Team StormRiders [PG-13+] - Chapter 39; Tactician

[Chibi Altaria]

Chapter 19;
.............the light within

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Fear instantly gripped at my chest, threatening to make my heart explode. The ruby eye narrowed its gaze and stared at me intently. From that one moment of contact, I knew it wouldn’t hurt me. Its eyes shone with an odd kind of fierce determination. It took me a minute to realise that I was still holding onto Rye. Far harder than necessary. I released my grip and peered down at him.

His breathing was shallow and uneven, but I suppose it could be worse. I still found it miraculous how he’d protected me like that. It was funny, but he gave off the impression that he didn’t need or want friends. Why was I an exception? But my thoughts didn’t linger on him for long; a slight rumble in the air caused me to turn back to the battlefield.

With the dust now clearing, I could faintly see the outline of a huge figure. I was certain that the body belonged to the same figure as the one that had the red eye. Wait a minute…I doubled back to the words that had come out of its mouth. “Get away from the light!” It had then fixed me with its piercing gaze that had turned me to stone. But there was something odd in what it had said. Light…Ah! That was it! It reminded me of that time when my body had changed. I remembered – wincing slightly – when I was captured. I had turned white and glowing. Was I this light that it spoke of?

A groaning sound interrupted my reverie. I turned to my left to see Rye’s mouth moving, though his eyes were tight shut. “Scythe…dark…fatal…experiment…” His words trailed off, but didn’t erase the chilling feeling that made my fur stand on end. I looked at him warily, studying his face for another sign of speaking, but none came. I bit my lip edgily. What did I expect? That he’d make sense in his sleep? The thought made me snort, if only briefly.

Rye’s uneven breathing had returned in double force, now making me anxious. Why did he have to be so stupid?! I thought suddenly. Why me?! But my head didn’t have time to argue with itself. A slight whooshing sounded overhead and I looked up.

A dark figure bounded over the edge of the rock, claws raised lethally. Scythe! Without a second thought to my own safety, I positioned myself in front of Rye and glared, white hot electricity erupting from my cheeks. But the Absol never made contact. In the instant before I would have been struck, Codan dashed in front of me. His paws raised towards Scythe, he dodged her attack and sent a punch right to her face. The Absol reeled back, but wasn’t kept at bay for long. She bounded back up, hissing, and lunged at the Dragonite again.

“Run!” Codan shouted as he defended himself against the black creature. “Take Rye and run!”

Too weak to argue, I cast him a thankful glance and turned back to Rye. But I’d never be able to carry him! I slumped down beside the Elekid and buried my face in my paws. Every sound was then intensified, and I realised just how many Pokemon were in the room. Judging by the unfamiliar footsteps, they didn’t belong to the PRA. I removed a paw long enough to glance back at Rye. “It’s all my fault,” I murmured, distraught. “I was too careless. I was stupid!” I hated myself right then. Hated myself because I’d dragged everyone else into this, and they would end up being badly hurt. I’d never forgive myself if anyone died.

“Hey now…” A light wing fell on my shoulder and I turned to find Jarre smiling at me. “Nothing’s your fault, Zanna,” he glanced brusquely at Rye, and though he scowled, I could see genuine concern on his face. “Least of all that. It was his own folly when he saved you. He knew what he was getting into.”

I shook my head slowly as I stood up. “No, he didn’t. He would never have risked his life for me if he knew.”

Jarre looked away from Rye and fixed me with his gentle blue eyes. “How do you know?” I was about to reply, but he turned away and began to walk back towards the center of the battlefield. It was only then that I noticed Jarre had brought several Pokemon back with him.

There was a Leafeon, a Glaceon and a small Pidgey that looked frightened beyond compare. The two dogs seemed to be glaring at me. Why? What had I done? They walked up to me and nodded as they passed. “Im Kraal, and this is Marilai,” the Leafeon said stiffly.

I released a small smile. “I’m Zanna.”

“We know who you are,” the Glaceon, Marilai, cut in sharply. She raised her tail in some kind of defiance as she neared Rye. “Shall we take him back?” she whispered to Kraal.

The Leafeon frowned and then shook his head. “He’s too injured, but maybe we can at least take him to the outskirts. That should be far enough for us to make contact.”

It took me a moment to process this. “Wait, so you’re going to take him away?!” My voice was still weak, but it was enough to draw their attention.

“That’s the plan,” Kraal muttered sourly. “Now move aside, Pikachu, we can take it from here.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “No, you can’t! I have to protect him, I have to-”

“You don’t have to do anything!” Marilai spat, teeth glistening ferociously. “You almost killed him! You have no right to do anything, you rat!” A fierce growl rose from her throat as she glared at me with hatred.

“I…did…NOT!” I almost shrieked. A sudden feeling of anguish and loathing boiled up within me. In the same moment that I clenched my paws, a steady white glow began to spread down my body. My eyes narrowed slightly and my fur stiffened. Within seconds, I could tell I was white again; the same pure essence that had enveloped me when I was captive. I bared my teeth and snarled at the two dogs as I stepped protectively back in front of Rye.

The Leafeon snorted. “What is this? Some kind of petty trick?”

“Try me, dog!” I spat. Kraal had snapped. The dog lunged at me then, with absolutely no motive but to slay me where I stood. But I had a motive. I had someone to protect. Though the Leafeon was larger than me, only a calm feeling radiated throughout my body. As soon as he came close enough, I pulled back a paw and brought it forward swiftly. A crackling explosion sounded as my paw made contact, sending Kraal flying several feet across the room.

“Kraal!” Marilai gasped. She glared at me in fear before bolting to his side.

I sneered at them, electricity still surrounding my fur. I turned to Rye and immediately bent down to pick him up. It was strange how light he felt within my paws, yet I knew he should be heavier. This confused me for a moment. What was happening to me? Why was I like this? But even though I was confused, I still felt calm. This was the assurance I needed; to be sure that everything would be alright. Every fight that was around me felt oblivious. All that mattered now was my own safety, and Rye’s.

“Zanna!” I blinked and turned towards the source of the sound. A small Torchic stood a few feet away. Funny that I couldn’t remember if it had a name or not. I glared at the creature with hatred. What was that thing doing here? And why was it calling my name? The Torchic took in my stare and frowned. “Zanna, are you alright? What’s happened to you?” A low growl formed in my throat as he came closer. He hesitated just a foot away. “Zanna?” it murmured in fear.

Yes, I thought, revelling in the fact that I’d caused fear within this insignificant being. I stole another glance at it and made to walk past, but it blocked me. I curled my lips back in a snarl. “Move aside, fiend!”

The Torchic shook its head rapidly. “What are you saying? I don’t-”

“NO! The light is dangerous! It doesn’t remember you. Get away!”

I started in surprise at the deep rumble that filled the room. Sourly, I followed the Torchic’s gaze up towards the center of the field. A Groudon…I thought in fear. Yes, I now felt fear, for I knew this thing could crush me in a second. Could it?

“Get away!” it repeated to the Torchic. The small firebird was rather stunned. When it glanced at me again, I growled and held Rye closer.

“Get away? Why?” the bird shouted up hoarsely.

The massive dinosaur stared at me placidly. “In that form, your friend doesn’t remember anything. She can’t distinguish friend from foe. All she cares about is whatever she is defending. That is the job of a Light Pokemon.”

I turned towards the Torchic in surprise. Friend? Why would it be my friend? I scowled in utter disdain.

“Zanna?” the Torchic called again. I merely hissed and ignored it. This thing was beginning to be a pest. “Do you know who I am?” it continued.

I didn’t even bother to look at it. “I don’t know who you are,” I replied sourly, “And I don’t care. Bit if you don’t move, I will hurt you.” I heard a shuffling from behind me and assumed the Torchic had moved. I smiled slightly and turned around.

It was so fast; I didn’t know what was happening. Something cold slammed into me and knocked the wind from my body. Rye flew out of my arms and landed only a metre away. But before I could get to him, a steel wing whipped up around my throat and I froze. The haze was clearing slightly. I remembered the face staring back at mine with loathing. And the dreaded, cold eyes; blue shards of death. Balian.

The Empoleon held me by the throat. The Torchic was pinned on the ground by a Weavile. It spluttered and lashed out, but it might have been trying to push against a brick wall for all the good it was doing. Rye was still unconscious; nobody bothered to guard him. Just behind the Empoleon, a Dragonite was fighting an Absol. Beside them were a Leafeon and a Glaceon, the latter of which was defending the first from a savage Taillow. Apart from these few Pokemon, and a cowardly Pidgey which perched upon a large boulder, the entire room was now empty. But where had Groudon gone?

I tried to twist my head to see, but Balian was holding me tight. It sneered as it raised a wing to pat me. I snarled and lashed out at it, white electricity surrounding my body again. “Oh, feisty today, aren’t we, Zanna?”

I growled at the smiling face with pure hatred. “What do you want, penguin?” I spat at it and deftly dodged an incoming wing, though I strained a few muscles in the process. Balian clenched his other wing tighter around me, and I struggled to breathe.

“I want what Arc failed to get. I want your soul. But looking at you now…” He trailed off and looked me up and down. “I think the Master might like you better alive.” Balian’s beak curled up maliciously.

I snarled again, but the Dragonite spoke before I could. He held the Absol under his feet and pressed harder every time she snapped at him. “Balian, why? What has Deoxys offered you that we don’t have?” The steel penguin turned and abruptly dropped me on the ground. I scrambled away frantically, gasping for air. I reached Rye in only a second and stood over him, glaring at the Weavile which had the Torchic pinned. The Dragonite began to walk towards Balian.

A mistake, I thought, now the Absol can get you. But the penguin waved a wing when the creature tried to attack. The Absol backed off sourly, instead turning to help out the Taillow. I ignored the two dogs and turned back to Balian. The Empoleon snorted as the Dragonite stopped in front of him, glaring.

“Deoxys has promised me everything,” Balian hissed. “How could I refuse?” I saw the Dragonite wince at the mention of Deoxys’ name. It did not go unnoticed by the Empoleon, either. “Ah, I see. You still don’t like the sound of his name. I bet Reyna would have loved to see this.” The Dragonite let out an anguished roar and shot an energy ball from his mouth. Balian merely caught it and smothered the ball until it was gone. “You’re weak, Codan,” he sneered.

The Dragonite named Codan was now shaking. His face was scrunched in hatred, and if looks could kill, this certainly would have done the job. “Don’t you EVER mention Reyna!” he snarled.

More of the haze lifted from me that moment, and I could remember. That was Codan, the Dragonite who had his other half torn away from him by Deoxys. I let out a small growl as I stared at Balian. How could he taunt Codan so? They were part of a team! The Dragonite was now a complete wreck. He fell to the ground and I pitied him. How much must it hurt? Forever, I thought in sorrow. Something like that would never heal.

“Zanna…” A gentle cry came from my left.

I turned my head slightly to see the Torchic again. It was pinned hard to the gravel. I could see its consciousness fading. Hmmph, why should I care? But I felt as if I should care. I blinked my eyes and narrowed them in confusion. Was it possible that Rye wasn’t the only one I needed to protect? “Jarre…” I murmured slowly. The Torchic, of course, who was my best friend.

The bird smiled feebly beneath the Weavile’s claws. “I knew you would never forget me.” Hatred settled on me. I glanced at Rye’s face for a split second. He would be okay without me for a minute.

The Weavile who held Jarre was no longer smiling when I shredded a paw through its stomach. The creature uttered a startled cry before falling to the ground in its own blood. I helped Jarre up and hastily wiped a bloody paw against my white fur. It saddened me to see it tainted, but then, there were red splotches all over me anyway. It looked the worst near my stomach, where the fur was all matted and beginning to scab. Thankfully, Jarre took my mind away from it.

“Thanks for saving me,” he huffed. “I was about to be smooshed into the ground.”

I laughed for a minute. “You know I wouldn’t ever let someone hurt you.”

Jarre grinned and then his smile faded as he spotted Rye. “He’s sure been through a lot. Will he be okay?”

I closed my eyes briefly in pain. “He did more than he needed to, I really hope so. He stopped me from being a soulless monster. Now I don’t know if he’ll even make it out of here alive.” I ran back to the Elekid and put a paw gently against his chest. “It’s slowing…” I murmured.

Jarre walked over and stared at me gently. “Do you know that you were going to hurt me before if I didn’t let you leave?”

I frowned and blinked. “I…I don’t remember saying anything like that.”

The Torchic stared at me thoughtfully and then turned back to look at Rye. “Hmm,” was all he said. Then he turned his head abruptly to the right. “Uh…do you think we should help them?”

I turned to see who he meant. “The Leafeon and Glaceon?”

“Kraal and Marilai,” Jarre corrected. “And little Quoll up there.” He gestured towards the Pidgey. I’d never seen these Pokemon before.

“Who are they?” I asked Jarre curiously. He watched the two dogs, the Absol and the Taillow for a moment longer before replying.

“Kraal and Marilai er…work with Rye,” he nodded towards the Elekid. “As far as I know about Quoll, Raze and Scythe got her. Kraal and Marilai saved her and then they came back here. Rye was with them in the hospital wing.”

“Rye was there?” I stared at the two dogs in confusion. “And if they work with him, what kind of job does he have? Or do you mean rescue partners, like us?” I could instantly tell that Jarre was avoiding my gaze. He turned away and started towards them.

“I’ll go help. You can stay here with him.” He scowled as he mentioned Rye, but thought nothing of it and took off towards the dogs.

I could remember everything so clearly now. What Groudon had said…I was a Light Pokemon and this was my light form. When I was in it…I shuddered abruptly. I would not be able to distinguish friend or foe, only that which I defended. Then…I turned to stare at Rye, frowning. Then if I was protecting Rye, does that mean I would have killed anyone who got in my way? Jarre was right, I thought. I’m dangerous in this form. I peered down at my white fur in disgust, and then blinked. Wait…Groudon said that I wouldn’t remember anything in this form…so why is it that I can? A loud snap prevented me from pondering it further. I tore my head to where Jarre had gone. In his long, serrated jaw, Kraal held a Taillow. Raze, I remembered.

“Arrgh!” The bird screamed and went limp almost at once. Kraal growled and shook his head in frenzy, tossing the bird to the rubble. The Absol started to twitch and froze where she stood. The two dogs and Jarre did the same, except they just froze.

“Oh no…” I heard Marilai whimper. “Not again. She’s turning!”

Turning? I stared in utter amazement as Scythe started to turn pure black. Like when I was turning white, Scythe’s darkness spread from her head to her paws. Her eyes were now completely black and her fur stood up sharper while her claws grew. I looked at her in terror. Could this also be what I look like? “Ah!” I gasped. Something Rye had said earlier suddenly hit me. As I re-arranged the words in my head, a chilling feeling spread over me. “Dark Scythe, fatal experiment.”

My stomach lurched. Scythe, unlike me, was an experiment. She was only dark out of someone’s torture. But how did I come to be a Light Pokemon? Was it from before I met Jarre? I screwed my face up in frustration. Arrgh! Why couldn’t I remember my past?! I knew I had been, or once was a human. What was I like back then? How did I get here? What was happening?! The whole room whirled around me in a blur. “I don’t even know who I am…” I whimpered. A small stutter came from below me. Rye!

I fell to my knees at once and pressed a paw to his chest again. Still feeble. So uneven…”What have I done?” I murmured. “Why am I the source of this?” I blinked rapidly to hold back the tears now forming within my eyes. Everyone was being hurt because of me.

“Zanna…”

“Ah!” I gasped again. Rye had spoken! I peered down at him anxiously. His eyes were still closed…how did he know it was me?

“You’re cold…” he murmured in a barely audible whisper.

I cocked my head to the side. “Huh? Oh!” I quickly removed my paw from his chest. I didn’t realise I was cold. I frowned and cradled it. A sharp breath came from the Elekid and my stomach lurched again.

“Are you…alright?” he asked me. I looked at him in pity. He was too weak to even wince. The best he could do was talk flatly. I saw that he was also rather tense. I put a paw on his arm hesitantly and he shivered, though relaxed a bit.

“I’m okay, I think. I don’t really know how to explain this, but-”

“You’re Light Zanna,” he whispered slowly. “I can feel your aura…”

I blinked. So that’s how he knew it was me. “Yes,” I murmured. “I…” I looked up and saw his face wince slightly.

“You’re in pain.” I stared back in surprise. How was it that he knew me so well? He couldn’t even see me. “The change in your aura,” he said, “It’s hollow. What’s wrong?”

I snorted gently. “Do you really need to ask?” I waited, but he didn’t reply. Sighing, I said, “When I was protecting you before, I lost my sanity, my common sense, or whatever,” My paw quivered slightly but I continued. “I know…I would have hurt Jarre just to get you out of here alive…” I trailed off and looked away. How would I ever be able to do that? My paws shook of their own accord now. I removed the one that was resting on Rye’s arm.

The Elekid let out a slow breath. “You…were protecting me?” Why was it that he was so amazed?

I nodded, and then remembering that he couldn’t see me, uttered a quick “yes”. He frowned ever so slightly. “What?” I asked, curious now.

“I…I don’t want you to,” he replied in a firmer tone than before. “I don’t want you to stay here with me. Go, I don’t need protecting.”

“What? But Rye-”

“Please?” he pleaded.

I stared at him in shock. Why was he pushing me away? “I-I can’t!” I stuttered. “You’re my friend; I don’t want to leave you here by yourself.”

For some reason unknown to me, Rye sighed. “Please, it’s not good for you…Kraal and Marilai will look after me.”

I glanced over towards the Eevee-lutions and then at Scythe. “I don’t really think they’re-”

“Zanna,” he murmured, cutting me off, “Leave me alone.”

My mouth gaped in utter shock. “Why are you doing this?” I managed to choke out. “What have I done?”

I saw him pause for a moment before answering. “Too much already. I need you…to go.”

I would have replied, but for the loss of my voice. I stared at the Elekid in confusion. He…wanted me to leave? I saw Rye open his eyes and was surprised to see that they were still bright green; still retained their emerald glow. How was that possible? I was frozen. I couldn’t have moved even if I wanted to. Right now, Rye’s words hurt more than any wound that had been inflicted upon me.

The Elekid’s face creased slightly in seeing my expression. “It’s best,” he whispered lightly, “If you’re not around me.” I barely had enough sense left in me to shake my head. Rye sighed quietly and looked away. I saw the effort it took him to do that, and it pained me.

The look in his eyes was still etched within my mind. They were bright, yes. Sad? Yes, that too. But there was something else…I couldn’t figure out what it was. Gentle breathing snapped me out of my reverie. Rye had fallen asleep again. At least, that’s what I hoped it was. I could see that Scythe was still changing. Jarre was unfrozen and stopped just an inch away from me. He took one look at my face and frowned with concern.

“What? What’s wrong?” I could only shake my head. I tuned towards Scythe and glared. The Torchic’s face creased harder when I didn’t answer. “Okay, well you can just stay here, and-”

“No,” I cut him off sharply. I tore my gaze away from Rye. “You can look after him. I’ll go and fight.”

***

Jarre watched Zanna leave in confusion. “A minute ago she would have fought me just to stay,” he muttered sourly. What had caused the dramatic change in her temperament? The Torchic shook his head slowly and grimaced as he turned to Rye. Woah. He body was in bad shape. “Wah!” Startled by the movement, Jarre jumped a mile high. “You!” he said in surprise. “You’re awake!”

“Shhh!” Rye hissed in a whisper.

Jarre glanced over at Zanna and then back to Rye in understanding. “What did you say to her?!” he growled.

Rye frowned. “I told her to stay away from me.”

“That’s all?” Jarre muttered in surprise. “Why?”

Rye blinked uncomfortably. “I er…thought it would be best. I don’t need a body guard.”

“Uh huh…” The Torchic raised an eyebrow. “So I can leave you too, then?”

Rye blinked. “Do what you wish. I’m not the one who’ll be killing you if you do.” The Elekid s******ed softly, eyeing Zanna.

Jarre slumped beside Rye and cast him a glare. “I hate you.”

“I know,” Rye smiled sourly. He turned away and sighed. The Torchic barely cast him a glance before watching Zanna again.

That was strange, he thought. Both Zanna and Rye are avoiding my questions…He heard gentle breathing behind him followed by a groan. Great. He was unconscious again. Jarre turned his attention to Balian. He glared at the steel penguin in seething hatred. I’ll get you back for when you go me, monster. Hurting Zanna will be your downfall!

***

I stood as far from Kraal and Marilai as I could while still protecting them from Scythe. The Absol was now eyeing me with her icy black gaze which I returned with my own. The only way to beat a Dark Pokemon is with a Light one! I thought fiercely. I heard the soft padding of paws behind me. I instantly stuck out a paw in warning.

“You can’t stop me, rat!” Marilai spat.

I gritted my teeth. I didn’t have time for this. I turned around and glared at her, my tone more sinister and ethereal than I’d ever heard it before. “Step back unless you want to be hurt too.” I was already angry. It would be the stupid dog’s fault if she got in my way. I could feel the haze coming back over my mind. It was with difficulty that I kept it away. If I could stop Scythe now, we should be able to get out alive. The only other danger was Balian, but he seemed content enough at the moment just taunting Codan with Deoxys’ name.

Groudon was gone, but I’d overheard the dogs saying that we were lucky he drove everyone else away. Still, I’d call him back with my telepathy if I needed him. Looks like it’s time to get even. For what this fiend had put Jarre through…I didn’t bother to stifle the snarl that came from my throat. I curled my lips back in loathing and lunged. “Die, fiend!”

Scythe lunged just after I did, claws extended towards my flank. I, too, was surprised when my own claws protruded from my paws. They were serrated, yet sharp. Good, I thought. Just perfect to tear the creature to shreds!

At that moment, we collided. Scythe’s claws missed my throat by an inch. Mine found her flank and clawed across it in frenzy. The Absol growled and sank her fangs into my neck. I cried out in sheer agony, lashing back with my tail. Luckily it was enough to irritate her. Scythe let go of me and I landed on the ground off-balance. The blood that flowed from the deep wounds in my neck was making me dizzy. Scythe grinned wickedly, but winced as she walked forward. My claws had done some serious damage to her flank. She looked at herself and glared back at me, snarling. I reciprocated the gesture, claws outstretched again. This time when Scythe bolted, I was ready.

I leapt up into the air just above her. Flipping in mid-air, I struck out a paw and swiped at the flesh along her back. With any luck, I’d hit a nerve and render her helpless. As it happened though, my mark was off. My attack just aggravated the Absol, causing her to lunge at me in frenzy. I barely had the energy to dodge her attacks; the wound she inflicted was taking its toll.

Kraal and Marilai were staying well out of the way. After watching me and Scythe for a while, they knew what I was capable of. I snarled again and collided with the Absol, ripping and growling fiercely. I kicked at her with one of my feet and landed back on the ground. Scythe fell sideways and ended up being cut on a back leg. She heaved herself up and began to circle me. I followed her motion, all the while using a trick I’d picked up from Codan.

The faces I made unnerved the Absol, making her twitch and hiss. I laughed inwardly, but retained my focus. My once white fur was now a crimson red, and so was Scythe’s. One last lunge, I thought. Then I’ll get her. I lowered myself back on all fours, eyeing the Absol ferociously. My paws then acted of their own accord, carrying me forward to victory. Scythe waited, ready to pounce.

“Arrggh!”

The piercing wail stopped me in my tracks, and the moment I was confused, Scythe leapt for me. Her razor sharp jaws closed around my chest and punctured my flesh. It was then that my own piercing scream echoed throughout the room. Scythe flung me to the ground which hit me hard, sending all the air from my body. Bleeding profusely, I was only vaguely aware of shouting voices around me. Through the turmoil, one voice was louder than the rest. My laboured breathing died down as I heard it.

I didn’t mean it…I’m so sorry. Don’t die now…

The anguish in the voice made me want to comfort it, but I was far from being able to move. I shuddered slightly as I became conscious of the immense pain and the effort it took to just breathe. I need to give in to the dark, I thought, but…I held onto something. It kept me above the pit, though I still succumbed. As my breathing stopped and my head swooned, the voice came one last time.

Please don’t die…I need you…

[Chibi Altaria]

Chapter 20;
.............death wish

---------

Jarre stood with absolute terror as he watched Zanna lunge again and again. It was monstrous just how much of an animal she was in this form. The Torchic sensed the dramatic change in her aura. It was beginning to lose its calmness, now turning into malice. I can’t take much more of this, Jarre thought sullenly, closing his eyes as not to see the fight. A small gurgle came from beside him and the Torchic twisted his head round slightly.

The Elekid’s face was in pain, eyes scrunched and teeth gritted. He couldn’t help but feel some sympathy towards him. Jarre sighed. Well that’s what you get when you try to be a hero. He turned his head away only to be startled by a high wail a moment later. Heart beating rapidly, Jarre saw that Rye was now bent double trying to clutch at his back which had turned a flaming red. The Torchic tried to gasp, but no sound came out. Another scream pierced the air, and this one was more recognisable.

“Zanna!” Jarre shouted in horror. He turned just in time to see Scythe’s jaws crunch down around her. Zanna’s confused gaze was now contorted in anguish, like Rye’s. But before he could even move a talon, the dark Absol threw Zanna across the room. She landed with a sickening thud and stopped cold. Not a single hair on her fur moved. “No…” Jarre whispered, tears in his eyes. “No! It-can’t be!” But it was true, he could see. Zanna was dying. Her breathing slowed and heaved in uneven bursts, and as her eyes closed, the white colour on her fur receded, leaving him no doubt that if she was not dead she was at least very badly injured.

He turned back to Rye immediately. The Elekid was still in immense agony, even more so now, it seemed. The fur on his back had changed to a darker hue of red, leaving it almost looking black. “Wha-what’s happening?!” The Torchic managed to choke out.

“Arrrghh!” Another scream erupted from Rye’s mouth, filling the room with a chilling essence.

Codan had now looked up, tears no longer on his face. Zanna’s scream had awoken him, and though Balian had tried to stop him, the Dragonite just crushed through towards the Pikachu. Balian now stood motionless by the center of the field, wings crossed. His sharp eyes were narrowed in disdain as he watched Codan attend to Zanna.

Kraal and Marilai were now back in action, both trying to fend off the dark Absol. Jarre snorted. At least Raze was rendered helpless for the time being. Wait, where was Quoll? It took a moment for him to realise that the Pidgey had left her perch.

“Oh, no!”

“Wah!” Jarre jumped at the sound of words behind him. The tiny Pidgey looked up with embarrassment.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Did I startle you?” She looked up at him with large brown eyes.

“Uh, it’s okay,” the Torchic stammered back. “What are you doing?” Quoll didn’t reply, instead running a wing lightly across Rye’s back. For a second or so his struggles ceased, only to be doubled later. “Wait!” Jarre shouted. “You’re hurting him!” Quoll met his gaze calmly for the first time since he’d seen her.

“No, I’m not. I’m relieving the pain. This Elekid has been affected with Shadow Energy.”

Jarre clicked his beak in confusion. “Shadow Energy?”

“Uh huh,” Quoll nodded whilst moving her wing back and forth across Rye’s back again. “He was attacked by a Weavile earlier, right?” Jarre inclined his head slowly, unable to do much more other than stare. “Well, I recognised the mark on its left claw. It was one of the Hunters.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Jarre muttered sourly. “They always show up wherever Raze and Scythe are.” Quoll watched Jarre with interest.

“You know about the Hunters? Well, do you know that they’ve been inflicted with Shadow Energy? This special energy is like poison to whoever it’s brought down on. You see that dark Absol?” The small Pidgey watched as Jarre nodded in disgust. Quoll smiled faintly. “Do you want to guess how she became like that?” She paused for dramatic effect as Jarre gasped.

“No way! That…poison, turns Pokemon dark?!” Quoll lowered her eyes slightly as Jarre stared at her.

“Yes, your friend here has been inflicted with it. If the poison spreads to his heart, he won’t be much of the Pokemon he once was.” Jarre didn’t bother to point out that Rye was definitely not one of his friends.

“You never know,” he replied sarcastically. “That could be a good thing.” Quoll’s wing faltered in surprise and the Torchic saw Rye flinch again. “I didn’t mean it!” he said hurriedly, flustered by the way Quoll had taken his sarcasm. The Pidgey shook her head slowly in annoyance. Jarre watched her carefully. “So how do we stop this poison from reaching his heart then?” An awkward silence stretched around them. Jarre raised an eyebrow and waited for an answer. Quoll stopped brushing Rye and narrowed her eyes in pain as he winced.

“We…we can’t,” she murmured slowly. “There’s no known cure other than the inflicted Pokemon’s defiance.” The Torchic staggered back, shocked by this news.

“So he will turn dark…unless he’s strong enough not to?” Jarre waved his wings around frantically. “Bu-but that’s insane! He’ll never make it! Look at him!” He bent over Rye in terror for once, rather than bitterness. He glanced up just in time to see Quoll shake her head. “What?” he murmured, though he was sure he’d regret asking.

“The body will continue to suffer,” she muttered in a whisper, “but it’s the strength of his spirit that determines the outcome. As long as he can push away the poison, it should be fine. But now…” The Pidgey looked down at Rye anxiously. “It’s not so good. I saw before how he kept the poison at bay, something must have triggered it.” Jarre’s eyes widened as he turned to see Zanna, limp and helpless, within Codan’s arms.

“Oh no…how long does he have?” the Torchic uttered in despair.

“Well if he keeps going at this rate,” Quoll answered softly, “not very long. I’d wager no more than a few days at most.” Jarre raised a wing to his mouth to stifle a small scream.

“He won’t make it,” he answered Quoll’s quizzical look.

“No, he might, if he can…” But the Pidgey trailed off as Jarre walked away from her. He was too deep in thought to care. If the spirit’s not strong enough – here he glanced at Rye vaguely – then he will succumb to the poison, resulting in him turning into a dark being…oh great. Jarre threw his wings up in despair. We have no hope. He eyed Zanna in terror. “If she…if she…” Somehow he couldn’t bring himself to say ‘dies’. He took a deep breath and tried again. “If Zanna dies,” – he cringed at the word – “then we’re doomed.”

He sank back into thought again. I’ve seen it from day one how that Elekid reacted to her. No wonder he wanted her to stay away…the pain she’s putting him through must have been enough. No, he shook his head, that wouldn’t be why. He said that because it would keep her safe. At least he realised it sooner than later, he s******ed. So right now, the only way to save Rye would be by saving Zanna. He peered at the unconscious Pikachu from behind a wing. “A few days…” he murmured. “Rye’s as good as gone…and there’s no definite possibility of even saving Zanna.” The Torchic shuddered and then raised an eyebrow. “Why is it that I always get dragged into these things?”

***

“Don’t fade…could you at least try to stay alive?”

I snorted at the concern in Rye’s voice. “What do you care anyway? You didn’t want me to protect you.”

“And that’s enough to make you die?!” His tone rang shrilly through my mind, however hard I tried to block it. “Heh, I’d have thought you were smarter than that.”

I almost shouted back. “Are you calling me stupid?!”

“It would be an improvement.” Rye’s voice murmured through my mind. I frowned inwardly.

“You’re not usually like this…why are you acting so mean?” For once he didn’t reply. “At least I know how to make you shut up,” I laughed.

“I was thinking,” Rye responded calmly. “And…I don’t want to answer you.”

I sighed. “Fine then, but I don’t know if I can hold on for much longer. I feel so…heavy…” In my mind, I saw Rye’s face cringe in pain. “What…?” I asked slowly.

He shook his head. “Every moment part of you gives in…” he trailed off as another wave of pain hit. I widened my eyes in understanding.

“I’m hurting you, aren’t I?” I saw a faint smile appear on Rye’s face.

“I don’t mind, really. At least that way I know you’re still alive.”

I ignored him and shook my head. “If I do this to you now, what will it be like if I…” I imagined dragging a paw across my throat and saw Rye shudder. “I thought so,” I whispered. “If I’m gone…then you go too?”

“I’m poisoned,” he replied flatly. Even if I make it, I could end up dark, like Scythe. The last thing I want to do is hurt anyone.” My stomach lurched inwardly.

“You’re poisoned?! How come you never told me before?” I saw Rye shrug and then wince.

“I didn’t think it was necessary. I didn’t want you to worry needlessly.”

I gave a deep sigh. “Well good job telling me now. It certainly wasn’t the best choice you could have made.”

“I know…”

That was all that I heard before our connection broke. I twisted in my head. Where did he go? I heard a faint scream from deep within my mind and I scrambled to stay awake. “No!” I shouted. “Don’t do this!” Another scream answered me. “Let me help you!” I growled.

Rye’s soft chuckle echoed around me. “I-I’m-” But he didn’t finish.

I felt a ripping from deep within me. “The pain!” I convulsed and winced at the tugging feeling that began to slow. A moment later, I was alone. Completely and utterly alone. He had severed our link.

***

Jarre watched as the look on Rye’s face changed over and over again. It finally settled on an expression of immense agony. The Torchic looked up at Quoll. She seemed to understand these things way better than he did. “What now? What’s happening?” He noticed the Pidgey hesitate as she glanced at Rye’s face.

“He-he’s cut himself off from the Pikachu,” she said gently. Jarre raised an eyebrow.

“What does that mean?”

Quoll sighed. “It means that he declined her offer of help. He’s killing himself to save Zanna.” The Torchic uttered a silent gasp.

“Z-Zanna was trying to help Rye?”

“Yes,” Quoll nodded. “They had a mental link. When one was unconscious and in pain the other would feel that pain. But they were also stronger together.” She stopped and stared at Rye. “When he knew his pain was stronger, he cut off the link. I don’t think he’d jeopardise Zanna’s life like that. But even though Zanna’s now better off, he…has less time. The chance of Rye now making it out alive is very slim.”

Jarre cursed quietly to himself before turning to Quoll. “I need to do something, can you look after Rye?” The confused Pidgey nodded as Jarre bolted off. Groudon! he thought hastily, I need you here! Crush Balian, kill Scythe and murder them all! The small bird didn’t bother to wipe away the tears that now came down his face, just as he didn’t care that he was shaking on his talons.

The beast took a minute to respond. I have driven most of them off, but if I help you, you could be at risk of an attack, however small.

Let them come, Jarre seethed. Just help us. Now. He cut off the link and strode back to Quoll who looked slightly scared at the expression on the Torchic’s face. “Groudon’s coming,” he hissed to her. “I’m going to gather everyone so we can leave when he gets here. Keep an eye on Zanna for me.” He glanced down at Rye. “If he manages to wake up, he’ll wish he’d never been born.” He stalked off, leaving a confused Quoll to stare after him.

***

Jarre took the quickest route to the hospital wing. If they were going to evacuate, they needed everyone; Lani included. When he walked through the door however, he was surprised to find the Houndoom awake and sitting. “Little one,” she murmured, “where is everyone? Balian-”

“Has launched an attack on the PRA,” Jarre finished for her.

Lani lowered her eyes. “I thought so. He was the one that poisoned me…is everyone else alright?”

Jarre closed his eyes and ignored her question. “How come you’re awake? And…sitting?” The confused Houndoom gave a faint smile.

“Temporary poison, it seemed. Even Balian could not kill me. I still worry for him. Funny, isn’t it?”

“Insane,” Jarre muttered under his breath and then turned to her with a frantic look. “If you can walk, I need you to escape. Groudon is coming to crush these monsters and I need everyone out before he does.” Lani didn’t bother to ask anymore; she’d caught on pretty quickly to Jarre’s sinister mood.

The Torchic led Lani out into the hallway and stopped just before they rounded the corner into the main room. He glanced at the Houndoom who looked back questioningly. Jarre sighed. “Balian’s out there. I need you to avoid him and Scythe at all costs. Head towards Codan who has Zanna,” he made a quick motion with his wing when Lani went to speak. “Tell them to get Kraal, Marilai and Quoll. If Codan can, he can carry Rye as well. Once everyone escapes, I’ll follow.”

Lani spoke rapidly after trying hard to remain silent. “You don’t really think he’ll let us escape, do you?”

Jarre snorted as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “Of course not. That’s why I’m going to hold Balian off.” Lani stood speechless. It took her a minute to regain her voice.

“But-he’ll kill you!” Jarre lowered his head before turning to look around the corner at all the carnage.

“If it’ll help everyone escape, I’ll gladly give my life. Just make sure that you all get out safely. I don’t want to die for nothing.” He tried to smile, but was only successful in creasing Lani’s brow. The Houndoom walked up to him and prodded the bird gently with her muzzle.

“Thankyou, little one. Stay safe.” She cast him a last glance before bounding out towards Codan.

***

The large Dragonite cradled Zanna weakly within his paws. Funny how I’ve become so attached in this short time that we’ve known each other. He stared at her for a moment longer before turning his gaze towards Rye. He’s already risking his life for her. I wonder why it is that everyone’s drawn to her like she needs protecting? Codan shook his head slowly. “But danger is also drawn to her…why?”

“Because she has what they want.” Codan whirled around to meet a set of dark brown eyes.

“Lani! You’re awake! How?!” The Houndoom smiled gently and gestured towards Balian.

“It seems our friend isn’t the heartless killer we thought. It was only temporary poison.”

“That’s great!” Codan beamed, embracing Lani. When he stepped back, however, the Houndoom had an eyebrow raised. “What? Oh no! I mean it’s great that you’re alright!” he stammered, colouring in embarrassment.

Lani giggled. “Oh, I knew what you meant. I just like teasing you.” Codan chose to ignore the remark and turned back to Zanna. “Is she okay?” Lani whispered. “What happened around here?”

“We were invaded,” Codan answered, shaking his head. “Deoxys’ forces came in large numbers. It was only through everyone’s help that we survived this long.” He took a moment to pause and then continued. “Jarre awoke Groudon who chased mostly everyone away. Only a few stayed. Balian, over there-” he nodded to the penguin “-and Raze and Scythe here, though Raze is out now. I’ll explain later,” he added, seeing Lani’s confused expression.

“What about Zanna?” she repeated. “And where’s that Elekid…Rye?”

Codan closed his eyes wearily. “Zanna was…captured by Arc, a team-mate of Scythe’s. Rye and I got there just in time to save her. The Elekid brought her here, and as far as I saw, was protecting her, but…” he trailed off.

“What?” Lani pressed gently. “Codan?” The Dragonite glanced up at her.

“The Hunters came. Rye lasted as long as he could, but even he wasn’t strong enough.” He gestured towards the scarred Elekid lying across the room.

Lani gasped in horror. “Is he…”

“No,” Codan replied, “just badly injured. Zanna became…enraged. She took on Scythe; however, the outcome wasn’t so good. If we don’t get her out of here soon, she could die. And, wait…where’s Jarre?” Codan froze as Lani lowered her head.

“That’s what I need to talk to you about,” she replied gravely. “You see…”

***

Jarre tried his hardest to keep a calm composure, but it wasn’t easy when your insides were crawling with fear. “Easy, take a deep breath…” he commanded himself slowly. “Show no fear.” His beak turned up in a grimace, Jarre took the last few steps before halting in front of Balian. The steel penguin looked down with an icy glare.

“Long time, no see, Jarre. I’ve been waiting for you.” Balian’s beak curled into a malicious grin which the Torchic didn’t reciprocate.

“Watch it, Balian.” Jarre mimicked his first words again. Balian grinned wider and gestured to Scythe.

“Why? With her on the loose and your friends dead, what is there for me to be afraid of? A petty murderer like you couldn’t even leave a scratch on me.” He emphasised the last word.

“Ex-murderer,” Jarre growled. “Unlike you, I’ve mended my ways. It was a dark time…they can’t blame me for it.”

“Ah,” Balian sneered. “But they do. Rye has seen to that; the way he constantly follows you to protect that precious rat-” he spat towards Zanna “-I wonder how long it will be before he finally snaps. I’d wager not very long, if he ever wakes, that is. Rakai made sure he was badly inflicted.”

Jarre’s eyes widened. “You planned it! You planned it all along! You’re a monster, you know that? Lucky for you Rakai’s dead!” Balian raised an eyebrow as he glanced towards Rye.

“Rakai?” he crooned. “Oh no, he is long gone. The Weavile you killed was merely a decoy. And you know I’d hate to say I told you so, but-”

“SHUT UP!” Jarre shouted. A snort of flame erupted from his nostrils. “Leave now and perhaps I won’t kill you. I’m a little rusty, see, so if your death is horrible and slow, please forgive me!” The Torchic’s voice ran with malice and Balian could see that it was no bluff. He took a moment to gather himself as Jarre inhaled a deep breath. “Right here, right now. Just you and me. Like old times, eh?” His beak twisted slightly and Balian sneered.

“You want me to just let them go? How stupid do you think I am?!”

Jarre raised an eyebrow. “Do you really want me to answer that?”

“Arrgh!” The Torchic deftly dodged the wing that came towards him.

“Oooh,” he teased. “Who’s rusty now?” Balian hissed and lunged at the bird. Jarre shot a flamethrower from his mouth and just managed to escape the penguin’s metal claws.

“Don’t flee!” Balian called manically. “Fight me, Jarre! Which one of us is stronger?” He trailed off in a hysterical laugh as he scraped Jarre’s stomach. The Torchic gave a small yelp and doubled back.

“I’m not afraid! I have something to fight for, and you’ll never get them!” Blue hot flames surrounded Jarre’s body and licked at the air hungrily. Balian shielded his eyes momentarily.

“What?!” From within the ball of flames, Jarre glared at the penguin with loathing.

“Coward,” he hissed. “You don’t know anything of true friendship. I fight for those I love. You can never get me!” At that moment the flames lashed out at the penguin, engulfing him with ease. While Balian screamed, Jarre laughed. It was his very laughter that echoed through the room, and the same laugh that stopped almost as abruptly as it had begun. The Torhic’s eyes fluttered as his breath was knocked from him. The flames dissipated until a cool, almost icy-cold, feeling replaced them.

As soon as he could breathe again, he looked down at the ground far beneath him. Balian’s charred body glared up at him from where it crouched, smiling. Smiling? Jarre tried to turn his head, but found that his neck was stuck, and the cool feeling around him grew tighter. The force that crushed his windpipe was attached to a tentacle, which led to a body, then a face. A face which was the last thing he wanted to see right now; Deoxys.

“Hello, whelp,” the creature greeted him. “Pleased to see me?” Jarre growled in reply, but was cut short as he spluttered to breathe again. “Oh my, I was hoping for a warmer reception,” Deoxys crooned. “It’s not nice to ignore old friends.”

“We were never friends,” Jarre spat. “And I don’t plan on changing that.”

“Really now?” Deoxys turned to look around the room. It was only then that Jarre realised almost every one of his friends had escaped. All but one.

“Zanna!” he cried, struggling to move. “No! What are you going to do to her?!” Deoxys pulled Jarre close enough so that he could whisper into his ear.

“I’m going to take her with me, and then take back what should be mine. When I’m finished, she’ll wish she was dead!” He grinned wickedly as he turned Jarre’s head to face her. “And the best part will be knowing that you suffered, watching her being tortured, sliced and then…murdered!”

“No!” two howling voices screamed in unison. The front of the building then erupted in a loud crash. Smoke filled the room and surrounded Deoxys. Jarre took this opportunity and bit hard into the icy flesh that bound him. He vaguely heard Deoxys curse in pain as the tentacle withdrew. The ground rushed up to meet him much quicker than expected. The bird landed off-balance and tumbled across the harsh gravel before something cold hit him. Oh no, he thought. Not Deoxys. Not again…But as the haze lifted and he glanced up, two ruby-red eyes met his.

“Jarre,” a deep voice murmured. “Stay behind me!” The Torchic hastened to obey as Groudon set itself into a fighting pose. A sharp hiss came from across the room.

“Groudon!” Deoxys hissed. “Don’t be a fool!” He moved and changed rather abruptly. More tentacles flew from his body and whipped around him.

“His Attack Form…” Jarre whispered. This was going to get ugly. Balian cowered behind Deoxys, smirking. Scythe was attending to Raze who was still unconscious. Jarre noted how the Absol was back to her normal black self. What he couldn’t take his eyes off, though, was Zanna. She was now clutched tight within Balian’s wings, not that it would have mattered. She was that close to death that it wasn’t funny. The steel penguin gazed at the white mark on her tail and uttered something that was incomprehensible to Jarre. He tried to take a step forward, but Groudon stopped him.

“No, you can’t risk your life for her. Look what happened to the Elekid. Leave this to me.” The Torchic wavered for a moment but then nodded, taking a few steps back. Deoxys glared at the dinosaur with utter hatred.

“You chose the wrong side,” he hissed savagely. “The side of the condemned!” He didn’t even wait for an answer. Tentacles raised, he lunged towards Groudon who braced himself for the impact. When it came, he wrestled with Deoxys, shuffling a few feet back while trying not to crush Jarre.

“Demon!” he growled. “I’ll send you back to where you came from!” Groudon pushed against Deoxys and hurled him across the room. The blurred figure was quick on its feet and twisted in mid-air, touching the ground lightly and sliding back against the gravel. Deoxys gave a small hiss before he bolted forward again, this time changing to his Speed Form. Groudon lifted his head in fear, claws raised in defense.

Only a blur could be seen now, racing ever closer to the two Pokemon. Jarre doubled back from behind Groudon and eyed Balian. I need to get to Zanna! But that was easier said than done. Deoxys would crush him if he tried to move even an inch. He’d have to get his timing right.

Groudon rumbled and hissed as Deoxys collided with him again. The two were sent sprawling backwards across the rough dirt. Twisting with rage, Groudon found Deoxys' neck and bit into it savagely. The space Pokemon cried out in anguish before lashing out at Groudon’s head. The dinosaur recoiled, irritated by the whipping heat that spread across him. Jarre watched in amazement and terror as the two kept lashing out, snarling and growling intensely. Deoxys then switched to his Defense Form and managed to slam into the side of Groudon’s face.

A horrible crunch was followed by a wail. A bone had just been broken. Groudon clutched at his jaw in agony before releasing a pure jet of fire from its mouth. Deoxys barely dodged the attack in time. The shockwave burned the Pokemon’s tentacles as a result. He changed back to his Normal Form and cradled an injured arm, glaring at Groudon. The massive dinosaur shook with rage. “Jarre,” it hissed. “In a moment you’ll have your chance to get Zanna. I will distract them for as long as I can, but…” He closed his eyes briefly. “I won’t be able to for long. Take the Light…and run!”

Jarre was about to protest when, to his shock, Groudon lunged forward not at Deoxys, but Balian. The steel penguin toppled and screamed beneath Groudon’s ripping claws. Zanna was tossed aside like a doll and rolled until she was just inches from Jarre’s talons. The Torchic hurried to her side and bent to drag her away, but something made him look back up. Deoxys and Scythe had locked onto Groudon’s movements. Both lunged for the dinosaur and both snarled with pleasure as its pitiful wail rose to a gurgle. Jarre closed his eyes and covered them with a wing before dragging Zanna carefully away towards the now half-broken entrance.

It made him sick to leave Groudon like this, and when firm paws took hold of Zanna, he tried to run back in to help him. Lani was the one to hold him back. “No, little one. He sacrificed himself for the good of the town – the world, even. Don’t make him regret that.” The tears flowing freely down Jarre’s cheeks didn’t stop, but his struggles lessened until he fell to the ground in a sodden heap.

His last image of Groudon was not that of a struggle, for Deoxys and his followers had made sure of that, but of a small smile that stretched across his jaw until is reached his dull, red eyes. As Jarre gasped for air, a gentle voice filled his head. We may make a warrior out of you yet...Always protect those you love, as I did for you and your kin…

The Torchic’s face creased with pain as the voice died away. Lani tried to comfort the sobbing bird, but to no avail. “Groudon believed in me…believed in us,” Jarre wailed. “Let’s show him that he was right!” The small words he’d uttered had given everyone courage. Lani smiled, Codan held Rye and Zanna tightly, and Kraal, Marilai and Quoll looked at each other in amazement.

The Torchic stood up brusquely and wiped the last few tears from his eyes. “If we have to flee, then so be it. But now Deoxys knows…we are not to be messed with! The next time we fight, it’ll be to the death…and it’ll be his!” Jarre’s voice was laced with ice, but it was also strong. The quietened screams of the dinosaur faded into the distance as he turned to the others. “Let’s go. This isn’t over.”

“But where?” Codan asked slowly. “We have nowhere to go.” But this only made Jarre shake his head. Though his feathers stood on end, he held his head high.

“The Marble City calls. You,” he turned to Kraal and Marilai. “You shall lead us to the Missionary. It’s time Deoxys learns what happens to those who cross me.” No one said a word while the two dogs led the way, but the glint in Jarre’s eyes and the smirk on his face said it all.

This war is far from over!

~*~

E N D..O F..P A R T..O N E :..U P R I S I N G

[Chibi Altaria]

B E G I N ...P A R T...T W O :...J U D G E M E N T

---------

Chapter 21;
.............a new dawn

---------

The leaf that tickled my nose was beginning to get annoying. I blew it away with a short puff of air and cringed when a sharp pain shot through me. My paw automatically reached down to clutch at my stomach. The rough bandages felt strange against my fur. I closed my eyes for a brief second and took in a deep breath. So much had changed in so little time.

It had now been a week since we’d fled from the PRA and Deoxys’ attack. I had only awoken a few days ago. The first thing I’d seen when I’d opened my eyes was Jarre’s flashing grin. It turned out that he’d been keeping a rather close eye on me. I was amazed when he told me all that had happened. Jarre had stood up to Balian, only to be confronted by Deoxys himself!

He didn’t go into much detail about Groudon’s death, though. I could tell that he blamed himself for what happened. I tried to tell him over and over that that wasn’t the case, but either he didn’t hear, or didn’t care.

I was happy to see Lani up and about. She told me that the poison had only been temporary; that Balian still cared about her too much to kill her. That left me wondering if Balian really was working for Deoxys after all. Could he be pretending?

I shook my head thoroughly, but gently. I was still rather weak, and had only just started walking again. But that was the least of my concerns. My own injuries were nothing compared to the Elekid that lay beside me.

Rye was lying on a small, leafy bed. His expression was pained, his arms lashing out every minute or so. No matter how hard everyone tried to persuade me to move, I would not budge from Rye’s side. Like Jarre, I blamed myself for the mess I’d dragged him and everyone else into. When I’d asked Jarre what had happened to him, he muttered something about ‘dark energy’ then snorted and left. I got a better answer out of Quoll later on.

I was rather pleased to meet the Pidgey. She seemed really smart, if a bit shy. She told me that the Weavile who had attacked him was one of the Hunters. I had shuddered at the mention of the name; I knew who they were after glancing into Jarre’s orb. She moved on to tell me that they had been imbued with a special power called ‘shadow poison’. With this poison, any Pokemon they infected would gradually turn into a Dark Pokemon, the result ending up like Scythe when she turned, only permanent.

Quoll mentioned that the change wouldn’t happen until the poison reached the heart. It was taking an awfully long time though. When I’d asked why he was still struggling, she said it was because he had a strong spirit. Apparently, if the spirit was strong enough, it could drive the poison away. When I’d asked why Rye had severed our link, she only murmured and turned away. It took me a while to persuade Jarre to tell me.

He said that Rye had cut the link because it was the best way I would survive. He told me that Rye’s pain was too strong. While we were stronger when we were linked, he was also dragging me down with him. But something else nagged at me through the back of my mind; another reason, perhaps?

Jarre wouldn’t answer anything else. He sulked off like the rest of our team, plus the two new Eevee-lutions. Dawn was just approaching, so most of our party was still asleep; the exception being me. I had woken up early from nightmares again. They began to haunt my sleep a lot these days, and had the effect of reducing me to a curled figure. Not knowing how Rye was only made it worse.

I’d been trying to re-establish our link, but without him accepting, it was pretty much pointless. So that was when I’d decided to sit guard next to him. I’d keep an eye on him like this then. A gentle snap interrupted my thoughts and my eyes opened wearily.

“Zanna? May I talk to you?” Codan had his head to the side, mouth curved up in a warming smile. I nodded and yawned slowly.

“Sure, but I’m not moving.”

The Dragonite sighed. “I thought that might be the case.” He shook his head lightly and sat down beside me, gazing at the still visible moon in the sky. “Do you remember my story about Reyna?” he asked awkwardly. I frowned and stared at him.

“Yes, why do you bring that up?”

“I’ve noticed,” he said distantly, “that you’ve taken quite a liking to Rye.”

At this point, I almost choked on my own saliva. “What?! Rye? You’ve got to be kidding!”

The Dragonite chuckled and turned back to the moon. “I’ve had my experience with him, too. When he was saving you, I could sense not only a fondness for you, but almost a-”

“Yeah, yeah. I get it.” I yawned and cut him off sharply, lying across the grass. I had no intention of having this conversation with Codan.

“I wish you’d take me seriously, Zanna. I’ve been there. Don’t do it.”

“I’m not going to do anything!” I shot back. “Utterly impossible! I barely know him anyway.” I could see that Codan’s usually easy-going disposition had changed.

“Look, Lani, Jarre and I have all talked about it and-”

“WHAT??!” I shouted. “Jarre and Lani, too? JARRE?!”

Codan flashed a grin. “Jarre was the one who agreed the most.”

I sighed, rubbing my temples in small, circular motions. “I’m surrounded by idiots…”


The Dragonite shook his head rapidly. “Just, if he wakes up…” he trailed off and sighed.

“Don’t worry,” I answered. “Not in a million years.” I grinned broadly as I turned to him. “He’s not my type, anyway.” This seemed to satisfy him enough. The large Pokemon raised an eyebrow, but stood up swiftly and strode away back to the campsite.

I turned my head to the left slightly and eyed Rye. Seriously! Did he think I’d like Rye? He was polite, smart…strong…handsome…mysterious…ah! I shook my head twice in a swift motion. I couldn’t…could I? And the message Rye has sent through my mind – and I knew it was him – “I need you…” Maybe Codan was right. Did he like me?

Huh…to be honest, it certainly would make a lot of sense. The cold breeze that blew past freed me of my sudden thoughts, and for the first time in two days, I stood up to go for a walk.

***

“Why are you following me?!” I snapped back as a tree branch quivered slightly. Jarre stepped out from behind it and grinned.

“Thought you might like some company,” he replied hastily. I raised an eyebrow. Jarre sighed. “Codan asked me to keep an eye on you,” he amended.

I glared at him. “What? Does Codan think I need babysitting?” I moved a few steps towards him – too fast – and ended up doubled over on the forest floor. Jarre was with me in seconds.

“This is why he wanted me to keep an eye on you,” he murmured gently. “Are you alright?” He brushed a soft wing across my fur for comfort.

“I’m…fine,” I wheezed. “I’m just…oh!” Both paws flew to my stomach. Jarre grew concerned.

“You know, we can always go back…”

“No,” I murmured. “I’ll be alright.” I removed one paw slowly, then the other. Once I couldn’t feel any more pain, I stood up fully, gently arching my back. “See?” I smiled, ignoring Jarre’s look of protest.

I walked further into the forest, not knowing where I was going, but somehow being guided. “Hey, wait up!” he called after me. Jarre walked silently by my side as we took a look around the forest. I was actually amazed by how beautiful it was. The trees reached into the sky, the canopy blocking almost every ray of sunlight. Where it did shine, masses of wildflowers bloomed and twined themselves into vines and roots. Taillow chirped and Beedrill hummed melodically in almost perfect synchronisation. A shallow stream ran to my right. I glanced over to see a tiny Wooper frolicking by the stones.

“Hi!” It smiled up at me as we passed. I grinned and nodded in acknowledgement.

“Where are we?” I whispered to Jarre, as though talking any louder would ruin the untainted harmony sealed within the forest.

“We set up camp in a clearing by the Ocacia Rainforest. It’ll still be a few days, if not longer, until we reach Wingardom City, though.”

I pondered this for a moment. “Wait, I thought you said we were going to the Missionary?” Jarre turned to look at me.

“We are. It’s located right underneath the city. We thought we’d hold off until the Elekid wakes up, though.”

“That Elekid,” I shot back, “is called Rye.” I cast him a sideways glare before moving on. Jarre said nothing as he followed me again. The silence was beginning to get awkward.

“Where are we going?”

I sighed as the Torchic broke the silence. “I don’t know,” I replied, walking on. Then I smiled faintly. “Hey, maybe we’ll find a lost city out here.” I s******ed to myself softly.

“Uh huh…I wouldn’t bet on it.” Jarre seemed less than optimistic about the idea. I was still laughing when I pulled back some ferns. Almost instantly I was blinded. I raised a paw to shield my eyes.

“Jarre!” I called weakly.

“Here, Zanna!” He dragged me off to the side and the light disappeared. I struggled to breathe.

“Wha-what was that?”

The Torchic shook his head. “I’m not sure. Maybe I should take a look.” I opened my mouth to protest, but he’d already vanished. It wasn’t long before he reappeared, a huge grin spread across his face. “Hey, Zanna, remember that joke about the lost city?” I stared at him with my mouth wide open.

“No way…”

“No,” he agreed. “But check this out.” Jarre parted the ferns with a wing as I stared at him questioningly. The Torchic merely nodded as I peered around them. If it was possible for my mouth to gape any wider, it did.

What stood before me was better than any lost city. It seemed to be an ancient temple, possibly thousands of years old. I couldn’t utter a single word; all I could do was stare. The stone building arched for miles and towered like a pyramid. Well, I thought, if it isn’t a lost city, it’s certainly as big as one. But though the stonework and size was impressive, they were nothing compared to what surrounded it.

Just like before, the vines of the trees seemed to have woven themselves into the temple. But the strange thing was that they formed an arc over the top of it. I suppose this is what had protected the temple all this time. The shield of vines had covered it safely from erosion. The river that we’d followed now stretched out into a glorious lake. It joined up to a cascading waterfall which led to the temple entrance. The only way into the temple seemed to be via a half ruined stone bridge.

By now, Jarre had joined me and was eyeing the large temple with awe. “Do you think we should go in?” I craned my neck higher to search for the temple doors, but they were obscured from view.

“Uh…don’t you think a place like that would have a lot of traps?” I replied slowly.

Jarre raised a wing to his beak for a moment before grinning. “I’m up for it if you are.” I frowned and gestured to the bandages that covered my body. “Oh…right. Well, you have a bodyguard!”

I laughed gently. “You really want to go up there, don’t you?”

Jarre began to walk towards the bridge and called back to me. “I don’t think I would if you weren’t coming. Makes it more fun this way.” The Torchic winked back at me and waited by the edge of the bridge. I frowned for a moment. And what did that mean? Nevertheless, I shook my head and joined Jarre a moment later.

“This better be safe,” I said, eyeing the rocks that seemed to crumble at the slightest touch. “I know quite a few Pokemon back at camp who would murder you if I wasn’t brought back alive.” I smirked sideways at Jarre who merely took a step forward.

“Zanna, please. Would I purposely put you in danger?” He stared at me so hard that I went to feel for a hole in my face.

“No,” I muttered once I’d found my voice again.

“Good,” he replied gently. “So I’ll protect you all the way. Let’s go.”

I was cautious as I crossed the bridge, but my mind somehow wandered back to Rye. This seemed more of his specialty than Jarre’s. My step faltered for a second and a rock collapsed beneath my feet. Jarre grabbed hold of me and held me back before I could move any further. “Zanna! Watch what you’re doing!” He looked at the expression on my face and then frowned. “Are you alright?”

“I-I…” I don’t know...I suddenly felt very strange. I let a paw trace the bandages around my stomach and held it there. A dull throb was beginning to pulse through me.

“Zanna?” I kept my eyes scrunched now. I felt woozy. Why…was I like this? “That’s it. We’re going back.”

“No…” I muttered. Then I stopped. A small sound had run through my mind. “What? No…” That voice…it was…”Rye!” I shouted, standing fully upright in an instant. “I think he’s…in trouble!” Jarre glanced at me oddly, but nodded. He’d begun to trust my instincts.

“Now should we go back?” I opened my mouth to reply, but flinched as another wave of pain shot through me. The force of it compelled me to the ground, buckled in agony. I writhed soundlessly as Jarre mouthed words that seemed distant. As I tried to grasp at some last strand of reality, something surrounded me, gently pushing me down.

***

I had forgotten what it was like to feel so groggy, let alone feel anything. This place, I thought. It seems familiar. My eyes fluttered open to meet a light blue ceiling. No sound could be heard; I was very much aware of that. As I sat up, I realised I was inside the temple. Jarre must have dragged me here, I thought calmly. But something wasn’t right. The temple had taken an odd, iridescent glow, almost like that of a rainbow.

The sharp, throbbing pain had now ceased, and I was able to stand with no ailment. My first impression of this place was that it was ancient. The carvings would have said it all, had the style not caught my eye.

Large stone pillars protruded upwards from the ground and ran towards the ceiling where they formed a graceful arch. I was walking on what seemed to be a marble floor, but it was so aged that it had cracked in all but a few places. I raised a paw to my eyes and peered further into the archway. Several hallways broke off from the main room and I suddenly felt very small in this vast place.

I took an anxious step forward when someone called my name. “Huh?” I turned around instantly, but no one stepped out to meet me. I shook my head brusquely. It must have been my imagination. I took another step forward and a flash of white light glistened in front of me. My movement halted in midair as a white form materialised.

“Greetings, young one,” a voice echoed from the midst of the light. “I have been waiting for you.” As the light took a final form, I saw it looked almost exactly like myself, only slightly larger and more graceful. It was male, I could tell, for its voice was deep, though enthralling. The Pikachu remained white and never fully materialised; just stayed as a flickering, white form.

“Wh-who are you?” I managed to croak out. I was actually surprised I hadn’t bolted yet, had I been able to do so. The white Pikachu smiled. I think.

“I was expecting more of a ‘what are you’,” it answered warmly. “But that will do just fine. I am an Ancestral Light Guardian, and my name is Altair.”

I frowned slowly. “Ancestral…what?”

Altair laughed lightly and gently touched a paw to my stomach. “You are hurt…here…” I tried to recoil as the light reached out, but Altair merely placed his paw against me, a shining light flowing from his palm. Instantly, I began to feel better.

“How-”

“Shh,” he whispered. “Look.” I glanced down at my stomach and removed the bandages. I swear I could have almost fainted.

“It’s gone!” I shouted, twisting every way I could. Not a single stab of pain could be felt anywhere. I stared up at Altair who merely smiled at me.

“I healed you,” he replied, as if that was the easiest thing in the world. “Zanna,” he murmured, grabbing hold of my paw. “I want you to have this.” I looked to where our palms joined. A small flash passed from Altair’s paw to mine in an instant. “What I just did, the power is now yours.” He released my paw and studied my face for a kind of gratitude. I could only blink.

“I…I can heal?” I replied, stunned.

Altair raised a paw to his mouth and laughed airily again. “My, you’re funny. It’s been so long…since I’ve had company…” Altair’s face abruptly changed into a grim frown.

“What happened?” I asked, trying to console him. The Light Pokemon shook his head.

“I died…many years ago. Your kind will remember me as a hero…but that was not so.” He hung his head before staring at me sadly. “If I could cry, I would. But I’m only a spirit, incapable of any such gesture…” The Pikachu broke off and looked up at the ceiling. “Zanna, you are the first Light Pokemon in over a hundred, thousand years.”

I stood completely shocked. Then I remembered something. Though I was half unconscious at the time, I was sure Balian had uttered the word ‘Altair’. “Balian mentioned you,” I said hesitantly.

Altair looked back at me solemnly. “Yes, I was the first ever Light Pokemon, and the last. It was I who drove off the dark invaders. But by sheer luck.” He laughed dryly and then turned away. “But I didn’t bring you here for that.”
“You?! You brought me here? Wait, where exactly is ‘here’?” I asked. Altair responded calmly.

“I brought you to the Spirit World, also known as the Farplane. Here, I am able to interact with you. But your friends…everyone who is still alive will cease to exist here. This is a world only for the dead.”

I gasped and recoiled without thinking. I touched myself warily. “Am I…”

“No!” he amended. “I can talk to you because you’re a Light Pokemon; a guardian of Talzere. I think…only you can bring balance now. But it won’t be so easy; everything has gone out of order!” He threw up his paws and stopped moving. He seemed to be thinking. “Hmm…come, Zanna. I want to show you something.” He held out a paw for me and when I took it, gently led me through the archway.

He still held my paw as we stopped by some ancient carvings to examine them. “This one,” Altair motioned with his free paw, “describes what happened to Talzere when the Dark Ones invaded.” I went to take a closer look, but the impatient Pokemon dragged me on. He stopped at a rather dusty and dark carving. “This one,” he said in a mere whisper, “depicts my death…” He trailed off and left me to stare at it. I realised that the light etching was of Altair, but who was the dark figure? It looked similar to a cloaked shadow. “That is Darkrai,” Altair answered, noticing my gaze. “He was the one who led the Dark Ones. I sacrificed myself unwillingly to send him here, to the Farplane.”

I ran a paw over the cracked stone and stopped as it rested on the light etching, smeared with red. I closed my eyes, disgusted. “Then you were a hero,” I murmured. “You were so brave…”

“No,” Altair almost snapped. I broke away from his grasp and froze. A dozen or so spikes of pure white jutted out from his body. I stared at him for a moment, horrified. As soon as the Pikachu caught sight of my expression, the spikes faded and he hung his head again. “I-I’m sorry. But I wasn’t a hero. I didn’t do it willingly. I was a fool; a stupid, old fool.” His gaze returned to his ‘death scene’ whereupon he lashed out with a jolt of electricity. “It didn’t work!” he cried. “Darkrai still had Deoxys! I’m so stupid! How could I have missed that?!” The distraught Pokemon lashed out again and again until he ended up on the marble floor in a white heap. From his sobbing, I guessed that he was crying, with the exception of tears.

“Zanna, forgive me,” His eyes searched mine pleadingly for a moment as he looked up. “I didn’t want this burden to fall on you. It’s all my fault…”

I shook my head and sat down beside him. “Of course not. You couldn’t have prevented this; one Pokemon just isn’t enough. Not for all of that.”

“Then how will you fare?!” he cried back in anguish. “I don’t want to lose you too!” It was a moment before I realised that I was crying. Only the taste of saltiness alerted me.

“Neither do I…” I mouthed inaudibly. The next thing I knew, Altair had grasped me softly in his arms, almost like I was a child again, and he was comforting me.

“You won’t,” he assured me firmly. “I and the others will see to that.” While the rest of my tears dried up, Altair held me, whispering frantically in my ear. “Light Pokemon have many powers,” he explained. “Healing, which I have given to you, is probably the most useful. In time, you will also be able to teleport short distances, fly, read minds, and even control gravity and time. But that won’t be until much later.”

I pushed myself out of the Pikachu’s arms and stood up, wavering for a moment as I bit my lip. “I can’t do this; it’s too much for me.” I closed my eyes wearily and when I opened them, saw Altair’s face in front of me. He’d stopped just inches away, staring at me intensely. It looked as if he’d just been concentrating.

“Your friends miss you,” he answered my quizzical look. “One in particular.” He frowned slightly. “The Elekid calls for you, in his sleep. He’s worried, I think. You have great friends.” Altair now looked on the verge of tears, before I remembered that he couldn’t cry.

“I have to go, don’t I?” It was a pointless question, for I already knew the answer. I sighed. “I wish I could bring you with me now. I’d hate to leave you alone.” I stared up at Altair who smiled lightly.

“No, I would never want you here. It would mean you were…” He left the sentence unfinished, but I knew what he meant.

“So how do I get back?” I asked, changing the subject.

“I can take you there,” he answered, glancing at me sideways. It was the oddest look, almost as if…I gasped as his paw came up and gently traced my cheek. It felt really soft, like a feather, or even air itself.

So this is a spirit, I thought, slowly biting my lip again. I knew Altair could see I was fretting.

“Hush,” he told me, drawing me up to him. He embraced me lightly as I put my head on his shoulder.

“I-I wish…” I started to say, but the Light Pokemon held me back again before touching my nose with his own. The strangest feeling spread through me as I guessed his intentions.

“In another time, another place…” he whispered, warm breath intoxicating me. “I could have loved you.” He then bent his head slowly towards mine until his lips rested lightly against my own, pressure building until his face began to fade and his presence was gone.

***

The last fading light disappeared in front of Altair’s eyes and he held a paw up wistfully. It had been so long since he’d had company, let alone felt something much more. He was drawn to Zanna like honey, and he knew it was because they were joined through their pasts. But it was also forbidden. He was nothing but a spirit now. What was worse, he couldn’t help but feel he might have hurt Zanna by kissing her. Surely she must have been very confused by someone she’d just met. Yet, if she felt the same attraction as he did, he was sure she’d know why. But the contact also had another effect.

Altair had gained access to some of Zanna’s future and what was going on in her mind. The Light Pokemon raised a paw to his mouth in shock. What he’d just seen surely could not be true. “No…” he mouthed. “It can’t be!” He instantly raced across the room and stopped by a pool of water which glowed a luminescent blue. Dipping his paw into it and swirling it slowly, a distorted picture soon came into focus. When Altair peered into the murky depths, he let out a startled cry. The scene had not changed, and it was just as he had feared.

“And I sent her back,” he murmured. I should have kept her with me…But he would not have done that against her will. The Pikachu hung his head, paws clenched into fists. His ears pricked up slightly as smooth footsteps sounded behind him. Altair didn’t bother to turn, for he knew who it was. “Welcome…Xatu,” he managed to force out. As he replied, a feathery green wing fell onto his shoulder.

“She is just as I’d envisioned. That human…she is very strong.” Xatu’s firm voice made Altair glance up at him.

“Did I do the right thing? If she dies, I couldn’t stand it, Xatu.” The green bird removed his wing and dipped it into the pool for Altair to see. A shimmering image filled the center, rippling gently. The Light Spirit narrowed his eyes as he leaned forward. “But how?” He was just as stunned as he sounded. Xatu merely placed a wing against Altair’s heart and breathed deeply.

“Many things shape our paths. Many are interwoven. You two are joined, now. Who knows what that will bring?” A small smile stretched across Altair’s face as he turned back to the image in the pool. A light figure stood proudly, but a distant figure fell. If one survives, one may die…Altair sighed and drew a paw across the water, erasing the image almost as abruptly as it had come.

***

The first thing I did when I regained consciousness was slowly lift a paw to my mouth. A tingling feeling had seen fit to set itself there. I was amazed by how forward Altair had actually been, but I knew the cause of it, for I was drawn to him, too. I was drawn, yes, but Altair was right about one thing. In another time, in another place, I could have loved him as well, but we both knew it was hopeless at this point. While my inner light called for him, I still controlled my mind, and I did not want him.

“Zanna?” Snapping me out of my reverie, Jarre hovered above my body like a second shadow.

I rose up without hesitation and eyed him anxiously. “How long was I out for?”

“A while,” the Torchic responded. “But I’m more amazed at what happened to your wound. It just…disappeared!”

I’d almost forgotten that part. I peered down at my stomach and sifted through my soft fur. It was true, the wound and scar had been totally removed. A small smile touched my lips. “I met another Light Pokemon,” I explained. “He healed me and then gave me the same power, and then…” I trailed off. Best to leave the others from all of the details. But luckily for me, another thought intruded. “The Elekid calls to you, in his sleep…” Rye! I could heal him now! I grinned and just managed to grab hold of Jarre’s wing before racing off. “Come on! We’ve got to hurry!” I suppose Jarre had guessed my train of thought because he didn’t argue, just tried to keep up with me.

It seemed we’d come further than I thought and I had to slow myself down to a brisk walk as I puffed. However, it wasn’t long before the clearing came into view. It was almost full of daylight now; I was sure the others would be up. Turning to Jarre, I said “You go get the others. I’ll see to Rye.” Jarre took instant leave and left me to wander alone up to the Elekid.

As I reached his side, I could clearly tell he was doing worse than before. The lashings didn’t stop; they were constant now. His face was contorted in agony, his back almost a deep crimson. I was shaky as I knelt down beside him and instinctively placed a paw over his heart. The Elekid stiffened at my touch, yet still lashed out.

I closed my eyes for a brief second. It hurt me to see him like this. He was a fool for attempting what was already a failure. I opened my eyes as I felt my palm grow warm. Light had enveloped it and was sent to Rye with ease. The Elekid’s motions lessened, but still drove on. Underneath my paw, I felt his heart skip a beat, and then my own in response. I blinked once in surprise and then shook my head. “No, I will not!”

I strengthened the magic in my paw, though Rye seemed to be growing worse. “Grrr…” I growled through my teeth as I gritted them. I thought this was supposed to help Rye, not ail him.

The minutes ticked by and Rye’s heartbeat slowed until it began to grow dim. I could barely feel it anymore, even when I pressed my paw harder to his chest. I blinked furiously as tears began to well in my eyes. A seething anger pulsed through me. “This…was…supposed…to help!” I shouted, baring my fangs as my fur turned white again. Jagged edges of my fur tousled as the wind blew through them. I felt nothing but irritation. Rye’s slow, impending doom had forced me into my light form. I knew that if anyone came near me now, I couldn’t be held responsible for my actions.

Once again, I pressed my paw firmly into his chest, willing myself to feel his heartbeat. The one under me had grown so faint I couldn’t even feel it. Then, in one swift second, it stopped entirely. I gritted my teeth so hard that I felt a fang slip and cut my bottom lip. My eyes narrowed and I willed my paw to release more magic. I refuse to give up! But Rye’s heartbeat was gone. The poison had gotten to him and I was too late. Why did I refuse to see it?

Vision now blurred by a torrent of tears, I waited a moment before shakily removing my paw. It was a lost battle. Rye was now completely still, void of even the tiniest movement. As a breeze rustled past, my fur returned to its former yellow and I fell to my paws. How…how could it be? I didn’t even…we were friends! “Life doesn’t just tear away friends!” I shouted towards the sky. I heard a flock of Pidgey respond angrily before flying away.

My body yearned to move from this desolate place, but my mind held me still. I sensed something, if only small. Using little of what telekinesis I knew, I probed outwards with my mind, searching for something. It was faint…a flicker of…red? I turned my gaze to Rye. For a second there, I was sure I’d felt a presence, but a presence of what?

Movements quickening, I positioned myself so that I leaned over Rye, and touched another paw to his chest. Every second I felt the red flicker grow until it consumed the palm of my paw. Whatever it was, it was spreading and fast. Strange as it was, I could feel no heartbeat, either. It was when I was about to shake him that the Elekid retaliated. In an instant, his heart gave a wild thump. A force wave was unleashed and threw me to the ground. But I cared nothing for myself right now.

Rye was sitting bolt upright glaring at me with two, hollow red eyes.

[Chibi Altaria]

Warning: Before you proceed, please note that this chapter is rated PG13-15+

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Chapter 22;
.............inner demons

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The weight that pushed down on me was like a thousand daggers, each one driving further into my body. Heh, a pain I was used to. The poison was sinking into me very gradually. I’d begun to lose track of time. Day or night, it didn’t matter anymore. I’d doomed myself ever since I severed the link with Zanna. Even as it pained me to do it, she would have a better chance of survival now with me gone.

A smile formed within my mind. Funny how I only smiled when no one was looking, or not at all. The only thing that kept me alive now was sheer willpower, and even that was dimming. So I’m to die like this, I thought. Heh, could’ve done better. And the mission…

The mission which I’d sworn to do. I was meant to put the tracer on Zanna; she was my target ever since Deoxys had followed her. The mission had been simple: track Zanna and find out how she was involved with Deoxys by any means necessary. After that was done, I was supposed to lure her back to the Missionary for questioning. Now, it would probably be for experimentation. If we were to ever go back there, to my father, all would be lost. The last thing I wanted now was for Zanna to be tested on. I sacrificed myself for her, and I wasn’t about to let that go to waste.

Part of me had always wondered why I’d done it. Why would I risk my own life for another? A question like that demanded a simple answer; and I’d given it to myself. Because I cared. I cared what happened to this Pikachu. Cared enough to give my life for hers. Zanna was my friend, but lately, it’d been more difficult to do what was needed. When it came to Zanna, I realised I had no limits; I was beginning to care too much.

In my mind, I shook my head. This was wrong and I knew it. In more ways than one. To care for someone was already a big stretch for me, but if I was doing this, it could only mean one thing. I wasn’t about to say the word, no doubt it would just worsen the situation, but my mind thought ahead. Curse my intelligent mind when I needed it to be quiet. The fact was that I was clearly developing feelings towards her. And I…I didn’t want to go there.

Codan had laid down the golden rule as well, and I wasn’t about to cross it. But I’d seen it in his eyes before I’d known myself. He’d known all along. What would happen if I was to wake up? I wouldn’t drag her into my mess of a life, and that was only if she even reciprocated the feeling. Father…he would not approve at all.

Deep within the recesses of my mind, I snorted. My father had been the start of all this trouble. That time in the Records Room, when Zanna mentioned I was her friend, how could I be anything but shocked? I’d never had a friend since I was six years old. My father had clearly seen to that. And then Zanna came along. I had run then, like the coward I was. I didn’t want history to repeat itself. Not again.

A shudder coursed through my dreaming body. After that time, I’d lost him forever. That’s why I shuddered every time someone said ‘friend’. That’s why I never showed my feelings. That’s why I’ve become who I am. I may be cold, but I wasn’t always like this. The one creature whom I blame for my entire pathetic existence; a murderer. My father.

***

“Hey, Rye! Check this out!” A small green Pokemon stood before me. He winked as he tried to push the solid stone door open. When he couldn’t, the Larvitar slumped and panted, exhausted. I let my bell-like laughter fill the room.

“Oh, Kryal! You’re too much! And so weak. Here, let me show you how it’s done.” I smirked at Kryal who pouted and didn’t move an inch.

“No way! You said I could do this.”

I sighed, picking up a brown pebble and tossing it within my paws. “Yeah, you tried and failed. Don’t you think I deserve a turn?” Kryal raised himself off the ground with a paw, leaning against the door.

“Come on, Riley.” The fur on my back instantly stood on end. I hated it whenever anyone used my full name; loathed it even. The rough snarl that issued from my throat was a clear warning of that. But it didn’t fool Kryal. My best friend, he’d been like a brother to me ever since the day I was born.

“Oh, there you are!” Great. Too late. That was Kryal’s other half, or his twin sister, if you prefer. Eon wasn’t the best Pokemon to play with, but on the plus side, she could clear a room in two seconds flat.

A smile played about my lips as she approached. “Hey, Eon. What brings you here?” I tried to play cool, but she was too smart to be fooled. Lucky for her.

“Don’t think I’d fall for that! Just because you’re the Commander’s son, doesn’t mean you can get away with it.” The smile on my face faded as I stared at her. What a piece of work this Larvitar was. Her figure alone implied ‘danger’ at every angle.

“Fine. Do what you want,” I snapped, too angry now to care. “But Kryal and I are getting into this room.”

“Darn straight!” I heard Kryal’s muffled voice from behind one of the marble statues. I covered my mouth with both paws to suppress a laugh.

A faint sigh was given from Eon’s direction, and then, "Forgive me, Lord Arceus.” A green fist swung forward, but I’d always been three steps ahead. Dodging her paw like it was nothing; I landed lightly a few paces behind her. Eon whirled around in surprise, a startled gasp escaping her mouth. My own curved up into a grin as I bound her tightly around the waist.

“Heh, did you really think that would work on me? I’ve taken extensive training, you know.” Ignoring Eon’s glares and shouts of protest, I flexed my arms tighter. “Now give me your word you won’t interfere, or tell father. Swear it!” My reply was harsher than intended, but I didn’t want anything to go wrong.

“Not in your dreams, Rye! Let me go!” I sighed. I really didn’t want to do this, but if she gave me no choice…I glanced at Kryal who’d recovered from his little escapade. He gave a slight nod and closed his eyes halfway.

Yes…”Sorry, Eon,” I mouthed. One of my paws whipped up to her mouth to stifle a scream and the other gripped the pressure points in her left shoulder. A second later, the Larvitar slumped into my arms. I frowned sadly at what I’d done. Thank goodness father wasn’t here to see that. I manoeuvred between the marble columns and set Eon down in a corner. I stood over her for a couple of minutes before I heard Kryal’s voice behind me.

“Come on! It had to be done, right?”

“Mmm…” My eyes grew moist. I’d been told I was a cry-baby, but I wasn’t meant to be mean. My conscience usually saw to that. “Yeah, but…” I sighed again. Arguing with Kryal wouldn’t get me anywhere. Eon would wake up in a few hours, anyway. Right now, all I wanted was to see what was in the Forbidden Room. Just the thought of it brought a smile to my face again. “Alright, now let me show you how it’s done!”

***

Arrrgh! I was brought back to the present. I’d been unaware I was even reliving my past, let alone my nightmare. I drew deep within my mind and curled into a ball. Little had this effect on me. Just remembering made me so fragile; my whole body was encased with sweat, shivering uncontrollably. What had happened that day…”NO!” Thump, thump. A slashing of steel-on-steel, and a scream to top it off.

I clutched at myself in terror. I don’t want to live! Take me now before he does! The dark shadows that swam before my eyes haunted me. Without a doubt, I’d succumb to this poison. How could I live knowing what I was apart of? What I didn’t want to be?!

“You promised, Riley…”

“Huh? Eon?” Great, now I was hearing things, too?

“You promised me…won’t you keep your word?”

Eon’s voice echoed throughout my mind, but then warped into a new one. One which was part of me, but a demon. “He was bound to suffer. I saw him betraying you. On the contrary, Riley, I took pleasure in it. Pleasure in my killing…”

“GO AWAY!” I lashed out at the voice, clutching my head in agony. It had been so long since I was this afraid…so long since I could actually taste the blood flowing on my lips. I needed death; it would be a comfort now. “Let me be! Haven’t you tormented me enough?!” Eyes wide with fear, the scene enveloped me again…

***

“And that should do it!” I smirked in confidence. My abilities were getting stronger! I clenched my paws as I made way for Kryal. The Larvitar peered at the dark crack in the doorway, just wide enough for us to fit through. He took a deep breath and then grimaced.

“I don’t know if I’m ready for this. How about the Lord’s son goes first?”

I snorted. “I told you to stop using formalities with me. It’s not like I’m a hero, or something.” Nevertheless, I pushed past the Larvitar and made for the dark void. I strained my ears to see if there were any sounds, but they must have been too subtle for me to pick up.

My muscles automatically tensed as I slid through the doorway. Who knew what I’d find. I heard Kryal follow slowly from behind. From his uneven footsteps, I could guess he was nervous. So much the better, I thought. At least we’ll be on our guard.

The room we’d entered must have been called ‘forbidden’ for a reason, and I wanted to find out why. As the Commander and Lord’s son, I was allowed anywhere. To not be able to enter a room made me naturally curious. It was a very dark room filled with sinister shadows. I’d found that there was no light switch, but instead a clear orb hung from the ceiling. I snickered. This room must have been old to still have a mechanism like that as a light. I stopped walking and halted Kryal with a paw.

Focusing my electricity into both paws, I thrust them towards the light. In a burst of speed, the voltage from my body lit the orb. It seemed to glow almost instantaneously. The cold cement walls of the room were revealed…and others, besides. Everything else locked and froze around me; my mind had just shut itself off. All I could hear was my ragged breathing and the gasp of surprise that escaped my lips. This room…was filled with cages!

The silence stunned me, more than the dank, rusty smell. Yet something nagged at me. A room full of cages, but no sound? That could mean only one thing: there were no inhabitants here. My ears hadn’t caught any sound. I noted the nearest cage was to my right. The bars reached all the way to the ceiling and a small iron door was set about halfway down. Why wasn’t it at ground level?

I walked over to the cage, my footsteps echoing against the cool surface of the floor. The cement unnerved me. To my nose, it smelt like death surrounded this room. Kryal must have felt the same, for he’d not taken a step further to follow me. As I reached the cage, I placed both my paws on the metal bars. They felt so smooth, but I could also feel chinks within them, mostly on the inside. I shuddered inwardly because those holes felt like teeth marks. Something had been gnawing at the bars.

Eyes widening ever so slowly, I peered into the cage…and froze. I wanted to run, but my legs had frozen to the cement. I knew then that it wasn’t my doing. I was trying to run. Something had bound me to the floor! “Rye!” Kryal’s scream made me jerk my head around.

“Ah!” It was with terror that I saw a hooded figure emerge from the north of the room. It made straight for Kryal. I could only watch as it bent over him…sniffing? The beast gave off a rough snarl and turned its head to me. It didn’t want to waste its time with Kryal, I realised. It smelt a more powerful foe in me.

As it sauntered to where I stood, frozen to the floor, I noted that its mouth was chained in a muzzle. Apart from that, it walked on two legs and was completely black. I’d never seen such a thing in my life; I was beyond terrified. My fur stood on end and I was shaking like I’d just been dropped in a sea full of ice. “Mother…” I whimpered, tears clouding my vision.

I scrunched my eyes shut as the figure drew closer. I knew I’d die now. There was no way out of it. But even as I heard the savage growl escape from its mouth and its warm breath upon me, the final blow never came.

“Lord Riley!”

I snapped my eyes open. Next to the figure, binding it with psychic powers, was my father’s oldest friend, Khrono. The Slowking motioned with a paw and the hooded beast was instantly chained to the nearest set of bars. He then waved a paw at my feet and Kryal’s. Both of us were set free and I hurried to Khrono’s side, grasping onto his leg firmly. “Oh, Rye…” he murmured, tousling my fur. “Let’s get you out of here before any more trouble occurs.” Khrono took my paw and then led us both to the door.

“A pity that a good thing has to go to waste, now.”

“Huh?” My eyes widened as I released the Slowking’s paw and turned around gleefully, yet I cringed. “Father!” The Electabuzz stared down at me with loathing.

“I’ll talk to you later,” he snapped.

I stared at him as he walked over to the beast. “Father?” What was going on here? Father stood near the dark creature and peered up at it. Strange, but the thing didn’t seem to want to attack him. I felt a gentle prod on my shoulder before Khrono drew me close to him. I noticed Kryal on the other side, also hiding behind a thick leg for safety. I opened my mouth to speak, but the Slowking shook his head roughly in a warning.

“When I say so,” he whispered fervently, “I want you to run. Don’t question me,” he added, seeing my face. “Just do it. Rye, ignore your father, whatever he says. Take Kryal and flee.” I frowned. He must be getting delusional in his old age. What was he talking about?

“Interesting, Khrono, old friend. It seems to me that you’ve been keeping secrets.” Father’s voice boomed across the room with a kind of contempt.

“Secrets?” Khrono answered. “Whatever do you mean, my Lord?” I noticed that he’d shuffled a step back. Why was he afraid of my father? He’d never hurt anyone before.

“Indeed,” he continued. “Maske here tells me that you’re planning to escape…with my son.” The Electabuzz’s eyes narrowed. I was used to seeing my father with red eyes, but they suddenly seemed to crave for blood.

“S-sir! Khrono stuttered. “I would nev-”

“RELEASE!” My father directed the cry at the beast called Maske. The cloak and chains slid off to reveal a dark croc-like Pokemon that my instincts told me was a Feraligatr. Khrono gave a startled cry and pushed Kryal and I backwards so hard that we ended up sprawled across the floor. Maske let off a terrifying growl.

“Father! What are you doing?!” I shouted across the room. The Slowking turned and called to me.

“No, Lord Rye. You musn’t-arrgh!” In the instant that he’d looked away, Maske’s jaws had closed around Khrono’s free arm. A scream of terror erupted from my mouth.

“Father! Stop this!” But as I looked over at him I saw my father smiling. He was enjoying Khrono’s pain. Sweat beaded my forehead and my heart skipped a beat as I shuffled on the cold floor. I began to bite my lip so hard that I tasted blood; almost identical to the flow of sanguine fluid that streamed down Khrono’s body.

I stared, horrified, as Maske snapped at him again. Khrono was caught in the large jaws instantly. First a leg and then his other arm were torn from his body. Shreds went flying around the room, blood and fur alike stuck fast to the walls. My eyes were glued. As much as I wanted to scream and run, I couldn’t. Khrono’s own soundless gasping kept me seated, frozen on the floor.

Maske gave one, last savage growl before sending his fangs through the back of Khrono’s head. The Slowking shuddered as a nerve was hit and collapsed upon the ground, swimming in a pool of his own blood and organs. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the beast keeled over and started lapping at the remains. My mouth filled with bile and the blood from my lip. But I finally closed my eyes. Shadows of the figure haunted me now, and I could smell the rust and warmth of the death that had just occurred. What followed surprised me even more.

“That was…splendid.” My father’s voice trilled with triumph. I felt my heart stop. He was no Pokemon; he was a monster! I buried my head in my paws and curled up against a part of the wall that was clean from gore. My ragged breathing and inaudible sobs were all that attached me to the real world now. That and Kryal, who had taken refuge behind a small cement block to my left. I heard father’s voice command Maske to stay and then he directed his shouts towards me. I moved my paws to cover my ears.

I…can’t hear you! I repeated endlessly in my mind, grasping at my head so hard that I began to feel dizzy. But no matter how hard I tried, I could still feel his touch as he grabbed me roughly, yanking me to my feet.

“You disobeyed my orders! Do you really want to know what’s in here?!” I didn’t reply, but tugged as hard as I could away from his grasp. It didn’t matter. I could have been a feather to him. “Well? I am creating an army of Dark Pokemon! The likes of which will defeat Deoxys!” So that’s why I couldn’t sense a life source…

I sniffled and opened half an eye. “But…but what about friends? The people who you trust to fight for you…?” My father looked at me in surprise and burst out laughing, dropping me to the floor again. I hurried back to the wall, my gaze flickering towards Kryal.

“Friends?” he spat, gesturing towards the remains of Khrono. “There is no such thing! Let me tell you something, Rye. We exist solely to obey our orders. There are our team-mates, advisors and objects, but there is no such thing as a friend. We do not need them. All that happens is injustice! A very piece of your soul to be torn away from you, until there is nothing left but a void of darkness and despair!”

I caught a sly grin on his face as his eyes narrowed. They were pure crimson now. I cringed as far away as I could against the wall until the jutting rocks cut into my back. I could feel the pain; it stung, yet it was nothing compared to my father at this present time. He was nothing but a monster! How was he a lord?! Hearing a soft squeak from my left, I turned to see Kryal cowering silently. I held my father’s eyes as he turned to him. You don’t need friends…No; he wouldn’t…”NO!” I screamed, but I was too late.

Father had caught hold of Kryal’s legs. Pulling the tiny Larvitar upright, he held him by the ends of both his arms. I could see how little his pathetic struggles were doing. I closed my eyes again swiftly. All I could hear was Kryal’s muttering of terror, his plea for help. Like the fool I was, I ignored him. I just wanted to leave this place. “Watch!” my father commanded, and I was forced to obey.

I saw everything then; the manic look in his eyes, red and cold, his fangs glinting from the depths of his many teeth and his powerful arms as they pulled intensely away from Kryal’s body. I was forced to watch as my only friend was ripped in half by my father, the glee on his face stinging my mind like an unwanted thorn.

I was still. So still that the only thing that moved was my father. His footsteps echoed like metal as they scraped across the floor towards me. I hid my head under my arms and buried it within my fur again. I bit into my already raw lip and my claws found new holes to nestle into. “Come,” was my father’s only word. And like a puppy drawn to its master, I obeyed.

I exited the room in absolute silence, not looking back, with only a numbness spreading through me. Only a single sound was audible to me; three words that swam within my head.

Friends don’t matter…

And so I let the ice encase me.

Still covering my head, I gritted my teeth as tight as I could. “Not again,” I murmured. “Not again!” Images of Khrono and Kryal filled my mind. Sinister shadows twisted in front of my unopened eyelids. Why me?! What had I done?! “ARRGH!” My soundless scream coursed through my mind. I swore to myself that I’d never have a single friend again. How was I to know my fate was to be sealed when I met Zanna?

I remembered pouncing on her, pinning her to the ground effortlessly; that was our first meeting. I’ll admit then that she intrigued me; her cool blue eyes told many unwanted secrets. Then, after that, she rescued the two Chikorita from the cavern. Defeated an Aggron, so I’d heard…but it was actually Deoxys in disguise…She’d then completed her training and beat Codan, albeit by default.

At that time, I’d still felt nothing. For so long I’d been encased in my icy depths. Ever since that day I’d trained myself to feel no emotion at all; my father called them a weakness. That made me a lethal weapon in combat. So I’d been further trained in martial arts and given the title of lieutenant. I was now my father’s trusted right-hand man. Yet I loathed him, but I did so in discretion. To do so outright would utterly mean my death.

Why, then, did I disobey him and side with Zanna? I knew: Because she was the first Pokemon since Kryal that had opened up to me. She was the first friend I’d had since that day that had actually made me feel something again. Little by little, she was breaking my ice shield. But if I disobeyed my father, there would likely be another war, and we already had one on our hands…

The shadows pressed down harder, but they made me relax. Maybe it would be best if I was gone. No more turmoil…I sighed, letting the darkness freely engulf me. There was nothing left for me to care about now. No one needed me; I had no purpose. But yet…

“Rye!”

The call came so abruptly. Had I been subconsciously trying to contact Zanna? My stress must have been enough to initiate the link, if only for a second. I growled inwardly, thrashing out as I felt a weight on my chest. “Go away!” Leave me to die in peace! It’s my destiny!

The weight pressed down harder every second until it was so heavy that I couldn’t breathe. I could feel my heart thud slower and slower before finally halting to a standstill. Fine…I thought. I will die knowing that I have saved a life. I closed my eyes, ready to resign to my fate, but something began to tug on me. A bright light blinded my vision and I lashed out on instinct. The light was pulling me up again!

I revelled in its warmth…it was so refreshing. How could I not follow? Reaching out almost automatically, I let it draw me upwards. But I stopped halfway. The light dimmed and began to fade out of focus. An intense spark flared within me. Now I’d tasted life again, I wanted it; craved it. “Grrr….ARGH!”

I thrashed about as the red spark grew stronger. Every minute brought me closer to the surface until I burst through the dark shield. Snapping my eyes open, I sat up and sent out a small force wave, knocking everything within a metre radius backwards. I caught my own breathing, rough and shallow, but there.

I glared at the haze that still surrounded me. I was not meant for this! I knew now that my destiny was not to die here; it was clearly something more. My ears picked up a sound beside me and I whirled around to face it, paws raised in defense. The red haze that obscured my vision made me shake my head in frustration. Dragging a paw back, I went to strike at the figure, but then stopped. Unable to move, my paw still swung back ready to punch, I inhaled a sharp breath.

The softest touch alerted my senses and made me freeze. A…paw? Yes, a paw stroked my arm in a soothing motion. It was so soft, it felt like a feather. The red haze began to lift and my eyelids drooped. Suddenly regaining my movement, I noticed the figure give a slight gasp before I passed out in its arms. This time it wasn’t ice that encased me, but silky fur and the gentle beat of a heart…

[Chibi Altaria]

Chapter 23;
.............between war and lust

---------

Rye’s eyes startled me. The gaping red voids seemed to endlessly drag me under, but I couldn’t be sure. As soon as they’d come, the crimson colour dissipated, leaving Rye’s usual stunning, emerald eyes in their place. I’d caught him as soon as he’d fallen back, taking most of his weight off me by resting him against the ground. Just like I’d seen Quoll doing a few times, I stroked a paw soothingly across his right arm as he lay on my side.

A deep, long sigh escaped my mouth. My tears were dry now, but that didn’t let me escape the horror of what I’d experienced. For a moment there, Rye was technically dead. That scared me more than I’d have liked. I’d seen death a lot lately, so I was unsure why this one would have had such a large effect on me. It was because he was my friend, I was almost certain. To have one of my friends die…it would be like a piece of me was torn away. And there was no possibility of me letting that happen.

Despite the recent trauma, I was pleased to see that Rye’s breathing had now become even and the scars that had plagued his back had disappeared. I knew now that my healing had worked. Thank you, I murmured within my mind. I was almost sure that I felt a gentle whisper in response.

Twisting my head towards the horizon, I gazed at the trees. No doubt Jarre would be back soon. I wondered what was taking him so long. Moving slightly to go and check, I was startled when Rye’s eyes began to flutter open. I held my breath and waited. The truth was that I had no idea what I was going to say. Hey, welcome back from the dead? No, that was something Jarre would say, and I was sure he’d get a beating for it, too.

The Elekid opened his eyes slowly and blinked. When I opened my mouth to speak, no sound came out. After all this time, I was still transfixed by the intensity of Rye’s eyes. The Elekid must have noticed my speech impairment, for he spoke first. “Zanna? Am I…”

I shook my head, Rye’s words bringing me back to reality. “You’re alive,” I whispered, “alive and well. I managed to find a way to heal you.” I smiled grimly, though I could see he wasn’t fooled. Surely Rye had noticed my dried tears by now. Whether he did or not, he didn’t say. He merely sat up weakly and placed a paw behind his head, groaning.

“I must have been unconscious for quite a while. I feel all stiff.”

“Oh, you’ll soon get over that,” I grinned. “But you’re right. You were unconscious for over a week now. I was beginning to worry that you might not wake up.” I stared at the ground and fixed my gaze to an oddly-shaped leaf.

Rye had been listening intently and thinking, too. He was probably so confused by all of this. When I glanced up, he had his eyes closed and head tilted to one side. “Thankyou for healing me,” he said calmly. “I really don’t know how to repay you.” Rye opened his eyes and offered me a small smile. “You don’t know how much it means to me to be back again.”

I could tell he was going to say something else, but at that moment Jarre and company decided to join us. Rye shuffled a few paces back and leant against the trunk of a tree, eyeing the newcomers. Jarre hastened to reach my side as the others stared at Rye in awe.

“Wow, you’d think he was dead.” Jarre muttered. I made to swat him in the head but checked myself as Codan glanced in my direction.

“Zanna, what happened here?”

Everyone turned to me expectantly, making me cringe backwards from all the attention. “I, well…er…”

“She healed me,” Rye broke in suddenly. I turned to him with a grateful glance. Rye’s expression didn’t change as he looked from me to the others.

Jarre filled in the rest. “Zanna was given a healing power. See, she was unconscious, but actually met another Light Pokemon, who made it so that she could heal.” When he finished, I thought that everyone just looked more confused.

“I’ll fill you in later,” I managed to say.

Everyone then bustled about Rye, checking to make sure he was alright. Jarre, however, stayed put by my side, watching with loathing.

Lani nuzzled Rye, Quoll chattered excitedly to meet him for the first time, Kraal and Marilai exchanged more nods and glances with him than actual words and Codan seemed to be having a long chat with him. All the while Rye politely responded, even if he was still a bit weary. The Elekid gave a slight bow as Codan left, leaving only him, Jarre and me in the clearing.

I could see that neither Elekid nor Torchic was willing to talk to each other. Jarre gave a glare towards Rye which the Elekid returned, but that was about the extent of their communication. I waited for one to speak; there was no way that I was getting involved. Finally I heard Rye sigh as he stood up.

“I’m going for a walk. Tell Codan I haven’t gone far, please, Zanna.” He gave a curt nod to Jarre and me before vanishing into the mass of trees.

Jarre gave a rough snort. “He’s ungrateful, that’s what he is.” I sighed and stood up to walk back to camp. “What?” Jarre stared after me. “What did I say?”

***

The night came quicker than I expected, but I welcomed it. The day had been nothing but restless. Codan and Lani had both been involved in a debate over where to go next, Quoll was busy adding adjustments to our leaf tents, Kraal and Marilai had taken refuge in a deserted part of the clearing and Rye hadn’t returned from his early walk until late evening. We were all now just getting relaxed around a small campfire.

Everyone was stunned when I’d told them my tale, even though I left out a few parts. All the while I noticed Rye’s gaze flicker between me and the flames of the fire, almost as if he knew there was something I purposely didn’t tell them. He hadn’t seen fit to re-establish our link and I was too much of a coward to ask him about it. But as far as I was concerned, it was his choice to make.

Once I’d finished talking, everyone chattered about excitedly. Only Rye and I were the two who didn’t join in. I took a curious glance towards the Elekid. If I didn’t know better, I’d have said he was thinking. But thinking about what? Before I could ponder further, Rye looked up and met my gaze. I hurried to look down, but he beat me. His eyes automatically shifted and rooted themselves to the trunk of a tree. That’s odd, I thought. He’s never avoided me like that before. I narrowed an eye in confusion.

“Zanna, about Altair, did he tell you exactly what happened?” It was Codan who had addressed me.

I leant over awkwardly. “Huh? Oh, no. We didn’t get that far, he…” I trailed off as I felt my face begin to colour. Thankfully it was too dark for anyone to see.

For a moment everything went quiet. I looked up for something to take my mind off Altair and saw Rye staring at me again. Ever so slowly, so I could barely even tell he was moving, he motioned towards the forest with a nod of his head. I frowned. Did he want me to follow him in there?

I made a slight motion with my paw and pointed towards the trees. Rye’s mouth curved up a little and he nodded. I cleared my throat. “Er…I’m going to go check the trees. I think I heard a noise.” I pushed off from the ground and saw a movement just beyond my eyesight. Rye had slapped his forehead. Well let’s see you do better, I thought sourly.

The Elekid stood up, yawning brusquely. “I might as well get an early night. I’m not used to being up so often, yet.” He politely said goodnight to each in turn, if a little roughly at Jarre, before striding off towards the tents.

“Show off…” I muttered, already at the base of the trees. No sooner had I entered the foliage than I felt a strong paw pull me aside. The Elekid put a claw to his mouth when I went to speak.

“Be more discreet next time, won’t you?” Then he grinned slightly and raised an eyebrow. “You’re a bad actress.”

I frowned and ignored him. “So what did you want?”

Rye leant against a tree casually and raised a paw to his head. “I’ve been thinking about what you said – about the temple,” he answered my curious expression. “It seems like a good opportunity for me to explore it, but…” He trailed off and turned towards me.


“But?” I prodded, waiting with my paws on my hips. This time Rye didn’t smile, though a small spark twinkled in his emerald eyes. He lowered his paw and took a step towards me so we were less than a metre apart. Though he was a fair bit taller than me, I wasn’t intimidated. Rye saw this and quirked an eyebrow before he continued.

“But since you and the temple seem to be connected, I thought you might like to come with me. Purely for mission purposes,” he added quickly, turning his gaze towards the dark moon.

Strange…I knew Rye was usually reserved, but he’d never been this jumpy before. The thought clouded my mind as I looked up at him. “So you’re saying that you’d like me to accompany you on a mission to the temple? Just us, then?”

A slight grin touched the corners of the Elekid’s mouth. “I was thinking that might be more efficient, if you don’t mind.”

I shook my head. “Not at all. When do we start?” A gentle silence passed between us as Rye turned his gaze towards the rising moon that was etched clearly within the night sky.

“Tonight,” he affirmed. “But I need to take care of something beforehand. Do you mind waiting?”

“Hmm…” I cocked my head to the side. “How long would I have to wait for?”

I caught a flash of white from Rye’s teeth as he backed away into the trees. “Don’t worry; I won’t keep you waiting long. All the same though, don’t wait up.” He winked an eye before leaping agilely onto a branch, racing northwards, leaving me to my own thoughts.

Only Arceus would have known how conflicted they were.

***

I’d decided to take an early night. If I was going to the temple, I’d need my rest. How was I supposed to know that I’d be having nightmares? I thought that since Rye had awoken, they’d be better now. I couldn’t have been farther from the truth if I’d tried.

I was subconsciously aware that my body was tossing itself restlessly. Deoxys’ face was a sinister shadow in front of mine, sneering with hatred. A new scene then enveloped me where he drove a tentacle through Altair’s heart, soon followed by Jarre and then Rye. By the end of the ordeal, I was nothing more than a sobbing fur ball.

Deoxys had me in his clutches, driving me towards him with glee. It was only then that a new form interrupted. This one was new to me; I hadn’t seen it before, yet I knew it was pure evil. A black Pokemon, cloaked in shadows, grinned maliciously.

“When I’m done with you, you will only wish you were dead…I will remember you…your fate will be sealed within your deepest nightmares!”

A high pitched wail ensued and as I screamed, clawing at my eardrums, something else closer beckoned to me.

“Zanna!”

A sharp hiss sounded from above me as my eyes snapped open. I was aware of my heavy breathing and the icy sweat that laced my body.

The dimmed yellow figure of an Elekid stood over me, holding my shoulders as he shook me gently. He cautiously waited for a few minutes until my breathing had returned to normal. I sighed and shrugged off his paws. Rye backed away but kept within a few metres just to make sure. “Are you alright? You seemed to be having…a bad dream.”

“A nightmare is more like it,” I whispered, shuddering. “I was – I was scared…” I swallowed through the lump in my throat and sat up, resting against the leafy wall of the tent. I hadn’t really admitted to anyone that I was scared before, but the truth had just hit me. I was up against the entire world. What could one lone Pikachu expect to accomplish? Winning against all odds would be a miracle.

Closing my eyes briefly, I took a deep breath and pushed away all of the sinister thoughts that clouded my mind. I saw Rye’s wary gaze as I glanced up, brows furrowed with concern. “If you’d prefer, you can just stay here for the night. I don’t want to drag you out like this.”

I shook my head slowly. “No, the fresh air will do me good. Anyway, you’ll look after me, right?” Rye stared at me for a moment longer before nodding. “Then we have nothing to worry about.” I allowed a smile to consume my face, though it was forced.

The Elekid waited with unlimited patience as I collected myself. He watched like a hawk and shifted at my every move. Though I wasn’t about to say it, he unnerved me. It was almost as if he believed I would drop dead at any moment. Ignoring my inner thoughts, I strode up to Rye and folded my paws. “Ready?”

“Are you?” he questioned in a sharp tone. “If you get hurt, I’m not going to be held responsible.”

“Relax!” I shot back, annoyed now. “I’m not a child! Why does everyone keep treating me like one?!” I glared at the shocked Elekid. I could tell he’d withdrawn again.

Rye made no comment as he leapt out my window, just waited as I followed. He walked brusquely into the forest, staring up at the moon every so often. It was like this that we drove onwards, silence encasing us. Only when a ray of moonlight illuminated the Elekid did I stop and give an inward gasp. What I had failed to see before stood out clearly now.

His emerald eyes were glazed with red, almost hollow, and his black stipes let off a dark aura. Even as I glanced up at his face – which he’d turned when I’d stopped – the smile he gave was one of contempt.

My feet wouldn’t move at my command; my will was disrupted. Rye’s eyes narrowed in a slight glare. I blinked my own, stunned, as I remembered what Quoll had said. “He will not turn until the poison reaches his heart. Only then will the change be permanent.”

The lump in my throat rose again as I held my breath. Was it possible…was it possible that some of the poison had reached his heart? Not enough to make the change permanent, only temporary? If so, what triggered me could set him off: a heightened state of emotion.

I must have made him angry, I realised. I clenched my paws. “It’s all my fault!” My legs buckled underneath me as my eyes filled with tears. I could never do anything right! Why is it that others have to suffer because of me?! A transparent tear fell to the ground and was swallowed instantly. I didn’t look up as footsteps came towards me almost soundlessly. A moment later, Rye had lowered himself to his knees, eyeing me.

“It’s not what you think…” he murmured.

My teeth automatically gritted. “Don’t lie! I know some of the poison reached you! How long have you known?! You’re dark now, Rye. Do you know what that means?! You’re a…a threat!” My voice broke on the last word and I gave up speaking altogether.

Rye flinched as if I’d hit him, but retained his calm composure. “I have only known a short while. It’s true that some poison got through when I let my guard down, but not enough for me to become a threat. I’m safe, Zanna. And you know I would never hurt you, right?”

I stared into Rye’s emerald, dimmed eyes. They wavered slightly, but held his promise. “I know,” I whispered. “It’s just…” I sighed and returned my gaze to the ground. If he becomes a threat, he’ll be forced to leave…I don’t want that. More tears flowed freely down my face.

Why was it that I could cry so easily? Jarre had a couple of times, but Rye…he’d never shown the slightest emotion from what I’d seen. Sniffing, I straightened up and hastily wiped my eyes. A paw rested on my shoulder then, light but firm.

“I’m sorry, Zanna. I didn’t want you to find out like this, or at all…”

A shaky laugh escaped my mouth. “Why should I have friends anyway? They’ll all be tormented because of me. Look…I’ve done this to you. I just wish…I just wish I could be brave enough to fight. How it all depends on me.”

Rye grated his teeth and stared back solemnly. “Not everything depends on you alone. You have Jarre, Codan, Lani and me. You should never have to do anything by yourself. Believe me, I know.” He smiled lightly, eyes dancing just like I’d seen them in the Records Room.

Without even thinking, I embraced him, burying my head into the soft fur of his shoulder. “I’m sorry!”

Rye, I think, was rather taken aback. He remained motionless for quite some time, completely still in the shadows of the trees. I knew he’d never been one for showing emotions, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t. I was now oblivious to the cool night air. It wasn’t until some time later that I felt the Elekid relax, arms returning my gesture. Until then, I hadn’t noticed that he’d also been holding his breath. The rhythm soothed me now as he held me firmly; a sign of support.

To be honest, I would have fallen asleep had I not remembered the mission. I needed to go back, too. The answers I sought would only be in there. Relinquishing my grip on Rye, my feet found solid ground and hoisted myself up. The Elekid was with me in seconds, calmly re-assessing the area. “Thanks for you help,” I murmured awkwardly.

Rye said nothing as we moved off again, but the smile that stretched across his face was worth more than a thousand words.

The temple looked even brighter at night, as Illumise and Volbeat clouded the sky, weaving throughout the mass of vines. The lake shimmered as Buizel frolicked and Horsea swam endlessly. Truly, this was a temple full of wonders.

“It’s magnificent,” Rye murmured in awe. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”

I tilted my head sideways to survey the temple. It reminded me of a fireworks display only on standstill. “Magnificent.” I agreed. My eyes drifted towards the stone bridge and my stomach lurched. “That’s where I…almost fell,” I said shakily. “Only Jarre was there to hold me back.”

Watching me with keen speculation, Rye strode over to the bridge and waited for my approach. “Here, I’ll be right behind you,” he said reassuringly.

I took a tentative step. No cracks broke off. Sighing deeply, I moved my other foot and repeated the process. Without even realising it, I’d soon crossed half the bridge before I looked down and stumbled. “Wah!”

Rye inched forwards and steadied me. “Are you afraid of heights?”

“No,” I muttered. “It’s just this bridge gives me the creeps. I also think it hates me.” I shook myself roughly. “It’s alright, I’m fine.” I ignored the Elekid’s look of scepticism as I cautiously crossed the last half. I swear I could have danced when my feet touched solid ground.

“I wouldn’t get too cocky,” Rye interrupted. “We still have to get back.”

Shoot! I forgot about that. My grin faded as Rye walked past, unperturbed by my dismay. Hurrying to catch up, I noticed that the interior of the temple was somewhat darker than the outside. We entered in complete silence, Rye following my lead. “It’s too dark!” I hissed. “Where are the lights in this place?” I glanced at Rye who had his head tilted towards the ceiling.

“There’s your answer.”

Looking upwards, I saw a small clear orb, obviously an old mechanism for a light switch. Rye sent out a jolt of electricity into the orb, lighting it with ease as it revealed the entrance room in all its glory.

“Wow…” I heard him mutter.

I smiled, thinking Altair would be pleased to hear that. At the exact moment I initiated the thought, a whir of cool air passed around me. “Huh?” I turned around in a dazed circle.

“Zanna?” Rye asked, confused.

“I think…I think that was Altair,” I said excitedly. “I’m sure he wants us to follow him!” The Elekid gave a questioning glance but raced after me towards the end of the entrance hall.

Altair led me through a narrower path than the rest. I soon realised that it opened up to reconnect on the outside. A large balcony circled the temple and another stone bridge paved the way to a cave. This time I crossed the bridge without hesitation; Altair had ensured me this one was safe.

Once inside the cave, his spirit disappeared and I was alone again. The Elekid joined me a moment later, staring in awe at the walls. I must have had a similar expression on my face, but how could I not? The walls glittered with pure diamond crystals and stone tablets alike. My eyes moved to the back of the cave where a small marble altar stood. Placed above the altar in a marble bowl was an orb about the size of an apple. It swirled in the majestic colours of silver and gold, tainted only by a stroke of black. Two smaller orbs sat at its sides. These were both a swirling purple.

“Rye, look…” When the Elekid made no reply, I turned around. I found him staring at the first stone tablet that glittered upon the wall.

“It’s a tale of Altair’s events,” he whispered. “Listen. ‘We were vastly outnumbered. Darkrai’s army was fully prepared for war; a horror which we had not envisioned. I knew then that it was my job alone to stop him, yet an unforseen event occurred. In all his malice and rage, Darkrai created a clone which he unleashed upon the world. I have little time to find it before it may be too late.’…”

We both stared in silence at the tablet which had now become rather illegible. “Move on to the next one!” I whispered hastily.

The Elekid took a brisk step to the right and continued. “‘Darkrai did not succumb. The tides of war were endless, and the light was fading. Already, two other Light Pokemon had fallen; my kin. I was now the last. All hope was lost and I was dimming, yet a voice called out to me. ‘Even in the darkest of times, light can always find a way to prevail.’ The lord himself, Arceus, had heard my prayers.’”

“So Arceus saved Altair?” I asked. “Or…”

“Wait,” Rye interrupted. “There’s a bit underneath that. ‘The clone was not as I’d expected. Because Darkrai was nothing but pure evil, his malice was the clone, the primary weapon. This weapon took the form of another Pokemon who could change at will. It was an alien to this world and inflicted nothing but devastation in its wake. Such was the terror of Deoxys…’”

I didn’t care whether I looked shocked, appalled, or both. Deoxys was Darkrai’s clone! His pure evil self! No wonder he doesn’t have a heart, I thought. A shiver raced through my body. “I-I’m fighting pure evil. I don’t think even a Light Pokemon can overcome that.” I looked up to see Rye shaking his head with vigour.

“‘Even in the darkest of times, light can always find a way to prevail.’ I believe that, Zanna. And I believe in you.” He smiled slightly and crossed his arms.

I just nodded. I can’t let everyone else down! I won’t let Rye down! I know he depends on me more than the others, we can do this together. “I can do it!” The diamond crystals resonated the strength in my voice and carried my determination. The glow they left made my fur look almost shiny, as was the same with Rye. A warm feeling buzzed around within me, then, and I didn’t know why. What was it?

My focus was abruptly broken as the crystals dimmed and a small tremor shook the ground. “Ah!” I tripped on a rock clumsily and closed my eyes, bracing for the fall, though it never came. Rye’s strong arms gripped me and held me just off the ground. I sighed. “Er…thanks. I’ve had more than my fair share of falls lately.” I suddenly found myself laughing and another sound, almost like a chime, joined in. I gasped and blinked. That was the second time Rye had laughed!

I looked up at the Elekid. He was chuckling softly with a grin spread across his face. Strange, but it made him look older and more kind than usual, almost mature, even. “You laughed!” I remarked.

“Hmm?” Rye stopped laughing and set me upright, peering at me with interest. “I guess I did.” His eyes remained focused on mine for a while, emerald green sparks glittering gently.

The next moment passed in a strange blur. Rye took a step towards me so that I felt his warm breath bathing me, before a light paw rested around my waist. The silky fur drew me in - further than I wanted to. It was almost dark in the cave now, so little could be seen but the shine of our fur. A sudden impulse drove me closer and I reached forward slightly as Rye tilted his head.

A loud rumble passed through the cave again and I fumbled, the earthquake sending us both to the gravelly floor. No longer dazed, I looked about frantically. “What’s going on?!” Rye had relocated to the cave entrance, back turned to me.

“I think…it’s an attack. Zanna! Stay close to me!” The Elekid stood protectively in front of me, sparks surging from his ears.

Though the attack was in the present, my mind was still shocked by what had almost happened. Rye was…he was going to kiss me…I realised. Even now, when-

“Zanna!” I barely dodged a falling rock in time before it crashed into the ground where I’d been standing a moment before. “What are you doing?” he hissed. “Keep sharp!”

“Sorry!” I muttered, crouching into a safe position behind the Elekid.

Rye shot off sparks towards the cave entrance. He could obviously sense something that I couldn’t. Another tremor shook the earth and more rocks tumbled down around us. Large wing beats sounded close to the entrance and grew louder, throwing both Rye and I to the ground.

“Duck for cover!” he roared over the wind.

I curled into a ball with Rye curled over me for extra protection. I gritted my teeth, keeping half an eye open to check for any danger. The wing beats grew louder until we were being pummelled into the earth by a gale! I curled tighter until the wind died down and a grating noise sounded on the rocks ahead of me. When Rye moved to the side, I saw a large, feathery creature peer down at me.

“Zanna?” it enquired. Huh? Why did it want me? Ignoring Rye’s protesting growl, I pushed him aside and made for the giant bird. At my approach, the Pidgeot bowed. “Well met, Zanna, Light Pokemon of Talzere. I am Windtalon, guardian of the Occa tribe. I have come in need of your aid and will provide you with services if you succeed.” Windtalon bowed again and turned her amber eyes towards Rye. “And he is…?”

“That’s–” I began, but Rye cut me off.

“Lord Rye of Wingardom. Well met, Windtalon. What can we help you with?”

I blinked, dazed again. Lord Rye? He was a…royal Pokemon?

Rye caught the look on my face and grimaced. “I’ll tell you later.” He then turned back to Windtalon and awaited her request.

“My mate, Silverwing, has gone missing. He was last seen heading to Likera where Deoxys attacked. I was informed he never reached the town…” Windtalon bowed her head, slumping her wings. “I need my mate…please, can you help?”

It took a moment for me to think things through before answering. “Er…of course, but I’m kind of tied up with fighting Deoxys right now…I have to go to the missionary to further my training.”

“The missionary?!” An octave rose in Rye’s voice as he glanced at me, eyes wide. “No! We can’t go there! It’s not safe!”

I snorted, raising an eyebrow. “Codan said it was the safest place to be. He wouldn’t lie.”

“No,” Rye persisted. “Please, Zanna! Listen. You can’t go there.”

“But–”

A sharp cry from Windtalon alerted us again to her presence. “You won’t save him? Oh, Silverwing…”

Rye shook his head. “I promise you, as soon as we’re free of duties, I’ll send someone to look for him. Right now just isn’t the best time. You have my word, Windtalon of the Occa tribe.” He bowed politely and the Pidgeot returned it.

“May Arceus bless you, Lord Rye. Zanna of Talzere, I wish you well.” Without a moments delay, the Pidgeot beat her wings and cast off swiftly.

Rye and I were left standing in the half broken cave, almost dumbstruck, before I remembered something. “Lord Rye?” I accused.

The Elekid turned his back to me, edgier than before. “I-It’s not a formality I like using. I’m no different from before.”

Frowning, I turned towards the orbs, then back to Rye. “Wait…what about–”

“Please, Zanna. Can we just go?” the Elekid cut me off bluntly.

That’s it. I was getting angry now. “Listen! You can’t just ignore the fact that–”

“Zanna!” he snapped, whirling around to face me. “I can’t! It was a mistake coming here. Grab the orbs and let’s leave.”

The edge of steel in his voice alerted me to his boundaries. I didn’t want to cross them. Grabbing the two smaller orbs and the big one, I walked silently back to Rye. “You can’t hide forever,” I muttered. “You’re braver than you give yourself credit for.” I didn’t wait for a reply, just jumped down onto the bridge and bolted across it, letting the wind caress me. Only the soft patter of footsteps made me notice that Rye was following, if slightly slower than usual.

I slowed when I reached the forest again, letting my ears droop. So many things had happened since I’d been here, more disheartening than encouraging. Despite everyone’s reassurances, I knew there was no way I could do this, even with help. Let the planet die, I thought sourly. I don’t want to bother anymore.

Rye was now walking silently beside me. He cast anxious glances in my direction, but didn’t speak, even though he could see my sorrow. The tents slowly came into view a moment later, darkness surrounding them. We stopped at the edge of the road where we were meant to part. I stared at the ground before deciding to say something. Opening my mouth to speak, I heard Rye sigh.

“I’m sorry. It was never my intention to hurt you…or anything else.” I remained silent, grating my teeth gently. The Elekid looked at me calmly. “What we…er…I mean, that wasn’t what I wanted…” he trailed off and rubbed an arm awkwardly. “Maybe I should just go.”

When I gave no reply, he turned hesitantly and began to walk back to his tent. “You did,” I called after him, eyes fixed on a tree beside the river. Rye turned around, surprised by my words. “You did,” I repeated. “I know you’ve been calling to me – when you were sick. You hung on because of your will. You let me go when it could have killed you. Yet you can’t admit those simple words to yourself, Rye.”

I closed my eyes briefly and willed my gaze to move to his. This time he didn’t avert eyes, but remained locked onto me, concentrating on my words. “I know you’re scared – I can’t save the world by myself. I really don’t think I can do it at all…but everyone else believes in me…like you. All it takes is a little faith. When you didn’t wake up, I was scared beyond belief! I couldn’t lose you…after you’d done so much for me. I–” But the lump in my throat rose again and I couldn’t finish.

I scrunched my eyes keep tears from falling as the orbs rolled to the ground. The darkness pressed in; the canopy blocked most of the moons rays. My eyes were still closed when I heard footsteps again, uneven, but there. When I opened them, Rye stood before me, peering down into my eyes.

“You…” he murmured. “I guess…you were right about some things,” He raised a paw and let it sit comfortingly on my shoulder. “But don’t ever think that you can’t do something, Light can prevail; you can prevail.” He drew me into his embrace gently as I curled up against his chest, his warmth making me shudder slightly. I glanced up to see a sly grin on Rye’s face. “I guess I can do that, too.”

This time he didn’t pull away. Rye’s paw swept against my cheek – the touch was soft as a feather – as he bent towards me, hoisting me up slightly onto his feet. His lips brushed mine, testing before drawing me in closer, sealing the void between us. He was surprisingly gentle for such a strong Pokemon, and tested my boundaries lightly.

Rye then pressed his mouth against mine firmly as I returned the gesture, drawing my paws up to his chest. The moonlight shone briefly through the trees just enough to illuminate the dimly lit forest and our faces.

Rye’s eyes – usually a deep emerald – had changed. They glowed a light, leaf-green and sparkled furiously. The Elekid managed to wink once before closing his eyes and kissed me again as I half pulled away to give a silent giggle. The smile returned to his face for just a moment before succumbing to natural impulses.

A gentle breeze rustled the trees around us in harmony as, if only for a moment, the war melted around me. Peace had returned.

[Chibi Altaria]

Chapter 24;
.............the first power

---------

“Are you sure we’re going the right way?!” Jirachi shouted over the streaming wind currents beside him.

“Positive,” a male voice stated calmly. “I told you, I know where I’m going!” The bird opened its beak in what appeared to be a smile. “It would be a shame if I’d flown all over Talzere and couldn’t remember my way around now would it?”

Jirachi let the question hang in the air as he closed his eyes. “I still don’t like flying this high!” A gentle nudge caused him to crack half an eye open and glare at the Riolu.

“Relax,” Sierra muttered casually. “I actually think it’s quite fun. And look!” The Riolu pointed to a nearby grassland. “Matuna Valley should be just down there. Silverwing, can you take us closer?”

The Pidgeot nodded. “I’m on it!” Angling his wings sharply, Silverwing dove in the direction of the valley, revelling in the cool air that flew past him.

Jirachi realised they’d indeed been lucky. Just as they’d passed through Shale to gather information, Silverwing had shown up asking about Deoxys’ attack. Being too late to help, of course, he then offered his services to the two Pokemon. He was able to fly them all the way to Psycrave Wood. After that they’d have to find their own way, as his mate was probably already worried beyond belief.

Jirachi was also stunned to find out the rumours that a new Light Pokemon had appeared in Talzere. If this was true, that Pokemon could very well be the only chance to they had to fight Deoxys and win.

The last Light Pokemon I remember is Altair, and that was about ten thousand years ago! Even then he wasn’t exactly a ball of fun…Jirachi cringed at the memory of Altair before he lost his balance. Grabbing onto a tuft of feathers, the small legendary twisted his head towards the ground. Several blurred shapes soon came into focus; bird Pokemon. “Wah! Silverwing! We’re under attack!”

In answer to his warning, the Pidgeot swerved to the left to narrowly avoid being struck by a beam. “Don’t you think I know that?! Urgh, we’ll never get there like this!” Silverwing deftly dodged another Hyper Beam and used Agility. “Hang on; this is going to be one rough ride!”

Jirachi saw Sierra clasp onto the bird’s back as he did the same. Through the course wind, the legendary spotted two Fearow now flanking the Pidgeot. It seemed they were taking it in turns to dive-bomb Silverwing from below. It was all the Pidgeot could do to stay aloft with the two Pokemon on his back. Beak strained and eyes narrowed, he dove towards the ocean. “Psycrave Wood is on a small island just west of here. I’m going to have to drop you off quickly. Listen! I have an idea!”

Jirachi listened intently to Silverwing’s plan, nodding every few seconds. “Yes! That could work! But you…”

“I’ll be fine!” the Pidgeot replied calmly. “All that matters is that you get to Alakazam safely. You’re the last hope we have for saving Talzere! We must not fail!”

Silverwing’s words tasted sour in Jirachi’s mouth, but he hung on tightly and didn’t say another word. For Talzere.

“It’ll be all right,” Sierra whispered beside him, a small smile on her face. “He knows what he’s doing.”

Jirachi merely nodded in reply. Then why is it I still have a bad feeling about this? He wasn’t usually one for negative thoughts, but sometimes he couldn’t help it. Fear swam within him now. Xatu had set this near impossible task and then just disappeared. All the encouragement he should have had was gone. This did little to uphold his good spirits.

At that moment the two Fearow flanking Silverwing chose to fall back. “Why would they do that?” Jirachi muttered. “They were gaining the advantage.” Not a minute later he saw the answer. An orange figure emerged from behind the clouds and let off a deafening roar. “Wah! What was that?!” Jirachi sank lower into Silverwing’s feathers.

“It’s a…Charizard!” Sierra gasped. Indeed, the dragon-like Pokemon was in hot pursuit.

“Damn!” Silverwing cursed. “Well doesn’t my day just keep getting better?” Jirachi frowned at the use of the bird’s sarcasm, but made no comment. It was the plan they had to stick to. “All right, kids. On the count of ten, you know what to do.” He paused and swung his head round to glance at the gaining Charizard. “Er…we better make that three.” He let off a sly grin before doubling speed.

They were now flying over water. A small island rested not too far in the distance; a forest embedded within its center. This is it, Jirachi swallowed. He noticed Sierra move closer to him and nod towards the rear. With a heavy sigh, he followed the Riolu until they were both situated on Silverwing’s tail.

“Hold still!” Sierra argued. “Or Silverwing’s going to miss!”

Jirachi closed his eyes briefly. “But this isn’t how it’s supposed to go.” His voice was laced with sorrow. He knew it was the midst of a war they were in, yet he was still powerless. A comforting paw rested on his shoulder a moment later.

“You have to be strong, and I can’t do this alone. This is for the world, Jirachi. Make Xatu proud.” Xatu’s name instantly brought forth the small legendary’s determination.

If it’s a war Deoxys wants, it’s a war he’s gonna get. “Silverwing, now!” he cried out.

“ONE!” the Pidgeot shouted, swerving to avoid a fireball. “TWO!” The Charizard was gaining with every passing moment. Jirachi heard a rough cackle escape its lips.

“Give it up, kiddies. This is an adult’s game!” Ignoring the fire-dragon, Jirachi buried himself deeper into the Pidgeot’s feathers before the final call came.

“THREE!” And then he was falling. A millisecond passed in what felt like a minute. Jirachi was dimly aware of Sierra beside him, the rushing air of the wind whistling past their ears. But the feeling didn’t last for long. Hard talons then struck his chest and brought him forwards. Silverwing had turned upside-down in mid-air, arching himself back like a catapult. The bird brought them close and whispered so it was barely audible above the wind. “Good luck.”

Jirachi screamed as he and Sierra were thrust forward, spiralling down towards the island where the forest nested. He just had time to twist his head back and see the instant the two Pokemon collided. The Charizard, outraged by the Pidgeot’s plan, drove a back leg into Silverwing’s chest before punching at his face. The bird retaliated by biting down hard on the fire Pokemon’s underbelly, but even that wasn’t enough.

With a final blow, Silverwing was sent plummeting towards the sea, a faint cry echoing in Jirachi’s ears. The splash he made was blurred by a mixture of tears and blindness due to the wind. The small legendary closed his eyes as darkness began to sink in. The last words he heard were barely enough to keep him conscious, though somehow he prevailed. “Jirachi…hold on! We’re almost there!”

With the last of his strength, he grasped Sierra’s paw to prevent separation. Silence surrounded them as the earth stood still.

***

Everything was suddenly black and very, very real. Jirachi could hear his breaths come in short gasps before they eventually settled into a normal rhythmic pattern. A cool breeze blew to the side of his head and he groaned.

“Wake up!”

The sudden hiss came as a shock to the small Pokemon who had jumped slightly, startled by the noise and the sharp pain that was sent through him when some kind of stick connected to his head. Jirachi slowly let his eyes open, a dull brown blur standing over him. Once his vision had focused, the brown creature grinned.

“Ah, I was afraid you’d hurt yourself. You took a really nasty fall back there.” The voice that addressed him was rather gruff, but also held unaccountable wisdom. The creature was obviously some kind of brown fox. It was hunched over slightly and held a spoon within each paw, one of which was also clutching a large cane. Jirachi realised this must have been what had hit him. Whiskers also protruded from just above the creature’s mouth and it stood on two legs, using the cane for support.

“Wha-what happened…?” Jirachi muttered, raising his aching head off the rough ground.

“What happened?!” the brown fox snapped, rather agitated. “You crashed into my home! That’s what happened!” Jirachi followed the fox’s pointing cane as it came to a stop at a pile of wooden planks and a half damaged hut. Then it all came flooding back.

“Oh! Sierra!” The legendary tried to stand but failed and fell to the ground again.

“See-who?” the fox asked. “If you mean your Riolu friend, she’s right over there.” Jirachi looked to the left to see Sierra enter the strange clearing with a pile of logs.

“Here’s the firewood just like you asked for, Mr. Alakazam.” The Riolu dropped the logs at the fox’s feet and turned to Jirachi. “Oh, you’re awake! Have you introduced yourself yet?” The small legendary’s face was blank.

“I think the boy has amnesia,” the fox whispered to Sierra. “Look at his eyes. They’re bulging!”

Jirachi then shook his head. “No, I don’t have amnesia. I’m just…you’re Alakazam?” he asked, eyeing the old fox with disapproval. “You’re…uh…older than I expected.” A brown blur was brought down swiftly on Jirachi’s head. “Ow!” he exclaimed, rubbing the spot where the cane had made contact.

“What do you think wise meant, boy? It takes years to learn what I have; to see the world as I do. Youngsters these days!” Alakazam turned around and walked off nimbly, muttering to himself about ‘respect to elders’.

As soon as he was out of sight, Sierra glared at Jirachi. “What did you do that for? He’s only trying to help!”

Jirachi sighed. “Well I might believe that better if my head wasn’t protesting otherwise!” He pointed at the lump now beginning to form as clear evidence.

Sierra just shook her head. “You had better go and apologise if you want answers. And for ruining his house,” she added almost joyfully, as if she couldn’t wait to see what Alakazam would do to him. “In the meantime, I’m going to start a fire.” With that, the Riolu repositioned the logs and hastily spun a stick in between them to create a flame.

Jirachi took heed of her advice and followed the fox to his half-beaten house situated next to a cave. To be polite, he knocked on the door before he entered which was only after the fox had sounded, “Come in!”

Jirachi swung open the door and shut it behind him, glancing around the tiny candle-lit hut. It was very bare with only a few chairs, a table, a bed and a tiny crammed desk with all sorts of books and notes resting in and on it. Empty ink bottles lay everywhere, as did quills, and the rear of the hut was blown to bits, shattered, no doubt, by his grand entrance. The small Pokemon grimaced as he approached Alakazam. “I’m real sorry about your house,” he apologised, “and about calling you old. You’re just not really how I thought you’d be; but not in a bad way. I’m just looking for some answers.”

The rather large fox stared down at him sternly. “And what kind of answers would that be?” he queried, sitting down on one of the empty chairs by the desk.

Jirachi swallowed. “I have a few, but what I’d really like to ask first is about my friend, Xatu. He recently…passed away” – he cringed at these words – “and I was hoping you’d be able to tell me if he was all right?” He looked up with such pleading eyes that the fox could do nothing but oblige.

“Xatu is doing fine, youngster. He has found solace in Altair’s temple, and watches over him.”

“Altair?” Jirachi asked, surprised. “Xatu’s looking after Altair?”

Alakazam nodded. “He met up with the Pikachu recently, and the new Light Pokemon, or so I was told.”

“Oh, yes! Do you know who the new Light Pokemon is? I should find it soon. Maybe it can help us!”

Alakazam laughed at Jirachi’s assumption. “She has an errand of her own right now, but it might be possible. The new Light Pokemon happens to be a female Pikachu, and she has quite the temper, apparently. Challenged Deoxys, I heard, and the result was Groudon’s death. Ah…my old friend.” The fox deftly wiped his eyes at the memory. “But I’m sorry. You had other questions?”

“Yes,” Jirachi continued. “Or one, really. Xatu said the Three Powers may be able to help stop Deoxys. Do you know where I can find them?” He waited as a long silence ensued, in which the fox bit his lip and adjusted the position of his cane.

“Uxie, Azelf and Mesprit don’t like to be disturbed,” he said hesitantly. “But they should help willingly enough if it is for the world. Do you have a map?”

“What for?” Jirachi asked, but still retrieved the map from within his fur. It was a rather old one Sierra had given him and it had several markings on it, but it still served its purpose. Alakazam took the map from Jirachi’s outstretched paw and unfolded it, peering at it with a strained expression. Hastily picking up a quill and dipping it in ink, the fox drew three lines on the map, annotating along the way. Once he seemed satisfied with his handy work, he tapped the map with his cane once and beckoned Jirachi to look.

The legendary hovered over to where Alakazam sat patiently and peered over his shoulder. Three curvy, black lines had been etched into the map, all going off in different directions. The fox slowly pointed a claw towards the map.

“See, this is our current location.” He traced a circle around a small island on the west of the map. “I have drawn three lines from here, and others from the Powers’ locations, to act as guides in finding them. I recommend visiting Uxie first,” he suggested, moving a claw up the line pointing to the north. “He’s the most straightforward and is open to suggestions. I’m sure you will be able to convince him to help. This route is the second longest, but fairly easy. All you have to do is get off this island and travel north up the coast. You’ll need to make port at the foot of Archale Plateau. Uxie spends his time just to the east of there, underground in a shrouded cave. He shouldn’t be too hard to find. The others I trust you can find for yourself, eh?” The fox raised an eyebrow as Jirachi nodded quickly.

“Thank you for all your help. It’s really nice of you.” He smiled as Alakazam refolded the map and handed it back to him.

“No need for thanks, boy. But it might be helpful if you could fix my house in return.” He glared at Jirachi ever so slightly before moving his gaze towards the broken planks at the back of the hut.

“Oh,” Jirachi blushed, totally forgetting Alakazam’s plight. “Of course I can. It’s only a small favour for what you’ve done for me.” Closing his eyes, Jirachi focused on restoring the ancient hut and whispered some words within his mind. Lord Arceus, creator of life, please restore this humble abode to its former glory. That is my wish. The small legendary then snapped his eyes open and clapped his paws together, sending a white glow throughout the room. An instant later the bright light faded, the rear wall and all its contents intact and undamaged.

“Hahaha, well done, my boy!” Alakazam cried out with glee, giving Jirachi a playful whack with his cane. “Now that my house is fixed, you and your friend are most welcome to stay the night before you leave.”

“That would be most wonderful, Alakazam,” Jirachi smiled. “But there is a slight problem.” He creased his forehead at the thought.

“Oh? And what might that be?”

“Well it’s about how we’re going to get off the island, sir. We don’t have any means of transport.” The last one we had is gone…

The fox laughed again at Jirachi’s comment, which merely served to make the legendary frown harder. “Ah, that is no problem at all, but is an answer for tomorrow. Rest now, boy. You’ll need it for the journey ahead.” Alakazam grinned towards Jirachi who now seemed a bit more relaxed.

He nodded his head politely. “All right. Thank you. Oh yes, I almost forgot.” The legendary turned his head just as he reached the door. “My name is Jirachi.” Then he quietly slipped out and left Alakazam in peace.

The fox studied the door for a moment longer before turning back to his cluttered desk. “Oh, I know who you are, boy,” His eyes glinted as his form changed and bubbled, a red figure with tentacles emerging from the fox’s body. “I’ve known who you are for a long time.” Deoxys instantly whirled around and faced the figure he’d withdrawn from. “I thank you for your hospitality, old man.” Then he snickered and flew off out the open window, leaving Alakazam unconscious and sprawled on the floor.

***

The warm fire was just what Jirachi needed to calm his thoughts. He narrowed his eyes, thinking back to when he was still a child.

“Okay, Xatu! Catch me!” Jirachi laughed, flying around in a circle high above Xatu where he was sure he couldn’t reach. But the next second the psychic bird appeared in front of him, causing Jirachi to lose his balance and fall. “Wah!”

Xatu caught him just before he hit the ground. “I suppose that’s game over, little one,” he grinned, tousling Jirachi’s fur.

“No fair…” he sulked, pouting.

“Hmm…” Jirachi sighed as he remembered the moment. That must have been years ago now…Xatu…Then his thoughts wandered in a different direction. I wonder…where my parents are now. Would they be proud of me? The only family I know is Xatu. He was like a father to me the way no one else was. And now he’s gone…I have no family.

The sudden realisation that he was completely alone made him scared. Jirachi took in several deep gulps of air to calm himself. His heart was racing a mile a minute!

“Oh?” Sierra looked up from the flames to see Jirachi’s face. What she saw was bad. The tiny Pokemon was very pale, his eyes just thin slits, sweat covering his fur. “Jirachi! What’s wrong?!” The Riolu stood up and hastened to reach his side. The legendary sat quite rigid, his mouth open just the slightest bit.

“I never realised before,” he whispered, trying hard to keep himself calm. “But now I- I know.” He paused and hung his head.

“What is it?” Sierra put a comforting paw on his shoulder, but Jirachi gave no sign that he even felt it.

“I…I’m completely alone.” The Pokemon did not raise his head, but left it hunched over, eyeing the ground with a concentrated gaze.

“Oh…” Sierra murmured. Then, to Jirachi’s immense surprise, the Riolu started giggling. Before long she was smiling rather widely, or so Jirachi could see. “You’re not alone,” she replied almost joyfully, wrapping Jirachi in her arms.

The small legendary’s eyes widened as soft fur encased him. I’m not…alone?

“You have me,” the Riolu stated. “And I’m sure that’s far from being alone. I’ll protect you.”

Mmm…Jirachi sighed as he closed his eyes. Friends…And Sierra held him as his racing heart calmed and he finally drifted off to sleep.

“Uh…” Jirachi groaned slightly as he opened his eyes. The first thing he realised was that he wasn’t lying on the hard ground, but a rolled up blanket. Another one was also placed under his head for a pillow. Sierra…he thought in amazement. She did all this for me?

“Ah, you’re up!” The Riolu’s charm-like voice reached his ears. Jirachi sat up to find her cooking breakfast; some roasted fish.

“Yes,” he grinned. “I want to thank you for last night, too. It…it helped.” He smiled again at the Riolu, who had now stopped poking the fish.

“You’re welcome. I just wanted to help out. Now,” she stated, changing the subject. “I think breakfast is ready. I hope you like fish!”

Jirachi raised an eyebrow. She doesn’t like talking about it anymore than I do. Hmm…I wonder what happened to her parents. But he decided to save that for another time. “All right!” he grinned, taking a fish gratefully from her outstretched paw.

The two ate mostly in silence, not wanting to disturb any late risers around them. When they’d both finished, Jirachi glanced up at the sky. The sun was already a fair way up. “It must be getting late now. What do you say we go see if Alakazam is awake?” Sierra nodded and followed Jirachi down to the fixed hut. A slight breeze blew past, chilling the legendary for a moment, but he shrugged it off.

Coming to a halt at the door, he knocked three times and stepped back to wait for an answer. They began to grow uneasy as more seconds passed. “He should be up by now,” Jirachi murmured. “I wonder what’s keeping him.”

Sierra lightly pushed him aside and took a step towards the door. “I think I should go check this out.” Without even waiting for a reply she opened the door and looked around the room.

Everything seemed normal enough until…”Alakazam!” Sierra gasped, racing towards the old fox sprawled out on the floor.

“What is it?” Jirachi called out, rushing to Sierra’s side. The Riolu held out a paw to stop him from coming any further and Jirachi froze. She placed her other paw against Alakazam’s neck, feeling for a pulse. A dull beat throbbed in return.

“He’s still breathing. Hmm…”

“Maybe he just fell asleep?” Jirachi suggested, rather impatient at being told to wait.

“I doubt he fell asleep on the floor, Jirachi. No, something’s going on here. I wonder if…okay. Wait just a bit. I’m going to delve into his mind.”

“Huh? Hey, wait! That wouldn’t be–” But Sierra didn’t listen. She nimbly placed her palm on the fox’s forehead and closed her eyes, leaning down on one knee.

His mind…it seems to be very active, even in its sleep! The buzzing sound was a clear confirmation of this. She drove in deeper, studying the memories over the past day. Nothing but she and Jirachi appeared. There must be something else to this! she growled, irritation finally getting the better of her. A flicker of red passed her eyes in a split second and she froze. Wait…what was that? Back tracking her movements, she stopped at a memory of the night before she and Jirachi had crash-landed on the island. A sneering red figure peered up at her, tentacles looming and thrashing about in this very house.

“I’m not asking nicely,” Deoxys hissed towards Alakazam. “So you’d best just do it anyway before someone gets hurt!” He whipped a tentacle out towards the fox who merely blocked it with one of his spoons.

“Get away from me, you monster! I shall have no part in this!” He flicked the spoon forward, blasting Deoxys’ tentacle away from his body. The space Pokemon recoiled and frowned, fondling his hurt limb.

“I see you’re still under the impression that you have a choice, old man. Well I’m afraid to say that’s not so!” Teleporting, Deoxys reappeared behind Alakazam, binding him with his tentacles. The space Pokemon tightened his hold when the fox still resisted.

“Grr…you won’t get away with this!”

Deoxys just cackled. “Oh, but I think I already have…” The gem on his stomach glowed until Alakazam’s struggles lessened and he slumped over in Deoxys’ tentacles. “Nothing to it,” the space Pokemon crooned to himself, touching Alakazam’s forehead and slipping into his body. “Nothing to it, indeed…”

“Ah! No!” Sierra retracted from the fox’s mind in alarm.

“What?” Jirachi asked in confusion.

Sierra shook her head, her body trembling. “He-he was here, Jirachi.”

The small legendary still looked puzzled, but could clearly see the concern and fear on the Riolu’s face. “Who?” he whispered, so that the word was barely audible.

The Riolu didn’t reply for a long time and when she did, hesitated. “It was…Deoxys. He was here in Alakazam’s body.” She flinched slightly and then went about trying to wake up the fox. It was all Jirachi could do to concentrate – his body had frozen. Taking a deep breath, he gathered himself.

“Is he still…in there?” he questioned. Jirachi saw Sierra shake her head slowly.

“I don’t think so. I’m certain I would have felt another presence. From what I saw, he took over Alakazam just before we got here. He must have left last night.” She waited for Jirachi to reply, but he didn’t. Turning around, she saw that his brow was furrowed, not with fear, but concentration. “What is it?”

“Don’t you see?” Jirachi exclaimed. “Deoxys is the one who wants us to go to Uxie first! But now he knows where he is…I’ll bet he’s going to ambush us and take out Uxie as well!”

Sierra looked almost frightened. “So what do we do?”

Jirachi raised a paw in the air and created a small ball of energy, spinning it with his mind. “Well I don’t know what you plan to do, but I for one am going to rescue Uxie!” The Riolu was stunned. Just as she was about to reply, however, Alakazam began to stir. Tearing her eyes hesitantly away from Jirachi, she bent down to tend to the waking fox.

“Oh…this is one blasted headache!” he groaned. Sierra shuffled back as Alakazam straightened up. It wasn’t until he was standing that he noticed he had company. “You two! Are you hurt?” They both shook their heads simultaneously. “Good,” the fox muttered and strode over to his bed, using the cane to steady himself.

“Sir,” Sierra questioned. “You do know about Deoxys, don’t you?”

“Hmm?” The fox broke off from his rummaging as he heard the question. “Of course I do! What do you think I’m doing?” Both small Pokemon peered at him in confusion as he drew a small orb out from under his bed and walked back towards them.

“No offense, sir,” Jirachi muttered. “But you’re hard to understand even at the best of times.” The fox turned and quirked an eyebrow, swinging his cane again. Jirachi cried out as it made impact to the side of his head. “Owowowowow…”

Sierra quickly stepped in front of Jirachi and grimaced, standing on the little Pokemon’s foot. “I think what he means, sir, is that we’d like to know what you’re doing with that orb.” Jirachi made no comment, but glared at the Riolu as he dragged his foot out from underneath her.

“Oh, this?” Alakazam asked, holding the orb up for them to see. It was pale yellow in colour and was about the size of a large marble. “This is a teleportation orb,” the fox grinned, staring at the swirling yellow colours. “It will get you to Uxie faster than I can, almost instantly. I only hope that we’re not too late to save him.” He sighed and lowered the orb. “Forgive me, youngsters, but I have let my guard down. It’s all my fault.”

“Hey!” Jirachi exclaimed. “If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s Deoxys’! Now you just focus on sending us to Uxie so I can stop him!”

Alakazam peered down at the little Pokemon who had his paws clenched and his eyes narrowed in determination. “Well said, my boy. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like you two to hold paws while I do this.” Sierra and Jirachi glanced at each other briefly before grasping a paw. Alakazam then held up the orb and muttered an incantation in the ancient language which neither of the two could understand.

As soon as he’d finished, the orb’s yellow glow grew brighter and surrounded them. “Ah!” Jirachi squirmed. “I can’t see!”

“Hold still!” Sierra grumbled, tugging on his paw. “Trust me; he knows what he’s doing.”

Jirachi stopped struggling and nodded, instead closing his eyes. A fuzzy feeling then enveloped him and he was sure he was disappearing. Just before they both departed, Alakazam’s voice drifted towards them. “Good luck, you two! Be strong! Oh, and boy?” Jirachi opened his eyes at the command. “I know Xatu’s proud of you.”

The wish Pokemon’s eyes widened. How did he know what I was thinking? Then he shook his head. It doesn’t matter, I suppose. So Jirachi closed his eyes again and let a warm smile consume his face. I’m gonna miss that old fox.

***

After a few moments, the tingling feeling began to wear off. Jirachi released Sierra’s paw as the materialised again. What’s this place? he thought to himself in awe.

It seemed like an underground cavern, but it was still beautiful almost beyond belief. Shards of crystal in all colours lined the wall everywhere, sparkling like the heavens themselves. The small, narrow tunnel in which they were in widened about a metre ahead into an open room. Jirachi could see that the room was surrounded by a lake almost as shiny and serene as the crystals. Not much light lit the cavern, so he was surprised when a steady stream of pale yellow began to light the room.

He made to take a step forwards, but Sierra held him back, shaking her head brusquely in warning. “Be careful. Something’s not right here.” The legendary nodded, but kept his gaze firmly fixed on the light. He peered closer as the light soon faded away and saw just the faintest flicker before a figure emerged.

The creature in question seemed to have a grey-blue body with two hand-like tails. Each tail had an oval shaped red gem fitted into the side that shone like rubies. Another of these gems was embedded within the Pokemon’s forehead, a yellow bowl-like shape of fur surrounding a calm face. Small arms and legs protruded from the body, one arm of which lifted and seemed to hover in the air slightly.

Jirachi had to blink twice. “I think it wants us to go to it.”

“Jirachi, wait!” Sierra cried out as he took a step forward, but it was no use.

The legendary then took to the air until he was right in front of the other Pokemon, instincts telling him it was Uxie. Jirachi slowly lifted a paw and reached out towards the Pokemon who was still calling to him. Just before he could make contact, though, a snake-like tentacle whizzed past the wish Pokemon, missing him by a mere millimetre.

“Ah! What?!” Jirachi recoiled to a safe distance and watched as a red figure emerged from the darkness behind Uxie. Deoxys, Jirachi hissed. The space Pokemon smirked before whirling Uxie around so they were facing his back. Both small Pokemon gasped. A tentacle had been driven straight through Uxie’s body into his heart. Everything then became clear.

The First Power was dead.

[Chibi Altaria]

Recommended Music; Will of the Heart - Bleach

Chapter 25;
.............goodbye

---------

A million thoughts buzzed within my head that night, more of them questions than anything. I hardly remember wandering back to my tent at all, memories clouded to a point where it was just a grey haze. It was through this haze that I now sifted, clutching onto the most precious of moments so I could almost feel Rye’s warm breath against me.

He wasn’t one to linger. As soon as we’d parted he’d strode off, leaving nothing but a backwards glance in his wake and me all the more confused. His constant mood swings had left me with very little encouragement to go by; one moment he wanted me and the next it was like I didn’t exist. This morning was much of the latter.

I sat around the small campfire being one of the few already awake. Rye sat opposite me, paws crossed, mouth set in a firm line. Not once did he glance in my direction no matter how hard I tried to catch his eye. I’d given up now because my subtle attempts were coming to the point where even a blind creature would know what I was doing. Jarre, who was sitting next to me, looked up curiously every time I moved. His gaze hardly left either me or the campfire except to glare at Rye who returned it just as fiercely.

I let a small sigh escape my mouth. This was getting out of control. I didn’t know what their problem was, or if I should just ask, but I was surprised I was still sitting so comfortably enough around them both. My inner conscious had jumped up screaming, bailing out a long time ago. It was the smart one, I thought to myself sourly.

I looked up again as Rye tried to stifle a yawn but with little success. Surely he must have seen my movement, yet as soon as he’d composed himself, he went straight back to staring at the flames. I quirked an eyebrow in frustration, sliding my teeth gently against each other. If he doesn’t look at me soon…oh! An idea had sparked in my head. Swaying gently from side to side, I imagined seeing the horrible remains of one of Jarre’s lost victims. The thought instantly brought bile to my mouth and my head began swimming. Feeling just a bit fainter than I should have, I slumped to the ground with a thud. Luckily it was fairly soft as it had begun to snow last night while I’d been asleep, leaving a thin layer of puffy white ice around the clearing. Jarre instantly rushed over in concern.

“Zanna! Are you okay? You look pale.” He chattered hastily. Raising a paw to my head, I checked my peripheral vision for any sign of movement. Nothing.

I sighed. “Just feeling a bit faint, that’s all. I might go and lie down.” I dropped my voice to a low mutter and cursed at the Elekid who was now nothing but a statue on a snow-covered log.

Dragging my body and willing my feet to move, I escaped the clearing before stopping rather abruptly. Opening my mouth slightly, I let my warm breath create steam in the air before I casually fell forward landing face-first in the snow. So it was going to be one of those days. “Great,” I muttered, spitting out a cluster of flakes that had seemed fit to settle in my mouth. Though the snow was cold, I didn’t feel like moving. Instead I just tilted my head to the side, eyeing a nearby tree covered with berries. No sooner had I relaxed than my thoughts came flooding back with renewed vigour.
“Urgh!” I pressed both my paws over my ears to drown out the buzzing, knowing it was hopeless because the noise came from inside me. “Why does this always happen to me??!” I whined. Surely no one else had such bad luck.

“Because you’re a danger magnet, of course.”

I sat bolt upright in an instant. I wasn’t expecting my question to be answered, probably because I’d heard no one approach. The voice held humour, but also concern. I had no idea what it was for, though. The sour look on my face obviously annoyed Rye more than he’d let on. “What do you want?” I snapped, crossing my arms sharply. “I thought I was supposed to be invisible?”

I caught the apologetic look on the Elekid’s face as he grimaced. “I’m sorry about that. It’s just that with everything so…complicated…” – he paused – “I thought it might be better if we don’t talk so much; at least in public.” I frowned at his strange logic.

“Oh, right…” That’s right, I forgot. Codan had said that being in love hindered your rescues and clouded your vision. It was the golden rule, and I’d not only crossed it, but reversed and did it again. A worried expression crossed my face as I groaned and stuffed it back in the snow. Rye chuckled gently to himself, not quite a laugh, so it didn’t have the same bell-like ring to it. When I looked up again he’d settled himself against a tree eyeing me curiously. The rule stuck out in my mind then and before I could stop myself, asked the question. “Are we?”

“Are we what?” Rye’s puzzled look only made things much harder for me to explain, and I wasn’t good at this sort of thing.

“The rule,” I said, changing tactic. “Are we…” I trailed off peering helplessly up at the Elekid before hurriedly looking at the ground. Maybe it was too cold for him to see me blush. Understanding appeared on his face when I took a brave glance, though he, too, turned away.

“I…I’m not sure.” His voice sounded pained and I wondered why. Why was he always like this? I sat upright again, crossing my legs in the snow while drawing in the ground with a paw.

“It seems hard for you,” I hedged. “Do you regret what happened, or–”

“No!” he cut me off brusquely. Then his tone lightened. “I don’t regret it, it’s just that…I’m not used to this. I can’t expect you to understand, Zanna, but my past kind of prevents me from feeling much emotion. See, something bad happened when I was little and ever since then I’ve cut myself off from my feelings, drawing on numbness instead.” He paused and looked at me to judge my expression. I pitied him, I did, and he could see that. “Please don’t, it’s all right. So…just saying that I haven’t felt anything in a few years, how would you feel if something like last night happened?”

His voice had lowered to a whisper now and I realised that the shield he usually had over him was gone. At this point in time, he was more open than he’d ever been. I took a moment to think it through, still drawing circles in the snow.

“Confused,” I finally admitted. “Confused at why I was feeling things again. But that’s just a guess,” I added quickly. “I really don’t know what it’s like for you. Every time I want to help, you seem to retreat. Then it’s back to square one.” I offered a small smile as he stared at me curiously.

“You’re more observant than I thought. Hmm. But it doesn’t matter.” He shook his head swiftly. “I just need some time to figure things out.”

“Time is exactly what we don’t have,” I emphasised. “We’re meant to be heading for the missionary soon, remember?” I glanced up again to see Rye’s face change into a tense position.

“No, you can’t go there, I’ve told you!”

“But you didn’t tell me why,” I pressed. “I want you to give me a good reason why not. This could be the only chance we have to overthrow Deoxys. I don’t want to mess it up.” My ears drooped of their own accord as I pictured the space Pokemon’s face clearly within my mind.

Rye was staring at me again, this time with concern. I couldn’t be sure, but it looked as if he was struggling with something. “You can’t go, because…of my father.” He closed his eyes in pain as I saw fangs protrude ever so slightly at the corners of his mouth.

“Your father?” This was a turn in the conversation I had not foreseen. It just occurred to me then that I’d never once asked Rye about his past or his family. Suddenly the thought seemed to unnerve me.

“My father,” Rye continued, “is the main cause of things that go wrong within my life.” He turned to me then, suddenly more rigid than he was a moment before, mouth pressed into a hard line. “What I tell you must never be repeated amongst anyone. Do you promise?” A wild look had appeared within his eyes and I quickly nodded before he could have a panic attack.

“I promise.”

His tense muscles instantly relaxed as he strode over, bending down to sit opposite me in the snow. “The formality you heard Windtalon use last night, ‘Lord Rye’,” – he repeated her words – “is not technically true. I’m not a lord as such, just the son of the Commander at the Wingardom Missionary. My father also happens to be in charge of part of the Marble City, which is why he and I are often referred to as ‘lords’, you see?”

I studied his face carefully as he spoke, watching as the hint of a smile began to form. “So you’re not royalty?” I confirmed.

He shook his head. “No more than you are.” He took a moment to pause. “Although you could be considered royalty, being a Light Pokemon,” he explained.

“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that. But you were saying?” I grinned up at him in encouragement and to my surprise he smiled back.

“Well, I’m a lieutenant at the Missionary. My job – what I do – is to try to keeps tabs on Deoxys and his followers by any means possible. So far I haven’t done such a good job and this makes my father displeased.” His mouth returned to a firm line.

“Is that bad?” I questioned. “For him to be angry?”

Rye made a small nod. “He’s not in the right frame of mind when he gets angry,” Rye shuddered. “And that makes him a very formidable foe. When I was little” – here he broke off to collect himself – “I disobeyed my father’s command to stay out of the Forbidden Room. I foolishly led my best and only friend, Kryal, down there with me. Kryal’s sister tried to warn us, but we took no heed or her words.” He closed his eyes again in pain. “We were fools. The moment I stepped into that room I knew something wasn’t right.”

I licked my lips before I spoke, but even so, my words came out as a mere whisper. “What did you find?”

Rye gritted his teeth and clenched his paws at the memory. “I had failed to sense it, though I clearly should have. What else was the Experiment Room used for?” I peered up in confusion. “My father,” Rye continued, “the man whom I had trusted so wholly was nothing more than a monster. I found out that he was making an army of Dark Pokemon.” His voice ended on a bitter note, so bitter that he seemed to spit it out rather than say it. I barely noticed I’d flinched back, but nothing escaped the Elekid’s eyes. Rye looked up with remorse and shame painted clearly on his face. “I swear I had nothing to do with it. When my father found out that I knew, he threatened me by any means to keep the secret safe. That’s why he murdered his advisor – one of my closest friends – and my best friend. Kryal was lost to me then, as was my future.”

I wanted to comfort him so much that I was at a loss how. My erratic thoughts had become even more jumbled, if that were possible. To have his very own father murder the only loved ones he had…No wonder he can’t express how he feels, I thought in anguish. The only way he could protect himself was to seal his heart away. “Are you afraid now?” I asked in a trembling voice.

“Afraid of what?” he asked curiously.

I began to fidget nervously. “I understand that you had to harden yourself to make sure you were never hurt again, right?” I watched as he nodded slowly. “Now you seem to be letting more of you guard down. That could be potentially dangerous for you. Are you afraid to be hurt again?” I kept my eyes glued to my paw which began to trace the snow again. It made me feel uncomfortable to talk so openly about him.

“It pains me everyday,” I heard him whisper. “But what would be worse is not knowing all the good things I could feel. That’s the price we have to pay to feel happiness. We need to take the good with the bad and somehow struggle through it.”

It made sense. My eyes drifted back up to meet his and I was surprised to find him smiling. He even let out a small chuckle as he fell backwards in the snow to make an angel. I giggled almost silently at how carefree he was now. Opening up to me seemed to have worked wonders. I just continued to stare at him as he made an angel imprint hastily in the snow. When I didn’t join in he sat upright and frowned. “Is something wrong?”

“No,” I murmured quickly. “You just seem so happy…It’s a change from your usual reserved nature.” I grinned with joy.

Rye’s eyes lit up. “It was a challenge, I’ll admit. But you helped with that.” I couldn’t help it when the blood spread to my face again. But it was still a shock when Rye hesitantly lifted a paw and brushed it against the side of my face. I froze beneath his touch, both in surprise and afraid of doing something irrational. He held his paw for a moment beneath my chin before lowering it, sighing. “Thank you, Zanna.”

“My pleasure,” I managed to utter in a daze. Rye laughed gently and took my paw that was still tracing circles in the snow. He turned it over in his own; the size difference was fairly large. Curiosity got the better of me as I began to trace again, this time on his palm. It never ceased to amaze me how soft his fur was. A cool breeze blew past and I shivered. Rye almost immediately dropped my paw and looked at the sky.

“The weather’s changing,” he muttered. “And it’s getting lighter. The others will be up soon.” I noticed he threw a wistful glance in my direction. It took me longer to realise what he meant.

“You’ll have to ignore me again.” The thought sent me spiralling into a sudden depression.

“Hey, now,” Rye noticed the subtle change and took my paw again, smiling. “I’m always here when you need me, and we still have time.” He raised an eyebrow slyly.

“I can’t think of a better way to spend it.” I grinned. Then, thinking of a good idea, I scooped up a pawful of snow behind my back and swiftly flung it into his face before he knew what had hit him. Raising a paw to my mouth, I laughed, eyeing the surprised expression set in stone on his face. I stopped a moment later though, when his face didn’t change.

“Rye?” I murmured softly. “Are you alright?” Nothing. “Er…I’m sorry if I upset you.” My brow furrowed as he shook the snow off his face, seeming to glare at me. I cringed back instantly, afraid I’d gone too far. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Something white whizzed towards me and hit me full-force in the face. “Ah!” As soon as the shock had settled, I scowled at him and lunged.

Rye’s now laughing figure flew backwards as I collided with him, sending us both tumbling back into a tree. This caused more snow to fall and cover us until we were as white as a cloud. He easily had me pinned on the ground as if I were no more powerful than a feather. I squirmed uncomfortably. “Hey, that’s cheating!”

“Not for me it isn’t.” As I met his gaze, it reminded me of something.

“This is how we first met,” I whispered, glancing at my pinned-down arms. “Apart from the location, obviously.”

Rye blinked, surprised. “So it is. It seems so long ago, but really…it’s only been a few weeks.” He sighed and released me. “How fast things change.”

I frowned, slowly sitting upright. “You seem sad,” I noted. “Why?”

He shook his head. “Sad, maybe, but not for me. I’m sad for you.” This surprised me.

“Don’t be! I’m happy right now, why would that make you sad? Honestly, I can’t keep up with your sudden mood changes.” I stared into his eyes as they clouded, seeming more distant; sad. I wasn’t about to admit it, but they unnerved me. A slight chill raced down my spine. I was still anxious as Rye bent towards me, pressing his forehead against mine so I could feel his warm breath, sweet and comforting.

“I’m worried,” he whispered almost inaudibly, “for your future.” This stunned me and I had to blink twice as he withdrew from me, rising fluently and casting me a look of sorrow as the soft pad of his footsteps carried him away.

I sat almost statue-like in the snow, the smell of his breath still bathing me. Afraid…for my future? Then I knew what he meant. I could still beat Deoxys, it was possible, but I could also fail. My impending doom suddenly seemed much closer than I’d thought. However it turned out, this was a battle in which I would lose something for certain. But his words had carried a double meaning, I was sure. The darkness inside him was rising. If I became too close to him, what would happen if he had to be torn away? The shiver that coursed through me was better than any response I could conjure up.

And I loathed it.

The rest of the day passed by in a dull blur. I was half aware of Lani and Codan talking – or arguing – about going to the Missionary. Following Rye’s advice, I’d tried to talk them out of it, but I soon found that it was impossible. How then, was I supposed to keep them away from an army of Dark Pokemon? My brain just couldn’t seem to function properly. Even Jarre couldn’t get my attention and that was worrying. Rye did nothing but listen to our unending arguments, face expressionless. Kraal and Marilai were never around; they seemed to have their own agenda. Good, I thought with a hint of triumph. I don’t like those dogs anyway.

“I don’t see why the Missionary is important,” Jarre said for the millionth time, causing Codan and Lani to launch into another argument. I sighed and covered my ears. Peace was what I needed right now.

How are you feeling?

Huh? My head snapped up automatically as the familiar tingle of telepathy buzzed through my mind. Like a nightmare, I replied grudgingly. They just won’t stop and it’s giving me a constant headache. Where else can we go if not the Missionary? I glanced over to see Rye purse his lips.

There is one other place, but it will involve getting to the Missionary first.

I sighed. No luck then. Will you be all right if we do go to the Missionary?

Yes…His voice was hesitant. But I don’t think it would be best for you. I’d like to keep you as far away from there as possible.

Just as I was about to ask what he meant, a twinge of pain stabbed at my mind and I had to pull away. Groaning slightly, I met Rye’s gaze. His eyes wavered as he recovered from the pain, wincing. What was that? Then I saw it. Almost so faint I could barely be sure it was even there, Rye’s black stripes glowed dully and red glazed his eyes. Oh no…The pit of my stomach lurched. He must have had a strong feeling about something. I could tell his darkness was certainly getting worse. If anyone spotted it, Rye would be a danger to us then. I swayed my head lightly from side-to-side in frustration, watching the Elekid’s stripes return to normal.

Before long, the argument was in full force again. This time I sat by idly. No use interfering if I can’t win, was my only thought.

***

It was getting dark when Codan was in enough peace to think clearly. The large Dragonite rubbed his temples soothingly. We must get to the Missionary…why doesn’t Zanna understand this? The small Pikachu was beginning to get on his nerves lately, no matter how fond of her he was. But that wasn’t the only problem. The Elekid had seemed unusually quiet too, even for him. Something is definitely up.

Small beads of sweat were appearing on his forehead as he paced before his tent slowly. He knew it was forbidden and wrong to spy on another creature, but this Elekid had him concerned for everyone’s safety, though he hardly knew why. Without even another moment to cause doubts, he strode silently across the camp towards the Elekid’s tent.

The slight window Quoll had carved into the fern tents were just enough for him to peer through. Nothing but a dull candle lit the small enclosure, casting eerie shadows across the walls. Rye had his back to him, holding something shiny within his palm. Codan had to duck as the Elekid turned slightly. Just inching up to the window again, the Dragonite managed to spot a small orb the size of a berry. Another one was resting on a nearby wooden table. They were both purple in colour and swirling majestically. The Dragonite narrowed his eyes as they held his gaze. I know those orbs…they’re remembrance orbs!

These specific orbs he’d heard of held important moments in history, or just one’s own memories, but were quite troublesome to access as they had all sorts of mind traps to prevent evildoers from seeing their contents. What is he doing with remembrance orbs? This interesting event was enough to make Codan peer closer into the window. He watched as the Elekid gently lifted the orb, muttering to himself hastily. Every so often he raised a paw to his head as if trying to communicate with it, but to little success. After a few minutes Rye sighed and lowered the orb, his impatience obvious now.

It was a surprise though when the small Pokemon dropped the orb and fell to the ground, kneeling. Codan noted his teeth were gritted, face strained as he clenched his paws into fists. A dull glow appeared about the Elekid’s stripes emanating a dark aura. Codan instantly recoiled as if he’d been shocked. His intake of breath was just a sharp hiss as he peered through the window again. Rye – seeming to somewhat recover – stood up once more, swaying. Then he stiffened. Codan instantly took a step back, though too late. The Elekid had spotted him.

His expression set off the Dragonite’s fear instincts. Rye’s face was scowling – or sneering – eyes narrowed sharply. They were glazed with red and his stripes began to let off a furious black glow which just seemed to be spreading further across his body. Before Codan could do so much as turn and run, the Elekid had appeared at the window. He swiftly punched through the ferns, sharp claws grasping the Dragonite’s neck. A strangled roar was the only sound that he could force out.

“You’ve been spying on me.” Rye’s voice was flat and deadly. A single note laced with malice. Codan struggled in vain, surprised at how such a small creature could be strong enough to hold him still.

“What…are you?” he managed to wheeze out. The Elekid sneered as he drew up to Codan’s face, pressing against his snout almost eagerly.

“I am…” He cautiously manoeuvred his head to the dragon’s ear, ignoring his wild eyes, full of fear. “I am alive!”

With a sharp hiss, Rye thrust Codan away from his tent with no more than a flick of a claw. The Dragonite cried out in pain as he smashed into a tree, splitting it in two from the force of the impact. He could hear worried murmurs nearby, getting closer. Lani soon stepped into the small clearing, shock instantly crossing her face.

“Codan!”

“Get away!” he hissed with pain. “Rye is…he’s out of control!”

The Houndoom stood staggered as first Jarre then Quoll joined her, both incredibly confused. Before Jarre could speak, a low growl warned them to stay put. The four frozen Pokemon eyed the shadows anxiously as a dimly lit figure stepped out. The sound of his footsteps created a scratching effect that raised the hairs on their backs instantly.

Rye pursed his lips before letting a sly grin cross his face. “It seems I have more company. How…amusing.” But the Elekid paused as the others entered.

Kraal and Marilai bolted out towards Codan staring at Rye with fierce expressions, almost protective. Zanna was the last to the scene. The Pikachu took one look at Codan and rushed to his side. “What’s wrong?” Her question was followed by the Dragonite’s pointed gaze. As she followed it her mouth gaped, gasping silently. “Rye…” she murmured. “I’m too late.”

The Elekid merely smiled at her dismay. “Oh no,” he crooned gently. “I’m just getting started.” He then let off a low guttural snarl towards the Pikachu in warning. Zanna flinched but walked protectively in front of Codan.

“I won’t let you hurt him.” Her voice was shaky and uncertain; Rye could see that. “Please don’t do this. You yourself said it was wrong.”

Codan’s gaze instantly flickered to Zanna. “What do you know about this?”

The Pikachu cringed. “I…I didn’t mean…I’m sorry!” Tears welled within her eyes.


Codan shook his head in disbelief. “You…kept this from me?”

Zanna shook her head but was interrupted as Rye flew at her, clenching her paws in his vice-like grip. The Elekid stood only an inch from the frozen Pikachu, as black as the night was growing. His warm breath surrounded her as a slight growl escaped his mouth.

“You always were…” – he seemed to search for words – “Breathtakingly annoying.” A smile lit his face as he laughed, though it was cut short. Rye felt a sharp jab knock the wind from his chest as he flew backwards. He hit the ground with a hard thud, but soon regained balance, propping himself into a violent battle stance.

Zanna heard the light growl he issued as he pulled his teeth into a snarl. The Pikachu was now fully white, glaring at the Elekid with reigned loathing. “Stay away from us. I don’t want to hurt you Rye, but you leave me little choice.” Forgive me, she sent through his mind. For a moment the Elekid’s face softened, then he grinned again.

“Always the polite one,” he mocked. “I made a good choice.”

Though Codan knew little of what they were saying, he was still very worried. Zanna…he almost flinched at the thought of her being hurt again. He could only watch as the two Pokemon – complete opposites – took their battle stances. This was a fight no one would win.

***

What happened to you? My voice was anxious and scared as I sent the words through Rye’s mind. The Elekid hissed and repelled me with a force that sent my mind reeling.

Nothing happened! This is who I am!

Despite the cold, and Rye’s newfound malevolence, I didn’t shiver. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t seen this one coming. So my voice was now level as I spoke to him. I don’t believe that. This isn’t you. The Elekid forced another wave of pain through my head, thrusting me away and causing me to wince.

You don’t know anything. How can you? I only keep you around because I enjoy your pain. A cold smile lit his face and though I knew his words weren’t true, tears still brimmed my eyes.

Trust me, I pleaded. The Rye I know is kind and gentle. My ears drooped again slightly. Please…

NO!!!

The sheer force sent me staggering and I had to cover my ears in pain. I was barely aware of the Elekid rushing towards me fiercely. Before I could dodge, a paw was slammed into the side of my head. A sharp stab of pain coursed through me and I felt warm blood trickle down my cheek. I landed in the snow, using my paws to hold myself up weakly. I stared pleadingly at Rye, but he only glared back.

The Elekid was now tensed and ready for more action. I could almost sense that he craved it; craved the bloodshed. Ignoring Codan, who had withdrawn to Lani and the others, he strode towards me with triumph. An icy smirk rested on his face as he lowered it to my level. “You’re pathetic,” he spat. “And I never once liked you. But now…” he glanced approvingly at his new body, “I almost share some gratitude. Too bad I’m a cold fish, eh?” Another paw slammed into my face and made my knees buckle, but I still didn’t move. I wasn’t about to hurt him, no matter how hard he chose to hit me. “Fight back!” he hissed angrily, stomping on my tail.

“ARRGH!” A scream of agony erupted as I felt the bones crack. “Rye…” I mumbled.

The Elekid ignored me and glared. “Why won’t you fight me??!!”

Black haze had begun to obscure my vision, but Rye’s hollow red eyes pierced the darkness so brightly. Eyes of evil…eyes of death. “I…I won’t hurt you.” I managed to force out.

“WHAT?!” he spat at me savagely. The Elekid still glared, but I could tell something was different. He seemed less agitated now. Somehow more in control.

I pushed through the snow slowly and reached out to touch his arm. Rye stiffened as I made contact, but didn’t withdraw as I’d thought he would. I peered up into his eyes, hoping against all odds I’d break through.

“I….can’t…” Rye’s face grew pained and he raised a paw to his head in agony. The glowing stripes that covered his body seemed to dull, a yellowy tinge retuning to his black fur. “Urgh…” The Elekid cringed away from me again before swiftly turning back, a punch aimed for my head.

For a third time, his knuckles sent a wave of agony through me and I fully collapsed, unable to endure more pain. My vision buzzed with bright lights as I saw my fur regaining its yellow colour again. All I had strength to do was move my eyes as they kept hold of Rye, perhaps the only things now keeping him sane. I noticed he gingerly took a step towards Codan, eyeing him wildly.

“I. Will. Not. Be. Broken!”

With a look of bloodlust on his face, Rye used his Agility and Cross Chop attack to end the fight. I knew that I only had a spilt second. My body then acted of its own accord, a shimmering white light enveloping me, instantly warping my body in front of Codan so that I was the only thing between him and Rye. My mouth opened itself – I realised how little control I now had over what I was doing. Waving a paw out in front of my body, facing the palm towards Rye, I let it glow.

An iridescent spiral flowed out from my body around me, seeming to slow things down. “Stop.” I commanded firmly. And everything did stop. I now glared at Rye with hatred, yet it was reigned in. I watched him struggle effortlessly against my magic; he was as still as a statue now. The spiral of white light continued to pulse around me as everything else froze. My Time Control had caused the world to fall into a standstill. Only I could move freely, though through my magic, I had also allowed Rye to speak.

“Damn it, Pikachu!” he growled. “Release me!” I watched calmly as his frenzy reached a dizzying height, his eyes wild and unrestrained.

“No.” The brisk shake of my head only made him angrier. I sighed, allowing the light to fade from my body, turning normal again, though time still didn’t move. “Rye…who are you?” My question made the Elekid pause for a moment. I caught his panting breath that had picked up pace now slow ever so slightly. “Who are you?” I repeated in a whisper, pleading with him. I closed my eyes momentarily as the tears which I’d so carefully held back now gushed forward.

Through my silent sobbing I noticed that Rye’s struggles had ceased. Though I was embarrassed by how fragile I was now, I opened my eyes just a sliver. It was enough to see the darkness which was now ebbing away from his body. My control on the spell slipped as I was overcome with grief, sending movement back into Rye. The Elekid fell to the ground and kneeled. A soft buzzing, familiar and warm, flowed through my mind again and this time it didn’t send a wave of pain to crush me.

I am…Riley.

My eyes snapped open as I heard the use of what must undoubtedly be his full name, something which I’d never heard him use before. Rye held himself before me, clutching his right arm in pain. A frown creased his face as he looked me over, seeing my tattered tail and bruised face.

“Zanna, I’m…so sorry. I can’t repay you. Ever.” The Elekid looked away, unable to take in what he’d done to me. His deep sigh caused me to shiver now, more aware of the pain flowing through my body. “Why didn’t you fight back?”

His words caught me off guard. I peered up at his hollow face, searching for answers and frowned slightly – but only slightly – as it hurt too much to do otherwise. “I told you I wasn’t going to hurt you.” I shook my head again as the Elekid peered at me in frustration. “I can’t hurt someone I love.”

Rye was instantly shocked by my directness, though he seemed of the same mind. “And I…look what I did to you, Zanna.” He gestured at my face and tail. “This is partly why I didn’t want to get involved. And you know I’m…evil,” – he winced at the word – “Why won’t you leave?” Rye’s expression grew surprised as I let my airy laugh fill the clearing.

“Are you blind? Why would I leave? All I want is here.”

A stone cold look crossed Rye’s face. “No, I won’t let you do this. You can’t say that. As long as I’m tainted, I can’t be around you.”

“What? What are you saying?” I frowned. Surely he couldn’t mean that he’d leave. Would he? “Rye,” I almost whispered, grasping at some last, frail light of hope I knew wasn’t there. Struggling to walk, I came close enough to reach out a paw. I held it in midair, longing for Rye to take it and tell me everything was going to be all right. I grew edgier the more seconds passed by and he still didn’t move. Finally he sighed and turned away from me.

“Zanna…I’m sorry.”

Rye swiftly bolted towards the forest, not even glancing back. It was then that I broke. My heart, once seemingly whole, snapped into a million pieces. “RYE!” I called after him, lowering my paw and forcing out a wave of electricity. The sparks fizzed out a few metres away from me, but the Elekid was already gone. Just like my heart. “No!” I screamed at the sky, electricity flowing out from me in mass. It was only when I was reduced to a sobbing heap in the snow and the light touch of a wing fell on my shoulder that I realised time was moving again.

Curling into a tight ball, I ignored the confusion around me. The only thing I wanted was gone, taken away by darkness. I didn’t bother to stem my flow of tears; what did it matter? Reaching out with my mind, I probed the area in search of a spark, but none could be found. Dread instantly consumed me and I let the pain follow it; let it envelop me until I was dragged under. But something held me back. I lashed out at it, wanting nothing more than to lie in the snow forever.

Is this what you want? A calm voice asked me. It was a sympathetic voice that I barely knew, but was like a missing part of myself.

No, I whispered back. Then I mulled my thoughts over. Help me, Altair. The Light Pokemon thought in total silence.

I want to, he confessed. But I don’t think I can. And now isn’t a good time. Just be happy, Zanna. And whatever you might think, that is possible.

I didn’t bother to reply, instead forcing him away. The only sound I heard now was a dim, blurring noise, barely audible. I closed my eyes in pain. Maybe morning would bring better news. Then I half snorted. No chance with my luck…

The Elekid forced himself not to look back as he plunged into the dense emerald undergrowth of the Ocacia Rainforest. He could still hear Zanna’s echoing scream through his mind, threatening to tear him open at any minute now. Rye panted, breathing heavily as he rested against a nearby tree trunk. He raised a shaky paw to his chest and let it rest just below where his heart should be. W…why does it hurt so much…?

The Elekid was stunned. Never in his life had he felt such pain as this. The wounds that had been inflicted upon him; physical wounds, could never compare. But more than the staggering anguish he felt, a new feeling had emerged. Removing the paw from his chest, Rye inched it further upwards until he held out a single claw. A small, transparent drop of water landed on it a moment later, proceeding to race downwards before melting into the soft soil below. His eyes widened in fascination.

Tears…

It had been too long since he’d cried. The last time was when he was eight years old. That was almost eleven and a half years ago! Nothing had made him resort to tears, yet Zanna had done that in a heartbeat. Zanna…The tears returned again in greater force, blurring his vision. What have I done?

Rye debated with his mind, wanting to return to the obviously hurt Pikachu, yet he knew it was wrong. If he went back, he could risk killing them all. And that was not a risk he would take. The only option now was isolation. The temple they had visited was empty enough, and as good a place as any to begin a new life. If I return there, maybe it will be enough for me to live…but even so, it would only be a half life; mostly unfulfilled. Urgh…

Stumbling to a small niche within the knotted roots, the Elekid lay with one paw over his chest, the other across his stomach. He closed his eyes wearily for a moment, hearing nothing but his own rough breaths. Then an idea came to him. All is not lost…nor does it have to be. I wonder…He pondered for several moments more before weakly standing. There was something that he had to do before he left.

At least this way, even though I can’t say it, I can still have my last goodbye…

***

Some time later, when he was sure the others were asleep, Rye wandered back in the direction of his tent. Everything was left untouched; just as he’d remembered it, which surprised him. He hastily bent down to retrieve two purple orbs and then proceeded to grab a quill, ink and paper from the makeshift desk.

Pressing the quill to the paper gently, he wrote. The words seemed to flow out of their own accord, not stopping even once until he was done. Once Rye was certain he’d written down what he’d wanted – after quite a few crossed out lines – he placed the quill back on the desk and folded the piece of paper into a neat square. A couple of tears had crinkled it slightly, but he was sure it wouldn’t matter. The hardest part was just the beginning. He didn’t want to be near Zanna again for any moment of time, but he had to deliver the letter. Taking the two orbs and the letter as he went, Rye slipped out quietly and disappeared as the darkness swallowed him whole.

His heart gave a wild thump as he peered through the window to check if Zanna was asleep. The Pikachu was curled up in a corner of the room, having forsaken her bed, and was tossing rather fitfully. Rye’s stomach lurched at the sight. No doubt he was the cause of the trauma. Closing his eyes briefly and rubbing his temples, the Elekid padded through the doorway into the small room.

The air seemed to thicken automatically; a strong sense of foreboding. Ignoring the calls from his conscious, he quietly placed the two orbs next to a larger one Zanna had on her desk and stared at the letter. It was a few minutes before he could bring himself to move again. Walking over to Zanna’s unused bed, he carefully slipped the letter half under the pillow. At that precise moment the Elekid heard a mutter from the far corner of the room and turned around, anxious.

“Urgh…” Zanna had scrunched up her face in obvious pain and rolled over onto to her other side. “No…I won’t,” she mumbled in a dull whisper. “Rye…” The Elekid caught his breath as he heard his name uttered. The tone he’d heard Zanna use wasn’t one he particularly liked, but he was still intrigued. “Please…” she begged almost silently.

Rye stumbled back against the wall to prevent himself from falling over. This was almost more than he could handle right now. The Pikachu turned again, a frown creasing her mouth ever so slightly. “You know I…do…” she yawned sleepily. “I…I love you…”

The next second Rye had made a loud gasp, knocked over the orbs and bolted. The shock of what Zanna had said hadn’t yet fully reached him, though he knew he had to get away now. He heard mumbles behind him as he fled once more into the forest, not looking back. He didn’t stop until he’d been going for at least ten minutes – that he was sure of.

Finally the Elekid slowed and listened to the beat of his footsteps as they padded along. The rhythm soothed him enough to calm down. Rye edgily fell to the forest floor on his knees, palms crushing the gritty dirt beneath him. A light drizzle of rain began to fall, mingling with the Elekid’s own tears. Within seconds, the rain was almost thundering down through the canopy, flowing like streams along the tree branches.

Rye let himself get soaked, not even bothering to move as he spluttered through the fur and water now dripping around his face. Only when he was drenched and shivering did he crawl to the nearest dry spot under a tree. Curling into a ball, he wrapped himself with his arms to try to stop the shivering. But the cold was relentless.
Rye stayed silent as the night flowed on, getting darker as it went, and still the Elekid did not sleep. His wide eyes stared fitfully through the wind and rain lashing out at him, though he couldn’t care less. Only when dawn was approaching and the rain had died down a bit did his eyelids droop. Giving a last shiver, he slumped against the tree trunk, welcoming the rough bark to ease his pain. Weariness soon got the better of him as his consciousness slipped and he fell into a deep sleep.

Only one thing strayed into his dreams that night, and it was enough to haunt him endlessly.

[Chibi Altaria]

Chapter 26;
.............moving forward

---------

A loud crash sounded and woke me from my fitful sleep. Snapping my eyes open almost immediately, I then began to focus my vision on the surroundings. My room wasn’t well lit, so it was rather hard to see in the dark. It was a good thing I had sensitive eyes. Nothing seemed out of place until I spotted three orbs rolling on the floor. The larger one I’d taken from the temple and the two small ones I’d given to Rye.

“Urgh!” I reached a paw down to my stomach as I thought of the Elekid, flinching back in pain. How much more of this…am I going to have to go through? Shaking away my negative feelings, I realised he must have been here. No one else would have moved the orbs. A flicker of white soon caught my eyes and I turned my gaze towards my bed, which I’d neglected to sleep in. Tucked underneath my pillow, a small piece of paper rustled as the wind blew through the window. Huh? What’s a piece of paper doing here? Still half asleep and weary from exhaustion, I crawled over to my bed and reached for the paper. I instantly recoiled as it touched my paw. It was wet; crinkled as well. I frowned, staring thoughtfully before reaching out again, unfolding it.

As a smell rose to my nose, I noticed something. These wet marks and creases…they were made by tears! My eyes widened as I took in the handwriting. I’d never seen anyone write much, but I could definitely tell this was from Rye. The signature at the bottom of the page confirmed this. Rye was crying…I thought in amazement. He’s never cried before. Maybe…this affects him even more than me. My stomach lurched again in response to the thought and I meekly turned back to the letter. My eyes scanned the first sentence warily before I decided to continue. In his handwriting, Rye wrote:

“Dear Zanna, forgive me for leaving last night; it was a necessary precaution I had to take. I feel terribly bad about the whole incident and wish it could never have happened. But I know now it’s a fool’s wish – you can’t turn back time. I’ve decided to do the only thing I can, and though I know you won’t like it, I regret to say that I must. I have to leave you and everyone else if you are to be safe. Please don’t worry. I have most things sorted out and I hope to return someday.

But…I know how you must feel right now, as I feel it too. Seeing you hurt like that yesterday – by my own hand – was an utter nightmare. That scene still haunts me. I’ll never forgive myself for that, and I won’t. I also know you said I usually mask my emotions, which is true, but at this present point in time I think my guard is removed. I have done so in order to tell you a few things before I leave. You will find them in this letter. I only hope that they do not provoke you, or otherwise. If so, I sincerely apologise.”

I raised an eyebrow at the warning. What could Rye say that would make me mad at him? Absurd, I thought to myself. Nothing he could do would provoke me. All the same, I braced myself as I read on.

“Zanna, I want you to know what I was doing in Likera before we met, and why I came to the guild in the first place.”

I had to admit, I was rather intrigued now. His past that I’d neglected to ask about so often would finally be revealed. Or at least part of it. Flexing the crinkled page between my paws, I continued.

“I told you about my job at the missionary, remember? Well, my job was to permanently stop Raze and Scythe, as well as to find out what Deoxys wanted by any means necessary. I have underlined that last part because one: my objective has now changed, and two: to make you understand that my father is very serious about our goals.

So, to pick up where I left off, I had just been commissioned to Likera to search for information. That was also the day I met you. I have to say, you didn’t seem like much then, but I knew there was something different about you. How you seemed kind – even when I was so abrupt with you. It wasn’t until you rescued the two Chikorita from the caverns that I began to suspect something. You were unbelievably strong and powerful – in more ways than one. When you were chosen as the next Light Pokemon, I knew I had been right all along. But I won’t waste time here. There is a more pressing matter at hand.

I wrote before that I tried to find out what Deoxys wanted by any means necessary. Well…I found out, after some time, that he wanted you.”

My whole body instantly froze. Surely it wasn’t such a big surprise? I mean, he did try to capture me and, as a Light Pokemon, I was now considered his mortal enemy. But still…why was it that a shiver was spreading through me? This letter was more than I’d bargained for. It wasn’t just a goodbye note; it was the whole story now. Of course there would be parts I didn’t like. I shook myself gently, and for a third time, read onwards.

“Now things took a turn for the worst. Because you were what Deoxys was after, my father had ordered me to track you. I just want to make one thing clear: my father is the sole reason I hate. But because he is the Commander, I have to do what he says. So that ribbon I gave to you as a gift…it had an in-built tracking device.”

Immediately, I tugged the ribbon off and jumped on it. A tracking device??! How could he?! Then something caught my eye. Wait…had?

“Please, don’t be too hasty to judge me. For a while, I struggled with my feelings. I had to choose between family and friends. But my “family” only consisted of soldiers giving orders, no matter who or what they had to destroy in the process. That was not my way. Before I gave you that ribbon I tore out the tracer and threw it into the pond. I have no doubt that my father is – as I write this – very mad at me. But I don’t care. I’m finally being who I am. You made me see that, Zanna. Thank you.”

I removed one of my paws from the page to dab at my eyes which had become rather moist. Rye had not only risked himself – but his job – to protect me. He was braver than I’d thought. My own tears now mingled with Rye’s on the crinkled page, but I wiped my eyes deftly as I bent down to retrieve the ribbon, tying it back on with renewed strength.

“After that point, I had no doubt that I would stick with you no matter what. It was after that you were captured. It tormented me to no end to see you chained. It took all my will not to rush out recklessly. I discovered then that Deoxys wanted your soul, but I had no idea what for and I still don’t. I did, however, vow to protect you always. A vow, I’m sad to say, that must be broken now because of my…condition.

Protecting you that day was all I could do. Even after I knew the poison had been inflicted upon me, I tried to stay conscious. I knew I couldn’t sleep – I had to stay awake. I was afraid that if I closed my eyes…I would lose you. That’s why I severed our link: so you would survive. I didn’t care for myself anymore. Now, after all my years, you were the only thing I wanted to save.

And so I did. I was glad at that point, even though the poison took its toll on me, I was glad.

Apparently a week had passed before I was awake. I was…scared, Zanna. I thought I would die – and I did, technically. But through some miracle, you brought me back. When I awoke, it was amazing. I never thought I’d feel so happy to be alive. I was clearly wrong. Now I regret that I have to leave, but I don’t ever want to see you hurt like that again. My father will be very mad at me – no doubt I will be severely punished if I return. But you see…I did what I did for you. So I’ll accept what I have to.

Oh, as a side note, Major Kraal and Private Marilai work for the missionary too. That was why they were with me. They serve under me and will not harm anyone unless it is at my command. However, I did hear they tried to attack you. Don’t worry, I’ve had a long chat with them and they seem to somewhat agree that you’re a good Pokemon.

I know you have to go to the Missionary next, but…I still don’t want you to. If only there was another way. I shudder to think what my father would do to you if you showed up there. For your own sake, Zanna, I’m begging you not to go there. Please, listen to me. I couldn’t take it if he hurt you. Everything I’ve worked so hard to protect just…went down the drain. But…do what you must. I just hope what I’ve told you is enough to set you on the right path.

I should go now, and I dislike goodbyes, so I will make it brief. One day, Zanna, I will find you again. Until then, I wish you all the best. I know you can save Talzere – I never gave up hope. You’re the brightest star I’ve seen in a long time, and I’m…proud of you. Take care, and farewell.

Best regards,

Riley

P.S. I brought back the orbs for you to examine; I couldn’t crack them. And, well…I was never the best at expressing myself or anything, but I…I……..I…………”

A giant pause of dots filled up the next few lines. I frowned slightly at his odd predicament. Why couldn’t he just say what he wanted and move on? But I knew he wasn’t one for that. I stroked a paw across the letter over three tiny words that made my heart thump wildly within my chest.

“I love you.”

I released the page as it glided gently towards the ground. My paws moved up to my face, the ribbon clutched tightly between them. I held it across my streaming eyes for a moment, face contorted with agony. Why did he leave??!! It was so unfair, just when everything was getting better! But even as I was tormented by his choice, the ribbon he’d given me offered solace. I clenched it tightly to my fur, not letting it go for an instant. I promise you, Rye. I won’t let you down!

Tears still stained my face as I curled up again, this time in my bed, and slowly hummed myself to sleep.

***

Rye awoke only a few short hours after he’d fallen asleep. A dull pain still throbbed within his chest, though it had calmed since the night before. The Elekid sat up wearily, shaking his fur out as he did so. The rain made him cold and it didn’t help that a cool breeze now drifted through the trees.

“Urgh…” he groaned as he picked himself up off the ground with haste. I need to get further away. Bitter memories still stung his mind and he loathed them to no end. But through the haze he set a new goal. The Light Temple would hopefully welcome him. After all, it was his last chance.

Rye pushed the ferns eagerly aside with a paw. A flash of sunlight illuminated the small patch where he stood so he had to raise a paw to keep from being blinded. The sun rays sparkled against the temple walls, the arch of vines seeming to stretch ever so slightly. Few Pokemon had appeared in the surrounding area. Only a flock of Swablu and Rye himself were present within the confines of the clearing. Eager to get his goal over with, he bolted across the bridge, stopping only when he reached the temple doors, raising a paw to them. He was unsure if this would work.

“But I have no other choice,” he muttered to himself. “I must go on.” Rye extended his paw further and was instantly surprised when they swung open of their own accord. The Elekid jumped backwards, startled. Small sparks of electricity flowed out from his ears, but a soothing voice soon calmed him.

I know why you have come. Please, enter.

The calm voice led Rye to believe that this was the Light Pokemon Zanna had met; Altair. The Elekid slowly walked into the room towards the center, eyeing the stone tablets that covered the wall. They seemed to depict mostly epic battles that had raged throughout history, but some also told of Light and Dark Pokemon alike. Rye halted once he reached the core of the room between two ancient stone columns. He waited for almost a minute before Altair spoke, afraid of breaking the silence first.

I know why you have come, he repeated. And it is a difficult matter indeed, but not impossible. Hope coursed through the Elekid.

“You mean to say – if you do decide to help me – that it can be done?” There was a slight pause as Altair seemed to think.

I believe so. As Zanna has learned to control her power, so can you, though I would like to talk to you myself. It is possible, Altair answered the Elekid’s quizzical look. Because you have been touched by an ancient power, I am able to bring you to the Farplane. I would prefer you to stay where you are, but circumstances prevent me from crossing into your world. Now, you may feel slightly nauseous, but not to worry. The feeling is only temporary.

A shocked expression crossed Rye’s face as he felt his head split in two. I’m being dragged! he realised. The pulling feeling got stronger and though he tried to pull against it, Altair gave a final tug and the Elekid was rendered unconscious.

***

“A…Altair?” Rye’s eyes fluttered open as a bright light pierced through them. Strong, yet gentle paws reached down to drag him upwards.

“I’m sorry about that. It really is an unpleasant feeling.” Once the Elekid’s eyes adjusted, he found himself staring at a white Pikachu in front of him, one paw rubbing the back of his head apologetically. Rye was amazed. He was slightly taller than Zanna, pure white; except for his grey stripes, a hint of red in his cheeks, and stunning turquoise eyes. And though Rye hated to admit it, he was also rather handsome as well. He felt a twinge of jealousy course through him at the thought.

And Zanna was here…The Elekid quirked an eyebrow. “It was really alright,” he assured the Pikachu. Altair lowered his paw before looking the Elekid up and down.

“But you resisted,” he pointed out. Rye nodded slightly.

“It was…strange to me, that’s all.” He cringed under the Pikachu’s gaze which was neither appraising nor disapproving, but rather something in between.

“Hmm. I have a question for you,” Altair muttered after a moments pause to think. Rye raised an eyebrow at the Pikachu’s comment.

“What is it?” Altair took a quick step forward to close the distance between them. Resting a paw lightly on Rye’s shoulder, he spoke.

“How is Zanna?”

Rye instantly drew backwards and cringed, tearing away from Altair’s grasp. He took a deep breath steadily, ignoring the icy cold feeling as it passed through his lips. The Pikachu merely stood and observed his reaction. Rye looked up at him and glared. “You knew…” he hissed, baring his fangs.

“And I also knew you would hurt her!” Altair shot back, clenching his paws in front of him. “That’s why I warned her!” Rye still glared at the Light Pokemon, but kept his anger reined in.

“What warning?!” Altair seemed to hesitate. “Spit it out, Pikachu!” Rye growled, the hold on his temper slipping.

Altair looked calmly up at Rye. “I told her it would be better if she stayed here with me.” His gaze wavered and he tore it to the ground. Understanding lit in the Elekid’s eyes. He knew there was something Zanna had neglected to tell them, and he’d just found it. He was both stunned and hurt.

“You kissed her…” he murmured in a dull tone, barely louder than a whisper. Altair caught the sadness within the Elekid’s voice.

“I-I didn’t mean to! It just…happened! Light Pokemon have a strong connection, see? We’re naturally drawn to each other.”

“Drawn…” Rye repeated again in the same monotone. But something else dawned on him. “She didn’t stay, though.”

“No,” Altair confirmed. “With the contact I was able to see into her soul. I wasn’t even there; not in that moment. In her soul…all I saw was you.” His voice had dropped to a light whisper now. “You’re the one she loves, Rye. But after what you’ve done…it impacts on both of us. I feel her emotions just as she would feel mine. It’s like when you two were linked, only stronger.”

Rye couldn’t bring himself to move. He was still rooted to the spot where he’d retreated from Altair’s grasp. “So you tell me, then,” he asked. “How is she?” Altair shook his head slowly and raised a paw to his heart.

“It’s broken…” he murmured. “She’s hurting very deeply.”

Rye winced. “I want to return, I really do. I know I hurt her, but…” He trailed off aimlessly as he glanced down at the Light Pokemon. “Help me, Altair.” He had to force the words through his teeth, as they didn’t come easily. The Pikachu stared long and hard into Rye’s eyes for what seemed like a millennia. Finally he broke the contact and nodded.

“As you wish, I will help you. But,” he warned, raising a finger. “If you so much as hurt her again, you’ll have me to answer to. And you won’t like me when I’m mad.” Altair bared his fangs as proof and they glinted like diamonds in the bright light.

Rye flinched inwardly. “I understand.”

The Light Pokemon instantly broke into a grin and teleported behind the Elekid, grabbing hold of his shoulders. “Good. Then I have someone I need you to meet.”

Rye just caught the hint of danger in his tone before he was sucked into space along with the Pikachu.

“Hey! Get up! It’s almost noon…”

An anxious voice drifted to my ears as I moved my paws over my head to block out the sound. I didn’t want to get up. I just wanted to sleep here for as long as I could…

“Get up!” the stern voice came again. Feathers jabbed into me sharply and I yelped in pain, sitting up almost instantly.

“Ouch! Why did you do that?!”

Jarre shook his head slowly. “I’m sorry, but everyone wants to see you. They’re…concerned.”

I snorted. “I’m fine.” I blinked my eyes slowly as Jarre looked over me.

“Not to sound disrespectful or anything, but you look like a mess.”

“And there goes my dignity.” I rolled my eyes and threw up my paws for an added effect. Sarcasm was one of the ways I hid my feelings, and generally it worked.

“Zanna…I just want to help you.” He tilted his head towards the ground a little in despair. I don’t think I’d ever seen him like this before. He was the one who always cheered me up. Standing, I walked over to the Torchic and placed my arms around him.

“Thank you for the offer,” I whispered, “but you can’t help me”. I nuzzled him slightly before exiting the tent. Jarre was the best friend I’d ever had, and I didn’t want to drag him into this. It would be better for everyone if I was left alone.

What a great start to the morning, I thought sourly. Then the memory of Rye’s letter returned, along with the night before. It hit me like a sudden gale, but it wasn’t the letter itself; it was the smell of Rye, the feel of his fur between my paws…My mind had to be playing tricks on me.

“Ahh!” I gasped and hunched over, kneeling on the ground as a pulsing pain spread through me. This wasn’t like the usual pain I had; this was different. And it was only getting worse.

“Zanna!” Jarre’s distraught cry reached my ears, but it just sounded like a broken bell.

W-what is…going on? I thought through gritted teeth. I felt like I was being torn apart, almost the same feeling that I had when Altair dragged me into the Farplane, only much worse.

“Gah! No!” I spluttered, unable to keep my eyes open for a second longer. I collapsed on the ground shortly after Jarre reached my side. The faintest flicker of darkness obscured my vision and I froze, not caring how cold the snow was. All I could do was murmur two words, and two words only before the pain caused me to pass out. “It’s him…”

***

“Argh!” Rye’s growl pierced the cool air as he held a paw over his stomach in pain. “What – is this?” The Elekid gasped frantically as he shrugged off the paw that was resting on his shoulder.

“It’s getting worse,” Altair whispered calmly. “The darkness within you is spreading.”

“Grr…” Rye glared at the ground sullenly, teeth gritted. If I don’t do something soon, this could end up killing me…

“Hmm,” Altair murmured to himself suddenly.

“What is it?” Rye almost spat at the Pikachu. Altair didn’t bother to even acknowledge he’d heard. The Elekid’s patience grew thin. “What is it?!” he snapped again angrily, eyes glowing red. The Light Pokemon finally turned.

“Apart from your growing temper?” he mocked. “The link between you and Zanna still exists.” At first, his sentence didn’t make sense to Rye, then the Elekid jumped, albeit painfully.

“That means Zanna can still feel my pain!” He winced as he realised what this must mean. “If I can barely stand this, what will it do to her? Altair! Make it stop!” Rye lashed out at the air, striking it with loathing. “I thought I could protect her, but even if I leave she’s still in danger…”

Altair noted that the Elekid’s breathing had picked up pace. Although the Light Pokemon really didn’t like him, he couldn’t stand by and watch him suffer. It would hurt Zanna too much, he added as an afterthought. Shaking his head wearily, Altair grasped the Elekid’s arm and dragged him forward.

“Wait! Where are we going?”

“Did you even notice where we are?” Altair replied in a sharp whisper. “You’d do well to keep quiet.” He let go of Rye’s arm as the Elekid finally looked around. What he saw made him stop dead.

They seemed to be in a dark plane, so dark, it was almost pitch black. For miles, Rye could only see a void of darkness, with a few exceptions. Stone columns rose out of the ground jaggedly, almost like sharp teeth, and they seemed to pave a path through the plane towards a dark crevice that was etched into the side of a cave. The black cave seemed to be the only thing residing within the plane apart from Altair and himself.

“What is this place?” Rye was hesitant as a chill raced down his spine. Altair stood a few feet in front of him, arms crossed and a frown creasing his face.

“This is the deepest part of the Farplane; a place which I still loathe to visit.” A shrill wail answered Altair’s voice and Rye flinched backwards, paws raised in case of attack, but none came. “This place,” Altair continued icily, “is the Underworld.”

Rye felt such an icy shudder pass through him that he almost lost his balance. “The Underworld…I don’t like the sound of that.” He thought back to the wail and flinched inwardly. Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself enough to think rationally. “So who am I to meet?” The question seemed to give Altair the hysterics. The white Pikachu burst out laughing, though softly. Rye raised an eyebrow at the Pikachu’s gesture, growing rather impatient and irritated. Finally the Light Pokemon composed himself enough to utter a few words to the Elekid.

“I shouldn’t even be here; you shouldn’t be here. But because of your…condition” – he spat the word disapprovingly – “there is no other choice. Come with me.”

Altair headed off towards the dark void of the crevice, Rye following slowly behind. “Wait…we’re not going in there, are we?”

Altair snorted at Rye’s question. “Where do you think we’re going?”

Rye blinked once before shaking his head with frustration. “Let’s just go.” He side-stepped into the crevice and felt the rough rock graze his fur. It was going to be a tight squeeze. Rye felt Altair’s warm breath behind him as he realised the Pikachu was following his lead. The tunnel ahead was so narrow that he had to hold his breath at times just to get further ahead. “Why do you keep this so narrow?” he asked with disdain. “It’s hard to walk through. Is it to keep others out?”

Only the rhythmic pattern of Altair’s breathing mixed with Rye’s could be heard now. The Elekid stopped as another high pitched wail passed through the tunnel, this one much louder than the first and echoing off the walls. He instantly raised his paws to his ears to block out the terrible noise. Once it had passed, he shook off the sound, though it still seemed to be ringing in his ears. Rye turned his head halfway round so that he could just faintly see the outline of Altair. The Pikachu stood deathly still and seemed somehow much paler than before, even if he was white.

“To answer your question,” he replied nervously, licking his lips. “It’s not to keep something out, but rather to keep something in.”

Rye recalled the wailing voice once more and froze. Oh no…”Altair…what have you done?”

***

“Please…are you okay?”

A familiar voice drifted towards me as my vision finally cleared and I was able to find the strength to roll over in the soft, fluffy snow. “Jarre?” I murmured through chattering teeth. “What happened to me?”

The Torchic grinned almost instantly and his eyes shimmered. “I’m so glad you’re alright. With all these recent bouts of unconsciousness…well they can’t be good for you.” He shook his head slowly, wings falling vertically to his sides. “You just sort of collapsed back there. But you said something. You said ‘It’s him’, and that’s when you fainted. Looked like you were having a bad dream of some sort.” He lowered his voice to a whisper and glanced around anxiously. “Did you see Rye?”

The instant his name was uttered, my head swam and a horrible feeling lurched within my stomach. I felt like I was going to be sick and pass out again all at the same time. I fell back into the snow, panting heavily, paws covering my ears to drown out the voices now filling my head. I screwed my eyes shut and talked through gritted teeth. “No, well, not really. I don’t want to talk about it.” I pressed against my ears harder, even when it hurt, but still the voices came. And through them all, the melodic one which I now craved too much than was healthy. NO! Drown it out, you fool! I snapped at myself. You’re fine…you can do this. Even without…my thoughts trailed off there as I began to feel a fuzzy feeling wash over me. I sighed half-heartedly. Not now…

I could feel myself become lighter, my fur paling, claws getting sharper. My fangs protruded over the edge of my mouth and my senses were automatically heightened. My stripes dulled to a dark grey, my red cheeks barely visible. Serrated spikes jutted out from my body randomly, causing me to twitch with irritation.

“Zanna…” Jarre’s voice shook a little as he took in my Light Form. It wasn’t the most pleasing sight, I knew.

Almost hesitantly, I removed my paws from my eyes and stood up, no longer feeling depressed. I knew the aura within me had the ability to suppress negative feelings, and even if it was only temporary, I revelled in the fact.

“It’s okay,” I smiled slowly. “I’m in control now. This form just…it helps. It makes me feel almost whole again.” I felt the sides of my mouth draw up into a wistful half-grin. Jarre didn’t say a word, but nodded in understanding. I took a moment longer to bathe in the light before I withdrew from the form, though dreading every second of it. The lurching feeling in my stomach returned, but thankfully not as powerful. “I know I can’t let others see me like this…” Then I thought of changing the subject. “I suppose we’re leaving soon? That’s why you came to wake me?”

“Yeah,” Jarre nodded, also seeming thankful for the change of subject. “We’re heading off for the Missionary as soon as everything’s ready. You can go for a walk if you want. I’ll call you when we’re done.”

I smiled at Jarre’s offer. “Thank you.” I ruffled his feathers gently as I passed him, making for the edge of the forest. Perhaps a walk will do me some good.

***

I had stopped at the edge of the forest, doubling back to gather the orb Rye couldn’t seem to open. The Remembrance Orb. I figured the temple could hold some answers for me that might be able to unlock it. I’d crossed the bridge with no problem this time; my senses were now attuned to weak spots. I now stood in the vast hall of Altair’s temple wondering where to start looking. Altair’s voice never flowed into my mind, but I expected he was busy with countless other things. So many things had happened. At least I now knew that Deoxys was the pure evil clone of Darkrai. How such a thing could exist, I had no idea. As far as I knew, Darkrai was safely sealed away. He couldn’t hurt anyone anymore; that was for certain.

Finally making a decision, I chose a narrow path diagonally right of me. This hallway had an arched ceiling, marble tiles lining the floor and rough images etched into the sides of the walls. I was always amazed by how these pictures could tell magnificent stories. Stopping for a slight second, I raised a paw and rested it against an etching. This one depicted three white figures illuminating the darkness. No doubt it was Altair and the other two Light Pokemon. It was still so strange to think that I was one of them now. All these dormant powers that lay hidden within me…

I held up the shining orb and closed my eyes briefly, focusing on the light etching with a certain sorrow. Without knowing exactly what was happening, a spark of light shot out from the Remembrance Orb, causing me to jump and almost fall over. Only my quick reflexes saved me from toppling with humiliation to the floor. Gazing at the orb curiously, I removed my paw from the etching and slid it underneath the cool, round surface. Holding it steadily within my palms, a strong feeling of sorrow instantly overcame me. I yelped, dropping the orb without hesitation. It clattered to the floor, rolling even further down the narrow hallway until a jutting rock barred its path. I hadn’t moved an inch from my spot, frozen with curiosity.

Willing my feet to move, I walked towards the orb. Every step took me closer, and as I did, it seemed to grow brighter. When I’d finally reached it, I kneeled on the ground and touched the emanating aura, going to pick it up. But I was halted before I’d even placed a second finger against the cool surface.

A single, black image flashed through my head. Red and white splattered the scene and a bone chilling scream coursed through its very core. I could feel the very essence of the orb tearing me apart. The pain…the agony! It felt as if I’d lost the will to live! Clutching a dagger…I slowly drove it inwards until it grazed my fur. With only a momentary thought of repressed regret, I placed both my paws firmly around it and thrust.

“AHH!” I released the orb at once, breathing heavily and listening to the echo of my scream. That…that wasn’t me I’d seen…was it? My eyes screwed shut in disbelief. I couldn’t end my own life! It…it can’t be the future! “It’s…something else!” I stammered to myself in almost a whisper. “I wouldn’t do that…” But the orb caused me doubts. Somewhere, there was something so powerful. Something that caused me so much pain I would gladly end my own life just to escape it. No…

I backed off shivering, rising fluently and turning to run. Only then did a strong paw slide agilely across my mouth, preventing me from screaming. It was cold and chilling to the bone!

“Grab the Orb of Sorrow!” A male voice hissed to a nearby companion. I heard scuffling before I had the courage to cry out.

“Hel–” But I was cut off halfway. The figure holding me clutched tighter and whispered into my ear.

“You ought to be nicer here, missy. After all, it’s your life at stake.”

The paw gradually lessened its hold as I stopped struggling. The figure grasped me firmly around the shoulders as I raised my head to look into its eyes. They shone bright amber and peered down not with malice, as I’d thought, but with concern! The figure raised its mouth into a quirky smile as it winked and set me upright. My mind instantly turned blank and swam in spirals. It couldn’t be!

***

“It’s too late to stop now!” Altair shot back, casting eerie glances behind Rye. “This is what you wanted!” Rye shuddered and took a step forward.

“I said I wanted help!” he shouted, voice holding a hint of fear. “Not…not this!”

Altair took a hasty step back at Rye’s shout. He didn’t reply, but he was probably too edgy to do so. The Pikachu slowly raised a paw and gestured to a light grey glow coming from ahead. “It’s the only way.”

The Elekid stood completely still, eyes rooted to the ground in front of him. Maybe it was the only way, but this…this was condemning him! He lifted his head hesitantly. “What if…he doesn’t comply?”

A moments silence passed through the tunnel before Altair burst with laughter. Rye glared, irritated by the Pikachu’s sudden mood changes and demeanour.

“He can’t afford not to!” he replied airily. “To get to the world he needs you.”

“So then what? I become…” Rye stiffened. “One of them?”

Altair shook his head thoughtfully. “You can’t. You’ve been touched by light.”

“I don’t–” Then he stopped. Rye put a paw to his mouth. “Zanna…” he murmured with awe. The Light Pokemon nodded, ushering the Elekid forward again. This time, Rye turned around, albeit timidly. He heard only a whisper before he was left alone in the gloomy darkness.

“May Arceus be with you…”

Shivering slightly in the cool tunnel, Rye took a step forward, and then another as he made his way into the light. An eerie feeling instantly enveloped him as he halted in the center of a small cavern. A soft chuckle sounded nearby. But it wasn’t a chuckle of joy, no; this sound held ice and a malicious feeling that none could ever hope to comprehend.

The chuckle rose louder and louder until it was like a high pitched wail running through Rye’s ears. The Elekid shrank back, paws covering his head to drown out the torturing melody. But as soon as it had begun, it stopped. Slowly opening one eye, Rye froze. A black wisp of darkness flowed from the ceiling in a spiral, coming to rest only metres in front of him. As the dark wisp gathered, more of a form took place, even though it was still cloaked in shadows. Two clawed arms stretched lithely from its body and a white wisp of matter flowed out somewhat gracefully behind it. A red collar was placed around the being’s neck which it stroked soothingly with an outstretched claw. As soon as Rye met its gaze, the creature grinned, narrowing its deep blue eyes and beckoning to him with its other claw.

“Riley…” It hissed almost caressingly.

Rye shuddered. So this was his help. The only being that could help him control his dark side was also his worst enemy. Forcing the word through his stunned lips, Rye returned the greeting,

“Darkrai.”

[Chibi Altaria]

Chapter 27;
.............warm welcome

---------

The Sneasel held me firmly as I tried to steady my tumbling mind. It couldn’t be right. No…I dismissed the thought at once, instead peering blankly up at the grey figure.

It was a male Sneasel of average height. He wore a quirky smile, his amber eyes shining vividly through what little light the temple had. A rather long red feather jutted out from his left ear, and three more of these formed a tail. Both his feet and paws ended in two hooked, curved claws, which were glinting gently. A gold gem was placed on his brow and chest, the latter also surrounded within a white tuft of fur. As I glanced upwards, the Sneasel narrowed its eyes. But not in disdain…in welcome!

It took a good step back as soon as I was steady and raised a claw to beckon his partner over who I’d neglected before. “Tali, it’s her!” the Sneasel whispered fervently to the orange Pokemon. Tali must have been the Buizel that was eyeing me disapprovingly.

“She’s kinda scrawny. Are you sure?”

The Sneasel whipped his head around to me once more and grinned. “Bingo.”

The Buizel merely shrugged. She looked just smaller than the average Buizel – from what I could see – with a tiny black nose and onyx eyes. Two elongated black ovals, almost like whiskers, rested beside her mouth on her cream muzzle. The latter was set into a straight line and didn’t seem inclined to move. A fin rested on the top of her head and was laid back ever so slightly. Blue fins were also attached to both arms and a yellow float covered her neck. She had a cream belly and two orange tails, each tipped with cream fur, that spun around every two seconds or so. If it wasn’t for her attitude, she might have been cute.

I narrowed my own eyes in irritation as she glared at me again. The Sneasel seemed to take no notice, but closed the gap between us and offered a claw.

“Nice to meet ya, Lamb. I’m Dash.”

I stood absolutely stunned. Lamb!?? A long silence passed between us as I regarded him slowly.

“Oh!” the Sneasel named Dash gasped, glancing down at his claw. “You shake it, see?” He grinned at me warmly as his Buizel partner put a paw to her face. This seemed to snap me out of my reverie.

“Oh, I’m sorry! I was thinking…” I grimaced and reached out to shake Dash’s claw. At least he didn’t seem to be bad.

“Yup, Tali,” he replied to the Buizel, “it’s her."

“The Light Pokemon?” Tali’s voice was cold and rang with ice. “Her?” Dash broke away from my hold and whirled to face the Buizel.

“It’s her, alright?! Now stop bein’ snooty and hand her the orb!”

The orb! My mind clicked. “Wait…you called that the Orb of Sorrow. Why?” Dash raised an eyebrow at me incredulously, mouth gaping.

“You don’t know?!” His mouth gaped even wider as I shook my head. “Wow.” He rubbed his forehead with a claw as I took the orb from Tali’s outstretched paw – or rather, yanked it, as she was reluctant to let go. “Where to begin. Well, first thing’s first! That –” he said, pointing to the purple orb in my paws “– is one of the Orbs of Altair. The Orb of Sorrow.”

I held the orb up to my face, peering into its whirling depths. Orb of Sorrow…hmm…

“And,” Dash continued, “It can only be opened when a strong feeling of sadness connects to it.”

I gulped in surprise at Dash’s words. “I-I think I opened it. Just before you came.” The Sneasel stole a brief glance towards Tali who shook her head brusquely. Dash put a claw on my shoulder and spun me round, steering me out of the temple.

“Are you sure, Lamb? It didn’t just…happen?” I frowned at the use of the word ‘lamb’, but shook my head.

“No, I definitely did it. At first I felt really sad and then I touched one of those etchings back where you found me. I became filled with such sorrow that I…” I broke off under Dash’s unnerving gaze.

“What?” The Sneasel’s voice had become rather stiff. He seemed to be waiting for my answer almost too eagerly. I, too, had become rather frozen. Dash was nice, but I couldn’t trust him yet. Not right now. Driving my thoughts away from the gruesome images I’d seen, I grimaced up at him.

“I dropped the orb.” Dash’s tense figure automatically relaxed and he drove me on again until we were just outside the temple.

Tali had followed us, albeit grudgingly. What was it about me that she didn’t like? However, I paid no attention to her. Dash was the one I wanted to talk to. He released me as soon as we stopped, and glanced up at the sky.

“It’s getting late, Lamb. I should probably head back.” I noticed Tali sigh, whether in relief or impatience, I wasn’t sure.

“Oh, wait!” I reached out to grab Dash’s claw as he turned to take leave. The Sneasel seemed somewhat surprised by my action, but stayed put.

“Lamb?” he questioned.

I shook my head briefly. “It’s Zanna,” I muttered. “But I was hoping that you’d stay with us for a while. I mean…I could use your help.” I didn’t bother adding the part about the twenty questions. I’d see to that later.

Dash sighed. “Really, that’s a great offer, but we should be going.” He put his other claw on mine with affability before letting it go. But I refused to give up! There was something I needed to know. Not sure where I was heading with this, I took a step forward and peered up, begging.

“But…so many bad things have happened to me lately and…” I paused slightly. Maybe a little flirting would help? Winking an eye, I stood on my toes to whisper into his ear. “I’d just love to have you around for a bit, you know? You did kind of rescue me back there. What I don’t owe my saviour!” I giggled and grinned, winking slightly again. “Think about it, Lamb.” I added that on for emphasis, hoping it would work.

When I’d backed away enough to see Dash’s face, I was instantly surprised. It had worked! The Sneasel’s face was a bright crimson colour, and he needed to blink quite a few times before he came to.

“Uh…I guess I could oblige you there, Lamb.” He grinned shakily and I couldn’t help giggling again. I never thought that would happen.

I’m so sorry, Rye! I whispered fervently in my mind. It was for a just cause. Though I felt a bit guilty, I was pleased with my efforts. I wonder how Rye would’ve reacted if I’d tried that on him? I almost burst into laughter at the thought before I remembered the task at hand. Dash was now reasoning with Tali if they could stay for a while. When the Buizel shouted why, so loudly that the Sneasel jumped, he stole a quick glace at me and murmured something about protection and a matter of life and death.

At length, the Buizel submitted and Dash relayed the news to me happily. I smiled up at him thinking that this had gone much smoother than I’d imagined. It was then, as I was peering harder at Dash’s figure, that I spotted some scars. But these were oddly shaped. My stomach lurched at the sight. Surely I couldn’t have been right after all?

The most prominent were a series of small holes on his chest. Just to the left of his tuft of fur, four small pinhole scars were visible. A bit lower down to the right, another set of four pinhole scars could just be seen above the fur. Now that I looked harder, there seemed to be lots of scars covering his body, but they were almost invisible. A burn mark I spotted was etched into one of his shoulders. That was where the fur had grown back rather crookedly and in patches.

Hmm…A Sneasel with burn marks and talon-like scars on his chest…

My mind clicked and I shuddered, remembering the distant scene of a cage where a Buizel and Sneasel were both captured, a menacing Torchic glaring at them…and the piercing scream of a burning Pokemon…

“It can’t be!” I quivered almost uncontrollably as both Dash and Tali turned to me. It took me a moment to register that I’d said the words out loud.

“What is it, Lamb? You look pale.” Dash rubbed my back soothingly as I wavered back and forth.

“She’s a sight for sore eyes!” Tali snapped. “Look at how weak she is! No wonder she can’t take care of herself!” The Buizel crossed her paws defiantly and walked off, scowling. I tried to catch my breath.

“Don’t mind her,” Dash murmured comfortingly. “She’s not always like this.” The Sneasel supported me without any problem and insisted on accompanying me back to the camp before he went to look for Tali. I frowned with uncertainty. I wondered how far I’d actually gone with my flirting attempt. I didn’t want to give him the wrong idea.

I denied his offer, saying I’d be fine, but this was easily overruled as I took a step forward and wavered again, almost falling over. Dash steadied me and picked me up within his arms, offering to carry me back. Considering how frail I was, I was in no position to say no, so I accepted somewhat grudgingly. It wasn’t long before exhaustion overcame me again and the rhythmic beating of Dash’s feet lulled me to sleep.

***

Rye remained deathly still as the cloaked figure grinned wider with malice. “Welcome to the Underworld!” it hissed with glee. The Elekid ignored the welcome and raised a paw in case of attack.

“Let’s get one thing straight,” he snapped at Darkrai. “I am only here because I need your help. I want to learn how to control this darkness.” He raised his other paw to his heart and sighed. “Before it kills me.”

“Aaaahhhhh…” Darkrai seemed to sigh, or at least, that’s what Rye presumed it was. The figure floated towards him almost gracefully, seeming to hum. “It is not only the darkness you fear, iisss it, boy?” Rye winced slightly as Darkrai came to a halt and tapped his chest with a claw. Steam rose from it and the figure recoiled as if burned. “You have light in you!” it hissed angrily. He flew around Rye in a circle before slowing to a stop in front of him. “You are touched by light! But not only are you physically hurt, your emotions are hurt too!” Darkrai smiled almost evilly. “Boy…you are in love.”

Rye lowered his head hastily, a scowl of pain creasing his face. “More than you know…”

Darkrai’s eyes merely glistened as he cackled in a rough snarl. “Feel the pain coursing through you, feel how its very existence encumbers your soul.” The nightmare Pokemon flew upwards and dashed around the cavern. “Feel how it tears you apart, a black hole rising from the depths of your heart to your mind…broken as you are, you still fight on!” Darkrai’s voice echoed all around him, and Rye had to press his paws to his ears to stop the words; to stop the agonising pain. “But you will fall,” came a mere whisper. “You will fail and everyone you love will DIE!”

He shouted the last word so fiercely that it seemed to etch itself into Rye’s soul. His head was spinning and spinning, with no way seeming to be right…no way he could get himself out to escape the torment. All this pain, suffering and confusion! Rye gritted his teeth and forced them open angrily.

“STOP!”

A bright flash of red light erupted from his body as the darkness spread through him, turning his fur into jagged spikes and elongating his fangs. His whole body soon became as black as night itself, his stripes glowing a fierce crimson red, as did his hollow eyes. Serrated claws jutted out every which way and scraped against the cavern floor. Rye himself breathed heavily; almost snorting as he completed the transformation.

His red eyes glared at the dark wisp of matter that now gathered in front of him. As soon as Darkrai came close enough, Rye snarled and lashed out savagely. The serrated claws went straight through Darkrai, never seeming to come in contact with him and leaving his body unscathed.

“Hmm…” The black figure seemed to think thoughtfully. “The evil in you has indeed spread, but it is not fully out of control. Something restrains you. As long as you have attachments binding you to earth, you will never become fully dark.” Darkrai stared at Rye steadily, whose hollow eyes seemed to widen in partial understanding. Then it disappeared.

“Quiet, dog! Save your breath,” Rye growled savagely. “Before I decide to rip you to shreds!” A piercing laugh suddenly filled the cavern.

“Rip me to shreds!? Try it, I dare you!”

For a moment, Rye was stunned, then he snarled and lunged at the dark being. The Elekid merely went straight through him. He uttered a sharp growl, rising fluently and lunging again and again, but to no avail. It was quite some time later that he became too exhausted and collapsed on the ground wearily. Panting with fatigue, it was all he could do to stand. The Elekid glared with utter disdain at Darkrai. The nightmare Pokemon grinned again as he stopped barely a metre from Rye’s reach.

“What a pathetic being you are, so lost and withered…” He suddenly burst out laughing and whirled around with apparent glee. All the while, Rye held a paw behind his back.

His breathing grew heavier as his concealed paw glowed with a red, sparking aura. His eyes traced Darkrai’s every movement, judging his next. Not a split second had passed when the Dark Pokemon charged forward, catching the other by surprise, striking him clean through the chest. This time Rye’s paw connected with Darkrai, going directly through and leaving a decent sized hole in its wake.

The dark matter Pokemon howled with rage and, ignoring his immense pain, grabbed Rye by the neck so roughly that his head could have come off as he pinned him against the jagged rocks of the cavern wall. The Elekid could do nothing but splutter and gasp for breath as the claw suffocated him. His eyes drooped weakly as he struggled to breathe, his flailing paws unable to find solid flesh to cut into.

As his consciousness faded, he screamed out in pain once more, uttering a single name somewhat still tenderly from his lips, even if it came out in a snarl. “Zanna…”

***

A sharp jolt woke me from my light slumber. Raising a paw to my eyes, I noticed I was still being carried. I couldn’t have been asleep for that long then, could I? I peered up at a grey face that definitely belonged to my now Sneasel friend, Dash. However, it wasn’t covered with the quirky grin that I usually saw etched into it, but rather a kind of scowl, or an expression of loathing.

“What…?” I tried to speak, but Dash moved a claw so quickly, placing it over my mouth, that no sound came out.

“I smell…trouble,” he indicated, tilting his head slightly to sniff the air. Following his lead, I too, sniffed, but found nothing unusual.

“Smells fine to me,” I answered with a frown, peering up at the Sneasel.

“Hmm.” He merely gave a snort and moved onwards, clutching me ever so slightly tighter. “Still, we’d best be on the lookout. Can you walk now, Lamb?” I nodded up at Dash’s enquiring face and he released me gently onto the ground. Glancing around, I saw we were nearing the camp where Codan and the others were probably waiting for me.

“I know the way back from here,” I told the Sneasel hastily. “And they’re probably waiting for me. We should hurry.” Dash returned my sentence with a curt nod and followed me down the path. Several times I looked up to see him sniffing the air, crinkling his nose every time he did so. I wonder what he smells that I can’t, I thought anxiously. But I didn’t let it bother me for long, because as soon as I’d stepped into the outskirts of the camp, Jarre’s voice greeted me.

“Zanna! Where have you been!?”

I was about to reply when a sharp intake of breath and a hiss came from behind me. Turning my head towards the Sneasel, I gasped at how he looked. His nose was scrunched tightly, eyes narrowed until the pupils were almost thin slits, his fur bristled and he was so rigid, for a moment I actually thought he was a statue.

“I…know that voice,” Dash murmured to me slowly. “It seems familiar, yet horrid! And that smell! It’s like ash!” The Sneasel raised a claw to his burnt shoulder almost instantly. While he was off in his own thoughts, I’d concluded mine. If what I thought really was true, then…

“Quick!” I cried out, grabbing Dash’s claw and not caring when he started. “We have to get you away from here!” But the Sneasel only stared at me, unable to move an inch.

Meanwhile, Jarre had found me and entered the clearing. I froze then and stopped my feeble attempts to move the Sneasel. Dash slowly turned his eyes to the newcomer. As soon as his gaze met Jarre’s he turned as pale as a ghost and took a step back, dragging me – still clutched tightly around his arm – with him.

“It-it’s you!” he half gasped and gurgled at the same time.

The Sneasel’s eyes were now wide with fear, but he couldn’t seem to move. I turned to Jarre and motioned with my paw for him to leave, but he, too, was transfixed. A clenching feeling had seemed fit to settle itself in my stomach. Now, I thought. What would you do if you came face-to-face with someone who wanted to kill you? Dash’s answering cry was pretty much my conclusion.

“Get away from me!” he shouted at the Torchic, raising his claw and tossing me to the ground.

Oh, no you don’t! I cried inwardly, lunging forward and grabbing Dash around the waist before he could run away. “L-listen to me! I have to explain!”

“NO!" The Sneasel pressed a claw against my face, trying to pry me off. “Y-you brought me to a murderer! Do you know what that demon is!?”

I instantly bristled at the word ‘demon’, burying my fangs into Dash’s wrist. He cried out in pain as I bit deeper until it bled. Only then did I release him. “That demon is my best friend!” I snarled back at him, baring my fangs fiercely. “He is not what you think he is!” Dash’s struggles didn’t lesson; not one bit.

“He works for Deoxys! He’s evil! He tortured Tali and I half to death!”

“He’s changed!” I shouted back, growling. “He works for the PRA now! He works for me!” Only after the last sentence did the Sneasel stop trying to claw my eyes out. He peered down at me in surprise.

“He works for you?”

I hastily let go of Dash and backed away to a safe distance. I was sure he wouldn’t run now. “He’s my rescue partner and my best friend,” I stated calmly, throwing a glance towards Jarre who still hadn’t moved an inch and didn’t seemed inclined to, not even through the entire commotion. “He-we,” I corrected, “would do anything for each other.” I half smiled at Dash gently as reassurance that everything was alright. The surprised Sneasel stared at me for a moment longer, blinked, then turned his gaze towards Jarre warily.

The Torchic’s face was still stunned. I noticed he was just as shocked as Dash was, if not more so. He took a slight step forward and – seeing that Dash didn’t recoil immediately – spoke somewhat shakily.

“I-I feel terrible. I am awfully sorry for what I did back then.” He scrunched up his eyes and raised a wing to his face. “All I have now are these gruesome images to remind me, and I-I can’t get rid of them! Why is it they now haunt me like this!? I repent and I repent, but nothing will ever change what I’ve done. Never!”

My jaw had seemingly dropped open during Jarre’s outburst. I’d never seen him so distraught before. Maybe those memories of the old days haunted him a lot more than he’d let on. The fire bird shot a spurt of flames from his beak in frustration, melting the snow within a metre radius. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Dash jump slightly, but he didn’t run. I closed the gap between us and rested a paw lightly on his arm.

“He won’t hurt you now,” I said simply. “Trust me.” And I was surprised at just how confident I sounded. The Sneasel turned to face me, tearing his wary gaze from the Torchic.

“I…I trust you, Lamb. It’s him I don’t trust. If you knew…if you only knew the torture I went through, then–”

“I do,” I cut in hastily. “I know what you went through.” My eyes pleaded for understanding. I knew how scared he was. After all, I had been close to death almost several times now. “Trust me, Dash.” I repeated through gritted teeth. My eyes then swerved to his wrist which I’d bitten into. I gasped, realising the holes must give him pain, and serve as a reminder. “I’m sorry…” I hastened to move a paw over it, touching the wound gently, but the Sneasel drew his claw away.

“It’s-it’s alright. It’ll heal.” He grinned at me shakily. "I’m sorry I hurt you. It was just…a shock. That’s all, Lamb.” Dash held his hurt claw tenderly and made sure it was kept away from me, lest I do more damage. I felt awful at the sight of it and closed my eyes, turning from Dash and back to Jarre.

The Torchic was breathing heavily, leaving a puff of steam every time he did so. He wasn’t panicking – not like Dash – but he seemed about to go into shock. I was about to walk over to calm him when a claw fell on my shoulder. I turned to the Sneasel warily; I suspected something was up. His amber eyes were no longer as friendly towards me as I had remembered, and held a dangerous glint within them. When he spoke, it was through gritted teeth.

“I don’t know why you brought me here, Lamb, but I cannot help you. I have to leave now.” He turned without a further word and left me standing, still shocked, before I found my voice again and called out.

“Dash, wait! I need your help with the orb!” But the Sneasel didn’t stop. If anything, he walked faster. “Please!” I cried, tears coming to my eyes as I thought of the fate of the world. “It may be the only chance I have to defeat Deoxys!”

Dash’s footsteps instantly died out. My head was hung half with guilt and half with sorrow. I knew not when Dash had returned, for I could not see him, though I did sense it. Ignoring my flowing tears, I glanced up at the Sneasel who held a faint smile on his face.

“I can’t stand to see you hurt – let alone the world. If ¬he stays out of this,” – Dash pointed to Jarre – “Then perhaps I may be able to help you.”

I felt a small grin spread across my face and Dash winked in response as he walked off in the direction of the camp, ignoring the stunned Torchic. That left only Jarre and me in the clearing, and I had no desire to find Tali. As far as I knew, she was bad news. Sighing slowly, I walked over to Jarre to see if he was alright. The Torchic’s head was now hung, and he didn’t bother to lift it as I approached, though I could still hear his rapid breathing.

“Jarre…I–” I went to place a comforting paw on his wing, but the bird backed off hastily, as if he was afraid of my touch. Frowning slightly, my paw wavering in mid-air, I stared as he lifted his head. His beak quivered, whether in sorrow, fear or anger, I couldn’t tell. But his eyes were clearly readable, and it was obvious that I was in big trouble.

“I…” The Torchic shook his head, sighing. “I thought we were friends…?” He let the sentence hang in the air as he walked off, not to the camp, but past me towards the forest.

My ears drooped with shame and I lowered the paw that had been suspended in the air all that time. Why is it every time I tried, I couldn’t do right by anyone? Instinctively, I reached for the Orb of Sorrow within my fur and felt a tingle of excitement course through me at the contact. Altair then came to mind, as the same feeling had passed through my body when he’d kissed me. But that soon made me think of Rye, and I cringed again, releasing the orb as a jolt of pain shot through me.

“Rye…” I whimpered slightly, holding a paw across my stomach. “Where are you…?”

***

The Elekid hung onto life for far longer than Darkrai had thought possible, but was this really such a surprise?

The boy has been tainted…but he is not fully aware of the strength he now possesses…this could be to my advantage…

With a hiss and a sharp growl, the nightmare Pokemon reluctantly released Rye from his grip, allowing the Elekid to fall to the cold stone floor, shivers constantly coursing through his body as he gulped for air. Darkrai glowered at the fallen figure. He looked so weak, but at the same time, held so much promise. Through the Elekid, he might be able to finally establish a connection with Deoxys! He grinned maliciously, feeling sharp fangs graze the edge of his wispy mouth.

“Boy, I will train you. We start at first light. Until then…” He broke off, gliding to Rye on the cavern floor and lifting his chin with a claw almost tenderly. The Elekid snapped angrily, but was still too weak to do much harm. Darkrai grinned again gleefully. “Until then,” he repeated softly, “I leave you with a parting gift.”

The dark matter Pokemon reached out and ran a claw across the Elekid’s forehead swiftly, causing him to screech out again in pain. Darkrai watched as the cut began to turn black, which then spread further down through the Elekid’s body. Rye’s claws elongated into sharp spikes more jagged than before, his fur stood on end like icicles, sharp and deadly, and his fangs cut through his mouth, causing him to twitch in agony and his emerald eyes – which the nightmare Pokemon loathed to no end – turned into hollow, crimson jewels with black slits. A white mark had also spread from the cut which Darkrai had issued, forming a kind of odd engraving on Rye’s forehead.

A new type of Dark Pokemon was now born; the first of many yet to come. Those that shall pave the way to Oblivion itself! “Enjoy!” Darkrai cackled fiercely as he disappeared into thin air, leaving the Elekid alone within the stone chamber.

Rye blinked his crimson eyes once and glanced around the room. Everything was so much clearer now; so in focus! He felt…alive! His fangs scratched his mouth as he smiled faintly, rising fluently from the ground and spinning in a tight circle. Deftly aiming for a crack in the wall, he swung back a fist and punched, surprised when the stone crumbled instantly beneath his quaking form, shattering to a million pieces which left a gaping hole as black as night in front of him. The cracks from the impact spread all the way to the ceiling as far as he could see.

“Hehehehe…” Rye chuckled almost silently before raising his voice to a fevered pitch. “HAHAHAHA!” He narrowed his hollow eyes until the black pupils were near invisible, like a dark void lost in a sea of blood…

The Elekid smiled crookedly and clenched a fist in front of his chest, not caring as his claws cut swiftly through his flesh, drawing blood.

“Watch out world…here I come!”

[Chibi Altaria]

Chapter 28;
.............deception

---------

The black Absol pursed her lips as she held a claw out in front of her to survey the damage. Her whole body was bruised and cut, no thanks to the team of twerps. She pulled her mouth back in a vicious snarl, not even caring when her fangs began to draw blood. She let it drop freely down her muzzle, enjoying the rusty taste as if it weren’t her own, but her enemy’s blood. Sadistic. That’s what it was. But being a sadist didn’t phase Scythe in the slightest. She merely held her head high enough to glare at the Taillow in front of her.

“Your brother got the better of you,” she mocked in a falsely sweet voice. “Yet again, my dear Raze.”

The bird narrowed his gaze and attempted to ignore her, instead peering around at the PRA building which now lay in ruins. He had suffered many injuries at the hands of the two Eeveelutions, and it was only thanks to his master that he was still alive. Deoxys had managed to heal the bird’s wounds, even the break in his spine which had rendered him useless for the remainder of the fight. Now he wished for revenge more than ever against the one, insolent being that still tormented him.

“Don’t you ever say that word!” he shot back after about a minute’s silence. “That thing is no longer my relative! He never was.” Raze shut his beak tightly and glared at the rocky ground. He kept his gaze firmly fixed upon it, seeming to stare off into space, yet his mind was ticking a mile a minute. Brother…he thought with a sudden feeling of overwhelming sorrow. Then, as quick as it had come, it was gone – replaced by anger and seething hatred.

Flicking his wings through a small puddle in front of him, the Taillow glared at his reflection and the scar that crossed his left eye. Jarre…you will be sorry! If it’s the last thing I do, I will kill you!

The bird started as a sharp bark came from behind him. He turned as the irritating click of Scythe’s claws sounded on the gravel.

“Stop your pondering and let’s get a move on! The master wants us to track these losers.” She paused and raised an eyebrow, glancing at the stiff body of the Groudon that lay sprawled across the ruins. “What shall we do with him?”

Raze slid his eyes further shut and clicked his beak twice, barely giving the dead Pokemon a glance. “Feed him to the Murkrow for all I care. Let’s just go.”

With a flap of his wings, the Taillow took off into the skies with the black Absol following behind. The small pool of water rippled in their wake as a tiny, iridescent tear mingled with its surface.

***

Tali was seething with anger. The Buizel’s fur bristled and stood on end as she stormed through the dense foliage of the forest, letting several branches from trees cut across her body. Why did that Pikachu want to meddle in her life!?? And what was Dash doing? Trusting someone at a first glance. Heh!

“I am not jealous!” she cried out loud, startling a nearby flock of Pidgey who chirruped irritably. She glared as the birds flew away, her own voice echoing off the canopy walls. But she couldn’t even fool herself. She was jealous. It hadn’t always been like this. There used to be a time when she was happy.

The Buizel shook her head roughly and retrieved two black bands from her fur, snapping them onto her wrists hastily. Glancing over her shoulder to make sure there was no one around, she closed her eyes and tapped into her consciousness, delving deep within her mind until she found a familiar spark.

“Well?” a voice growled angrily. It seemed he was losing his patience with every single second that passed.

“Yeah, she’s here,” the Buizel sighed, ignoring the previous remark. “White circle on her tail an’ all.”

“Good,” the voice sounded, pleased by the response. “And what do you know of their plans?”

Tali scoffed. “I haven’t exactly met the gang yet, but I know from the brief contact with the Pikachu that they’re heading your way soon.”

“Hmm…” A slight pause ensued. “Does Dash–”

“No,” Tali cut in hastily. “He doesn’t know a thing. But he has taken quite a liking to the Pikachu. That could prove useful.” In her mind, the Buizel saw the figure smile, baring its fangs. Instantly she flinched, but for all the wrong reasons.

“Good. See to it that you stick close, my dear.”

Tali shivered at the last words, lowering her eyes to the ground as they wavered. It was so long ago…Heart pounding, she spoke up. “Listen, I…” But she trailed off, suddenly realising the connection had been lost. “I…” The Buizel sighed, tracing a pattern through the leaves with one of her feet. He wouldn’t listen in any case. It was always the same argument.

It can’t be…

But a small trill of excitement buzzed around within her. Maybe, if this worked, things could be normal again. This time when Tali closed her eyes, she didn’t see the malicious grin and glinting fangs, but a charming, quirky smile. Normal…

Suddenly determined, Tali focused her entire mind on the black bands around her wrists. She held her paws palms outward, as if pushing against an invisible wall. The Buizel gritted her teeth as she strained harder. Come on you stupid things! Work! she cried out in her mind. After about a minute the bands had harnessed enough energy that they began to glow with a dark aura. “Hah!” Tali gasped in wonder. “It works! It actually works!”

A twig snapped behind her suddenly and startled the Buizel, immediately ceasing her concentration. Hastily – and without thought – she snapped the bands off her wrists and replaced them deep within her fur. Tali stood on guard, lowering herself to a defensive position in case of attack, but the voice that followed wasn’t one to fear.

“Tal? Is that you?”

She relaxed as the familiar Sneasel stepped into the clearing. Dash. It’s just Dash. He stopped a few metres away and tilted his head to the side, peering at her through his hazel eyes.

“You look really awful. Is something wrong? You’re pale and shaking!”

Until then, Tali hadn’t notice the small quivers that wracked her body, but now she did. A side effect? she wondered to herself. “I-I’m alright,” she managed to stammer as Dash looked over her again. “Really,” she insisted. Still, the Sneasel stepped up to her, placing a friendly arm around her shoulders.

“Here, let me help you back to the camp. You could use some rest.”

Tali flinched at the contact but allowed herself to be steered away, her mind elsewhere. If what he said was true, these bands could be very powerful in the right paws. Her eyes flickered nervously towards Dash, but he hadn’t noticed a thing.

Tali kept a grim look on her face the entire way back. And still, something inside her wondered what she was doing; wondered who she really was. After that day...for the life of her, she didn’t know.

***

I bit my lip with concern as Jarre irritably paced up and down the campsite, his talons squelching in the soft, melted snow. His beak was firmly shut and his blue eyes were more dull than usual, but I could see the Torchic was clearly distraught. It made me all the more anxious and a dull throb had begun pulsing through my tail where Rye had broken it that time. I ignored it for now, not wishing to heal the wound completely. I may have been a little crazy, but that pain – the wound – gave me something to remember the Elekid by, even if it wasn’t a good memory. And right now, the green eyes and smiling face I saw in my mind really couldn’t do him justice.

“Zanna, how could you?” Jarre muttered half-heartedly, finally breaking the all-too-long silence.

I swallowed past the lump in my throat but remained silent. I knew this would be hard on him, I mean, how would you feel if you saw someone you’d tortured once? Uh, hi, great to see you’re alive and all. No thanks to me... I groaned inwardly. Maybe this was one of those times where I’d gone too far. I should’ve just left well enough alone.

“I’m sorry,” I offered, though even my own apology sounded pathetic. “It’s just that Dash could be an asset to us, and we need all the help we can get.”

“You need help,” Jarre cut in sharply, “not me. I was fine before...” He trailed off, but I had known what he was about to say, and my eyes narrowed as his widened.

“Before you met me?!” I accused, sparks erupting from the electric sockets on my cheeks.

“No,” Jarre shook his head hastily, “That’s not what I–”

“Yes, it was! Admit it!” I snapped. “You were fine before you met me.” My voice raised an octave as the lump in my throat swelled. I glared at the Torchic long and hard, focusing on the sharp rise and fall of my chest as I drew shallow breaths. All this pent up pain wasn’t good for me. I needed to get moving soon; that would take my mind off things.

Shaking my head slowly, I willed my feet to move across the snow towards the outskirts of the camp. I didn’t hear movement from Jarre behind me, but I was glad. For once I didn’t want him to follow me; I wanted to be alone. My face curled up into a scowl as I glared at the snow. It seemed being alone was the only thing I was good at.

***

The Elekid groaned as his eyes wearily snapped open, blinking a few times to clear the haze that surrounded him. A paw rose to his head, just below his ears, feeling for the throbbing pain that coursed through his head. I feel terrible...what happened to me? Slowly lifting himself into a sitting position, Rye eyed the room in which he was in.

It appeared he was resting in a small, fluffy bed, blankets surrounding him – obviously to keep him warm. The room itself was fairly small and looked similar to the Hospital Wing that had been at the PRA before it was destroyed by Deoxys’ attack. The walls were made of a soft stone and coloured a pale cream. A window was etched into the far side of the room, arched and plain, sunlight shining. Nothing else occupied the small space other than the bed and a small table, upon which sat a jug of what looked like water and a loaf of bread, but the sweetest smell came from the food, and Rye’s stomach growled as he stared at it.

The Elekid reached out a paw towards the bread but as soon as he went to pick it up, it disappeared. The Elekid jumped back in shock, the covers rolling off his bed. He eyed the spot where the bread had been as he drew his paw back and was surprised to see it materialise again.

“W-what trickery is this!?” he asked aloud, shocked. Again and again he tried to reach for the bread, but it disappeared and reappeared accordingly each time. No matter how hard he tried, he wasn’t getting any closer to it and he knew that.

Widening his eyes with fear, the Elekid stood up and twisted around, eyeing the room. A door was to his left, he could try to see what was on the other side. But...did he want to? If that bread disappeared, what could be on the other side of that door? The other option was the window and he knew it was sunny outside. The rays of sunlight shining through the window proved that. I could go through the window...and right now, I think I trust it more than that door.

Glancing at the strange bread one last time, Rye made his way towards the window. He placed his hands upon the glass, feeling the cool, smooth surface under his palms. It was quite welcoming, as the cool temperature was a relief to the Elekid. Rye paused slightly, lowering his palms to rest on the sill’s cool edge. He flexed his claw uneasily back and forth as he peered through the glass.

Outside he could see fresh, green grass, a flowing stream of bright, clear-blue water and some fairly large oaks lining a dirt path to the left.

It seems peaceful, Rye thought to himself, but it could be a trick, just like that bread. His eyes stared down towards his paws. What was that? I’ve never seen anything like it...and where am I? I don’t know this place, and that unnerves me. Rye shook his head and gritted his teeth as he slipped his claws further under the sill, wrenching it open in an instant.

Fresh wind blew into his face, his fur blowing back from the draft. Rye blinked. It was warm. The sun was shining, a cool breeze was blowing and it felt... “Perfect...” the Elekid whispered to himself. Slightly dazed, he hoisted himself over the sill and landed on the fresh grass below, the feel of it beneath his feet more than welcoming. Raising a paw to his head, he ran it deftly through his fur. This place seemed almost too good to be true. The stream flowed downwards, following the curves of a path that stood next to it.

Rye cautiously walked towards it and stood on the edge, peering into the shallow depths. His reflection stared back at him, mouth raised into a slight grin to mimic his own. I don’t know this place, true, but...it makes me feel happy. “Haha!” The Elekid waded eagerly into the stream, his paws scooping up endless amounts of water and splashing it over himself with glee. After a minute or two he cupped his paws together and bent down to drink, surprised when the sweet liquid touched his lips. It, too, was much better than he’d imagined. In fact...

Rye instantly went rigid, ears on alert for sounds. That was strange...apart from the stream and the breeze, not a single sound of life could be heard. And everything was too good...much too good to be real. It had to be a trick. The Elekid turned as a sound came from behind him. His eyes widened as he stared, but no one was there. He sighed with relief, relaxing, and turned back to the stream.

“AHHH!” His scream pierced the air as he fell backwards into the stream, tripping over his own feet. “Urgh...” Dazed, the Elekid put a paw to his aching head and blinked to steady his vision.

A green figure stood in front of him, just a bit shorter than he was. It had a long horn protruding from its head, two short arms and legs and a fan-like tail, but what he noticed most were the eyes. And he knew those eyes.

“It can’t be...” he gasped, flailing to move backwards through the stream. “N..no...Kr...Kryal?”

The figure nodded once, its mouth turning into a scowl as it crossed its arms. “Riley,” it answered, flicking a foot through the water at him.

“I...I don’t understand...” the Elekid stammered, petrified. It couldn’t be...no. This dream, whatever it was, wasn’t a dream at all. How could it be? Kryal was dead and this was just an illusion. The Elekid closed his mouth in a firm line as he felt his face pale. He rarely grew scared, but this...this was something else. Too terrified to move, Rye remained rooted to the spot in the stream just inches from Kryal’s seemingly physical body. The Larvitar smirked suddenly as he met Rye’s eyes, noticing the cold fear buried within.

“Oh yes,” he said dryly, answering the Elekid’s unasked question. “I am very much real.” Kryal lifted his arms into the air, reaching towards the sky as he grinned. “See this, Rye? It is all real! This is your reality!”

Rye shook his head deftly, straining himself as not to pass out. It is not real! he told himself sternly. You know that very well. You were there.

The Larvitar raised an eyebrow when no reply came, lowering his arms again. “You doubt it?” he questioned, narrowing his eyes into a glare. Rye’s mind seemed to lurch slowly back into action.

No wildlife, disappearing objects, a perfect world and horror beyond belief...

He jumped up fluidly, allowing his body to take its battle stance; paws raised, claws extended viciously. A light snarl erupted from his throat to caution the Larvitar, whatever it was.

“This is not reality!” Rye spat at Kryal. “This isn’t a dream, either; it is a nightmare! Nothing but an illusion conjured by Darkrai, and you can’t hurt me!”

To further emphasise this, the Elekid made to attack Kryal, aiming an uppercut to his face. It was unexpected, however, when the Larvitar dodged, sidestepping past Rye and dealing a sharp blow to his stomach. The Elekid flew back, splashing into the stream below as the wind was knocked from his body. He grazed against sharp rocks as he made contact with the bottom of the stream and blood flowed freely from his arm where one had sliced through it, leaving a deep gash. The Larvitar opened its mouth, a cold laugh echoing through silence and Rye’s gasps for air.

“Do you still think I am an illusion now, Rye? Or do you want to try again?”

The Elekid didn’t answer, but gritted his teeth slightly, ignoring the stabbing pain in his right arm. Whatever it was, he was now sure it wasn’t an illusion, or at least one that couldn’t hurt him.

“Get lost, fiend! Before I rip you to shreds!” he growled at the figure, still panting. A slight ache had begun to throb in his head, but he ignored the pain; it was dull compared to his arm and other matters at hand. The Larvitar snickered and stared down at him, seeming to grin in obvious contempt.

“Hurts, doesn’t it?”

Rye scowled. “That cut is hardly anything. I’m not a weakling.” Kryal chuckled again, raising an arm to point at his head.

“I meant the ache, weakling,” he crooned, spitting the last word at the Elekid, fangs bared in a wicked smile.

Rye gasped, suddenly becoming more aware of the rising ache in his head. He slowly put his left arm to his head, placing it against his temple gently. He gritted his teeth firmer still as the throbbing pain deepened, seeming to spread through his head and causing the Elekid to let out a gasp of agony. Kryal’s following chuckle pierced his mind to its core, but was still numb; almost nothing compared to the pain he was now in. Rye forced his eyes to open again, since he’d shut them when the wave of pain hit. His lids were heavy and were weighing him down, but still he kept them open, glaring with seething hatred at the Larvitar continuing to mock him.

“F-faker,” he muttered under his breath in a mere whisper. “You’re not him. You’re not my b-best friend.” The Elekid raised his gaze to Kryal’s face, using all the strength he had in his arms to push himself up to stand, albeit weakly and unsteady. The Larvitar’s look of contempt grew grim as he narrowed his eyes at Rye’s determination. He seemed to be thinking, but something in Rye’s voice had stopped him cold.

“Hmm,” he said aloud, though softly, yet the icy ring was still present. Rye felt the edges of his mouth rise again as he bared his fangs. This was not over until he said it was. Even though the constant throbbing in his head was still getting stronger, he kept his cool and reined it in, forcing himself to ignore it. “Fine then,” Kryal finally muttered, coming to a decision. “I see you still resist. Heroic of you.” A light smile flitted across his face before the Larvitar faded into thin air, or at least seemed to.

Rye blinked wearily several times and was sure he was right and this was an affirmation of his thoughts. “So it was true...he wasn’t real.” And for a second as he smiled, the throbbing in his head dimmed. Still shaky on his feet, Rye willed them to carry him out of the stream and released a small sigh of relief as he collapsed against one of the nearby oaks. But the absence of sound still made him uneasy and sent a chill through his spine. It didn’t help when a rustle came from nearby and the Elekid felt his stomach heave in fear. If that Larvitar was back...

“Get away from me!” he cried out in a tormented growl, raising his head to whatever had disturbed him and instantly keeled over, heart pounding, a tearing feeling ripping through his chest. Rye’s eyes widened with disbelief and fear. It’s torturing me... He placed both his paws against his temples fervently, unable to properly process the information. But as it was, the figure hadn’t moved. He looked up once more through a hazy vision and the figure bent towards him, extending a paw. The eyes were pleading and the face twisted with sorrow; an all too perfect enactment of the past. And though Rye so desperately wanted to move, he found it impossible.

The Pikachu’s paw still hung in midair and did not seem inclined to move. Zanna’s form peered down at him with sorrow and longing yet again, and again he did nothing. A moment passed before tears welled in her eyes and it pained the Elekid to see them. It pained him now to look upon her form which, standing before him as she was, seemed so frail and broken. As the Pikachu stretched her paw further towards him, Rye recoiled. Only instincts drew him back; his innermost feelings bade him to stay.

He jumped up away from the tree, covering his aching head with his paws and cried out in a wail of agony. It stung; his head was threatening to split and still he forced it back. He couldn’t and wouldn’t give in.

“I am not the monster you think I am!” he growled into the sky, gasping for air.

Shuffling sounded behind him and a moment later a paw came to rest on his shoulder. Rye froze solid, teeth gritted and eyes widened in terror and pain. Such conflicted emotions passed through his body that a shiver flowed through him. The paw on his shoulder tightened its hold, leaving the Elekid feeling he had to scream. He could give in, but it wasn’t like him and he didn’t want to give Darkrai the satisfaction.

Closing his eyes briefly before making a decision, he whirled round and struck out at the frail Pikachu. His paw, however, went straight through the apparition as it vanished again, a cloud of yellow matter filling the air. Rye took in a deep gulp of air, watching the cloud as his chest heaved, his body now shivering uncontrollably. That was a stretch, and the nightmare Pokemon obviously knew that. He was pushing him way too far. The Elekid’s eyes wavered as the yellow cloud faded to white and materialised in front of him again, this time as the familiar white figure, Light Zanna.

His eyes closed instantly as tears welled, voice almost begging, the ache in his head still throbbing. “Please...go away.”

When he opened his eyes again, determined no tears should spill forth, the Pikachu blinked and stared. Her expression of sorrow didn’t change, however, and when Rye relaxed slightly to draw a deep breath its paw connected to the side of his head, sending him crashing to the ground.

Stars dancing before him, Rye felt a warm, salty liquid trickle across his lips. Blood. “Zanna...?” he whispered weakly, unable to hold on to consciousness much longer. “Why?” He didn’t see, but heard footsteps approaching and a cool paw rested gently against his face.

“You left.” The voice was cold and metallic, sounding devoid of emotion, yet also exactly like Zanna’s; almost perfect. Rye began to shiver as the air around him grew cold, the sky growing darker as the sun seemed to disappear. “You left,” the voice repeated, “and yet you act as if nothing has changed while I rot from the inside out. How dare you!”

The Pikachu let out a hiss and Rye tilted his head just enough to see glaring white eyes and a snarling face, fur standing on end and raised to jagged points. This definitely wasn’t the Zanna he knew. Even in her Light Form, she wouldn’t say such things. He could only look up at her pleadingly, but she was beyond reason. The Pikachu’s claws extended, cutting into the side of his face and causing Rye to let out a faint scream.

“D-don’t, I–”

“You nothing!” Zanna cried, drawing her claws swiftly across his cheek.

Rye cried out again, but this time was different. His will crushed, he could do little but give in to every aching pain, and as he did, he somehow felt more powerful; more in control.

A black aura spread across his body, a crimson hue seeping through the black marks and a red glaze crossing his eyes. His claws extended much further than what he was used to, ending in lethal points, and his fur jutted out in a spiky manner. Rye felt his breaths – which were so uneven before – become more calm and deep, his mind telling him to stay still and not to fight as he would have done. As the Dark Pokemon glanced at his changed body yet again, the Pikachu finally smiled and faded away, a dark matter in its wake.

“Urgh,” Rye uttered, pushing himself off the ground once more. Strange that he felt better all of a sudden, and the immense throbbing in his head had now subsided. It was also odd how he felt no impulse to attack, and that he kept his calm composure; the animal side that usually would have risen when he turned was no longer there.

“Good,” a voice called out, echoing and startling the Elekid. “It took you a while, but it seems the test is now complete.”

“Test?” A shock of surprise coursed through Rye. “What test?” he called out into the air.

“Your will is strong,” came the reply. “But I am stronger. Learning to harness your darkness and controlling when to turn is a valuable asset. You resisted, but you must not; it will only turn out worse. You, yourself, found out how much agony it was, and the cost of that on your body. Embracing your dark side is the first step to controlling it. You need to see it as a gift, not a curse.” The black matter gathered in front of Rye once more and materialised, claws emerging from the smoke, complete with a head, pale blue eyes and white flowing matter behind it. “How do you feel?” Darkrai asked with a mocking, curious smirk.

Rye took a slight step back, brow furrowing as he glared at the Pokemon. “’How do you feel’!? You tormented me with my worst memories! You’re lucky I don’t kill you where you stand!” The Elekid growled and raised a paw threateningly to show he wasn’t bluffing, but Darkrai only laughed.

“Hahaha! My dear boy! You could never kill me! And as it is, this is my realm, and you are consumed within your own nightmare. I did nothing; it was you that tormented yourself. Your mind conjured the illusions.”

“I can’t believe this,” Rye murmured, unable to take in what could be more malicious lies. “Enough! Get me out of here!”

A smile flitted across Darkrai’s face at the Elekid’s apparent anguish and he narrowed his eyes to slits, circling him.

“I’m afraid...I cannot. This is your game now. You will only be free when you confront your demons and pass the trials. Until then you shall forever remain amongst your innermost fears.” A sharp cackle passed his lips as the ghost Pokemon disappeared into the sky. “Pleasant nightmares, little one!”

The echo of his words surrounded the Elekid as he kneeled on the rough dirt beneath him. His face and body were aching, he tasted nothing but salty blood and this nightmare was inescapable. He had wanted a new life, to make amends, to pay for what he had done...

It seemed Darkrai had finally given him his wish, but at what cost?

***

Jarre puffed up his feathers for the umpteenth time as Codan and Lani bickered. The two were still trying to settle details on what they would do when they reached the missionary and the consensus was at a standstill.

“Jarre, would you mind holding these for me?” The little Pidgey, Quoll, held out a few large vines to the Torchic.

“Oh, of course!” He took the vines from Quoll’s outstretched wing and resumed his work; helping her with the packing. “You know, you don’t have to do all this,” he said, raising an eyebrow. “Aren’t you leaving anyway?”

Quoll gave a dignified expression and tossed more vines towards the Torchic who barely caught them. “Yes! But I like to repay favours and those two over there saved me.” She motioned to Kraal and Marilai who were also getting ready to leave, though they weren’t heading to the Missionary, but were instead bent on finding Rye “before the Pikachu did any more damage” to him.

“Alright, sorry,” Jarre offered, handing her a vine when Quoll held out a wing to tie the rolled-up tent.

The Pidgey let a small smile cross her face at Jarre’s remark. “And yourself? I suppose you’re staying with Zanna?”

“Yeah,” Jarre nodded in reply. “I’m her rescue partner! I wouldn’t leave her to fend for herself!” He chuckled slightly. “Even though I know she can, but she has me worried right now. Bringing my enemies back to me...and then Rye wandering off, not to mention that he turned all dark, like Scythe. She won’t even tell me what’s wrong. I mean, surely the two weren’t all that close?” He glanced at Quoll who merely shrugged.

“She never did leave him when he was unconscious.” She watched as Jarre’s jaw dropped.

“Well, yeah, but Zanna and Rye? That’s ridiculous!” And to prove his point he chuckled rather madly for a few seconds at the thought, leaving Quoll to shake her head.

“What other explanation is there? Even I can see her pain, it’s that obvious. You need to take good care of her now.”

Jarre wiped a wing across his face as he handed Quoll another vine. “Yeah...I guess so. But it won’t be easy when I have enough worries of my own right now.”

Quoll sighed as she tied up the last tent. “Everyone has worries, Jarre, but it takes a truly kind spirit to turn a blind eye to their own and help others.” She offered him a smile before hurrying away to see if anyone else needed help packing their supplies.

Jarre stared after her thoughtfully. “I guess I have been a little self-absorbed. I should try to cheer up Zanna. After all, if her pain is as bad at what Quoll says, she’s going to need a lot of cheering up. I can be mad at her when she feels better!” he chuckled slightly to himself.

The Torchic grinned, placed the tents in a neat pile and, heeding Quoll’s advice, went off to find his best friend.

***

“I’m not that annoying, am I?” I muttered to myself as I threw a leaf lazily into a shallow pond stretched out in front of me.

I know I had been nothing but trouble ever since I came here, but was that my fault? All I wanted was peace, but with Deoxys and Darkrai around I didn’t think I was going to get it any time soon. And then there’s Rye, I thought sullenly, the ache in my tail throbbing again. Either I have bad luck, or he does, or something does. I sighed, but knew it was no use whining when there were bigger problems at hand. Right now the world needed me and that meant going to the Wingardom Missionary to ally the forces of the Freedom Fighters.

My brow furrowed slightly as Rye’s warning in the letter came to the fore of my mind. He had warned me about his father, but he was supposed to be head of the Missionary as far as I knew. So why was he so bad?

He will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Was there something Rye was trying to tell me? What exactly did he want? Despite the advice, I needed to get to that Missionary if I was going to even hope to beat Deoxys; I knew I couldn’t do it alone. It would be risky, but travelling in small groups to the Missionary might be better.

As I’d discussed with Codan and Lani briefly before my meeting with Jarre, taking indirect routes to the Missionary would seem the least suspicious and a good way to avoid Deoxys’ forces should they locate our movements. Kraal and Marilai were to escort Quoll back to her home before leaving to find Rye. Lani thought it best to split the rest of us up into two groups. She was leading the group with Tali and I while Jarre and Dash were sticking with Codan. There were many protests amongst all of us, but this seemed the best way, as Codan put it, to “cover all strengths and weaknesses”. Types were an advantage in both travelling and battle so we needed all the help we could get. Some of us were still wounded from previous fights.

Jarre and I hated to be split up and the same was evident for Dash and Tali, but it was for the best. We had all agreed on that in the end, albeit sour expressions etched into our faces. Tali...that Buizel had a problem with me and I didn’t know what it was, but if she got in my way she’d be sorry. I didn’t know how Jarre would work with Dash, but I hoped he would be okay. I truly felt sorry for bringing up old wounds and it was never my intention. I guess we’d just have to grin and bear it for the time being, to be ready for whatever lay ahead.

I bent down to pick up another leaf as my reverie was interrupted by faint footsteps. I’d grown accustomed to them now and it was fairly easy to tell they belonged to Jarre. A sincere feeling of regret swelled within me and I turned to speak, but was silenced as the Torchic stopped a few feet in front of me, raising a wing to the air. I closed my mouth thoughtfully, but chose to stare at the ground, feeling too guilty to try to look Jarre in the face.

“Listen, Zanna,” he began rather shakily. “I’m sorry for what I said earlier, it was out of line, I know.”

I glanced towards him briefly. “You don’t have to–”

“Yes, yes I do,” he cut in hastily. “I was just upset from my past coming back to haunt me, but I know now that they’re my own demons and I’ll have to confront them eventually. I know that I also need to do it alone and not take it out on you. No doubt you already have problems without me adding to them.” He forced a slight smile as he said the last sentence which I barely returned, though I felt inclined to. “So, Zanna, I’m sorry. Can you forgive me...partner?” he added to the end, giving a small chuckle.

I like the ring of the word and, despite all my hard feelings, felt the edges of my mouth raise in a smile. Life was too short to hold grudges. Stepping up to the Torchic I held out a paw as he grinned and shook it. “Of course, partner. Or should I say teammate? Buddy? Pal? Best friend?” I laughed and nudged him with an elbow, both of us smiling as the trees echoed with our happy voices. I had to admit it felt good to finally have some fun again, especially after all we’d been through. Even the ache in my tail was barely noticeable now.

“Hey, should we head back now?” I asked Jarre after we’d settled down. “Isn’t it about time to leave?” Glancing up towards the sky, I saw the sun just overhead, signalling it was close to midday.

“Oh, yeah!” Jarre exclaimed. “Don’t worry, everything’s packed and ready to go. As soon as we’re all there, we’ll separate and head off. Oh, wait...” He broke off and looked up sadly.

“And we’ll have to split up again,” I groaned slightly, answering his thoughts. “Well at least we’ll be able to part on good terms.” I smiled and placed my paw around his neck, drawing him to my side.

The Torchic grinned as we began to walk back peacefully through the forest. “Hmm,” he murmured thoughtfully after a moment. “Do you think you’ll be able to survive with that Buizel on your back?” He gave a short laugh when I frowned in response.

“I’m tough!” I replied, scowling as I pretended to be offended. “But I hope she doesn’t get on my nerves too much.”

“If you want, I can always keep her in check?” Jarre offered, a large grin spreading across his beak as he blew a swirl of flames into the air.

“No, that won’t be needed!” I laughed at his joke. “But thanks for offering.” I went to tousle his feathers but he slipped away from me, running ahead down the path. Giggling softly, I ran after him, chasing him through the foliage and not relenting until we had reached camp and he was struggling with a fit of laughter, trapped underneath my paws.

***

All of us had assembled within the centre of the clearing amongst all the equipment. Codan smiled towards Lani, who smiled at Jarre, who glared at Dash, who smiled at Tali, who glared at me, which I returned with double the effort.

Kraal and Marilai had left with Quoll a short while ago, each of us saying a hearty goodbye to the Pidgey. It was sad to see her go, but she needed to return to her tribe. I paid no heed whatsoever to the two dogs; they only glared at me as they passed and I yawned impolitely to show them just how much I cared. I smiled in contempt at the memory. And good riddance to bad company, I thought happily. It was somewhat worse now that we were being split up. None of us liked our groups, but we had no choice. We all silently put up with it for the greater good, whatever that was.

“Alright,” Codan announced in a firm voice. “You know we’ve all been split into two groups.” He laid out a map of Talzere in front of us on a log, pointing out two separate routes to the Missionary. “Dash, Jarre and I will take this route,” he stated, dragging a claw from the Ocacia forest and round a town called Rysis to the Missionary. “Now Lani, Zanna and Tali will take this route.” He pointed to the forest once more and curved down towards the desert pass, then to the small town of Talaren. From there we were meant to meet up at the base of the Missionary before entering. “So, any questions?”

All of us remained silent in our sour moods. I stole a glance at Tali who stuck her tongue out in annoyance, smirking. I scowled but checked myself, wanting to remain calm in front of the others.

“No? Great, let’s hustle!”

The bags were distributed amongst us. Each of us carried a lightweight tent and our supplies, though the bulk was carried by Lani and Codan as they were larger. We bade each other goodbye before heading our separate ways.

Codan and Lani shook paws and wished each other well, grinning broadly but still sad to be apart. Stepping up to Codan, I smiled meekly towards him. He’d been my trainer and friend over the past couple of months and it was odd to not be travelling with him.

“Well, Zanna, I guess I’ll see you on the other side.”

I nodded in response and shook his outstretched paw. “Thanks for everything, Codan. Take care.”

“You too,” he smiled down at me, placing a paw on my head. “Stick close to Lani; she’ll keep an eye on you.”

I agreed and turned to Jarre, only half-smiling as I held out my paw.

“Stay safe, okay?” the worried Torchic said with concern.

“Only if you do.” It was always sad to part with my trusted partner, but I knew it’d be better if he went with Dash and Codan. Jarre took my paw with his wing and I embraced him, closing my eyes so the tears didn’t overflow. I could tell the Torchic was much the same, raising a wing to his beak as I stepped back. “I’ll miss you, but see you soon,” I smiled, trying to lift the mood. He nodded and grinned back. That only left Dash.

The Sneasel greeted me warmly, holding out a paw. “Take care, Lamb. And don’t let Tali bug you too much,” he grinned, guessing my thoughts as I shook his paw. “I’ll see you at the Missionary.”

“You’re coming with us, then?” I asked, letting go of his paw.

“For a while, yes. We need to gather those orbs and keeping an eye on you tells me we’ll soon get to see them.”

Pondering this for a moment, I nodded. “I see. Well, great to have you travelling with us.”

“Ah, it’s a pity we’re not going together, hey Lamb?” Dash shook his head sadly, but gave me a playful punch on the shoulder and nodded politely.

I still hadn’t mentioned a word to him about Rye, but I felt bad enough just thinking of the Elekid to bring him up, so I let it be. I returned to Lani looking downcast, but she drew me in with a paw to comfort me.

“It’s about time we leave, little ones. Shall we go?”

I nodded and glanced at Tali who did the same. With a last, sorrowful look at Jarre, I turned and followed the Houndoom down a rocky path, striding with large steps to keep up.

If the Missionary held answers, I hope they would be what we needed. If we could rally the Freedom Fighters we might be able to stand a chance against Deoxys. The possibility of seeing Rye’s hometown, the Marble City, and to an extent his father, had me excited I had to admit. For the first time in a long while I began to believe I could actually help this world, human or not.