Chapter 18

Alister

Why was it such a hot day, why couldn't the clouds be out right now blocking out this awful sun? Alister wanted to just lay in the shade and relax but nope Basil and the others had to want to find Chip. Chip has been gone to long they say and thanks to that fact they had to go out into the vast open world and find his cute little ass.

And no Alister wasn't gay or had gay thoughts. That battle with Shawn...ONE TIME DEAL! Do not get any ideas that he was turning "that" side. Nope his tail hole was for well...you know what it's used for. Things go out and nothing comes in, that is the deal and he's stick to it. Whatever mixed up ideas someone might be getting about him up until this point...get it out of your heads since Alister is 100% male to female only.

~ I don't really know what that has to do with anything. ~ Neo spoke to Alister as the Minccino, and company walked down the road leading to the campsite right before the Waterscape. Alister got a strange feeling as they made their way down the path, it felt like they were drawing closer to something of great interest...and some strange force wanted them to turn tail and get out of here before it was too late. It was an odd feeling but a feeling none the less.

'You know we can't turn around...not now. We've come too far to stop now; we've got to keep pushing.'

~ For what though? We have no clue if Chip is here. ~

"He's here.... he had to be." Alister spoke out loud.

"Having a conversation with your inner self?" Hathor asked, the Fennekin looked a little tense, her fur was standing up and her scent gave off her fear.

"A little bit...I'm working to get over my fears." Alister lied.

~ Oh, you don't want to talk to her about your seeded desire to get on all four, raise that tail and let your best friend have his way with you? ~ Neo chuckles, the voice within annoyed him more than inspire him.

'I'm the furthest thing from being some...tail lifter! I might walk this path with a few of them but I'm not like them...I'm better than that!'

"I know what you mean..." Hathor says as they stop to rest for a moment. Basil and Kyuubi were the ones leading the search, the Quilava looked like a born leader was she directed traffic.

"I think we're getting close guys; you can see the campsite from here." Basil points down the path where the road ended, there was fence line with an opening. A pair of guards were standing outside of it. "There is more than one way into the village, one side is for the Templars who have a permeant out post here and the other is for travelers. Hopefully we can find Chip and rest for the rest of the day."

"That would be for the best." Cassius speaks up, the group voted on it and let him in. Alister tried to fight back reminding them that Chip wasn't here, but the votes were 4 to 1 which meant that even if Chip had voted the best Alister could have been a 4 and 2 vote. "The Waterscape at night is challenging to navigate, a thick fog settles over the forest making it nearly impossible to move around it."

"That's right so let's get to the camp, set up and see about finding our friend. With any luck Chip will already be there." Kyuubi says.

"We've been walking all day..." Shawn yawns. "I just want to settle down and pass out. Oh, maybe get some warm soup in me."

"Really something warm?" Alister asked his friend, the saur looked confused at best.

"I don't know...if you need to ask then don't worry about it." Alister says. He had been wondering what Shawn's issue had been lately, he had been acting strange, looking at him weird and being well...odd. What was the best word for it, what would describe someone that acted weird...oh that's right!

"Sus"

~ You have issues, don't you? ~

'I'm perfectly fine.' Alister smirks as he saw how confused Shawn looked. Perfect the more confused he was hopefully it meant the less he'll look at him. He knew that Shawn and Basil were messing around, they had to be, why else would she want to spend time with him. Alister wondered how long they have been doing it for, it had to have been for a while with how comfortable they were together. Shawn looked as if Basil were a pillow for him, he always looked nervous around him and comfortable with Basil as if he could "open his bulb" or whatever relieved a Bulbasaur other than having his balls emptied.

~ You sound like your jealous of your friend. ~

'I'm not jealous of anyone.' Alister takes a deep breath and continues walking, he wanted to put some space between him and the others. This was supposed to be his trip, his getaway but now...his best friend with messing with his girlfriend, Chip was getting all of the attention, Basil was being bossy, Hathor and Kyuubi were well...themselves.

NO FUCK THAT!

No Hathor and Kyuubi sided with Cassius! Cassius some Brionne whom just wedged himself into their group like he had been friends with them all their lives. Cassius who was so TAIL LIFTER! He acted so carefree and happy! Who can be happy at a time like this!

~ All that mental yelling could fool me. ~ Neo said in a bored voice.

'Who do you think you are?'

~ Oh, don't you turn this on me. I'll give you a headache that won't go away. ~

Alister didn't respond, how could he respond when everything and everyone was turning against him. The Minccino closed his eyes and marched down the road, his tail twitching from side to side. Image of his friends passed through his mind, memories of better times. He remembered when he first met Shawn, the two of them met in the park long ago when they were little. Their fathers were good friends...still are till this day. Bangam told Alister that Vincent was a challenging Pokémon to be around, but he could be a true friend when it counted.

~

"Alister..." Bangam smiled as he sat on the balcony overlooking the city. Alister remembered that night, winter was turning to spring. You could see your breath in the air, the moon was out though only half of it could be seen. A few snowflakes were falling, a beautiful reminder that spring was coming but winter wasn't done with them just yet.

"You're going to be graduating in a few months, what's your plans my boy?"

"I don't know dad; do I really need to think that far ahead?"

"It's good to think ahead son." Bangam takes a sip from a glass of wine, a small straw was in it. "You know your mother and I are going to make something of your room after you move out. We kind of want to know when you're leaving so we can um...make sure your gone and won't need it again."

"Wow dad...thanks for always keeping the lights on for your only son." Alister groans as he crosses his arms, the Minccino sometimes wanted to kick his old mon in the ass.

"What?" Bangam smiles. "Angelblade didn't complain when she left, heck she helped us tear out her old stuff."

"Ya well I'm not Angelblade! She's a tail lifter!"

"And?" Bangam growls. "That is your sister, sure she might like getting female cum or um...." Alister watched his father fumble with his words. "Um is there a name for female bodily sex fluids...?"

"You're the one who created an entire school for sex ed Dad!" Alister groaned. "If anyone should be an expert on stuff like that dad...It's the Headmaster of the fucking school of sex."

"Geez Alister you are one very easy to upset son." Bangam scratches his head, the Absol didn't look upset, no he was happy for some reason. Alister heard his father start chuckling.

"What's so funny?"

"I was a lot like you Alister when I was your age." Bangam pats his son's head the Absol seemed like he couldn't be any prouder. "I love you son."

"Gay."

"And what if it is?"

"What what...?" Alister feels himself being hugged by his father, the Absol giggles as he seemly stuffs his son's face in his fur. Alister tries to escape but finds it nearly impossible as Bangam adjusted his paws depending on how Alister moved.

"Dad...LET GO!"

"As nicely."

....

"Ask nicely..."

.......

"I won't let go--"

"FINE." Alister hated his dad sometimes, he was so...Dad like! "Please let me go...dad!"

A moment later Alister is released, the Minccino falls onto his paws coughing as if he had been held underwater.

"You feel better?"

"Nooooo...."

"Well, I do." Bangam snickers, the Absol gives his son a wink.

"How did you even impress mom when you act like this?"

"You can't fight who you are Alister." Bangam looks out at the city. "Vincent taught me that one, I used to be just like you, all caught up on the details of who you are, what you like, I used to believe that I had to be this picture-perfect figure. It wasn't until I met your mom that I started to learn that life is not about fitting into a box but instead figuring out how to be the best you possible. The day I figured out that I could love your mother...and love myself...changed everything."

"Did it really?" Alister asked, the Minccino was unimpressed. What did his father know, he was a tail lifter! Alister remember when he caught his father the first time, he was pleasuring himself to a dildo shaped like an eon's cock. Eeveelution...how many Pokémon has their kind turned? For how much that species loves dicks in them it was amazing to think that their numbers were low. All they think about is where the next cock is going to go. For those Pokémon gender doesn't matter, if a tongue or cock can go in them, they'll take it. His sister was a great example of that, beautiful Absol girl, she could have anyone in this world, and she was out there sticking her face between some Espeon's hindlegs, or railed by their favorite strap-on. He should know...he caught them fucking one night when he got home early from his date with Basil. Angelblade was going to town...her face was already covered in Espeon gush and she was going in for round three.

"I remember I opened to your mother about my feelings, she told me she had never been prouder of me or loved me more. She also told me that she kind of knew for a while but wanted to help me find the strength to admit it to her." Bangam blushes. "After that...she showed me her secret collection and well...the rest is history as they like to say."

"Great dad...best story ever." Alister wanted to the bathroom to hurl, that was the worst story he ever heard. And from his father of all Pokémon. His dad the Headmaster of Bangam Academy of Sexual Intercourse and Survival. His dad the former regional champion, the Absol who overcame some of the toughest Pokémon in their region and stood on top of the rankings for nearly five years before he was beaten by some Charizard.

Fuck Charizards.

"You'll understand when your older--"

"Best story ever day...you're the best...you know...insert loving son stuff that tail lifter dads tell their sons to help them understand their sexuality...oh ya that doesn't happen in normal families." Alister remembered walking off the balcony, picking a bag and leaving their villa that night. The only times Alister returned was to eat from time to time and check in on his parents. How could he live in such a weird house?

And behold as soon as he was gone long enough, they turned his room into their study and sex chambers...

_ _

~

Alister reached the front gate to the camp, the Minccino had gone a bit off on his own but soon had been ran down by Shawn who didn't want to let him out of his sites. It was interesting to see that Shawn didn't want to go running off somewhere to be with Basil. Alister wasn't soon going to forget his worries, no he'll confront Shawn sooner or later and put an end to this rivalry once and for all. But as they say all good things happen in time, there was no need to rush anything.

"Hey, we're already looking for Chip, we should stick together."

"I just needed a few minutes to myself; you know been traveling with you guys for a bit now." Alister says as they near the gate, the guard on duty moves to be ready to intercept them should they try anything. Alister wasn't worried about him and instead stays focused on Shawn.

"You alright Alister, you've been quiet since we were back in Wooloo village."

"I'm fine Shawn, just realized that even the Pokémon who was supposed to be my best friend is not."

"Huh what does is supposed to mean?" Shawn's seemed hurt by Alister's words. Good he deserved to feel like shit for everything he's done.

"You voted against me and let that seal boy in." Alister pouts.

"But he's cool and cute." Shawn was...blushing. "Plus, he's nice and knows his way around this area, we could use that. Is that what has been eating you inside?" Shawn wraps a vine around Alister's paws. "Don't hold things in Alister, we're your friends and we are here for--"

"Are you two tail lifters around to have a moment?" The Cubone guard asked. "If you are at least don't do it in front of my post, I still have two hours left of duty and I'd rather not spend it trying to tame two bones."

"What are you turned on by this sort of stuff?" Shawn asked the saur keeps his vines around Alister's paws. "Oh, did you happen to see a Zorua running about?"

"Do you actually see Zorua's? I thought they like to use their illusion to hide their true selves." The guard asked.

"Our's doesn't like to use his power like that." Shawn responds. Alister tries to pull himself away from Shawn, but he held on tightly. The boys look at one another. "I'm not letting you go until we talk."

"Then you're going to be holding on for a long time then." Alister pouts.

"Good grief, would you two goes get a room." The Cubone sighs. "Clearly you two have a thing for the other your both just too scared to admit it."

"DO NOT!"

Alister and Shawn stare at the other, Alister thought back to their lives together, when they met the other, their time in school together, their shared friendship and rivalry, all that lead to that moment a while ago when Alister and him...

'My tail hole still hurts sometimes when I think about that moment.' Alister thought as his mind returned to the present.

~ Clearly you hold some deep seeded emotions for Shawn. ~ Neo says.

'The only thing I hold for Shawn is a need to give him a black eye.'

"There you two are." It was Basil, the Quilava had her arms wrapped together as she approaches, the rest of their party was behind her. "You two done with your bondage play?"

"You know these two?" The guard asked.

"These are my boys yes; I hope they hadn't been any trouble."

"State your business." The Cubone sighs. "This is no place for travelers to be messing around."

"My name is Basil, and we are on a journey to Venice and need to pass through this gate." Basil steps in front of Alister and Shawn. "You know it's easier to talk than to hold everything in." Basil says while looking at the pair. Shawn and Alister look away from the other, Shawn's vine let go of Alister.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Alister says.

"Ya...double that." Shawn responds.

"You two..." Basil turns her attention back to the guard. "We would like to request a spot for the night."

"Well, I can't have you six just standing around my post so..." the Cubone flags down a nearby Meowth. The two speak for a minute before the Meowth walks over, he was holding some armor that he had been polishing.

"Templars?" Alister asked.

"Yes, remember half of this camp is owned by them, it's only natural that they share guard duty with the locals." Shawn says.

"Ask them if they have seen Chip." Hathor says.

"They tell me that you were looking for a Zorua." The Meowth says.

"You know of him?" Kyuubi and Hathor become excited."

"Yes, we had a Zorua that came through earlier, troublemaker that one. He was tan and purple, herm--"

"That's HIM." Hathor pushes Alister out of the way as she runs into the camp, the Meowth called after her, but he was pushed aside by Kyuubi who chases after Hathor."

"Sorry." Kyuubi says as he races inside.

"Is your team always so...energetic?" Cassius asked, the Brionne worked to follow behind the team.

"Why are you asking me?" Alister grumbles. He watched as Basil and Shawn speak for a moment before Shawn goes on ahead.

"Cassius you mind going with the others, I need to talk to Alister."

"Of course, Lady Basil." Cassius bows.

"Lady?"

'THAT LITTLE FUCKING TRAMP!' Alister could punch that Brionne, first Shawn and now this tail lifter?! Why did everyone who he called a rival have to be whores and mess around with his Basil?

"Yes, you are clearly a Lady and a beautiful one at that. You command respect and obviously you are the leader of our little group. I respect that and from this point forward I shall call you "Lady Basil." Cassius bows again. "You are a lucky one Alister, treat her with the respect she deserves."

"Go fuck yourself."

"ALISTER!" Shawn and Basil say together. Cassius chuckles despite everyone's show of emotions.

"I'm rather happy I decided to fight my fears and join you guys, you clearly are a group worth following. Come Sir Shawn we need to make haste."

Alister already felt his emotions starting to fly as they walked through the gate and began tracking their way through the campsite. The traveler's side of the camp was mostly nothing more than just simple tents pitched up, a large area in the center of the campsite was designed for a bonfire to be casted. There was a large tent that was used by merchants and a spot for Pokémon to do their business. Alister didn't see himself wanting to use it, but it was there in case he did though he'd rather just find a bush.

Basil didn't speak to him until they had traveled through the camp and found a spot for them to settle down in once they picked a spot a Clefable came by to collect their dues.

"Dues?" Alister asked.

"Yes...we don't run a free service, if you want free you can live outside of this campsite. Its only 30 poke per night.,"

"It's a good deal Alister." Basil says as she gives the Clefable 30 poke.

"You sure?"

"This is why you don't handle the money." Basil smiles as their host leaves. "So, what has been eating you?"

"Nothing...I'm fine."

"Are you now?" Basil didn't pry into it, the Quilava simply gives Alister a kiss on his head.

"What was that for?"

"No matter how big you get you'll always be my sweet little Alister who swept me off of my paws and earned my heart." Basil picks up Alister who looks around embarrassed.

"Hey don't...!" Alister stops as Basil gives him a kiss on his maw the pair shared a moment together.

"Oh Alister, as much as you might not see it but you are the one I choose first. I picked you over all of the other suiters, some were even more wealthy than you." Basil doesn't stop holding him, in fact...she felt like she was holding him tighter with each passing second. They sit down together, Basil behind him, her paws in his lap.

"What are you doing, this is a public area?" Alister asked as their spot was near the back of the camp near the woods. They could see the woods from where they sat, a field separated them from the Waterscape itself. Alister could see Hathor and Kyuubi huddled around some rocks the two of them seemed to be discussing something.

"Shouldn't we be out looking for Chip?"

"Oh, those two got it." Basil smiles. "Besides when was the last time the two of us were alone together? Shawn and Cassius should be getting us some supplies, and the staff here will be setting up our tent."

"How do you know that?"

"Because silly I did my research before, we left. Remember I've wanted to do this trip for a while now. Running into Kyuubi and Cassius just sort of...happened." Basil nuzzles Alister. "I brought them along since its more fun to travel with others, the larger the party the more fun we can have."

"This was supposed to be our trip. Chip and the others I can understand but Shawn...Cassius..."

"Shawn is your best friend Alister, you and him will be bonded together forever."

"Shawn just came here because he wants to prove that he's better than me." Alister pouts, the Minccino was thankful that he wasn't facing Basil.

"You and him really need to talk, figure out your relationship." Basil kisses him again.

"I've seen you two talking, always having private conversations. Hugging."

"Shawn is...working out some personal issues."

"Ya...how he can beat me and steal you away, all he cares about is how he can fuck me next." Alister struggles to get out of Basil's grip, but she held on tighter. Why did she always hold onto him tighter when he was upset? What did she gain from trying to keep him getting away?

"If you only knew Alister..." Basil sighs. "But its not for me to tell you, Shawn needs to talk to you himself."

"About what Basil?"

"I promised I wouldn't be the one to tell you." Basil squeezes Alister. "Just...talk to him alright. I already gave him my blessing, I only asked that he'd tell me afterwards."

"Tell you what?"

"Well...you'll need to talk to him to find out."

Alister feels a kiss on his head again. He guessed that was going to be the most he'll get out of Basil until he talked to Shawn which was never going to happen. Alister figured that Shawn would say something silly, get him angry and then use that moment to embarrass Alister once again. Well, he wasn't going to give him that satisfaction. Fuck Shawn Cheater he can kiss his red ass.

~

Alister and Basil shared a moment of peace together, neither spoke but instead listened to the other's hearts beat. Alister remembered many times when he got to just sit here and listen to Basil's heart, she had such a strong heart, it was much stronger than his at times. He often wondered how or why she picked him out of everyone, it was like she said she had plenty of suiters that were better than him to include Shawn. Even now Alister wondered if Basil could do better than him and the answer was...yes, yes, she could do better than him.

As Alister sat thinking about this he felt a cold feeling overcome him as if something scary was approaching him. The world became slightly darker, an ominous fog seemed to appear out of nowhere and the sound of footsteps approaching made the Minccino curl up against Basil more...

Or that was what he would do if it wasn't for Basil suddenly vanishing. Looking behind himself Basil was "gone" the image of her was still there, but the Minccino could put a paw through her as if she was nothing more than an after image. Alister began trembling as he slowly gets up, the Minccino no longer knew what was going on.

~ Alister... ~ A deep voice echoed in his mind.

"Huh who is there...what is going on?"

~ What you've forgotten your old friend already? ~

The footsteps became closer and soon Alister saw a long shadow cased his way, an Alakazam was attached to the other side of it. Memories of his last meeting with this very Pokémon returns to him, the ring...

Alister's head began hurting.

"You're....um...Ommni...."

~ That's right it's me. Color me surprised to see so many interesting test subjects show up here in one place. First that Shaymin and Vulpix, then that little Zorua and now...you my favorite subject of them all. ~

"What do you want you...asshole..." Alister's head felt like it was splitting. He falls onto all four.

~ Relax I'm not here to collect on the debt you owe me. ~

"Go fuck yourself, I don't owe you anything. ~

~ That's where your wrong my little friend. ~ Ommni steps towards Alister, the Alakazam yanks on Alister's tail, the psychic Pokémon flicks Alister's tail ring. ~ I see that you're doing a good job keeping it safe for me...good. ~

"What the fuck do you want?"

~ My, my...I don't remember you being this...vocal last time we spoke. Oh, how the times have changed. And yet...you still haven't achieved what I hoped to see you achieve. ~ Ommni smirks. ~ Have you even seen your Omen yet, I feel that you haven't. Pity because I was hoping that you and Neo would hit it off. ~

"What do you want?" Alister's head suddenly stops hurting. "My...my head..."

~ Interesting, so he stopped resisting. ~ Ommni looks around as if he was expecting to see someone else show up. ~ Hmm...well I am an intruder in your Soulspace, it's only natural your little guardian would want to see me out personally. ~

"What are you talking about you old fart."

~ Did your mother truly raise you to be so vocal? ~ Ommni scratches his chin. ~ At least speak with some sort of respect. ~

"How about not invading my soul then." Alister gets up and throws a strike at the psychic who quickly grabbed his paw. "What?"

~ I can feel him coming, only a moment or two now before he gets here. Are you ready Alister, you ready to meet Neo? Amazing how neither one of you two have gone out of your way to see the other. ~

Alister gulps as he noticed from the fog something approaching, it seemed huge at first as if a great dragon was coming out of the fog to face them. Even from here he could feel a great power radiating from it as if it wasn't able to contain all its stored power. Alister puts his free paw on his chest the Minccino oddly was...scared. What was this thing that was approaching them? This thing lived inside of him. How was that possible?

~ Neo...it's been a while. ~ Ommni lets go of Alister dropping him back onto all four. Alister runs out of the way.

The creature in the fog continued to move closer, its shadow became smaller by the moment with it soon being only a little larger than himself. Stepping out of the fog was a...

"You're a...a...dragon?" Alister gasped as the creature that came out of the fog wasn't a great beast, in fact it wasn't a beast at all but a dragon, well a Jangmo-o to be exact.

"Hey there Alister." Neo says as the two of them finally see the other. Neo was a black and red Jangmo-o with his head scale being red and white, his claws were red while he his face had a mixture of black and gray. Neo oddly was smiling as Alister stares at him.

"I've waited a while see you...though I was a little shy about it, I didn't know what you would think seeing me. We um...didn't get to come together by choice did we." Neo looks at Omnni who was noting something in a notebook he made appear.

"Where...where did you come from?" Alister asked.

"Well like all Omen I'm a part of you that was given form. But to say that I'm entirely a part of you would be wrong, I come from another source as well...I used to be another Pokémon that died, and part of my soul was savaged by this guy over here and was used with that crystal you now wear. Though you weren't the first he tried this on--"

~ No, no, no, there is no need to get off topic. This is not an anima we don't need to get into some silly back story. ~ Omni says. ~ This has been a fantastic experiment so far don't ruin it now. ~

"I hate that guy." Neo says.

"I don't blame you." Alister oddly enough felt like he could relate to Neo, he was oddly cute. Though don't get any ideas the last thing Alister wanted was to be shipped with Neo.

"You have to tell me some time more about you." Alister says as he looks over his Omen. "I thought Omens take on the form of their true selves. Does that mean I'm a dragon?"

"I don't know all the details but normally that is how it would go. But an Omen can take on the form that is most appealing to you as well, or if there is a strong influence in your life, we'll take that form. Omens are supposed to be a part of you but...I don't think we are I think we might be the souls of someone else or maybe even...your past life. I'm not sure, even us Omens are not always entirely sure just what we are."

~ Your welcome Neo, I have you second chance at life and here you. Sure, you might be stuck as a Jangmo-o no longer resembling the great you to be, but you'd be nothing without me. And after many failed tests here you are...linked to a suitable host. ~

"What is he talking about?"

"Shut up!" Neo glares at Ommni. "I didn't ask for any of this."

~ Don't worry Neo...I won't reveal to Alister your beautiful little backstory. You two have plenty of time to speak, as for me I have a date with destiny to catch. The fact that you Alister haven't lost your mind...yet is a good sign of your tolerance. I look forward to seeing your growth. ~ Ommni takes a step back and vanishes right before their eyes.

"That ass holes!" Alister growls.

"He's gone...let it be." Neo sighs. The little dragon shakes his head. "I'm sorry if this is all just out of the blue, you...you didn't deserve to be used like this."

"What are you talking about, none of this makes sense." Alister grabs the dragon's tail...and got a justified response as the Minccino is yanked in by Neo and gets donkey kicked backwards.

"Paws off the tail, you can touch any other part of me but leave my tail and head scale alone."

"Oh, please like I want to touch your tail!" Alister holds his stomach. "Why did you hit me so hard?"

"You touched my tail."

"Fuck your tail. Ouch..." Alister presses his head to the ground. "How can I feel pain in here?"

"Your Soulscape is connected to your mind Alister, it's not an out of body experience. But for now, we should part ways." Neo looks towards the horizon the dragon seemed to be thinking of something or maybe was looking back at a memory. He turns to Alister a weak smile on his face. "I'm happy to finally meet you granted I wished it would be under better conditions. I didn't want our first real meeting going this way though...I think I was the nervous one in our relationship. The coy one who is afraid to hear or really see what the other thinks." Neo doesn't wait for a response from Alister instead he headed back into the fog...

"What does he want me to feel bad for him..." Alister cross his arms the Minccino was lost for words on what to think. Was this really his inner self? Shouldn't he be like...strong or something? A bad ass, not some...dragon! Wait but dragons where bad ass so how did he get this discount version? Did this mean that Alister had a bad ass dragon deep within him and he had all this great potential, but it was hidden behind worry of what others might think of him?

Nah fuck that deep shit.

For now, he'll return to the real world...however he does that and help out his friends. They still had an adventure to finish up. Hmm...but how to get back though? Looking around all Alister saw was fog and forest, the area was a mirror image of the real world. Neo didn't show him the way home.

"Neo! How do I get out of here...sheesh." With a sigh Alister starts walking the Minccino needed to make haste and figure this out. As he walks forward the Minccino feels an inner warmth almost as if something was guiding him towards his goal. With a smile he soon sees a bright light appear just ahead, its warmth welcoming.

"Guess I didn't need him." Alister says. As he draws closer, he sees an image of Basil and then Shawn pop in his mind or rather next to him. His best friends in the world, the pair who seemed to always be there with him no matter what. Was it their warmth he was following?

"You know if you ever stop being so hardheaded..." The Basil image began.

"Inner strength comes from acceptance, when we accept who and what we are..." The Shawn image continues.

"Win or lose..." Basil continues

"We become stronger." Shawn finishes. The images stop Alister and...hug him. Alister couldn't believe he was being hugged by the images, the same images that spoke to him long ago when he last was in the Soulscape. His friends...were they always with him? Or was this just some stupid trick of this place? Alister didn't want to become attached and slowly pushes them aside.

They were not real after all.

"Sorry but I'm not in the business of following for such tricks. You two are just made-up images of this place, the real Shawn only gives a shit about himself, and I question the real Basil."

"Just as bullheaded as always." The Basil image rolls her eyes. "Fine go be...you. The next time you're in here and you will be back...if you want my help...our help..." Basil points to the Shawn image the saur looked...sad...that same look of sadness the real Shawn. But how? How would he know to have that look?

"You're groveling for it. Let's go Shawn, our other selves will deal with this one."

"...Right." Shawn follows behind Basil the pair vanish into the fog. As they left that warm feeling, he had...faded with them. Alister was left wondering just how real those two were and more so...

Did he just make a big mistake?