Preview:

Dusk had fallen across the city earlier than it had the day before as autumn crept up upon New Hammerlocke. A slight chill hung in the air and the denizens of the town, human and Pokémon alike, sought refuge inside from a constant drizzle which left cold puddles in the streets. Street lights began flicking to life, casting warm orange light on the road as Jennifer entered the town hall. It was not a great time to have a meeting with the mayor, but with such short notice it was the best that could be done.

"So," The mayor, a man by the name Tim Steele, began. He sat reclined in his chair, barely putting in the effort to meet Jennifer's gaze. "What is all this nonsense? Some kind of mafia, according to your other messages?"

"Yes, sir," Jennifer began. "You'll recall that a few years back, a criminal syndicate by the name of Team Rocket was dismantled in the Kanto-Johto area."

"Yes, by a child. We've all heard the story." The powerful man spoke dismissively.

"Correct, sir, but I have reason to believe that they may be trying to reform, possibly in our own city."

Mayor Steele looked at the woman before him incredulously. "Are you suggesting a gang from another continent, one which has seemed to be dead for a decade now, has decided to make our fair region its playground?"

"Well, sir, there is a possibility these people may just be using the name in imagery of Team Rocket."

"A possibility?" The mayor cut in. "This is probably a few thugs who think they can scare people by sewing a few R's onto their clothing. Our police will make short work on them, should they try anything. Or…” He paused, eyeing the woman in front of him. “Are you suggesting those outlandish rumors hold water?"

Jennifer knew this was coming. The reports did seem crazy, but they were constant across everyone who was interviewed. "Only skilled trainers are capable of raising dangerous Pokémon, like your tyranitars and garchomps. Since battling in the league is lucrative enough, we don't have to worry about those trainers turning to crime. But, if this new Team Rocket is actually transforming their grunts into these same strong Pokémon, we may have a real problem on our hands! We know it's possible, even the transfer system in every Pokécenter has the capability to do so if the safety protocols are removed."
The mayor simply raised an eyebrow. "So, let's say these ruffians are making Pokémon human hybrids. Ones that look to be made out of artificial materials, as if they were just people in a costume.” He scoffed at the idea. “What do you say we should do?"

It was a fair point to bring up. For whatever reason, all reports were consistent in that these hybrid trainers seem to have a body made out of some kind of rubber or latex. What could be done about such people? Or, would it be better to treat them like Pokémon? "Regardless of how they're doing it, the fact that they can give any grunt the ability to use Pokémon attacks is concerning. People may be willing to join just for that alone. How does the saying go? Be the very best, like no one ever was?” She paused to let the point sink it. “I believe we should fight dragon with dragon."

Taking a ball from her belt, the woman sends out a pile of pink slime onto the mayor's desk. "Now," she says as the mayor looks at the Pokémon with disgust. "You're likely familiar with ditto. It's a very interesting Pokémon, as it can edit its own genes. But, with a bit of training, it can bond with and partially transform a person as well! If you would like me to demonstrate-"

"No." Mayor Steele cut in abruptly. "That will not be necessary. I will not have you playing mad scientist with my citizens over unsubstantiated rumors. Go home, Mrs. Jennifer, and get some rest."
Just like that, the meeting was over. Tim Steele would not hear any arguments, so Jennifer could only recall the ditto and depart. A hazy overcast blotted out the sky, leaving Jennifer to walk back to her apartment only under the light of intermittent street lamps.

"Just a rumor, my ass." She muttered to herself as she walked. More bizarre things have happened, even if latex Pokémon people was a bit out there. There were only so many times different witnesses could tell you the same thing before you had to start believing them. "Can you believe that clown?"

"I know, right? Who does he think he is?" Another voice replied. Jennifer spun around mid step, just in time to see a figure emerge from the shadows of a side ally.
It was an espeon, but no normal one. This Pokémon walked on two feet like a human and wore boots and a black outfit emblazoned with a large, red 'R' which seemed as if it was a part of the creature. Of course, this Pokémon's smooth flesh also shined as if it were polished.

Jennifer wasted not a moment before reaching to one of the balls attached to her belt. In a flash of light, her faithful growlithe was at her side.
The Pokémon person simply smirked as he tossed out his own ball. A Poochyenna was his choice. "So, Officer Jenny," The espeon said, his tail flicking gently from side to side. "Where's the ditto?"
Jennifer grit her teeth. No one was supposed to know about that yet! "Ember!" Was her only reply, her canine Pokémon spitting a shower of glowing ash as her dark typed foe charged in for a bite. The two clashed, with the poochyena being battered away.

"Good job!" Jennifer congratulated her Pokémon a moment before a feeling not unlike a terrible migraine tore through her head. She fell to her knees, clutching her head as her growlithe looked on helplessly.

"Did you forget something?" The espeon said, stepping forward into the fray. Another mental attack washed over her as he approached. Her growlithe was locked in his battle against the poochyena, and was doing my poorer without her commands.

In no time at all, the dark rubber boots of the espeon were planted before her. Reaching down, the cat-like psychic lifted her chin. "The ditto, please. I'm not going to ask nicely again."
Jennifer's eyes flicked to one side, and the grunt followed her gaze. Above a storm drain was the amorphous Pokémon.

"No!" The espeon cried as he leapt at the Pokémon. It was in vain, however, as the pink blob slipped into the drain. Growling, he picked himself off the ground. His eyes glowed as the growlithe raised into the air, surrounded by a purple aura, before being slammed into the ground for the knockout.

"Mrs. Jenny!" The grunt hissed, barely repressing his anger. "We could have done things the easy way, but please, let me show you what happens when you cross Team Rubber Rocket!"

---

The written portion of my recent TF series. I was inspired to do this transformation by the rubber rocket drone images which have been going around, but I kinda wanted to write the main character outside that. Overall, I liked how it all came out! There are still some loose threads that haven't been tied up, as I'm thinking about the possibility of a chapter 2. So, tell me what you think! Thanks for reading this far!

Part 1: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/38739278/
Part 2: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/38739354/