Summary:
A female trainer finds herself in an awkward situation after realizing a lifelong friend has needs too. Only problem is he's a large and heavy steel beast who won't work with just anyone. Seeing it as her duty, she sets out to help him with his problems. Perhaps not exactly in the way she expected, but just maybe how she desired instead.
_
"C'mon guys," a toned young woman said. She looked back at the troop of creatures following her. "We're almost to the spring," she said over the orchestra of the forest. Her parade of Pokémon cheered in their respective tones. At the front of her companions was her sturdy metal man, Rex, an Aggron, who had taken up most of the supplies without a sweat. Second came her Meganium, Flora, who soldiered along with determination. Next was her Magneton, Jenny, who was... probably doing OK. Its beady eyes stared back without much fuss. Finally, coming up the rear was Carolyn, her fuzzy little bodyguard of a Lucario.
"Judith," a voice echoed inside the woman's mind, "are you speaking the truth this time?"
Judith leaned over to look at Carolyn. "It is, trust me. Reading a map can be hard sometimes, right Rex?" Her Aggron rumbled in what was probably agreement. "See, he agrees." Carolyn rolled her eyes. "Well, just ask Flora then. I'm sure she'll feel the springs."
"Flora is too chatty," Carolyn huffed. The Meganium chirped happily and rustled the flower around her neck. "She would talk my ears off before she got to the point."
"Then I guess you'll have to toughen up." Judith looked back at the path. It was a lone forest trail that was surrounded by deep foliage and life. Tracks of all shapes dotted the path, from humanoid footsteps to long wavy lines. The hiker felt a sense of connection and community by having added her own marks to the road. She smiled. The springs were just the cherry on the cake. A cake made out of mud and dirt. That's not to say she wasn't looking forward to it. Far from it. Her tanned skin had slowly become slick with sweat, and the smothering humidity did little to help the matter. "Forward!" she cheered, raising her fist in excitement.
The path had widened ever so slightly and became harder and flatter. The gentle sound of rushing water could be barely heard past the cacophony of the forest. The track had finally begun to take its toll on Judith, so the sweet sounds of relaxation only pushed her harder. She gave another glance back at her partners. They seemed hardly even moved by their trek. Rather, they looked like they were on a casual stroll. Were it not for some of the dirt that marked their hides, she wouldn't have even guessed they started the trip at all. She couldn't have been more jealous.
The sound of water grew, and with it, Judith's desire to flop over and relax. Flora began chirping in unmistakable excitement. Judith looked back. "Almost there, huh?" The Meganium nodded happily and added a few more chirps. "See, I told you we were almost there, Carolyn." She could feel her body fall down with every step.
"I'll believe it when I see it."
"I could put your back in your ball, if you like," Judith replied. "You can just sit out while we enjoy a niiiiice looooong bath."
"I'll continue on the path," Carolyn grumbled.
It wasn't long before the first glimpse of the spring came into view. It was a rocky area with a pool of crystal clear water in the center, fed by a few loud streams pouring from higher up in the forest. The trees cupped the area, still adding a sense of privacy. A green blur sped past Judith, happily squeaking all the way, then dived into the pool. "Someone's happy to get some relaxation!" she yelled over the roar of water. She turned to look at Carolyn, who had sauntered up to her. "Oh, go on now, I know you want to." Judith motioned over to the pool with her head. The Lucario quickly sped off, then calmly stopped at the water's edge before easing in. "You too, big guy." She patted Rex with a smile. He rumbled again, carefully removed his luggage, and lumbered off.
Jenny was the last of her group. It silently hovered nearby, staring at Judith with all three of its eyes. "Mind helping me set up camp?" It hummed and zipped into place, picking up whatever its magnets could attract. "How's that spot look?" She pointed off to an area not far from the springs, but distant enough not to get splashed. Jenny hummed again. "I know how to pick 'em, eh?" She smiled and gathered the rest of the supplies, then walked alongside the Magneton to their spot. Judith glanced at the spring just to make sure everyone was OK. The Pokémon all had split off into their own areas. Rex had settled along the edge of the pool, and was seemingly relaxing. Flora romped in the water excitedly, sending it splashing about. Carolyn did much of the same in her own way, by doing laps in the water.
Jenny and Judith started laying everything out. Erecting a small tent, setting out a little picnic area with chairs, and conveniently piling the food. "We make a great team!" Hum. She tossed her hat onto the ground and pulled her shirt over her head, dropping it next to the headgear. The warm mist coming off of the springs was heavenly on her weary body. She considered pulling off her sports bra to soak in just a tiny bit more, but figured it would be best to keep her decency until she actually started to bathe. "Sorry you can't come in." Hum. Jenny spun in a circle.
The last touches to the camp were a large, heavy blanket and a sleeping bag for Judith. "Phew. That's just about everything." She set her hands on her hips and admired her little home away from home. "What do you think, Jenny? I think it's great!" It turned to face the camp. Hum. "Glad you agree." She turned to look back at the pool. It glistened under the sunlight, every little ripple in the water almost begging her to jump in. She furrowed her brow and looked back to Jenny. "You wouldn't mind if I went in, would you?" The Magneton buzzed. "Great, thanks!" She leaned forward and pet one of its 'heads'. "We won't be long." Judith quickly dropped her knapsack and scrounged through it, picking up all the necessary objects for a bath. She rushed over to the pool and dropped all of her supplies on the rocky beach.
"Hope you guys didn't take all the hot water!" Judith yelled. She pulled her sports bra off, inadvertently shivering as the mist hit her bare skin. She folded up the garment next to her pile, then went to work removing the rest of her clothing. Her boots clattered to the ground, soon joined by socks laid over them. Folded up pants were shoved under her boots to keep them secure. Judith hooked her fingers into her underwear and hesitated a moment before pulling free and stepping out of them. Another shiver ran through her. There was an inherent excitement to nudity out in the wild. She dipped her foot into the water and instantly relaxed. The warmth of the water was absorbing, the perfect temperature after the climb. "Oh, almost forgot." The woman pulled her hair tie free, letting her shoulder length black hair drop. She submerged her body into the water, relishing the warmth washing over her. A long sigh escaped her lips.
After taking a few seconds to relax, Judith pulled a scrubbing brush from the pile on the shore. "Alright, who's up for a wash?" She waved it about. Carolyn glanced over briefly before returning to her endless laps. "Is that a no?"
"I can wash myself," the Lucario replied instantly. It was odd to hear such a soft voice over the rush of water, but that's simply how it was for psychics. Was she a psychic? Judith shook her head and looked over to her next Pokémon. Flora continued to splash about, using her extended vines to chop up more of the water. "How about you, Flora?" She shook the brush. Flora chirped and doggy paddled over in a rush, sending more water every which way. The woman giggled and tried in vain to protect herself from the onslaught. "Alright, let's see the damage."
Judith took hold of her Meganium and ran her hands over her. Flora rustled with excitement and nuzzled up against the woman. "How is it my bustling girl only got her feet dirty?" She vigorously scrubbed the Pokémon, letting all the dirt flow away in the current. Once she was satisfied with her job, she patted the animal's head and sent her on her way. "Are you sure you don't want a scrub, Carolyn? Flora loved it!" No response. "Alright, Ms. Grumpy." She gave an exaggerated shrug and turned to her last traveling partner, Rex. Judith stretched and waded over to the gentle giant, feeling every little current run over her body. He seemed busy cleaning his front, but he was turned away from her.
"How's my rumbly boy?" Judith cooed. She hugged his back just as he let out a low growl. The deep vibrations ran through her, causing her to giggle. "That tickles!" He let out another grumble. "How about a quick scrub? It's the least I can do after you carried all our stuff!" No response. "Let me just start with your back." She started rigorously scrubbing at his metal hide, causing him to squirm. "Do you like that?" she asked with a smile. It was fun to clean him, kind of like washing a car and watching it shine, but instead it was a large friend. "Did you have fun today? I liked the walk up." He gave a small nod, which was hard to see with his size and at her angle. "Believe me, it'll be more fun on the way down. The morning sun is going to look wonderful through those trees. You will too! Being all bright and shiny!" She ran a hand across one of his armored plates. Squeaky clean.
