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Journey of the Chosen

Disclaimer : If you are not over the age of eighteen, you should not be reading this story and for that matter shouldn't even be on this site. This story is not suitable for children as the content of this story is in no way intended for anyone under the age of 18. Many chapters contain generous amounts of detailed sexual situations based around two teens around the ages of 14-15 along with their pokemon. This story was made as a lustful pokemon fan fiction only. Only the idea of the story is mine along with Evin the main character and all other original names involved with this story line, and the same applies to all the guest writer's characters for this last co-op chapter. I do not own Pokemon, never have and never will. All rights are reserved to Gamefreak and Nintendo the creators of Pokemon and their respectful owners.

All comments are welcomed and are highly appreciated in that they help further my creative ideas and motivation for this story. Horrible trolls however will be shot on sight and disposed of in an orderly fashion. J

Thank you for choosing this fictional writing, may you all enjoy the

Twenty-first installment of

JotC.

This chapter is the last chapter of my limited-run with Zeraxen Sar'athin and his story Hoenn Journey. Anyone interested in Ian's background should feel free to read Zeraxen's story, which starts as Adventures in Altomare. Good luck our readers and may you all enjoy our last combination chapter.

Chapter 21

Destined paths to walk

It was still dark outside when the first rasping knocks woke the two from their pleasant slumber. Still locked together they both looked at the door with wide eyes as sleep quickly fled from their bodies. "Are you two awake yet?" came Jace's voice from the other side. Both Zora and Evin could detect a slight uneasiness in his voice, but Evin replied, "We are now."

"Good," was Jace's reply, "you have a few minutes to," he cleared his throat, "get cleaned up before we get moving. So I suggest you make use of what little time you have." Evin sighed as he let his head fall into Zora's mane and then called out a fur muffled, "Thanks for the wake-up call."

Evin knew he and Jace would be having a talk about yesterday sooner or later, but was already relieved in knowing that Jace wasn't very disturbed by what he had seen. From the quick check of his mind yesterday Evin had learned that it wasn't a very uncommon thing for him to know about human/pokemon couples. In fact Evin had learned from his thoughts that Ian was that way with his pokemon. Though for Ian, Evin knew the situation for him was a bit different since he now was a pokemon.

The whole concept of once being human but now being a pokemon was something that Evin didn't delight in trying to make sense of. He liked simplistic things, but by all means having a close relationship with pokemon was no simple matter. He relaxed in Zora's arms for a few moments as he could still feel Zora's inner womanly passage grasping and massaging his half-awake member while she herself would have been more than content to remain as they were.

When he began to move, Evin noticed that his groin once again felt dry, but also felt like there was something hard down below. For a moment this didn't bother him or Zora too much, but when he began to try and pull away from Zora they both yelled out in pain as fur and pubic hair pulled on sensitive skin. Both were wide awake now as Evin returned to where he had been and they both came to the same conclusion as they both said to each other, "We're stuck!"

Their combined cum from last night had glued them together while they were asleep and now had them literally stuck together. Zora fantasized to herself on if this was what it was like to be knotted to her mate, but Evin was downright mortified at the thought of what might have to happen to get separated.

Warm water was the first thought that sprung to mind since that was what they needed. But his other thoughts were on how to get water from the shower or them to it. Help from anyone else was the absolute last thing Evin ever want to ask for in this situation. He tried to separate them again, but the pull on their sensitive nether regions was something that hurt tremendously.

Then just when he was beginning to decide that help was the only thing that could free them, that's when it hit him; "Powers, Duh". He could have slapped himself silly for forgetting that he had powers that could bring the water to them. Closing his eyes in concentration, slowly the bathroom door opened like there was a ghost was in the room and they heard the water in the shower start up.

From where he was Evin couldn't be sure how warm or cold the water would be, so he waited a reasonable time for the water to warm up. Once he was sure the water was at least warm, he focused harder as he gathered up a large globe from the running water. His first attempt ended up splashing down on the bathroom floor. His second attempt ended up soaking down the bedroom floor, which made him wince at the thought of how mad nurse joy would be if she saw, much less his current choice of attire.

Holding water with his psychic powers was much harder than holding a solid object as the liquid refused to stay where he wanted it. Taking a few breaths, he then refocused on his task as he put all of his effort into guiding a new globe of water to them. This time he succeeded. But the moment it got close to his and Zora's underside where he was going to have it soak them, he quickly stopped its advance when they felt the near scalding heat radiating off of it.

He couldn't help breathing a sigh of relief before returning to his concentration. The ball of hot water was cooling fast, but if it had come in contact with their sensitive areas before cooling it, it would have been a very painful blunder-felt disaster. For three minutes Evin kept the ball in the air as he and Zora got ready for what was to come next. Then ever so slowly the ball descended and touched Evin's thigh for a temperature test.

Finding that the water had indeed reached a tolerable temp, he concentrated harder as he had it soothingly engulf their glued nether regions. Evin's concentration was so profound that even while the water was soaking and churning through Zora's fur and around his own scrotum he did not even stop to even think about how good it might feel.

Zora on the other hand couldn't keep her voice under control as one moan led to another as they slipped passed her paw muffled muzzle. It was a delicious feeling until it was then blotted out when she climaxed and began huffing and panting her joy up at Evin's blank face. Her body tensed up in all the right places as she squirmed and squeaked with delight, but as much as she would have wanted to stay that way her small burst of sexual juices was just enough to finally free Evin's member from her passage.

Coming apart as he pulled out, Zora whined sadly as she had grown quite fond of having her sex constricted around him for such an extended period of time. She gave him a murmuring growl of wistful pleasure as he sat up while still concentrating on the water that now had a cloudy mixture of their sexual juices. Zora was utterly in her own fantasy world while Evin directed the water glob back into the shower before letting it smack down on the floor when he released it with a shudder.

Soon after the water splashed in the shower, Zora realized her sex was still agape for all to see in the cold open air and immediately began massaging herself closed in her teasing way to see if Evin would take interest. With the release of his powers however Evin had tipped over backwards onto the bedroom floor and was holding his head with his eyes closed. For a moment Zora was afraid he had passed out or something as she sat up strait on the bed, but then her worry was quickly tossed aside when she saw him start huffing for breath before a smile came to his face.

The veins on his temples were bulged and his face red, but he seemed to be enjoying himself as he finished panting for breath. Getting off the bed Zora nudged him with her foot and indicated that they really didn't have much time before the others came back. Evin knew this already, but felt like he had just run a marathon by manipulating the water as he had. Grateful for her support as she helped him up, they got into the still running shower after some temperature adjusting and finished washing away the evidence of last night's entertainment.

After that Zora may as well of still been glued to Evin, because even after they left their room she never left his side or let go of his arm as they joined the others in the hall way. Jace cast a knowing glance at them, but it was Ian that said, "Are you okay after what happened yesterday?"

Many things came to Evin's mind, but he just said, "Yeah... I guess so." Ian nodded and said, "Good, let's get moving; the ship is due at the docks... or what's left of the docks within the hour." Evin nodded back, and with that they all one at a time snuck out of the center before Ian left all three room keys at the front desk.

Stealth wasn't exactly Ian's middle name, but when it came to a close call when he almost fell on top of someone, he quickly used his powers to float and from there he flew out the pokemon center doors superman style. Outside everyone breathed sighs of relief and Jace socked Ian in the shoulder for scaring him.

Now that they were outside, they ran for the docks knowing that their party would soon be taking in a few new members before heading out of town. Zora found it easy to conceal their group from the night guards and their mightyena and growlith pokemon, making it seem as if they were never there which in turn was making Zora intolerably happy since she was already in a good mood.

Once at the docks they found an out of the way spot to hide in until the ship arrived and hunkered down in a tight circle. No one said a word as the minutes trickled by. The anticipation of the ship arriving was the only thing on their minds so they could leave as they all tried to keep focused. Evin fidgeted with Zora at his side. He could feel that Rika was near and from somewhere not too far away Rika knew he was waiting for her.

~~~

Rika's spikes of excitement and nervous panic over the last few days had been erratic and hard for Dawn cope with during the ship cruise. She never knew when Rika would act normal and behaved or if she'd start bouncing on her feet because Evin was in trouble about something. She intended to demand that Evin tell her about everything that happened to him once she was done slapping him around.

She knew he wasn't at fault for what had happened, but she still needed to vent her own stress somewhere. In her mind slapping him around a bit was just a good stress relief outlet since it would also reassure her that he was really there. She knew precisely when they'd be coming into port even though the captain wasn't going to be announcing the docking until a later more reasonable hour for civilians.

The entire ship knew about the attack already, but very little other than the fight being over was known. More detail other than the town being left in bad shape had yet been radioed in. The light from the lighthouse could finally be seen and Rika was acting restless as she went from waging her tail to looking over the ship's railing. Rika and Dawn were standing on deck were they would be the first to know when they at port and even heard a few sailors breath sighs of relief. They were nearly to there.

~~~

Back at the docks, buoys were already set out and ready to receive the incoming ship. A ramp had already been constructed so the workers could make a more secure path onto the ship since it would be also acting as a temporary home for the homeless until the town had a hold on the situation.

Even without the announcement aboard the ship or on land, the ship's horn was enough to wake the dead as the vessel blared out its arrival in the fog. From his crouched position Evin stood with a start as he then muttered a few choice curses under his breath just as the ship's hull came into view. Ropes and cable lines were thrown over the side of the ship as it came to a slow steady stop while dockhands worked to secure it before they began putting the ramp into its place.

Evin could feel Rika's presence stronger than ever as her forceful aura seemed catch hold of his. Her willpower alone made him feel like he was being dragged forward as he made his way to gangplank with the others close behind. The ramps had yet to be fully secured, but Evin could already make out familiar shadows moving in the mists aboard the ship's deck.

One shorter than the other they made their way to the ramps as they followed a much larger figure. Slowly as the mist hidden figures descended down the ramp, the mist finally grew thin enough to start making out faces as the figures came into focus. Seeing Rika finally coming into focus Zora smartly stepped away since it did not take a psychic to know what was coming next.

Evin should have realized the danger he was in at that very moment, but with a hardly restrained cry from Rika she diapered from where she had been walking behind Dawn. The large burly man that had to be the captain of the ship by the look of his hat and cloths looked just as shocked as everyone else was, as next came the sound of a body hitting the ground. The first thing that registered in Evin's mind was the back crumpling pain of something quite large landing on his shoulders as he was pounced on; then after that had faded, it was the rib crushing hold of something wrapping arms around his chest.

He immediately knew who it was, but quickly used his hand to pat her back to get her to release him as he croaked out two words, "Crushing me!" Luckily for Evin the Captain was the first and only one to respond to this as he quickly grabbed Rika by the scruff of her neck with one of his large meaty hands and used the other to pry Evin from her grasp. Evin coughed and choked for a moment after finally becoming able to breathe again, but then looked up to see that the captain had managed to totally immobilize Rika with just that one hold he had on her scruff.

Standing up strait Evin waved and said, "It's OK now, she just caught me by surprise; you can let her go." The Captain was built like a beer keg, but he shrugged and said, "Are you sure? Quite the wound up bundle of nerves this one is. Maybe you better talk to her before I turn her loose? Or else you might end up squashed to death like a few other poor saplings that didn't know better. Lucario are well known for being able to bear-hug a victim until dead since an iron skeleton does wonders for locking in on certain holds."

Evin was quite astounded at how much the old burly bear of a captain knew about a lucario's skeletal features and possible killing tactics, but was much more amazed that Rika had still not broken the simple hold the large man had on her. Shaking himself out of the moment, Evin walked over and nodded his agreement with the Captain and put both hand on either side of Rika's head just below her folded ears.

"Hey," Evin said as he put his forehead to hers before whispering, "you need to calm down, I'm here now and I'm not going anywhere. We are together again." Immediately Evin felt her mind regain focus before he heard, "Our connection was severed when you went overboard out at sea. I thought you were dead... And now not even two days ago you were in danger." Rika couldn't speak anymore. With her determination and composure seeming to leak out all at once, she began to sob even as the captain released her from his iron-like grip.

Seeing that the danger had now passed, the captain stood tall and flexed his strained arm before saying, "Alright then, now that that is handled, at least for now, we can get things underway." The captain turned to Dawn and said, "So this be the boy you and your blue furred lass here were looking for?" Dawn nodded, though she stared at Evin as if he were a ghost.

The captain nodded, "So that also means that he is the one that all the rangers aboard the Beedrill's Stinger had been talking about?" Dawn nodded again as she could barely comprehend what the captain was getting at. Without any more delay, the captain plucked up both Evin and Rika in both arms as if they were both light as feathers and said, "You all get acquainted, I need to talk to these two for a minute." and left with his two mildly disturbed and unhappy detainees back onto the ship.

Everyone was baffled and confused about what just happened, but none more so than Dawn and Zora. Jace and Ian looked at each other with dismay since the plan was to get out of town before the sun came up and mist cover cleared. But now with Evin and his lucario having been abducted in such a manner, no one was sure what to do next as Ian now awkwardly said, "Hi?"

~~~

Aboard the S.S. Tidal in the captain's chambers, Evin and Rika were set down on a fold out cot while the captain took a seat in his old recliner chair. The large man dug a pipe from his pocket and set about lighting it while Evin and Rika just looked around at all the pictures in the small room. One picture in particular that Evin got stuck on with a name and face said, (Captain) Mr. Briney.

The picture looked nothing like the man before him and Rika and once the Captain was sure that he had his pipe lit and took a few puffs he said, "He was the last Captain of the S.S. Tidal before I took over for him. As Captain he was always responsible for the safety of every soul aboard his vessels, which is the vow every captain takes before he assumes command over any ship land or sea. I tell you this because of what I have heard of your heroics. I am not certain that all the tales about you are true, but anyone who has the courage to risk his life for others and live to talk about it has my respect.

Undoubtedly you know I have many questions still buzzing in my ears, but that is not why I wanted to talk to you in private. You and your lucario have the aura bond. I know this because I can sense it and this is because I once shared a bond much the same with my own lucario... He was a reckless sort, as I once was, which I suppose was ultimately the cause of our unwilling separation. But before that we traveled the world as most young people do, searching for the wonder and mystery hidden within.

Do not fear the ocean, for to do so even though it is what almost killed you would be like placing boundary lines that you will avoid." Evin took this moment between sentences to say, "Don't worry about that; if there was one thing I gained from that experience it is that I have a new healthy respect for the ocean as more that of an unpredictable elemental entity of itself." The captain smiled and said, "I'm glad for that, because in all honesty I think you could be a fine captain of your own ship someday if even half of the things those rangers said about you are true."

Evin flinched slightly at hearing that his dirty secret was spreading like a wildfire and groaned in exasperation. The captain raised an eyebrow at Evin and said, "Well I guess it best to not even ask what that answer was for, but buck up lad, you're here and alive. Worry less about what was or is to be and more about the now because the present is what truly matters. Everything else is just noise in the background."

The captain then took a long puff on his pipe and exhaled before he continued, "I have detained you both long enough I suppose, but remember these words. Helping people is great, but not everyone can be saved. Protect those closest to your heart and others that you can. Don't ever become a sacrificial pawn in someone else's game or else you may lose more than you bargained for. Enjoy life and enjoy friends, for they are all that you will ever have. My name is Captain Alex Bulvine and I sault your act of bravery for the rescue of those aboard the Beedrill's Stinger."

With his last words Captain Alex stood and gave Evin a sailor's sault before snuffing out his pipe. From there Captain Alex showed the two out and as they walked back toward the ramp Evin asked about how Alex had immobilized Rika with such ease. This earned Evin a glaring glance from his furry companion and caused the captain to chuckle a bit as he said, "I'm not sure you're capable of that sort of thing laddie, since it takes a great deal of physical strength in your hand to accomplish the hold correctly.

Take me for example, I'm stronger than the average man even among other men my size and that hold is hard for even me to maintain. The hold immobilizes a lucario or riolu and a few other specific kinds of pokemon without harming them as it makes their bodies lock up. It's quite handy if you have the strength for it and the need to stop a rampaging pokemon, but if you don't have the required strength then the only thing you might get is hurt by the pokemon you tried it on.

Even though it doesn't hurt them they don't really like it either. I learned about that hold while secretly observing a lucario mating ritual when my blue and black furred companion had found other things to be interested in for a while and had wandered off. My lucario had shown me the technicalities behind the hold back then, but that was back when I wasn't as strong as I am now and I paid dearly for the few times I tried to test my theories, with many broken arms and a number of broken ribs.

Those theories had also included finding out that not all pokemon have that specific nerve cluster at the nape of the neck that is used while mating, which is another reason why pokemon don't like humans using the hold on them. They often feel that it is a personal spot for them, the one place that none other than their mates should touch... Oh and before I go forgetting about it; miss Rika I am sorry for using that hold on you even though it was an emergency."

Rika growled and huffed a little bit, even though she had been finding that the information the large man was talking about quite interesting since she had never thought about that place on her body before. Intrigued ideas floated around in her mind, but she knew they would have to wait until much later.

Captain Alex now continued even as they now slowly walked down the ramp, "Now, as I was saying, because of the fact that I'm very sure the hold won't do you any good and would just get you in trouble I'm not going to show you how to do it since it is dangerous to try even on a tame pokemon." Evin's chuckle just then got the captain's attention as they both stopped and he said, "What's so funny boy?"

Evin took a moment to wipe the mirth on his face away before saying, "No offence, but I could probably squeeze your hand hard enough that you'd pull back french-fries." The captain's face scrunched in a less than humored expression before he said, "French what? Okay, never mind the question, give me your hand and I'll be the judge of that." Another smile spread across Evin's face as he said, "Okay, you asked for it." Rika just rolled her eyes and shoulders as if to say "Oh please." in a humorless way.

Keg-fist met toothpicks as their hands wrapped. For a moment nothing happened as the captain was afraid of breaking Evin's hand. But then as both further invested themselves in their task, the strain of the passing moment became evident as a few beads of sweat sprouted from the captain's reddening face. Finally after almost a minute of nonstop tension the captain finally said in a low tone, "I give. I surrender! Just give me back my blasted hand!"

Captain Alex looked thoroughly bemused after such an experience before he said, "That strength of yours is unnatural, but it still exceeds my own, so..." The silence after that was enough to make Evin think he might have wounded the sailor's pride, but then after a few audible knuckle pops from that captain's squeezed hand that he had been massaging, he said "I will show you how to perform the hold." Alex shook his hand again to dissipate the strain it just weathered and said as he pointed at Rika, "But she has to agree to be the one I show you with."

A slight amount of worry crept into Evin's mind, but that worry was quickly dispelled when Rika nodded her acceptance and willingly turned her back to them. The captain looked at her curiously and said, "Well someone sure shows a lot of trust in you laddie, because even my lucario didn't take to a test session well; ever. Probably because he was male, but anyway let me explain how and why this move is used by pokemon.

First when it comes to this hold gender makes a difference. Males are more accustomed to this hold by only acts of dominance while females are accustomed to the move being used in both mating and territory dominance situations. This means that females are slightly more susceptible to the hold and are somewhat disabled from the forceful contact, while males are more often than not still able to put up a little fight if the hold isn't strong enough. Simplest solution is to squeeze harder for males, but if you are as strong as you say, then you will need to watch for that strain limit and not accidentally kill the one you have hold of."

Indicating the sides of the back of Rika's neck, Alex described where the nerve clusters were and showed Evin how to grip them without injuring the one he was grabbing. After that he told Evin to give it a try. Needless to say both Evin and Rika were nervous because Evin could injure her if he wasn't careful. Alex became slightly exasperated by how long it was taking to get in one little squeeze. So after the first time and only getting a half successful result, Captain Alex told Evin that he needed to be quicker about it since it was a type of pressure point hold.

The second try got no result at all and Alex walked over and said, "OK, here's how it is. You were close the first time, but you needed to be quicker. Your second time was better with speed, but you missed the precise locations of where your fingertips need to press. Now watch me closely and memorize exactly were my fingers touch before locking."

Rika prepared herself to give just a little bit of a fight just to make things interesting as the captain took his place behind her. But when the captain reached out quick as a sneasel and she felt his big stubby sausage fingers touch her fur, she found herself too locked up to even move her tail. Utterly embarrassed she tried to force her body to move, but couldn't even manage so much as a twitch aside from just breathing. It felt uncomfortable, but not entirely in the way she figured it should.

"Okay lad, come here and catch her since it takes a moment for the affect to wear off after letting go." Evin caught Rika as she fell like a ton of bricks into his arms before the captain then said, "And here's another little thing to remember about this hold, it's not always easy to get behind a pokemon since it usually only works on a pokemon that is already distracted by something else." Evin nodded and said, "Yeah, I sort of guessed as much."

Alex stood back again, the fog bank mists were clearing more, so he knew it would be dawn soon and suspected that Evin's friends were anxious to get moving. Clearing his voice Alex announced, "Okay lad, last try before we go our separate ways. The fog is clearing and from what I've gathered, your party is feeling a little antsy about leaving town. So give this last try your all and see if you can master that hold."

Evin and Rika both nodded as both took their ready positions. Focused on that one place behind Rika's neck, Evin jabbed his hand out with a quick exhale of breath. A moment passed as mist squired around him and Rika, while Evin began to wonder if it had worked. Alex came over and inspected Rika and nodded that she was indeed paralyzed. Moving her paws as if she was nothing more than a stiff doll, Alex had her cross her arms over her broken chest spike. Seeing the damaged chip at the side of her flattened chest spike gave the captain all the knowledge he needed to know of what kind of dangers they had faced before he told Evin to release his hold.

Alex caught Rika and placed her in Evin's arms before placing his head next to Evin's ear as he whispered, "Keep her close. The experience of a broken bond can work both ways." With that Alex clapped Evin on the shoulder and walked back up the gangplank. Rika and Evin looked back at the ship with befuddled amusement as they thought that that was yet the strangest encounter with someone they had ever had.

Evin hugged Rika to himself and all Rika could do was sigh with relief as she let her pent up worries and stress drain away. Her neck was feeling sore from being grabbed so many times, but in the back of her mind she knew it was worth it. The others had already moved off the docks and were back at their old waiting spot, but as the mists cleared Evin could make out some worry on Ian and Jace's faces.

Putting Rika down after she had insisted that he let her walk on her own, she and Evin ran the rest of the way over to the group where Evin apologized for taking so long. But the others said there was no apology needed, just a lot more running. So from behind the crates they all fled the city and made their way deep into the forest to the east to avoid being seen.

After a few miles had been put behind them and town, the party slowed down to no more than a brisk walk since most everyone except Dawn and Rika knew where they were going as Evin did his best to explain what all had happened to him. Nera took a liking to Rika almost immediately as everyone expected would happen since they were both lucario, but Rika's current most favorite person to be with was none other than Evin.

Never more than a foot away from him, she clung to his arm every chance she got, while Dawn listened and contemplated the things Evin said had happened on his brief awakening adventure of the last three days. She was glad that he was in one piece, but her emotions were still a jumbled mess from the stress she had been facing. It was going to take time to sort things out; this she knew without a doubt in her mind, but at the moment she didn't know whether to be mad, happy, sad, or just downright upset with him.

Before long the smell of salt water was in the air again and as Dawn accessed her electronic map on her pokenave Evin just sighed and said with exasperation, "Oh hooray; my point of origin... the spot where Ian found me in my stasis cocoon." The others just laughed as only Dawn and Rika were a little intrigued and curious about why he sounded the way he did. Thoughts of the man in black robes sprang to Evin's mind as he once again wondered who that person could be.

~~~

The beach was calm and the sand warm. Reshiram had gone her own way for the time being, telling Evin that she would return after she had consulted with a few other legendries nearby. Though what this mean for Evin was that she just wanted to be on her own for a while, which in turn meant that he and Dawn had no means of transportation by air.

Zora, Rika, and Nera had taken to long walks and sparing sessions along the shoreline while the parties other pokemon of various types entertained themselves in separated size groups. Ian and Evin instructed each other in the fields that the other was uncomfortable with. Ian and Latias teaching Evin what they knew about psychic powers, while Evin helped them to understand a little more about aura. The two types of power were closely related, but also vastly different. One used the power of the mind while the other used the user's spirit energy or life force.

Teleportation was extremely tricky for Evin to grasp, but from an intense regiment of listening to advise, watching and monitoring what was going through Ian's mind the moment he used the skill, he began to grasp how it was done. Evin felt bad that he couldn't show Ian anything as amazing, but was satisfied with the thanks he got from his meager descriptions on what aura was about since he didn't know a whole lot more than Ian himself.

For three days the lot of them took turns in taking time to play and relax before training themselves and often enough training with pokemon that were best suited in both knowledge and type for the training. Nera had her chance once to have a one on one battle with Rika and had proven herself to be at least on par with Rika since the match ended in draw.

After witnessing the great competition between the two jackal pokemon, the idea for Ian and Evin to have a direct match between them was tossed in. Needless to say neither really wanted fight each other since both could use extraordinary powers. Ian had seen enough to know that so long as Evin wore his armor that he was at a huge disadvantage because of the barrier that the gauntlet projected when attacked. Evin just didn't like the thought of being target practice for a flying psychic dragon that had nearly the same powers as himself; nor did he want to accidentally hurt him if he got frustrated.

Dawn and Jace were kind of disappointed, but both knew that it would have been asking for trouble if the two over powered boys got carried away. Dawn had calmed down over the past few days along with Rika as things between them were finally returning to normal; at least what qualified as normal for them. Though they could only wonder what had happened between Evin and Zora in their absence, since the two seemed to be closer and more at ease around each other than ever before.

Jace had been fine with this few days of relaxation, but now as the fourth day approach since this was their third night at the beach, he was feeling anxious about setting out again. Ian had been of the same mind since the day before and had been thinking about the Revenant still being out there somewhere preparing for a second strike.

He had barely survived the first strike with a little luck and help, but with Evin leaving as soon as they were done training, he wondered how he would fair in the next attack even with his new powers over light. Evin had been an extremely capable ally during the last fight and the thought of charging into another similar situation as that without his aid sent shivers up his spine.

He knew that Evin looked up to him and was exceptionally hesitant to say that he was leaving so soon, but with a few comments of urgency from Jace he finally said to everyone gathered around the campfire, "Tomorrow we will all be heading our separate ways. As I understand it, Reshiram has decided to visit other legendary pokemon near here to warn them of the coming danger ahead so they may keep an extra keen watch over their domains and that she will not be rejoining Evin for some time. Evin has plans to head to Johto for reasons that he will not explain and I intend to find out more about the Revenant here in Hoenn.

Together we have sharpened our skills and while Evin has learned how to teleport in a roundabout unreliable fashion since he can't yet control where he reappears, I have learned enough about aura to grasp its true meaning. Our training is now complete; it's up to both of us to hone these new skills and perfect them on our own since we will both in no small way be using our powers against the turmoil ahead. Our paths were joined for only a short while, but our friendships will last forever as I hope that one day our paths rejoin once again in a brighter future."

Jace gave Ian applause when the speech was over and began his own, "I share Ian's perspective on these matters as we have only given our enemies time to regroup. There's no doubt that destiny has called us here together for a reason; like so many before us, it is now our turn to write history and change the world that is falling into chaos in our age.

So in the battles ahead," He regarded Evin with a glance, "you should keep in mind that we don't kill or maim people because we want to, but because we have to. The people we are dealing with have shown no restraints of any kind in the crimes they have committed and in turn we must do the same if we wish to live to see the world at peace again."

Ian now took his turn to applause Jace's inspiring if not scary speech. It was a little on the heartless side at the end, but was strait to the point of what he and Evin had been bothered with. Though, Ian was also sure that it was meant for their pokemon companions as well, at least the ones who seemed to be a bit restless.

~~~

The rest of the night was spent in restless unease as they all knew that they would be leaving in opposite directions in the morning. Dawn felt sort of like the odd one out in all of this, partly because she wasn't as comfortable around Ian and the others in his party, but mostly because she felt like the most useless of the bunch.

In her eyes there was no one in Ian's party that couldn't fight since even Jace as a normal trainer had fighting skills and an elite team of pokemon along with the legendary Entei. She however found herself to be quite weak when it came to physical violence and even though she loved her team dearly and thought they were her best friends, she still couldn't see past their combined weak points. They were neither intimidating nor very powerful, but wasn't sure what she could do about it; she and her team were the weakest link she believed and it weighed heavily on her.

She contemplated on if Evin would be better off alone without her around to slow him down or get in his way, but the thought of what would have happened without her with him was even worse. She imagined more tornados of death as people and pokemon were thrown in and a large path of destruction following his wake whenever he lost control. She had to remind herself that he would never attack her and was only doing the best he could to hold his fragile mind together since his own powers seem to be tearing away at his self-control.

She had sensed a change in him in that regard. He had for the past two days seemed more confident and he and Ian looked like they had become close friends as well. She huffed as she rolled to her other side thinking that she had indeed missed out on a lot over the brief amount of time they had been apart. She wanted to get to sleep real bad, but her mind still kept buzzing with thoughts.

Punching her pillow as she left her tent, Dawn walked out onto the moonlit beach and sighed. Suddenly she jumped and almost roundhouse kicked the person that had appeared next to her when a hand was put on her shoulder. It was Jace, and while he was a little shocked by her reaction he said, "Whoa, hold on it's just me!"

Dawn stopped fighting and immediately apologized for nearly kicking him. Jace just said with his hands up in a playful manner, "No, no, it's my fault; I shouldn't have snuck up on you. But if you don't mind my asking, what are you doing up out her in your pajamas this late at night anyway?" Dawn was suddenly conscious that she was in front of him in her PJs and shied away a little as she said, "I'm having a lot of trouble sleeping."

Jace sat down on the beach and patted the sand next to him as he said, "Please sit down and tell me what's bothering you, I'm on watch duty for a few more hours before Gardevoir takes over." Dawn wasn't thrilled with getting sand on her pajamas and also wasn't sure about relating her current thoughts to someone she was so unfamiliar with.

Hesitant she sat down where Jace had patted the sand, but after that everything was quiet, save for the sound of soft waves of water against the beach. Eventually Jace sighed and said, "You're feeling overwhelmed aren't you?" Dawn was silent.

Overwhelmed was the proper word for what she was feeling, but for her it was a complicated mess. Jace sighed as he looked at her thoughtful pale complexion in the moonlight and began again, "You feel like you're out of place, like you don't belong, am I right?" Dawn shifted and nodded her head. Jace turned to look out over the water and both sat in silence for a while longer.

After what seemed like a great while Dawn finally spoke, "It's just that... It's just strange being with everyone here. Ian and Evin both have some of the strangest mysteries surrounding them, but while I can understand Ian with what I've learned about what he is and can do; Evin remains a mystery to me to this very day.

When the ocean dragged him into the depths of the sea, I had thought for sure we had lost him, but had for Rika's sake given her a false hope to strive for. Even after she said that she felt her connection with him again I still felt skeptical. From what I saw when that wave smashed him and also destroyed the railing as it dragged him into the water, how could I have thought different? That wave smashing into the deck of the ship like that alone would have killed anyone else.

I'm happy that he's still alive, I really am, but worrying about him and others around us is tearing me apart. He's always been nice to me and those around him, but he has walked on the razor's edge of his own sanity ever since he came to our world from his and has had to make some of the worst situation choices. I've been wondering if he would be better off without me sometimes since most of his suffering has always come from protecting me or others.

But I also dread the thought of what might happen if I'm not close by if he loses himself. The power he wields when he loses control scare and remind me of that day at the stadium..." Jace contemplated the earful he just got since he hadn't figured on getting a full confession, but to him every last bit of what she had to say made sense.

"Evin showed us the video feed from the stadium; though it was a harsh punishment, it wasn't Evin's fault that it ended up that way. Team Rocket has become ruthless in these last few years. With new weapons and the technology their scientists have created they seem intent on taking control of the world by force. Team Plasma and the others like them are like slaps in the face compared to what Team Rocket is gunning for, though to what end they are perusing their ambitions I am not sure.

Something is pulling the strings behind the scenes and manipulating the separate teams as they choose. But if what Evin says is correct, the Revenant is only the beginning, like a knight or pawn in something else's much larger game plan. Ian may be destined to save the world, but what does that really mean? Once, maybe twice; or does it only mean our world will be saved?

Evin has come to our world from a world that is completely different. Maybe he is meant to face something much worse than the Revenant, but then again maybe he will be the brute force that will help us subdue the Revenant long enough for Ian to deliver the finishing blow... My point is, no matter how much trouble is coming or how scary things get the smallest things can make all the difference for even the most powerful people.

In Evin's mind you and that lucario of his are all that keep him held together. From what I've gathered from Ian's telepathic adventure into Evin's mind, you two are the most important people in his life. I'm not sure what the deal is between you three and the Zoroark, but you two are his anchors to our world. Without you he would have surely left when the chance had presented itself, but because of both you and Rika he chose to stay in our world."

Dawn did a double take for a moment when her ears caught "chose to stay" and asked, "What do you mean that he chose to stay? I've been with him ever since he got here aside from our latest separation, when was he ever offered a choice?" Jace sighed and said, "He told us that he had never spoken a word about it, I guess he was telling the truth. That day at the stadium that you seem to so vividly remember was the day that the uh... God? Or whatever the thing is that brought him to our world offered him the choice.

It was his chance; perhaps his only chance to ever return to his home, but he chose to stay with you and Rika. Do you get it? Though you might not be as strong as he is or as capable as a strong pokemon, you are the person that keeps Evin's sanity intact. Without you or Rika with him this last time, his own powers seemed to turn on him and for that matter everyone around him. If Ian hadn't found a way to subdue his powers, there would have most likely been nothing left of the port city we came from a few days ago.

He depends on the two of you more than you know and he will need your help in overcoming the obstacles ahead. Don't blame--" "Watch change!" The mental shout in their minds made both jump to their feet in an instant, but then they both relaxed as Gardevoir came walking up to them looking refreshed and happy. "Is something wrong?" she asked, but it took both Jace and Dawn a moment to find their voices again before they said together, "You startled us!"

Gardevoir put a hand over her mouth in amusement as she began to smile and replied, "Sorry." Both Jace and Dawn walked away down the beach after that grumbling, "Yeah I bet." After about three minutes of walking and once they were out of the psychic's hearing range Jace said, "Now as I was about to say, don't blame yourself or Evin for the events that have happened since all you really need to do is make the best decisions possible while trying to figure out where your heart truly lies. Once you've done this and have chosen the path that you wish to walk, I am sure without a doubt that all will become clear."

Dawn sighed and replied, "Yeah, I'll try. It's just hard to do that sometimes." Jace looked at his watch and said, "Just try not to worry about it, but damn, I seem to have rambled on for a long time. It's already three AM. We should head back and at least try to get some sleep. Think you're up for it?" Dawn shrugged and said, "Maybe." but still felt a bit tens in the sense that she had just trusted Jace to keep her thoughtful feelings to himself. Though having finally told her thoughts to someone normal for a change seemed to have lifted a great deal of pressure off her chest that had been getting worse ever since the stadium.

~~~

Morning for Dawn was nothing to sneeze at, since when it came time to get up her hair was in the worst bundled mess she had seen in years. Evin and most of the others had been up since before sun rise, but she had been trying to catch up on some much needed sleep and had overslept.

Ian and his group were ready to leave. Evin was shaking Ian's hand one last time before they parted until Dawn poked her head out and drew everyone's attention. For a moment not a sound was uttered except for the two gasps from both Latias and Rika who had been saying their farewells as well, but then one by one everyone began to giggle and laugh.

Dawn wasn't amused, but she also knew how terribly strange and out of sorts her hair was this morning and paid their hardly restrained mirth little notice as she struggled out of her tent. Jace had cracked a smile as well, but he had been able to keep himself from laughing since he knew exactly what had been ailing her last night.

Everyone's journeys were about to begin anew with all new dangers laying in wait and this would likely be the last time they as a team would be together in good spirits for a very long time, if they returned from their quests at all. Rika immediately jumped into action with a hair brush, which greatly surprised Evin since his spirited lucario often treated Dawn like a rival in trying to get him to love her more. This new situation however reminded Evin that now he needed to listen to their story sometime since it was obvious that they were now much closer.

Ian and his group waited for the few minutes it took Rika to help Dawn fix her hair before Dawn formally walked over to Jace and shook his hand before she whispered "Thank you for listening to me last night." in his ear. Jace blushed a little, but then replied, "Your thanks is not necessary. I enjoyed our little discussion." and returned her farewell hand shake with a formal bow and smile.

Then just before Ian and the others could depart Dawn called out, "Let's all take a picture together before you leave! That way we can remember these last few days we had here together always." Ian and the others smiled to this and everyone called out their pokemon for a very large group photo. Dawn got the entire setup ready and got in place before the camera went off with a usual (snap) as it captured everyone grinning and posing.

The pic looked great on Dawn's picture viewer as she just then sent Ian a digital copy. It was defiantly the picture of the sentry with all the pokemon added to it even though a few had taken the opportunity to pull pranks on others, and then for the last time Evin and Ian shook hands before Ian and his group turned away and began to walk.

Evin was mildly disappointed to see them leaving, but in his heart he knew this was for the best. Something wasn't sitting quite right on his journey's horizon and odd as the feeling was, he knew something was coming...