FSE

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Chapter 7 - Blood and Brutality

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - Munch Time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDzyOmE6it8 Recommended - Right Click On Video - Select Loop

"Woof... Think we got enough supplies...?" Chris sighed, adjusting his now crammed rucksack full of food along with other necessities while leaving a local shop. Reaching up, he started offering Pokebean's to each of the girls from a bag in his hand, carefully placing each into Goomy and Bounsweet's mouths. "Heads up kiddo!" he called, getting a bark from Sera before he flicked a bean up in the air, causing the talented fox to stand on her hind legs atop his rucksack and catch it. With her front paws atop his head, she happily munched as the girls did the same, with Sera wagging her tail as he lift a bean to his nose to examine its scent. "I still think it's unfair... Pokemon can eat our food just fine, but even though yours LOOKS good... The taste is..." Chris point out, groaning with a shudder as he thought back on his past experiences trying what Pokemon like. "I wonder why that is though... I mean, asides a few tiny differences, what you eat isn't so different..." he added, sniffing the bean again as he considered appeasing his curiosity, looking the Pokebean over before sighing. "Nah... You take it." he offered, handing the bean to Bounsweet instead. "Yo! Want one down there?" Chris called, looking at his shadow behind him as he held a bean up, causing the face of it to suddenly grin. "Bottoms up! Or... Down...?" he nodded, tossing it in the air behind himself. In response, Midna manipulated his shadow and shot up from the ground, snatching it in its maw before flattening back into his shape on the ground. Seeing this, a smirk spread on Chris's face, suddenly bringing an old song to his mind. "Me and my shadow..." he muttered, letting out a chuckle as he walked along. "Gotta love ol' Sinatra..." he added, giving the group another round of beans.

"Not a soul can bust this team in two, we're stickin' together like glue! Right?" he asked in a somewhat musical tune, getting a collectively chipper response while another grin appeared from his shadow, Midna within letting out a cackle. "Ring a ding ding..." he muttered, reaching for another Pokebean and flicking it up with an "whoever gets it, eats it!" remark, causing Sera to hop up only for Midna to shoot from his shadow and snatch it instead, leaving the fox blinking in surprise as the imp sank back to the ground. Agitated by this, Sera turned and started barking in agitation from atop his rucksack, causing the imp to cackle all the more in amusement. "Aw come on now..." Chris coaxed, telling the fox not to get testy while offering another. "Open up wide and show papa a smile!" he grinned, getting a yip from his adopted offspring as she did as told, allowing him to hand over the bean before she eagerly munched with the smile he wanted. "Atta girl... We're far from blue, right?" Chris point out with a wink, referencing the classical tune in his head once more as Sera nodded. "Gonna have to decide about where we stay tonight... This place isn't so bad, but if we camp out we could go ahead and make some extra distance... What do you guys think?" he asked, looking at the girls as they looked at one another and let out noises of indifference on the matter, leaving it up to him to decide as Goomy and Bounsweet relaxed within his hood, Sera standing on her hind legs with her front paws atop his head barking for more beans. "Alright, alright... Have to make sure not to spoil you too much though." Chris smiled nervously, tossing another Pokebean up in response. "...I say that, but... Who am I kidding...?" he thought, reflecting on how he'd raised his own children thus far and their mother's combined, letting out a sigh.

"How's your skin feel? Need a drink?" he asked, glancing toward Goomy causing her to stick her tongue out, the signal they'd made for when she was thirsty. Nodding, he reached back and took a bottle of water from the side pocket of his rucksack, twisting the cap off before offering the Pokemon what she needed. Letting her drink for a moment, he suddenly showed a mischievous smile before squeezing the bottle, startling Goomy as her cheeks bulged and eyes widened, quickly swallowing it down before coughing. "Gotcha!" Chris laughed, causing Sera to lift herself onto his head with her front paws out of curiosity, wondering what was going on as Bounsweet shook her head. "I couldn't resist." Chris winked before having a drink himself. Growling in response to the trick, Goomy decided on some revenge of her own, opening her mouth before loudly blowing on the side of Chris's neck. His own eyes shooting open, in response to the abrupt stimulation water went flying from his nose, the sight making Sera let out an uncomfortable "eww" type of whine as she lowered herself and sat on his rucksack, shaking her head out of regret for her curiosity while Midna cackled below, amused from the pranks. "H-Hey!!" Chris coughed, wiping his nose as Goomy gave a "serves you right!" type of noise, holding her head up with her own smirk of pride. "Oohh ho ho... She plays games too! A'ight, a'ight. We're even, for now..." Chris warned with a sly grin, tickling the Pokemon making Goomy giggle. Tucking the bottle away, he began offering more beans to the group as they continued along, eventually passing one of the Welcome signs that gave their surroundings the title of Trillable Town, a play on the words Tranquil and Syllable combined.

"Serenity would have gotten a kick out of a place like this..." Chris muttered, looking at shops that focused on things like records and music sheets, others selling instruments and equipment revolving performing. At the sides of the road, street lights could be seen with a unique design to them, each post donning a G clef which flashes on and shines brightly at night, further emphasizing the towns peaceful and musical origins. Beneath their feet, the group came across an occasional street crossing, each designed with the typical white lines with the unique change of having black keys highlighted between them, giving the illusion of walking along a piano. "Kinda neat how they did that..." Chris point out, looking at the keys as he walked along the street, the girls blinking at the art curiously and tilting their heads. "So, what do you think of the world so far Sera?" he asked, getting a chipper bark in response as the fox wagged her tail behind him, lying comfortably on his rucksack. "Since it's up to me to be your papa now, I'll teach you all the stuff I've learned over the years. Take you all over the world to see everything there is out there... And just wait until you see the ocean! Nothing but sparkling waters and skies as far as the eye can see!" he assured. "Where we've gone so far isn't even a speck of how much there is out there... You stick with me kiddo and you'll go where lots of folks only dream of! I'll make sure to do what I can to make things fun every step of the way... Just you watch. Its been fun so far, right?" he asked, getting another chipper bark in response. "I haven't forgotten my promise to you either Bounsweet... I've been thinking about it, and we might be able to swing by the Alola Region along the way during the cruise and find your home!" Chris revealed.

"If we can get the right approval... That region really isn't that far off course, and I think passengers would get a real thrill out of an extra stop like that... Don't think many would mind. We could find out where you came from even faster! Yeah?" he asked, giving her a thumbs up as the Pokemon blinked at him before glancing away with a nervous laugh-like noise, slight sweat showing on her face. "Eh...? What's wrong?" Chris asked, giving her a curious look. "Doesn't that excite you? I might be able to get you home sooner." he affirmed, causing Bounsweet to look down slightly. "...Er..." Chris muttered, unsure of how to process her responses. "You wanna go home, right?" he asked, causing her to fidget in her own way and give something along the lines of a "well..." sounding response, glancing at him before letting out a nervous laugh of sorts and finally nodding. "There we go! That I can understand." Chris smirked as he strolled on, adjusting his rucksack on his shoulders with a slight bounce making Sera yip and wag excitedly. "Ya' like that huh?" he asked before hopping along, letting Sera bounce all the more, the others bouncing on his shoulders until Goomy let out a panicked noise, causing him to stop as he noticed the Pokemon looking nauseous. "O-Oops... I did just give you a bunch of those snacks... S-Sorry..." he apologized with a nervous smile as she slumped with a groan on his shoulder. "Guess your stomach moves around more than the others since you're so squishy... I didn't mean to do that to you..." he added as she gave him an assuring noise that she was alright, straightening with a sigh as he moved forward at a normal pace. Not long after this however, the group had to pause when Chris began stumbling, eventually looking back at his shadow as Midna used it to stick to his feet, the imps attention drawn elsewhere.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - Trail to Follow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eksvmp7RtSQ Recommended - Right Click On Video - Select Loop

"C-Come on! You know it's a pain when you do that!" he lectured, trying to lift his feet forward. "You're gonna send me falling face first one of these days..." he grumbled, trying to lift his feet again with a grunt, only to be stuck in place as though he were cemented to the ground. Trying to move once more, he let out a sigh, responding with an "Alright, what?" response to the creatures behavior. Looking down at it, he watched as his shadow morphed, looking like a demon stretching its way out of darkness as the imp reached out from the ground and pushed its way up until it had risen from the waist up, behaving as though sniffing the air. Almost like that of a hound, the creature suddenly stopped turning and showed a voracious grin as it pinpointed the direction of what it smelled, it's jagged maw opening slightly as a sinister hiss escaped it's lips. Unnerved by its behavior, Goomy and Bounsweet warily shuddered within Chris's hood as Midna slowly turned and looked up at Chris, grinning with a wicked disposition as it raised its hand and point a dagger-like claw of shadow in the direction it had decided on, wanting to change course. Pulling herself up curiously, Sera looked down at the imp from over Chris's head, her eyes widened as he looked down at the creature himself before focusing on where it was pointing. "...Something happening?" he asked. Suddenly jolting, both Sera and Midna perked up as though listening in on something, the fox's ears twitching while the imp below tilt its head where an ear would otherwise be before returning its focus to him with another hiss, this time as though a snake were eagerly telling him "yes" in a drawn out manner while grinning malevolently.

Turning its focus back in the direction it wished to go, Midna looked ready to salivate and pounce as something like a tongue ran across its maw. Knowing the type of thing that excited the imp in such a manner, Chris suddenly took on a wary and serious stance, looking ahead of them. "...Alright, lets go." he nodded, making Goomy and Bounsweet look at him warily and whimper while Sera lowered her head behind his and drooped her ears, unsure of the decision herself as he began walking, Midna watching him pass before sinking back to the ground, returning his shadow to its normal state barring the imp's excited grin. Making his way along, Midna would occasionally rise and show him where to go, the further they went causing Sera to twitch and redirect her ears with more and more of a concerned expression, gradually turning to her own fear as he went off the beaten path down various alleys. Finally, he reached a point where he too could hear sounds of trouble, noises which had the girls inching back within his hood while Sera hid behind his head. Approaching a nearby corner, Chris paused close to the wall of the building next to him, removing his rucksack and setting it by his side causing Sera to rise and look up at him in concern. Holding his finger over his mouth, he gave her a silent "shush" causing her ears to droop again, pointing with a silent yet stern "stay" and getting a nod in response. Hearing a sudden crash and shouts of profanity, it was followed by a high pitched scream of sorts, making Chris quickly straighten before taking Goomy and Bounsweet out of his hood, setting the two with Sera and giving the same order for them to stay where they were before inching closer toward the corner.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - A Body Shared https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op3ib79WYoY Recommended - Right Click On Video - Select Loop

Leaning his head past the wall, he looked down the alley before him and suddenly heard more profanity, followed by a scream before a small Pokemon flew out of an open door, smashing into the wall on the opposite side of the path and falling behind trash cans. Looking where it made contact, a splatter of its blood was seen before Chris saw the source of the profanity storm out into the alley, a burly man with a large and blood soaked cleaver raised in fury. Screaming a furious "Come out ya' bastard!!" line at the Pokemon, it was suddenly seen limping out in an awkward manner on three of its paws from between the cans, seeping blood from where it's left leg once was. Noticing this, Chris's eyes shot open as he looked between the Pokemon and the cleaver, realizing the man had sliced the leg off making him grab his chest as his stone began reacting to the sight, the souls within unnerved leading to the sounds of their sorrowful moans and infuriated calls echoing in his mind. While he quietly murmured for the souls within to stay calm, the girls looked up at Chris in concern, having heard the commotion in the alley yet unable to see it as they remained where they were told to stay. "Lil' fuckin' rat!! I live off those animals!! I'll kill ya' for what you did!!" the man roared while the bleeding Pokemon looked up with a winced eye, gritting its teeth in a rebellious manner making the man's pulse skyrocket. Reeling the cleaver back, the attacker readied a swing that would finish off the creature before him. Seeing this, Chris finally turned the corner and raced in at a rapid pace, his head leaned forward and arms back for smoother speed. With his cloak rapidly swaying behind him, he quickly put himself between the two.

Without much time to react, the man's eyes widened as Chris essentially appeared from nowhere before him, looking up at the man from under the shadow of his hood as he grabbed the man's wrist in his right hand, halting the swing before saying "One punch..." as if giving his approval. In response, his stone let off a bright flash as its color turned a bloody red under his clothes, the man stuttering as Chris's interruption registered in his mind. Sending a rapid flow of red electricity rushing through his free arm, with his fist pulled back, Chris let the souls within him take control of his left arm, gathering their collective might into his fist before his arm swung forward, the man uttering "Wh-Who...?" to learn his identity only for Chris to give a stern "Fuck you" before his fist made a powerful impact with the man's face, the girls unable to resist peeking around the corner just as he essentially crushed the man's face as a burst of energy waft from the collision. As though time had slowed to a near halt for a split moment, the man suddenly went flying back despite his size, the girls eye's widening as the attacker soared back through the door he'd flailed himself out of in his maddened state before an excruciating slam was heard as he made impact with what sounded like metal within the building. With the cleaver now in his own hand, Chris looked at the bloodied blade, letting out an agitated "tch" before tossing it aside. "Guns and weapons... Always..." he muttered in disgust before turning back, expecting to see the Pokemon he'd aided only to find a puddle of blood with a trail leading away from it, the creature having wobbled away during the heated moment. Looking down the alley, the blood lead around a nearby corner.

Not realizing the girls had disobeyed him, Chris began following the trail, and while his back was turned, the girls looked at one another and followed, slowing when they reached the door and peaking in to see the man lying collapsed on the floor, a wall of cages behind him with many bent from his impact. Once again showing surprise, they returned their focus to Chris and quickly followed as he stopped at the corner, making them freeze before he started moving again, turning out of sight making them resume their progress. Looking ahead, he found the Pokemon hopping and stumbling forward toward a dead end, collapsing before him as blood continued seeping from the opening where its arm once was. Pausing for a moment, Chris looked down toward his chest, putting his hand over the center where his stone lie embedded before nodding and further approaching the creature in need. Still conscious enough to hear his approach, the Pokemon's ears twitched before it weakly pushed itself up on its remaining paws, stumbling as it turned and looked at Chris, his cloaked and hooded appearance putting it on guard, letting out a growl, albeit weakened. "...You're pretty tough..." Chris praised, continuing to slowly step up. "It helps you in this world... Being strong. I've come to learn that more than anyone..." he added, reaching the Pokemon making it attempt to back away. "I took care of the guy who did this to you... I'll find out the details, after you're taken care of." Chris assured, stepping up even closer while reaching out with his left hand. "I'm sorry but... I'm gonna have to do something that's gonna make you hate me too..." he apologized, setting the Pokemon further on edge as its eyes widened, the approach of his hand being greeted with a snarl, followed by an intense bite as the girls arrived behind him and watched from the corner.

Wincing slightly and pausing for a moment from the teeth puncturing his skin, Chris reached out to the side with his right hand while the Pokemon was distracted, and this time with the souls within him wanting to help rather than harm, rapid shots of blue energy rushed to his palm while he offered a sincere "I'm sorry...", making the Pokemon jolt wide eyed as it caught sight of his glowing hand just before he grabbed it and smacked against its open wound, releasing a colossal burst of energy like that of blue electricity that sent the alley aglow as he squeezed the opening shut and worked to burn and scar it over to prevent further bleeding, the Pokemon screaming in a curdling manner from the intensity. Gritting his teeth, Chris was bearing the moment in his own way as he spent himself trying to save the butchered creature. After a moment, he finally finished his task, pulling his hand away from the now unconscious Pokemon and looking at what was now a small stub protruding from where its arm was. Now sweating from the task, Chris struggled to shake off the daze in his head, murmuring about the need to leave town now that he'd have to replenish what he'd used to help the victim. Behind him, the girls had looks of both, confusion and horror combined as Chris picked up the now unconscious, and likewise limp Pokemon before him, slowly turning while looking down at it with a "Sorry fella..." apology, making his way back causing the girls to panic and hurry back to where they were supposed to stay. Turning the corner, Chris kept his focus on the Pokemon as he looked over the stub, making sure his work was done properly while murmuring about how it was a Zorua until reaching the still-open door he'd sent the man flying through, the same as he'd done to the fox-like creature he now held.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - Time Changes A Man https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLkgApGvLxQ Recommended - Right Click On Video - Select Loop

Showing agitation, Chris made his way into the building, approaching the man as he let out garbled noises while coming to. Looking around, not just the wall behind the man that was now lined with mangled cages, but the others around them were lined with similar cages, all having contained what was assumed to be Pokemon as Chris stepped up, looking down at the pitiful appearance of the man that was just trying to kill the Zorua moments ago. "Hey... You..." he called out, holding Zorua in his arm while reaching out and lifting the man enough to look at him. "Gonna keep it short... Why did you attack this one...? What's the deal with this place...?" Chris asked, ignoring the man's suffering as he hurked and choked, his teeth shattered, nose flat to the side and jaw looking mangled. "I asked a question... If you want an ambulance before you drown on your own fluids, I want an answer." Chris affirmed, showing a surprising frigid side to himself. "Rai... Quai..." the man tried, meaning the word "I" as he gargled. "Pfowkemon fbwreedwer..." he added, trying to say he was a "Pokemon Breeder" making Chris sneer. "In a place like this...? With cages like that...? An attitude like yours...? I know a breeder. And you're NO breeder." he affirmed, referring to Gerald as the man struggled with his consciousness. "Going by the looks of this place, you're one of those damned shady types making a quick buck, aren't you?" he asked, the man trying to raise a trembling hand for help. "I heard you saying something interesting about this Zorua when you tried to kill it... Judging by all these empty cages, I'm guessing it played a part in setting all the Pokemon you had caged up free... Is that right?" Chris asked, the man's eyes beginning to roll back, his consciousness slipping.

"...Bigger they are..." Chris sighed, releasing the man as he passed out. Looking around, he spotted a phone on a nearby desk amidst piles of papers. Taking a tissue from his pocket, he reached for the phone first, calling the police before simply leaving the phone off the line as he sat it on the table so they could tap into where the call was coming from. Hearing the operator on the other end, Chris turned his attention to the papers showing records of various Pokemon and their breeding cycles, how frequently they gave birth, how many eggs and the like as well as different numbers, likely contacts who paid for cheep service. Looking back at the man, Chris shook his head before leaving the building, the girls who'd returned to spy from the door quickly returning to his rucksack. Looking at one another, none of them were sure what to think about his words or actions as he approached, finally arriving with his focus back on Zorua who remained limp in his arms. "...Back." he nodded, the girls looking up at him in concern. Seeing their expressions, he responded with "You watched... Didn't you?" which made them glance away warily. "...I..." he began, only to hear sirens already beginning to approach. "...Gotta go. I'll explain later, alright?" he assured, working his rucksack back on and sheathing his staff he'd left with it through the straps like a sword before lifting Goomy and Bounsweet onto his shoulders. "Sera, hurry." he instructed, the fox nodding nervously before jumping up onto the rucksack and climbing on top, taking her usual place before he briskly made his way along, leaving the scene for the police to take care of. Once he was back along the main roads, police rode by on motorcycles while an ambulance followed, making their way toward the alley he'd left behind as he used the crowds surrounding him to blend in and vanish.

Once he was out of sight of others, Midna began morphing his shadow once more, rising up next to him and looking at Zorua with a grin before focusing on Chris, pointing at its mouth while opening it, suggesting it was asking if it could eat the suffering creature. "No... Not food." he affirmed, shaking his head causing the imp to show a "wh-wha...?" expression. "I do appreciate you leading me to it, but we didn't help it so you could eat it." he insisted. "You did a good job. I'll give you a reward later." he assured, continuing to walk as Midna remained by his side, looking at him in silence before slightly gritting its teeth. Letting out a grow-like hiss, it was an act that hit a nerve as Chris glared at the demon-like creature. "...What was that?" he asked sternly, causing it to jolt. "I know you're not trying to show ME attitude..." he added. "I told you thank you and promised a reward... You know the rules. Living things aren't food." he reminded. "Behave... Midna." he ordered, giving a look to remind it who it owed, the imp looking at him silently before slumping back to the ground, his shadow returning to its former state save for the eyes of the imp looking at his back, agitated yet obedient for the most part as Chris continued along. Making his way toward the edge of town, he spotted a Pokemon Center and made his way inside, getting curious looks as others watched his hooded figure pass by, others spotting the bloodied Zorua in his arms as he approached the nurse at the reception desk. "Hello there! Welcome... To..." the nurse smiled, only to see the Pokemon herself and pause wide eyed. "It needs help... I found it torn up pretty bad. I was able to close off the wound but it needs blood to replace what it lost." Chris explained, handing it over to the nurse.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - Reason to Fight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wd8PpZgF6pg Recommended - Right Click On Video - Select Loop

"Goes without saying but... Cleaning the stub would help too." he added, the nurse nodding and assuring they'd take care of it right away. Noticing the other Pokemon with him, the nurse asked if he was going to keep the Zorua, only for him to shake his head. "Not up to me, just focus on helping it." Chris answered, somewhat sternly getting a nod before she called other staff to take the unconscious Pokemon to the back. Giving her his thanks, Chris watched the other nurses disappear with Zorua before he looked around and approached a nearby window. Feeling another bout of weakness, he held his nose between his eyes, closing them and taking a breath to relax himself until the feeling passed, sighing before opening and blinking several times as his focus returned. Letting out noises of concern, the girls looked at him warily, getting an "I'm alright" of assurance and a smile in response. "...I owe you an explanation for what you saw, don't I?" he asked while feeling Sera climbing over his shoulder. Holding his arms up like a cradle, he let the fox slip her way down into his arms before she looked up at him out of her own concern. "Don't worry. Papa's fine." he chuckled, teasing her stomach with his finger before looking around, making sure he had enough space, and likewise privacy to speak. "...A long time ago, I was a little different than I am today... In some ways, a lot different." he began, looking toward his chest. "Didn't like fighting. Didn't like hurting folks... I did whatever I could to avoid laying a hand on anyone. And as time went on, being that way worked pretty well for me, and for the family I had by my side at the time." he went on with a smile of nostalgia across his face.

"But at the same time, I was also forced into moments where I had to fight, I had to get physical to protect the ones I loved, even to protect people I didn't even know..." he admit, thinking on the battles he'd been through years prior. "I always regretted having to hurt others though, even if and when they might have deserved it... Violence actually made me sick to my stomach a few times." he laughed nervously before his face slowly turned to a somber look. "Even though I was a peaceful man... Even though all I wanted was to see the world, to spend time with the ones I loved... The way I did things to protect others, the way I was forced to do things... It made people see me in a bad light more and more, even though I tried my best to assure everyone I wasn't the monster they thought I was..." he added, thinking back on everything that happened in Yulema City in the past. "Despite how hard I tried though, to make everyone like me, to make everyone feel at ease, it was never enough... There were people who still feared me, even started hating me, actually... It seemed like for every person I helped, another ten started feeling I shouldn't even exist... I was a monster, despite what good I'd done..." he sighed. "You girls... When you saw what I did... Part of you probably thought the same thing, huh? Me being a monster, I mean..." he asked, causing them to jolt and look down guiltily while Sera drooped her ears. "...That's what happened in the past. I scared people, no matter all the ways folks benefited from me being around, what I did for so many. It was never enough..." he went on, looking down silently with a somber hint to his expression. "And... One day... I paid for it... A price nobody should have to pay..." he continued, pushing on through his story.

"Because so many had come to fear me, to hate me... And because there were people I had to hurt and lock away for what they'd done... One day... The one's I loved were taken away from me." he revealed, making the girls eyes widen. "The people who wanted revenge, they came to my home and kidnapped my family, right out from under my nose... When that happened, everything I held back just kind of snapped free. I chased the ones who took my family, and caused a lot of damage... At the time, I had the power of a very special Ninetales inside of me, she was my protector, and because I took all of her power in that moment and did what I did, the world saw me turn into something I... Never wanted to become... I really was a monster..." he confessed. "Even though I only became what I did, and only did what I had to do, in order to save my family and take it back... The world didn't see it that way. It only saw me as something they didn't want to exist anymore, a threat that couldn't go unchecked... After all the good I'd done, it was like none of it ever happened after what I did... And next thing I knew... The world..." he paused, suddenly showing tears in his eyes, causing Sera to whimper while Goomy and Bounsweet slumped in a sorrowful manner. "...It killed me..." he revealed, the girls eyes widening. "I didn't have much power left at the time... But what I had, I used to protect my home... Weapons were shot at me, huge ones that flew through the sky... The people who made the decision to end my life, they didn't even care about who was caught up in it all... I did everything I could to get the ones I loved to safety before the weapons came down... I was able to do it, but... I had to stay behind and take the attack head on." he sniffed, wiping an eye.

"Before the final weapon hit... I knew there wasn't any getting out of the situation, and so I forced the Ninetales who'd protected me away... In my last moment, I protected the one who'd helped me bring together the family I loved so much... The one who'd protected me, helped me more times than I can count. Everything that I'd had in my life was thanks to her, so in-turn I made sure she would survive and live on, just like all the other people I loved who managed to escape. After that..." Chris paused, suddenly having flashbacks to the explosion that had ended him, making him wince and clench his teeth uncomfortably. "Well... It's like I said. I didn't exist anymore." he affirmed, avoiding details as he relaxed himself. "Thanks to the actions of someone really special, I was given a second chance to live. I was brought back... And the stone in my chest is what keeps me tied to this world now." he detailed. "Inside of it... Are the bits and pieces of the souls of all the people who wanted me to come back. Who felt I deserved to live... Who wanted me to have another chance, and felt what was done to me wasn't right. All the people who wanted me to keep doing good for others, who wanted to help me do so... Those are the ones who are a part of me now... Since you were watching, when you saw me punch that man, did you notice the red sparks?" he asked, getting a nod. "That was the power of the people inside of me. They were furious, and begged for a chance to punish the guy who hurt that Zorua so badly, so I let them work together to make that punch as powerful as it was. When the souls inside me are angry, the stone, and the energy that comes from it, turns red like that." he began to explain.

"Likewise, when they are calm, happy, or want to help, the stone, and its power, turns blue... That's just how it works." Chris smiled. "...After they brought me back, I made the decision to just live how I saw fit from then on, just to do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and not care what anyone thinks anymore." he affirmed. "It took time, but I trained myself not to regret what I do, not to punish myself over it when I know what I'm doing is for the right cause. When something is maybe a little tough for me, like you saw back there, I let the people inside of me lend a hand. Or uh, a fist." he smiled nervously. "We work together, support each other... I might look bad doing stuff like that, but we did save a life in the process. And given what that place the guy was in looked like, I'd say a lot of others will be saved from his abuse in the future once the cops look into everything... I don't think that man will find much pity in the end." Chris affirmed. "You girls... You've lived with me a while now. You've seen the kind of person I am. Heard the way I talk, seen how I act... Does what I just did, really make me a monster?" he asked, looking at Sera as she looked down for a moment before sitting up in his arms, looking up at him with a smile and a bark before wagging her tail. Looking at the others, they thought it over as well before Goomy and Bounsweet rubbed against his cheeks. "Whenever you think I'm scary or a monster... Just try to think about what I just told you at the same time. I can't tell you not to think that way. I can only ask that you... Try... To see, to understand what and who I really am. Not just on the outside, but inside... At heart." he pleaded. "If you do ever feel I'm a monster... Just know that I'm one who will do everything to protect you, no matter what. Even if I scare you sometimes, I'll still care for you and support you with everything I've got anyways." he assured, showing another smile.

"I found the resolution to live this way... To be who I need to be to keep going. To keep helping... I won't go back to the way I was, so just... Try... Try to accept who I am now, and do what nobody else who wanted me gone in the past would..." he finished. Hearing this, Bounsweet looked down and thought back on her own rescue, reflecting on the way he'd been pecked and battered for her sake and chased endlessly, followed by all the Pokemon he'd fended off day and night along their way who'd caught her scent and wanted to eat her. Thinking about this and comparing it to seeing him step in for Zorua's sake, even though it was brutal and intimidating in its own way, the berry-like Pokemon couldn't help but show a small blush as she glanced back at him. On his opposite shoulder, Goomy was doing her own reflecting as she thought back to the hazy sight of him poking her when he first released her, followed by her blurry memory of him rapidly racing off to the center he'd taken her to for treatment and all the times he'd put in the dedication to keeping her body covered in the lotion that retained her moisture. Thinking about his touch when caring for her and comparing it to his determination when stepping in and landing the blow for Zorua's sake, Goomy had her own blush showing, the two focusing on Chris before both began rubbing against his cheeks and letting out cooing sounds. Blinking in surprise, he looked at the two before smiling with a "thanks" in response, Sera looking up and tilting her head curiously from the way the two girls were behaving. Drooping her ears, she let out a quiet whine from feeling left out, drawing his attention before pulling her up with a "c'mere" remark and cuddling the fox as well, getting a chipper bark as he rubbed his face against hers and poked the tip of his nose on the foxes, letting out a playful "boop!" and chuckling.

"...I appreciate it." he nodded, looking at Goomy and Bounsweet as both let out a cheerful noise. "E-Excuse me...?" a feminine voice called from behind, causing Chris to turn and find a nurse before him. "You brought the Zorua, right?" she asked. "Yeah... Everything okay?" he asked. "Yes... The transfusion went fine and her pulse is stabilizing as we speak." the nurse assured. "Ah... A girl huh? Well, glad she's okay." he nodded. "Anything else need to be done?" he replied. "Well, the injury may need treatment for a short period. The way you sealed the wound was surprisingly well done... How did you manage to scar the tissue over an opening that large so well?" the nurse asked. "It's hard to explain, it just took the right touch." Chris smirked. "That aside, treatment... What kind in particular?" he asked. "There's a little seepage so an occasional change of bandages... Applying an antibacterial coating once or twice a day... Done for a few days and the stub should be fine in the open... Though there's the matter of it learning to function without the leg." the nurse point out. "Could you... Explain how it happened?" she asked. Looking at her for a moment, Chris turned toward the door where they'd taken the Zorua and gave a simple "cleaver..." response. "A guy was trying to kill it... I stepped in and brought it here after sealing the wound." he added, making the woman show a startled look on her face before a somber expression appeared. "...You saved her life, you know. Thank you." she nodded. "Try to remember that." Chris answered, making her look at him curiously before nodding a second time. "We've done everything that was necessary... Would you like to take the Zorua with you?" the nurse asked.

"I can, but it's up to the Pokemon whether or not she stays with me... Mind letting me buy what it needs off you from here then? I'd like to be on my way." Chris affirmed. "Certainly, we'll have supplies brought out along with the Pokemon." she smiled. "I could use a bit more of this too just to be safe, it's for Goomy here." he added, reaching into his coat pocket beneath his cloak and handing a half empty tube of cream to the nurse. "Ah... We have plenty of this... Hydration problems?" she asked, looking at Goomy curiously. "Another center found out she has a problem with her pores. I use it to keep her skin lubed." Chris explained. "I'm sorry to hear that... For her species that's..." she point out. "Deadly, right. That's why I keep plenty on hand and keep her coated." Chris finished. "Alright then. I'll be back in a moment." the nurse smiled, making her way off while he returned to the reception desk, lifting Sera so she could climb over his shoulder and take her place back on his rucksack. Finally returning, one nurse carried Zorua while another brought out things he needed in a bag, including the ointment for Goomy as the receptionist tallied everything. Paying for the supplies, Chris took the bag in one hand while offering to hold Zorua in his opposite arm, thanking the nurses with a slight bow before turning away. As he left however, the same nurse that had spoken at the window called out, her hand raised while asking if they could have his name. Pausing and looking down, he turned back with a "Nakazaki" remark. "Chris... Nakazaki..." he repeat, giving a farewell nod causing their eyes to widen while those that heard around him turned and looked as he continued along, leaving the center and likewise Trillable Town behind while keeping his face under the shadow of his hood, his cloak once more wafting in the breeze.

Once he'd made enough distance and was back along the dirt roads that sprawled across the lands, Chris finally dropped his hood and shook his head with a sigh of relief, his hair sticking up in its usual ruffled way as the sun touched his face. "Getting a little stuffy... Feels good." he smirked while Bounsweet and Goomy stretched in their own ways. "You know you're doing pretty well! I remember when pulling my hood off sent you into a panic... Not bad." he praised, looking at Bounsweet as the Pokemon smiled and nodded. "You're getting used to being in the open... I'm proud of you." he added. "You'll probably need another treatment soon though... I need to get a re-charge myself..." he muttered, looking around. Finally reaching a gathering of trees, Chris made his way up and set his rucksack against the base of one while allowing Goomy and Bounsweet to climb to the ground, asking Sera to make room before setting Zorua down on the rucksack next to her. "Make sure you let her rest, okay?" he asked, getting a nod from the fox. "Now then..." he added, looking around before stepping up to another nearby tree. "This will do... Everyone ready?" he asked, speaking to his stone while removing his cloak and setting it aside as the girls curiously watched. "I told you a little bit about how the power I have works... You might as well see how I go about restoring it whenever I use it." he added, looking back at the girls. "You see, nature kind of has its own energy, its own life... You could think of me as someone who relies on that to keep going." he explained before facing the tree again. Putting his hands together in a meditative manner, he took a breath before placing his hand on the trunk, letting out a sudden grunt before a burst of green aura appeared around his hand.

After this, the same glow began appearing around the rest of the tree before it could be seen drawing toward his palm, and the more the energy flowed, the more the tree withered. "This is what I have to do in order to stay alive." he began. "I told you I'd explain everything eventually... I guess now's as good a time as any." he added. "I have a responsibility to preserve every soul that's inside my stone. Without doing this, I'd live off the souls until they died off one by one... I'd drain them of their life until they vanished from existence. So instead of letting that happen, I have to drain the life of the Earth for their sake, and in turn my own." he went on. "Whenever you see me use the power I have, it's at the expense, the risk of the souls within me. They put everything on the line to help each time we work together... So this is what I do to help and protect them." he point out as the tree continued withering until the bark began groaning while twisting and collapsing on itself, like that of a grape warping into a raisin as the leaves dried and fell. Beneath his feet, around the roots the ground began dying as well, turning a dark and dreary color until he finished and pulled his hand away, leaving an ashy-looking husk of what was once a tree in its peak of life. "I've lived my whole life tied to curses... This is the one I live with now. Rules were broken to bring me back to this world, this is how I atone for it." he revealed while unbuttoning his coat and shirt, exposing his Philosophers Stone as it gave off a radiant green glow. "Right now the souls inside of me are eating the energy I just absorbed... Think of it like an all you can eat buffet. It restores them to top shape. Depending on how drained they are, sometimes I have to go through a lot of trees..." he smiled with slight sweat showing.

Noticing the glow was transitioning back to blue already, Chris let out a "whoop" and nodded with an "alright" in response, heading to a second tree and repeating the process. Once they were appeased, he returned to the girls and sat with a sigh, working his cloak around and over Zorua on his rucksack to make a more comfortable bed for it while the girls looked at the drained trees in surprise, showing slight sweat as they blinked. "Don't worry. I just use it on trees." he assured. "You could just think of me as a tree vampire... Blah blu blah!" he added, holding out his tongue and waving his hands in a cat-like manner, only to pause and smile nervously. "Y-You probably don't know what that is though..." he added, scratching his cheek with sweat of his own showing, getting smiles, albeit confused ones in response. "I could tell you a story about vampires if you want! They can actually be pretty cool." he winked as the girls looked at one another and nodded. "Come on up here, I'll get another coat on you while I talk." he instructed, patting his lap while looking at Goomy, the Pokemon jolting and hesitating as she looked between him and the dead trees while he was busy taking out her ointment. Rubbing it between his hands, he looked at her in a confused manner, asking if she was coming while he reached out. Trying to keep what he said before in mind, she nodded with a nervous laugh, Bounsweet and Sera watching silently as Goomy remained slightly wary after seeing what he did to the trees, making her way up and on his lap. Nodding with a smile, he let her make herself comfortable, responding with an "atta girl" comment while she turned with her back to him as she looked at the others before glancing up as Chris reached down.

Shutting her eyes tightly for a brief moment, Goomy jolt with a quiet squeak of sorts when his hands made contact before beginning to massage her. "You okay? Is something painful?" Chris asked, looking at the Pokemon in surprise as he noticed her moment of discomfort. Letting out an "eh?" type of noise, Goomy opened her eyes when his touch felt normal, glancing up again curiously as his hands gradually began feeling pleasurable as he adjusted where he touched and dug his fingers into her skin, making the Pokemon slowly relax and swoon. This time letting out a cooing sound, a goofy smile began spreading on her face as his massage put her in a daze of sorts, her body melting in its own way as Bounsweet and Sera looked at one another, the two smiling as they approached and sat closer before him. "Now... About that vampire story..." he grinned before introducing the girls to the mystique and romanticism that revolved the tales of bloodsuckers from the dark. While they listened, the girls continued reflecting on all that he'd told them, occasionally looking at one another and smiling as they settled into their comfort with Chris, watching as he emphasized his story with motions and expressions. At one point, he wanted to give an example of how vampires fed, deciding to tease Goomy by lifting her and pretending to bite where he thought her neck would be, only to get a mouthful of the ointment he'd covered her with making his face twist. Showing a puzzled look, Goomy watched as he reacted to the taste and shook his head with his tongue out, setting her back on his lap and letting out a "blech!" sound of disgust as the Pokemon tilt her head. Amused by what he'd done, Sera and Bounsweet laughed in response.

Stirring from the noise, Zorua groaned causing the group to freeze and go silent. Placing his finger over his mouth, Chris gave a "shush" to the group before placing his hand on the injured Pokemon, carefully petting her while looking at her bandaged injury until she was silent and relaxed again. Sighing in relief, the group looked at one another with nervous smiles before he cleared his throat, asking "Where were we...?" before continuing his stories. From his shadow, Midna listened as well, albeit with an agitated scowl as the imp waited for its promised reward, remaining in a frustrated state over being left without the meal it'd hoped for...