{"sf1_id":235500,"sf2_id":"pnGbRlwm","title":"A Trainer's Tale - Chapter 6","author":"FoxStriker25","words":6560,"posted_at":"2011-03-30T04:13:00.000Z","tags":["Clean","Gardevoir","Human","Mismagius","Plot Development","Pokemon","Violence (Not In Yiff)"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/235500-a-trainer-s-tale-chapter-6","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/pnGbRlwm","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/bb/8c/bb8c0130-174a-4105-bd87-c769d4dae9f7","description":"#6 of A Trainer's Tale","content":"Disclaimer: Pokémon is copyright of Nintendo, Game Freak, etc.\u0026nbsp; Individual characters are my own imaginening, and are not intended to be any part of main cannon / plotline.\u0026nbsp; Individual characters like Aaron, Song, Zin, etc, are my own creations, so please ask before using.\u0026nbsp; Thank you.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAuthor's Notes: _Look at me, I'm Italicized!\u0026nbsp; Making this thing stand out a little more.\u0026nbsp; Hopefully this won't turn into an eyesore.\u0026nbsp; Not much for me to say, except that you all might hate me if I ever told you how long this took me to write.\u0026nbsp; I'm really hard on myself when it comes to grammar, so I apologize if there are any grammar mistakes.\u0026nbsp; After staring at this thing for a while, everything starts to blur together.\u0026nbsp; I'll go out on a limb to say that the last three days was -just- grammar checking._\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n_Also, to quote my friend X, \"Let the shitstorm commence!\".\u0026nbsp; His words, not mine.\u0026nbsp; Wouldn't have a clue why, though...\u0026nbsp; Again, I think someone might threaten me if they knew the original idea for this chapter.\u0026nbsp; All I'll say is be grateful that a COIN TOSS landed this way.\u0026nbsp; You have been warned.\u0026nbsp; Alright, having too much fun now._\u0026nbsp; _Cut, print, sell it._\u0026nbsp; _Just don't hurt me, please.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003e.\\\u003c_\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n_Chapter six, for your reading pleasure._\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nChapter 6:\u0026nbsp; Twilight's Veil\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe wind whipped around me as Spirit beat her wings.\u0026nbsp; A grin spread across her face as we flew across the morning sky.\u0026nbsp; Being rested and full of energy, she was more than ready to head back to Celestic Town.\u0026nbsp; I was carrying the backpack in my hands as she held me close to her body, the humming of her wings barely heard across the wind rushing along us.\u0026nbsp; Thankfully, we made it back to town before the noon sun perched itself high in the sky to avoid the hotter part of the day.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe landed near the Pokémon Center, noticing that there was no one outside of it.\u0026nbsp; As we stepped inside, Nurse Joy stopped whatever she was doing at her desk and looked up.\u0026nbsp; She immediately hurried around the desk, stopping in front of me.\u0026nbsp; She grabbed my hands and pulled me to the desk.\u0026nbsp; Spirit let out a startled cry and quickly grabbed my shoulders, preventing Nurse Joy from pulling me further.\u0026nbsp; This didn't stop her from pulling harder however, and now I felt like a piece of rope in a tug of war competition.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Hold it, before someone pops a bone out of place!\" I yell out.\u0026nbsp; This worked, as Nurse Joy let me go, and Spirit pulled me to her body possessively.\u0026nbsp; Her claws clutched on to my shirt, as her tail circled around my waist.\u0026nbsp; A snarl rumbled out of her throat, and I turned to calm Spirit down before she would do something that she'll regret.\u0026nbsp; I patted the Flygon on her neck, noting how her eyes were narrowed even through the red layer protecting them.\u0026nbsp; I gently touched her cheek, bringing her face to mine to break the stare she had on Nurse Joy.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Calm down,\" I whispered sternly.\u0026nbsp; \"Please.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSpirit nodded, her stance slowly becoming more relaxed.\u0026nbsp; I let out an amused sigh, and patted her head gently.\u0026nbsp; I turned to Nurse Joy, who had her hands on her hips, giving me a stare of disbelief.\u0026nbsp; I smiled at her, trying to defuse the situation before she screams at me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Good morning, Nurse Joy,\" I said, smiling.\u0026nbsp; \"How are you today?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You disappear for days, leaving me here worried after I release you from having a chest full of broken ribs, and you don't even let me know if your alive!\" she exclaimed.\u0026nbsp; \"And now you show up all dandy, expecting me to-.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Nurse Joy, thanks to you, I'm fine.\u0026nbsp; I found my Milotic, and everything else is in the past,\" I said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; \"I apologize for interrupting, but I have to ask if you can check up on my Pokémon while I go out to pick up some supplies.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHer face was positively livid, her cheeks flushing red and her lips pressed together.\u0026nbsp; Her eyes were narrowed at me, but she relented.\u0026nbsp; I pulled the Pokéballs from my backpack and handed them to Nurse Joy.\u0026nbsp; I turned to Spirit, taking one of her claws in my hands.\u0026nbsp; She shook her head and made a cooing sound, but I shook my head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I want you to be checked up on too, you know,\" I said, smiling.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm sure it won't be long.\u0026nbsp; Just don't get angry at her, ok?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe nodded, conceding to me for the moment.\u0026nbsp; I smiled as Spirit made her way to Nurse Joy's side.\u0026nbsp; I slipped on my backpack again, fishing out the Pokédex from my pocket.\u0026nbsp; Noting that it was near noon now, I chided myself to get things prepared for when we left Celestic and headed for Eterna.\u0026nbsp; That would mean going through Mount Coronet.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You should come back in a few hours,\" Nurse Joy said, nodding tensely.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded back.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm only headed for the Poké Mart,\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"I'll be back.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe turned away, taking my partners behind her desk to fill out some paperwork.\u0026nbsp; Spirit frowned, shaking her head and giving me a forlorn look.\u0026nbsp; I smiled sympathetically at the Flygon, before Nurse Joy patted her on the shoulder and guided her behind a set of double doors to the left of the desk.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI turned around and exited the Pokémon Center, heaving a sigh of relief as if an invisible weight was lifted off my shoulders.\u0026nbsp; Xola didn't seem to be harmed after that event, and everyone else seemed to be in shape, but I couldn't be blamed for wanting to make sure.\u0026nbsp; In a way, I could understand Nurse Joy's behavior, and I couldn't help but think that the Solaceon Nurse Joy contacted her sister here to make sure I was safe.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSunlight colored everything brightly, somehow the town unaffected by the fog to the east.\u0026nbsp; I walked by some homes, people milling around eating lunch, I imagine.\u0026nbsp; One house I passed by had a little girl playing happily with a Skitty.\u0026nbsp; I waved by as she looked up, and she smiled back waving happily.\u0026nbsp; She quickly turned her attention back to her Skitty when it began pawing at her hands, jumping from the floor.\u0026nbsp; I laughed as the girl picked up the cat Pokémon and snuggled together, before waving back at me again and heading out of my view.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI chuckled as I kept walking towards the Poké Mart.\u0026nbsp; For some reason, the sight made a smile stick to my face and it allowed me to relax more as I walked through the grass.\u0026nbsp; Thoughts still drifted back to what both Song and Mist spoke of yesterday.\u0026nbsp; I still wondered what they meant with the things they said.\u0026nbsp; What dangers was I at risk?\u0026nbsp; Illness, physical injury, something else?\u0026nbsp; I shook my head, chuckling still as I looked skywards.\u0026nbsp; The sun was out, my team was getting double checked, and a new location to explore soon.\u0026nbsp; In all honesty, it can't get much better than this.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI spotted the Poké Mart, and quickly made my way inside.\u0026nbsp; The sliding doors opened silently, a gust of cold air blasting me in the face as I stepped inside.\u0026nbsp; An old couple greeted me with a smile as I made my way to the counter.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Hi,\" I said, smiling at them.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm planning on heading over through Mount Coronet.\u0026nbsp; Are there any items you suggest to have?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe old couple looked at each other and smiled.\u0026nbsp; The old man came around the counter and waved at me silently to follow him.\u0026nbsp; He took me to where another man was standing in front of the shelves, looking over the items placed there.\u0026nbsp; The other man turned around, short brown hair matching his hazel eyes.\u0026nbsp; He was covered head to toe with all kinds of equipment on a green vest.\u0026nbsp; Blue jeans that seemed to have more holes than pockets, with black hiking boots completed the picture of someone that was well versed in not being at home for a while.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Could you give him a hand, young man?\" the old man said.\u0026nbsp; \"This sonny here is trying to cross Mount Coronet.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah, I'll give him a hand,\" the man said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe looked older to me, but not by much.\u0026nbsp; He wasn't that much taller than me, either.\u0026nbsp; There was something about him, though, that made me think otherwise.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Hi,\" I said, sticking my hand out.\u0026nbsp; \"Name's Aaron.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe shook my hand with a firm grip.\u0026nbsp; \"Names Jonathan,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"So, heading through Mount Coronet?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah, gonna head on to Eterna to challenge the gym there,\" I said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; He raised an eyebrow at me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Where are you from?\" he asked\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Solaceon,\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"It's east of here if you follow Route two ten east and south through the fog.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe shook his head, a grin spreading across his face.\u0026nbsp; \"Sorry, I thought you'd be from Sandgem or somewhere down near Professor Rowan.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI shook my head.\u0026nbsp; \"No worries,\" I said, waving away his apology.\u0026nbsp; \"Where are you from?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Johto, actually.\u0026nbsp; Blackthorn City,\" he answered.\u0026nbsp; I looked at him, confused at the reference.\u0026nbsp; The idea dawned on my mind after a moment of staring at him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Sorry, was trying to put a picture to the city,\" I said with an awkward laugh.\u0026nbsp; \"I just started my journey, actually.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"From Solaceon?\" he asked\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"Yup.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You have a full team, right?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I do, yes.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe sighed in relief.\u0026nbsp; \"That's good to hear.\u0026nbsp; I don't want to end up saving you if I end up meeting you in a bad spot.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI raised an eyebrow at him.\u0026nbsp; \"What do you mean by that?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nFrom his vest he pulled a badge from a pocket, revealing a Pokémon Ranger badge.\u0026nbsp; It wasn't any other badge, however.\u0026nbsp; I recognized the stylized Pokéball design.\u0026nbsp; Instead of the normal white on red, both sides were red, with a band of black dividing both halves.\u0026nbsp; A lightning bolt was behind the Pokéball in the design, and it all was centered on a white shield.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You're from the Lightning Unit of Johto!\" I exclaimed.\u0026nbsp; They were a recent addition to the Johto area, last I understood.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe grinned at me.\u0026nbsp; \"Yeah.\u0026nbsp; I joined pretty recently, after traveling as a Pokémon Trainer.\u0026nbsp; They allowed me to keep my partners instead of making me pick one.\u0026nbsp; I'd think the girls would go ballistic.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI grinned back.\u0026nbsp; \"I can sympathize.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You too?\" he asked, bewildered.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What, have a team of all female Pokémon?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, I have one that is male,\" he said, laughing.\u0026nbsp; \"But yeah, you have it worse than I do!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMy grinned widened.\u0026nbsp; \"Maybe we can compare notes, help each other out.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"That'd be cool,\" he said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; \"First though, we should take care of our shopping.\u0026nbsp; The owners are probably wondering what we're doing here still.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI laughed.\u0026nbsp; \"Yeah, we should.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n=================\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; =====================\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; =============\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI was very thankful to have had Jonathan's expert opinion on things.\u0026nbsp; I was glad that mom and dad transferred funds to my new account, or I would have been stuck doing some jobs to buy all I got!\u0026nbsp; Getting what felt like a mountain of potions, vitamins, extra food, and even some basic climbing gear, I felt ready enough to be out in the wilds for quite some time.\u0026nbsp; The sun was still out, but it was beginning to set behind the mountains.\u0026nbsp; It gave it the impression that it was later than it really was.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah, you should be fine for a while with all that stuff, especially with your original supplies,\" he said, helping me carry some of the things I bought and his own.\u0026nbsp; \"If you ration it, it'll last even longer.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Definitely going to hope that there aren't any more emergencies,\" I said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; He looked at me, and I shrugged.\u0026nbsp; \"Sorry, it still gives me the shivers thinking about that.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI shook my head.\u0026nbsp; Somehow, telling this person about Suicune didn't feel right.\u0026nbsp; It felt as if I was violating some silent agreement.\u0026nbsp; Also, I highly doubt that the legendary Water Pokémon would appreciate me blabbing.\u0026nbsp; Jonathan thankfully dropped the subject, as we kept walking towards the Pokémon Center.\u0026nbsp; We passed by the same house with the little girl inside it.\u0026nbsp; It seemed that she was expecting me this time, and waved at me excitedly as we passed.\u0026nbsp; I smiled and waved as best I could, carrying all my purchases.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWhen we stepped inside the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy was standing behind her counter.\u0026nbsp; When she turned towards us she smiled widely, and thankfully didn't start with yelling at me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Welcome, you two!\u0026nbsp; Both of your teams are healthy and ready for pickup,\" she said.\u0026nbsp; She turned to me, and her eyes narrowed slightly.\u0026nbsp; \"I still want to give you a check-up, after breaking your ribs and all.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI sighed.\u0026nbsp; \"Yes, ma'am.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Broken ribs?\" Jonathan asked.\u0026nbsp; \"What did you do, fall off a cliff?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Bridge broke while walking on it.\u0026nbsp; I grabbed on to the rope railing, only to be slammed to the side of a mountain.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHis eyes widened, but didn't say anything else.\u0026nbsp; He nodded towards Nurse Joy, who handed him a small tray with six notches that were occupied with Pokéballs.\u0026nbsp; I noticed that they were different designed than the regular Pokéball.\u0026nbsp; He grinned at me, noticing how I was looking at him curiously.\n\n\"You can get a Pokéball customized at various cities,\" he said, attaching the devices to his belt.\u0026nbsp; \"There's one in Eterna, since you're heading that way.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"Thanks.\u0026nbsp; It'd be nice to give them each a unique design.\u0026nbsp; I'm sure they'd appreciate it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I know mine do,\" he said with a grin.\u0026nbsp; He put the bag he was carrying that was mine on the floor, giving me a nod.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'd better start heading out,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"Even on vacation, I still have to do reports and stuff.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It was nice meeting you.\u0026nbsp; Any chance of running into you again?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, if you stay here for a day or two, we can travel together to Eterna,\" he said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; \"I was planning in heading in that direction, so if you don't mind waiting, we can go together.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah, that'd be great,\" I said excitedly.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm in no hurry, and I was planning on seeing the ruins here, so it works out perfectly.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJonathan nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"I'll see you here in a few days, then?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm looking forward to it,\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"Definitely.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe gave me a grin and a two fingered salute before walking through the double doors leading outside.\u0026nbsp; I turned to Nurse Joy, who was softly tapping her foot, arms crossed across her chest.\u0026nbsp; I sighed and shook my head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Alright, alright, I'll go,\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"If it'll calm you down, so you can sleep soundly.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It will,\" she said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n=================\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; =======================\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; ==============\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIt didn't take long to get out of the Pokémon Center with my team and a clean bill of health.\u0026nbsp; Whatever Suicune did, Xola was perfectly fine, and I wasn't any worse for wear.\u0026nbsp; If Suicune even helped me, I don't know, but I'm pretty the legendary did something.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIt was almost dark out, but there was enough ambient light that allowed me to see where I was headed.\u0026nbsp; I had checked out a room, so my recently purchased items and backpack were safe.\u0026nbsp; It also allowed me to try out my new Pokéball belt.\u0026nbsp; Song floated next to me, silently keeping watch while we walked toward the Celestic ruins in a cave near the middle of the town. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Inside, there were artificial lamps set up to bring light into the cave.\u0026nbsp; Pillars left untouched except by careless individuals passing by adorned the sides of the cave, as if supporting it from collapsing.\u0026nbsp; Scarred writing could be noted, but it was impossible to decode anything due to time or, again, carelessness of people passing by.\u0026nbsp; I clicked my tongue in disgust, frowning.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Such a waste,\" I murmured, staring at one of the pillars.\u0026nbsp; \"If only the writing was a bit more intact, I could start decoding even a sample.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_It is a shame_,\" Song said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; She placed a hand on my shoulders.\u0026nbsp; \"_Perhaps we can find something further in?_\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I hope so, Song,\" I said, patting her hand.\u0026nbsp; \"It would be a true shame if nothing survived.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe continued walking the path of the tunnel as I tried my best to find intact, or close to intact, writing as possible.\u0026nbsp; The tunnel abruptly ended, with what looked like a shrine.\u0026nbsp; Behind the shrine on the wall, was some kind of mural, figures depicting some kind of diagram, perhaps?\u0026nbsp; Starting in the middle, a golden circle or loop was drawn, and from this center point, three lines jutted out, connecting to three other circles.\u0026nbsp; One had a blue gem and circle, the other was a deep purple with a matching jewel, while the third had no stone, but was drawn in a jet black color.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThese three circles were then connected to matching, but smaller circles.\u0026nbsp; The only exception to this was the black circle, which had two connections to it instead of one.\u0026nbsp; Also, while one of these two was jet black, matching its connection, the other was a bright pink color.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAll around the mural was writing, surprisingly intact.\u0026nbsp; A grin spread across my face, and I quickly began scanning the letters, trying to come up with a quickly drawn translation in my mind.\u0026nbsp; Song probably began to feel my excitement, as her voice had an edge of anxiety to it.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Did you find something?_\" she asked\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Oh yeah we did,\" I said, grinning.\u0026nbsp; I pointed to the writing.\u0026nbsp; \"It looks like this is the original creation mythos, of how Arceus is the creator of the world.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_We knew that already, though,_\" Song said, her voice deflating slightly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, yeah, that's not new,\" I said, shaking my head.\u0026nbsp; \"But, some of this writing will probably change that.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI pointed towards the bottom of the mural, where there looked like the writing was more hastily written, or perhaps damaged.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"This here is what changes the picture,\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"Though it's a bit hard to translate, due to either damage, missing letters, or my own stupidity, it roughly says that Arceus goes to a deep slumber after creating existence, only to awaken every so often.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_And that means what, exactly?_\" Song asked\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI shrugged.\u0026nbsp; \"Beats me.\u0026nbsp; Maybe he gets tired of sleeping for too long?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAs soon as those words left my lips, the lamps started to dim, as if something was covering the light they emitted.\u0026nbsp; I turned around, but I didn't see anything immediately.\u0026nbsp; That is, until I saw two floating blue eyes in the darkness.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Even with the dim light, it seemed as if the eyes were pulling the shadows from behind the pillars to make a body made out of darkness.\u0026nbsp; The shadows turned darker as more seemed to be pulled together in one location, and hands that ended with sharp claws extended out of the shadowy mass.\u0026nbsp; Long, thin legs stepped forward, looking slightly disproportionate to the large body they supported.\u0026nbsp; A mane of white flowed from the top of the head, giving the creature a very intimidating look.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Darkrai!\"_ Song exclaimed sharply.\u0026nbsp; \"_Stay away from my Master, you beast!_\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nDarkrai didn't say anything.\u0026nbsp; I wasn't exactly sure if he could speak.\u0026nbsp; He mutely crossed in between us, paying us no heed, reaching the mural with one long claw.\u0026nbsp; Some of the letters began to glow softly at Darkrai's touch, and the Pokémon nodded to himself.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So, you're the one.\"\u0026nbsp; I imagined that it was Darkrai talking.\u0026nbsp; The voice sounded thick, as if a massive being was making an effort to speak softly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI stood there, dumbfounded.\u0026nbsp; I was terrified that he might be referring to me, Song, or anyone, but curiosity began to get the better of me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What do you mean?\" I asked.\u0026nbsp; Song turned around to face me, her eyes wide.\u0026nbsp; Darkrai didn't turn to face us, still looking at whatever held his attention.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"He is to be awakened again,\" the voice said.\u0026nbsp; \"He had said so himself.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI shook myself.\u0026nbsp; Here was the Night Walker himself, and I was asking him questions?\u0026nbsp; Have I truly lost my mind?\u0026nbsp; I motioned to Song to follow me, and I softly backed up away from Darkrai, afraid of giving him an opportunity to sneak up on us.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSuddenly, Darkrai turned to face us while raising a clawed hand in our direction.\u0026nbsp; A wave of purple and black shadows raced in our direction.\u0026nbsp; Dumbfounded, I covered my face with my hands, in a vain attempt to protect myself from the attack.\u0026nbsp; When I didn't feel an impact, I looked up to see Song standing in between me and the beam, the attack being shunted around us by a prismatic barrier she had formed around both of us.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It seems that more extreme measures must be taken,\" Darkrai said.\u0026nbsp; I didn't hesitate this time, pulling two Pokéballs from my belt and releasing their simultaneously.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSpirit and Mist appeared in a collective flash of red.\u0026nbsp; The Mismagius floated for a moment, before her body stiffened when she saw who we were facing.\u0026nbsp; Spirit mimicked Mist's body language, and looked like she was about to faint.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I don't know what Darkrai wants, but he just tried to attack me,\" I explained.\u0026nbsp; It seemed to make them focus, as they both stopped shaking in place.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nDarkrai didn't move, so I decided to make the sound risk of initiating.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Mist, Shadow Ball!\u0026nbsp; Spirit, Flamethrower!\" I shouted.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nA bubble of purple shadow energy coalesced in front of Mist before she fired it straight ahead.\u0026nbsp; Spirit leaned forward, her jaws opened wide as a jet of fire lit the cavern as it flew to her intended target.\u0026nbsp; Darkrai didn't react immediately, but as I was sure that the attacks connected, he made a sweeping motion with one of his claws, deterring both attacks.\u0026nbsp; I would be wracking my head to know what kind of ability that was, but I didn't have the luxury of time to find out right now.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI'd rather deal with a human than a legendary Pokémon at this point.\u0026nbsp; Obviously, this was way out of my league.\u0026nbsp; \"Spirit, use Earthq-,\" I said, before getting cut off by Song.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Don't!\u0026nbsp; You'll risk having the entire cave fall on top of us, too!_\" she exclaimed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nDarkrai used this moment of hesitation to lunge forward, claws leaving a trail of energy behind them as he slashed forward.\u0026nbsp; \"Spirit, Dragon Claw!\" I shouted, hoping that it'll work.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSpirit's claws met Darkrai's, a clash of purple and blue energy splashing over the cave.\u0026nbsp; \"Mist, Shadow Ball!\" I called out.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMist, who was hovering over Darkrai now, released another attack that was hopefully within his blind spot.\u0026nbsp; He looked upwards, blue eyes not even surprised, lifting Spirit above him.\u0026nbsp; Spirit's cry shook me as her body was impacted by friendly fire.\u0026nbsp; Surprisingly, she didn't let that stop her, unleashing another Flamethrower at close range from behind Darkrai.\u0026nbsp; This time, the Dark Walker registered surprise, a grunt escaping his composure.\u0026nbsp; In retaliation, however, he threw Spirit upwards, making both Flygon and Mismagius collide together, smashing both against the stone roof.\u0026nbsp; I didn't hesitate, pulling both Pokéballs out, recalling both of them back to safety.\u0026nbsp; Attaching them back to the belt, I pulled two more.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Zin, Akalia!\" I said, releasing both the Houndoom and Luxray to fight off Darkrai.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Why do you fight with so much focus?\" he asked, his voice rasping like nails on a chalkboard.\u0026nbsp; \"This is all as intended.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I got no idea what you're talking about, but you aren't harming anyone in this town with your nightmares!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Is that what you really think I'm here for?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Why else WOULD you be here for?\" I countered\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nDarkrai stopped suddenly, but he didn't respond.\u0026nbsp; He brought a claw to his face, hiding his face from view for a moment.\u0026nbsp; He shook his head, peering in between his claws, his eyes glowing brightly.\u0026nbsp; Bringing both of his arms up above his head, a mass of purple energy started forming.\u0026nbsp; Before I could issue any orders, Song stepped forward.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_It's Dark Void!_\" she yelled, as she put herself in between Darkrai's attack.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nDarkrai made a throwing gesture and the ball of energy, this Dark Void attack, flew at high speeds towards us.\u0026nbsp; Song began chanting, as she formed another prismatic barrier around herself.\u0026nbsp; When the attack met the barrier, it seemed to just ooze around Song's barrier, before disappearing.\u0026nbsp; Thankfully, it didn't look like it dealt any harm to Song, as she immediately retaliated.\u0026nbsp; Multi-colored leaves of psychic energy appeared around her, as she began to systematically launched them at Darkrai, putting the Dark Walker on the defensive.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Screw this,\" I muttered.\u0026nbsp; I pulled out Xola's Pokéball and opened it, revealing the Milotic.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Xola, Akalia, Zin, long range attacks,\" I said.\u0026nbsp; All three Pokémon nodded, as they all began alternating firing at Darkrai.\u0026nbsp; He would dodge a magical leaf, only to dodge bolts of lightning, gouts of fire, or sprays of water.\u0026nbsp; I was expecting him to try to press forward, but surprised me by instead disappearing through the stone wall.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Stay alert, everyone!\" I called.\u0026nbsp; I turned around, watching our backs in case Darkrai decided to attack me instead of my team.\u0026nbsp; Two yowls instantly made me turn around, seeing, Akalia Xola, and Zin laying against the stone walls, and Song struggling within the Dark Walker's grasp.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Let her go!\" I yelled, running towards him.\u0026nbsp; He held me back with his free arm, and casually flicked me away.\u0026nbsp; My feet left the ground, landing hard on my back and sliding backwards across the rocky ground.\u0026nbsp; I stood up as my back screamed at me in protest, but I quelled it.\u0026nbsp; I had way more important things to worry about than my back hurting.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"If I was taught anything,\" Darkrai said, blue eyes sparkling, \"is to effectively break a subject, Pokémon or human.\u0026nbsp; I will do as I have been commanded.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nFrom where I was stumbling to stand, Darkrai began to pull shadows from the cave again to him.\u0026nbsp; Instead of absorbing the shadows, however, they began to focus around the claw that was holding Song.\u0026nbsp; By the time I was standing, the shadows stopped swirling together.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nNo words were exchanged, no signal given as the shadows suddenly closed in around her body.\u0026nbsp; Song's scream echoed both through the cave with her natural voice, and in my mind with her psychic call.\u0026nbsp; The feedback it caused made me buckle, screaming in pain that I was unable to stop.\u0026nbsp; I couldn't close my eyes, even while I could feel my eyelids trying.\u0026nbsp; It felt like my body was locking up against its own accord.\u0026nbsp; My knees buckled as my body shook by itself.\u0026nbsp; I clutched my head as the pain intensified suddenly.\u0026nbsp; I screamed, my voice echoing through the cave and joining Song's own tortured voice.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI continued to scream until my voice became hoarse, and I continued to scream.\u0026nbsp; No help came, however, as the waves of nausea and pain continued to enjoy torturing me.\u0026nbsp; Song's scream continued as well, being able to hear her through my ears and inside my own head.\u0026nbsp; I tried to struggle to stay standing, but all that did is make me meet the ground faster.\u0026nbsp; I fell backwards, writhing on the ground, until the pain stopped suddenly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI gasped, trying to catch my breath.\u0026nbsp; My throat was sore and my mouth was dry, but I tried to push myself up from the ground.\u0026nbsp; I was amazed how I didn't black out from the pain.\u0026nbsp; It took all my energy to just stand up, and I barely made it to be kneeling before Darkrai's clawed hand grabbed me by the throat.\u0026nbsp; I began choking instantly, as the grip he placed started to slowly suffocate me.\u0026nbsp; The tips of his claws began to dig against my skin, pinpricks of pain swallowed by the unnerving look of complete calm that masked his face.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nNot that it was hard for Darkrai.\u0026nbsp; At this point, as I stared into his face, I couldn't tell a visible mouth.\u0026nbsp; His blue eyes glowed brightly before narrowing menacingly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"My goal has been completed,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"It is up to the others now.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWith those words, he released me from his grasp, letting me fall into a heap on the floor.\u0026nbsp; As I looked up to the Dark Walker, his form began to dissipate into the surrounding darkness.\u0026nbsp; Arms and legs disappeared first, followed by the flowing white mane.\u0026nbsp; His body was next, slowly becoming small specks of shadow.\u0026nbsp; The last thing that disappeared were his eyes, that looked at me menacingly before closing and vanishing from sight.\u0026nbsp; I struggled to my feet, enduring my body's protest against the movements.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe first thing my eyes landed on was Song, her body covered in what looked like soot.\u0026nbsp; I stumbled towards her, falling to my knees as I reached her.\u0026nbsp; I gently lifted her onto my lap as I cradled her head.\u0026nbsp; I pressed my fingers against her neck, checking for her pulse.\u0026nbsp; It felt like my heart skipped a beat when I didn't find one.\u0026nbsp; I quickly dropped my head to see if I could hear her breath.\u0026nbsp; I gently held her against my chest with one hand and using the other to quickly recall Akalia, Xola, and Zin to their Pokéballs as quickly as I could.\u0026nbsp; I fished out the last one, and recalled Song as well.\u0026nbsp; I just hoped that the device did its job and slowed down the pain for her.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI took a quick glance around, but I didn't see anyone.\u0026nbsp; No one came to investigate the sounds between me and Darkrai.\u0026nbsp; I stood up and pushing my body further, I ran out of the cave.\u0026nbsp; It wasn't a long trek, but with every step my head pounded with pain.\u0026nbsp; My body echoed the feeling, shooting pain through my arms, chest, and legs.\u0026nbsp; I ignored it however, as adrenaline kept my body moving through it.\u0026nbsp; I pushed the double doors open in the Pokémon Center, as Nurse Joy turned to face me.\u0026nbsp; Whatever she had in mind vanished as she saw me in my current state.\u0026nbsp; She ran around the counter, taking me by the hand behind the counter and through another pair of doors.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What happened?\" she asked sternly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I don't care, just help Song,\" I mumbled.\u0026nbsp; She pressed me down into a chair as she stuck out her hands.\u0026nbsp; I fumbled for a moment, pulling all of my Pokéballs from the belt and handing them over.\u0026nbsp; I didn't hear her call for assistance, but six Chansey were standing behind her.\u0026nbsp; She passed one to each, and all saluted as one, quickly running to do... whatever they would do.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Now, what happened?\" Nurse Joy\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI shook my head.\u0026nbsp; \"I need to be with Song, my Gardevoir,\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"I'll explain things when we're there.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"If your Pokémon is in any similar shape to yours, there's no way that I'd allow any visitors.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI stared at her disbelievingly, but the look on her face told me that she would probably tie me to the bed if I tried anything funny.\u0026nbsp; I shook my head in defeat.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Just take care of her first,\" I said, waving her away.\u0026nbsp; \"Don't worry about me until then.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"The machines can give immediate treatment for Pokémon, but you look like you've been thr-,\" she said heatedly before I raised my hand to silence her.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm going to insist,\" I said flatly.\u0026nbsp; \"After I encountered Darkrai, he did something to Song.\u0026nbsp; I need you to find out what, and if she'll survive at all.\u0026nbsp; I didn't feel a pulse, and neither was she breathing.\u0026nbsp; I think she has a higher priority than me.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe didn't argue with me after that, though she stared at me mutely for a few moments, before she moved on her own accord.\u0026nbsp; I stared at the wall where Nurse Joy was standing previously, before lowering my head and bringing my hands to cover my face.\u0026nbsp; I felt the tears come, and I didn't hesitate to cry as my body shook in fear and utter disbelief.\u0026nbsp; _Why was all this happening to me?_\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI stayed still, unmoving as my tears tapered off on their own.\u0026nbsp; A blanket was gently placed on my back suddenly.\u0026nbsp; I brought my face from my hands to see a Chansey smile at me and pat me on the shoulder, before rushing off.\u0026nbsp; I sighed, pulling the blanket closer around me.\u0026nbsp; I just hoped that everything would be alright.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n=============\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; ======================\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; ==============\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I don't really know how to tell you this, Aaron,\" Nurse Joy said to me.\u0026nbsp; \"I've never seen this kind of attack before.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Give it to us straight, Nurse Joy,\" I said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; \"I think we both deserve to know what happened, or at least your professional opinion.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe were sitting in my team's recovery room.\u0026nbsp; Xola, Zin, Akalia, and Spirit were all sleeping soundly.\u0026nbsp; Mist was the first to fully recover, and was currently floating next to me.\u0026nbsp; Even though she had her eyes closed, I had the impression that she was listening to what me and Nurse Joy were talking about.\u0026nbsp; Song was also conscious, though in worse shape than everyone else.\u0026nbsp; Bandages covered most of her head and face, and her neck was being supported by a brace.\u0026nbsp; Nurse Joy looked at me, Song, and then back at me, before sighing and shaking her head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Alright, the straight answer then.\u0026nbsp; It looks like, whatever you went through, destroyed your Gardevoirs Psychic abilities.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI stood up from my chair, eyes wide as fear seeped straight into me.\u0026nbsp; I looked to Song, and her eyes were wide as well, shaking her head in disbelief.\u0026nbsp; Turning to Mist, I was surprised that she wasn't reacting at all to this news.\u0026nbsp; I sighed, and turned back to Nurse Joy, forcing myself to sit back down.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Is there any way to help Song recover?\" I asked, trying to sound calm.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nNurse Joy shook her head.\u0026nbsp; \"Not that I know of,\" she answered.\u0026nbsp; \"I've never seen or heard of something like this happen before.\u0026nbsp; Not even my sisters know what could be done.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI turned to Song again, touching her hand and squeezing it gently.\u0026nbsp; \"Are you alright?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe nodded, but I could see the tears beginning to swell in her eyes.\u0026nbsp; Nurse Joy stood up and smiled sympathetically at me, before turning away to leave us alone.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI turned my chair to face the bed that Song was laying on.\u0026nbsp; She turned to me and gently shook her head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What is it, Song?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"She cannot speak with you through her telepathy, Master,\" Mist said suddenly.\u0026nbsp; I turned to the ghost Pokémon before looking back at Song, who was nodding.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Mist, is it because of Darkrai's attack?\" I asked\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"More likely than not,\" Mist answered.\u0026nbsp; \"Though I do not have any idea why Darkrai would do such a thing, it seems the likely culprit.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI shook my head, frowning at the new information.\u0026nbsp; Song was visibly crying now, tears running down her cheeks as she shook her head side to side.\u0026nbsp; I placed a hand on her cheek and she stopped, though she continued crying.\u0026nbsp; I brought my chair closer to the bed, as Song leaned over to me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Nurse Joy isn't going to approve,\" I said, trying to make her smile.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Garde, Gardevoir,\" Song said softly, sliding from the bed and on top of my lap.\u0026nbsp; Her arms wrapped around my neck as she leaned her head on my shoulder.\u0026nbsp; I held her against me, my arms supporting her.\u0026nbsp; Her breathing slowed down, though her body shook due to the stress.\u0026nbsp; I couldn't even begin to imagine what she was going through, but I knew I would be here to support her.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I want you to know, Song, that I'm not dropping you off anywhere,\" I said with conviction.\u0026nbsp; \"You're not going back to the adoption center, psychic powers or not.\u0026nbsp; I want that to be clear between us.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe pulled back from my shoulder slowly, looking at me with her eyes wide.\u0026nbsp; I smiled and nodded at her.\u0026nbsp; Her body instantly relaxed against mine, as if a weight left her shoulders.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Do you truly think this is wise, Master?\" Mist asked, floating in front of me.\u0026nbsp; \"We would be without one combatant in travels, in the wild.\u0026nbsp; We would be-.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Thank you, Mist, for the analysis,\" I said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't think that any one of you would appreciate it if I sent you back home to do nothing if one of you was injured so badly.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMist didn't respond, but her eyes narrowed slightly, before sighing.\u0026nbsp; \"I understand,\" she said softly.\u0026nbsp; A smile spread on her features before continuing.\u0026nbsp; \"You do have true loyalty to us.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I wouldn't dare abandon any of you anywhere, Mist,\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"That, at the very least, I can promise you with certainty.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMist nodded, smiling at me.\u0026nbsp; Her expression changed to one of amusement as Zin appeared, pressing against my legs.\u0026nbsp; Akalia and Spirit weren't that far behind, though Xola stayed on her bed, grinning in our direction.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I believe these chairs lean back,\" Mist said.\u0026nbsp; The gems on her body glowed softly as the chair leaned back suddenly.\u0026nbsp; It wasn't enough to leave me flat like on a bed, but comfortably so.\u0026nbsp; Zin and Akalia took advantage of this and jumped up, quickly fighting over where over my lower body they would sleep.\u0026nbsp; Spirit and Mist chuckled softly, as I gently cradled Song.\u0026nbsp; Her eyes were closed and dried tears streaked down her cheeks, but a smile was on her face.\u0026nbsp; I met her forehead with my own, placing a soft kiss on her cheek as Song let out a soft sigh.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI promised to myself that I would never betray my partners trust.\u0026nbsp; We've been through so much already; it wouldn't be fair to abandon Song back at Solaceon.\u0026nbsp; It would be downright cruel.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI felt myself become drowsy.\u0026nbsp; I closed my eyes, and slept.\n\n  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"A Trainer\\'s Tale","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/233136-a-trainer-s-tale-chapter-5.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/238114-a-trainer-s-tale-chapter-7.json"}}