{"sf1_id":256865,"sf2_id":"ve3VkjN1","title":"A Trainer's Tale - Chapter 11","author":"FoxStriker25","words":6535,"posted_at":"2011-06-08T04:26:00.000Z","tags":["Clean","Flygon","Human","Lucario","Pokemon","houndoom"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/256865-a-trainer-s-tale-chapter-11","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/ve3VkjN1","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/bc/bb/bcbbf49b-6c83-4e93-a09f-d27b838f5a06","description":"#11 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\nChapter 11: Flight or Fight\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI tried my best to stargaze, to do something to occupy my mind.\u0026nbsp; I couldn't help but think what could have been what appeared in front of me.\u0026nbsp; There must be plenty of nocturnal Pokémon around here.\u0026nbsp; I must have just encountered one that was curious as to what we were doing.\u0026nbsp; Nothing wrong with that, as long as they didn't bring more friends.\u0026nbsp; Whoever it was, it seemed content enough to leave us alone.\u0026nbsp; The occasional ruffle of feathers and cries of Pokémon overhead made it clear that the nights around here weren't all quiet.\u0026nbsp; Though I didn't know from where or who, I still felt watched.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI distracted myself with the fire, gently prodding the burning logs with a stick.\u0026nbsp; I already ate what was left of the soup, though I had nothing to clean it with.\u0026nbsp; We'd take care of that later, before we left.\u0026nbsp; I had put a lid over it though, to make sure that the smell wouldn't attract more unwanted visitors.\u0026nbsp; All of my Pokémon had shifted, Xola waking up and demanded to be curled up around me.\u0026nbsp; Song, Akalia, and Zin all wanted to be somewhere on me, as well.\u0026nbsp; And me, being so compliant, agreed to their requests as best I could.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI had my Pokédex in hand, seconds ticking by as I watched the numbers change.\u0026nbsp; I shook my head, as Song snuggled closer in my arms.\u0026nbsp; Her legs and arms were wrapped around me, hugging me tightly against her body.\u0026nbsp; I felt my cheeks warm, remembering how we joined together.\u0026nbsp; I felt my body respond accordingly, and closed my eyes to suppress it as best I could.\u0026nbsp; Didn't need to give Joy more reasons to think I was weird.\u0026nbsp; I didn't know how she felt about Pokémon and human relations, nor was I going to tempt fate.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI leaned back against Xola's scales, looking skyward.\u0026nbsp; As tempting it was to close my eyes, I knew what I was getting into.\u0026nbsp; Slightly.\u0026nbsp; I've never been up with nothing to do, though.\u0026nbsp; If I was this up this late, it was because I was helping mom or dad with something.\u0026nbsp; Can't forget when I had to clean my room, or to study for all those stupid tests.\u0026nbsp; This, on the other hand, felt extremely boring.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_You can always speak with me,_\" Mist echoed softly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI chuckled, feeling Song clench my shirt tightly as I moved underneath her.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;I stroked her back a few times until she calmed down, trying to address Mist without waking up anyone.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Remember, you can use your thoughts to communicate,_\" she said, reminding me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded.\u0026nbsp; I still didn't feel comfortable doing so, but I might as well try.\u0026nbsp; Focusing on what I wanted to say, I did my best to project my question to Mist.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Am I enjoying the night?_\" she asked, repeating my question.\u0026nbsp; \"_Yes, I am.\u0026nbsp; It is a wonderful night.\u0026nbsp; Other than our uninvited guest earlier_.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe thought jolted me.\u0026nbsp; I had put it completely out of my mind.\u0026nbsp; Strange.\u0026nbsp; I didn't feel threatened, and I would imagine that by now they would have come back if whatever it was wanted us out of here.\u0026nbsp; Not knowing what it was unnerved me more than anything, though.\u0026nbsp; Especially when Mist said that she couldn't detect what it was with her powers.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_It was probably another ghost Pokémon_,\" she said dismissively.\u0026nbsp; \"_We can tell when a powerful trainer is around_.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI didn't want to feel proud of that statement.\u0026nbsp; I sure didn't feel that way, that's for sure.\u0026nbsp; But what if it wasn't? I thought this concern to her, and she laughed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Well, could you tell me what else hides in the... oh.\u0026nbsp; Yes, I understand your concern now,\"_ she said, her laugh fading into the silence.\u0026nbsp; \"_If I may be allowed to say, if it was Darkrai, I do not think he would hesitate to attack_.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThat was true.\u0026nbsp; He didn't hesitate to attack me inside the Celestic Ruins.\u0026nbsp; Why would he bother now?\u0026nbsp; Especially here, in the middle of nowhere, where no help would come fast enough.\u0026nbsp; Sure, Jonathan and Joy might wake up in time, but to what?\u0026nbsp; My corpse?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Please, do not think like that, Master,_\" Mist said softly.\u0026nbsp; \"_Nothing like that will ever happen again.\u0026nbsp; This, I promise you._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded.\u0026nbsp; Yeah.\u0026nbsp; We were being prepared.\u0026nbsp; Every day we grew stronger.\u0026nbsp; We'll be ready next time.\u0026nbsp; We have to be.\u0026nbsp; Not just for my friends, but for myself, too. \u0026nbsp;Facing Darkrai was a nightmare that while I didn't ask for, yet I had to deal with regardless.\u0026nbsp; Wishing it away wasn't going to work.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nA rustling sound came from behind me.\u0026nbsp; I turned to see Joy step out of her tent, stretching languidly.\u0026nbsp; I immediately turned away, noticing that she was wearing a tight shirt, and no pants.\u0026nbsp; I didn't know if she was wearing underwear, but I didn't want to gamble on a second look.\u0026nbsp; I didn't feel a hit on my head, so I guess she didn't see me look.\u0026nbsp; Grateful for the reprieve of getting hit, I brought my Pokédex to eye level, noticing it was close to midnight now.\u0026nbsp; I didn't know when everyone went to sleep, so I couldn't imagine that it was her turn already.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nA tap on my shoulder made me sit up straight.\u0026nbsp; I turned to see Joy smile at me, shaking her head.\u0026nbsp; She was wearing pants this time.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Why didn't you put them all inside their Pokéballs?\" she whispered.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI shrugged.\u0026nbsp; \"They didn't want to,\" I answered.\u0026nbsp; \"They wanted to keep me company.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe nodded and smiled at me.\u0026nbsp; \"You can go to sleep now,\" she said.\u0026nbsp; \"It's my turn to keep watch.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Already?\" I asked, blinking in surprise.\u0026nbsp; \"It wasn't that long ago that you all went to sleep.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe shook her head.\u0026nbsp; \"It's midnight, right?\"\u0026nbsp; I nodded to answer.\u0026nbsp; \"We went to sleep at around eight.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nNow that made sense.\u0026nbsp; \"Well, I guess so,\" I said, shaking my head.\u0026nbsp; \"Now to untangle myself.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI grabbed the Pokéballs that were attached to my belt, recalling everyone one by one.\u0026nbsp; No one stirred as they went inside their Pokéballs to continue their sleep.\u0026nbsp; Joy gave me a hand to get me off the ground, and helped dust my body off.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Anything strange?\" she asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"Well, now that you mention it, I did see something,\" I said, frowning in concentration.\u0026nbsp; \"I didn't get a good look at it.\u0026nbsp; The moon was covered by clouds, and it stayed far enough away from the firelight to not be caught in it.\u0026nbsp; Though I know for sure there was a pair of eyes watching me.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"How sure are you?\" she asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Positive,\" I answered.\u0026nbsp; \"Even Mist noticed it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe took my word for it, nodding.\u0026nbsp; Joy brought out a Pokéball and gave me a grin.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Don't worry, I'll be safe,\" she said, tapping the side of her head with a finger.\u0026nbsp; \"You go to sleep.\u0026nbsp; Jonathan will have the last watch.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded, double checking my Pokéballs on my belt before bidding Joy goodnight.\u0026nbsp; I unzipped the entrance of my tent softly, remembering that there was a slumbering Flygon inside.\u0026nbsp; As quietly as I could, I closed it behind me, wincing every time that familiar zipper sound became loud in my ears.\u0026nbsp; Claws encircled me, and for a moment I froze.\u0026nbsp; A gentle cooing sound made me relax instantly, as Spirit dragged me down into her.\u0026nbsp; I was still surprised how large this tent was.\u0026nbsp; It allowed Spirit to lay comfortably without needing to curl up on herself.\u0026nbsp; Though now she did so regardless, as her tail lay on top of me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI hugged her back as best I could, resting my head against her chest.\u0026nbsp; The feeling of her heartbeat began to quickly lull me to sleep.\u0026nbsp; The soft stroking of my hair, and the almost haunting song in my mind only sped up the process.\u0026nbsp; I yawned widely as Spirit wrapped her tail around my legs.\u0026nbsp; I couldn't be safer right now.\u0026nbsp; With the knowledge that everyone was alright, and Joy was informed of what's happened, I fell asleep.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAnd prayed that my mind wouldn't play cruel tricks on me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Your dreams will be filled with wonder this night, Master_,\" Mist's voice echoed.\u0026nbsp; \"_As long as I am here, you will not have reason to fear the night._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n======================\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; ==================================\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI woke to my tent being shaken.\u0026nbsp; My eyes widened in surprise, before being pulled down.\u0026nbsp; Spirit clenched her arms around me, cooing softly.\u0026nbsp; Joy's voice rang through the morning air.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Hey, you awake in there?\" she asked.\u0026nbsp; \"Breakfast is ready, when you get out.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah, I'll be there,\" I said, rolling my eyes to myself.\u0026nbsp; \"As soon as Spirit lets me up.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI heard Joy laugh at that, and her footsteps retreated away.\u0026nbsp; Gently stroking Spirit's neck, her eyes slowly opened.\u0026nbsp; A rather cute yawn came from above me as my Flygon slowly woke up from her slumber.\u0026nbsp; She snuggled against the top of my head, but reluctantly let me get up when I struggled against her hold.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Sorry girl,\" I whispered.\u0026nbsp; \"I'd love to stay here, but we got another busy day of flying.\u0026nbsp; Are you ready?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe smiled at me and nodded, licking my cheek.\u0026nbsp; I chuckled and nodded, crawling over to the door and unzipping it.\u0026nbsp; The day outside was cloudy, sunlight barely breaching the dark clouds above as I began to stretch.\u0026nbsp; I waved at Joy when she walked over to me with two plates in hand.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Here,\" she said, handing me a plate.\u0026nbsp; \"Pass that one to your Flygon.\u0026nbsp; It's Pokémon safe food.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSpirit snuck her head over my shoulder, and practically started salivating at the smell that came from the plate.\u0026nbsp; I laughed as I moved over so she could exit, handing the plate over to the hungry dragon.\u0026nbsp; She let out a soft squeal of glee as she tried the concoction.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What did you put in that?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"My own personal recipe,\" she said, grinning widely.\u0026nbsp; \"Jon asked me to make some energy intense stuff, just to make sure we can get to our next stop safely.\u0026nbsp; I agreed, after that talk about Flygons last night.\u0026nbsp; Not that I doubt her, but just to be on the safe side.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI smiled.\u0026nbsp; \"Thank you.\u0026nbsp; I appreciate it, and I'm sure Spirit does, too.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe turned to see the Flygon licking the plate clean.\u0026nbsp; \"Well, judging from her reaction, she sure does!\" she said with a laugh.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI laughed with her, and began to eat my own plate.\u0026nbsp; It was the same as last night, but no less amazing.\u0026nbsp; I greedily ate, as Spirit passed her plate back to Joy with a chirp of thanks.\u0026nbsp; Joy giggled, gently petting her on her head, before heading back to our campfire.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSpirit stood by me, waiting patiently until I was done.\u0026nbsp; I imagine that she wished to be proactive, so I put my bowl down.\u0026nbsp; She instead grabbed it and began to greedily eat my breakfast!\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Hey!\" I said loudly, but laughed as a long thin tongue slurped along her lips.\u0026nbsp; I couldn't fault her for being hungry, could I?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI pulled out my things from inside the tent, quickly dismantling my portable home and securing it to my backpack.\u0026nbsp; Both Joy and Jonathan smiled at me as I walked up to them, ready for our journey.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, that's nice of you,\" he said, smiling.\u0026nbsp; \"Good for you to notice our visitor.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI blinked.\u0026nbsp; \"Who?\" I asked, bewildered.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You mentioned to Joy that you saw something,\" he said, standing up.\u0026nbsp; \"Though I didn't see anything myself, the monks from the monastery have made similar reports to me in the past.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"And that means what, exactly?\" I asked him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It means that they're right,\" he said, shrugging.\u0026nbsp; \"Though I didn't have a reason not to believe them before, it's hard to argue when it happens to someone you know better.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So, you only know these monk guys by association?\" Joy asked, frowning.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJonathan nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"Yes,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm their liaison to the Sinnoh area, since I've been put here until further notice.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So it's more than just a casual acquaintance,\" I said, nodding.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah,\" he said with a smile.\u0026nbsp; \"I spend a lot of time with them, so it's only natural.\u0026nbsp; I've known Aiden now for a few months, and the master for a year or so.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"Hopefully they'll be willing to explain all this to us.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah.\u0026nbsp; They know I'm here to investigate Darkrai, but they've put all my reports with nonsense.\u0026nbsp; Hopefully, your experience will show them that the Night Walker is among us again.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Alright, enough of this talking, and let's get moving!\" Joy exclaimed, interrupting.\u0026nbsp; \"Aaron has his stuff all packed up, and we need to put down our tents.\u0026nbsp; Let's go Jon.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Wait, I'm not done eating!\" he exclaimed.\u0026nbsp; Joy wasn't buying it, grabbing his hand and pulling him along.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Oh no you don't!\" she said loudly.\u0026nbsp; \"You're not making me tear down your tent.\u0026nbsp; That thing was a pain in the ass to set up!\"\n\n====================\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; =======================\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; ==============\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe were up in the sky, staying under the cloud cover this time.\u0026nbsp; Forest canopy stretched all around us, the peaks of mountains hidden beneath the green sea.\u0026nbsp; In the distance, I could start making out higher mountain tops, white snow covering them.\u0026nbsp; The problem was that's exactly where we were headed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAt least Jonathan had warned me before we took off.\u0026nbsp; I swapped my short sleeved shirt for a long sleeved one, and was immediately thankful I did.\u0026nbsp; The cold could still be felt, but at least I wasn't shivering.\u0026nbsp; I hid my face using my collar, finding the cold air harsh to my lungs.\u0026nbsp; I adjusted my grip in Spirit, taking in the sights that flew past us.\u0026nbsp; To my left, a group of flying Pokémon was flying parallel to us.\u0026nbsp; I couldn't tell what kind they were, but they looked like nothing like the Sinnoh flying Pokémon.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAt least it wasn't a humongous one, like the legends.\u0026nbsp; That made me think, what is their role within the mythos?\u0026nbsp; It isn't like they have been disproved not to exist.\u0026nbsp; Photographs of Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno have been shown before, and even reliable researchers have made claims that yes, these three exist.\u0026nbsp; Both Lugia and Ho-oh were also proven to exist in our world.\u0026nbsp; Heck, even Rayquaza has been seen before.\u0026nbsp; Yet, why not Dialga, Palkia, or this third one, Giratina?\u0026nbsp; What was their purpose, within this grand scheme?\u0026nbsp; I would think that Arceus had something planned.\u0026nbsp; It isn't like he just created everything just for the sake of creation.\u0026nbsp; I mean, I would think so, anyway.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBut then again, there's Shuckle.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI wasn't going to dwell on this.\u0026nbsp; Just pondering about it lightly made my head hurt.\u0026nbsp; I didn't want to bother Mist, as she was still within me as we flew. \u0026nbsp;Not understanding her seeming need to be bonded, I let her regardless.\u0026nbsp; Forcing someone to do something they didn't want was the fastest way to get on their bad side.\u0026nbsp; And I really didn't want her to be mad at me.\u0026nbsp; After how she handled Joy, I definitely felt the need to ease her back into her comfort zone.\u0026nbsp; If this is the way she wanted to do it, I'm all for it.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThough I wondered how she felt about it.\u0026nbsp; The whole bonding thing brought questions alone.\u0026nbsp; Why did she feel the need to be bonded?\u0026nbsp; Is it because she knows I won't say no, or is it because she honestly likes it?\u0026nbsp; I thought possession would rob me of my free will, but that hasn't been the case.\u0026nbsp; I still think clearly, and my body responds to my demands.\u0026nbsp; My thoughts, though read I'm sure, are still my own.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI think.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe hasn't elaborated on what she gains from being within me.\u0026nbsp; Peace of mind?\u0026nbsp; Perhaps she doesn't like being inside her Pokéball?\u0026nbsp; I'd have to ask her, when she's more active.\u0026nbsp; She's being very quiet recently, since last night's sighting of whatever it was.\u0026nbsp; Mist hasn't made any mention of it, and neither did Joy or Jonathan after our morning chat.\u0026nbsp; Hopefully nothing happens during the rest of this trip, flying or otherwise.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMy attention was caught by Jonathan's dragon, Storm, all of a sudden making a loud crying sound.\u0026nbsp; I didn't know what could cause her to yell loudly enough for me to hear it, but she suddenly took off.\u0026nbsp; I urged Spirit to pick up her pace, though my Flygon was already a step ahead of me.\u0026nbsp; Spirit leaned forward, and I tried to match her stance to make the wind not drag us down as much.\u0026nbsp; Wasn't sure if it made any difference, but every bit helped.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Do not look behind us_,\" Mist intoned softly.\u0026nbsp; \"_We're being followed_.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWhat?!\u0026nbsp; Who or what would follow us?\u0026nbsp; As much as I wanted to investigate this claim, I silently urged Spirit to go faster.\u0026nbsp; The Flygon's wings seemed to double the pace, her breathing matching her new labored pace.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Mist!\u0026nbsp; Is there any way to loose whatever is following us?\" I yelled to the wind, hoping that she heard me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Not right now_,\" she answered back.\u0026nbsp; \"_We must keep our pace to reach Jonathan.\u0026nbsp; We'll be safe together.\u0026nbsp; If we split up, our chances of survival are slim_.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSurvival?\u0026nbsp; I gritted my teeth, and forced myself to look straight ahead.\u0026nbsp; Knowing I was being followed, but not seeing it was maddening.\u0026nbsp; It was broad daylight!\u0026nbsp; It couldn't be hard to spot, would it?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAgainst the better wishes of Mist, and to her outraged cry in my skull, I turned around anyway.\u0026nbsp; My throat dried instantly as a black mass swarmed towards us.\u0026nbsp; I couldn't tell how fast it was moving, but either it was getting bigger or moving closer to us.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI turned away, trying to keep my panic from rising and making me lose my self-control.\u0026nbsp; The first thought that crossed my mind was to make Spirit go faster, but that would only exhaust her.\u0026nbsp; No, I had to remain calm, and not let Spirit feel my panic.\u0026nbsp; I could feel her muscles tense under me, slight changes that I just began to understand.\u0026nbsp; Shaking my head, I rubbed her neck slowly, trying my best to calm both of us down.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSpirit's breathing steadied, but it was still heavy.\u0026nbsp; I looked forward, Zefyra and Joy not that far ahead of us.\u0026nbsp; Storm was barely visible, and I hoped that Jonathan was able to slow her down, or notice that we weren't keeping up with his Dragonite's pace.\u0026nbsp; And let's not forget about that... thing following us.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI didn't know what Pokémon would move en masse at this time.\u0026nbsp; Then again, I wasn't an expert researcher.\u0026nbsp; But nothing I've read in books, or seen on television, could explain this phenomenon behind me.\u0026nbsp; Zefyra and Joy began a sharp decent, and I held tightly as Spirit quickly followed.\u0026nbsp; The land below us was still densely forested, but the leaves were beginning to fall.\u0026nbsp; Some trees were bare, skeletons reaching towards the sky.\u0026nbsp; I saw Joy pass through an opening in the sea of green, and we quickly followed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSpirit landed gracefully next to the Hydreigon, but Jonathan was nowhere in sight.\u0026nbsp; Joy leapt off Zefyra's back and quickly recalled her Pokémon.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Hurry!\u0026nbsp; Get off and hide her!\" Joy hissed at me.\u0026nbsp; I quickly did as she demanded, Spirit nodding as I recalled her back within her device.\u0026nbsp; Following Joy, we encountered tall grass that was easily as tall as we were.\u0026nbsp; My heart was pounding in my chest as I tried my best to keep up.\u0026nbsp; Joy grabbed my hand and pulled me along, doing my best not to stumble.\u0026nbsp; Breaking out of the tall grass, Jonathan was standing there and waved at us towards him.\u0026nbsp; He was holding up what looked like a door.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAs soon as we were inside, Jonathan shut the entrance behind him.\u0026nbsp; I fell on my knees, panting for breath.\u0026nbsp; All I could hear was the pounding of my blood in my ears, though I could see that Joy and Jonathan were talking.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What... what was...\" was all I could get out, before Joy shook her head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Catch your breath first,\" she said.\u0026nbsp; While she could be easily tired, she didn't show it.\u0026nbsp; I nodded, after taking a few deep breaths.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What was that?\" I asked them.\u0026nbsp; \"You saw what was following us, right?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah, I did,\" Jonathan answered.\u0026nbsp; \"It's why Storm freaked out.\u0026nbsp; There's a murder of Murkrows and Honchcrows around the area.\u0026nbsp; They don't take kindly to people waking them up.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nA wave of dread washed over me as soon as he said that.\u0026nbsp; I wanted to melt through the floor.\u0026nbsp; Though the area around us had very little light, Jonathan must have picked up on something.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You did it, didn't you,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; It wasn't in the form of a question.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"When I was getting timber for our fire,\" I whispered.\u0026nbsp; \"There was a whole flock of them.\u0026nbsp; I apologized, and they seemed to get the message.\u0026nbsp; They didn't bother us after that.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Then this has to be something else,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; I heaved a sigh, grateful that he wasn't angry.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Why do I get the feeling we're being watched?\" Joy asked softly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Because we are,\" Jonathan said, chuckling.\u0026nbsp; \"We don't have to worry about those birds finding us, if that's what your worried about.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Why?\" I asked, confused.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"This area is the home of a few Pokémon tribes,\" he said, grinning.\u0026nbsp; \"No Pokémon enters or leaves without them knowing.\u0026nbsp; And they know we're here.\u0026nbsp; We actually made good time, too.\u0026nbsp; Maybe it's a good thing we were chased.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Why do you say that?\" Joy asked, hands on her hips.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe motioned us to follow him as he turned and walked.\u0026nbsp; I looked around as best I could, trying to make out details of our surroundings.\u0026nbsp; I sighed when it became dark enough that I couldn't see the hand in front of my face.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Because I was expecting to get here about late afternoon,\" Jonathan said, answering Joy.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm just glad we made it here in one piece, though I'm curious why they haven't greeted us yet.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Maybe it's because of us,\" I offered.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"If that was the case, they would have been all over us, regardless of me being here,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"Either way, this tunnel isn't very long.\u0026nbsp; We'll get our answer soon enough.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"This tunnel, what is it made out of?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You didn't feel the climb up, didn't you?\" he asked, laughing.\u0026nbsp; \"There's a valley through here, and the only way to get through it is by finding one of the entrances, or flying in.\u0026nbsp; Unless you prefer to climb.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So, we're inside the mountain?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"No, we aren't,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; I was confused, and voiced it.\u0026nbsp; \"The problem with the valley is that it is sacred to them, because this is where they believe that Crescelia gave them this land as their home.\u0026nbsp; In order to protect this place, the Lucario requested the grass types of the area to make a maze so complicated, that only if you're allowed inside will you have access to the village.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So that only begs the question, are we allowed in here?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"As long as you're with me, we should be fine,\" he said, laughing.\u0026nbsp; \"Oh, and it's dark because of the tree cover.\u0026nbsp; These trees have been here for generations of Pokémon.\u0026nbsp; I personally don't think they die, but more likely the grass types keep them healthy.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe kept following Jonathan through the darkness, occasionally just having me talk nonsense to avoid feeling claustrophobic.\u0026nbsp; I'm probably just being paranoid, but I didn't feel safe.\u0026nbsp; My hands felt numb, and tingles went up and down my spine.\u0026nbsp; I could feel the beginnings of a headache starting up.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Calm down, Master_,\" Mist said softly.\u0026nbsp; I jumped, startled by her voice.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You alright there?\" Joy asked me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah,\" I answered.\u0026nbsp; \"Yeah, I'm fine.\u0026nbsp; Mist startled me.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe didn't press the issue of where she is, but was satisfied with that.\u0026nbsp; For now, anyway.\u0026nbsp; I focused on breathing, trying to keep my cool.\u0026nbsp; Nothing was going to happen.\u0026nbsp; We're safe, and we'll get to this place, wherever and whatever it is.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Hold up,\" Jonathan said. I bumped into him regardless.\u0026nbsp; \"Well, that's one way to tell if we're all together.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Why are we all traveling in the dark?\u0026nbsp; Can't one of your Pokémon bring some light?\" Joy asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"There's always Zin,\" I offered.\u0026nbsp; A collective groan came from around me at the mention of her name.\u0026nbsp; \"What?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Fine,\" Jonathan said.\u0026nbsp; \"Just don't have her burn everything down.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI fumbled around for Zin's Pokéball, going by instinct as to which one it was.\u0026nbsp; I regretted not customizing them, but I imagine I'll get a second chance.\u0026nbsp; Opening the device in my hand, we were greeted by the usual welcome.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It's about time, Master,\" Zin said, huffing.\u0026nbsp; \"Where are we, and why is it so dark?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"We're in a tunnel, I guess,\" I offered.\u0026nbsp; \"Could you use Flash?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, well, well!\" she admonished, her voice toned with surprise.\u0026nbsp; \"I didn't know you felt so adventurous!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Zin, I don't think that's the safest topic to bring up right now,\" I said, trying to stem the overzealous Houndoom's enthusiasm for sex.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Ooooh!\u0026nbsp; THAT Flash.\u0026nbsp; You know I can't, right?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI covered my face with my palm.\u0026nbsp; Well, didn't I feel like an idiot.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Wait!\u0026nbsp; Here, this will help.\u0026nbsp; Hold out your hand, alright?\u0026nbsp; And hold still, so I don't burn you.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI did as Zin asked, and I felt something round fall into my grasp.\u0026nbsp; I closed my hand around it, feeling the rough texture of bark against my fingers.\u0026nbsp; A spit of flame ignited in front of me, blinding my vision.\u0026nbsp; I covered my eyes with my free hand, rubbing the spots that danced behind my eyelids.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWhen the spots stopped dancing, I was left with a small fire in my hands, at the end of a wooden stick.\u0026nbsp; Everyone was chuckling for a moment, and Zin laughed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, if you count that as Flash, I guess I know it!\" she exclaimed, before laughing again.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Thanks, Zin.\u0026nbsp; I owe you one,\" I said, chuckling.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"No, you owe me two!\" she exclaimed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI wasn't going to argue, shaking my head and urging Jonathan forward.\u0026nbsp; Passing the makeshift torch to him, we continued on.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Are we there yet?\" Zin asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"No, we aren't,\" I answered.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"When?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Soon.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"How soon?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI sighed.\u0026nbsp; This was going to be a long walk.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n============\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; =======================================\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe didn't find ourselves running into anyone through the tunnel.\u0026nbsp; We did manage to find the exit just fine.\u0026nbsp; However, the feeling of being watched didn't go away.\u0026nbsp; It only felt like it intensified when we made our way outside of that passage.\u0026nbsp; The sun was already beginning to hide away behind the mountains as we took in our surroundings.\u0026nbsp; Luckily, we managed to find more suitable replacements for Zin to light as makeshift torches.\u0026nbsp; I had forgotten about my own flashlight, and I pulled it out with some effort.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe followed the path downwards, the trees lining to our sides but not covering above us.\u0026nbsp; The air was cold, and easily cut through my clothes and made me shiver slightly.\u0026nbsp; Zin walked close to me, her body heat trying to warm me.\u0026nbsp; I smiled down at her and quickly scratched her neck.\u0026nbsp; \"Thanks,\" I whispered.\u0026nbsp; She nodded and smiled back at me, quickening our steps so we wouldn't fall behind.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLeaves of different shapes and sizes covered the path we walked on.\u0026nbsp; Some of the trees surrounding us were beginning to shed their leaves, some leaves clinging stubbornly to their branches.\u0026nbsp; Others seemed to be evergreens, as new leaves seemed to even replace the old ones being left behind on the ground.\u0026nbsp; We walked in silence, the thick trees only allowing us to move along the path that lay ahead of us.\u0026nbsp; I maintained an eye behind us, in case someone decided to catch us unawares.\u0026nbsp; So far, so good.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJonathan raised his hand, and we all stopped behind him.\u0026nbsp; The rustling of leaves made it obvious that someone, or something, was close by.\u0026nbsp; Before any of us could react, my hands were caught behind my back and my face forced against the ground.\u0026nbsp; From the various cries around me, I guessed that Joy and Jonathan were in similar situations to mine.\u0026nbsp; Zin didn't take being grabbed lightly, a blast of heat from above telling me that she was resisting.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Lay your filthy paws off my Master!\" she declared loudly, before the weight on my back disappeared suddenly.\u0026nbsp; I shuffled for a moment, getting on my feet as fast as I could, to see six Lucario surrounding us.\u0026nbsp; My hands moved unconsciously to my waist, grabbing a Pokéball and expanding it in my hands.\u0026nbsp; Zin growled next to me, my legs feeling the heat pulsing from her body.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Wait, Aaron!\u0026nbsp; Don't do anything stupid,\" Jonathan exclaimed, as he get off the ground.\u0026nbsp; One of the Lucario was helping him up.\u0026nbsp; Was this a setup?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_We did not wish you harm, esteemed guests.\u0026nbsp; We were only made aware that someone would appear down our patrol path._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI looked around, trying to find the source of the voice.\u0026nbsp; It wasn't Mist.\u0026nbsp; She didn't sound so gruff.\u0026nbsp; The voice wasn't in my head, either.\u0026nbsp; I blinked, looking around me as the Lucario dropped to their knees, heads bowed with us in between them all.\u0026nbsp; I looked at Jonathan, and he shrugged at me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, I think we're fine, if a little worse for wear,\" he said with a shrug.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't blame you for doing your job, that's for sure.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"We are grateful for your understanding.\u0026nbsp; We wish to escort you for the rest of your journey.\u0026nbsp; There are rumors that the Dark One has awakened into our world recently.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAlright, I was convinced by now that it was the Lucario speaking.\u0026nbsp; The same one, if I was going to judge by listening to the voice.\u0026nbsp; It was odd, because none of their mouths moved.\u0026nbsp; I couldn't tell from where the voice was coming from, as it seemed to come from all around me.\u0026nbsp; It was extremely uncomfortable.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Lucario speak telepathically to whomever they wish to communicate_,\" Mist said, her tone softly echoing.\u0026nbsp; \"_They're strong willed Pokémon, and are rarely heard of, even less seen._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nNo kidding.\u0026nbsp; I knew what a Lucario was, but this was the first time encountering one in the wild, for obvious reasons.\u0026nbsp; Though not many articles regarding them existed, it was speculated that Lucario formed tribes outside of normal human areas, for reasons only the Lucario knew.\u0026nbsp; Only a handful of trainers were public of owning one, and even rarer were the ones that were public battlers.\u0026nbsp; If a trainer was known to have a Lucario, they were usually swarmed by breeders and media like a Vespiqueen over their honey.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nNobody else talked as the Lucario began escorting us toward... wherever we were going.\u0026nbsp; I walked up to Jonathan and tapped him on the shoulder.\u0026nbsp; He turned his head to face me, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Where're we going?\" I asked, whispering.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_We are going to escort you to your destination, human,_\" the Lucario said.\u0026nbsp; \"_You do not have to fear us, for we are not going to harm you._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMy throat dried instantly as I heard those words.\u0026nbsp; They must have amazing hearing, or maybe I wasn't as subtle as I thought I was.\u0026nbsp; Either way, with my question answered, we continued onward in silence.\u0026nbsp; Zin looked at me curiously, and I shook my head.\u0026nbsp; She frowned and heaved a sigh.\u0026nbsp; I didn't need these Lucario knowing about a talking Houndoom, and definitely not about the Mismagius residing inside of me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe walk was long, but nothing out of the ordinary happened.\u0026nbsp; Night had long come before we reached the entrance of a village.\u0026nbsp; Small huts that were built of wood were lined with small braziers lining them along the path.\u0026nbsp; Not just Lucario inhabited this village, as a few other fighting types stood out from the walking blue furred folk.\u0026nbsp; A four armed Machamp stood out, much taller than all the other ones surrounding the Pokémon, while the furred body of a Primape was being held back by two Gallade.\u0026nbsp; I briefly entertained my curiosity as to why the Primape would be angry, but then I remembered that they can get mad over the slightest thing.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI also wondered briefly why some Kanto region Pokémon would be in Sinnoh, but I didn't think about it too much.\u0026nbsp; A number of reasons came to mind, and I didn't like any of them.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe were lead inside one of the wooden huts, corralled inside by our escort.\u0026nbsp; Jonathan went ahead and began to get confortable, dropping his bag and laying his head on top of it.\u0026nbsp; I looked at him curiously, and when he didn't offer an answer, I turned to the Lucario.\u0026nbsp; One of the Pokémon walked up to me, giving me a disarming smile.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_We offer you a home for the night, as it was agreed by our elders,_\" she said.\u0026nbsp; I recognized the voice, as it was the same one that spoke all those times earlier.\u0026nbsp; \"_We hope that it is to your comfort.\u0026nbsp; It is not usual that humans come through here, so I apologize for the rustic appearance._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI shook my head.\u0026nbsp; \"It's fine,\" I said, smiling, \"though I was afraid that we were going to be escorted away from your village.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_We are in agreement with the humans from the monastery you are headed to,_\" she said, waving to me to follow.\u0026nbsp; \"_They have never betrayed our trust, even throughout all the years we've known them._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Do you know how long it's been like this?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Ever since I was hatched,_\" she answered simply.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIt seemed that the excitement of our appearance wore off, as there was barely anyone outside now.\u0026nbsp; From what I could see, it was just me and the Lucario.\u0026nbsp; A warm brush along my feet made me look down, to see Zin lean her head against my leg.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_It seems that she is very affectionate,_\" the Lucario said, observing me and Zin.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"She can be,\" I answered.\u0026nbsp; \"Wait, how'd you know Zin's a girl?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe Lucario chuckled, tapping her nose.\u0026nbsp; \"_I can smell it,_\" she stated.\u0026nbsp; \"_I can smell you on her, too.\u0026nbsp; Tell me, how does that make you feel?_\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI felt my cheeks flush as she mentioned it so nonchalantly.\u0026nbsp; She could smell me?\u0026nbsp; Great Arceus, I feel like an idiot!\u0026nbsp; Would someone already know by now?\u0026nbsp; Did Joy have any Pokémon that she can communicate with easily?\u0026nbsp; My heart pounded on my chest for a moment, before the Lucario beside me shook her head and patted my shoulder.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Your secret is safe with me,_\" she said.\u0026nbsp; \"_I know that humans look upon such pairing with distaste, but you are not obviously one of those.\u0026nbsp; I am also curious why you would allow a ghost to be within you._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHow did she know that?\u0026nbsp; Mist didn't react to her statement, so I was left to guess how she would react to someone else knowing.\u0026nbsp; I decided to hedge into the answer as the best way to test the waters.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"While I'm not going to deny it, I'd like to know how you know,\" I said, trying to keep my voice from going up in pitch.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe Lucario smiled in my direction, sharp teeth obvious to me even with the low ambient light around me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_We Lucario can see the Aura,_\" she stated.\u0026nbsp; \"_Everything contains Aura.\u0026nbsp; The rocks, our homes, even you and me.\u0026nbsp; We can detect this easily, so it made me curious how I could detect two different Aura's emanating from you.\u0026nbsp; One is yours, and the other is similar to other ghost Pokémon that I have met before._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"Yeah, my Mismagius likes to hide there, for some reason.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_She fears something,_\" the Lucario stated.\u0026nbsp; \"_She fears your withdrawal from her, even from your words._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Can Lucario read minds, too?\" I asked out loud.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe shook her head.\u0026nbsp; \"_No, we cannot, but the Aura allows us to read emotions.\u0026nbsp; She is fearful.\u0026nbsp; Of what, I cannot say.\u0026nbsp; But my intuition tells me that she is fearful of losing you._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI tried to communicate with Mist, but the Lucario placed a paw on my shoulder.\u0026nbsp; I looked at her, and she shook her head.\u0026nbsp; \"_She is resting, for the first time in a while it looks like.\u0026nbsp; Her Aura is exhausted_.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded numbly, shivering slightly.\u0026nbsp; The Lucario smiled at me.\u0026nbsp; \"_You should go get your rest now.\u0026nbsp; It's quite late into the night, and you must be prepared for the morning_.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What happens in the morning?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_You get to greet our Elders,_\" she answered.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded numbly, Zin moving with me when her head hanging low.\u0026nbsp; The Houndoom shook her head, giving me an exhausted look.\u0026nbsp; She shook her head, a low growl coming from her as we went inside.\u0026nbsp; I dropped my bag right next to the entrance, not bothering to do anything else.\u0026nbsp; Dropping myself to the ground, using my backpack as a pillow, I made myself as comfortable as possible with the lack of facilities.\u0026nbsp; Zin padded her way on top of my chest, and she snuggled close to me.\u0026nbsp; I wrapped my arms around the Houndoom, as her warmth surrounded me, banishing the cold I didn't know I felt.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTomorrow, whatever happens, will come.\u0026nbsp; With an all new set of problems to boot.\n\n  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"A Trainer\\'s Tale","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/251816-a-trainer-s-tale-chapter-10.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/263217-a-trainer-s-tale-chapter-12.json"}}