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Aftermath

(Zero's POV)

From what I was able to recall, I witnessed someone's death, saw Junior transform into a giant wolf creature, nearly got killed because of his bloody rampage, found out I had monsters like the other two did, said monster calling me Zero and master (only because Junior translated for me after) and watched a badger creature die but somehow come back to life only for him to kiss his male trainer. So far those were the highlights of my life.

After the events of the assassins, Lucario used something called a Heal Pulse to heal everyone's wounds. Not as proficient as an actual doctor but enough to seal and drive away the pain (for a time.)

My Lucario, as his species was called, kept glaring at Junior who was still an enormous beast. Thankfully he was still the same old Junior his team knew before the events happened.

"Cario? Lu Car?" His Lucario asked, pointing at some red flowers with blue tips on a tree. Junior grumbled in a somewhat sad tone before lowering his head. Lucario awkwardly climbed the mountainous canine and smiled.

"Cario Lu Lu car!" He joked. But it arose a growl from his Blaziken. "Blaza! Blaziken!" He sounded quite angry. Lucario's ears flattened. "Carrrio.." The jackal sheepishly apologized. His tail fell onto the large beast's head. Junior glanced up at the jackal, irked from the dual type's rude words.

"Hey, it's fine. Lucario only meant it as a joke right?"

"Lu..."

"See Blaziken?" He said as he rose his head at the tree Lucario wanted to reach, his ears perked up as did his mood. He began happily picking the flowers. "Calm down ok? Nothing should change from any of this right, Blaziken?" The dual type looked away angrily. Growling and folding his arms. "Blaze..." He muttered. Lucario held the flowers and smiled.

...

"They look nice there don't they? Really nice and pretty." Axel opined. They had surrounded a tombstone which had the flowers Lucario wanted to get neaty set on top and around the stone. The words 'Rest In Peace' written across the middle of it in messy black writing. Junior looked down and teared a bit but reassuring pats on his back from his team made his smile resurface.

"Do you guys.. think she's happy up there?" Junior softly asked. Everyone nodded besides Akio and myself. We mostly just watched from afar. Unlike the rest, we didn't have any connection to Robin. The closest being her knowledge of who I was. Although that information was no longer obtainable.

Lucario and Zoroark left their trainer's side. Most likely to get more flowers whereas Blaziken was left to comfort him.. or at least try.

"You're really bad at cheering me up." Junior stated. His Blaziken only snuffed and threw his arms in the air out of frustration. Eventually, he joined Junior in sitting down.

My Lucario's cough got my attention. He stared at me with a stern glare.

"Why don't you act like Junior's Lucario? Or do each of you have different personalities like humans do?" He growled at my oblivious question.

"Rrrrio... lucar."

"I don't understand you! What in hell are you saying?" I exclaimed. Akio growled and pointed at his paws. Hesitant, I looked at them. He made various hand signs with them. I stared with interest. I didn't understand why but I was able to follow his slow paw movements. My brain connected them, forming words. Like a puzzle of sorts.

"Cannnn.... Yoou understand this?" I butchered. "Can you understand this? Wait, is that what you said with paw language?" Akio smiled and nodded his furry head. More signs from him arrived but quicker.

"Hey! I am not an idiot! ... My hood? What are you going to check?" Akio enclosed the distance between us, almost making his chest spike poke me. He set his paws on the collar of my hood making me feel unbalanced and insecure. The bit of pressure on my collar made me feel uneasy. What is this animal doing? I thought. He lifted my chin with his paw to apparently get a better look at whatever he was looking at. Akio's eyes narrowed. He grumbled before releasing a sigh.

"Cario..." He chided before making more paw signs.

"What broke? .... My hood? How does that make any sense?" I asked perplexed.

"He is saying your hood is apparently how you communicated with your Pokemon." Junior cut in. I jumped from his presence. I was so involved in figuring out what Akio was trying to say that I hadn't noticed Junior's loud approach. Akio growled at his presence.

"Hello Akio! Need me to translate for you? Or do you got things handled?" Junior's offer to help caught Akio off guard. He earned a cautious look.

"Lucario.... Ruu.." He protested but eventually gave in. "Crio, Lu Lu Lucario!" He stated. Junior tilted his head but looked at me. Somewhat curious.

"Um... apparently the collar of your jacket can help you communicate with your Pokemon team. But Akio says it's broken. Somehow the fall broke it.. what fall? Is that why you can't remember anything because you hit your noggin?" The beast chirped. His happy demeanor seemed out of place but a glance behind him at Blaziken made that thought shoot out of mind. His low throated growl got Akio's attention who rivaled his growl.

"Blaza! Blaziken!"

"Carrrio!"

"H-Hey! Stop it you two!" Junior commanded as he pushed Blaziken back with his paw. Unfortunately, he put too much strength in it and accidentally shoved Blaziken a good yard. He hit the floor and rolled. His feathers covered in dirt. Blaziken jumped to his feet, brushed his fethers and rised a brow at the beast human thing.

"B-Blaze?!" He asked. The fire Pokemon wasn't all too scratched up. Nothing too major. He scowled at his beast of a trainer.

"I'm sorry! I didn't know I was that powerful like this." Junior licked Blaziken's cheek in apology. Blaziken however didn't take to his action.

"Blaze! B-Blaziken!" He growled out. He pushed Junior away and rubbed his licked cheek with his arm. Junior made a questioned bark.

"I thought that's how canines say sorry? Is that not how I do it?"

"Blaza!" Blaziken countered. Akio chuckled. "Rio carr? Lucar!" Blaziken once again got mad but a low grumble from Junior made his anger diminish.

"Cool it Blaziken, or else you'll wake up Typhlosion. He needs a rest." Junior threatened before looking at the creature on his back. His lover was sleeping soundly on his back. Arms wrapped around the large beast's neck. I couldn't help but chuckle from the badger's face. So serene and peaceful.

"Zi... Blaza." He complained. He folded his arms with a glower at Typhlosion. "Hey, he's not getting special permission to sleep on my back because he's my mate Blaziken. If you, Lucario or Zoroark were tired you'd get permission to ride me."

"Blazzzze... Blaziken?"

"Hey! Not THAT kind of ride! S-Shut up.. you lost your opportunity for a rest now." Junior avowed. Blaziken only shrugged in response. The smallest hint of a smirk in his expression.

"Cario!" Somebody called out. Everybody glanced over at the grave to see two canines holding multiple flowers. An array of blue, red and purple. Lucario's tail wagged whereas Zoroark only chuckled at his energetic friend. The jackal's grin caught Akio's eye. "Carrio..." My partner growled out. Junior and Blaziken gave him odd looks. It was apparent that whatever he said seemed odd. Regardless, they walked back to rejoin the canines with Blaziken scowling at Akio who just blatantly ignored him. He gazed at me and made more paw signals.

"What do you mean 'Why is he acting so childish?' Aren't all Lucario childish and carefree?"

"Carrrio.. Lu Lucario." Akio replied. He rolled his eyes at me out of ignorance. "Crr."

"Paw signs please.. or should I just get Junior to translate for us?" I inquired. Akio didn't hesitate as he made more paw signs.

"Don't trust him? I guess.. especially after that whole incident. He killed two men in cold blood, tore their bodies apart and ate them. Obviously there's something more to that canine than he shows." Akio nodded his head with a stern look at Junior. "Carrio.." He muttered before smiling at me. "Lu Lu, car cario!" Akio gleefully barked. I grumbled.

"In something I understand please?" Akio sighed and made multiple rapid paw signs. Somehow I understood them through the blazing speed. "Play along until my memory comes back huh? Ok. I don't even understand how I lost it in the- oh wait, Akio do you have any idea on what happened to my memory? And why did I have a gun in my-" I was interrupted mid sentence by Akio pressing his paw against my mouth. It also covered my nose, preventing me from breathing. He dragged me behind a nearby tree against my flailing.

"Mmmph! Mmmmmph!" I desperately tried to call out until Akio let my mouth free. I gasped for air.

"What was that for?! I couldn't breathe!" I screeched out. Holding my chest to reassure me of its slow heartbeat. Akio made several paw signs with a simple sigh to accompany them.

"Why shouldn't I talk about the gun I found? What's wrong with it?" I inquired. More paw signs followed suit. "Just don't? But-" I sighed, not wanting to continue the conversation of secrecy. "Fine... but Axel already knows as do Typhlosion and Lucario. Also about the knife I found but they don't know about this." I exclaimed while taking out a sword from its sheath. It's steel blade freshly washed down. A speck of blood still on its handle. A nameplate was on said brown coated handle but it was mostly scratched out. Except for an M. I had pondered why that was there when I first found it during the others' time to bury Robin. It was rather peculiar. But it arose a smile from Akio.

"Heh, cario." Akio chuckled out. By his smile I could've only guessed that was a good thing. His tail wagged as he took the sword from me.

"Cario, luuucario!" He happily exclaimed before making his paw signs.

"Wait, you think if I hold onto the sword I'll regain a memory? How does that work? H-Hey, don't get so aggressive while holding that thing!" I shouted as Akio nearly stabbed me with it trying to make me hold its handle. Akio growled. "Cario!" I eventually gave up, letting the pokemon guide my hands and on the sword handle. I turned the blade this way and that in any hopes of a memory spark but to no avail. I studied the blade's tip and nameplate. Why is it scratched out but not the M? I curiously thought. Akio just narrowed his eyes, awaiting something. He placed his paw on my forehead and exhaled.

"Cario, Lu Lu car. Lucarrrio." Akio asked in a very curious tone. I waited a moment before softly shaking his paw off my forehead. "Come on Akio, it's pointless. My memories will probably return in time.... right?" Truth be told I wasn't so sure about it myself. I was confused as all hell when I first woke up on the floor. It was luck that somebody as nice as Junior found me. I could've been robbed in my deep slumber or worse.

The sound of footsteps approaching got my attention. Akio quickly grabbed my sword, shoved it into its sheath and put it away in the bag right as Junior, Lucario and Blaziken peeked around the tree.

"Were you two doing something naughty back here?" Junior asked. Akio looked at me and quickly looked away with a scuff. Arms folded in disapproval.

"Why would you think that?" I asked the wolf. He tilted his head then hummed an odd tune.

"I don't know... probably because I heard Akio shouting 'Just fucking hold it still.'" Junior recounted. "Also the shouting didn't help my thought. Sounded like you guys were-"

"Cario cu coo Lucario!" He shouted at Junior who just walked backwards from surprise.

"I-I am not a pervert! In my defense this isn't the best place to fuck so getting you guys out of it early is best." Junior sheepishly said. Akio didn't take to his response and growled out. He probably would've attacked Junior but wanted to stay on his team's good side. Instead he told him something.

"Cario, Lu Lucario. Rrrio car." Akio bluntly stated. Junior just tilted his head. "Really? Huh... that's fine I guess."

"What'd he say?" I questioned. Junior just looked at me and made a questioned look. "He said he doesn't trust me. Guess that's fair but that doesn't matter right now. So getting to the main point, you wanna.. help decorate the grave Zero? Any help would be of use a-and we're almost done." The beast asked in an almost begging manner. His ears flattened, and he shuffled in place anxiously. He glanced at me with a bit of hope in it. Akio glared at me and shook his head. Obviously his distrust blinded his compulsion in helping somebody whose mother recently died. I smiled and agreed to help the dog whose tail wagged. He jumped around for a second before running back to regroup with his Pokemon. Once he was far enough, Akio growled at me. He made a single paw sign with an angry glare. I glared back. Obviously it wasn't wise to trust Junior but I couldn't be rude to the guy. His mom died and we didn't know if he'd be permanently stuck in that forme. Even if he did savagely kill two assassins, he deserved a chance. I knew he wasn't like that. It was the amulet that his sleeping lover currently wore that caused his blinded rage.

It caught my attention when said amulet glew a pearly white around Typhlosion's neck. Its shine was unnoticed by everybody except Akio and I. My partner's ears perked up and he flinched. The light slowly diminished into the eyes of the wolf amulet. A small spark of the same light appeared then disappeared on Junior's right paw. All of this they didn't notice. Akio looked at me with a solemn look. Ears flatten back. I reassuringly patted his head which he shook off. Note taken... you don't like physical contact unlike Junior's Lucario. Got it. I thought cautiously. Yeah he was my Pokemon but the fact he seemed more aggressive made me conclude he wouldn't mind attacking me if he was given the right motive. With another paw signature Akio grumbled.

"Ok Ok now I know you don't like being touched. Sorry dude." I apologized. The aura Pokemon only growled silently. I chuckled. It was kinda adorable in a dog sort of way. His ears flared and his tail rose. His angry snarl added to his adorable state. The tease in me wanted to pet him again.

Akio and I walked over to Junior and his team. Lucario immediately ran toward Akio and beamed brightly. Akio gave him a confused glare. "Crrr..?" He asked the energetic jackal. Junior's Lucario smiled upon getting Akio's attention.

"Lucario! Cario..? Lucar?" The younger jackal asked his senior. Akio glanced at me, a hesitant look on his face. Instead of doing anything to help the Pokemon, I smirked and waved at him. Sighing, he returned to face the other Lucario. Akio just slowly shrugged.

"Crrrrio?" He said in a pleading tone. Junior walked behind Lucario and patted his head with his tower of a paw. The canine nuzzled his head into the large beast's paw. That cheerful smile of his resurfaced.

"Thanks for helping out Lucario. Those flowers really are pretty." Lucario replied with a cheerful bark, tail wagging with delight.

"So how about it Akio? I now that you don't seem fond of me at all in fact I'm pretty sure you really hate me.. but would you mind helping Lucario with some pointers while Zero helps me?" The large beast's request wasn't in vain as Akio unwillingly agreed. His ears were tilted back. An uncertain feel around him.

Lucario's tail wagged a blur. Junior only chuckled.

"Seems a certain doggy is happy huh?" Junior teased making the canine blush. "Lucar...." He replied with a bashful whine.

"Hehe, don't worry Lucario. I won't tease you as much now." Junior reassured, smirking as he did. Akio sighed before waving his paw in front of Lucario, snapping the other aura Pokemon's attention back to him. Lucario's ears twitched.

"Ri luu..." Akio said. Lucario nodded his head and walked next to a tree and signaled for Akio to follow. My partner walked past me but paused and whispered into my left ear.

"Carr.. ocur." He muttered. I shivered against his words. The hairs on the back of my neck bristled. It oddly sounded like he was threatening me. His tail accidentally brushed against my leg. It was soft to an extent. A small thought of whose Lucario's fur was softer crossed my mind. Hehe, that actually sounds like an adorable rivalry. Maybe something even more. I lewdly thought. The idea quickly diminished once Junior nudged my back with his cold nose. A very dog-like action.

"H-Hey! No pushing me!" I commanded. I turned to face him and tapped his nose. "Bad dog! Sit!" There was a second of awkward silence before the large beast laid on his tummy. Head on his paws. I blankly stared at him.

"I uh... huh.. give me paw." I requested. Junior stared at me before getting back up on all fours and extended his left paw at me. I held it before dropping it back down. The beast's tail wagged.

"Speak." I commanded with a hint of domination. He tilted his head but stayed silent. A confused grumble from him arose.

"Um... I said speak." I reiterated, my voice rose a bit for him to listen. Yet he didn't. Junior only looked more confused.

"Um... you aren't clear. What do you want me to say?" Junior questioned. I facepalmed with a groan.

"Actually, why in fuck are you listening to me? Aren't you the leader of this ragtag group of people and Pokemon?" I inquired but only received a yawn.

"Audino.. I just kinda feel compelled to obey those certain commands. Damn I really need to get out of this form.. but how?" Junior asked nobody in particular. The badger's soft snoring caught us off guard. He rolled over in his sleep now holding onto Junior's neck with one arm. The gay wolf released a content chuckle. "So cute." He cooed. Tail continued to sway back and forth. Almost rhythmic. Soothing in a sense. Junior glanced at Zoroark and Blaziken, who were around the grave still putting things around it. Mainly colorful bouquets of flowers and berries. There was even a flower crown thing placed firmly on the grave. Most likely Lucario's idea.

Junior leisurely walked over to the grave and sighed, I followed him. Wind echoed throughout the trees, making songbirds chirp. A single red flower fell out of the bouquet. It gently floated down. I picked up the flower and set it neatly in the bouquet. Junior looked at me solemnly.

"Why didn't they attack you?" I shot up from his sudden question. His serious tone grabbed Zoroark's and Blaziken's attention. They put down the decorations and stood at the beast's side.

"Zor?" The illusion fox asked.

"Blaza Blaze.." Blaziken grumbled. His glare at me couldn't have been more obvious.

"Wait, Junior what do you mean?" My inquiry was followed up by Junior's soft voice. "The... a-assassins.. never tried to hurt you. They tried killing Axel.. but not you." Speaking of which I hadn't seen that blonde haired kid in awhile. Nor his terrifyingly huge Tyranitar. Although I wasn't opposed to not seeing them. That kid's Pokemon was abnormally scary for its size.

Blaziken narrowed his eyes at me, growling. The distrust was real.

"H-Hey," I stuttered, holding my hands up slightly. "I have no memory of those assholes. Nor would I want to have anything to do with them." I confirmed. Junior cocked his head with a sway of his bushy tail. Zoroark took notice of this and chuckled.

"Zoro? Hehe, zorko." The tricky fox teased. Junior immediately flushed a deep red. "Sh-Shut the fuck up.. I am not. Just glad to know I could trust him." Junior looked at his mother's grave but swiftly at the arm of Typhlosion's wrapped firmly around his neck. The badger only murmured in his sleep. "Mrrr..." He nuzzled into Junior's scruff causing the large beast to groan. Zoroark snickered, half covering his muzzle with his paw. Blaziken on the other hand wasn't amused. The ground at his feet started heating up, scorching the grass burnt black. Suddenly Zoroark jumped forward with a ear piercing yelp. He fell and blew air at the sole of his feet. An angry scowl on his face.

"Blaza." Blaziken said flatly.

"Blaziken, can you not burn your teammate's feet? Now it'll hurt for him to walk." Junior's observation made Zoroark sigh.

"Zor. Raaaa." He inquired. Junior nodded and walked over to the illusion fox. Zoroark awkwardly climbed on top of him. His dark paws dangled to the sides. I folded my arms and chuckled.

"Guess you can say Zoroark is riding you." I lewdly teased. Junior flushed from embarrassment, trying to keep his composure. My statement didn't faze the dark furred canine. Blaziken only shook his head in disapproval. In all honesty I didn't care if Blaziken didn't agree with me. Out of the potential five that would have trusted me, it didn't matter if one didn't. Hell it would've made the journey with Junior a lot more fun.

I looked at Blaziken and smirked. He growled and rose his middle claw at me. Amused, I returned his gesture. Blaziken scowled, his wrists lit ablaze but the austere look Junior gave him made said flames die out. "Don't get hot-headed Blaziken." Junior said with a slight threatening voice. The large chicken folded his arms and shot a puff of fire out the side of his beak. His trainer wholeheartedly smiled. Tail wagging, ears twitching.

"Thank you. Now Zero.. can you do me a favor?" The large beast inquired. Rising my hand to my chin and rubbing it profusely, I thought then, with certainty, nodded my head. It was a foolish decision but I wanted him to trust me. Although I was talking about not caring about their opinions a couple seconds ago. Funny how fast subjects change. The dog smiled a content smile.

"Thanks Zero! OK so can you help get some berries? There are berry trees very close by. About a minute away if my nose is correct. We.. uh need them for on the go snacks and berry juice. You don't need to get a lot, just enough for us to use and grow." Junior said. His ears perked up once I smiled.

"Of course," I replied tapping Junior's nose making him scrunch it up. "I'll work on it so you have juices to drink besides Typhlosion's." My comment (and slight tap) arose embarrassment on his cheeks and nose. The tips of his ears grew red. Junior's tail stopped wagging and stayed static.

"J-Just go already.." Said the embarrassed dog. With a smirk and shrug, I walked towards the trees. What I didn't know was that what I'd bring back would harbor some hilarious moments.

(Lucario's POV)

"So.. eating more berries can help me keep a clearer mind state...?"

"No pup, not just berries alone. What else was there that you need?" The deep voice replied. His eyes focused on me, a troubled expression on his face. He wasn't even looking at me much more past me at the distant sky. Akio was seated with his legs crossed. An uninterested aura shrouded the other Lucario. It was light grey. Or probably grey black. I didn't know because Akio said my aura scans weren't 100% accurate if I had never been trained by a senior Lucario. It hurt my feelings but I didn't try to hide the obvious tells. Akio, being older than me by five years, wouldn't need to bat an eye to take notice. Wait, are you already in my mind Akio? My random inquiry was responded by a simple nod.

"Pro Tip: When a Lucario is nearby, it's best to mutter and rise their curiosity than to think. Especially around me. Invading someone's mind is passive to me when I first meet them. In fact, I'm still connected to all of your friends' minds as we speak.. you all think highly of Junior don't you?" Akio questioned, finally looking directly at me. His strict gaze sent shivers down my spine. Akio had a certain look that made him more Intimidating than Typhlosion or even Blaziken. I was afraid if I didn't answer he'd hurt me.

"O-Obviously, none of us would be here without him."

"I know that." Akio articulated. "Your memories serve well as proof." That captured my attention. As far as I knew, Lucarios couldn't see memories. Only emotions and aura. I was skeptical at first but a ping of doubt hit me.

"You aren't actually able to see memories right? You were only joking?" I asked. Akio squinted his eyes at me. Yet again a shiver shot down my spine. This time colder. I wasn't sure if it was my fear of the other Lucario or he used a move on me. More likely just my cowardice.

"I'm only gonna say one thing on this subject then we never bring it back up. Got it?" He stated. His tone suggested threat. I whimpered but hastily gave a nod. Akio sighed.

"Normal Lucario wouldn't inherit what I have. I'm a special case. End of subject." The darker furred Lucario took a bite out of an Oran Berry he had balanced on his tail. Suddenly a low roar made both our ears perk up. I had feared Junior went wild again but when the roar returned I knew it wasn't the case.

My face flushed under my fur, a sheepish smile made Akio sigh once again.

"S-Sorry.." I wholeheartedly apologized. Akio stayed silent as the flowers around us blew softly with the breeze. Trees gently dropped small pink flowers. If memory served me right they were blossom trees. Also known as Junior's favorites.

The parallel jackal's ears shot up once a flower petal landed on his snout. Instead of shaking it off, he pulled it off and put it on the floor. "So I'm guessing you won't be able to meditate with an empty stomach." Akio jumped to his feet and motioned me to follow. "Come on. Let's find some berries."

"B-But wouldn't it be easier to go back and get some food with our friends?"

"Your friends you mean." Akio shot back.

"But aren't we all friends? We're all traveling together so wouldn't it be simpler to be pals and not just travel companions?" I stated. Getting tired of me not getting up, Akio grabbed my paw and abruptly pulled me up. I yelped. For a Lucario like me he had much more strength.

"Listen Lucario. I don't want to sound rude, but naivety like that will get you killed. Those people that Junior killed didn't seem to kid around when it came to the taste of blood. More of them won't give up until Junior is dead. Some stronger than the last." Akio's grim observation gave me a chill. That illusion Zoroark did of his death still lingered fresh in my mind. If the assassins didn't hesitate to kill him.. reality or not it might've happened if we weren't careful.

Akio pointed his paw above us. I followed his paw to set my eyes upon multiple Sitrus Berries ripe for the picking. I eagerly licked my muzzle. Stomach cried out for me to climb the tree and pick them.

"Don't go the easy way Lucario. Try out your aura to pick it or you won't eat until much later." Akio scowled. I whined in protest. It was cruel to make Lucario's use aura when hungry. It never ended in equal results when compared to normal.

Nonetheless, I decided to obey Akio and close my eyes. My black appendages rose with a light blue aura. Half a second later I reopened my eyes. My sight fixated on the berries, one of them glew the same aura. I wasn't the best at using Psychic but that didn't mean I didn't understand how to use it.

"OK now pick it off the tree and into your paw." Akio commanded. Upon saying that, the Sitrus berry burst open breaking my concentration. It's juices splattered all over my fur.

"Grah! Oh come on.." I started to wipe the berry juice off my fur, only making it worse. A grumble arose out of me.

"You were trying too hard. Aura can't be forced, only guided. Haven't your parents taught you this?" Akio asked. My face fell solemn as did my ears. My own aura turned a deep black. Akio blankly stared at me. A tear fell from my right eye. The sudden realization on Akio's face from just seeing my tear turned his aura a pale blue.

".. let's head back. You're fur will clamp up if we don't hurry and it'll be a pain to fix without trimming it." Akio pointed out. I wiped the tear trail with my paw and nodded.

"O-Ok." I choked out, trying my best to hold myself together. Just think happy thoughts.. I encouraged. Happy thoughts.. uh.. Junior's smile. Eating together with everyone as friends.. Chocolate.. Cuddling with Jun-... ior... That memory never left my mind. The softness and security of his fur. The warmth of the sleeping bag. And the light of the night. It was still fresh and clean. Like it happened not even a minute ago.

Junior had always been patient and comforted me when it came to my past. Especially when those memories still haunted me.

"Hey, you coming? Your trainer will worry if I go back without you." Akio stated, tapping his paw impatiently. Without any confirmation, I followed the other jackal. The memory of me holding Junior retreated to the back of my mind where it was kept safe.

"Why do you stay silent?" I asked Akio who ignored me for the hundredth time. Apparently, we traveled further than we expected for the tips. But the more we walked the more blossom trees appeared in view. Not as many as berry or even plain trees but it was enough to make me happy. It reminded me of Johto's blossom trees. Oh how much I missed that place. Home, even though it wasn't where I was natively born.

At that point, it was about a five minute walk back until I was able to sense the distinct black of Junior's aura. My ears perked up.

"They're over there." I stated, pointing into the grove of trees. Akio gave me a questioning gaze.

"Your bond must be deeper than I thought if you can sense him from here. Good job Lucario." I beamed from Akio's praise. But my smile died down when I realized what Junior was thinking that made his aura pitch black. Junior... I'm sorry for what happened. I can sense your pain from even this far. I thought. You don't have to go through it alone remember that. We're all here for you.. I one-wayed thought, meaning he couldn't reply. Akio slightly nodded.

"One way huh? Most Cario's don't naturally learn nor inherit that ability. You should be lucky you did." I blushed. What if I had said something more private? Privacy was always a thing you're supposed to have and it was infuriating how casually Akio invaded it. Than again I shouldn't talk as a fellow Lucario who has huge curiosity.

An eerie sound reached my ears and disturbed my thoughts. It sent an eerie chill down my spine. It was low and quick. Close to a growl of some sort. I groaned.

"Hopefully Junior won't mind me getting some snacks from his bag.. I'm getting really hungry." I told nobody in particular. Akio didn't even comment on it. Just stared ahead at the road. His gaze almost dead-like. Instead of trying to get him to converse with me (which I highly doubted) I decided to try talking with somebody who I hoped might.

Typhlosion? You.. You awake yet? No response. Reactively, ears flattened. Ok.. guess you're still out of commission.. I ended the telepathic link with a simple swipe of my paw. I sighed. I secretly hoped Typhlosion would've responded. He blacked out when he.. kissed Junior and hadn't woken up since. Sure it was only about an hour's time it happened but that was enough to get everybody worried. Junior and I especially.

With a sigh I stayed silent and continued walking beside Akio back to meet up with the group. The berry juice still lingered in my fur along the way. It didn't help with my pinging hunger.

....

I patted my stomach and whined. Junior tilted his head. "Did you get into a fight with a berry and lose?"

"No... Akio was telling me to focus my Psychic abilities on a Sitrus Berry... it blew in my face." I sheepishly informed. Junior leaned closer and sniffed my fur. I shivered.

"You smell delicious! Can I taste?"

"N-No! You'll rip my arm off if you bite me in that form!" My complaint, albeit it was more of a warning, passed the large beast.

"Just a small lick?"

"No! What's wrong with you?" All I got was a shake of his furry head. Typhlosion grumbled as his soft silver pillow moved.

"I dunno. Maybe it's just me being silly. Anyways, what did Akio teach you besides.. using berry juice as deodorant?"

"N-Nothing else.." I lied. My ears tilted back as Junior snickered.

"You sure? What about you talking to me out of the blue with.. encouragement?" He inquired. I whimpered. Fidgeting in place, I stuttered.

"U-Um I-I was trying to help.. W-We are with you J-Junior. No matter what." A slight chuckle arose followed by an awkward nuzzle which made my fur turn red.

"Can't handle a simple nuzzling from our trainer? Hehehe." Zoroark teased. My ears twitched.

"Why're you riding on Junior's back? Wait, what happened to your feet?!" My urgency made both Junior's and Zoroark's ears perk up. The illusion fox chuckled whilst scratching his neck.

"Who'd you think can burn something at the moment?" That's when I realized the obvious. That and the burned grass a few feet away with Blaziken scowling kinda gave the answer away. Deciding to avoid the subject, I curiously poked Typhlosion's paw. It wasn't dead or soulless or even unresponsive. Actually the badger's arm twitched before he pulled it under his cream colored belly.

"Hey, no poking a sleeping badger. It's dangerous." Junior warned albeit with a playful demeanor. That's when I noticed it. Junior obscured his sadness with a false happiness. Just to make sure we never worried. But I knew. Aura gave it away and aura never lied.

"Can we fucking go now? I'm getting bored just standing around." Blaziken bellowed. Zoroark growled. Not directly at him but it was easy to tell whom he was directing it at.

Junior stood still for a second before he nodded his furry head. "Of course, but.. wouldn't it be bad if anyone sees me like... this? And I don't have your Pokeballs, they were on my belt and.. it isn't around." Junior pointed out. This caused Blaziken to grumble. A puff of fire escaped his beak.

"Hey, look who it is." Zero said, smirking at the young boy who was deep into his thoughts to not notice (or cared) against Zero's tease. Tyranitar, on the other hand, gave the blue haired man a furious glare. Akio growled back at the 6'9 rock type who had a perplexed expression.

"Wait, there's two.. um.. wait, how?" Spluttered the dual type. I wouldn't blame him for his sudden confusion. He wasn't there when Akio first showed up. Probably not even there until Axel was sent to search for something. While Tyranitar switched between Akio and I, Axel cautiously walked towards Junior. His head was tilted. The blonde whispered something into his fluffy ears that made his tail sway. I held back my urge to read into their conversation. After an entire minute, Junior reacted.

"Wait, what voice? What'd they mean by that?" The urgency in his beast of a voice grabbed everybody's attention. Even Akio's.

"What voice?" Akio inquired with a snarl.

"It sounded kinda similar to you but a bit deeper. Also he was.. commanding me to tell you about a river nearby." He continued, unknowledgeable of Akio's asking.

"What river kid?" Zero spoke. Earning a protective growl from Tyranitar. The blue haired man threw his arms up to feign innocence. "Hey it just comes out. No need to growl you overgrown rock." The grown man said.

Axel stared at him for a minute. A scowl of some sort on his face. It was clear he didn't trust Zero but that's what most of us thought. Even a peek into Junior's subconscious revealed he doubted the sea haired man. Although it was very small, it was present. Nobody, besides Akio, fully trusted the man.

Axel sighed and continued. "There's a river about a mile walk. It's west of here and away from Shalour city. In fact its only inhabitants are Pokemon and lush forests."

"Junior..." I whined. "I don't think it'll be safe.."

"He said something odd too, almost poetic in a sense." Axel avowed, earning all the Pokemon's attention. The kid rose his hand to his chin, rubbing it slowly. "Something.. Something, Amulet.. something then river. Obviously the necklace Typhlosion is wearing is the amulet he's talking about." Everybody just looked at the sleeping badger. Blind to what's happening around his unconscious state.

"So you believe the river might be in that nearby forest?" Zero asked. A bit of concern hidden in his tone. Axel just nodded his head at the inquiry.

"Yes. The lake he was talking about is something many have journeyed hard to find. The only lake that he'd be talking about that has any importance in Kalos history is The lake of Vérité. Translated to, The Lake Of Truth. But it's only a myth created during the Great Pokemon war. Said to reveal traitors working for the enemies and expose illusions." Axel rubbed his neck awaiting anybody's comments on the matter.

"That it?" Junior abruptly asked. It seemed he didn't care about the lake being an urban myth. "Where was it in the myth?"

"But it isn't real! Its location was only exposed to a select few and all of them died off leaving it untouched by humans and Pokemon."

".. So? Come on it'll be a fun little adventure! There's a nearby forest that isn't far from the road!" Junior barked, his huge tail swaying to and fro. A bright beaming smile on his muzzle. "Plus it won't be as dangerous as fighting an evil gang in Slowpoke well. Surprised we even survived that." Junior said. Blaziken grumbled.

"Probably would've burned their asses if I was there. From what you told us, you and that badger could've died in that well." The dual type announced. Thinking back on it, it wasn't really smart of Junior to try and stop an evil organization with only a Quilava. Not even police assisted him. But somehow, someway, he miraculously survived. It seemed as though deadly situations followed the Shifter throughout his whole life. But for what? What was the reason behind all the near death experiences?

"So was there any hints for it? Any leads at all if we're going to find this river?" I asked Junior, who asked Axel the same thing. The blonde just shook his head.

"There wasn't anything. No information. No details. Just a blank slate in history." Axel stated. A glance over at Junior showed his tail still wagged. A fiery look in his chocolate eyes. It was his adventure look.

"Obviously they weren't looking hard. There are only a few forests with rivers in Kalos!" Junior avowed. His tail still swayed, giving away his eagerness. It had a soft breeze alongside it. My gaze traveled over to Typhlosion before taking notice of Junior's bag around the unconscious mon.

"Hey Junior? Can I get your Pokegear? I.. just wanna see the map." I meekly asked.

"Lucario you don't need to ask me. Go ahead. I know how curious you can be." I muttered a thanks and reached into his bag. I pulled out the small black and red device. It never occurred to me how dark the colors on the thing were. The red splotches on the plain black device reminded me of blood. Robin's blood to be exact. I shuddered. I- no, we couldn't let that happen to Junior. I knew that Typhlosion, Blaziken, Zoroark and I would've died rather than let them kill Junior.

A low grumble from Junior made me chuckle. His newer form, albeit more scary, made his cheerful and happy expressions hilarious. Like they weren't made to do that. But nonetheless, for a few seconds all that echoed were the taps of my paw on the screen. Not because no body was talking, on the contrary, Junior was actually debating the topic with everybody.

"Hey Junior, the forest is kinda large and it is close by. You sure about this?" The Pokegear displayed the area. Showing a lush of trees, trees and even more trees. At sight, I actually doubted the Lake would've been there, but any hope at returning Junior was worth checking out. Although I wasn't opposed to riding him like a trainer would a Tauros.

The beast lowered his head and nodded. "Yup. So what about it guys? Wanna go?" Junior's tail wagged. As usual, he couldn't contain his dog-like emotions. It wouldn't be an odd thought that it was helping him block his grief.

"I'm down." Zero nonchalantly shrugged.

"If Master agrees, then I'll follow behind." Akio stated.

"Whatever, beats standing here." Blaziken, as usual, acted tough about it. Although his aura was yellow.

"Hopefully this time we aren't attacked by assassins?" Zoroark lamented. "I hope so too." Junior concurred. "I don't even know how we chased them off last time, but whatever it was worked." That was one of the fastest ways to silence an audience. He still didn't know what he had done and nobody had the heart to tell him. I hoped the Lake of truth washed away any signs from the scuffle. Especially the hints of dried blood splattered on his fur that he oddly wasn't able to smell. At least I hoped he didn't.

Junior glanced at the makeshift tombstone of his mother and sighed. His aura changed a light blue where his expression sat solemn. "Bye, I'll miss you Mom." The poor wolf lamented as we walked away from the last living piece of his blood family.