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**Luna and Thief

The Orange Isle's Special: A Strange Company**

Regardless of how often the treetops seemed different, it always brought him back to that same place. A campfire in the backyard – a lake of still water in the dead of night. A chilly wind, the fading frost.

It reminded him of the weight on his shoulders, hips. His paws staggered or strayed, his mind stuck still on the early morning boat ride that brought them to Johto.

“Watch it, Pinky!" Something delightfully hissed at him, the confusing words to tone left Moonlight's attention caught. “I do need SOME space to slither around, or else this mountain walk is boring for me." The sigh rolled down his scarf, a soft plume of his breath went with it.

“Stand guard." A voice crossed his ear. “It's what Ayu says. Stand Guard. I don't get it… it sounds silly." The giggle, and it seemed to change. I never understood it either… Autumn

The weight on his hindquarters left his pace to change.

"Pinky?" Seviper sighed. "Arceus on a berry, I can't talk to you even if I cut you." Something darted overhead while Seviper chatted. It made Moonlights haunches rise until he realized it had been Vibrava.

"I get that! He's too moody for conversation!"

"Hey!" Moonlight mentioned back, but the Vibrava had shot overhead and tossed between Marill and Scarf.

It left them both to nod and chatter with the fluttering dragonfly.

"Honestly, aside from sleeping and being moody – I don't see much from you." The Espeon tossed a glare.

"Seo. Injured… Healing her." The Espeon mentioned back, and the Seviper gave a shocked look before he cackled.

"Come on, you're dead quiet until you're emotional – like… a pop rocket?" Moonlight tilted his head

"Like a child's board game?" The Espeon sighed, but the Seviper hissed or sighed out.

"No, the other one."

"Well, a Rocket Pop is basically a creamsicle…" Espeon shook his head. "I don't get how this is important, Sev."

"Sev…? That's kinda unoriginal…" Moonlight looked over his paws, just a moment to stare at the ground before he huffed.

"Because 'Pinky' is?" The Espeon muttered back. "Any-"

"Cholera." It left the Espeon rigid. "Someone mentioned Thief caught that somehow, I think Marill did." The Seviper mentioned it made the Espeon's eyes narrow.

He never liked snakes, even though Leafeon had been less fond then he was.

"I don't like your tone." The Seviper pulled his scalp back a tad.

"I hadn't meant to give out a bad one." The Seviper sighed, "You weren't very loud at dinner the other night, excuse me if I'm actually interested in everyone, you said Cholera. I am among friends… I guess." The Seviper chuckled, the Pikachu, made a little jolt with his ears. "Well, no need to guess with some." The Seviper said again, "Thief told me you got a little emotional with him and Luna…"

"I brought up what I needed to." The Seviper shook his head

"Come on, if you can't talk about it to anyone – even an acquaintance, do you really think you got by?" Seviper grinned before idly recalling words – he made it visible he was. "Well, although you're grandpa decided to rest, little one – I still remember the words he told me to tell you." The Seviper nodded, smiled. **_"That's the least that I could do for all of them, I could lend what I'd call an 'ear.' For them"

"_**It's a pretty messy world when you and your sister are the only ones that make it out of the den." Moonlight muttered out after a long sigh. “You're right. It's just… It's even worse when an unseeable monster – a bacterium… leads her to illness – leads her to leave you dehydrated. You give her water and water and water." Moonlight narrowed his eyes, but they softened. “She spends hours vomiting and… all over your lower back until she's gone. Hardly a few hours after, a Vulpix finds you on the side of the road – it's the first friendly face you've seen in days. You keep thinking there was some hidden knowledge, but it's just her whining for water… whining, she feels wrong. Bacteria doesn't exist, you don't even know of a world under a microscope." Moonlight exhaled. “And then I run into Creamsicle over there, getting sick – acting like some… It was the same illness that hurt my sister too. She refused to let me drink any because she realized that some of the stories my mother told were true." It left him to slow his steps, the Seviper curled and looked Moonlight's way as he talked. “You want to yell and roar and hiss. You just want to let him have it because you can't stop wanting to yell at yourself over it."

“But you don't know where to start. Well, Halley is a good name. That's a start, ain't it?" The Seviper said happily. “It doesn't matter really who did, as long as you respect it." Moonlight partially nodded, it led to a smile.

“And Luna tells you that it's just another reason to look up, but you look at her too, and you think."

“That it's the same thing on a different day." The Seviper cut in again, but he hadn't been entirely wrong. Although Moonlight had other colorful words to paint that phrase with.

“Honestly, you remember them. The good and the bad?" Vibrava buzzed around them, his loud interjection left Moonlights ear to twitch “In my eyes, that's all you really need to do. You did all you could – hadn't you? It was rigged from the start for you… wh"

“Why keep it up… right? Because you can't forget that. How you last remember them." The Vibrava went quiet, his buzzing stilled from Moonlight's reply…

“Well, when you think of the name – hear it… do you remember the good with the bad?" The Vibrava hummed. “I remember my spawning – day one and, you're hunted. We lost… maybe twelve siblings? Yes… twelve." Moonlight softened his look, it left the Vibrava to trill more calmly. “You could argue that because we're insects, we have plenty of young – but each one can have a name too, right? I still remember the good things, regardless of how short-lived." The Vibrava buzzed once more – his furious wings sliced along the air to keep him in place, but the drone was calmer with Moonlight's softened look. “But I like seeing you with that look. It gives you a curious and warmer face – that's better than a sour one. So… can't the good thoughts be something to motivate you just as much as the bad ones do?" Vibrava mentioned his gleeful buzzing left Moonlights eye to twitch. It made Vibrava skip a wingbeat while Seviper rattled the jagged knife behind him.

“I like that wisdom, that is good wisdom." Moonlight partially sighed, agitated.

“Labeling whatever sugar-coated crap 'good wisdom' doesn't make it 'better,' or real." Moonlight mentioned with a laugh, shook his head while Vibrava softened his wing beat.

“They knew you loved them." Moonlight heard the comment, and it tried to hold his paw – he pushed ahead of that, or away from it.

No. I'm just the son that never changed, the in-between – a cub more interested in flowers and little critters. I hadn't been the son they deserved, I was simply the son that was there.

“I never showed that enough." Moonlight mentioned back. “I tried to with Autumn, and I learned quickly that hopes and all that tiresome fairytale crap just doesn't exist." Moonlight half-cocked a hiss “It's tiring to hear of it, I'm tired… of hearing of it."

“Then let me hear it."

That was the only thing Vibrava had said back to him before fluttering off to catch up with the blue and yellow mouse ahead. That left Moonlight quiet, Seviper slithered forward, making a comment about 'leaving Moonlight to his thoughts' as the snake moved. It left the Espeon's eyes to tilt at the treeline, a similar scene no matter where he went…

Luna:

Her breath passed against the wind, a thin chilly exhale – the height had increased. Even the air felt tight, chilly. They had been too far down for that, Luna wondered if it had been nerves. The walk felt tedious, her haunches slowly rose while the itching between her paws persisted. Like a quote from a book, she felt the need to yell and tear up the floor below her.

But there was only soil, a soil with residual warmth. A calm air passed by Luna's otherwise anxious chill. Wild Pokemon even chattered in the distance. She couldn't pick out the words, they had been too deep in the woods. Movement, wingbeats – the forest felt and sounded alive. If it should have given her comfort, it really only left her ill.

A flicker crossed her mind, Luna grit her teeth while Thief came into her view.

I don't know who that Ninetales I saw was, but whatever Thief remembers isn't entirely correct. It's too cruel… even if the reality is. It left her to swallow the urge to growl. I feel sick like something tried to poke and prod at me inappropriately – the moment I used Hex on him. I don't know if it cursed me too or not. Luna swallowed softly. I guess it makes sense that my 'family group' or… whatever Pokemon call it are curse makers or readers. Luna slowly exhaled Whoever did what they did was to hide the fact they killed Amalbert and Nuri. The Arcanine isn't at fault at all. Luna felt the urge to scour her head, but the flicker came again.

She didn't want to describe what it looked like, seeing a human as a whole one second and halves the next.

Luna bit her tongue. I'll use Hex on myself if I need to. Yet she didn't catch onto that strange odor Thief had. It's why she used the move, to begin with

A Litwick Scent or otherwise.

Her stomach churned slowly. It doesn't sound right, it seems like someone lying and cheating. I have to know a name… It's not Crescent, that was a Keo Keo. Frosty might know… Icey? Luna tiredly sighed, she hadn't been sleeping well at all.

Nightmares hadn't been fun. Lucius isn't the Arcanine that attacked them – the Keo Keo did. The Arcanine tried to break them up. Luna clenched her jawline again, clawed at the dirt. Ninetales or not, I feel like they deserve a biting. An exhale passed by her, no name came up… but one.

Gry. That was Thief's sister. I remember her, she was adopted by the head family – Lumine's grandmother took her in to tend for them. I remember now – Thief hadn't been permitted to know because they worried that Keo Keo would learn it too. She huffed quietly. I told him that his sister was still alive, that I saw her – that she told me to. But only Am and Nuri… Luna widened her eyes. The head family got involved, everyone got moved and divided. Only Am and Nuri died, Thief.

The Vulpix hadn't realized how vocal she had been, saying it out loud – Seo turned her head partway… Bandit to meet Luna too. It left the Growlithe still.

“You told me that you always remembered being thankful for my family. Thief…" Luna slowly trailed off before she inhaled, recollecting her memories from a previous morning. “I know you, you're mommy did something beautiful for me. I'm not allowed to leave here, but it's wonderful here. I know you, and I'm happy you helped me in return." Luna mentioned back, partway flat – but it's what she remembered.

“Are you okay, Luna? You look red-eyed and exhausted." Seo partly muttered back.

“Your sister is alive, Thief…" Luna went to continue, but Thief muttered out…

“And you'll sleep in the cave every night, so in the morning, your there to tell me that…" The Growlithe said, he seemed saggy for a moment. Luna giggled

“You left out the part about Lumine there too." She mentioned. “I… really am starting to remember home. It feels obvious, but… I am." Bandit nodded

“So any crap about that disaster Crescent talked about?" the Mightyena commented, it made Luna tilt her head.

“The mirror… I've seen it, it goes to a place desolate – the sky is endless and strange. The ground is like an ocean bed without water." Luna commented.

“You got in trouble for that!" Thief mentioned, this little giggle stuck in his throat. “We found the caverns – with all the dens…" Bandit twitched an ear as Seo gently huffed, tired.

“Tunneled dens for an Arcanine?" The Mightyena commented, she seemed focused as always.

“No, no, the inside is immaculate! There's this grooved piece where you can put down firewood, and other sections for water and food. Remember Luna? I was skinny enough to fit through the cracks to find sticks." The Vulpix twitched her ear. “But it looks like a large cave with many smaller hovels dugout."

She hadn't remembered that. She remembered getting tired and curling up on the remains of bedding – rotten or otherwise. She woke up to a fire – she woke up to Thief staring at the wall.

An elder Ninetales had done that – he unexpectedly passed after a few weeks of always doing it. One mentioned an 'illness of the mind' Luna never understood why. She knew she was scared when Thief begun to, like all the stories of the evil Arcanine dens came true. Luna's eyes fell down to his tail.

“The next morning, your tail was a few shades more orange – I teased you that the hair never changed too." Thief tilted his scalp

“I don't remember much of that, but I did like the little caverns. Beat talking to Kirsi any day." Luna tilted her head for a moment before she let off a collection of giggles

“Oh my… That was Icey's name! Kirsi! I always thought it was funny. Everyone teased him about that."

“the 'prettiest' male of the litter, one of the only male cubs permitted for the celebration." Thief sighed partially as she spoke; it had been a softer-edged one - gentle. “I remember them vaguely, but…" Luna looked down partway

“Honestly, I think I like your dances with Yuny more," Thief mentioned, it left Luna to twitch an ear. “Some dumb dance, some pointless chant, and the mirrors are solid again. That's basically it Bandit, it's to keep Esi's kind inside… from what I know." Bandit scoffed slightly.

“Well, if they're anything like our Esi is, they won't be much of a threat. Crescent made me worked up for nothing" The Mightyena commented, “Some good food and clean water goes a long way." Seo chuckled

“Where'd you hear that?" The Absol finally interjected Luna's ear had perked high, desiring that she'd say more – the Vulpix couldn't lie about having an eye on her. Especially on the leg, she limped with.

“Griffin, but I'm sure he heard it from others." Bandit replied, “The twerp usually does, I'm just glad he keeps some of the good things in that balloon cap of his." She softly giggled, exhaled, and kept to the path. Luna put an eye on him. She hadn't liked the two older humans with them, serious types. Focused… they especially didn't enjoy Griffin's Pokemon outside. Yet, everyone hadn't cooperated with the idea of being inside the capsule. Griffin proved that by trying to kneel and show a Pokeball to Seo – Sevipers. She simply turned her head away from it, it left the human to frown.

“Moonlight is falling behind." Thief made a sound and looked back at him, the Espeon didn't take much of eye to eye.

In fact, he spoke to Vibrava – snippets of a conversation regarding the edge of a forest. The swamp would meet with a thick nestle of strange woods.

A jungle, if anything, Luna found her eyes pointing downward. Her head had fixed to Cinnabar.

I didn't see his emotions, he hid them under walls – scared of them.

“Luna?" It made her twitch

“Yes…?" She expressed back to the Growlithe, but Thief only fumbled with his lip, as though it were a question he didn't know how to ask or word.

“Moonlight hasn't made a word to me since he popped out, I thought that be the first thing he'd do. Someone mentioned something about dinner the other night." The Mightyena gave off a sigh, but the sound left Luna's tail to twitch “I hadn't felt it best to be there… yet." Seo, silently pushed against the Mightyena's side.

“There's no need for that worry now." She'd mention in turn, it made Luna nod.

“He talked a little about home. That rich perfume in Fuschia was used back home, he used the word fumigation. They're 'invasive species,' he said." Luna sighed a little. “He…"

“So, he hid behind Autumn as to not deal with that?" Seo remarked softly, it made Luna fold her ears a touch.

“Halley fell ill with Cholera, like Thief. But… they didn't know what to do, so she passed too." Luna sighed, “Apparently, he's stuck understanding that the further he pushes or tries in the way he does, is going to hurt people." Luna sighed, “We… have a way to kill the Chesshira; however – that's mainly what he told us."

Bandit and Seo both focused on her, it made Luna swallow nervously.

“It's a funny vial, I remember Ayumu talking to Moonlight about it at the Magnet Train." Thief mentioned, “It's some kind of Evolution spray, pretty straightforward." He mentioned again. “He got so mad at me because I made him worry…"

“You've made everyone worry a little." That left Thief quiet for a moment. “You're making me worry now too. I don't know how to fix whatever that Pokemon did to you." Luna sighed raggedly, “I don't even believe your father was supposed to be the bad guy." It left the Growlithe to snarl, it made Luna flinch.

“My father was sick..." Thief trailed off. “He killed Lucius's brothers and sisters. He tried to take home over by force."

“That never gave them any right to hurt any of you." Seo twitched an ear

“Your home is certainly fixed on familial blood ties." The Absol mentioned, “I haven't heard of any place with laws similar to that in a long time." Luna partially nodded

“It's all still fuzzy, but I remember snippets here and there. I just don't understand why I see Leafeon."

“I remember him too…" Thief muttered, “I think he ran into that Ninetales – tried to convince Leafeon not to hand out food." The Growlithe huffed sharply.

“That was during the other years festival, I think… I've been here for about one and a half or two years?"

“Sounds about right to me…" Thief swallowed idly. “If it's a yearly festival… do you think everyone's father will have to fight more?" Bandit softly scowled

“Not like there seems to be much of a reason, aside from the Chesshira. If Esi would tell us more." Luna folded her ears in reply.

“If I could get her to talk about them, I would – but she gets spooked even thinking about it." It left the Vulpix to sigh. “I think she wonders if she's a prisoner." Seo twitched an ear, “Think about it, she's always in the Pokeball or under Logan's watch – maybe she's starting to think that we're holding her against her will." Seo nodded “She seems less and less inclined to talk lately.

“We are if you wanna talk technicality. It's how we go about it." The Absol mentioned, her tone made Luna note that she was agitated with the constant banter about it.

The Vulpix felt it best to try and drop the moodier subjects. It resulted in a quiet cliffside walk, a grueling thing that left her to pant. Eventually, Griffin showed her Pokeball, she turned her head no different then Seo.

That made Brad chuckle, panting.

“I guess they don't change much, huh?" Griffin nodded

“I don't know." He replied with a tired sigh. “To be honest, I feel like I just want to head home too. Natasha had the best idea from the start, after all…" Brad made a noise

“Hey, there's no need to get emotional over it…"

“Obviously there is, you got hurt, thanks to me… and for what? Wanting Bandit in an event? Doing what my brother and cousin told me to do?" Griffin sharply inhaled, “I just didn't expect to meet friends was all, and I got them hurt." Brad sighed a little, the walk went quiet. Luna let out a huff, so much for the less moody subjects.

“They targeted you because of Bandit. Your brother warned you of that, right?"

“I realize that," Griffin mentioned back. “I realize that entirely, that's why I know it's my fault – all just for wanting a quiet adventure."

“Well, I always like the idea of four friends on a quiet adventure," Melody interjected, it left Smokey to plume before he looked back at Luna and the rest of them. She felt the inclination to fold her ears, Smokey… beat her to it, already folded with an apologetic nod. It took Luna the second to realize that he had stared at both Bandit and Seo. Like he wanted to apologize for something that wasn't of his control. Luna read that out from the expression on his face, Thief had one like it – even still held it at times.

Apologetic for being born as what he was, then who—an excuse for the actions of another that simply shared the same 'breed' he did.

Luna felt her stomach churn at that thought, but that was the first thing that came into her mind when she saw that look. Her mind flicked back to Cinnabar.

I made assumptions, I didn't think clearly. I get what Bandit says about how Melody smells strange. Sick, but not that 'evil' kind of way. I was acting no different than how some of the people here act when Griffin walks on a bus.

Luna swallowed, and in a short manner of the time, she found herself in pace with the Houndoom. He stayed quiet or focused from then on, hadn't made much in terms of eye contact until they all found a more extensive meadow. Luna stayed by him, trying to find a word to say, hoping in some way that he'd break the ice first.

“I know I apologized in… in Viridian City, but… I – I feel that I apologized for the wrong things." Luna mentioned, panting little by little – the air had been thinner now. She took in a deep breath, but it hadn't felt like much of one. “I should never have assumed things about you, I never should've even thought that you'd be a threat to… to anyone unless you needed to be." Luna looked down, she hadn't realized that grass could even grow this thick that high in the mountainside. She thought they were at least twenty feet from the tree line.

Either way, it was still the highest peak she'd really been to in her life. “That was wrong of me."

“You felt panicked around her, worried. When you saw her at the top, what did you see?"

“Her… arms were trembling." The Houndoom nodded.

“Yes." Luna nodded.

“It was wrong of me to say regardless." The Houndoom nodded again. “All of it was, you were absolutely right when you said I had no right to. I wanted you to know that… I agree." Luna expressed.

“Only agree?" The Houndoom mentioned back, more distracted with Melody – she had been glued to a water bottle for the last minute. Luna nodded

“I can't say I understand when I'm the 'cute' Pokemon. You're no different then Bandit, and I feel that's a compliment." The Houndoom nodded, “A very good one."

“You're right, that I can agree on," Smokey mentioned back; it made Luna confidently nod.

“So you know that if you need something, we'll all try our best to help you, too, right?" Luna said, nodded. “Even if you know that… I want you to hear that too." She said, warmly smiled. “I should check up on everyone, thank you for giving me the chance to speak. Smokey."

“Of course, Luna." The Houndoom mentioned back, “Thank you for letting me lend an ear." That had been all he ended with.

Smokey's relaxed posture left Luna feeling warmer.

It took her a moment of glancing to take in the meadow. It felt more like a winding gorge which cut through the center of the mountain – heading down, to realize how quiet it really had been. She could even hear the drone of smaller insects, something that left her heart at ease when it mixed with Tree-borne Pokemon.

“Tag!" Something tapped her against the stomach, a paw. She noticed the balloon hop down the field, It left Luna to smile.

“Alright, Marill, if Tag is what you're playing!" Luna retorted; noticed Vibrava and Scarf kept their distance. Her paws tussled up the field below her, hardly able to touch the ground as she ran around. A mixture of emotions ran through her – a puzzling cocktail. It took Luna much too long to realize that she had gotten into a combative stance when Marill shot water around. The kind of water that frankly could only leave fur and hair matted. She couldn't shake the feeling which crept up her spine or the ill-set churn that ran through her gut. An image touched her head again. It was the only thing that left her to pant, like all the stress and running from the last two weeks came crashing down. It hadn't been something she could push out of her head quickly. Even watching Marill spurt out water reminded her. It made Luna ill; it ran through her head, intending to torment her.

She actually killed a human being… and just watching a little line of water spray around like a pointless pool noodle, reminded her of the path she used to cut that man in half. Hardly able to start a game that she couldn't finish – it weighed her; stopped her in her tracks. The image dared to repeat like any other haunting thought. There had to be a cheat, another choice that she missed entirely, regardless of how she couldn't figure out an answer even then. As for the game of Tag in that cliffside pass between Azalea and Goldenrod City… That was put on hold for her. She couldn't bring herself to run around with the queasy, unsettling feeling in her gut.

Luna settled on laying down in the grass, trying not to let that feeling overtake her.

“Luna?"

“Hey! You okay?"

“Are you unwell?"

“Luna…"

“Snack cake?"

“Loon?"

“Vulpix?"

“We're going to need to keep going."

“We've won! No need to worry."

“I can second that for now, no need to be teary."

“No need to get emotional Runt, it's just a game of Tag."

Luna hadn't any words to say or follow with. Every single one of them managed to take her breath away.

“Are you sure you're okay?" Aura's voice had been the last one to follow, Luna only nodded – red-eyed. There hadn't been any way she'd suspect that each and every one of them would voice a concern.

Even Lycanroc did.

Luna gave a moment to glance up, notice all of them. A pointless 'Thank You' had been all she could say in return. The only thing that drew her mind away from it all had been the snacks that Griffin gave out. Even though she could barely eat – Luna forced herself to. It's when she got close to Griffin's side as the long walk started again…

Griffin smelled oddly like a berry-infused water-cake. In fact, the odd freshly scent made her stomach quell its illness, and her head cleared up bit by bit. The weary sigh crossed her lips as she wandered alongside them all – feeling eyes on the back of her head.

Scarf:

One paw after the other – there hadn't been anything more glorious than that. Being able to plant a foot ahead – be a step ahead. Even in his age, he felt like Marill could barely keep up with him.

If only his knees wouldn't sting lightly as he wandered further in.

“How long is this…" Marill panted out feverishly. “Even downhill…"

“Well, we are walking over a mountain!" The Pikachu mentioned back – his long whiskers brushed past a nearby nestle of bushes. He could feel the odd thing tug at his cheek.

It gave off that oversensitive ticklish feeling. The kind that made the Pikachu chuckle

“You two seem delighted." A voice buzzed above them – Scarf felt a light thud on the ground nearby. Vibrava landed on the earth and gave this scuttle-waddle walk. His appendages scurried across the ground until he kept pace. Scarf hadn't denied that it felt strange walking next to an oversized dragonfly. The twin kite tail wiggled as they wandered – their thorax puffed delicately along the way. The Pikachu knew it was healthy from a first glance. Everyone had been, even the Absol he eventually fell his eyes onto. With her limp, half rested against Bandit or Lycanroc – he watched her push ahead of all of them. Antennae pushed against him.

“Oh, sorry – it's more challenging to figure depth from down here, at least for me." The Vibrava said. “It always feels so constricting but with the forest getting thicker…"

“A branch going the wrong way always hurts," Marill commented with a giggle.

“Exactly! My eyes might be better than a Pidgeotto or a Talonflame, but they're still big and sensitive. I lose that, I'm screwed for my own survival." The Vibrava buzzed happily. “But I don't have that many worries about it… now" The Vibrava mentioned, huffed and glanced over at Luna.

“I don't know how or why I should say it, but I guess it made me happy – knowing a stranger was willing to jump and protect me too."

Scarf nodded lightly.

“Well, I'll have you know if I was a few years younger, I'd make a jump all the same." The Pikachu laughed. “Whatever danger she saw, she beat us to it." The Vibrava went quiet until he nodded

“I just can't believe you're letting that Haxorus be with you all too." The Vibrava “You understand what he is, right?" The Pikachu lightly blinked.

“All I know is that he was a sparring partner for that Chesshira – didn't like it…" The Vibrava shook his head no.

“He's a murderer." That made Marill's jawline sour.

“Haxorus isn't…"

“I'm telling you, it's bad news having him around." The Vibrava mentioned again and uneasily swallowed. “Y – you've… seen television before, right?"

“Of course." Scarf mentioned back, “Most of them look like slow flickering pictures – but some I can actually watch."

“I think the word is 'bouncer' or 'enforcer' or whatever. I'm telling you, he's bad news." The Vibrava continued to buzz as he scurried across the ground next to them. “I wouldn't feel safe with him around." Marill puffed up

“Haxorus isn't a bad guy." The sharp tone left Scarf to twitch an ear, stunned that Marill got so defensive. “If he was, he would've hurt us by now – there'd be no point in spending all this time with us."

“Spending…?" Scarf hadn't much a clue as to what Marill referred to, but the lake biome hadn't been a place he regularly went to himself. Marill gave off a sigh.

“…" He gave a defeated one after a while of silence, they just walked – fixated on the blue-white balloon of a mouse. “He enjoys the pond when he spends too much time in the volcano cavern. I wanted to get to know him, he wanted to get to know Logan." Scarf twitched an ear, Vibrava sighed.

“I've heard that name plenty… Griffin's brother, right? What does he have to do with Haxorus?"

“W – well, Logan is a great Dragon-Type Tamer. G – Granted, he's nothing when it comes to Steven." The Vibrava twitched an ear.

“Stephan?" The Vibrava buzzed, it left the Marill to twitch.

“I… don't know if we're talking about the same one? Champion of Hoenn, I mean." Vibrava trilled, understandingly. “Logan used to do tons of stuff with him, m – mainly a lot of gem and stone research." Marill chuckled. “Griffin said it's how he got into becoming a professor. Haxorus wanted to know more about him."

“So, you told him?"

“Among other things, like how those bad people force them to fight. He could tell me in detail what scar belonged to what. I asked Moonlight to confirm it, I don't know if he ever did." Marill sighed. “I'm telling you, just…" Vibrava huffed

“I don't care if he helped out in Viridian after all that weird noise and whatnot. It's an act, I'm telling you." The Vibrava mentioned, “I don't like any of it, we had to chase that Haxorus for months. He's helping the Chesshira, I assure you." Scarf partially folded his ears back.

I'm not getting evidence on either claim, I'd need to know that myself. The Pokeball is the safest place to chat. “Well, it seems I have a chance. I suppose it'll be best to speak with him, innit? I'll be back, don't worry."

“S – Scarf?" Marill mentioned uneasily; it made the Pikachu chuckle.

“I spoke to a Chesshira for a few ten minutes, it wasn't the absolute worst conversation I've had." Scarf said back, “I believe I can have a civil conversation with a Haxorus." Scarf mentioned back, pushed ahead of them, and tugged on Griffin's jean leg.

Unsurprisingly for him, but shocking for anyone else, Griffin actually felt the Pikachu tug at the fabric around his ankles. The Pikachu heard Seviper let out a strange huff, Griffin pulled out the snake's Pokeball.

Scarf felt his ears tingle before Griffin returned the Pikachu.

That was a flurry of electrical transmissions… I reckon we're near a radio tower or a phone one. The Pikachu left that in his thoughts as he stared around. One-step, and he landed into a hip-deep puddle of fake water. It left the Pikachu soaked to the bone, he sighed. Of course, Seviper would hide around the lakeside – the temperature in the Pokeball maybe a touch too warm for him. It dispelled any thought or spark of discontent as the Pikachu waded to the other side of the lake. As he crossed by the plains, the scent made his fur tinge on edge. A sweet, alluring, and utterly calm scent, Berries touched his nose. The Pikachu had a loss of thought, curiosity about what a human would smell. Anything enticing or tailored for just them. For Scarf…

This strange scent of hot chocolate brushed by him, mixed with berry paste. An odd combination, but nowhere near different than cherry, strawberry, and Cocoa. It left him to drag his feet – knees weak.

The desert biome was what he put his eyes too. It wafted by his nose again, and the Pikachu instinctively clasped his nose and mouth with his paw.

I didn't get the best chance to smell that before, that's the scent Seo had spoken of. That's what Esi does – she's still making that water? Why? Why does it smell like the entire Pokeball is covered… I need to leave now.

Scarf, with his breath, still held glared at the center tree in that grassy plain.

He ran as fast as two legs could handle – the pinched tendon had taken more time to heal then he wanted. His vision blurred about halfway through, lungs felt iron clad. It broke the seal, But Scarf delicately inhaled, letting the perfume laden air to just coat around his nose and throat. It felt like a fly curiously investigating a Flytrap at that point. The scent had been strangely overbearing, alluring. Powerful, Scarf focused elsewhere.

I don't understand the scent I'm continually getting – but it smells like fur on top of it all. I know I've never had that scent touch my nose in my life, so why does it…

His first thought had been Bunnelby.

Like any of those thoughts, however, it fled as soon as it came into view.

He panted harder when he was back outside, Marill and Vibrava gave him a concerned – shocked look.

“No… It's not Haxorus, your special Friend Marill is doing that thing. What is that?" Marill shrugged.

“Do you need water? That helped Seo – have water."

“I wasn't that close, I was against the lake Biome when I caught a whiff." The Pikachu gave a deep inhale, this urge to lightly cough came up.

“It's easy to make." The Pikachu went pale.

“…?"

“…! …..! ………!!"

“I don't want to think that, don't tell me that. I asked you never to lie to me… Please." The voice continued. “Please don't tell me what he said was true, that when you return, you'll never remember us… because I can't ever forget you. I want you to stay… Please."

A Bunnelby…? The Pikachu glared up. This rib or reverb touched the corners of his eyes. I can't move…?

“It's fine, Marill, you'll drown him! Back up and give the old rat some air." Moonlight mentioned. “Scarf, can you hear me?"

“I… can now." He wheezed in return. “I don't… know what just happened. Glad to know you don't mind carrying me a bit."

“A bit? It's been ten minutes…" The Espeon mentioned back. “Do you know how hard it is to… to hide things like this from Griffin?" The Espeon mewled out, but the Pikachu sagged against his back.

“I don't… feel like I should apologize."

“You're damn right… you have no need to – just…"

“Esi is making water… I guess her warning wasn't any lie b – but I wasn't even close to her. At all. Is that like the smoke in Fuschia?"

“No… that's an anesthetic made from berry toxins." Moonlight mentioned back. “It's harmless when done right. Lethal when made to be." Moonlight sighed. “It's the same stuff that smoked my family out of their den." Scarf twitched an ear “I know it, in and out. But Esi – that isn't…" Moonlight sniffed the air, “You smell like Cocoa." The Pikachu twitched an eye.

“Yeah, she… smelled like that." The Espeon twitched an ear.

“That son of a bitch."

“Who?"

“Leafeon! His nose is so much more sensitive. I knew there was some trick to his crap."

“You seem to like his BS."

“I do not!" Moonlight replied, partially red – it left the Pikachu to chuckle weakly.

“I guess this happened to Seo." Moonlight nodded, confused at first.

“I… guess that's why she was like that in the park that day… Can you walk?"

“Maybe… I just don't…" Moonlight smiled

“We can't all explain the weird things, in some way I'm glad she's in there – tired from walking?"

“No, Vibrava assures us that Haxorus is a traitor or never a friend, to begin with." Moonlight huffed

“I can't tell about most of our new 'friends'" Moonlight mentioned, “But that Haxorus knows what he's talking about – from Dragon Types to Fire." The Espeon sighed, ragged, and tired. “He's spoken to Luna and I plenty."

“You sound exhausted."

“A little… being at everyone's throats or vice versa is draining. I already know that's my fault."

“I think what you find is draining is holding your composure. You lost it the other night, there's no need to blame yourself that." Scarf mentioned and nodded “I don't know much about fighting, but I'd like to feel that composure can be a strong foundation, even for you." Moonlight lightly smirked and rolled his eyes. “Yeah, definitely sounds like something Kona would say." The Pikachu went quiet.

“Wait… I know that name."

“Of course you do, I said he owned a territory." Moonlight mentioned again.

“He owns more then one." Moonlight shook his head no.

“His families are part of many." The Espeon replied, and smiled vaguely. “Either way, you don't seem as exhausted now. Think you can walk?" The Pikachu chuckled.

“It's only taken you a year and a half."

“Hm?"

“To finally open up a little, this is the first time I've heard your grandfathers name." The Espeon twitched an ear.

“I swear I've said it before…" Moonlight mentioned, the Pikachu nodded and laughed a little. “What? I know I have."

“Oh really? When? I haven't a memory." Moonlight paused a little, and eventually the Espeon gave up on it. The Pikachu gave a soft toned grin, nodded and wearily put his head against the Espeon's shoulders. It left Moonlight a little stiff. He stalled.

“Now come on… you tell me your fine, but I think you're looking pale."

I've started feeling that way too. It took the Pikachu a moment to take in air, it made his stomach feel heavy. His exhales left Scarf to stare back at the Espeon, there had been something unnerving about it. “I don't see anything wrong from my first glances."

“I'm okay, just confused still is all."

“No foreign powders…" Scarf went wide-eyed.

“How much can you see?"

“Follicles, but if I strain myself, I can see much smaller things." Moonlight nodded. “Imagine adding or changing the lens in your eye. Kind of like that. Hey, Scarf? Don't fall asleep on me. Scarf…? Scarf!"

“I'm awake." The Pikachu muttered back. “I… can't go back into the Pokeball…"

“I can." Moonlight mentioned, “I'll figure out how to talk Esi out of whatever she's doing. Think you can ride on someone else for a bit?"

“I couldn't do that." The Pikachu said and partially slumped off of Moonlight.

“H – hey, you shouldn't be moving if you aren't feeling…" The Pikachu simply replied with his usual smile.

“I shouldn't be holding you back from figuring it out. I should be okay to walk." Even though he said that and watched the Espeon return into his capsule, the Pikachu still felt the limpness in his knees and shins.

They shook. A sigh slithered out of Scarf before he found a little smile and twitched his ears high. A charge sparked through him. Maybe I was feeling right. His paw brushed against the pale red sacks on his cheeks, before he put one paw before the other to walk ahead. Maybe I do have a little more than just a field and a home I haven't a clue of. His limp became a sturdy set tread, and shortly after, Scarf felt the strength come back little by little in his legs. So… maybe I was just someone that did something there. The Pikachu squinched his nose and rolled his whiskers, that strange smell desired to linger before it faded away. But I'm not there, I'm here, and I guess this old Pikachu is just going to be someone that does something here too.

“Scarf?" Thief's voice left the Pikachu to stall in his tracks. “I haven't seen you with a serious face like… ever. Are you okay?"

“A little tired, but I'm doing better. You look energetic, and that makes me feel that way." Thief tilted his head, nodded, and smiled. Scarf held his.

You don't need to look teary. Just look ahead, it'll all be wrapped up soon. A small sting or zap bounced between the Pikachu's perked ears. A radio tower had to be nearby, and that meant a town had to follow in suit. At least he hoped so, even a carpet sounded better than walking by then. “So let's keep up, okay? I'm all ready to go!" Back to sleep… maybe. Whatever that was, it took a lot more out of me, then I wanted it to. The Growlithe simply nodded with what felt like a rare, yet familiar smile before setting off with him. Scarf kept his eyes on the front. “But I guess… Say if I were tired enough, you'd be willing to lend a paw perhaps?" Thief tilted his head

“Why guess?" The words left Scarf to smile. “If you're tired, then sure." The Growlithe continued, “It's the least I can do." Scarf slightly tilted his head.

“The least?" Thief huffed lightly, as though pouting.

“Maybe… I sort of had what you said stuck in my head. I don't really get it… maybe I had a little of what Seo told me stuck there too."

“Well, better something than nothing! I swear, sometimes I feel if I look down one ear of yours, I could see out the other side! I guess all that fur helps after all." Thief hadn't seemed to giggle the way Scarf had expected or wanted him to. “Sorry, I was… Thief?" It took him a moment before Thief gave a wider smile. The kind which left Lavaridge stuck in his head.

“Yeah. You're right… If I can't understand it, then I'm happy something did." Thief said. “I remember Bandit's voice, snapping at me like she does, Luna." The Growlithe nodded. “It made me feel… warm. I don't want to be thrown off." Scarf tilted his head.

“Thrown…?" Thief nodded.

“I couldn't forget any of that. I couldn't forget anyone. I don't know how those words really mesh together. What you said, I mean." Thief expressed, “But I guess." He went to a three-legged hobble, scratching his scalp. “I don't know! Can a… hero… I guess? Be scared too?" Scarf giggled

“You know the answer to that. There's no way you couldn't. I don't think anyone is here is a hero." Scarf nodded, “We certainly don't need to be, all I know is that we're all still together and that we intend to keep it that way." The Pikachu nodded, “That's all I can ever ask," he said before slumping part of his arm over Thief's back. “Now… if you don't mind carrying me for a little."

“Hey! Don't get all sentimental and talkative just to sleep on me!" Thief muttered out loud, Scarf couldn't tell if it had been a partial whine that slipped from the Growlithes muzzle. “Both figuratively and" The Pikachu put his claw towards Thief's nose, it quieted him.

“I guess the only hero I can think of… it doesn't matter what they look like, how they talk or walk. I feel it doesn't matter much, so long as they're there." The Pikachu mentioned. “So if you want to talk hero's and villains and all those stories a tyke would love, I know plenty of them… Thief."

“I know that." He muttered back, disgruntled; the Pikachu took up most of his back now, exhaled.

“But everyone has a story of their own they write." He continued to say. “I don't have heroes in my story, neither am I one. But I know that all of you are a page in my life, so…"

“Then, in some ways, your my hero too. Even if they're titled by name alone. I can't look around without thinking that, about the heroes around me." Thief said, grinned “And if one of them sits there to listen, says their mind and just is there, then even if my fur filled ears catch onto a little, I don't mind listening to every word I can."

“Why?" Thief felt the urge to stall but knew that they had to keep closer, wandering throughout the just coming midday sunlight. Dense brush, but there had been the scanty remains of a trail – overgrown and tight.

“Because…" He went quiet.

“If pages are all there can be, then I want to believe that the story I know can still be read by others." He said Scarf couldn't tell if it had been a cold tone or a sad one. “Because if they can, I want to be able to open those pages and show them too." It took Scarf back, a small breathless sound escaped his lips. “I want to be able to show them that smiling, Everyone…. Amalbert, Nuri, I even wanna show that book to Halley, so I could show her brother to her too. I just want the chance to believe I could see them with the expression I want to. But that just makes me greedy and selfish. I guess just butting in where I don't belong like Moonlight said." Thief took a moment of breath. “I just don't want anyone to feel scared like I do." Scarf nodded.

“And that's something we have in common, I think we all do." Scarf mentioned

“I'm just"

“Trying to act tough." The Pikachu mentioned back, and it quieted him. “I feel like it's for all the right reasons, although Halley is the only name familiar to me, Thief… I'm more then confident if you even showed that book now; they'd be happy and only want to tell you more of their own. So… if all you need is a minute to let off that steam. I'm right here. Little Thief. Don't forget that, because there's more than just a few of us." Scarf felt his paw touch against the fur on Thief's back. “I wouldn't have that any other way, and that's a page I'm proud of. I have been since the first week I've spent with you, so if you want to ask the question of what a so-called hero would do… Thief, then I feel it's better to ask what they do it for." Scarf replied.

“You have to ask them if they're doing it for themselves or not, and if it's something they genuinely doing for themselves, you have to ask if those reading can still meet with the emotion you want them to." Scarf replied and sighed. “Think of that question and ask yourself what you'd ask that hero if you could. Now chin up chap, looking down will add to your age." Scarf said. Just take some of what I want to say to heart. If I need to match it up because you can't explain the question, I will. It's all I've really been good at, at this age.

I think I'm starting to pass out…

“Scarf? You can't have already dozed off, it's barely…" A voice sighed. “Alright, I'll carry you… because I want to too. Leave it to me."

Leave it to me…? It's not like me to not handle it.

Seo:

Selfish

“Nothing you've done has." Her snout lightly leaned to the ground, left heavy. The terrain had this mix of light brown and gravel. Grey's, blacks, whites, and even blues. Pebbles in the path through the fast clearing. Seo stayed quiet, aside from the few comments here and there – she couldn't find words to say anything serious. Her hind leg weighed her down, she felt too tired to figure out words and aside from Bandit's occasional question and smile. Every time it came back into her head, she'd hear Bandit's voice.

Seo felt fortunate that she was the kind who could listen to a song on repeat for hours.

Words she wanted to hear or just the ones that dared to grace her, words she heard time and time again without weight.

Meaning.

The Absol found it hard to take her eyes away from the strange Mightyena, fixated on her left ear. It perked in a particular way, listened to the bushes on her side. There hadn't been a hint of a change, but she knew that Bandit held her own tone of hesitation. A second guess, even if it had been minuscule lingered somewhere around her. The words repeated in Seo's head, a sparse shock of sunlight, brushed up her muzzle as they solely broke into broad daylight. That golden orb had made a lingering stall down in the sky.

Around two forty-five in the afternoon, her paws touched a dirt trail.

A route known as Thirty Four, pressing on the edge of Ilex Forest - It had been the Ilex Mountain Pass they crossed through.

“Luna? You're staring off into space."

“Hm? Oh… sorry Bandit." She replied, her tone seemed on edge but calm. That hadn't been the worrying tone as usual “I just thought there was something for a moment. It felt like something, at least."

“Something isn't all that descriptive." Seo slowed her pace.

“There is a Forest Shrine, I remember bits of Johto," Seo replied, a little aimlessly. What I don't get is that I'm sure you were spacing out in its direction. That mountain is the centerline of Ilex, the shrine is there.

“Something hm?" Bandit mentioned, “Well if that something is anything other then free lodging and food, we can keep walking." Seo twitched an ear.

“It is later in the day, I guess, keeping up with those two ahead…" Seo watched the set of human eyes that glanced back at her. “I'd rather have lunch myself." Luna lightly pouted

“We should keep going though, even I'm hungry sure" Her eyes slowly trailed down before they fought their way back up again. “I just don't know if I can. I still feel…"

“We all do." Seo couldn't tell if Luna hiccuped or not. She made a strange sound, Bandit lightly tilted her head.

“Hm?" Seo simply watched the sunlight roll over the Mightyena's scalp, it lightened the spots around her face, specifically the one over her eyes. Awkwardly the Mightyena tossed her look to the side. “I don't get what's with the waterworks, I'm right here – so quit reading into it." Luna nodded, gave that squeak again. Seo hadn't seen much change with Bandit – even her attitude seemed the same, save for the lack of nicknames and tackles. Seo watched Luna's ear twitch, it had been a thing she did when she had something to say. Those words didn't, or couldn't be brought up there, it seemed. Seo left that behind; there hadn't been words or things to say. Seo was acutely silent, speechless as the same thing ran through her head. There hadn't been a need to run it on repeat. Certainty is what she got from Bandit, and Seo knew it right to return that favor.

“Come along, Luna, you did well too." Her fur riled a little

“It's not that…" She muttered back, then held her head higher. “It's not that at all."

“Follow along, Sis." Bandit commented. The only thing Seo really caught onto had been the lack of hesitation in Luna's step.

Route Thirty Four had been a tame one, a pathway between Azalea Town and GoldenRod City. It had been a hundred or so meters from them, but the entrance to Ilex Forest glared back. It got darker, even in daylight. With a lengthy, dirt and grassy path ahead of them – a gentle curve and the near sight of GoldenRod

“How's your leg, Seo?" Luna's voice chirped up.

“Much better then it had been, Moonlight hadn't lied." The Absol expressed. “I woke up to him, still focusing on it. I feel like the…"

“Seo?" Luna worryingly stared, Seo clenched her teeth and spoke through the grit.

“Pain isn't all that gone, however." Luna got closer.

“Can I help? Anything?" She mentioned, “I'll try to use heal bell."

“No, Moonlight can't let anyone else disrupt the work," Seo replied back. “But, I thank you for your gestures, calm yourself." Luna gently nodded.

“R – right." The Vulpix replied, tossed an eye up. Griffin, Brad, and Melody. The two strangers walked much further ahead, spoke to one another quietly. It felt uneasy or tense, yet it had been since those two began following along. Luna kept a half pace. Staying in line and not as if her mind had been on anything else, in some ways, she looked exhausted, sickly, and happy.

A strange trio of emotions crossed her face, her eyes, and even the brow between them. “Then that's good," Luna said, a touch aimlessly at first. “Moonlight seems a little better." Luna seemed to mumble more than talk.

Her mind is utterly distant, I really can't read her expression now, but she looks shocked. What happened, Luna? Seo wanted to ask that question forthrightly, but the expression on her face looked meek at times, and the Absol thought it best not to confront it. There had been something she hadn't liked when she saw it, something that sapped her dry. She couldn't tell if it were just a pale look or a glint. The indecisiveness was what caught her attention, left the Absol adhered to Luna. Eventually, Seo broke out into a louder breath in, but she hadn't sighed.

“The air around here feels different." Bandit twitched her ear, sniffed, and shortly nodded. The Mightyena had given Seo a soft, warm stare in return.

“I can't smell salt, lakes are more my thing." The Mightyena mentioned with a gentle town, “You can dive and see all sorts of things." Seo softly nodded back, but she kept a look at Luna…

The Vulpix only stared in the direction of that shrine near the Coal house. That had been deep in Ilex forest.

“Predator!"

It made everyone stop, even Seo had halted her tracks. Her eyes glanced up at the sun, a collection of soft snowy clouds had rolled over them. “A Dangerous Predator in Ilex! Do not approach any quadruple Pokemon until their species has been discovered by the territory!" The sound of wingbeats washed over them, Luna had stared high up too. “This comes from Gemnas!"

“A Noctowl?" Thief called out, “It's a Noctowl – what is it doing up…?"

“Serious enough to wake up a Noctowl in the middle of the day…" Bandit muttered out. “Everyone, keep on your toes; I don't like this." The two humans further ahead of them all gave small glances at the flying nocturnal Pokemon, listening to it coo and shriek high in the air. “This message has come from Gemnas! The Aggron Gemnas of Kalos! A Dangerous Predator has entered in Ilex Forest! Do not…" The voice had crossed over them, the wingbeats battered against the calm, warm air high above them. It shot down the crest of trees, shrieking and cooing out at treetops in the blazing sun. It hadn't been alien to see a Noctowl in the day, but they usually had an important reason to be.

“Makes our walk a little easier," Seo mentioned. “We all fit that description."

“Because the walk wasn't easy before? Do you"

“Scarf?"

“Huh? Yeah, he's tired. Looked absolutely beat." Thief mentioned, “I'm just helping him, I don't know why he doesn't just want the Pokeball though." Seo continued to glare at the limp Pikachu, she could tell he was breathing…

But the Pikachu was out cold, strange as it was considering he was ripe and spry in the early morning. A hint of concern touched her lip. “He must be tuckered out, I know I am."

“You did a good job, Thief." Bandit said out loud, the Growlithe lowered his head, glared at the trail as he wandered. “You did everything you could, so don't spend your time looking down – look ahead."

“You always say that." He mentioned in the reply.

“Because it's worth saying, I may pushy-"

“Thank you… for that." The Growlithe replied in turn, Bandit shook out her pelt a little; partway disgruntled

“Let's kick off all this tension, The first thing I'm doing when I get in town is a bath." The Mightyena replied. “Then, I'm dragging Griffin by the sleeve and finding somewhere I want to go."

“Depends on those two humans ahead of us," Seo replied. “I don't think doing what we want to will be something we all can do soon." She replied and furrowed her brow. “But I think I can breathe easy now, knowing you're all here." Bandit agreed, and even though that Noctowl gave off a concerning cry, Route Thirty Four had been the lightest walk, the most leisurely walk she had in years.

Four PM began to roll around, Seo could tell by the change of temperature and the now open fields on all their sides. Trees hid on the horizon points, but all of it was natural meadows – a drone of insects fluttered by, the sight of a CraneFly crossed her nose. Vibrava had shot after it when he had the clearance to.

“Hungry?" She called out.

“I'm starving!" The Vibrava replied, having caught the harmless Cranefly in his mandibles. The small insect hadn't fought, in fact, it more confusingly fluttered before it stilled. “I think even Brad needs a break too, he looks exhausted." The Vibrava mentioned, there had been a strange sense of affection in the tone, it left Seo to flicker her ear.

“Clearly, you like him." The Vibrava nodded

“I do, I can tell he's kind because I watched that Cranefly land on him. He looked more fascinated than scared." Vibrava returned, crunching down on the smaller insect before swallowing it. “I don't really know, Griffin is too, but… there's something about him that I like a little more." He buzzed, the Cranefly was gone “Griffin is kind, sure, but I feel he drains without even his knowledge. Brad feels like someone who just… effortlessly lifts people. To me, anyway." That Vibrava looked down, not at them – it looked as though another Cranefly caught his gaze. “I knew that… Underworld was bad, but I never realized how serious it had been. Utterly…" He softly bristled his mandibles – the wings fluttering rapidly. “Ignorant, it's downright unforgivable."

“Many things are," Seo replied softly, glancing back at Brad and Melody. Griffin was stuck in his own little world, focusing on the treetops or his phone – distracted with texting. Whatever he spoke of had been lost to her as that Absol only wandered the trail – dirt parting from her large forepaws. The pain had chased down the run of her hind leg, the constant reminder that she couldn't put pressure on it left her weary. Something pushed against her side, Bandit.

“You don't need to fight through that, lean on me."

“I'm just… setting the pace." Seo replied, but the breathlessness followed suit. The walk felt too quiet, and before they really even had the city in their sights… the entire group stopped to rest at a clearing off the trail.

Melody had been quiet, staring at the Pokeball, which belonged to Snivy. It wasn't any different save for a leaf symbol on the top of the capsule; obviously, the trainer had a professor of some sort. The Absol pushed the thoughts from her head. Yet that feeling she had rested against her shoulders

Watched… maybe – I think that's what it was, someone was there watching us and not whoever threw that fishing weight. I don't think it'll be the last time we'll run into someone that knew that Sandslash. She sighed, her ear perked at a tree rustling as a small yellow beak stuck out of the branches. The creature chirped, twitched and then took flight in a different direction

A Natu… looked a little young to be alone too.

“Hm…?" Thief twitched as the Natu flew around him, as if to curiously eye or follow scent trails before fluttering off – flapping harder then she expected it too. Either way, the Growlithe seemed to stare aimlessly, wanting to mutter anything but only stayed quiet in the end.

“So, the humans are going to stop the other ones, right?" Bandit had turned her head after helping Seo rest to the earth. Luna made her little chirp but also quieted down as Griffin set out their bowls. He didn't seem too involved with cooking, looking moody himself.

“Ah, Griff… no lunch?" He turned his head to Brad.

“My… mother never mentioned that Natasha made it to the hospital in Lumiouse." He said in reply. “I – I'm worried… I feel ill, I…"

“Hey, hey… hey." Brad sighed, “No need to panic over it."

“I… wanted to ask about that bruise.. the…" Griffin put his hand over his hip, which left the Absol to twitch her ear and perk it. Brad nodded and looked away, nearly sheepishly.

“It's actually as basic as basic gets. I was with my uncle, we went out to this one spot that everyone and their dog goes to sight in their rifles – near this old army base stateside. Just a place to shoot twenty-two's usually. Cops would show up and check papers – never an issue, you know? Well.." Brad sat down on the grass. “I was the kid addicted to guns, I guess…. He gave me a thirty-eight revolver, one round in the chamber, and helped support it in my hands – we had a target, paper… three quarter inch plywood behind it."

Griffin looked down and away for a moment like a breath caught him and fiercely. “Someone was there at some point and never cleaned up brass… spent casings – rare for that honestly. I guess they thought it is neat to bring up part of a fender from a car – old iron thing, round iron thing. I missed my first shot and hit the piece of steel. The bullet came back to bite me." Brad said and sighed. “I never could get into any of what I thought was interesting since then…. But I still wanted to become a cop – like my uncle was… as stupid as that sounds, I just feel like I could help people, even if I need it at times, that I want t" Brad mentioned. “I was eleven when it happened, it messed up my kidney – it's the reason why I don't drink sugary things, but I know it's healed and very well. It was a dumb mistake with a sporting round – I didn't even see the broken fender. Neither did my uncle, and he was a trained cop." Brad mentioned. “I could just lie and tell some cool story – all the kids in school used to ask questions that… honestly made me sick. 'Are you a gang member?' was one, made me ill because I knew that some days my uncle would walk in with that look. The kind that told me he wanted the words that could reach someone that couldn't be." Brad mentioned and sighed, tiredly before he looked at Griffin's expression. “Sorry if –“

“I asked… are you okay…? Now, I mean?"

“That much is true, granted I didn't want to remember it." Griffin partway pouted to Brad's remark, and the older teen simply flicked his head against the grass. “I don't know, in some way… I guess I just wanted to imagine myself as someone else for a bit – I had for a bit…. And then all that lunacy happened. I don't even know what happened to you." Griffin went to open his mouth, but something interrupted them.

“You two, we're burning time." The man that had been with them continued, “The faster we get to Goldenrod City, the safer you'll all be." He mentioned. “I can't say I agree with you leaving your Pokemon out, Mr. Fletching. It makes it easier to find you if anyone knows your team." The man sighed, watching Griffin sigh for a moment.

“They're exhausted, but please – in the city return your Pokemon to their capsules." Griffin nodded while Brad just stared aimlessly at the treetops.

“Of course," Brad mentioned. “Griffin will, too, right?"

All he did was look down, nod, and sat on the grass with Brad.

“So… one for one?" Brad mentioned as Griffin tilted his head.

“One for…"

“A question." Brad mentioned, “One I've meant to ask since you bought that perfume. Why is your mother in the hospital anyways and in Kalos of all things…" Griffin stuttered off as he asked the question, it left Melody to glance at the two of them, resting herself down on the grass too. She wore jeans and a lighter jacket that day, aimlessly staring into the woods before she looked at them both.

“I've been curious about that too… I guess. I remember your brother's video – Natasha showed it to me. During the championships, he made mention of a town, saying he dedicated the win or something… like that." Melody mentioned as she still held Snivy's capsule in her palm. Clearly, she overheard the conversation, yet Brad always was the type to be. The deflated ball had the allure of a colorful pong ball; she just endlessly glanced at it, as if to wish to return it. “Is she ill?" Griffin shook his head no.

“Uhm… I was never good about talking… I mean…" He seemed to stammer off. “There was an accident, is all. We never could afford the bill, her leg got fixed, but she never had the chance to pay for physical therapy or… she's crippled at the leg – from her hip." Griffin mentioned. “Some stupid avoidable accident."

“Workplace?"

“Car crash."

It's all he replied, and Brad let out a huff.

“If you don't fe-"

“My dad was driving the van… I uhm…" Griffin exhaled, shaken. “I was out on a walk that night and heard it. I was the first one to see it before emergency services came on seen."

“Jesus." Seo felt herself twitch; she didn't understand why, but it was more what she saw.

It was one of the first times she really saw Griffin's hands shaking so extensively.

“Your mother is doin-“

“My father was killed in the crash." Griffin went to continue but only aimlessly stared down at the dirt below him. “I don't understand why or how, but I know a truck drove off after – t – t th" Brad held up his palm, it quieted Griffin.

“You're okay now, right?" Griffin couldn't find a reply, he didn't for a few moments, and even then she also realized that Bandit had been still, rigid from head to toe. The Mightyena went to push a paw forward but held it. Stared. Seo couldn't put an expression on the Mightyena's face, but it hadn't been the first time she had heard it.

It took her by surprise when something pushed past her, Seo felt the incline to grasp teeth at a fluff of gold, pale fur. Thief had been the first one to consul him; the Growlithe licked his trainers' fingers. Seo felt a blur of memories chase her The forest that they ran and hid through.

That look on his face hadn't… it wasn't… What did you see Griffin? The adrenaline was getting to you.

What happened? What did you do?

“I don't – THIEF!" The yelp that came out of the Growlithe left everyone stunned, Griffin had pushed the Growlithe off from the chest – the bandages, Bandit simply stiffened her back after. It left everyone quiet.

“I… think I need air." Brad went silent, but Seo knew he had a comment, luckily he got the hint and didn't make it. Thief had hit the ground after the fact, Brad had been the first one on him.

“It's okay, he just needs a little time," Brad mentioned, but Seo knew that he had plenty of it.

Seo had a feeling that the human she called trainer didn't meet Bandit until long after he had plenty.

Moonlight:

A scent lingered in the air – the kind that left him think of homemade jam, a mixed berry of sugars and spreads. It vaguely reminded him of a bagel Ayumu usually made in the morning while he ate kibble. A memory inducing scent, yet Moonlight had his mind more on the smell of pumpkin and cinnamon. That had been a better fragrance to think of. A tread or pace, step by step – the Espeon followed the rim of gel-like mirrors that blocked him from a desert in the distance. The constant and endless sound of shoveling came to his ear. He saw a small shape stick it's head out and rest, miles away.

As he wondered forward, the gel bent back while that gemstone on his skull glowed. It shimmered, wavered, and folded until he hit a barrier that reminded him of a thick polystyrene safety glass. The milky white eyes glanced at him, tilting and resting with a jaw on the ground.

The thin needles of quills left his ear to twitch.

“You're Moonlight… right?" The voice had been an audible one, not the kind that dove into his skull and invaded his personal thoughts. A soft voice had fluttered by him. “You have thoughts like Logan does."

“Thoughts… like Logan?" Moonlight mentioned in return as she nodded, her tails creaked, and gave an allure of animated flicks or wiggles. The odd antenna's on her rear bent and tweaked as if it endlessly searched for a reception. She nodded.

“Y – yes! I wanted to show him something, but he's talking to those bad people…" Esi mentioned in return. “I don't understand all the words… I feel they lie, though, a lot." The Pokemon expressed softly and pushed against the safety glass – he could see her paws, chest… the white fluff in the ce-

White… fur?

Moonlight creaked his skull drastically. Esi never had a veil of silver or white, she looked endlessly like obsidian with her jacket on. Here the silver-white bristled quills sprouted out of her like a small mangy patch.

“I don't know what it is… I also have more." Before the Espeon could make a word, the female unexpectedly turned, lowered her forepaws, and shot her rear up high. He didn't flinch.

What is she do - her… the fur surrounding is silver or white too – they're quilled but… even the wind in the Pokeball is rustling them. Her quills are steel rigid, not soft. What's going on?

“I wanted to ask you that!" Esi replied before she sheepishly plopped her head on the ground – still facing the other direction. Moonlight patiently waited for her next words. “I just do what I always do… why do my quills change? They never have before… none of us do that." The Espeon passed a small, partially annoyed sigh, he was crossing by to speak to Haxorus, not Esi...

He tried avoiding it whenever he could.

“Esi, you shouldn't be just showing that to everyone…"

“My quills? I mean it's just weird that-"

“Your privates." He replied although it had been strange that her quill color had been changing. “That's a thing for courtship?"

“Privates? Courtship…?"

“Mating." The Esi gave a giggle

“What? No, it's not used for that!" She replied in her own blunt way. “I actually don't get what it's for at all; it's just there."

“… Mating is something it has been used for across countless species…"

“I've never heard of an Esi using it for that… I don't think I've ever even seen a Chesshira look at it. They hike our tails up because we use them to open our jackets. You can't unzip without them…" Moonlight swallowed.

“Then how do Chesshira breed, Esi?" Moonlights paw touched the ground.

“We mix our element, or more our skin – I mean… underneath. The males force our jacket open and drown us in their element, it could be soil… water – usually, they put it on the tummy and push it under our skin."

That doesn't… no… is she trying to say that the males skip sex altogether? Directly inject seminal fluids to the ovaries? It might explain why she could only breed once, he made that comment.

Sicko.

“Hundred!" The Esi commented out loud, her tails wiggled and creaked in all sorts of different directions. “I don't get why these holes don't stay, who fills them back with dirt?" Moonlight tilted his head downward.

Even with Bandit and her politeness, she's nearly the same appearance as any other Mightyena save for spots and size, her… tract stays flush with her fur. Actually… the Chesshira's made comments but now that I really think about it – I've never been able to spot it's testies or a phallus even if it can't take off its jacket, then there is an absence of genitalia.

Why do you have that then, Esi? If it's how you describe… there's no use to have them in the species… “Esi, how do you lay eggs? Fission, Budding?" She simply tilted her head and nodded, but Moonlight had the suspicion the meaning went in one ear and out the other.

“One hundred eggs!" She replied. “I've helped one before, she ends up constantly making their own element, bury them in the dirt, and they take shape! It can come from the paws, arms – skin. It's like…. Uhm… Dan…druff? Like the flakey things in fur and hair!"

Her cloaca or vagina, I guess, has no applicable relation then. If she describes it this way, it sounds like fragmentation, but she needs a male counterpart? External fertilization…? but… why have it at all if the males have no counterpart and she says that she doesn't even know what it's for… Moonlight had been staring at the dirt for the whole time, finally glancing up after a moment of thought. “You could tuck your tails down and turn around now – you could've skipped the whole 'show and tell' moment, Esi, and explained it to me, verbally..."

“I still don't understand…." She mentioned, having no sense of shame as she dropped her tails and turned around again. Her inner thighs and the fluff around had become a silvery-white collection of bristles. The rest had been information that Moonlight had already seen plenty of from all sides of the gender pool.

“Neither do I." Flatworm? No… it's not like penis fencing, the males and females are dedicated in this case, she hasn't suddenly changed between them.“Esi are y-"

“I've seen a female lay them, and I know that whatever you're talking about that I'm showing – clocy or whatever it's called, it's just there. It's never been there before I was born, only the younger families have them now; including me. Some eggs hatched, and every female that was born of them had one each." Esi commented. “It doesn't do anything for us, I've seen males do that thing; it's like being attacked when they're starved, the jacket gets torn open sometimes, and they drown them. It's over in seconds…" Moonlight tilted his head down, it certainly hadn't been a delightful experience or conversation. One-sided… if anything. Something is missing that I can't figure out.

“Do you regurgitate food?"

“Re…gurg…le?"

“Throw food back up and eat it later, or feed it to your-"

“No… the young usually eat the mothers, or at least her bones. Usually, the eggs lay quickly, so the males eat them and leave."

An insect…? No… it doesn't make sense, at this rate I nearly think she's like a living bacterium – an intelligent, living bacterium. Might explain the coat – like a cyst… but a bacterium can't have intelligence like hers. I can even tell from her eyes that they're more complicated than simplistic.

I don't think she's evolving… it's like her species is regressing. A reverse… so, in time I think she might not be a Chesshira at all. She could be even more fu-

“I am not messed up! I also don't like that word you're thinking."

“… Sorry, Esi." Moonlight commented back. “There's a lot of words you won't really understand, at this rate I'm speculating off what I see and know. I wanted to talk to… Haxy? I think you call him." Esi shook her head left and right.

“He's not in the Pokeball." She replied. “That Mightyena swapped with him."

“W – what? Why?"

“Haxy likes Logan more then Griffin, Shadow has been here for… an hour? Oh… right I promised Haxy not to say. Don't tell him I told you." Moonlight's eye dilated a little.

Shadow? He actually trusted Haxorus enough to swap places? Shadow wasn't an easy one to get to trust anyone. Shadow certainly hadn't been dead, it be hard to miss; even if he were reclusive at times.

“Stay here Esi, I'm going to return to the other side."

“Can I come with? Logan told me he couldn't let me out over there, but if I go over to you, then I should have plenty of time to see sunlight again!" Moonlight sighed a little

“I don't know if that would be possible, Esi." She shook her head no again, it made the Espeon furrow his brow.

“I can, I think. That funny hole in the biome. Logan has an internal transfer thingy with the Pokeballs, it's part of the safety mechanism in the ball." Esi mentioned. “With Ayumu they both worked on the project from twenty sixteen to twenty eighteen." Moonlight twitched an eye.

“How do yo"

“Oh, right… I can read Logan's mind like I can read all of yours."

The Espeon's eyes went wide. Thought's like Logan – he thought it was her way of saying 'you talk like him' he hadn't taken that point literally.

“I like all of his thoughts, but I don't like the memory. It was like with Absol. She had lots and lots of bad things happen – I hurt everywhere, it was more then I could handle." Esi mentioned and seemed to burrow or bundle into herself. “Do everything you can to help everyone." Esi continued to say, oddly, the emotion in her tone had become one that reminded him of a fight between his mother and father.

One of the only times she seemed to yell or plead or cry over something. “Even if it hurts you more than you could handle."

“Esi?" Moonlight began to say, she perked her head up. “How do I kill a Chesshira."

For just a moment, his purple fur went on stilts – the abnormal, strange, alien, and life defying Pokemon's… eyes… her eyes had dilated. The muscles on the jacket **_moved.

Her tail had been cocked in a peculiar way, like a strange, unique symbol or rune._**

“It's all I ever wanted you to do. The best you can do… because you've always been the hero, I've known."

His back trembled as the voice crept in. Autumn? The thought went through his skull before his jaw hit the inside of the Pokeball. A cramping dead weight clutched his chest – he couldn't breathe. The pain slowly fluttered in as his body got hot

And very quickly too.

Moonlight felt a throb, like a light patter as saliva dripped from his jaw – trying to force air inward.

What hit him? A bullet? His heart didn't race, he thought adrenaline would've at least kicked in for a fractional second. Then a beat. A solitary beat… Twenty-five BPM. There wasn't a single ounce of strength in his body to lift him – his vision had faded quickly.

Water…? It pushed to his mouth and nose… the burning began to fade, hardly a single thought could enter his head.

Thirty-five BPM. Forty-five… It was going back regularly… slowly." Moonlight found a breath, one that left him frozen to the floor, stuck to the dirt. Something walked up to him. Air filled his lungs and he had the urge to cough, but his head spun and spun.

“That might help your head," Esi mentioned, he could hear the sluggish and utterly soft voice. This oddly angelic one, but it wasn't fake emotion. “Logan asked a question, if what happened if he drank the water I make. I didn't want to use it on him – he's adamant that Pokemon and Humans aren't alike."

“E – E…" Moonlight struggled to find his voice, but his lungs felt like they filled with lead – full sandy grains of it. His whole body had fallen asleep in the worst possible way.

“I only want to help… everyone." She mentioned, and the Espeon saw her…

Beside him.

He tried fighting to look up, but there hadn't been any way to move his body.

“Since you didn't burst like all the others do… then I feel that Logan is right that it can help more than hurt. I don't care if it makes me look like the bad one… Luna, Seo, Bandit, Thief… they all wouldn't." The Esi expressed, “So concerning your tumor… Moonlight. I feel you won't have as many headaches anymore."

“B… Benign…" He muttered back.

“It won't even exist anymore. because you and I both know it would hurt you."

“It… was," Moonlight began to push to his legs, “Harmless." Esi shook her head; it really had been laying down beside him, close enough that he could touch her – but she kept all those quills away. “Harmless…" He blinked breathed. Nothing felt different at all. Yet Esi shook her skull once more.

“It isn't. It grows slowly… I know it does – I can read that, see it… hear it." The Esi continued, “I would do this for Seo and Scarf, but I know it would kill them. If they can't be around my mist… it'll kill them without any chance of their knowing. “It affects you as you heal and heal others." Moonlight blinked softly, “You had a terrible headache with Seo, while she was asleep – I can see you clearly when I'm not in my jacket." She mentioned, and Moonlight watched her tails wrap around her, suspiciously like a spider would. From the throat and the chest… the whole second skin peeled open.

Soft beige and silver, like the color of a dichromatic stone. She placed a small paw against his side – instinctively, he winced, but the bristles and quills felt like freshly shampooed, and conditioned fur. A strange misleading scent surrounded her. As he stared upward for a moment and sighed, her real tails covered her entire lower half.

The strangest thing about her quills, when they brushed against his fur, was the so-called 'polarity' of it. The feathers extended to touch him before her paw even touched him.

“Warm…" She mentioned and had pressed against Moonlight's stomach or side like a kitten would to a mother. Kneading, an obsession in a strange way. “To answer your question, blunt force is the only real way to. I heard the word… 'Knight' before. It's like that, I think, armor, I guess… Hit him as hard as you can in the neck… or in the sternum, and you could kill him instantly." She replied Moonlight stared at her second skin and the open hole that she slipped out of.

She really did hold the allure of a Fisher, a Feline, and a Stick Bug all in one package – quilled like some alien Velociraptor. Even on her primary skin, an all too sensitive topic had still been there – one she covered, thankfully. That couldn't have been like some empty shell; it was part of her.

Regressing Evolution or Transgressing? Moonlight couldn't tell at that point. Her eyes had been a wonderous soft pink-beige color, like a near-human or canine eye. Moonlight never saw an Iris that incandescent in his life; they nearly glowed as if candles had been behind them.

“Your speech pattern has changed… drastically. Do you understand everything you've been saying?"

“It's taken me a bit more than I thought it would, but with some of your thoughts, both conscious and not – it's helped. Also… you see me change my tail a lot… right? A Chesshira can do this faster than me; a smart one can remember the billions of different symbols too and who they belong to."

“What is it… exactly?" Moonlight mentioned, sitting upright. The strange thing made him tilt his head a touch. “You couldn't have just removed my tumor like that… How"

“It's not gone, but… it will not harm you. but the rune is a Core Link." Esi replied, it left the Espeon to blink, it felt like a lame way of putting it, but Esi had a look that expressed if she explained all she knew – it is a long conversation. “It's what the Chesshira did to Luna, he used a Core Link on her; invaded her psyche in a way – I didn't know a human being had one, but it's such a complex shape… and I didn't even think of giving Logan water."

“I accidentally hurt him, and I'm sorry for that."

“Humans don't have… any – they can't have one that is… what was it like?" Moonlight muttered out, she tilted her scalp… even the shape of her skull had been like a Pekania, her body shape hadn't been plump, but he felt glad that her ribs weren't showing as severely now.

“It was a snowy day… five people were there. I believe it to be both of their parents."

“Five?"

“Well, I never saw a fifth… but the feeling had been there. I just don't like the memory of it."

“What memory?"

“I sat in a cushion room that crumpled." She replied. “I don't like it… same as Seo's. I don't like any of them… I want to help; I want to help everyone, too, just like Luna does."

“Are you confident that this won't kill me later?" Moonlight softly called out, Esi nodded

“Imagine reversing the process entirely while filling back in the rest of the space with healthy parts." Moonlight nodded

“Uh-huh, yeah; Imagine. What if… I'm asking you, will it?"

“All I did was stoke the healing process… or fix it – I want to for Luna." Moonlight twitched an ear

“What's wrong with her?"

“Pokerus." Moonlight chuckled first and looked.

“Your not… joking? Who the hell hurt."

“No one, she was born that way – Professor Oak told Griffin that. I read Luna's mind too… you know?" The Espeon sighed

“Ya know Luna and me had a talk in Vermillion about privacy…"

“You still do that, however…" The Esi replied. “I'd show you my core, but I think it's under renovation!" She mentioned, almost grinned with a strange sense of delighted, calm glee. “With all the trees and bushes and berries…" Her eyes dilated. “No… a sea of berries could be-"

“This sounds like your happy place, not a core…"

“What's really the difference? Espeon?" She mentioned, “I feel, either way, it still explains one as who they are – whatever may be there." The Esi gave a giggle. “I always know Thief thinks about Griffin's food, I wanna see everyone, please… I really, really do."

“W – well, you can't eat…" Moonlight froze again. “Did you absorb a scale…? Esi? On your jacket?" The Espeon counted again

One definitely had been missing, it left him to lick his lip.

“It is a parasite, then… isn't it?" Moonlight mentioned, “We need to remove them now, Esi partway cut in front.

“No no no no, that's not possible, I can't lose any of t"

“I figured it out, it's a parasite and you losing one means it's starved off for some reason. It's what is probably hurting you." Esi tilted her scalp a little.

“I can't take them away… some were from friends." She muttered back.

“That's crazy – those would kill or drain you en… Friends?" Esi nodded

“We all collect them." She said, “I explained a little to Luna, we collect the scales, they aren't parasites. They protect us… without them, a demon would've eaten us long ago."

“A demon…?" Moonlight muttered back. “A demon? Like… what a twelve-foot fire demon? Eastern influence? Western? Central?"

“It's an Esi that saw your world, but said it was no different than ours." She mentioned and huffed before slithering back into her suit. “I want you to have pleasant dreams tonight… I know Marill feels better in the morning, it's not that I believe in solely you, but I believe in all of you."

“About Shadow being here… you being here?"

“I am truthful; he's with your owner – a cabin, I think. Logan is with him." Moonlights eyes softly dilated.

“Is that right…?" His voice came through breathlessly for a moment. “I didn't realize my owner came back from Alola, it's not safe for him."

“If those bad people mean even a quarter, if not less, of what they say… they're both safe." She replied back, her paw outreached – that strange, shriveled, and obsidian laden paw… the quills didn't react at that time. She stopped hardly a few minutes before, nodded and tilted her head at him. “I'd like you all to be happy, I want everyone to be. I've seen in my short time with this world – just from Logan alone… from all of you that it's not that bad, the everyday. I don't see a world full of bad things, not like home." Esi continued her small speel; her voice had hardly ever broken the calm, alluring, and otherwise delightful tone throughout. “I see a place where the good things far outweigh the bad, and that sometimes we're just lost in the bad things… I…" The strange, wannabe Marsupial creature simply sprawled her tails outright – letting them rest on the grass. Out of suit, she was just between Luna and Thief – in suit… she was around Moonlight's size. Her now… cloudy but working eyes had given a look to him.

“The only way I've ever helped is by listening – it's all my kind is truly good at." Esi returned and gave a small crease on her cheek. It looked like the skin had trouble moving the muscles around. “I know you're worried about me leaving here. I think… the Pikachu was in here – Scarf? I was perforating water, I don't know if the vapors reached him."

“They did…"

“Check on him, now; please." She mentioned and pushed her paws against the fake grass below her, the Esi stared down.

“Hey, no holes here."

“I can't promise anything." Esi rebutted, it left the Espeon to crack a smaller smile.

“You've also gotten better with speaking too, listening is something I feel that even I need to do more of." Moonlight mentioned she seemed to creak her neck or crane it at him. He gave a soft sigh and a smile. “With words like yours, I know you'll learn plenty more." He replied softly. “I should join the others" He mentioned

“Bring food! I wanna try rice!" She commented idly “Thief talks about rice and kibble and stuff sometimes." The Espeon found a small, calm tremble rush through his back, he began to walk to the centermost tree… “Oh! And Moonlight." Esi muttered out, her tails flicked a little bit. “After that night in that trainer village, as rough and lost as you are, I know that Leafeon won't mind holding your paws and guiding you too," Esi mentioned, her tails flickered as if it were a dog doing so – he couldn't tell if she forced them that way, struggling through it. “You have friends that always will, that's something I feel is precious; all of them and even the ones they make along the way." She mentioned, “Even the ones they lose too, you'll be surprised about what you can see through another's eyes." She said, “I should know! I have at least four of them. You have sixteen, including your own, and it never mattered where they were from. I think it's what Seo means of pride." Moonlight couldn't feel his forepaw move; her voice had been utterly captivating – if not outwardly.

“I think she means it as a way to show all of them the world you see and know."

_“Moonlight… what does it really mean to die?"

“… You're n"

“Sometimes when your busy, I get to think about the question a lot. Logically, emotionally… imaginary. But I've always sorta wished that because a part of you is with them… you get to see it all. Experience what they do; It's how I want to view it. That you get to be with them, all because you share that in common. If a flash before your eyes can be like a mirror, then… for me… can you imagine that after… you get to see what all of them see? If even for a moment?"_

_“Of… course, I can imagine that with you. It sounds delightful, really. I do know… that even if that moment is short… everything slows to a halt. If there's even a moment… then you'd have all the time in the world."

“It's a silly thought, I know."

“No… but I… kinda want to think that it goes on for a very… very long time._ It holds a charge for so long, in a way, I want to feel like it'll always be there – simply because they remember you too."

“Moonlight?"

“Yeah… I couldn't be able to talk to you long. I think you're worse then Leafeon."

“He and I do share a bit… and my sweet" She patted her paws to the earth. “Sorry, I've been trying to figure everyone's dialect, with all the different pitches and noises; it's so difficult to replicate. It doesn't help… with the…" Esi softly looked her way down. “L – like... Leafeon… or Shadow." The way she seemed to vibrate or hum left Moonlight to softly crane his head – focusing on keeping his thoughts empty.

“I understand, Esi. For a while, I actually took you for someone… much younger."

“I suspected everyone did, but I think I'm older than Thief actually. I found it a little funny that not anyone picked up I was struggling with the language." She giggled softly “It was a little weird being a 'cub' to some." Moonlight softly nodded

“I have a personal question for you…" Moonlight began to say, but Esi nodded before he could even ask it.Moonlight softly nodded

“I have a…"

“Oh… Oh, well yes. It's my seventeeth heat cycle… I don't know when they really occur – the weather here is so vastly different then home. We don't have… 'seasons' so time is hard to tell, really."." Esi expressed “I was always told by some of the strongest Esi's I know… that if you have no choice in a…" She shook her head, appeared as if she looked down in some guilty fashion. “T – then look for one that you know can't hurt you or the cubs."

“You don't ever need to give a look like that, I can guess that they see it like a taboo."

“Trying to find a male that doesn't hunt, or is stronger than the lust of it… it's considered naïve… I guess. It's the reason why I've gone so long without one. That and being the best at hiding." She mentioned “They don't want to admit it, because they can cut rocks so easily… but some rocks mess with their noses. I don't know.. I know the water smells though too, back home – unlike here."

“Sulfur…?" Moonlight muttered out, not with any second thought. “That can mess with anyones nose…"

“They're honestly just Pokemon, but the more they hunt, the worst they get." Esi replied “It makes me wonder what happened if they never did, if they had a few berries of their own…" Moonlight nodded and left his capsule. The moment the air touched him outside, he swore that it hummed – even for a moment. Like the heat and every sound of an insect touched his ears. The natural light left him to squint for a moment, he took a breath as if the lead in his lungs had flustered and flicked away.

“Lunch, Moonlight!" A voice squeaked at him, Marill muttered out. The Espeon had found a friendly smile, as if, for even a moment, it became second nature.

“Of course, thanks." He replied the Marill seemed to puff up a little – look red.

“Y – you don't need to sound so appreciative."

“What's…wrong with…" Moonlight stuttered out, but Marill interrupted him.

“That look on his face is scaring me, Scarf."

Scarf:

“Well, you puffy youngling, I'd say that's a smile I've never even seen before." The small pale yellow rodent had stretched a tad and sighed. “I… feel just as good as you look," The Pikachu expressed as he felt his nose scrunch up. The near chalk-pink eyed Espeon had a soft crack from cheek to cheek. “That little… sleep made me feel loads better."

“And I know why, Esi…"

“What's going on with her? She talks a whole bunch with me." The Pikachu bumped the Marill side with a clenched paw, partway for interrupting Moonlight.

“Now don't you be impolite around her."

“I – I'm not be-" His face had gone red. “I – I mean, I don't think I have been. We've talked a bunch is all – I can't count how often I've fallen asleep right there too. She's great at singing." Moonlight nodded

“You mentioned that before… has she ever gotten close…? To you – physically, I mean?" The Marill puffed up, red.

“I may not get a lot of time around females, but that doesn't mean I'm some perv…" He recoiled, his cheeks made him appear like some puffy hamster.

“I didn't mean it like that, sorry. I mean, has Esi always been in her side of the Pokeball?"

“Always… why do you ask?"

“It's… nothing." The Espeon replied and squinted lightly, his vision became slightly hazy… head began to pound.

It left his throat and mouth wrapped in a bundle of cotton, a shiver went down his spine. It left him to eerily swallow and breathe.

That's… a warning sign, I think – the lights are getting bright. Esi, why did you do that? If my body is reacting like this… it could spark a seizure. I've never had the nerves down my back run like this.

“Moonlight?" Marill muttered out before he clasped his paws together, spouting water into the small fuzzy things. “You always… need a little, right?"

“From… tie to time.."

“Tie to time?" Moonlight tilted his head and blinked; the bright sunlight dug against his irises.

“Is the left side of my face – anything droopy?" Scarf giggled and looked closely as if he were inspecting a product in a shop

“Nope, just your usual droopy look. I like the smile more." The Espeon nodded, looking at the small puddle in Marill's paws, he inspected his face as Scarf carefully glanced.

No visible signs of a seizure and aside from that strain and his body trembling… there hadn't been any issue he picked up on.

You honestly look a little better then you have in a while. “Come along and eat, Moonlight."

“Leftovers, right?"

“Yeah, actually all Griffin has had is a trail mix bar, Melody even forced him to eat it." The Pikachu mentioned, Moonlight gave a little nod.

“She's hard-working and quiet about it - I" Moonlight sighed as Marill cut him off, yet again.

“You know what's wrong with her, right?" Marill commented idly. “She smells really weird – not like Griffin after a week of travel… just like her skin is all wrong or… I don't know." Moonlights small smile gently faded. He went to open his mouth before he looked down a bit to the soil.

He knew the symptoms, even if she did hide in the background the best she could.

“Her symptoms are… similar to a chronic disease, I suspect it's in Re-“ Moonlight hadn't even realized that his muzzle had touched the grass and soil, something put pressure on the back of his skull, a growl.

“Shut.. your maw, or I'll find a way to staple-"

“Smokey!" Melody crossed out, the Houndoom glanced upright while Moonlight tossed his head behind him, he didn't bare a fang; simply laid out underneath the Houndoom's massive paw.

He looks distressed, on the verge of tears – bitter. My suspicion was right, wasn't it? I felt that her conversation in Sevii had been strange. Moonlight sighed, “I really am stuck playing doctor, aren't I?" The Espeon expressed, it made the larger Houndoom snarl.

“Hey, off my Pretty Boy, Kindling." Bandit's voice popped into the conversation, she made a firm set tread as if on the verge of flinting her teeth.

“Its fine, I have it handled – he's simply proving that he loves his trainer; something we all know." Moonlight mentioned, “You may understand it, and question it… her comment in Vermillion made me ill and angry." The Espeon discussed back. “The hypocrite that I am – It's CML, isn't it… Smokey?" The Houndoom's paw dug against the back of his skull for a moment.

“Let him go, sawdust." He growled at the Espeon… but the paw weakened faster than Moonlight suspected, that Houndoom gruffly huffed and turned tail.

“Don't you be mean! You should be playing with them, not picking fights." She replied, gently patted around his neck. “Now, let's eat." Bandit tossed a look away from the blond-haired trainer – her jeans had been a gentle baby blue, resting underneath a shirt with some colorful logo that was hidden underneath a breathable pink-white jacket.

“What was that abo-"

“Cancer." Moonlight mentioned. “She mentioned many things that I've heard before …"

“That's why she… has that off-setting scent." Bandit seemed to piece the parts together, even though it had been a struggle as she was usually very private.

“Yes, I suspect she's spent most, if not all, her childhood in a pediatrics facility. There's no telling how many friends she lost there." Moonlight mentioned quietly, “Her dizzy spells, the mornings she leaves and comes back with Pokemart bags. I have a feeling she's been throwing away most of what she's bought to hide the boxes her medication comes in." Bandit glanced downward

“She knew of that and still went with you all to Orange Isles…?"

“She's only lived with it… I'd suspect at a young age. It usually comes in around five or six. If that's true, granted her symptoms can be no different then some other common diseases or types… but if Smokey is like that…"

“You suspect he's trying to protect her from something he can't." The Pikachu interjected. “Can we help them?"

“Even I can't, aside from alleviating symptoms. Melody's medication, her activity, diet – all of it is the only thing that would stall and slow down the risk of a rebound. But I have an odd feeling… a bad one. Remember Fuschia – that weird kid told Griffin that breathing it was like smoking a pack of cigarettes, or a dozen? It means the smoke is a carcinogen – therefore, it would increase her risks of the cancer rebounding." Moonlight mentioned, Smokey glared at him and flicked his ear. Even quietly speaking, the Pikachu knew the Houndoom could pick up on it. “I think we may need to treat her a bit like a Pokemon herself if we run into it again.

“You mentioned it was an Anesthetic…" Bandit phrased softly, “How do you know it is?"

“My owner was the lead developer for it." He replied and softly nodded “It's supposed to be harmless – a Pokemon should be placed under using natural chemicals, more than artificial. The ratio of deaths due to human Anestia in Pokemon? Around fifteen percent in most cases. Ayumu had a failure rate of less than a fraction of a percent but like any drug… too much is still lethal."

“I don't get the… Machoke we dealt with, though." Scarf mentioned, he shuddered from the thoughts that came back to him. “He wasn't… in control of himself was he?"

“I wouldn't know of that one, but even Leafeon said that Machoke went further than was possible. A stimulant… maybe." Moonlight sighed viciously, “I can't believe we're the ones stuck in this when we haven't even done anything actually wrong. Yet… if we're at this point, I can't say they'd have much more time to keep on doing what they are doing. I'd suspect that if we ran into them again, it should only be stragglers and smaller pockets." Moonlight mentioned, lost in thought “Japan is a hard country to hide in – the regular law enforcement here has so much under a good kind of control that, toppled with the GPD…"

“The moment they really made a push was the moment they put themselves away?" Marill commented, and for once, Scarf thought the puffy mouse was on point.

“Exactly. I think, aside from staying on our toes, we may only have the Chesshira to actually deal with and whoever he could influence – if he talks even a fraction like Esi does… I'm sure he can rally vulnerable Pokemon."

“Or even humans, like those young trainers we've run into," Scarf replied back, it left Moonlight to nod again.

“Well… I'm hungrier than I am upset or unsettled…. Oh, Thief!"

“Mmffh?" He seemed to sprawl the motion out – fluffed rice had stuck to his cheeks, a swallow passed by. “I've been watching what I eat…" The Growlithe mentioned.

“No… a favor. Could you help me collect berries for Esi?" Moonlight mentioned, “She asked that I bring that – and… if you aren't going to eat all the rice, she'd like to try some."

“I have meat in mine." Thief muttered back. “But… I think Luna doesn't have meat today." Thief mentioned.

Berries for her. I wonder if she'd like spices too, in Johto I'm sure she'd enjoy that too then. “Thief, please look for Mitsuba, Negi, Wasabi root, and Sansho."

“Oh, those are easy!" Thief mentioned back. “Griffin always gets me to help find those! Let me finish eating… and I'll see what I can do." The Pikachu smiled brightly, nodded, and went back to his own lunch.

Kibble, alone had been dull – but Griffin always found a way to add something to it. In Scarfs case, along with mice feed, Griffin added small bits of carrot, cauliflower, chicory, basil, and coriander to the meal. It had been appetizing for Scarf – It really showed that Griffin added his own twist to Natasha's advice.

Scarf felt a warm feeling that even if they disagreed – Griffin still respected her words and opinion.

“Well," Scarf muttered as he held a smaller clumped pellet in his paw, biting into the mix of things he wrapped together with everything he in his bowl. “Goldenrod City, it is then." Scarf mentioned as the Espeon went through his bowl of food, all he had done was nod… The Pikachu had felt a pair of eyes on him from a particular Vulpix in the corner – she sat beside that strange Absol.

There couldn't be a feeling of fright she gave off, not while he glanced over; calmly. Luna seemed more aimless in her glances, yet the Absol pressed her paw against the Vulpix's back – straightened her up. There had been a much too calm wind that pressed against the air. Insects droned as if to enjoy the last bits of warmth before fall and winter; each distinct noise had been a weight lifted. The earlier silence had been longly unbecoming for everyone. At least the Pikachu suspected that much as he finished the last little bit and rested on his back, a paw on his stomach.

Scarf's shoulder hadn't even hurt anymore, it left him breathless. Aside from the calming view, the friends around him, and the food he had – what else would he need or even want?

“You look like you have a bigger grin then me." Moonlight muttered out – it left the Pikachu to kick, shocked that the Espeon already finished his food.

“I don't think you've ever eaten that quickly before."

“I feel like I want seconds…" Moonlight mentioned back and chuckled, “But I'm sure that Esi would know if I ate any of the things we got for her." Marill giggled

“She'd know before you even gave them to her! I bet she'd grunt and not talk to you for a few minutes – especially if you lied." Marill replied, “She does a pace when she seems upset."

“And you panicked over being rude to her."

“W – well, when you end up with silly thoughts at the wrong time, it's hard to just remind yourself not to think about it! She'd know the whole thing you did." Marill laughed, the Vibrava landed beside him.

“How are you?" The voice left everyone in an alien-like stare. That hadn't come from the now sluggish dragonfly – but from Lycanroc, who usually sat in the corner alone. Scarf noticed the small bundle of rope around her paw – a black and orange color for a paracord. It really did feel like a personal touch. The expression on her face felt softened with it on – yet her showing anything past stoicism had been rare.

Here, a softer look had been on her cheeks. A glance at Bandit left the Mightyena to hold her treat.

“You want some?" The Lycanroc seemed taken back at first – the Mightyena barely stalled her question. A sense of 'second nature' came from Bandit. The Lycanroc craned her head low, nodded subtly.

“Please." The Lycanroc mentioned after a moment, her fur had been in a half transition – stuck between a mid-day and afternoon form. Her pelt felt like it were grains of soft slate-grey and vibrant orange stone. It glimmered in its own way… then the Pikachu made sense of it.

Even though he had been that way for even a moment, a frightening one at that… Griffin still spent the minute to brush Lycanroc's fur. Yet that Pikachu still felt uneasy about Griffin. The human looked sickly, regardless of the calm, it left the Pikachu to exhale.

It left Scarf partway speechless when Brad hugged Griffin. It hadn't been a long hug by any means – it certainly left Griffin entirely speechless.

“You looked like you needed one," He mentioned back. “I know I usually did." Brad continued and gave a smile. “Hm?" Griffin's face seemed to go a pitch of red. “What? It's just a friendly hug." He mentioned once again, a small grin came across his cheeks. “Anyways… I was thinking about something."

“Hm?" Griffin partway stammered “W – what's the idea?" Brad tossed an arm over his shoulder and dragged him close.

“It's with Melody and her sister, I have an idea… but it involves a lot of… work."

“What kind of…? Wait, you want to keep pushing the gyms? With the police…"

“The most we'd have, probably with all this evidence on these guys is a few months at this rate. A judge – especially a Japanese one isn't going to sit around for the bullshit they'd pull stateside. I don't even know if they realize that themselves considering their actions." Brad mentioned again. “So once all the court stuff is done, those jackasses are arrested – I think if we push the gyms, and I mean hard… even the so-called 'Trainer Green' couldn't ignore us for long." Griffin twitched and eye at him

“Get our names out… publically?" He said, “That could be very dangerous considering…"

“Look, we got a guy that cooks like a veterinarian, a bug and fighting type 'expert'" Brad used quotations “I've spent so long on making that blog for bug types – even Hunter knew me for goodness sake. Anyways, if they'd want to get us after the fact… wouldn't it be better if we stuck together with our Pokemon and constantly moved? With Natasha – if she comes back… her social media influence would be huge in helping find Melody's Sis. Even better if we go international." Brad mentioned, “It be the fastest way to find the supposedly 'kidnapped' Trainer Green; someone would be bound to see us – good or bad. I feel that's regardless of what we do anyway. Unless you plan to just stay inside forever…" Brad expressed, “We cut them off at the pass, comply with everything the police need because we've done nothing wrong, and then help Melody find her Sister." Brad continued to say as Griffin gave an uneasy glance. “Anyways… with the police cracking down on them and hard… they aren't really going to have guns to use, and if they push us with Pokemon, it'll be a lot harder for them."

“That's… true, I guess. I"

“We'll keep to the cities and the trainer routes – no more of this charting our own path adventure crap." Brad mentioned and sighed softly, “although I do like the adventure… it's not much of one if anyone gets hurt, ya know?" Griffin partway sighed and nibbled on his protein bar, Brad held out a water bottle for him – this small plastic bottle. “Our Pokemon included." Griffin found himself taking hold of the water bottle as Brad placed his palm on the back of his scalp. “So, let's get this adventure started; it'll be better then all the crap going on" Griffin gave a look which made him seem partly speechless, Brad simply gave his usual smile – the kind that a rugby player gave after a fair game. “I just don't get one thing though…" Brad began as Griffin lightly cocked his skull.

“What…?" He partway stammered

“That Tri Research Grant you have. You haven't caught a single new Pokemon – I bet you've never even used your PC box." Brad mentioned, “I see you typing feverishly on your phone every night, reading like a mad man sometimes. Honestly, I feel like you'd put your head through a desk if you could…" Griffin sighed

“I kinda feel like it got dumped on me, but if it's honestly that important to my brother then… I'll do what I can." Griffin mentioned back, “It just… I don't know it feels wrong thinking about shoving them in a PC box."

“What else is a Pokeball? Especially yours." Brad mentioned, “Anyways, with that grant, it covers Pokemon food – everything you buy is spent by the Pokemon Association."

“This ha-" Brad made a flail of his arms

“I'll be damned if I'm going back to canned whatever and kibble for Aura." Brad mentioned, “I don't mind baking things sure, but if I gotta eat another Pokepuff Man…" Griffin partially giggled

“F - fair."

“The moment we get into the city, let's ask the two officers if we can hit the Pokemon Center – anyways, last I checked it was a procedure to go to one for their own Pokemon, especially when they travel on foot." Brad continued, “So… I bet you...four hundred Poke that we will have a so-called 'entourage' of cop cars that will be waiting at the one we go to, just to bring us to that GPD headquarters in Goldenrod." Brad expressed again, a small grin

Griffin didn't feel good about taking a bet like that.

“While we search for Melody's Sister, we can catch you a few Pokemon too, and you can test the system – unless you'd like to have your… battle box? Team? Placed into the PC like everyone else. You wouldn't have a choice on that one. I'm sure they'll be okay with a few bug types and maybe a field type or two – easy stuff, and we can always release them later." Brad said again. Griffin gently sighed

“I… don't know – I mean honestly, I've never felt good about the grant in the beginning. There are a dozen rules – I'm only actually allowed to catch a certain number of Pokemon like weekly anyways. The Pokemon Association also knows where I go and what I spend the money on, all the time, and apparently having the extra six Pokemon makes me a bit of a… target for Team Rocket and such." Griffin muttered, “I've never liked it; I haven't liked the adventure honestly save for a few good picnics." Brad softly looked down

“Not much of a driven trainer…" Brad continued

“I honestly just wanted to work with trades," Griffin said and sighed. “But I guess, with Bandit being taken and all – and everyone…" Brad partway nodded

“It just sucks that without your trainer ID, I mean the thing that lets you be a trainer… you have a limit of three Pokemon – no PC box and you're limited by Pokemon types."

“I know…" Griffin sighed. “What do I do then with it?" Brad put his finger under his jaw

“Just do the gyms." Melody said aloud, “When you have an official regional win, you get to keep them and your PC box – why else do you think your brother has his when he's a Researcher?" Melody expressed, “Professors get the whole lab, but your older brother is more of a laboratory assistant, if he never finished a regional event, he never would've been able to keep all of his Pokemon." She said, “Either way, I need to pick up supplies, so the faster we get to the city, the better." Melody mentioned, this smaller glint of determination sat in her expression. “I like the idea of catching attention to find her," Melody said. “I don't care if I'm the add on kid or extra baggage – I want to see her. I need to see her." Melody mentioned, “I want to make sure she's safe… I'm her older sister."

“Hm? Did you say something, Griffin?" Scarf twitched his ear, even he hadn't caught onto it, but he knew the human's lips had moved.

Only Luna appeared as if she understood it.

“Nothing Brad, your right, Melody – we are going to find her." Griffin mentioned, “That way, you'll have a whole lot more than just Smokey." He continued to say, Melody partway glanced down.

“I already do." She mentioned back, “A lot more then I wanted to realize because…" She trailed off, “Never mind, let's head to the city; I'm certain our two friends want to leave." Griffin nodded and partway panted.

“I still don't get why… y" Melody partway, if not shamefully looked down.

“I… really don't want to talk about that." She replied, went to say something, but couldn't figure the words – Brad slumped an arm over Griffin's shoulder.

“And YOU should stop bringing up a gloomy subject – when Melody is ready." Griffin nodded, and as he had, Scarf felt the strength in his small legs – even if his hip acted up as he stood. Thief pushed against him.

“Need a lift?" He'd mention while the Pikachu gave a nod

“If you offer, I'll never say no." Scarf expressed and gently climbed against the Growlithes back. All he really did was stare at everyone he could; supposedly deaf Vulpix, A Foreign Mightyena, A crippled Absol, A temperamental Lycanroc, a Friendly Vibrava, a curious Marill, a sassy – emotional Espeon, a brotherly Growlithe, and a humbled Pikachu; all of them led by three estranged and similarly different humans. Quietly Scarf only stared while on top of Thief's back, a gentle warm smile on his face as he'd delicately imprint the memory around him – look ahead to the better ones upcoming.

Even with the thought of them together made up a strange company, Scarf never once had it come to mind that it was ever a bad one; he even felt, in many ways, thankful to be a part of it and knew that another had been too.