at the crowd.

One of the spectators was a staff member of Quasartico, and while he did know that this Houndoom meant no harm at all, protocol was still protocol. But every time he called for the erection of a Wild Zone, he’d always seen the Alpha Pokémon through and through, but this time, he saw a human undergo a transformation beyond his control. He felt bad for the kid, and he took no pleasure at all in what he did next. “A new Alpha Pokémon has been detected in this area. Building a new Wild Zone.” he said with sadness, his voice echoing over the loudspeakers.

With his tablet, he mapped out the sixth Wild Zone, and was given quick approval from the higher ups. Then the holographic walls started to form. Everyone took the hint, but when they left, they all looked at the Houndoom with sadness. Leslie smiled as she left, and that was the last thing Brandon saw before the area was emptied completely. People weren’t afraid, but they had to comply.

But then, something in his head started to form.

As the walls rose, an Alpha instinct, an unwilling one, started to crop up. His thoughts started to grow cloudy, but while he was afraid of losing himself, he just kept remembering Leslie’s smile, his friends, his family, anything to at least give him comfort before he loses himself. As the red in his eyes grew more furious, he just closed his eyes, and awaited it. And finally, the Alpha took over.

...

When he opened his eyes the next time, he was in his own head, his humanity a simulacra of himself. It was a labyrinth, but he felt, comforted, that he wasn’t shut out completely. After a few minutes, he was inside the main center for his head, seeing an ungodly monster. A Houndoom that was monstrous, glowed a fierce red compared to Brandon’s soft blue, and this monster was the driver, and he was the passenger.

On calm days, Brandon at least managed to keep himself together and even had some control, allowing him to feel somewhat free. But all of that would change when the Alpha Binacle or the Pikachu encroached on his territory or pack, or a trainer was interested in capturing him. The Alpha takes full control, displacing Brandon, while he tries to at least regain control. The only time that would happen is if a trainer were to lose, the Houndoom would go in for the attack on the trainer personally, but Brandon’s big heart proved to be a shield, preventing the Houndoom from actually attacking, the Alpha facing resistance on that front.

It’d been like this for some time, but Brandon never lost hope. Leslie, PIVS, the employee, he held on to hope that he’d leave this Wild Zone, through a trainer capturing him, an outside force, or anything of the sort. And when the vet came by, it was a breath of fresh air. He’d finally get his ticket to freedom.

...

The Alpha tried coming back, dealing the final blow, but Brandon, finally remembering everything, kept it still. The Houndoom roared and thrashed as two minds battled again, but the red in his eyes flickered back and forth. After one minute, the red completely subsided, the Houndoom’s warm orange eyes being the telltale sign that Brandon had finally won the battle.

“That’s it, I knew you were in there all along. You did it.” Emmanuel consoled with a beaming smile, as he came closer, and scratched Brandon’s head. “Rrr...” he purred in happiness, happy to have finally broken the chains of the Alpha mindset. “Doom, Hound... [Thank you...]” Brandon barked, a smile no doubt on his face. “Oh, I got something to help you.” Emmanuel stated as he went into his sling, and pulled out what looked like a collar.

“It’s a, translator. If you wear it, we can hear what you want to say to us.” Emmanuel described as he held out the unlocked collar. Brandon nodded, and lowered his neck. Emmanuel fitted the collar, and turned it on. “Hounddoom, rrr, Hound-Hades? Where is he?” Brandon barked, but the translator started up, and copied his exact speech via his own voice on the translator.

“Here we go. You feeling okay?” Emmanuel asked. “I am.” the Houndoom confirmed. “I-I thought I’d never... Come back...” Brandon choked, tears forming in his eyes. “Hey, hey, you’re here, you shut out the Alpha instinct for now, you’re truly free.” Emmanuel assured.

The two stood beside each other for some time, the silence being more reassuring than anything. Emmanuel was scratching Brandon’s chin, while Brandon collapsed on his legs, his legs giving out due to exhaustion and feeling overwhelmed. Any questions Brandon had, they were answered easily.

“Please, is Hades safe?” / “Leslie has treated him like she treats her Aromatisse. He’s happy, and healthy.”

“Have people missed me? Why didn’t they come look for me?” / “They cared for you. But the Wild Zone carried restrictions for certain individuals. And they trusted us too to ensure your return was safe.”

“Does my family know what happened to me..?” / “They, don’t. People were afraid if they found out, they hoped that you’d be back before the end of the year...”

Many answers to his questions put Brandon at ease, and there also hasn’t been any sign yet that the Alpha instincts came back. “So... what happens now? I-I want to get out of here...” Brandon asked, his face one of uncertainty. “I-Don’t take this the wrong way, but our facilities are large. We can help you, I can help you, readjust to all of this.” Emmanuel proposed as he reached into his bag and pulled out one Poké Ball. Brandon looked startled for a second, but he relaxed when he saw Emmanuel set it down on the ground.

“I-I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is a possibility you may not revert back to your human form. We’ll try, but regaining your mental humanity was the primary goal of this mission. We can bring you in, help you, anything we can do to reintegrate.” Emmanuel continued. Brandon looked at the ball with uncertainty. “You won’t be treated like some wild animal or Pokémon that needs to be caught. If you tap the ball, you’ll be under my ownership, but I will do everything I can and will in my power to make you feel like home again. You will never be alone, you’ll have friends, your family, my peers, to support you.” the vet finished as he awaited Brandon’s decision. The Houndoom looked nervous, but his face did soften up slightly.

“I-I won’t become an Alpha anymore, that’s gone for good?” Brandon asked. “N-No. Right now, it’s curbed. It may come back if certain triggers happen, but we have berries specific to ensuring that that instinct is repressed for a decent duration.” Emmanuel answered. Brandon truly gave it some thought. Wasn’t a hard decision.

He wanted to be free from this Wild Zone, he wanted to see his friends, his peers, his family, again. All he wanted to be free, even if he can’t regain his true humanity. But PIVS seemed promising. And it was either that, Wild Zone 6, or the wild itself. He’d rather take his chances with PIVS, at least try.

“I-I trust you...” Brandon said as he approached the ball, and rested a single paw on it. The Poké Ball opened up, and the red energy swirled around his body. Before he disappeared into the ball, Brandon gave a small smile and a tear in his eye. He was finally free.

“Thank... you...”

The ball fell to the ground, and Emmanuel picked it up. He clutched it close to his heart, finally happy that Brandon had finally been pacified, and he can finally escape this wild nightmare. “You’re safe with us now... You’re free...” he whispered as he made his leave. Finally...

Upon exiting Wild Zone 6, a massive crowd was waiting for Emmanuel. Leslie, the pristine kid who wished him luck, a mobile PIVS unit, and an employee in Quasartico attire. He certainly wasn’t expecting an audience, but he had to clear the smoke. “I-I caught the Alpha Houndoom. No, Brandon is finally free.” Emmanuel said, then course corrected. Everyone in the crowd gasped with hope.

“Brandon Sawyer, he was driven by instincts that weren’t his own, trapped in a prison in his mind, but, today, he’s finally free. He’s still a Houndoom, but he’s regained his humanity.” Emmanuel announced as he took the ball out, and tossed it. In a bright flash, a Houndoom appeared, looking very nervous, and fitted with a unique collar. “Please, don’t overwhelm him. He’s been through a lot. But if you want to say anything, just, one at a time, please.” Emmanuel pleaded as he and Brandon walked away from Wild Zone 6, ready to head back to the main base. The first to say something was Leslie.

“Brandon! You’re back! I knew you’d be back!” she cried out in happiness, and Brandon reciprocated with a belch of fire that was in the shape of a hollow circle. “Houndoom! Houndoom! [Master! Master!]” Hades cried out as he ran towards his owner, the two nuzzling heads in relief. The SBC kid smiled and nodded. But the one response that surprised everyone was the Quasartico employee.

“Brandon, oh my Arceus Brandon... I’m so, so sorry I created a Wild Zone to trap you in... It was protocol, and, I’m sorry!” he cried out in shame, feeling immensely awful. Brandon could have been angry, shouted something in his mind, even barked at him, but he didn’t. “It’s okay...” he said, surprising the employee. “I’m back. It’s all that matters.” he finished as they continued to walk away from the Wild Zone.

While a lot of the public probably had questions, they wanted to respect their boundaries. They’d have to wait until tomorrow. Emmanuel and Brandon continued their walk towards the main sanctuary, and all that Brandon would want was some rest. And he’d get that when they walked through the doors into his new home.

EMMANUEL’S LOG:

Subject: ‘Brandon Post-Rescue’

“A lot has changed since the excursion in Wild Zone 6. Brandon’s case truly blew open the genie in the bottle with the people transforming into Pokémon phenomenon. Honestly, our efforts have almost doubled, no, tripled, across the world in hopes of finding those who had fallen victim to such event.

Brandon has grown more comfortable with being out in public, and has even elected to walk alongside me instead of being in the ball. Lumiose City was just as bustling as ever, but an Alpha Houndoom sticks out like a sore thumb. Thankfully, all of the comments in his direction were saying how cool he was, that he’s going to do incredible, so that’s a plus, that they continue to support him like this.

Arguably, his family was the hardest part. We contacted them mere days after the excursion, and they, erm... were consumed by grief at first, but when they realized their baby was truly safe, they’d felt hope. As I’m writing this, they’re in Kalos doing daily visits while also making a vacation out of it. Brandon has also elected to keep them company and using his collar to ensure smooth communication. His mother and father have given the organization their sincerest thanks for returning him safe.

Brandon has two homes, one at my residence, and the other at the main sanctuary. In the sanctuary, he’d partake in all of the activities that we set up to help transformed people get used to their forms while also exercising, ensuring ease of mind. Being in a space filled with Pokémon, people, courtyards out in the open, jungle gyms, tracks, and the like, have done wonders on his progress. It’s also a way for him to get used to knowing what it’s like to be a canine, and he passed a majority of those home tests with flying colors. As I’m writing this, he’s resting by a tree, and he just looks, at peace.

The neural repressents were easy to administer. It wasn’t a cure, but it was the best we got at ensuring that the Alpha instincts were repressed accordingly, and also give him some training to ensure that certain triggers won’t allow the Alpha to come back, even as a flicker. We’re currently researching into harvesting stronger berries to prolong the duration. Every discovery is one we’ll cherish.

Just writing this now, I was talking with him in a cafe that while we’re doing all these leaps and bounds, chances of him becoming fully human physically was slim, but not impossible. He told me that he’s open to the research, but has come to accept his new form.

The university got word of the whole thing not long after. His peers and professors came to the sanctuary to offer their words of support, wanting him to not feel alone, and that they have his back. Friends apologized for not checking up on him, Brandon told me how touched he was after all of that. His professors even wanted to find a way to welcome him back if he so wished. We’re still talking with them in that regard.

Final log entry, we’ve discovered a new aspect of Brandon’s transformation. Him understanding Houndours and Houndooms was a given, but he’s also honed in a certain skill that even he didn’t know about, where he can understand the languages of other Pokémon, and he’s translated it to us with 100% efficiency. Not only has this helped in terms of knowing what certain Pokémon want, this ability became crucial in detecting people who were transformed, allowing us to find them a new home, and to help them out, just as we’d helped Brandon and the others before him. He’s been at his most hopeful since... we left Wild Zone 6, and I’m all the more happy for him.

~END OF LOG”

The sunsets of Kalos were a sight to see. Emmanuel and Brandon were sitting on the hillside, just outside of the city. The sunset behind the Prism Tower providing a gorgeous, picturesque scene. They just wanted this moment to decompress, and reflect.

It’s been one heck of a journey, and so much has happened during, and after, everything.

Suddenly, Brandon tried his best to give Emmanuel a hug, although his candid stature made that a bit tricky. But still, it’s the thought that counts. Eyes closed and smiling, despite being a fire-breathing creature whose flames could hurt, Brandon’s body felt warm. And Emmanuel reciprocated that hug, wanting to share that feeling.

“Thank you, the sanctuary, everyone, for everything.” he thanked, his tail flicking about. “Always Brandon, always.” Emmanuel reciprocated. They’d been through this together, and it’ll remain that way. The future no longer mattered right now, all that mattered was that they are here, they’ll get through anything together. What events transpire in the future, no matter what.

They’ll do it together, and with the support from the others.

THE END

© MMXXVI by PlasmaLithium56 on Fur Affinity. All rights reserved.