《Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Martyrdom》


 Blood and Rain

    Chapter one: Blood and Rain


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    Rain pours down around me, wind buffeting plants and pokemon alike, the world is displeased.


    Despite the water not able to fully soak my fur, the constant pounding weighs me down. Mud and leaves sticking to my paws as I search for them.


    It never storms this hard unless a group is here.


    Abruptly, a bundle of leaves blow past me, dancing down the path ahead.


    "There?"I think.


    I don''t question how I can hear the rustling leaves though all this rain, nor the sudden wind at my back,


    Regardless, a slight hunger pinches at my stomach, wading through water and mud just doesn''t fill me up. Looking around, all I can see is the trees that tower into the sky and wall in everything around, except a few corridors. Second glances reveal some pokemon, most hiding from my approach, very little on the hunt for them¡­ like me.


    I shake my head of water and those thoughts, I''m not like these animals, I''m¡­


    I look down at my black hands and blue fur¡­ I¡­ I''m still me on the inside, at least. Slight movement has me look up, while ripping a scalchop off in preparation. A surprised surskit jumps back before dashing behind me and into the path I was blocking.


    A lapse in awareness could have led to a worse outcome. Putting idle thoughts away, and doing the same with my weapon, I head to the dark corridor on the other side of the clearing and down its path.


    Now on an only slightly, muddy, dirt road, this place shows more of its otherworldly nature. The trees close in to form a narrow path, but not before they stretch together to form an overhead sealing of logs, branches, and leaves. A couple drops fall around me, the tunnel not entirely waterproof.


    Carefully entering the next opening of some twisted forest, it holds the bodies of two beaten down pokemon. On closer look, both showed injuries of still bleeding cuts, bruises, and definitely grass type attacks. Divulging what seems to have been a protracted battle, an overabundance of busted seeds and leaves litter the ground. Inexperience? Or¡­ worn out?


    "Three grass-types? Likely not a fight I want to take... But three greens winded and wounded? Manageable¡­"


    Leaving the unconscious pokemon, it takes some time, but I find three pairs of eroded tracks leading out to another corridor.


    I only make it a couple of steps before a thought grips me.


    ¡­


    "Why am I going after them again?"


    I stand there, my tail slapping the mud in sudden irritation. Hands massaging two closed eyes, what am I doing? I fight them because¡­?


    The wind plays with my fur, still so foreign. I grit my teeth, pressure seeming to build in the back of my mind.


    ¡­


    A branch falls in the path ahead, leaves fluttering on the way down¡­


    Tha¡­ That''s right! The groups are a danger to me. I open my eyes, the confusion fading just as fast, replaced with something else, anger? No time to dwell, these groups of pokemon have attacked me in the past, they have to be stopped. Driven from my home, or they''ll hurt me again!


    Peeling scalchops off my hips like velcro, my brow furrows as I march after theinvaders.


    ¡­


    Halfway down the path, I hear the endings of a fight. Others are doing my work for me, again. Invigorated at finding my targets, I rush into another large and twisted forest clearing.


    Quickly I duck behind some plants, the ongoing fight covering up my entrance. Through the rain I can make out my targets, three different pokemon, a Treecko, Skiddo, and Litleo, all wearing matching red bandanas. Said Litleo, sporting soaking bandages, is hanging back as its companions deal with two wild Buizel. Spotting what I was looking for, the Treecko is wearing the dreaded magic bag. My breathing starts to pick up, the sight of the battle ahead causing adrenaline and water within me to churn.


    "Only two grass, and one fire? Better odds."


    Abruptly the Skiddo charges towards the two battered ferals, causing them both to start spraying it down with combined water guns. The Skiddo is slowed to a stop by the onslaught and begins to hold firm, seeming to handle the onslaught rather well. Seizing advantage of the,"intended?", opening, the Treeko darts around and fires off a leafage at the closest Buizel.


    Too focused, the already hurt Buizel is blindsided and staggers back before collapsing to the mud. Seeing the coming defeat, the remaining feral takes a step back, second guessing.


    Taking that as my que¡­


    I spring from the back, scalchops in hand, and towards the spectating Litleo. Surging the water within me up my arms and into my weapons, causing the blades to dribble with water, I drive both scalchops into the fire cat.


    Mid turn around, both blades sink a couple inches into Litleo''s hind leg and back. Surprise and pain echo out to the surrounding pokemon. Planting a foot on their side, I kick the stunned cat away while pulling my scalchops free.


    Blue glow fading to reveal red stained tools.


    "Cindy, No!" The Skiddo shouts, before getting pounced on by an invigorated Buizel.


    Fearfully, Litleo looks up at me from the soaked earth, current and accumulated injuries glisten with blood and rain. I raise my weapon high, readying a final razor shell, before¡­ Before I''m pelted with a leafage, rapid stings pursuing as I disengage.


    "Cindy! Get back! It''s the bounty!" Treecko yells, cutting off the attack and running at Litleo. The cat blinks the fear away, smiles, and staggers towards its friend. They meet before Treecko pulls an oran berry out of the bag and into Litleo''s mouth. "Here, last one¡­"


    Yanking a sharp leaf out of my disheveled fur, I then flinch away from a hurling Buizel. It skids to a stop, before letting out a long groan and staying down. Skiddo stomps between me and the others, digging at the muddy ground.


    Suddenly, the Treecko starts making noise. "Willow, same plan, distract the Feral! Cindy, stay back, you''re too hurt! I''ll try to hit it from the sides." Skiddo huffed at the sounds and Litleo limped away, eating the last of the oran.


    My eyes shift to the retreating cat and Skiddo starts charging at me, horns down. I tuck my scalchops away, brace, and catch their charge. Sliding back slightly from the momentum, I use my larger size to drive it back a step. Now holding the pokemon still, I prepare a point-blank water gu-


    "Let there beLight!"


    Just like that, the storm ceased¡­


    The sun''s rays danced on my wet fur like a mother''s warm affection¡­ The sun?


    Before I can catch a glance up, Skiddo capitalizes. Making a suddenly more forceful push, they drive their ram-like horns into my gut, and with an upwards jerk, I''m thrown behind them. The Skiddo turns with a satisfied snort, then rears up for a strong headbutt. Grabbing a handful of mud from one of the quickly shrinking pools, I toss it at the pokemon''s face. abruptly blinded, Skiddo falls backwards and ineffectively tries scraping the mud off with its forelimbs.


    Getting up and glancing back at the Treecko, I see the lizard digging through its bag of tricks.


    "Where is it? Where is the seed!?"


    Dashing at the green lizard, I grab both scalchops¡­ or try to. My still muddy hand causes me to fumble one. Cursing, I leave it, quickly closing with Treecko.


    "Aha!" It shouts, before it pulls some item out and winds up for a throw. "Take thi-"


    I slash.


    without warning, a large fireball blossoms between us, pushing the neighboring plants down. The explosion itself blows me back and rips the scalchop out of my hand. Treecko, just as close, is tossed away too. Landing with an unpleasant crash, I slowly look myself over for any troubling injuries, the ringing ears can''t be helped. Luckily, I just spit water on any pieces of smoldering fur.


    Glancing around, I see the Skiddo dragging its face along the ground, Treecko is groaning on the floor looking worse for wear, and the Litleo nervously shifting close by it, unsure if to help or stay back, I think. Looking next to me, I seemed to have landed next to the scalchop I dropped.


    Grabbing it with my cleaner hand, I shake mud off and turn back to the lizard. Getting up, the march towards Treecko is filled with my light panting, creeping exhaustion, and sudden hunger pains. Gripping the weapon tighter, a snarl forms on my face.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    Cut the grass, douse the fire, finish off with Skiddo. It''s not this difficult. workharder¡­


    Steeling myself, I straighten my posture and pick up the pace.


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    "It wasn''t supposed to be like¡­ this¡­"


    What went wrong?


    ¡­


    Cindy knows what went wrong¡­


    Team Forest Fire''s first "C" ranked mission, they never took any mission higher than a "D", especially not any bounty mission! But Hazel¡­ She had been so convincing¡­


    [Day Before]


    "Eazy money guys, we legitimately have the type advantage on it, Me and Willow that is¡­" Hazel said, sending me an apologetic smile.


    "Need more than T.V." Willow said, with a huff. "Drowning Forest always raining, water types tougher there because of. Bounty included."


    "I knew you were going to say something like that~" Hazel said, with a little sass at the end. "That is why I got this!"


    Digging an orb out of the team''s explorer satchel, She presented us with a Sunny Orb.


    "Thought we spent money together?" Willow said, frown slowly forming.


    Frowning back, Hazel starts fiddling with the team bandana around her neck. "Have more faith in me Willow¡­ like Cindy. She has complete trust in me!" Hazel immediately looking and smiling at me. "Right?"


    Put on the spot, I blanched. Glancing between the two, I''m not sure who to pick¡­ I don''t think Hazel would buy things without telling us, but I don''t want Willow to think I don''t trust him either¡­ uh¡­


    "See~" Our tree lizard said, giving Willow a cheeky side-eye.


    "Said nothin''."


    "Exactly! Cindy didn''t deny what I said."


    Willow snorted at that.


    "This is besides the point." Hazel taking their small victory and quickly moving on. "We got this orb, and some other useless junk, after doing that retrieval request from Spinda, remember? We broughtallher stuff back to her and they told us to just keep it."


    I honestly don''t remember, Willow and Hazel usually have that stuff figured out.


    Willow rocked his head side to side, then came to some conclusion. "Yeah."


    "How is this going to help us¡­ in the dungeon?" I said, pointing a paw at the orb.


    "Glad you asked." Hazel said, raising the item up dramatically. "Yes, the constant rain there favors the water-types. But if me and you-" Hazel pointing between her and Willow. "-can power through the water ferals, and find the elite. Then this Sunny Orb will be our winning move!"


    Hazel was showing great enthusiasm, but I had a feeling I was going to be next to useless if we went.


    "Imagine it, we find the feral, then BAM!" She swung the orb in front of her, like she was blasting some mon'' with it. "The sun comes out, and it''s us who are stronger."


    "All of us." Hazel said, focusing on me. "I''m pretty sure sunny orbs also empower fire mon'' too."


    I feel better about that, I''ll be of some use¡­ If we go, that is.


    I watch as a couple minute emotions play across the Skiddo''s snout, before he lets out a huff. A small nod at Hazel is his only answer.


    "Yes!" Hazel celebrates happily, before looking sheepishly at me. "I mean, are you okay with the plan too?"


    I appreciate that, but I was ready as soon as they were. "Yeah, I''m good¡­ You guys always find the best jobs, how can I not?"


    Hazel smiled at that, and was about to say something encouraging or the like, but Willow spoke up.


    "Need lots''a supplies, ''powering through''''s tiring, hurts." He said, using Hazel''s earlier words. "How many oran we got?"


    Being our only source of hands, Hazel shifted around the bag''s contents."How much stuff do we have in there?"


    She sighed. "We have a couple, but you''re right. This isn''t going to be a trip to Bushy Beach." Pulling the teams'' coin bag out of the explorer''s bag, Hazel started counting what we have. "We''ll take today off to do some shopping, eat dinner, and then straight to bed. Gonna want all our strength tomorrow!"


    A day off sounded nice, but I usually like to play games with them after dinner, shame¡­


    "Any idea what todays'' oran prices are?"


    [Modern Day]


    We had needed it, all of it¡­


    Every oran berry, every sleep or blast seed¡­ Here at the finish, but¡­ we''re going to lose?


    I limp up to Hazel. I slept so much last night, why am I so tired and dizzy¡­?


    Standing over Hazel, I see that she is still breathing. Releasing a breath I didn''t know I was holding, I tried to shake her awake.


    "Hazel? H-Hey¡­ get up¡­ please?" I look up, the Dewott only moments away. The promise of pain glinting off their blood-stained weapon"My blood". I start shaking Hazel harder. "Hazel! W-we can''t stay here-"


    An ominous shadow creeps over the Treecko and onto me¡­ no¡­


    Looking up, the sinking feeling in my stomach reveals itself. A half moment glare from the feral feels like a cold wind.


    What should I do? Hazel said to stay back, but if I go she''ll¡­


    The moment has passed, Dewott raises their scalchop. I''m so tired, and everything is moving so quickly.


    Hazel, I''m so sorry¡­


    ¡­


    The scalchop descends¡­ into a torrent of flames. Flinching back, the fire washes over Dewott in a searing stream. Faltering steps place me above Hazel and between the feral. Soon the Flamethrower starts to dwindle, my internal fire feeling like a candle in the raging winds.


    Suddenly, a Razor shell tears through the blaze, passing inches from my snout. I take a surprise step back, and meet it with one trembling step forward. I can''t run¡­


    As the flames dissipate, it reveals a slightly charred dewott. Their eyes slowly open, fur and whiskers lightly smoking. Pushing the attack, I leap, hoping to latch onto an arm or-


    Ah! pain¡­


    Swatted aside, I force myself back up. Wounds that weren''t fully recovered by the oran berry bleed again. Come on, bite them, claw them, I have to-


    Pain¡­


    I scream¡­


    I cover an eye¡­


    Pain¡­


    I scream¡­


    I cry¡­


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    The fire cat rolls around on the ground, yowling and clutching its head wound. I was hoping an attack like that would''ve knocked it out, but¡­ no. I consider my options, one strong punch to the head would surely work, or I could¡­


    I bring my scalchop up for a closer look. I could¡­


    A single leaf dances in the air, gently landing in the cup of my scalchop.


    ¡­


    Across the neck? Maybe¡­


    Before I can decide, I''m interrupted, again. Bullet seeds start whizzing around me. Turning to my side, I see Skiddo shooting at me, its shots wild and unfocused mid sprint. Putting my weapon away, I then try to block any seeds from hitting my head, and brace. Within no time, the pokemon closes the distance and brings its horns to bear.


    Just like last time, I catch their charge, and only slide back a little bit¡­ and over the downed Treecho. Cursing, the Skiddo also trips and falls to the ground with me.


    Taking charge, I kick the pokemon away and get to my feet first. Movement in my peripheral, I spin to look at Treecko. The Lizard seeming to have waken up from our earlier kicking. Treecko slowly starts to rub at its head, eyes darting open when we lock gazes.


    Flooding my scalchop, I catch Treecko trying to open their bag, the Razor Shell opening a long gash down their arm. Letting out a pained cry, they raise their bag causing my return strike to cut open a hole. Random foods and items start spilling out onto the ground. Bringing both arms up, I ready an empowered Razor Shell. Pushing as much of my water into the scalchop as I can, the attack is interrupted by a vine around my wrist. Suddenly being yanked back, I backpedal for balance.


    Spinning around, I plant a firm foot down and glare at Skiddo. Said pokemon concentrating on pulling me away from its companions. Wishing I still had my other scalchop, a small game of tug-o-war ensues. Frustrated, I pull the vine into my mouth and bite. A twinge shows on Skiddo''s muzzle, replaced with more tugging. Shaking my head, the vine finally snaps. Not soon after, another vine darts at me. A quick slash sends the severed vine back. Carefully now, I make my way towards them, wary of any more vines.


    A small grin builds on Skiddo''s muzzle¡­ a short lived one, that is.


    "Willow, Retreat!"


    The Treecko yells something behind me, causing Skiddo''s whole demeanor to change. They try to look around me, while also keeping an eye on me. Too tempted, I send a quick glance back.


    Treecko is on their knees, cradling a blood stained cat.


    "Cindy¡­ She''s-"


    A pained cough and reaching paw interrupt them. Immediately, Treecko begins digging through the bag for more things.


    Deciding there is no danger behind me, I turn back around¡­ to see Skiddo mid charge at me. No time to put my weapon away, I catch one horn and shoulder the charge. The Tackle is felt up and down my arm, just more pain. A harsh push at Skiddo sends alarm bells screaming in my arm, but achieves the distance I want. Raising my scalchop up. I bring it down. The unempowered attack leaving a small gap in Skiddo''s right horn, before bouncing off. Powering through my, admittedly weak, attack, Skiddo headbutted my chest knocking me to the ground. Thinking fast, I roll away from any follow up¡­ only to be met with Skiddo seemingly retreating back to their companions?


    The pokemon arrives and turns to face me, we decide to share glares¡­


    "Willow, touch me, we need to go!" Treecko speaks quickly, holding Litleo with one arm and raising an orb into the air.


    Skiddo takes a step back before pushing a hoof into Treecko''s side. The lizard does something to the orb? Then, the three start to glow brightly, so much it''s hard to look at.


    Then, all at once, they were gone¡­


    The orb hanging suspended midair, being the only evidence of their departure. Only for it to shatter, the fragments fading away before even touching the ground¡­


    Where¡­ where did they go?


    I look around frantically, as if they''d be peeking out from a twisted tree. I remember one group hitting me with an orb, the thing sending me to some random part of the forest.


    They have to be somewhere in the forest, I need to find them, I need to chase them out, I need to-


    ¡­


    Somethings wrong¡­


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    I appear a short distance from the dungeon''s entrance, I fight back the vertigo of teleportation. Turning around, I notice Cindy didn''t fare quite as well. After the Escape orb, she seemed to have rolled out of Hazel''s grasp and vomited, pieces of oran berry and bile on the ground.


    Recovering next, Hazel rushes over to Cindy, leading her away from the puddle and sitting her down. How such a small pokemon could stand after all that¡­


    It speaks of my inaptitude.


    Stuffing those thoughts away, I step forward to help¡­ but I''m not sure what to do. Hazel is already replacing old bandages and wrapping up other wounds. Sometimes I really do envy hands.


    Looking closely at Cindy''s closed eye, I can see blood seeping between the eyelids¡­


    I let out a large grunt to get Hazel''s attention and say. "Eye."


    Hazel, not sure what I meant for a moment, then takes Cindy''s head in her hands and gets a better look.


    "What happened to your eye?" Hazel said. A cut at the top and bottom of the eyelid hinting.


    "I¡­ don''t know¡­ The dewott hit me in the face really hard¡­ Now my eye hurts a lot."


    "Uh¡­ okey, Cindy, I''m going to take a look at your e-eye. Hold still¡­ please." Hazel said, putting on the most obviously fake smile.


    Nevertheless, Cindy held still, smiling back. Too quickly for my comfort, Hazel opened the cats still bleeding eyelids, blood covered almost the entirety of the ruined orb. Will it ever heal¡­?


    I could visibly see the color drain beneath Hazel''s scales, so could Cindy.


    "Is¡­ everything ok? W-why can''t I see you? out that¡­ eye¡­"


    Quickly, Hazel tried to save the situation. "Y-yes! Just making sure it isn''t infected." letting the eyelids close, and avoiding the question, she then started looking for more bandages. But there wasn''t anymore.


    Taking my red bandana in my mouth, I yank the cloth off and offer it to Hazel.


    "Good thinking." She said, firmly tying it around the face wound, red cloth hiding red stains.


    "No problem, I don''t deserve it anyway."Is what I should have said.


    "Yeah."


    There''s a minute of silence as Hazel tries to care for our youngest teammate.


    ¡­


    "Hazel¡­" Cindy''s voice is tender, frail. "I''m¡­ sorry for not listening to you."


    Hazel, obviously not sure what she is going on about, comforts her anyway. "Shhh, It''s ok, I''m just glad you''re alright." She said, wiping away a tear from Cendy''s good eye and embracing her.


    "I''m¡­ sorry, too."


    My meager words not expressing the guilt.


    "No, my friends¡­" Hazel spoke up, pulling away to address both of us. "I''m the one who should be sorry." Tears raining down her face now.


    "I shouldn''t have pushed you to take a mission we couldn''t do. I should have called off the mission when our supplies started to run low¡­"


    She looked at Cindy, hands clutching her own bandana. "I almost got you-"


    But she was interrupted, an unexpected giggle from Cindy.


    "Guys, weallcan''t be sorry."


    Dumbstruck, Hazel couldn''t continue her confession. Instead, she went back to caring for Cindy. Forming, perhaps, a genuine smile.

 Inhibition

    Chapter Two: Inhibition


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    The sun¡­


    When was the last time I saw the sun¡­


    Teary-eyed, I pull my gaze from the sky, a slight afterimage following. "Ok, maybe don''t blind yourself."


    But, where is the water? The wind? The rain? I''ve been here for weeks¡­ months? The weather never changes, it''s always the same¡­


    Looking around, I have to take in what feels like a whole new environment. Even as disturbing as the twisted plants are, the forest is so much brighter, so much more¡­ enjoyable? I look down at the resilient grass and delicate flowers, a reminder of normalcy. I also appreciate the total lack of constant mud. Truly a much more pleasant environment. A small chuckle escapes, "reminiscing about dry ground are we?".


    Glancing down at myself, the smile slowly fades. The warm light showing my true fur colors, no longer smudged by dark clouds and damp water. I look at the light blue fur dominating most of my body, the darker blue of my thick fur skirt? kilt? And the midnight black around my legs and forearms. I can also see the benefit of fighting for your life. As if awakened by sight, my earlier wounds start aching.


    No time like the present, I dejectedly check myself for any serious injuries.


    Spotting a couple leaves embedded in my skin, I decide those don''t belong there. Wincing upon pulling them out, I toss the blood speckled leaves away. Next, I catch a slight discoloration and pull back some fur around my belly. Grimacing, I flatten my fluff back over the large bruise. I can''t see it, it''s not there. Speaking of things not being there, I recall the lost scalchop. Subconsciously reaching for it, I can''t help but feel¡­ unbalanced? Incomplete? I try to shake the feeling away, I''ll look for it in a minute. Squeezing my right upper arm, a sharp pain is rewarded.


    Not broken, but¡­ fractured? maybe? Great.


    Not bothering with checking any burn spots, "I''m a water-type anyway, right?", I decided that I wasn''t about to keel over¡­ Instead, I would starve.


    Feeling like I haven''t eaten all day, which I haven''t, I remember the spilled items. Even if they did get away, there still seems to be a modicum of pickings. Snatching up a pair of apples, "God, why is it always apples?", I immediately start chowing down on one. Going to wipe my mouth off with my shirt, I realize I''m still kinda naked. Instead I wipe the juices onto my arm fur.


    Deciding I''ll eat the other apple back home, I set it down and begin organizing all the items that were dropped. After getting everything together, which wasn''t a lot, the nice invaders left me, one apple, two pinkish heart berries, a roll of bandages, two seeds of some kind, and a bound piece of rolled up parchment.


    Sending a quick glance around for any danger, the only thing of note being the two downed buizel, I undo the string, and¡­ find something of concern¡­


    The paper itself unremarkable and written on it was some kind of¡­ footprints? pawprints? But you really don''t need to know the local dialect to read a detailed picture. It''s¡­ It''s something to think about later.


    Scrutinizing the berries now, I think they''re¡­ Pecha? Yah, pink-for-pecha. But¡­ what does it do again? Also a mystery for later.


    Gathering everything up. I step around the unconscious buizels and make my way back home¡­ only to stop.


    I watch a leaf drift down into a dense patch of grass¡­


    ¡­


    What''s there?


    Apprehensive, I go over and search the tall grass, and¡­ find my damaged scalchop.


    A single leaf sits neatly on top.


    I pick both up, then look around at the surrounding forest.


    "Uh¡­ " I glance around randomly, not sure what I''m trying to find. " ...thanks?"


    It only ever gets more strange.


    Pretending like that didn''t happen, I inspect my damaged weapon, letting the leaf slip to the ground. It looks like a third of the shell was destroyed, not to mention the concerningly large crack. A feeling I can''t truly describe, "Anger? Shame?", builds the more I look at my ruined scalchop. Huffing, I put it on my hip and started on my way.


    The path back was familiar and uneventful, if not unique seeing everything dry and sunny.


    The closer I get to my home the more dense and wet the forest becomes. Even with the rain gone, a couple inches of water remain everywhere; turning the land rather swampy.


    While the land fills with water, trees quickly grow in size akin to large redwoods. Exiting another flooded tree tunnel, I arrived at the place I was looking for. The biggest redwoods, for a lack of a better name, here were arranged in a half circle around a moderately sized basin; the middle of which was dark and unsettling.


    Not to be outdone in strangeness, most of the redwoods had large round hollows that constantly disgorge more water into the basin and surrounding area. The amount of liquid spewed usually depending on the size of the hollows, but I was more interested in finding mine.


    A practiced glance easily finds it, the four letter word ''HERE'' etched above the middle hollow being a dead giveaway. Only a small and steady flow spills out, despite the opening''s larger size. Finding my commonly used branches and footholds is eazy, climbing with my hands full and a fractured arm? Not so much.


    Once inside the hollow, I walk into a small stream that soon turns into about a foot of flowing water. The liquid also randomly dripping from the ceiling or draining out of the round walls. A decent distance in, I come to a side room I had deliberately carved out with my scalchops. This far in the tree, there is little to no light and even less in my hovel.


    Stepping up, and out of the flow, I step around some rocks, feel around a bit, and dump my new belongings into a corner, then flop face down into my bed. "Bed" being a generous term, as it was mostly a pile of damp leaves, grasses, and cloths I liberated from groups.


    Rolling over to look at the entrance, I consider sleeping now and leaving everything for future me. But no¡­


    Getting up, "why is everything aching again?", I make my way over to the spoils. Grabbing the other apple, I eat it and wash the taste down with a sweet Pecha, "Here''s to it not being poisonous!". Whipping more juice on my arm, I consider a bath.


    Stepping back down into the slow stream, the water coming up to my waist, I start scrubbing the dirt and dried blood out of my fur. Feeling a slight frustration build, I next pull out my scalchops and clean them, taking extra care when cleaning blood off the broken one.


    More blood, more fighting, more pain, more-


    Bottling my feelings up, I stow my weapons and dive into the water. Spinning around and scrubbing away all the grim, the water around me turns a murky brown and red before being pulled down stream. Soon I stop and slowly watch the remaining air bubbles escape my lungs. A slight panic builds before I quell it, an old instinct.


    Then, I breathe in¡­


    Alarm bells ring out in my head, but they are ignored. Focusing on my breathing, I try to let every little thing happen naturally. But it''s hard, water is far thicker than air and the bells only grow in volume. Closing my eyes, I draw in as much water as my lungs can hold and then¡­


    Nothing, I don''t drown, my lungs don''t burn, I lazily drift under the water¡­ Body relaxing, everything starts to feel a bit tranquil. Eyes back open, I notice how far I drifted and use my tail to slowly paddle back home.


    Enjoying the lazy trip back, I take in my little wet world. The slight weight of the water is comforting, gentle, and I can feel some aches and pains calm. Surfacing for a second, I nab one of my nice, smooth, rocks at the entrance. Swimming back to the hollow''s exit, I surface once the stream becomes too shallow, cough up two lungs full of liquid, and sit on the waterfalls'' edge.


    Letting the water flow past me, I pull off a scalchop and engross myself in maintenance. Running the perfect, and smooth, stone along the weapon''s edge like a whetstone, I work out any nicks or imperfections. Intuition guides my process. intuition? Or instinct?


    The lines blur¡­


    Catching movement, I glare at one of the two entrances. A wild Wooper stumbles through the right tunnel, trips on its own feet, and splashes into a large puddle. My work grinds to a halt, and I consider chasing the thing out. I have made it a point to drive ferals and groups away. Ferals most of all should know, no one is allowed in my territory, my home.


    But I hesitated; if I jump down, then I''d have to climb back up and my arm is already starting to act up from just shell sharpening. Before I can decide, the wooper gets up, seemingly happy to have fallen into a puddle, and finds me glaring. Whether out of self-preservation or my reputation, the little water-type turns tail and runs.


    Then falls, runs¡­ falls¡­ runs some more, and likely falls some more. But I stop watching and go back to work.


    Getting a good sharpness takes time and patience, a lengthy distraction is also a blessing. Happy with the final result, I pull out the other scalchop and¡­ and well¡­ I could sharpen it, but it''s missing a third of the shell and blade. Not to forget that nasty crack, how would I even fix that?


    Great, a problem I can''t solve.


    I''ve gone through the theory of losing one of my weapons, plans to fight with one scalchop or none. But now that possibility has become reality, all I think about is ''how I can''t fix it'' and all I can feel is frustration. Getting nowhere with that train of thought, I put the ruined weapon away and head inside. This was supposed to be relaxing¡­


    Climbing out of the stream, I shake off what little water that clings to me and place the perfect rock back with the others. Squinting, I find the three magic bags that I so generously liberated. Grabbing my ''Random Crap'' bag, I put the bandages, paper, and two seeds into it. Then I stop and think, if these seeds are the explodey kind, "likely the same kind that the Treecko used", then do I really want to sleep a couple feet from a bomb?


    Eh, where else would I keep them?


    Gently, I place the bag against the wood wall and grab my food bag. Checking to see if any of the apples or other had spoiled, they didn''t. I then drop the last Pecha berry inside. Noticing again how even though the bag is rather damp, the inside is still completely dry. The last bag I normally leave empty, but I feel compelled to check it anyway¡­ yep, still empty.


    Throwing the bag with the rest, I next throw myself into bed for rest. Rolling over, I try to keep an eye open on the entrance. But with my body already aching and tired, the vigil is brief and sleep comes easy.


    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">


    I can feel the heat.


    Flames all around me, spreading from shabby tent to shattered debris. I bask in the scenery, the Outlaw camp burns from my assault and their leader stands before me, battered and weakened. My charizard height easily outmatching the Krookodile''s.


    Time to end this!


    "Your reign of terror, in the Fire kingdom, is over! Prepare to be defeated!" My voice is deep and strong, striking fear into the hearts of any evildoers.


    Wordlessly, the outlaw Krookodile starts to charge at me, cloaked in some dark energy. Meeting its attack with my own, I call upon my internal flame and flare-blitz into the outlaw. A really big explosion is caused by our combined attacks, and as the dust settles, I stand over the unconscious body of a infamous criminal.


    Suddenly, and out of nowhere, sheriff Magnezone and other Magnemites arrive and start praising me.


    "Kzz Congratulations, another outlaw apprehended. Kzz" Magnezone said, floating in front of me and letting its subordinates handcuff Krookodile. "Kzz Return to Cinderfall, return to station, receive compensation. Kzz"


    And with that, the ''U'' shaped things on Magnezone started to spin and the outlaw was floated away. The other magnemites also tagging along, leaving me to enjoy my victory. I did it, I defeated the last of the local outlaw gangs!


    I''m going to be famous! Everymon'' will think I''m so cool¡­


    I''m gonna be so rich! Once I turn this bounty in, I''ll be swimming in Poke¡­


    I''m going to-


    "Wake up¡­"


    What¡­?


    It took only a single second, but everything was gone. Falling out of my mind, and into the waking world, I tug on my blanket a little.


    "Hey! Wake up!"


    Jolting up, I come face-to-face with a salandit, or rather my teammate Kaa. Squinting from the light coming through the window, I rub my eyes. Why is he waking me up? I want to go back to the dream, where I''m a powerful charizard, and not some E-rank charmander¡­


    "Huh? What are uh¡­?" I mumble, slowly sinking back into my bed.


    "Ash, come on, if we don''t go right now, then we''re gonna be late for Peer Presence and not get picked!" Kaa said pleadingly, while taking the blanket off of me and shoving a red cloth in my face.


    Rolling off the large pillow, I plop onto the cold stone and slowly get up. "Peer Presen-?". Tail flame skipping a beat, I straighten up, take our team bandana, and start putting it on.


    "Oh shoot, thanks for waking me up, let''s go." I say, grabbing our treasure bag with one hand and pulling Kaa along with the other.


    Kaa just snickers and gets pulled along. Running down the stone hallways and past many closed doors, we dodge around the occasional pokemon and burst into the bounty and board room. Finding the doorway with a plaque over it reading ''Junior cafeteria'', I pull Kaa past a scant amount of guild members and into another stone hallway. This one much shorter, we burst into the cafeteria, tables and chairs moved somewhere else, and find a small crowd of two or three other junior rescue teams milling about.


    It hasn''t started? looking up at a Hoothoot clock, I notice that we are actually nineteen minutes early! Spinning around, I cross my arms and give the cheeky black lizard a mean look.


    "Yes?"


    "You said that we were going to be late!" I said, huffing.


    "Technically¡­" His smirk only getting bigger. "If we did sit around for a while, then we would have¡­"


    I gave him a raised eyebrow.


    "Also think of it like this." Smirk still there, but placating. "If we arrive early, before the other teams do, then the Peers will think we''re more dedicated and choose us."


    To give merit to his meaning, Kaa points to the back of the room at four senior rank guild members standing on a raised stage and talking to each other. The cafeteria itself being a, sparsely decorated, decent sized rectangle room with glass windows lining the two side walls and a wooden stage integrated into the back for guild announcement.


    Or Peer Presence events like this.


    Getting a better look at the Peers, and kinda forgiving Kaa, I see a Braixen, Sylveon, Fletchinder, and an Absol.


    "Oooh, Kaa, look! It''s an Absol¡­" I say, pulling him over and pointing at the group myself. Kaa''s eyes shone with a little wonder, but is unsure why to be excited. "I''ve never seen an Absol before, but did you know that they can tell the future?"


    "What!? Really? If they can, then how do they do it?"


    "Err, well¡­" I backtrack. "I don''t think that absols can actually see or read the future exactly. More like, uh¡­ feel it? Or can, like, umm, tell when something¡­ bad? is going to happen."


    Kaa now looks at me skeptically, my response not quite answering his question.


    "Ok, well, if we get picked by the absol, then we can just ask them ourselves." I''m sure that I am right though, but not exactly how I am¡­


    "Yeah, yeah, if the Peers can detect real talent, then we are sure to be picked." Kaa said, resonating with the idea that we are going to get a Peer regardless. His enthusiasm untying a nervous knot that was building in me.


    With that, we join the other rescue teams in milling around and talking. It''s nice seeing old and new acquaintances. Keeping an eye on the entrance, four more teams enter the cafeteria, each one causing concern to build in me, "More teams to choose from that aren''t us.". Within no time though, I see Master Marowak walk into the cafeteria and the event begins.


    Walking through the crowd, other students take notice of him and quiet down. Soon, the whole room is filled with anxious stares and hushed whispers. Feeding off of the crowd''s energy, I can''t help but be nervous too. So many rescue teams, too few Peers. Pulling Kaa over, I use his presence to anchor my nerves. Master Marowak finally makes his way onto the stage, takes a moment to review the crowd, and starts to address us.


    "Welcome all junior rescue teams to this month''s opening session of Peer Presence!" He said, emphasizing the event''s name and twirling their bone like a baton.


    "Now, you all already likely know this song and dance. But, to any new junior teams joining us, I''ll do a quick explanation."


    "These generous pokemon behind me-" He started, using their bone to point at the seniors gathered behind him. "-have taken time, out of their guild duties, to come and pass on their valuable experience and aid."


    "Now, as most of you have already noticed, there are a good number of junior teams here today. Which is a good thing, I am always happy to see young and inspiring talent eager to prove themselves to the guild." Marowak spoke praisingly, before switching to a more dejected tone. "But in the same aspect, there are only a few Peers here. Even so, do not feel dejected if your group isn''t picked."


    Switching back to a more upbeat tone. "Work hard, keep your heads up, and you''ll always have next Peer Presence day!" With that said, Master Marowak steps aside to let the seniors take stage-front. "Now, without further to do, it is time for our kind volunteers to choose which team they will be shadowing."


    You didn''t need eyes to see everyone was holding their breath, well¡­ almost everyone. Seeming to take the surrounding anxiety and turn it into restlessness, Kaa was rubbing his hands together and smirking.


    "Allright juniors, form rank!"


    With the order given, all the pokemon went to their respective rescue teams and lined up, standing side-by-side to each other. Afterwards, me and Kaa ended up in the middle of the teams. First to choose being Braixen, the pokemon first took some stairs at the side of the stage and started walking down the line. And past us¡­ Stopping near the line''s end, Braixen picked a team of three fire-types. Swallowing a lump in my throat, I pull Kaa a little closer.


    Next was Fletchinder, the bird pokemon not even walking past us before picking a rescue team consisting of a wurmple and swellow. That''s fine, I can''t really see how a bird ''mon would give us fighting advice. Neither me nor Kaa have wings or a beak, really, it''s fine...


    Glancing at Kaa, I see that he still isn''t bothered, despite half of the Peers already gone. Then came Absol, their steps were slow, their gaze appraising each and everyone one of the teams. Stopping suddenly, Absol gradually turns their head and scrutinizes us, the morning day light glinting off a sharp, black, horn. Hope smoldering, a smile slowly builds across my lips,


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    First looking at Kaa, eyes squinted, they scan him up and down, as if looking for something. Stepping forward to introduce them to Rescue Team Tegu, I can barely utter a word before Absol''s focused gaze hits me. This close, I can actually get a good look at their face. A slight frown holds firm on their muzzle, contrary to Kaa''s unending smirk. Absol''s eyes though, looking at me less like a prospective trainee, and more of a sudden curiosity.


    I stare at them¡­ They stare at me¡­


    I blink¡­ They blink¡­


    Then Absol closes their eyes, shakes their head, and moves on.


    What¡­ What does that mean? Speechless, multiple thoughts swirl in my head. I barely feel Kaa pull me back in line. Why did Absol shake their head? What does that mean? D-did I do something wrong? What''s wrong with me?


    Shaking my head this time, I take a step back behind Kaa. No, no, n-no, I''m strong, we''re strong. Me and Kaa have potential, we just¡­ we just need a little help¡­


    There is sound, and things are moving around me, but all I see are my hands. So small, so weak. Could¡­ could it be me? Gingerly I look at Kaa, "My better half¡­", and notice him looking ahead, but that''s not what I truly see.


    It''s almost always there, for friend or foe, sun or storm, and for just a moment, his pleasant grin looked just a little bit forced. For just a second, Kaa glanced an eye back at me, saw that I was staring, and quickly looked back ahead.


    "Does¡­ does he think I''m the problem too?"


    My eyes widen in realization, I am the problem¡­ aren''t I? Looking back down at my hands, My thoughts only swirl faster. I''m holding our team back, "my weakness.". That''s why no one wants to join us, "my weakness.". Thoughts spiraling down from there, my mind digs up any moments of failure into a building concussion¡­


    I''m holding the team back¡­ "Kaa doesn''t need me¡­"


    ¡­


    ¡­


    "Hey, you alright there pal?"


    Snapping my head back up, I see a Sylveon. The Peer Sylveon. Kaa seemed to have stepped aside, while I wasn''t paying attention, to show me off to them. Glancing between the two, I see a confused look on the fairy-type''s muzzle and a concerned grin on Kaa.


    "I¡­ I uhh¡­"


    "If you would excuse him-" Kaa stepped in. "-then you would see that my partner Charmander is just speechless that you choose us for Peer Presence!"


    Huh? We got chosen? Oh¡­ Oh yah! I forgot about the fourth Peer. Joy and relief taking the place of my traitorous thoughts. Seeing a moment to speak, I take it.


    "Yeah, yes, thank you mister Sylveon. Team Tegu is happy to have this opportunity to-" But I was interrupted.


    "And with that!-" Master Marowak begins, spinning their bone into the air and catching it. "We conclude this month''s first Peer Presence!"


    Last statement said, most of the teams meander out of the cafeteria. With only some pokemon staying to quickly talk to Marowak or make plans with their Peers. Like I should be doing¡­


    "Oh! Ah¡­ where was I? Uhh¡­" I masterfully began. "Team Tegu is honored for this opportunity to have such an esteemed Guild memb-" But I was interrupted, again.


    "No need for that." Sylveon said, waving me off with one of their ribbons. "I get enough formality from Houndoom and the front desk. Thank you, anyway."


    "Mister sylveon! Mister sylveon!" Kaa said, taking their attention. "If you don''t mind, then could you tell us what your guild rank is? Our''s is ''E''."


    "~Ah, straight to the important questions. Well, currently at team Tegu''s disposal is me; ''C+'' rank rescue team leader Sylveon." The fairy type said, giving us a mock guild salute. "And guys, I already said, no need for formalities. You two are my bosses today, just call me Sylveon."


    "We have a senior team leader on our team! that''s so cool¡­" Grabbing Kaa''s arm, I can''t help but bounce in place. "We just went up to ''E'' recently, Err well¡­ actually it''s been a couple months¡­ But still¡­"


    Saving me, Kaa interjected himself.


    "That''s actually why we wanted your help." Kaa said, looking up pleadingly at him. "If you could help us get stronger, or like show us some cool tricks, then I''m sure we''ll be rank ''E+'' in no time!"


    Sylveon gave a small laugh and started petting our heads with his ribbons. The long, pink, feelers were soft¡­ really soft actually, and warm¡­ My eyes slowly close and I lean into the pleasantness. Next to me, I hear Kaa let out an audible sigh, likely enjoying the same treatment.


    Pulling back their feelers, Sylveon let out another laugh. "Heh, you both are too cute." Pulling a paw up to cover any more giggles, they continued. "Heh, but yeah, I would be glad to help you guys where I can.


    Coming down from the pleasant daze, my eyes flutter open, then snap open as I realize what they said.


    "Hey! I''m not cute! And neither is K-Err-Salandit." I protested, crossing my arms and pouting. "I''m almost eleven years old and he''s twelve! In a couple years we''ll be adults, right?"


    Searching for my backup, I look over at Kaa and see him, eyes closed, rubbing the spot where Sylveon had pet and giggling.


    "Kaa!" I yell, and then grimace from accidentally saying his name in front of strangers.


    "Huh? If you need something, then what is it?" My dumb friend said, giving me his goofy grin and goofy mannerism,


    "Sylveon said that we are cute, and we''re not." Turning back to our Peer, I try to give them as serious an expression that I can manage. "We''re, in fact, really cool."


    "Yeah, what he said." Kaa supported, moving next to me and striking a small pose.


    Sylveon gave a small snicker and brushed back one of his floating ribbons.


    "Well, I apologize honored rescue team Tegu, but I truly think that it''s about time we start our day." He said, sounding earnest enough. "My first recommendation is that we should begin at the mission boards."


    "Yeah, that''s a good idea, let''s go Salandit." Grabbing Kaa''s hand, I quickly pull him towards the cafeteira''s exit. Daydreaming about what new missions we could get done with a ''C'' rank member, a dainty smile quickly forming. "I hope there''s good jobs to pick from."


    Glancing back to see if Sylveon was keeping up, I instead lock gazes with Absol. Even from across the room, Absol''s stare was¡­ it was¡­ My smile falters¡­


    Blasting past my vision, Sylveon dashes towards the exit. "See you slowpokes there~."


    I bring my gaze towards Sylveon.


    "Ash." Kaa said in a hushed tone. "C''mon, let''s not let Sylveon beat us there." This time Kaa pulling me along, my smile being reinforced by his.


    "Yeah."


    And with that, I push thoughts about Absol out of my mind and let Kaa pull me after Sylveon. Said disaster pokemon watching as Ash left the cafeteria, before closing their eyes and scratching an onyx horn.


    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">


    It''s me¡­


    ¡­


    "Is that how they really see me?"


    ¡­


    Groaning, I rub any excess sleep out of my eyes and look back at the paper. Sitting at my hollow''s edge, I find the sound of falling water a soothing oddity. I knew looking over that group''s paper wasn''t gonna bring any actual good news, but¡­ did they have to make it so unflattering?


    Moving the parchment around, I couldn''t find an angle where the picture displayed me in a good light. The poorly, in my opinion, drawn picture showed my fur all grungy and patchy. Not only that, it also showed me glaring at the reader with my lips pulled back in a snarl.


    "What do they take me for? Some kind of crazed animal?"


    Standing up, I transition into an awkward stretch, wince a little because of my arm, and bring the paper back around. Taking a moment to find a good spot to see my reflection in the water, I pull the parchment up and try to mimic the snarl in the picture and find¡­ that it''s actually a rather close resemblance.


    Suddenly a little self-conscious, I try to smooth out any parts of my fur that stick out or look wild, occasionally brushing over hidden scars or poking ribs.


    Looking back into the water mirror, I watch as my handy work slowly undoes itself, fur jutting back out in rebellion.


    "Humph, this isn''t really me anyway¡­"


    Looking back at the paper, I review the strange foot scripture. Even unable to read it, I could still glean something from it. At some point, I figured that the groups of pokemon that showed up were organized, "Or at least smarter than the average feral animal.". I mean, between the matching clothing, magic bags, and noises they make at each other, you''d have to be a dumbass not to put two-and-two together. But this?


    Scrutinizing the bad omen, realization coursed through me.


    This is a legitimate written language, or something of the likeness. That, in itself, shows more than basic type of organization; are they civilized? I then consider the parchment itself, you don''t just find paper growing on bushes and branches, it has to be made. How civilized could they be? More importantly¡­


    "How fucked am I?"


    That group from yesterday, they were sent here to kill me, weren''t they? If I hadn''t beaten them back¡­ If I wasn''t strong enough to fight, they''d have¡­ I feel my fur start to bristle, and decide to smooth it back down. I then sit back down on the waterfall''s ledge and try to focus myself. But¡­ I keep looking at the art of me. A beacon to those looking for work and wealth, a bounty. I''m curious, how much is my head worth? Who''s next big payday will I be?


    I huff, trying to replace my worry with some other emotion¡­ anger will do. How do they get off deciding that I''m someone to be hunted down? How did it even come to this? I try to think back, but the days really do blend together. All I can remember¡­ or feel¡­ is desperation, hunger, and pain¡­ pain, and more pain, and more desperation. And the ferals trying to take my food or territory, and the groups just generally trying to take my life¡­ Fuck''em, fuck''em all!


    Grinding my teeth, I stand up, ball up the stupid fucking pice of paper, and chuck it out into the swirling dark basin. I watch the victim of my throw land near the middle of the water, before it was dragged down to the undertow. Slightly panting, I''m filled with frustration and energy, internal water roiling. I consider going out, finding a random pokemon, and blowing off some steam. But¡­ no¡­ no, random violence isn''t the answer. I glance at one of the clearing entrances¡­


    "Even if it would be a really great distraction right now." I consider, daring a random feral to stumble into my territory.


    Interrupted by a sudden tap on my head, I touch the spot and bring back a wet finger. Looking at the sky, I had failed to notice the building overcast. Or my building hunger. Cursing, I head back inside and swim to my hovel.


    Emerging from the water, I grab a circular, flat, and smooth rock that I use as a plate or cutting-board, "Cutting-stone then?". Next, I take stock of my food; A single apple and two different berries. I scowl, then I sigh, no matter how much I ration, the food seems to always run out. Taking out my last apple, I set the fruit on my improvised plate and start cutting it into nice little slices. Scalchops are so useful, not biased.


    "Heh, My cooking teacher would be chewing my ass out if she saw me cutting on a plate and not¡­ a¡­"


    ¡­


    "Mrs. Jones¡­"


    ¡­


    I stop and just¡­ sit there. Nothing to see, but staring anyway¡­


    ¡­


    "Alina¡­"


    ¡­


    Hunger gnaws within, but I barely feel it.


    Why am I here? Back home I was at least someone, "If only to a handful of people¡­", but here¡­ There''s nothing here for me, nothing but a struggle for survival.


    "Heh, not to mention those fuckers hunting me." I muse, humor from despair.


    Suddenly a jolt of pain spikes up my fractured arm and I drop my scalchop. I consider doing something about it¡­ about the pain, the hunger, the constant struggle¡­ gingerly, I pick the problem-solver back up, noticing just how sharp I keep them.


    "It took something to get here. Perhaps¡­ It takes something to get back?"


    And I consider, not for the first time, doing something about it all¡­


    ¡­


    I laugh at my own naivety, like it would be so easy as that. Bottling up my feelings, I don''t bother wiping away my tears and resolve to just finish chopping up the apple. Deciding that, I could at least solve one problem of mine.


    Eating the apple slices, core and all, I then, in a moment of weakness, take the pecha berry out and wash down the taste of apple. "No point in rationing if I become too weak to get more food." I reason.


    Reaching back into the food bag, I pull out my last oran berry. Scrutinizing it, I then contemplate it. A miracle food if anything, I''ve seen some pokemon come back from very debilitating injuries; throughout the course of a fight though, yeah, but definitely better than a couple months stay at the hospital. Cheaper too, probably.


    I better take this with me, just in case. Putting it in the travel bag, I then consider the whole point of moving a oran from the food bag to the travel bag, if they''re both just as empty. Deciding to take the food bag, "Won''t have to switch the food between bags when I get back.", I head out to a place that usually has some grub growing.


    Standing at my hollow''s edge, I take a moment to appreciate the scenery around my home, minus some of the twisted looking plants and ominous basin. Yeah, an exorcism here and a little holy water there, and this place might actually start to look normal. Watching as the occasional drop of rain disturbed the basin''s surface, a sense of urgency fills me. "Don''t want to be sloshing through the mud if I can help it."


    Dropping down, a little too hard, I stumble and catch myself on the injured arm, nice. Shaking the pain off, a sudden wind urges me forward. Starting to the right path I- the gale picks up even harder, wind and leaves blasting into my side; then down the left path.


    Looking at the left tunnel, a thought wiggles into my head; "I should go that way¡­". Wait¡­ why should I?


    I need to gather food, I mean, I haven''t really explored that way so there could be something. But on the other hand, should I really be exploring parts unknown, with only a single oran to my name, in the hopes of finding a decent haul? Quickly, I reason out that- ouch, actually, a migraine hits me and- and it''s really quite distracting¡­


    "When was that last time I drank some water?" I ask myself, remembering that dehydration causes headaches and hangovers; or was that a theory or something? Whatever, something to alleviate this pain.


    Power walking to the basin''s shore, I dunk my head straight into the water and just gulp that shit right up; a taste like mineral water greets me. Pulling my head out, I vomit up any water that got into my lungs. Breathing normal again, I begrudgingly notice that my migraine hasn''t gotten that much better. Standing back up, I then have to brace against pestering leaves and wind, this just causes frustration. Putting my back to the wind, I find myself looking at the alternate route again. Despite the headache, a constant feeling in the back of my mind tells me to¡­ to go that way¡­


    "It is important to take risks sometimes¡­" I tell myself¡­


    Ok, yeah, whatever¡­ I just need to get my move on. Deciding to trust my gut feeling, I move with the wind and settle in for a bread run accompanied with a throbbing headache.


    Once I make it out of my territory, and into the strange tree tunnel, the wind stops abruptly. I snort to myself. "If only this pain stopped just as fast.". And once I make it out of the tunnel, and into a different part of the forest I can''t quite remember, the migraine slowly recedes into nothing¡­ Huh, I guess the water just needed time to work its magic?


    "No need to worry about problems that aren''t there¡­" I reason to myself.


    With that, I walk in a somewhat random direction. Following my gut feeling and leaving scalchop cuts in trees to mark my path back.


    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">


    "Kaa! Watch out!"


    Unfortunately, instead of diving out of the way, Kaa stopped moving and turned to look at me. Standing completely still for the descending spinarak.


    Calling upon my inner flame, I build fire in the back of my mouth. But I''m not fast enough. By the time I''d fully charge an ember, the poison spider will land on Kaa and I''ll run the risk of hitting him and the feral. What should I do?


    Like a blessing from Arceus, Sylveon, shrouded in a white glow, uses Quick-attack and slams into spinarak; sending him and the feral away. Swallowing my ember, I dash over to my shocked teammate.


    "Hey, are you ok?" Shaking him out of his stupor, he nods and slips on a nervous grin. "Great, uh, let''s hurry, Sylveon needs our help!"


    Building another ember, I spin around to help our Peer. Only to find that everything had already been taken care of, flames sputtering out in my mouth. Sylveon catches sight of me, muzzle screwing up into a pleasant smile as he flicks some bug gunk off a ribbon.


    "Is everyone alright?" He asks, more directed at Kaa.


    "Yes, yes! Thank you, sir! If you hadn''t been there, then I would''ve been in some trouble." Kaa praised; his words inadvertently causing me guilt.


    "Thank you Salandit, but did we learn anything from this?" He asked, this time directed at both of us.


    Me and Kaa share a glance, but neither of us speak up immediately. Sylveon just stands there patiently; occasionally scanning the surroundings for something. I tap my chin and think back a bit¡­


    Me and Kaa were searching the ground for the lost item, then I heard the spinarak screech and spotted it descending down towards Kaa. Thinking fast, I yell at him to get away, but he doesn''t and- Ah, that''s it!


    "Uh¡­ was it when I warned Salandit to move but he Err¡­ Accidentally didn''t?" I cringe. Feeling like I''m throwing him under the Onix.


    At my response, Sylveon focused back on us. "That is definitely one good note, but not exactly what I was looking for." He said, giving my head a little pat with their ribbon; even the brief contact quite soothing¡­


    "Well yes, it''s definitely important to have trust in your teammates; but I find it alot better to avoid feral ambushes in general." Sylveon explained, "While looking for the Sleep-glasses and other items is a must, it is also equally important not to get hurt along the way."


    Me and Kaa just stand there, transfixed, trying to soak in as much wisdom as possible.


    "It''s better to learn this now, and not the hard way." Sylveon began, gesturing towards the twitching spinarak. "Not every fight we find ourselves in is going to be simple, or fair. I''ve found that some ferals, bug and dark types in particular, like to set up ambushes; so you have to look out for their surprise attacks."


    "If you don''t mind, then could you tell us how to spot the ambushes?" Kaa said, stepping forward.


    Sylveon laughed a little at that.


    "If I truly knew how to, then I would tell you guys the secret of how to spot every single surprise attack." Sylveon said, mirroring Kaa''s mannerism. "But, unfortunately, I don''t."


    I slumped a little at that and saw Kaa tapping his chin, likely thinking about a solution or scheming.


    "But I do have the second-best thing." They said, bring our attention back to him. "With a team like yours, I think it would be best to have one mon'' keep an eye on the surroundings, Charmander or Salandit whoever is up to it, and the other mon'' looking around for the missing item."


    "I''ll do it!" I spout out. "I''ll, uh¡­ I''ll keep a look out for any danger."


    The idea of keeping my friends safe kindling my inner flame. "Err single friend, I guess¡­"


    "That''s very kind." Sylveon praised, rewarding me with a nice, soft, ribbon pet. "This strategy is actually what I use with my own team, and it worked well for us so far; so I imagine it''d work well for you two."


    "If you''re going to be the ambush-finder,-" Kaa began, pointing at me. "-then I''ll be the treasure-finder!" He ended, jabbing a thumb at himself.


    "Yeah, yeah, you can trust me! I''ll find all the sneaky ambushes and traps." I said, slapping the guild bandana around my neck. "And you''ll find all the treasure for us!"


    Me and Kaa then joined hands and started dancing and jumping around; filled with joy at getting our new roles. "We''re finally becoming a true rescue team!"


    "And what about me? Guys?" Sylveon said, stopping our celebration and bringing out a grin to match Kaa''s. "What''s my role, boss?"


    So caught up in our new roles, I had forgotten to give Sylveon one!


    "Oh, ah, sorry mister Sylveon." I stammered, rubbing my hands together and trying to come up with a job for them. "You can be a, Err, actually could you-"


    "I know! I know!" Kaa suddenly shouted. "When I find us all the treasure, then you can carry it back for us!"


    ¡­


    Yes! That is a great idea! With the amount of loot Kaa is going to find, we''re gonna need somemon'' as big and strong as Sylveon to carry it.


    Turning my attention back to our Treasure-Hauler, I find them on the verge of complete laughing hysteria. Holding it all in, Sylveon then straightens up, lets out a long breath¡­ and then laughs anyway.


    "Haha, oh, heh, I''d-" He has to cover his muzzle to stop any more giggles, before letting out a sigh. "Heh, I''d be honored to carry your stuff back."


    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">


    "Well¡­ I was due for some good luck."


    Staring up at the canopy of a tree, I find it occupied with ten or so decently sized apples. I huff a little at that, "Why is it only apples?". Reasoning that an empty stomach is worse than the taste of apples, I decide not to complain; too much.


    "Would have been nice if they weren''t guarded though¡­" I tell myself, glancing back at the Lombre I have to fight. The weird, lilypad looking, pokemon injured and beaten.


    Bringing my attention back to the spoils at hand, I find myself with a different problem. I can literally see the food before me, yet it is also like ten or twelve feet up in the tree''s canopy.


    Trying it again, I breath in a little air, focus on my internal water, pulling on it, forcing it to go into the back of my throat. The stream puts up a fight, but l get my results anyway.


    Shooting out a water-gun, I notice some of the power is lost by the time it reaches the fruit and I end up just pushing some branches and apples around. Feeding more power into my attack, the water-gun''s stream thickens and I manage to focus on a single apple.


    Stopping the attack, I let out a small pant and scrutinize my handy work. The apple is still up there¡­ and it''s mostly destroyed.


    "What?"


    Are they? Are all apple trees like this? Pulling out my problem solver, I try to do something ridiculous. With a little bit of aiming, and a lot of hope, I throw my scalchop up at an apple''s stem. Time seems to slow down as the spinning blade cuts through the air, imminent death to a fruit''s stalk. The pitch is perfect¡­ almost perfect¡­


    The blunt handle of my scalchop ricochets off the apple''s stem, before the blade part embeds itself into a random branch


    "Fuck!" I exclaim, grabbing my head.


    Thinking quickly, I power up another water-gun and let loose at the scalchop. After a bit of aim training, I spray my weapon and it wiggles free. Not even considering letting it fall to the ground; I catch my descending scalchop and start fusing over it.


    Finding no imperfections, I let out a subconscious sigh. Glaring up at the tree, I consider alternate methods.


    "Alright, the hard way then."


    Walking up to the side of the tree, I put my scalchop''s blade facing the bark and hammer it in. Pulling the weapon out, I bring my weapon an inch higher, angle it down, and hammer it in again. Through this process, I manage to carve handholds into the trunk of the apple tree. With a moderate amount of effort, and some tricky positioning once I got higher, I managed to make a shitty ladder up.


    Brushing any remaining residue off my scalchop, I stow it and climb up the tree. Once I make it to the tree''s branches, I try a little weight, then add a bit more weight. Shrugging, I climb onto a decent sized branch and find it rather sturdy¡­


    "Or I''m half the size and weight I once was¡­ Besides the point."


    I gingerly move to a hanging apple, a rather large one at that. Now that I''m up and close, I notice these aren''t your typical red fruits. These things have to be about a third the size bigger.


    I try tugging on it and end up pulling myself towards it instead, "What the fuck?". Switching strategies, I pull the problem solver out and cut into the, rather thick, apple stem. Once I get most of the way through, the fruit''s impressive weight takes hold and it falls to the dampening earth below.


    Glancing down, I happily notice that the apple seemed to handle the fall just fine, good. Moving on, I cut three more apples down and- Err? Wait¡­ Blinking, I look back at the ground.


    "One, two, three, but¡­ where''s the fourth? Was I just not paying attention?"


    Shaking my head, I reasoned that was likely it. Back to work, hmm, that apple is gonna be a bitch to get-


    A wild buizel peeks out from behind a tree, finds me busy, and snatches another big apple. Back to hiding¡­


    "Allright, that wasn''t so bad." I think out loud, having nearly lost my balance and plummeted.


    Unable to stop myself, I check on my spoils and¡­ hmm, missing another one¡­


    ¡­


    I slowly go back to cutting more apples down¡­


    ¡­


    A wild buizel peeks out from behind a tree, finds me busy, and snatches another big apple. A perfect pitch¡­


    Buizel lets out a pained cry, red blossoming out from a scalchop embedded in their arm.


    Grinning, I hastily climb halfway down the tree and jump the remainder. Landing just fine, I bring my attention fully to the weasel.


    The wild buizel finally overcomes its pain and pulls the blade out, letting it fall to the ground. Then, the thief has the audacity to growl and hiss at me. My lip twitches in irritation, and I can''t help but show them my pearly whites in response. We stay like that for a second, the buizel making noises and me silently bearing my teeth.


    Then, the tension snaps.


    Buizel wreaths itself in water and jets at me. Quickly, I reach for my other scalchop and- hesitation. I can''t, it''s still broken.


    That moment of weakness costs me and the aqua-jet crashes into me; sending me onto my back with the feral on top of me. Slightly dazed, I focus through the spraying water and pain. Bringing my forearm up, I catch Buizel''s bite. Dark-type energy slams into my arm before the feral starts jerking its hold, fangs tearing at the muscle within.


    Deciding to switch the fight''s direction, I, awkwardly, rear my free arm back and punch the thief right in the face. Pain lances up my fractured arm, but I swallow it down, again¡­


    The second blow sends my vision a little blurry from agony, but gets the desired effect. Buizel releases its bite and rears back, I press the attack. Grabbing a hold of them, I wrestle around with the feral before pinning them to the ground. Face to face, I have one hand around the thief''s neck and the other pulled back.


    Buizel then sucks in a quick breath of air, but I beat it to the punch. Pounding my fist into its snout, Buizel only manages to hack up a chipped tooth and a handful of water. Red runs from my arm wound and dribbles down onto the feral, staining us both. I decide to share more of my pain.


    I punch the thief again, and again. Buizel lets out a choking, desperate, cry and I just want to hear it one more time¡­ I punch the thief again, something gives. Whether or not it was a finger bone or the Buizel''s crumpled muzzle, I''m not sure, but I rear back for another strike.


    Suddenly, the feral inflates its yellow collar and causes me to lose my grip on its neck. Thrashing about, I miss my punch and hammer the dirt instead. Seizing my mistake, Buizel lets out a weak water-gun and blinds me, causing me to shield my face in order to see. Opening achieved, the feral weasels out from under me and makes a break for freedom.


    "Not fast enough¡­"


    I reach out, seize one of Buizel''s two tails, and winch them back across the ground. They spin around to face me, fear stricken, desperate for escape.


    "Where do you think you''re going? I''m not done with you¡­"


    Heart pounding, I pounce onto the thief. Buizel flinches and raises their arms up to protect their face; but it''s useless. Colliding with them, I bite down on one of Buizel''s arm fins and pull. I use one arm to keep the thief pinned down and the other to help tear the fin off. Buizel thrashes around and beats against my arm, but there''s no give; I have it beat in size and strength. No escape this time¡­


    I give a hearty pull, and my prey lets out a terrible cry. Mouth full and grunting, I try for a better grip.


    Buizel, though, tries for freedom. Pulling on their need to live, she focuses on their flow, her ocean, and it''s cold¡­ Cold and angry. Guiding that feeling, guiding it up her arm, Buizel clenches their hand into a fist and forms her first ever ice-punch, short lived as it was.


    I pull again, a spray of red, ice shatters¡­ Severance.

 Inhibition "Part Two"

    Chapter Three: Inhibition "Part Two"


    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">


    The flesh comes free, Buizel lets out another pitiful cry; struggling in my hold.


    I chew once, and can''t help but close my eyes, smiling¡­


    I chew twice, warm blood squeezes across my tongue and I get the urge to swallow.


    "No, it''s still too meaty, more gnawing first."


    I chew thrice-


    Eyes dart open, choking¡­


    Releasing the buizel, I recoil away on trembling legs. I try to spit the fin out¡­ but, I also don''t want¡­ to? Conflict, confusion.


    Heart pounding, jaws aching, teeth bound eagerly to their prize. I pull at my hair, pain a familiar anchor.


    "Let¡­ Go¡­"


    Mind in Turmoil, the limbs obey nonetheless.


    Desperately, gently, the flesh is released and tumbles free from my jaws. I retreat farther back from my hard fought reward, mouth agape. "What have¡­ I''m¡­ No¡­". Everything suddenly feels surreal, somber.


    "I did this?"


    Remembering the previous owner of my impending meal, I search for the victim. Fortunately, I''m spared the sight of my bloody work; only a speckled, retreating, trail of crimson marks Buizel''s struggle.


    Morbidly, I look back at the weasel''s fin, trying to find cause, a reason, for what I''ve done. Then I glance down at my hands; blood, saliva, and tears drip onto stained palms. I spit anything remaining out of my mouth and shut it tight, convincing myself nothing tastes good.


    Using my forearm to wipe away the dampness building around my eyes, blood is instead smeared along my face. Worriedly, I glance at my wounded arm; realizing I''m slowly but surely turning more red than blue¡­


    Misery fades into the background as I find a new, if grim, distraction. Rushing over to my food bag, finding it leaning casually against the apple tree, I pull out its only item; a single, blue, berry. Throwing the fruit into my mouth, I quickly chew on it before scooping some pulp out and smearing it along the torn skin. Swallowing the rest, I cradle my arm and try to keep pressure on it. Energy surges into me and my many wounds start to itch and burn.


    "Bleeding should stop soon, hopefully¡­ "


    Shakily, I put my back against the tree and slid down into a sit. Adrenaline starts to wear off, exhaustion creeps in, and I flinch slightly from the occasional spark of pain. Even with discomfort, I still manage to lose myself in thought, staring back at my new item of remorse.


    "I really did¡­"


    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">


    Everythings been going great, for the most part.


    I glance over at the two little, fire, juniors as we walk, smiles adorning their faces. They''ve been like this ever since we divvied out some simple roles.


    "And when I got the honor of being the bag bearer~." I joke to myself, adjusting the explorers'' satchel.


    Happy as they are, the duo practically exploded when Salandit finally found the Insomiscopes; both wondering why I kept having them go back to the same area. Afterwards we had a celebratory snack break, satisfying the hunger that mystery dungeons like to inflict.


    "Just an average dungeon dive, lucky me."


    I muse about some other things, half heartedly keeping an eye on the surrounding forest; most ferals seemingly scared off from our group size or something. I frown internally at that, fighting is, unfortunately, a decent part of being a rescue team and Arceus knows these two juniors need the training.


    "Maybe I should tell them to seek a fire-type trainer? That is, if they can find one that isn''t completely booked."


    I shake my head, that can''t be helped. Then I remember one of the reasons I decided to do this whole Peer Presence business in the first place. Theories, doubts, and answers.


    Glancing forward at the team, I bring a ribbon up and giggle into it, watching as Charmander spins to a sudden noise and smacks Salandit with his tail.


    Stifling the laughs, I stand back and watch. "Maybe this will turn into a teaching opportunity?"


    It takes Charmander a moment to build up, what is likely, an ember attack and hold it. After a couple seconds, a few wild cutieflies zip out from a patch of flowers and up to him. They share a surprised look, before one tiny cutiefly lets out a high-pitch ''Eek'' and they all dart back to the tall grass.


    With the show concluded, I-


    Charmander releases his ember, small fireballs are sprayed at the retreating ferals. Most miss the tiny bug-types, but one is grazed and it''s sent spiraling into the safety of the tall grass.


    "That¡­ was a little unnecessary, the mon''s were already on the run¡­"


    Irritation tickles my mind and I comb a ribbon back before heading over to the duo.


    "Salandit! Did you see that? I was like Mmm-Ha! And the ferals were like¡­ Uh¡­ Mister Sylveon, is e-everything okay?" Charmander asked, shuffling nervously over to his friend.


    I realize that my frown is showing and quickly replace it with a concerned smile. It doesn''t help much, the two already know something is wrong and aren''t sure what it is.


    "Nothing is wrong, it''s just, Mmm, I''d like to go over how the fight went." I said softly. The words causing Charmander discomfort regardless.


    "D-did I do something wrong?" The fire-type asked, switching between me and Salandit.


    I take a second to form a reply, trying for something stern but maybe non-accusatory? In truth, I just want to scold the careless fire-type for attacking a mon'', feral or not, who didn''t want to fight in the first place. Though, in retrospect, the five or so second staredown likely did more damage than just saying something simple.


    "I''m sorry M-Mister Sylveon, I-I was just trying to scare the ferals away, I didn''t mean to¡­ uhh-"


    I raise a ribbon up to stop him. "I didn''t consider¡­ that maybe he was just using a show of force to scare them away? Or maybe he''s just coming up with excuses to get out of trouble¡­"


    "I''m not mad, Charmander." I start with, hoping to calm him down so he''d listen. "It''s just that, well, not every feral pokemon we come across is a threat, or wants to fight necessarily."


    "If you don''t mind me asking, then is what you say true?" Salandit spoke up.


    I have to hold back the need to moan and rub my forehead. Shouldn''t these two''s parents, "or even the guild!", have taught them basic stuff like this? I then think about the junior wing, about how it''s usually more an orphanage than the actual guild facility.


    "Are these two-"


    Charmander shuffles nervously, I''m taking too long thinking again.


    "Yes, not every feral is a rabid mon'' trying to attack us. Most of the time, actually, we don''t even notice them before they scurry away." I explained.


    The two then start looking around at the surrounding forest, as if ferals would suddenly come out of hiding just to agree with me.


    "With that said, there is no need to pursue a fight with somemon'' who is just trying to get away or isn''t a threat in the first place." I then remember bounties.


    "Unless, of course-" I weakly amend. "-your goal is to capture an outlaw or some-such. But, it''s very rare for the guild to actually put bounty quests on the Junior board."


    Charmander and Salandit go back to staring, waiting for me to speak some more words at them.


    "To simplify it guys, I want you two to try and¡­ well¡­" I reach out with an upturned paw, searching, offering. Trying to find some kind of impactful words they could remember, but coming up short.


    "Be a bit more kind?" I ask, putting on a small smile.


    "But, uh, aren''t we supposed to attack the monsters? I-I mean, Master Marowak once said ''Fight those dungeon creatures with all your strength'' and he''s always right. Umm, I mean, uh¡­" Charmander challenged, then shrank away for some reason.


    "Monsters¡­"


    That irks me¡­


    I take an assertive step forward, ready to put an end to such a silly and harmful concept that every single uncivilized pokemon is an enemy to be fought, but¡­


    It just feels like wasted effort, at the moment.


    "I guess It''s just how they''re taught to be."


    ¡­


    ¡­


    "Let''s go, we need to get that silk and then we can leave."


    I turn around before the two can respond, heading in the direction that I had seen a Spinarak and Ariados nest at. Soon the duo scamper to keep up and fall in pace behind me.


    Only foot falls could be heard in our travel, atmosphere suddenly subdued.


    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">


    Staring down at my scabbing arm, I realize I should have at least washed it off before trying to treat it or something; but I wasn''t really thinking at the time, was I?


    Giving one good look around the area for any threats, I see a lot of normal-ish looking trees and plants, some growing mud spots, the large stream I''m standing at, and luckily nothing else.


    "If I had to do more fighting¡­"


    Taking the reprieve at face value, I amble over to the water''s edge, drop the satchel off, and ease down into a sit; legs dipping into the soothing stream. I try to relax, letting the building drizzle pitter-patter on an aching body, letting the drifting water gently tug on my legs, letting the slight wind play with my fur, letting my thoughts be consumed by earlier actions.


    I let out a growl of frustration. I try, but I can''t get it out of my head; not so soon¡­


    "When did it happen? When did I go from fighting off some petty thief, to trying to eat them alive?"


    It hurts to think that I''m the topic of that decision, but¡­ I can still remember events so clearly.


    I hated the buizel for trying to steal from me, and had taken a bit of pleasure from punishing them. Then I kinda¡­ I kinda bit them. It had felt like the right thing to do, It felt so¡­ normal.


    I watch as some brown, barracuda-looking, pokemon slowly swim by in the stream. I had noticed the fish, but I don''t think it had noticed me. That causes something within me to stir and I¡­ let go of the feeling and look away.


    After biting them, I suppose, I was just running on momentum. Not thinking, just doing. The worst part about it though¡­ I was still enjoying myself. Taking delight in my dominance over the helpless buizel.


    "The first time, in a long time, since I''ve had a modicum of fun¡­ is when I''m acting like some deranged animal¡­"


    I can''t help but lean forward and cover my face, unwilling to take in the world around me. A snarl forms on my lips, a maelstrom of emotions within.


    Shame, for taking pleasure in it.


    Resentment, for letting it happen.


    Sorrow, for the pitiful state I''ve become.


    "Is this how it goes? I just let everything chip away at me¡­"


    You''re angry for so long, you don''t care what you hurt. You''re hungry for so long, you don''t care what you eat. You''re sad for so long, you don''t care where the pleasure comes from.


    The snarl malforms into a mocking grin. "So what''s the play then? Hmm? Genius?" I mock myself.


    "I become a monster and hate myself¡­ Or, become a monster and enjoy it?"


    I take my hands off my face and laugh into a fist. Laughing at the silly question, laughing before it feels too real¡­


    "Could I really survive here, just as some wild thing?"


    The slight wind suddenly kicks up, pushing some decaying leaves across the ground.


    "Lean in¡­ let go?"


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    "No."


    Even just saying those words out loud to myself, it felt wrong. I''d rather hate myself if I became a monster¡­ It''s better that way.


    Hunger then pinches at my stomach, ready to get me in more trouble.


    I grumble at the sudden distraction, but accept it anyway. Getting lost in an old thought.


    "It''s strange, I feel like I''ve never been this hungry before, or this often either."


    "I also wasn''t this active before, to be fair." I reason, before standing up and shaking most of the water off.


    "I also wasn''t an animal¡­"


    Unsure if I feel better or not, I grab the food bag and¡­ decide to instead continue on my way back home; forgoing the need to eat. I am hungry, but I can wait. A show of discipline, I''d like to think.


    Following the scratch marks back is simple, if a little bit harder as I go. The trees seemingly healing back to normal at an unusually high speed.


    I let out a scoff, "Nothing new here.".


    Even so, I left the marks deep enough that I''m still able to trace them back. Learning the hard way, I needed to do that, was very time consuming¡­ and a bitch.


    Following the breadcrumbs, I come to where the walls of redwoods formed together into a strange tree tunnel, marking an end to this section of the forest.


    Moving inside, I abruptly stop before the entrance. Finding myself examining the living tree tunnel, I walk on over to the entrance''s side; running a hand down the bark. "It feels like an ordinary tree¡­", but ordinary trees don''t grow like this¡­ Or this deliberately.


    It''s not the first time I''ve thought of this, but¡­ after today''s events so far¡­ I can''t help but be introspective. Notions about myself and the world around me, old thoughts really¡­


    I then move out the wooden entrance, to the tree wall itself. Most of them are damn near shoulder-to-shoulder, with maybe an inch or two of separation.


    Moving a little further down, I find a small gap in the trees where maybe my arm could fit through. Inching closer, and not sure what I''m trying to accomplish, I bring my arm forward and¡­ pull it back. A bad feeling in the back of my head warning me not to.


    Instead, I try to peek through the gap and into the forest beyond the wall. But¡­ it''s just more densely packed trees and bushes. I give it a minute, watching for something, anything really. But there isn''t, there isn''t a single damn thing.


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    "It''s like there''s no life beyond these clearings¡­"


    Noise behind and above, I spin around, scalchop in one hand and the other balled into a fist. I glance around the, previously shaking, branches for a culprit; but again, there isn''t a single thing.


    I stay like that for a moment, trying to listen past the falling rain. Head spinning at any noise, real or imagined.


    "Is something there? No, something is definitely there¡­ is it, perhaps, camouflaged?"


    Suddenly realization, dread, and adrenaline is coursing through me. Aches and pains fade as the need to live takes hold.


    Retreating, I put my back to the wall, wanting to keep the threat in front of me. Heart is pounding, breathing is rapid, but all I''m doing is standing here, waiting for something to happen.


    Seconds tick by, and I hold onto my trepidation. "I''m not crazy, something moved that branch. It''s just waiting for me to lower my guard or run."


    Filled with my influence and water, the scalchop in my hand yearns to be used. I too am quite desperate for something to happen, not enjoying the waiting game.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    Time passes, rain falls, nothing happens¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    A branch shakes, moved by something.


    I turn, releasing the water-gun I was holding, and blasting that general area. Fueling the attack, I continue to aim where I saw movement and manage to hit air, bark, and leaves.


    Another random branch shakes and moves. Without a second thought, I trail my water-gun to the new tree and start attacking indiscriminately. Frustration mounts, no visible progress is being made¡­ and I think I''m being toyed with. Feeding more of my internal water up my throat, the water-gun is empowered and I start to really blast apart tree limbs and strip bark.


    A single branch, in particular, is torn free and falls; leaves fluttering on the way down.


    Terror washes over my mind and I choke on my attack. Scrambling away, my back hits the tree wall. "I need to get the fuck out of here!"


    White knuckled grip on my weapon and satchel, I turn and sprint for the tunnel exit; careless of leaving my back exposed to some invisible enemy.


    Dewott runs for its life, leaves dance in the rain and wind; applauding.


    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">


    Oh mon'', I really messed up this time.


    Following behind Kaa, I use him as a barrier between me and Sylveon. Hoping to keep some distance so I don''t upset our peer again¡­


    "What should I do¡­ What should I do?"


    The thought spins around in my mind, like a tireless Hitmontop. I know what Sylveon said, "Be nice to ferals?", but I also know what Master Marowak has taught me. I mean, I really like Marowak; a small smile creeping across my face as I think about him.


    He''s really nice to me and Kaa, to all the Juniors actually. Marowak always has nice things to say, and he''s always there when somemon'' has a problem. Not to forget when I got me and Kaa in trouble with Master Houndoom, lost our dinner privileges for two days, and he snuck us some berries anyway!


    I pull my gaze from the ground and up at Kaa, absently looking over the orange and black scales on his back. Remembering how bad we felt after missing out on dinner, just how out of place his grin was as we sat in our room¡­ hungry.


    A knock on the door, the feeling in my gut getting worse when it was revealed to be Master Marowak. I¡­ I had feared further punishment¡­ I didn''t want to be the reason me and Kaa were kicked out of the guild¡­


    I didn''t want to sleep outside anymore¡­


    But, the mean words never came. Instead, he pulled out a small bag with a handful of berries for the both of us. Kaa had asked him ''why?'', we were in trouble after all. Marowak only laughed, gave his bone a small twirl, and told us¡­


    "Heh, sometimes¡­ pokemon don''t make much sense, or do the right thing necessarily, but¡­"


    It seemed like there was more he wanted to say, and I''m not sure what it was. I''m also not really sure what he was trying to say in the first place¡­


    "(sigh), I want you both not to think too much about it, this time. Oh, and, don''t tell anyone about my bending of the rules; It''ll be our little secret."


    After that, Marowak gave his bone another, more quick, spin and left us to eat. I was worried though, that maybe he wouldn''t show up the next day, or that he had gotten caught by Master Houndoom while breaking the rules for us.


    But no, he showed up an hour or so after dinner and gave us more food. Me and Kaa thanked him, his only reply was a wordless, pleasant, nod.


    Tripping over a rock, I''m pulled back to reality just as gravity pulls me face first into the ground. Pushing myself up, I see Kaa''s hand and happily take it, letting him pull me up.


    "Thanks Kaa." I say, quietly.


    He just laughs and grins wider, once again, out of place in this sad mood. Glancing past Kaa, I see our peer had also stopped and was blankly glancing back at us. Then, within the span of maybe a second, Sylveon''s eyes dart completely open, they spin around, and launch a quick-attack at us.


    "What-"


    I barely have time to brace before Sylveon slams into me and Kaa, knocking us to the side. I roll a small distance from the impact and then push myself up on hurting limbs.


    "W-What is Sylveon doing? Why did he-"


    My thoughts are cut off again, watching as our peer grapples with a wild yanma; their ribbons wrapping around different sections of the bug and keeping it from flying away.


    "Where did that feral come from!?"


    I watch as the strength seems to leave the yanma, Sylveon wrapping their ribbons farther around as he slowly pulls it in. That is, until our peer is suddenly pelted by air-cutters from above. Looking up, there is a second wild yanma, wings building a white glow as it prepares a second air-cutter.


    I''m startled slightly, as Kaa grabs and pulls me up into a stand.


    "If we lay around, then Sylveon''s gonna get hurt!" He says, before rushing into the fight.


    Swallowing the lump in my throat, I follow his example. Running to get closer, I stop and prepare an ember; aiming it upwards. The flying yanma is farther than what I''m used to attacking, but I have to stop it from attacking Sylveon, I have to try.


    Releasing the ember, half of the small fireballs fly off into nowhere, with only some hitting the bug-type. Regardless, yanma stops its attack and dodges the remainder of my move.


    "Watch where you''re spraying that!" Sylveon yells, and I cringe.


    "D-did I hit him?"


    Looking over at the main fight, I watch as Kaa stops shooting smog at the yanma Sylveon is still grappling, inadvertently hitting them both and turning half of his ribbons a sickly purple. It''s then Kaa''s turn to feel bad, but before he can even apologize, more air-cutters rain down on our peer. Sylveon grits his teeth and holds on, before letting out a sharp cry of pain.


    A single blade of air slices into a ribbon, severing the appendage in two.


    Sylveon recoils back, releasing the bug-type, and curling the damaged limb in on itself. He doesn''t have any time to mourn though, as more air-cutters are launched. I watch transfixed as he nimbly dodges an attack and powers up a retaliation, before having to cancel it to avoid a second barrage of air-cutters from the freed yanma.


    Putting myself back into the fight, I build up another ember; pushing more fire into it this time. Once ready, I release my attack at the closest yanma, wishing for a good hit.


    The yanma stops mid-air, wings glowing white in preparation. Abruptly, the majority of my small fireballs cascade into its side, stopping the attack and sending it realing.


    "Yes! Ha ha!" I cheered, tail flame flaring.


    Glancing over at Sylveon, hoping to see him do better with less attacks coming their way. I see him skirt another air-cutter barrage, before stumbling and coughing up a purple lump.


    "Oh Kaa¡­ Not again¡­"


    Remembering to stay on target, I build up another ember and focus back on my yanma. Said feral, regaining its posture and retreating back a ways.


    "Umm, is it retreating? Do I let it go now?" I thought, hopefully. Unfortunately, it wasn''t.


    Outside my range, the bug shone dimly before splitting into three, Double-team¡­


    Catching what its partner is doing, the other yanma backed away and started splitting. Within moments, there were like twenty-two or seventy yanma, whichever number is bigger.


    I meet up with Kaa, who had unfortunately been of little help, with all of his short ranged attacks. Next I look over to Syleon, who was digging into our explorers bag.


    "Arceus damn it, I thought I told you guys to bring pecha berries, there''s none!" He cursed.


    "None? That doesn''t make any sen-" But our time was up, the yanma were ready.


    One of the yanma breaks off from the overhead swarm, plunging down at me. Quickly as I''m able to, I charge up an ember and fire it. I watch as a couple fireballs hit the bug before it dissolves into motes of dim light.


    Dodging around the attack, a second yanma appears and quickly closes the distance with me.


    "That''s the real one!" I realize.


    Panic stricken, I try to dodge but stop. A blaze burns, a lump forms in my throat and I go to swallow it, but that doesn''t seem right¡­


    The feral yanma is seconds away now and I need to do something. Burning in my throat, my face scrunches, and I cough up whatever was in my mouth. A strange black blob is shot out and into the charging feral, dispelling the second illusion, before exploding into a thick screen of smoke.


    "D-did I just do that!?"


    I stand there, panting, watching the aftermath of my new attack; smoke cloud slowly expanding before dissipating. Trying to remember the feeling of the attack, I''m interrupted by a sudden pain and force at the back of my head. The only response, my distressed cry.


    ¡­


    Shifting, I cringe and from the hurting and ringing¡­ then¡­ realize I''m on the ground and it''s¡­ hard to focus on things. Pushing myself up slightly, I rub the back of my head, where it hurts, and bring back a wet hand.


    "Huh, that''s not normal."


    I hear noises, and¡­ It sounds like Kaa. Finally standing up, the ground seems to move under me though¡­ and I stumble a bit. Soon though, I turn to where I heard Kaa.


    "Oh¡­ there he is. Why is he-?"


    "Ack" I manage, as Kaa tackles me and I''m sent to the ground, again.


    A harsh wind passes over us, as I watch a yanma come within inches of hitting me and him. Afterwards, he quickly helped me to my feet, but I still can''t quite find my balance.


    "The ground under his feet though seems to be working just fine." I ponder, seeing Kaa stand with no issue.


    "If you''re not okay, then tell me?" He asks, grabbing and steadying me.


    I go to ask him how he''s standing perfectly during this earthquake, but there''s movement behind him.


    "Yanma!" I point and shout, before tripping out of his grasp and falling awkwardly on my tail.


    Following my finger, Kaa spins around, closes his mouth, and charges up some kind of attack. Faint flames flicker on his orange scales and I retreat further back, remembering the smoke. Trying to better focus on what''s happening, I shake my head to get the double images back together.


    Abruptly, a bright, star-like, projectile spears into the yanma, causing it to dissolve into more specks of light. Threat gone, Kaa cancels his attack; purple smoke trailing out of his maw.


    "That star must have been our peer''s."


    I look around, searching for Sylveon, but only find the swarm of yanmas; now only ten or so feet above us. I can feel my heart start to pound, and my hand slightly reaches out, flexing, looking for something.


    "Kaa!" I yell, before trying to stand on the shifting ground.


    He quickly finds and helps me the rest of the way up, before I shove him behind me. The hastily charged ember was weak, and most of the attack missed, but the fake yanma dissolves anyway. I thank Arceus that it was fake.


    Turning to both of the Kaas, I blink until there''s only one, even then it''s hard to focus on him with an encroaching swarm of yanmas.


    "Kaa¡­ w-what do we do?" I ask, looking for a solution within him.


    His grin falters, and I have to watch him not know. His maw tries to form words, but nothing comes out; then Kaa starts looking around. Every sporadic turn of his head feels like another closed door, another weight on my chest, until finally¡­


    "There! If we can help Sylveon, then we''ll be okay!"


    Turning, I can barely make out the form of our peer. Battling a storm of bugs, I watch, as much as I''m able, as Sylveon shoots out stars from his gently glowing ribbons. The stars themselves hunt down yanma, turning and moving like they have a mind of their own!


    But despite the awesome display, despite every yanma that faded, another copy appeared.


    "I-I think there''s more than before actually¡­"


    I look once more at Sylveon, noticing how their attacks were slowing, the purple poison dripping out from around their mouth. Then I look at Kaa, and see he''s not worried at all¡­ Then his eyes widened¡­


    Kaa pushes me to the ground, and before he can join me, yanma crashes into him¡­ then through him. I watch, wide eyed, as Kaa removes his braced arms from his face and pats his undamaged body down.


    A sigh of relief escapes me, then a groan of discomfort as Kaa piles on top of me to avoid a second yanma. The sharp rush of wind telling me, that one, was real.


    Kaa then sucks in a breath of air and scrunches up his muzzle. Remembering that sequence, I also take in a large breath of air and cover my nose. Suddenly, flames sprout from Kaa''s orange back pattern and a hazy smoke builds around the air above us; but I know better than to trust this short of a distance.


    A yanma flies into the smoke, nothing happens.


    ¡­


    A yanma flies into the smoke, and I panic as it crashes into us, nothing happens.


    ¡­


    My lungs start to hurt, but I don''t breathe. "Don''t breathe in the smoke¡­" It''s that simple.


    ¡­


    A yanma flies into the smoke, and then careens off to the side and crashes, sickly, into the earth.


    The sudden wind from the real yanma pushes the smoke down onto us and I close my eyes, happy I was still holding my breath. Hearing the bad landing, Kaa cuts off the move, helps me up, and guides me out of the cloud.


    Opening my eyes, and taking in a desperate breath, I quickly noticed that almost half of the swarming yanma were missing. Then I see the confused, real, yanma on the ground; two or three legs and a wing broken. I watch as it, painfully, pushes itself up and before the dazed bug can even stumble a foot, Sylveon quick-attacks into the yanma, wraps it up in ribbons, and pulls it in for a¡­ Smooch?


    The struggle slowly comes to a stop as Sylveon''s many small wounds gently heal. tenderly, Sylveon lets out a satisfied sigh as he releases the kiss, yanma''s head and body slumping. Abruptly, our peer''s face screws up before he drops yanma and vomits out a decent blob of poison. "Gross¡­"


    "Watch out!" I hear Kaa yell while I''m still balancing on him, causing the ringing to return.


    Turning though, I see a group of yanma descend down towards Sylveon. Quickly, he wipes away any gunk from his lips and spins to face the oncoming threat, reinvigorated from the¡­ um¡­ kiss.


    Wasting no time, Sylveon charges up and sends out a volley of stars. Many of the yanma were hit and dissolved, those that dodged having to outlast the speeding projectiles.


    I sept away from Kaa''s support and fuel an ember, deciding I need to help. Pain, grabbing my head, my attack putters out and there''s only smoke and sparks. Kaa quickly catches me, before I fall over, and sits me down.


    "If you push yourself, then you''ll hurt yourself." He tells me, and I''m not sure what''s going on.


    "Why does my head hurt? Why is everything so weird?"


    "Please¡­ stay."


    Still confused, but I give him a nod anyway and nurse a harsh headache. "Kaa will figure out what is wrong with me, he''ll keep me safe."


    With that, my friend turns around to keep an eye on the diminished swarm, thankfully staying within reach. After a couple seconds, the pain lessens and my vision returns; allowing me to watch the ongoing fight again.


    Excitement builds as I look around, much of the yanma swarm has been dispelled! Although, second glances at Sylveon reveal a nasty cut has appeared on his hind leg.


    "It''s okay, Sylveon''s pretty strong." I remind myself.


    One star, in particular, darts into a yanma, and it doesn''t disappear. Abruptly, all the yanma seem to flicker and pause, before swarming again. "That''s the one¡­"


    I can barely make out the smile on Sylveon''s muzzle before he directs all his stars at the real yanma. Many of the fakes dive into the attacks, but are blasted away by the sheer number of stars.


    Me and Kaa stay there, breathless, as Sylveon strikes down the final enemy.


    The projectiles seek out the real yanma before it can hide itself in their swarm; pummeling and spearing into it. Once more, all the fake bugs paused, flickered, and faded into little motes of light. Drifting down like ash from the sky, before disappearing too.


    I look up at Kaa, as he looks up too. A single mote falls farther than the others, landing gingerly on the tip of his snout, and fads away.


    Kaa rubs his nose, I giggle, he looks at me, and we smile.


    A thud is heard, causing us to turn our attention back to the fight, or what is left of it. A small dust cloud clears before revealing a motionless yanma, except for the occasional twitch.


    Looking past, we see Sylveon, panting and smiling; although said smile is stained with purple drool.


    "Yah! Sylveon! You did it!" Kaa cheers next to me, causing more ringing.


    I go to cover my ears, but Kaa takes me by the arms, pulls me up, and now we''re moving. "Just keep walking¡­ Just keep walking¡­ ugh, why isn''t the ground flat?" I think to myself, watching my feet to make sure they''re working correctly.


    Luckily I only manage to stumble a lot, relying mostly on Kaa to move.


    There''s foot falls in front of us, before Kaa stops me. Looking up from the ground, I see Mister Sylveon''s worried expression.


    "Is everyone okay?" He asks, helping Kaa sit me down. "What happened to Charmander?"


    "If I knew, then I would tell you." Kaa said, worried and dejected.


    I just sit there, letting Kaa and Sylveon go over me. Remembering to stay still, like Doctor Audino told me to do when somemon'' is treating me.


    "If you watch, then you''ll see Charmander is kinda dizzy and stuff."


    "Hmm, Charmander, look at me." Sylveon ordered, and I did. Though, I blink a couple times to see only one of him. "Okay, do you understand what I''m saying?"


    "Uh, yes¡­ Do¡­ Do you know what''s wrong with me?" I answer and ask.


    "Well you''re not confused¡­" Sylveon said, reaching for me with his ribbons before realizing they''re still covered in poison.


    "Hmm" Switch to his paws, Sylveon begins turning and moving me to get a good look. "What happened here?"


    I flinch from a jolt of pain as he touches the tender part on the back of my head.


    "Oops, my bad."


    "I, un, I don''t really know." I say, trying to remember. "It hurts though, and¡­ is it still bleeding?"


    "No, not much." He answers, and I catch a glimpse of Kaa, nervously ringing his tail. "Let''s try old reliable."


    Before I can ask what ''old reliable'' is, Sylveon shifts my head around some more, before I hear him start digging through our bag. Turning slightly to watch, I see him carefully bring an oran berry out of the bag, struggling with having to use his paw. Regardless, our peer manages it and turns to me¡­


    Before devolving into a coughing fit and dropping the fruit, more purple drool running down the sides of his mouth.


    I cringe, knowingly, at his hacking and Kaa takes a step forward to help. "He''s probably feeling guilty¡­"


    "I''m fine." Sylveon assured, holding up his halve ribbon arm to stop Kaa, before switching to a fully intact one.


    "I''m fine." He said a second time, straightening up, smiling, and nugging the oran to me.


    Wordlessly, and somewhat hesitant, I reach for the berry and miss. A little frustrated, I grab at the other place I see the oran and start eating it. Almost immediately, energy flows through my limbs, tail fire begins burning brightly, and I want to start running around. Without needing to ask, Kaa helps me up and I notice how much easier it is to stand.


    "Orans are so good, I''m feeling better already!"


    Though, the excitement is cut short as Sylveon begins coughing again, spitting specks of poison out. He then wipes some purple drool off and spits some more out, before looking out to the beated ferals.


    "Mister Sylveon?" I ask, worriedly.


    Sylveon stops, glances back, and tilts their head; wordlessly asking. Despite his nice smile, I still feel nervous and decide to grab Kaa''s hand; steadying myself.


    "Y-you should eat a¡­ p-pecha berry mister¡­" But I don''t really finish.


    Sylveon lets out huff before turning to properly face us. His pleasant smile is now gone as he begins glaring at me.


    "That''s a really good observation there Charmander, truly." Sylveon''s praise not matching his tone. "But I can''t¡­ Actually I''m glad you brought that up, you two should have done what I said, back in town, and used the money I gave you to get the things I recommended."


    Sylveon takes a step forward and we take one back. My gaze shifts between Kaa and our peer. "What? But me and Kaa did¡­ didn''t we?"


    "You both need to listen when I give you advice, I''m not just saying things for no Arceus damned reason! And whatever happened to the poke I gave!?" He shouted, closing the distance and glaring down. "Did you two even buy supplies or did you just¡­?"


    I stand there scared and confused, trying to say something, trying to tell Sylveon we didn''t steal his money; but nothing comes out. "We haven''t had to steal anything in a while now¡­"


    "Not to forg-" He abruptly stops. Seizing up before puking out some poison; purple and red pooling on ground. It stops soon though, and he just stands there, head hanging down towards the pool of sickness, with poison stained ribbons following.


    We stand there, listening to his labored breathing.


    ¡­


    "Mister sylveon, if you-"


    "Stop!" Sylveon suddenly shouts, cutting off Kaa.


    ¡­


    "Just stop¡­"


    He then sucks in a breath and spits some gunk out, before straightening their posture and glaring at Kaa.


    "I wouldn''t be poisoned right now if you had been a bit more careful, a little more considerate." Kaa flinches back, hiding behind me, as Sylveon singles him out. "Now I have to suffer¡­"


    Kaa firmly squeezes my hand and I want to defend him, to tell Sylveon that it isn''t Kaa''s fault somehow; to explain his accident. "Kaa would never hurt a friend on purpose!"


    A small laugh escapes our peer, as he shakes his head and turns around.


    "What did I honestly expect from a couple of fire types?"


    ¡­


    "Another peer shakes their head and turns their back on us¡­ Are we that useless?"


    ¡­


    I want to say something. "But I''m just going to make it worse¡­ aren''t I?" So instead, I stare at the ground and stay quiet. Rubbing my eyes, I want to cry, but Kaa already is; so I just pull him closer and try not to cry myself¡­


    ¡­


    "Let''s go, we need to get that silk and then we can leave." Sylveon breaks the silence, marching away. "No talking."


    Quickly, me and Kaa join him, although we stay behind him and out of sight.


    We walk for only a couple of steps before I step on something soft and cold. Quickly stepping away from the weird sensation, I stand there, staring at a severed piece of ribbon on the ground. "Should I¡­ Should I grab it for him?"


    "M-Mister Sylveon."


    "What is it now-" He begins to yell, before turning around and seeing what I''m pointing at. "Oh, just¡­ Just leave it."


    I give it one last look before doing that.


    ¡­


    We all fall back into march, and I try not to talk. But I want Sylveon to like me, I want him to like Kaa, I really want to fix things. "But I''m more likely to make them worse¡­"


    ¡­


    "Oh mon'' we''re in real trouble this time¡­ What should I do¡­ What should I do?"