"Yes, we are only violent maniacs occasionally." Joe comments, as Superbird disdainfully flaps a wing.  "Pidge, I got lit on fire and didn't complain."   at least not enough that his selective memory couldn't ignore it.  "None of us here can attack with gumdrops and rainbows in case someone is sensitive"

"Well good for you." Ever retorts to Superbird, "Not ALL of us can be crazy maniacs who enjoy being on fire. But personally, I don't like pain."

He then looks at Jake. "Really? I can join you? I'd like that..."

Liberty says, "Sure. Though you did just admit you aren't one for combat."

Ever asks, "What does that have to do with it?"

"Generally speaking those who team up are expected to contribute to the group," Joey explains, "And Pokemon usually contribute to their partnerships with Humans by fighting for them.  Did you have something else in mind to contribute to earn your keep?"

"Probably was planning on 'look cute and fluffy,'" Buzzkill grumbles.

"Some Pokemon do just that," Jake says, "But considering we're not really looking for house pets, a contribution would be appreciated, yeah."

  "Maybe he's good at moral support?  At least one of us not in it for punching things that try to punch us first-" Or are part of sanctioned punch badge events "Probably couldn't hurt."

  Or they could make Ever learn all those skills to get past bushes and rocks and stuff you keep hearing about blocking paths between towns that somehow keep showing up and you wonder where it all went wrong when you realize your starter knows Cut, Lift, Flash, and TV Guide.

Ever says, "Well what do you humans do? I don't ever see humans actually fight Pokémon. Maybe I could contribute the same way humans do?"

Liberty says, "I... don't know that a Pokémon is allowed to have Pokémon."

Jake shrugs.

"Humans provide guidance and leadership," Joey explains, "From what I've heard, their coaching improves a Pokemon's abilities much more quickly and holistically than they would have grown in the wild.  Allowed or not, I've never heard of a Pokemon that could do that for other Pokemon any more than I've heard of a Human who can breathe fire...  No wait.  Some Humans do breathe fire.  Um...  Wow.  I can't think of one thing a Pokemon can do that Humans can't do for themselves with their technology or special talents.  Gosh.  Humbling."

  "Something about us suggesting stupid strategies they wouldn't think of in the first place, that somehow work.  As for punching pokemon ourselves, it's a fine line between 'I would feel bad stepping on this Evee that barely comes up to my shins' and 'Crushed by Charizard'."  Though slapstick cartoon physics means they can at least 'faint' instead of get vaporized.  Probably.

  He looks to Joey and asks "Where do they sell the ACME spontaneous Evolution kit then?"

Liberty says, "...Joe has a point. Pokémon can evolve before your eyes. Humans can't."

Ever says, "How about I just come along and if I'm not helpful enough, you can let me know."

"Human evolution is much more gradual and subtle aside from the results," Joey answers, "You're much bigger and stronger than you were at half your age.  And from what I hear you Humans have evolved as a group over generations with new ideas and technology driving you forward."

He nods to Ever.  "If anyone can figure out a way for you to contribute without fighting it'll be Humans."

  Joe just doesn't feel like leaving behind a named character until they have shown to be as pointless as they are an adorable fuzzy.  But that's not quite 'figure out a way to be useful'.

  "Being able to shove a bicycle in your pocket can be somewhat convenient."  And water pokemon do not have catering line a cruise ship does.  Honestly though Joe's often had to try to not think to hard about the world situation.

Liberty says, "Well for now, let's get back to sleep..."

Ever curls up near Liberty and sleeps.

The next day, Ever is still there, having not run off. Liberty starts showing Ever how to help disassemble the tents and other useful campsite setup/tear-down stuff.

Rina says, "So... is Ever anyone's Pokémon? Or is he just someone following us around?"

Liberty says, "Nobody has 'caught' him. Which brings up something important... if one of us doesn't 'capture' him, then he's up for grabs to whatever passerby who wants him."

"Good point, Liberty," Jake says, "If ever there was a case where the Pokemon chose the Human, this is it, Ever.  Seems you've taken a liking to Liberty, but if you'd rather officially team up with me or Joe, let us know and we can make that happen."

  "I guess just letting people assume otherwise is out then." Let's see, one had their enthusiastic poke pals attack them, one is sorta shrug, and the other fed them.  Who would be surprised by a Liberty bias?

It comes as little surprise the softy goes for Liberty. Wait. Wasn't Liberty supposed to be the hardcore one in the group?

Either way, Ever makes his choice and Liberty captures the Eevee. Ever makes a minor attempt to befriend the other Pokémon and the other two humans. Kozak just wants to show off his ninja skills, so he's easy to please. Rina seems to be ambivalent. Relic is completely unsocial.

"Assuming that others will assume something seems like a big risk to me," Jake answered Joe.

Joey is friendly with Ever, but the other two seem to have little respect for a non-combat Pokemon.

  Superbird doesn't give Ever too hard a time about not wanting to do sweet dropkicks, because he's smart enough to know the little 'pacifist' Evee is totally going to end up a late blooming powerhouse with a grudge.  Just look at Magikarps, oh sure they flop around but SUPERBIRD IS ONTO THEM!

  Now that he's staying awake, Max is happy to have another fuzzy wuzzy pokemon around.  Megasaurd is just glad it's not the nth pokemon on the team plant type is weak too.

  "I keep forgetting I'm not allowed to make assumptions like they do about us all the time."

Ever is friendly to those who are not unfriendly to him.

The group gets to a bustling city. Their first gym challenge is supposed to be here. Liberty says, "Wow. Arrived by noon! Let's go to a restaurant and order some food! I'm hungry!"

Jake's tummy grumbles.  "Yes.  Lets."

Joey tail-wags.  "Human cities never cease to impress me."

"So... what kind of gym are we going up against?" Buzzkill asks.

  Joe could assume it was a Rock themed Gym, but instead he opts to look for signs pointing to or at the gym.  Or an obviously themed town name.

  "Remembering to eat does seem like a good idea, yeah."

Liberty pulls up her Pokédex. "According to the guide, the rock gym is what we'll be up against."

A restaurant is soon found and the group enters to eat. "Rock.. which is weak against plant types. I suppose they knew we would start out with mostly plant type, since we came from the grassy areas just south of here."

Kozak says, "Fwoosh! Shwaaaa! We'll show that gym what we're made of!"

Jake's bellsprout Humphrey pops out of his pokeball!

"You said it, Kozak!  I can't wait to get started!"

Jake sweatdrops.  "Your enthusiasm is impressive, but be careful not to be overconfident.  Gym members will likely be aware of their weaknesses and will have prepared accordingly."

  "I'm not so sure about 'mostly plant types', despite it being a forest we've only notice like, two of them."<brown>  He nods to Jake, <brown>"Just because walking boulders are somehow weak against leaves, doesn't mean it is not a walking boulder trying to mash your face in."

  "Hopefully they are too stupid to close their mouth when I throw leech seeds at it.  Side effects of ingesting leech seeds may include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and death fainting."  Megasaurd is looking forward to actually fighting something not strong against plant? you don't say.

Ever says, "I'm not sure I'll ever understand why most Pokémon get so excited about fighting."

Liberty says, "Most humans too."

Ever plants his face in Liberty's side.

Rina says, "If it boils down to Ever being our last hope..."

Liberty says, "He'll pull through for us. But that will likely be in a situation when it really matters. Getting a gym badge? Not a big deal. Can always train and come back for it later. Getting hurt, kidnapped, or even killed by Team Rocket? Not something you can bounce back from so easily. And if Ever's our last hope then? I'll expect him to do exactly as I tell him: Run and get help."

Kozak says, "Don't worry yourself, Rina! We'll win this fight!"

"I don't understand why you don't get excited about fighting!" Humphrey counters.

Jake shrugs.  "In the long run the gym badge could mean the difference between having the advancement that was needed to fight off Team Rocket.  So success rather than setback is good.  Even from a purely survivalist mindset."

Hopefully by now he has something to nom on.  He's happy to share with anyone who shows interest in tasting what he got.

  Superbird chirps,  "Look guy, your common sense is great and all, but common sense means no shiny objects of nebulous value for casual acts of violence.  Think of the shiny objects, chirp."

  Joe wonders if they will be dealing with creepy rocket or incompetent rocket.  Probably both.