FSE

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Chapter 10 - Tender Yet Terrifying - Part 2

"Boy... That was good eatin'." Chris sighed, rubbing his stomach with a satisfied look on his face as he made his way along. "Not bad. You don't see those birds very often." Zorua admit. "I know, right? It was a lucky break." Chris nodded, looking back at the Pokemon with a smirk only for his expression to change as the two looked away from one another. "Anyways..." he muttered, focusing ahead as Sera and Sliggoo sat atop his rucksack together, with Bounsweet resting comfortably within his hood. "Turns out you liked it too..." he point out, glancing toward the berry-like creature causing her to let out a grumbling sound. Thinking back, Chris remembered how he'd tried to offer the girls some of the Farfetch'd, only to have them all stare him down insistently to eat before them as a result of him going without any food the night before. Although it took some convincing to coax Bounsweet into trying the meat, after enough teasing with the sent of the freshly cooked meal Chris was able to push her past the uncertainty and discomfort she had after seeing the Pokemon was killed, something that left him with a since of pride toward her for being able to look past the reality of where their food came from. "You know, you did pretty well too Sera." he added, causing her to perk up and tilt her head curiously. "You watched me prepare our food, listened to every word I told you, and you even remembered to do things just as instructed... Good girl." he praised, causing her to bark and wag her tail eagerly. Looking up, Chris snapped a twig from an overhead branch and handed it back to the fox, causing her to excitedly accept it as she took it in her mouth and began nibbling. "Kid's easy to please..." he thought to himself, smiling with slight sweat showing.

"Something to be said for modesty though... Good quality..." he added in his mind, nodding approvingly before thinking back on the way she obediently watched him pluck and do other necessities to ready Farfetch'd for cooking. Though it caused her discomfort, she stuck through the process and stuck to his every word as he explained the need everyone has to eat, and how to do so it sometimes takes the loss of one for the survival of others. Pointing out how the worst thing someone can do is turn down a meal like the Farfetch'd, it was a sign of the greatest disrespect one could show to the creature that died for their sake, affirming his thought that the soul of the Pokemon would never truly rest in peace if it was killed needlessly and had its body left to rot without proper use. Once the bird was ready, Chris remembered Sera sitting next to him and putting her paws together before she ate her portion of the Farfetch'd once it was done, closing her eyes and lowering her head while giving thanks for the Pokemon's sacrifice as he'd insisted beforehand. Once they'd all finished cleaning it to the bones, he thought about how Sera even dug a hole to bury the bones left behind, showing she even remembered what he said about giving the dead a proper place to rest once the body was properly used when he was preparing the bird. Taking the bones from her portion and placing them in the hole first, Chris remembered the young fox looking down at them for a moment before sitting and looking up at him with a smile, barking from her own satisfaction of doing a good thing as he took the rest of the bones and placed them in the hole as well, letting Sera bury them before petting her on the head, affirming his pride in her for listening to him so well.

Pulling himself out of his thoughts, Chris looked onward as they continued along the trail before them, rays of the sun shining through the canopy above. Eventually reaching the end of the forest, the group found themselves stepping up to an entrance to a town called Philousturf, a play on words that essentially meant ones love of nature in simple terms. "Here we are... Now we can grab some food, get a room for the night for a little change of pace again... Sound good?" he asked, the group letting out chipper sounds at the idea of staying in a more comfortable setting after their long outdoor trek, save for Zorua who merely looked around. "Something wrong?" Chris asked. "No, not really." she replied, sitting with a yawn. "...You know, I've been thinking. Once you leave us, where ARE you gonna go? Seems like this is a new place for you too... Where are you even from?" Chris pushed. "I go wherever I want. I don't have a place I'm from, nor' a place I really plan to go. I do what I want, go where I want. Just how it is." she explained. "So... You just happened to run into the guy who you fought by coincidence?" Chris asked, raising an eyebrow. "Pretty much. That type of human always has it coming." she answered before looking around again. "...She's kind of like me..." Chris thought, looking down at her for a moment before looking at the town ahead as well. Making their way along, there was surprisingly little that separated Philousturf Town from Onset Town, with similar cabins and a similar layout save for the way trees were littered throughout the location. Thinking again about how modest the towns were along the path he'd chosen through the Ureaxion Region once more, he found himself comparing it to the extravagant locales from his past trip with Serenity and the others.

"Alright... So we need to restock our supplies..." Chris muttered, looking around. "Not a bad place..." he added before showing a smirk. "You girls wanna find another hotel to stay at? We could spend the night if you like the place!" he offered as they took in the area, getting noises of approval to the idea in response. "...What about you?" he asked, looking toward Zorua as she examined the area as well. "I don't care." she replied while focusing ahead. "Well, just asking." Chris shrugged. Deciding to find a hotel first, he managed to come across a two story cabin, one that had a porch sprawling along the second floor that allowed guests to step out and look over the town. With a satisfied nod, he headed inside and lowered his hood, taking a breath of relief while approaching the reception desk. Ordering himself a room, he made his way along to a set of nearby stairs, climbing up as memories of his stay at a similar cabin in Arcticu Valley years prior came to mind. Suddenly remembering the owner that looked like a human Pangoro, a nervous smile appeared on his face, sweating slightly with a "good times" murmur escaping his lips. "What was a good time?" Zorua asked, struggling to climb. "Ah, just thinking back on..." Chris began to reply, looking down at the Pokemon having difficulty. "...What?" she scowled, working her way up another step. Moving backward slightly, Chris reached down and surprised her when suddenly lifting her in his hands, tucking her under his arm as he climbed further up, Zorua blinking wide eyed briefly before suddenly thrashing. "P-Put me down!! I was doing fine!!" she snapped, kicking and flailing. "Oh come on, I'll put you down at the top, just deal with it." Chris scowled. "I don't need help!!" she insisted, feeling degraded from being tucked under his arm like a bag of sorts.

Continuing to step up despite Zorua's bickering and fighting, once past the steps he finally set her down with a "there" remark, leaving her agitated as she stood twitching an eye and bearing her teeth. "I don't appreciate that." she growled. "I didn't expect you to. Point is it got you up here easier. I can't help your pride being hurt." Chris lectured. "Relying on someone for a hand now and then isn't so bad you know. Pride can only get you so far on your own." he added. "I would have made it on my own time." Zorua affirmed, only for Chris to get a pointless vibe from the conversation as he turned and continued along the hall before him. Remaining where he'd placed her, Zorua looked down the stairs before following Chris in a begrudging manner, grumbling to herself as she limped along, now feeling all the more agitated over her missing limb. "I didn't need help..." she insisted, only for Chris to ignore her save for a "fine" remark as he looked over the I.D. on his room key and found his number atop a door. "This is it..." he nodded. Making his way inside, he exclaimed "Home sweet home!" as they entered a room consisting of a large bed with a sofa beside it, with sliding doors leading out to the balcony before them on the opposite side of the room. Looking around, a TV was placed atop drawers near the foot of the bed, with a door leading to their own bathroom next to the entrance. "Looks like we can have ourselves a good hot bath too." Chris point out with a smirk. Turning to find Zorua making her way past, the small Pokemon went up to the sliding doors. "Let me out." she ordered, sitting before the glass and looking back. "And you tried to say I needed to say please." Chris scowled, approaching and doing as she desired.

Setting his rucksack on the bed as he passed, allowing Sera and Sliggoo to make themselves comfortable atop the sheets, he set Bounsweet next to the pair before sliding open the door and watching Zorua limp up to the railing outside, sitting with her back to him and merely examined the location around her, maintaining her solo atmosphere with a breeze wafting by her. For a brief moment, Chris couldn't help but see something like that of a hazy image of Alicia's back from when she was a Snivy, followed by an image of Ninetales sitting with her back to him as well as he compared the Pokemon to those he knew. Raising an eyebrow, he left the sliding door open enough for Zorua to return whenever she desired before making his way past the bed a second time, looking around until finding a remote for the TV and turning it on. Asking the girls to let him know when there was something they liked on, he found himself stopping at a nature documentary that peaked Bounsweet's curiosity, with Sliggoo attracted to the sounds coming from the jungle being detailed. Narrating the scenes was that of a calm sounding man, one with a soothing tone that made the berry-like creature relax with a smile of contentment as Sliggoo positioned herself to face the TV properly, her feelers point toward it as she created an image in her mind while a new scene of rain trickling in the jungle played. Showing slight sweat on his face, he asked the two if that was really what they wanted, given they'd already been traveling through the woods. Finding them both content, he surrendered and left it on the program, sitting the remote aside before noticing Sera showing a look of agitation from the choice of show.

"Not your thing huh?" he asked, the fox shaking her head. "Aw, it's educational though!" Chris reminded with a grin, only to cause her to pout all the more, puffing her cheeks from his teasing."...Let me guess, you want cartoons, right?" he asked, the word causing her ears to perk and her tail to wag, smiling eagerly. "Reckon' it is kinda my fault for getting you hooked on em'." Chris confessed, thinking about how he'd let Sera watch toons on his Pokedex on occasion when she was either particularly bored, or having difficulty sleeping along their travels. Looking at Bounsweet and Sliggo, he thought over the situation before showing a smirk. "How about this? You come with me, and I'll let you watch something you want on my Dex while I get what we need. Sound good? That way I still have some company too!" he offered, getting a chipper bark in response before holding out his hands, causing Sera to leap into them excitedly. "Well alright then." Chris chuckled, tickling her stomach as she lay in his arm. "You two will be alright sticking around here while I'm gone won't you?" he asked, making sure they didn't mind only for both to remain distracted as a scene featuring a desert appeared on the screen, causing Bounsweet to blink curiously at the barrenness of the location. "...Guess that's a yes." Chris smiled nervously before looking at Zorua, still sitting outside as he approaching the sliding door. "I'm heading off, if you plan to stay out I'll need to lock this until I get back. That okay?" he asked, getting silence in response. Giving her a moment to answer, after being ignored Chris repeat that he was locking it, standing behind the glass to see if Zorua would approach only for her to remain firm as she gazed onward.

"Okay then..." Chris muttered before letting Sera climb along his arm and perch herself over his shoulders. "We're off then. Be back soon." he assured, getting a slight response from the girls in the form of distracted murmurs, Bounsweet watching in awe as a large flock of Doduo and Dodrio raced along the dunes, migrating to a new location as the camera loomed over their numbers and showed various shots up close. With slight sweat showing, Chris let the girls enjoy the documentary as he made his way out of the room, insuring the door was locked behind him before heading toward the lobby. Letting out an impatient bark, Sera pat his shoulder with her paw, wanting him to take out his Pokedex for her. "Alright, alright... Can't even wait until we get outside huh?" he laughed, feeling himself for the device and pulling it out. "Lets see here..." he muttered, booting it up and suddenly getting an alert. "Wuzzat...?" he muttered as Sera looked curiously, watching as he brought up his map and discovered a nearby marker Ninetales had him place before he'd left the valley. "Huh... Another spot? That's convenient... Wonder what she wanted here though..." he added, his tone remaining quiet, yet curious. "It's only a few blocks from here... May as well see what it's about." he nodded before he started connecting to his WiFi to find a show for Sera to watch, keeping the location in mind. Making his way outside, he was about to start a video when he heard a loud "Hey!!" from above, causing Chris to jolt before looking around and turning. Unfortunately for him, just as he looked up he found his face used as a landing target, with Zorua having jumped from the patio above and landing with her hind feet in his eyes, her position in a perfect T pose.

Knocking Sera off his shoulder as his body went back, he dropped his device at the same time and let out a curdling shout as he landed on his back, with Zorua jumping aside as Chris covered his eyes and shout profanities from the pain, rolling about as Sera panicked from the sight. "WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?!!!" he suddenly screamed before curling up as he kept a clutch on his eyes, groaning before letting out another shout of pain. "I just decided to follow. I got bored." Zorua replied calmly with her nose up. Rolling on his opposite side, Chris remained curled as he let out an irritated "Shit!!" from the throbbing in his sockets. "Consider us even." Zorua point out. "For WHAT?!" Chris snapped, struggling to raise as he squint at her. "Did you REALLY do that just because I carried you?!" he added, only for her to face away. Wanting to reach toward the abusive Pokemon, he balled his fist instead and slammed it on the ground, letting out another profane remark as he covered his eyes again, another throbbing sensation running through them. Looking toward Zorua herself, Sera started barking furiously at her, lowering her head while snarling at the Pokemon who used him as a springboard. Looking at her, Zorua merely shrugged with a "meh" in response, unfazed while Chris fought through the pain, slowly working himself back up on his feet, albeit while stumbling as he shook his head and worked his eyes open. Below him, Midna found itself stirring from the commotion, letting out a growl as its sharp frown appeared in his shadow, followed by its ominously glowing red eyes looking disturbed from its slumber. Realizing Chris was in pain, the imp suddenly showed a surprised look before pulling his entire shadow from the ground and looming by his side.

Letting out wary grumbles to communicate as it float by his side, Chris held up his hand with an "I'm fine!" response, trying to rub off the remaining pain as he repeatedly squint. Barking at the imp, Sera got its attention and point at Zorua with her paw, explaining what happened causing the shadowy creature to turn to Zorua instead. Not taking kindly to Chris being legitimately harmed, Midna reshaped the hands of Chris's shadow into impressive claws, growling at the Pokemon while looming all the higher as Zorua raised an eyebrow. "Oh please, he can shake it off. It's not that serious." she affirmed, looking away causing the imp to twitch an eye. Shooting its arm out, Midna snatched Zorua and yanked her close as though its arm was a rubber band, bearing its own dagger-like teeth. Reaching out, Chris placed his hand on the imp's shoulder, sternly ordering "No" before instructing it to put the Pokemon down, causing it to face him in surprise while Zorua looked at the two. Turning its attention back to her, Midna sneered before opening its claw, letting her drop to the ground before it slowly melt back into the ground itself, gradually shrinking while keeping its eyes on Zorua as though warning it would be watching until Chris's shadow was back to its usual form on the surface, Midna's face remaining as it stayed alert for any other behavior toward him it didn't like. Looking down at it, Zorua then focused on Chris, looking up at him as he squint down at her. "Pretty weak to let others fight for you." she point out. "Pretty lucky I didn't let it happen." he quipped in response. "That was real damned uncalled for, shit's not funny." he added while picking up his Pokedex and placing Sera back along his shoulders.

Apologizing to the fox for the way he was talking, he ordered her never to use the same words he had, getting a nod as she sulked her ears in concern before scowling at Zorua once more for hurting him. Hissing with another groan, Chris rubbed his eyes, blinking uncomfortably with a "shit" remark under his breath. "I did call out and warn you before I landed." Zorua reminded. "You should have waited to jump until AFTER I knew what the hell you were doing." Chris lectured before turning and heading off, rubbing his eyes and blinking once more while grumbling from being treated such a way. Watching him walk off where she sat, after a moment Zorua began to follow at a distance as Chris made his way along, checking his Pokedex to make sure there wasn't any damage as he went through his menu and various applications. "Doesn't seem like anything got messed up... That's good at least..." he sighed before working on bringing up something for Sera to watch. Holding it up where she could see, he let the fox enjoy a cartoon as he walked. Still concerned from what happened, she rubbed her cheek against his with a wary whimper, making him assure he was alright. "Lets see... According to the marker, the place should be down this next street..." he added, looking around. "Pretty small and quiet place, surprised something would go on here..." he thought to himself. Turning the corner around one of the cabins, Chris paused in surprise when he saw a shopping district sprawling down the path, full of stalls lining each side of the street allowing the townsfolk to casually stroll along while finding everything they needed. "Well now... This is familiar." Chris smirked as he made his way down the street.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - Blast to the Past https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osBFf_gOzGc Recommended - Right Click On Video - Select Loop

Asking if he could turn his device off, Sera nodded as she looked around curiously at the various things on display, with the merchants trying to make a living calling out for customers. Chuckling from the nostalgia of it all, Chris thought back on his time in Yulema City, spotting a stall that sold handbags and the like, making him reflect on Serenity holding her purse. Walking along, he found another which sold accessories and brushes, bringing back memories of Alicia's obsession with ribbons and the way Serenity and Rose meticulously kept themselves up. "I don't think I could ever be that obsessive..." he smiled nervously, causing Sera to tilt her head curiously. Glancing toward her, he decided to buy a large red brush from the owner of the stall. "C'mere kiddo." he instructed, getting an "eh?" in response as he positioned his arm in a cradling manner, allowing her to climb down and rest along it. Holding up the brush, Sera tilt her head before he placed it on her head, making her look up curiously before feeling his drag it down along her back. Jolting as her ears and tail shot up, she felt a tingling through her spine as he lift the brush and combed her length once again, continuing to make her feel a shuddering sensation until a euphoric look appeared on her face, swooning as she enjoyed the pampering. Relaxing her chin on his arm, she let out cooing noises as her fur straightened and fluffed. "You like?" Chris grinned, getting a chipper bark as Sera looked up at him with a smile from ear to ear, her tail wagging excitedly. Resuming his spoiling, Chris looked around until noticing a large section of stalls selling various foods and ingredients, making him let out an "ah!" before turning direction. "This is what we need..." he muttered, looking toward a stall full of vegetables.

About to approach, he suddenly heard a child's voice shout out "Fennekin!!" in excitement, causing him to pause and turn as another voice from a woman shout "Rabecca!!" in a panic. Seeing a little girl rushing up, Chris blinked in surprise from under his hood, Sera raising her head and watching as well as the child's face beamed. "W-Well... Hello there." Chris smiled, slight sweat showing from the surprising openness. "That's a real Fennekin, isn't it?!" she asked eagerly. "Yeah, she's the real deal." he nodded. "But uh, her name's Sera, she's not just any regular Fennekin." he added. "Sera..." the girl muttered, thinking the name over before nodding. "That's cute!" she praised, causing the fox to let out a chipper bark, her tail wagging from the praise. "I'm so sorry sir." the woman he'd heard apologized, noticing it was the girl's mother as she lectured her daughter for running off. "It's fine, we're just doing a little shopping." Chris assured. "I guess it's not everyday you see this kind of Pokemon around here, she's pretty special." he added, with the added praise making Sera beam. Noticing the girl's star-stricken focus on the fox, Chris looked around before showing a smirk. "If it's alright with you ma'am, I'll be here for a while stocking up on stuff. If you're planning to stay for a bit yourself, I wouldn't mind letting... Rabecca, was it...? Look after Sera for me for a bit. Buying supplies isn't much fun for this one." he offered, causing the child to gasp with an immediate "Can I?!" of excitement, her mother showing uncertainty while pointing out to her daughter how she'd have to behave and be responsible. "So long as I'm able to keep an eye on Sera here, it's fine with me." Chris nodded. "Is it okay with you, Sera?" he asked.

Looking between him and the child, the fox nodded before he squat and told Rabecca to hold her arms up in a cradling manner, allowing Sera to jump to her which made the girl squeak in surprise before showing a wide grin. "She's so fluffy!!" she giggled, giving the fox a hug which made Sera sweat slightly with a nervous smile. "Just make sure you be nice to her now, don't be rough or cuddle her too tightly." Chris insisted, getting a nod in response. "I just bought this brush for her, long as you're gentle she likes having her fur taken care of. Why don't you take care of that for me?" he asked, getting an "uh huh!" from Rabecca before giving her the brush. "I suppose it's alright... You be careful now and mind what he told you..." her mother ordered before looking around. "There's the bench over there, go sit and keep in sight, alright?" she added, making Rabecca sit close by with Sera before she started brushing, making the fox smile once more. "I'm sorry again..." her mother apologized. "Don't worry about it, in a way it frees me up a bit to focus on what I need to get. Long as she's within sight and safe." Chris nodded. "Rabecca and I come here every day to shop. I usually have her stay there when it's time for me to get groceries." her mother explained. "This is a quiet place. Most of us here know and take care of each other, but I still don't like when she runs off into the crowds. Children have a habit of losing themselves." she point out. "Just have to do the best we can and stay on our toes." Chris chuckled. "I'll be around this section mainly, I'm on the road right now so I need stuff that's good for camping. If you two wind up leaving before me, just let me know." he point out, getting a nod.

"I'll be on the other side, just over there. We need bread and could use a few things like fish. I'll keep an eye on them as well." she assured before thanking him again for indulging her daughter and heading to the opposite side of the path. "A tight knit community huh...?" Chris thought to himself, looking at Rebecca and Sera with a smirk. "It's nice when a place is peaceful enough for kids to be that way." he added in his mind. Turning toward the stalls with vegetables once more, he made his way up and started filling a bag given to him with ingredients, looking the stocks over and trying to pick the ripest available. "Nn... A little too... Hey, there's a good..." he muttered to himself, squinting at his options. Nodding approvingly as he finished filling a bag, he made a quick look toward Rabecca and Sera, seeing the child now playing with the fox using a twig from a bush next to the bench she sat on. Making his way to the next stall, Chris looked over rare spices that were on sale, making his eyes light up as he scanned the selections and took notice of the herbal roots hanging by his side. "Place is a pretty good score..." he muttered. Enjoying his time at the stalls while keeping an eye on Sera, it didn't take long for him to allow himself to wind up engrossed in his supplies, growing more and more comfortable with his surroundings. Paying the owners their due little by little, Chris took his time while Zorua kept herself hidden nearby, looking around and watching in silence. On the other side of the path, Rabecca's mother was in the same engrossed state as Chris, happily gathering her own supplies on her own time as well. Unfortunately for both however, this moment of distraction was all it took to turn the situation in a dark direction.

Optional trap to LWR - Listen While Reading - Kidnapped! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJNqiQ703h8 Recommended - Right Click On Video - Select Loop

Suddenly hearing screeching sounds from the distance, many in the market, including Chris and Rabecca's mother, looked around curiously until a vehicle appeared from around a corner, speeding along toward where they were. With many beginning to panic and clear the path, he noticed Rabecca and Sera remaining in the middle of it, the child having played fetch with the fox and was now remaining still, standing with the Pokemon in her arms as both had the same frozen expression as they watched the vehicle race toward them. His eyes widening, Chris dropped all he'd bought and shout Sera's name, beginning to run toward the two while Rabecca's mother did the same from the opposite side of the path. Quickly nearing the girl and the fox, the parents reached toward the children only for the vehicle, turning out to be a large van, to reach the duo first. Racing up and abruptly turning in a screeching manner, as the van swung about Rabecca's mother was slammed into, causing a curdling scream as she was sent flying in Chris's direction. Freezing out of shock, the woman made impact and sent him flying back with her, with Midna taking action and turning his shadow into a cushion allowing the two to land softly before Chris raised to see a duo of men donning masks slide open a large sliding door on the side of the vehicle. Reaching out, the two snatched Rabecca in their clutches as the child turn to see her battered mother, tears forming in her eyes as the moment seemingly slowed enough for her to utter "mama...?" before she was yanked in. Looking toward Chris, at the same time Sera had a bewildered look of her own, letting out a "Fe-Fe?" type of noise as though to say "Papa" before the two vanished past the slamming shut door and the van began speeding off into the distance.

Retracting itself from beneath the two and rising, Midna loomed over the two with murmurs as if to ask of Chris's well-being while his attention was kept on the direction the van had just went, snapping out of it when Rabecca's mother began gasping and convulsing on top of him. Brutally wounded within from the impact, she was quickly going into shock as fear of death began showing in her eyes, causing Chris's to widen and rushing to lay her before him. Looking between where the van went and the wounded woman, she looked at him and reached out, grabbing his arm and choking out her daughters name, blood suddenly flying from her mouth as she tried to speak. With his mind trying to process everything that was happening, though he needed to get Sera and the child back, in the mother's condition she'd be gone long before she could be given any normal treatment. That in mind, the thought of the world "normal" raced through Chris's mind, suddenly clutching his chest as he began hearing the call of the souls within his stone relentlessly pinging away in his head. With their numbers greater than one could fathom, the souls who knew how to save the woman began calling out, doctors and nurses aplenty within his body insisting he reach out to the woman before him. Gritting his teeth and shutting his eyes tightly as their voices grew louder, Chris slammed his hands together, causing a blast like that of thunder to sound off as countless streaks of energy like that of lightening, blue and pure white in color, burst from them. His eyes suddenly shooting open, Chris looked down at the woman and thrust his hands onto her body, forming a bridge which allowed the souls who knew what to do to leave his stone and enter her.

Feeling a sensation of invasion, the woman's eyes widened as countless bolts began bursting from her entire form as the souls that had entered rapidly went to work, rushing to heal and repair her damaged insides before death had its chance to take her. Digging her nails into the dirt beneath her, the feeling of being operated on in such an unnatural and sudden manner was more intense than one would want to imagine, feeling her insides being collectively manipulated and reorganized while her bones and joints were snapped to and fro, making her arch and jerk repeatedly. "I'm sorry!!" Chris exclaimed, causing her terrified eyes to snap toward him through her pain. "Just hang on!! You'll be fine!!" he insisted before the souls within called out once more. Gritting his teeth, Chris suddenly gave his hands a sudden hard push down onto her body, sending a final blast radiating from her. Screaming in response, the woman arched sharply as everything felt as though it was warping inside out within her, and when he finally pulled his hands away, his power vanishing, the woman remained arched as she twitched and gasped until abruptly collapsing before him. With a look of horror and shock on her face, it suddenly transitioned to one of relief and peace as her head slowly turned toward Chris, her eyes looking at him before shutting as she lost consciousness. "...Is she...?" he muttered, reaching out and feeling her neck for a pulse, finding it chaotic, but strong making him sigh in relief. "I can't replace things, but as long as the material is already there to work with, fixing damage doesn't seem beyond me..." he thought before standing and looking toward where he'd seen the van race off.

Clutching his fists, Chris grit his teeth before reaching toward his chest again, asking those within him for further aid and getting resounding approval as he felt their temperament change, the familiar sensation of his stone turning a seething red emanating from its surface. Nodding and giving "thanks" in response, he was about to race off when, as he took his first step, Zorua came out with a stern "Hold it!!" before he could leave. "Forgetting someone...?" she asked, limping toward him. "Not now." he growled, turning away to give chase. "I can help you." she offered. Remaining still, he glanced at her once more. "Do you know where to go? Where they are now?" she asked. Remaining in a stance as though ready to charge, Chris relaxed himself enough to turn to her properly. "You do?" he replied. "In a vague sense, but what I have to go off is better than going completely blind." she explained. Raising a suspicious eyebrow, Chris reached out and lift her by the back of her neck, holding her at eye level with him. "If you're wasting my time..." he warned, Midna sensing his mood and rising from behind him with a malicious grin, suddenly revealing a surprising side to himself as though ready to feed her to the shadow. Keeping his current behavior in mind, Zorua answered with "My father was an Absol... You should know we inherit things from whoever we come from... I have some ability to sense and detect things. It's mostly hazy images at best, but they're images nonetheless. Do you want to run blind, or actually have some hope...?" she asked. "Your kind don't have that type of ability." Chris affirmed. "Exceptions to every rule." Zorua quipped. "I never said I could fully utilize it, I said I had some capability." she reminded.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - Giving Chase! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thfHVPqql_c Recommended - Right Click On Video - Select Loop

Looking at her or a moment, Chris turned and held Zorua properly against him. "I run, you steer." he affirmed, the Pokemon looking up at him before nodding and focusing ahead as well. "Alright everyone, give me all ya' got." he ordered, and right after saying this, his stone came to life with a burst of power raging, sending not his calm and caring energy flying, but that of the bloodiest rage one could imagine, the act of witnessing an abduction allowing the vengeful souls to release a new level of power that had Chris wincing from its overwhelming nature. Hearing a weakened voice, he looked back at Rabecca's mom, having come back enough to plead for her daughters rescue. Nodding in response, Chris gave an "I will" answer, then asked that she keep his identity a secret, causing her to show confusion before passing out as he focused ahead, with Midna shrinking and perching itself on his shoulder. Muttering "lets go" as he took a charging stance, Chris let off a blast like that of a sonic boom as he launched himself after those who'd taken Rabecca and his own daughter, seething with rage himself from the act which brought all too familiar sensations back to his mind. "Alright!! Well?!" he snapped, glancing at Zorua as her eyes suddenly flashed a bright blue, the Pokemon doing her best to locate the van. "LEFT!!" she ordered at a crossroad, Chris turning as told. Keeping his pace up, Zorua jolt before saying "LEFT" again, causing him to turn only for her to correct herself with a"No!! RIGHT!!" order, making Chris clench his teeth before skidding to a halt and blasting in the opposite direction. Doing her best to instruct on what images she could make out, Zorua continued leading him in this manner through the town, correcting course several times until they charged out down a country road.

"They're already out of town?!" Chris growled, focusing ahead. "I'm trusting you here!! Is this the right way?!" he asked, Zorua silent as her glowing eyes remained focused on the path before them. Suddenly jolting with her eyes widening, she ordered "Hurry up!!" as a disturbing image of the men came to her mind. "It's hard to make out, but what I just saw wasn't appealing." she affirmed. Glancing down at her, Chris's expression turned all the more stern as he raced on, quickening his pace past it's already impressive limit. With each step he took, Chris's footprints were lit with the lightening-like power surging from his body. Taking notice of the trees lining the street, he reached out and made a yanking motion with his hand, ripping the life out of them to feed the souls within him as their green aura shot into his stone, allowing for a constant charge that kept his speed up and focus forward while nature died in his wake. After a moment, Midna began catching onto the location of the van as well, shouting and pointing ahead to affirm it was the path to take. Nodding at the imp, Chris glanced down at Zorua as well, having found his trust in the Pokemon worth it. Finally, at last the vehicle came into view in the distance, continuing to race along toward its escape with its ill-gotten cargo. Bearing his teeth in rage, Chris leaned himself forward as he cut through the wind like a blade, forcing Zorua to squint her eyes as tears flew from them due to the G-force while Midna remained perched on his shoulder in a feline manner, rear arched and ready for an attack as well. Once he was close enough to the van, Chris ordered an immediate "WHIP!!" from Midna, causing it to ensnare his arm before he lashed the imp outward, its form stretching like a rope.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - He Caught Up! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D86itLlFeTs Recommended - Right Click On Video - Select Loop

Snapping around a poll that made up part of the rack on top of the vehicle, Midna clung tightly as Chris gave his arm a jerk, causing him to shoot forward as Midna pulled him to. Slamming against the pair of rear doors on the van, the vehicle jerked for a moment as he heard the sound of Rabecca screaming, while Sera could be heard panicking and the men within letting out "What was that?!" panics. Putting Zorua on top of the vehicle, Chris pulled his free arm back, his seething aura engulfing the length of it and gathering around his hand before he sent it lunging into the door, grasping the metal and twisting it into his fist. With a firm grasp and a mere grunt, he sent his power sparking around the object before abruptly ripping the door clean off the van, hurling it behind causing it to roll and bounce while the energy from his stone continued briefly sparking around it. Looking inside, he saw Rabecca flailing beneath a scraggly looking grey-haired man, kicking about from being pinned down by his size while Sera was held up against the wall with her fur in the fist of a younger looking thug with a shorter cut. Letting out a relieved yet terrified "Fe-Fe!!" from his arrival, Sera looked at Chris and started flailing. With his malicious power radiating from his eyes, Chris had the appearance of a demon that had just burst from the gates of hell itself, his already furious expression turning all the worse from seeing the situation of the two girls as the men looked at Chris in a startled and nervous state. "H-Hell IS that?!" the man on Rabecca asked. Beginning to climb in, Chris snarled vengefully at the duo before noticing the driver just ahead, pointing a gun at him and suddenly firing repeatedly, sending bullet after bullet into him.

"Whatever it is, SHOOT it!!" the man driving ordered, a large looking guy in a white suit causing the other two men to take out guns of their own, the three collectively firing piercing Chris countless times. "Th-The hell man?! The hell?!" the man on Rabecca panicked, finally getting off her allowing the child to hurry into a corner behind the seats. Seeing him getting shot over and over, Sera became hysterical while Rabecca covered her ears, screaming as well from the gunfire. Taking another step in, it was impossible to tell whether Chris was the hero or the villain as his body continued seething its now ominous power, the bullets that had pierced him suddenly being forced out and plinking to the ground as his wounds sealed. Caught off guard from the sight, one of the men managed to shoot Chris in the face, causing him to jerk back and stumble out of the van before tumbling about on the street, one of the men cheering "We got em!!" as his body rolled about until he stopped and lay with his face down. Continuing to hear Sera and Rabecca screaming as the van distanced itself once more, Chris's power returned and started shooting through him as he came to. Pushing himself up, he looked at the vehicle speeding off with a portion of his cheek gaping open due to the bullet's close-range fire having blast away the flesh which now dangled loosely from his face, exposing the length of his teeth. Standing up, Chris let out a raspy growl as he pushed his skin back up, allowing his stone to heal it back in place before standing with his arms hanging like that of a dangling puppet. Swaying about where he stood, he suddenly started charging forward, closing the distance between himself and his target.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - Believe In Thy Father! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuFvlh9pcpw Recommended - Right Click On Video - Select Loop

Slapping his hand against nearby trees as he charged, Chris ripped the life from them and gave the souls within him a final charge before he rocket his way back to the Van, relentlessly pursuing as the hysterical Sera caught glimpse of his return. With her face beaming once more, the fox desperately called out before finally attempting a legitimate retaliation. Gathering fire in her maw, she faced the man holding her causing him to jolt and give her a degrading "Fuckin' RAT!" remark, delivering an intense slap across her face while talking about selling her to the first bidder. Having never been stricken, the fire in her mouth vanished on impact as her widened eyes filled with tears, followed by the screaming cries that come only from the tarnished innocence of a child. Having seen the act and now having to hear his own daughter sobbing from the hand of another abusing her, Chris finally snapped as the men tried firing again, only to no avail as he charged up and made a powerful leap into the van, smashing into the thug holding Sera causing her to fall while Chris slammed the man's head into the floor. Keeping him pinned, Chris started yanking his head up by the back of what hair he had and slamming his face down again and again, mercilessly beating him into the metal flooring. Managing to roll over under Chris, this foolish act allowed Chris to start smacking the man, exclaiming "See how YOU like being smacked ya' sick fuck!!" while paying him back for striking Sera, releasing a burst of power from his hand with each impact using the front and back of his hand, brutally pimp slapping him as he crushed the bones in the man's face without mercy, his face jerking to and fro with every blow with the cries of the man, nor' the sound of his bones breaking able to stop Chris as he shattering his face until he was left a pitiful gargling and blood spitting creature.

With the white haired thug that had pinned Rabecca down moments before beginning to fire on Chris again, each bullet that pierced his back had no affect as he finally released the defeated man beneath him and turned his attention. Standing in a looming stance once more, Chris point out "It's not so easy to kill the dead..." as he stepped up to the man who fired what rounds he had left until his gun merely clicked, leaving him quivering with sweat as Chris took him in hand and threw him to the opposite wall, making him smash and leave dents in the metal before crashing to the floor, causing the vehicle to rock as the driver struggled to stay straight. Ordering his men to get rid of Chris, he looked back only to find one lying with a twisted face and struggling to breathe while the other fought to push himself up, raising an arm in defense and begging for mercy. Pausing for a moment, Chris snatched the man and turned him toward the sobbing Rabecca, asking "...What mercy?" before turning and slamming his face into the metal wall, causing the metal to give and crumple itself around his head, trapping it in place. With two now taken care of, Chris turned his attention to the driver who immediately halt the breaks, veering off the road causing both Zorua and Midna to fly from the top into nearby bushes while everyone within tumbled. With the final man shoving the driver door open and attempting to flee, Chris made a leap from the back and gave chase, albeit short lived as he snatched the man and slammed him into a tree. "In some places, they cut a man's hands off just for stealing..." Chris affirmed, his ominous eyes glaring at the criminal as he looked back with all color lost. "For you..." he paused, placing his hand on the man's back. "You'll lose EVERYTHING!!" he roared before he sent a powerful burst through the man, getting a curdling scream as Chris essentially boiled the entirety of his spinal column, permanently vaporizing his nerves and stripping his right to move for the rest of his life.

Once he felt satisfied, Chris released him and let the man slump limply to the ground, having passed out from the pain. Taking him by the hair, Chris dragged him back along the ground without care to the van before releasing him, leaving the man lying in the dirt as he returned to the back of the vehicle. Looking inside to find Rabecca still curled up, the child was clutching her head as she continued sobbing from the experience. Close to her, Sera was dizzily pushing herself up, shaking her head from the way the sudden stop sent her rolling about. Facing up, the fox jolt as she looked at him, one of her eyes wide while the other had started squinting due to swelling from being hit. Seeing this, Chris twitched slightly as his fists tightened, glancing toward the man lying within the van who'd done it. Hearing her scared whimper, he looked back at Sera as she teared up again, her ears sulking down with quivering lips. "...Sera..." he spoke softly, closing his eyes and taking a breath to calm himself, causing the power from his stone to dwindle. Finally opening his eyes, they'd returned to their normal, tender state as he reached his arms out, and with the sun beaming down from above behind him, he stood at the door with a warm glow that enveloped his body, calling out with a reassuring "Papa's here" comment and a smile that caused tears to well all the more in Sera's eyes before she raced toward him, crying out as she jumped in his arms and started bawling in his embrace. "There there... Papa's gotcha..." he coaxed, rubbing her head. "Papa's gotcha, and he'll never let you go..." he affirmed, looking at her and showing a confident grin. "What kind of man lets someone take his princess away?" he added. Hearing this, her lips quivered once more before she resumed her sobbing, burrying her face in his chest and clinging to him as he continued rubbing her head. "That's my girl... My Seraphina..." he soothed.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - A Hardened Man https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwZRUDbS25o Recommended - Right Click On Video - Select Loop

Holding her close as Midna and Zorua approached, the two shook off the daze from their fall while looking up at them. "So, you got her back..." Zorua spoke, showing a small smirk only to find herself ignored as Chris smiled in a fatherly manner, continuing to coax Sera as he kissed her on the head. Causing her smirk to fade, Zorua looked at him before looking down, going silent as Midna made its way up Chris's cloak and perched itself on his shoulder. Noticing the imp, Sera sniffled as it looked at her, suddenly showing a surprisingly warm smile given it's usual attitude as if welcoming her back, nodding at the fox. Noticing the imp himself, Chris looked toward Rabecca as she repeatedly wiped her face, trying to reel herself back together as she hicked and whined. "...Sera?" he called out, causing her to look up at him. "Papa still has a few things left to do... For the little girl, and to these men who took you both away and hurt you... Will you wait for papa, over there?" he asked, showing her nearby bushes. "It will only take me a minute, then we'll go back, back to our friends, back to our adventure... Back to our lives, together." he assured with another tender smile. Letting out another sniffle, Sera nodded before he set her down. "...Go with her Zorua, watch her for me." he instructed before turning toward the van again. Looking at him in response, the Pokemon merely nodded before looking at Sera, the fox facing her in turn with another sniffle. "I need your help here Midna, that okay?" he asked, the imp facing him with a nod before he climbed into the van. Turning and instructing Sera to follow, Zorua was about to walk toward the bushes only to find Sera focusing on the van, remaining still before approaching it instead.

Scowling from the disobedience, Zorua let out a sigh and shook her head before approaching alongside her. "Hey, it's me Rabecca..." they heard Chris call out softly. "...Rabecca? Hey... Come on now..." he coaxed. "I'm here to help you... I'm gonna take you back to your mom. It's okay now..." he added as Sera jumped on the rear bumper, warily poking her head up to watch from the doorway. Seeing him in front of the child, Chris had squat before her and was trying to reach out, only for his hand to be smacked away with a hysteric "No!!" from the child, too scarred from the experience to focus. Showing a somber look on his face, he softly repeat her name, reaching out once more. Managing to climb up herself, Zorua watched next to Sera as Chris placed his hand on the child, causing her to scream hysterically and attempt to fight. Letting her wail on him, Chris managed to grab her arm before pulling her close, holding Rabecca while softly shushing her. "It's okay... It's okay." he assured, keeping hold of her as she struggled before gradually settling down. "The bad guys are taken care of. I'll take you back to your mom now... Kay'?" he coaxed, rubbing her head the same as he'd done for Sera as she continued to settle until finally grabbing hold of him, sobbing with her face buried in his cloak. "Hush now... It's okay... You're safe." he cooed, keeping the child in his embrace. Once he was able to, Chris released Rabecca and allowed her to collect herself on her own, showing a reassuring smile as she hicked and rubbed her eyes. "There's a strong girl... No more tears." he nodded, reaching up to his shoulder and allowing Midna to climb onto his palm. Holding the imp close to his mouth, he quietly gave an order before holding it out toward the child.

"Rabecca...? Could you look at me for a sec...?" he asked. Continuing to hick and shiver, after a moment she finally looked at him, her eyes swollen with a reddened look from her weeping, jolting and pulling back when she saw the imp. "Easy... This is my friend, Midna! This little fella is gonna help you feel better, okay?" he assured. "H-How...?" the child finally spoke. "...It's gonna take all the bad stuff go away." he answered before the imp shut its eyes, causing Rabecca to look at it. After a moment, the imp suddenly opened a massive, cyclops type of eye that let out an ominous purple aura. Suddenly panicking, Rabecca pulled herself back further, only to wind up going still and gradually relaxing as Midna took hold of her. "That's it... Just relax... Let the bad stuff go..." Chris coaxed calmly. At the door, Sera watched wide eyed while Zorua merely watched, analyzing Chris once again. "In a minute, nothing will have ever happened... You'll be back home, back with your mama... No more bad things, only good." Chris affirmed, waiting for the child to fall completely under. "...Okay, she's ready now." he nodded. "Go ahead, Midna..." he paused, holding the imp closer to Rabecca's face, her eyes following the creature. "...Erase..." he ordered, causing its eye to glow all the brighter. In response, Rabecca's eyes slowly turned into a solid purple glow of their own. "No more bad... No more bad..." Chris soothed until the imp was done, closing its massive eye before a smaller pair returned and Rabecca's closed as well, causing her to slump over. Reaching out, Chris caught her in his arm before pulling her close and standing, cradling the child. "Bad stuff gone... Only sweet dreams..." he smiled tenderly, pressing his forehead against hers. "Only sweet dreams..." he repeat.

Seeing all of this, Sera wasn't sure what had happened as she whimpered nervously, sulking her ears causing Chris to jolt and turn toward the fox. "...I asked you to wait at the bushes." he reminded, seeing the concern in her face. "I tried." Zorua point out, making him look at her with a raised eyebrow. "I did." she scowled. Shaking his head, he replied with "Never mind..." before stepping toward the door, causing the two to move out of his way as he stepped out and approached the nearby trees. Setting Rabecca down against one, he brushed her bangs aside and looked her over, finding the child without any injuries and her clothes in tact. "...Doesn't look like they got very far." Chris muttered, sighing with his head lowered with a "Good" comment in relief. Slowly approaching, Sera kept her head down and let out a concerned noise. Looking at her, he saw her swollen eye and suddenly showed an irritated expression. "They did get you though..." he added, pulling her up and holding her close. "And that I can't forgive..." he added firmly, setting her down next to Rabecca with a nod. "She'll be okay... I just had Midna erase her mind." he explained, tapping his forehead. "She won't remember any of this... It'll be like it never happened. That's all. She's just sleeping now." he assured, rubbing Sera on the head. "Thanks for worrying about her like that. You really are a good girl." he smiled proudly before standing and turning to the van. "Which is why I won't forgive..." he sneered before approaching the vehicle. "I mean it, even more this time... Keep her away." he insisted while walking past Zorua, the Pokemon watching him before approaching Sera and sitting in front of her. "...Obey." she insisted, the tone in her voice and the look in her eye causing a nod from the fox.

Stopping at the opening in the back of the van, Chris merely looked at the two men within before climbing up, entering before ordering "Whip" from Midna, the imp suddenly grinning maliciously before taking a new shape along his arm and extending a portion of itself to the floor. Standing behind the man who'd been on top of Rabecca, intending to do the unmentionable to the child, Chris pulled his arm back before suddenly hearing a muffled groan from the man, coming to and reaching his hands up to try and push himself free. "Oh good..." Chris exclaimed, causing the man to jolt and let out muffled panics just before Chris suddenly cracked Midna as hard as he could along his back, making the criminal scream and thrash. Delivering another whip, time and time and time again Chris lashed out in a medieval manner, torturing the one before him as the sound of Midna's whip cracking could be heard echoing from the van, mixed with tormented muffled screams. "Like that?! You like that?!" Chris snapped, continuing to lash away. "You cause pain so easy, how about you TAKE IT!!" he roared, reeling his arm back before delivering an even more intense whip that made the man cry, his clothes shredding apart and his skin being ripped open. "Don't forget this... Don't you EVER forget this!!" Chris ordered, rage in his face as he lashed out despite the fresh wounds on the man. "Feel the pain, FEEL it!!" he added. Once he was done, Chris reached out with his opposite hand and pressed it against the man's back, sneering in disgust. "Feel it... And remember it... Because it's the LAST thing you'll EVER feel..." he growled before finally doing the same to him as he'd done to the driver, stripping him of his body by destroying the nerves in his spine, getting a final scream.

Once the job was done, Chris pulled his hand back and watched as the abusers head finally popped free, causing him to slump limply to the ground with blood pouring from his face, crushed by the impact with the metal wall with only the white of his eyes showing, now unconscious the same as the driver. Turning to the final man, the one who'd slapped Sera, Chris stood in silence as the pitiful creature wheezed and gargled, his nasal passages in ruin and eyes sealed shut. Reaching out, Chris pulled him up slightly, suddenly hearing something like that of a "Fw-Fwease..." from the man as his head slumped over, trying to beg despite his shattered face. "I beat the fuck out of you, horse whipped your jack-ass partner, and paralyzed both, he and your pansy driver for the rest of their lives." Chris began, pulling the man closer to his face. "And they weren't the ones who hurt MY daughter... But YOU..." he growled, bearing his teeth like a furious animal. "You... YOU left MY kid with a swollen eye... You hit her right in front of me... You made me witness that..." Chris fumed before releasing the man and suddenly grabbing his face over his eyes. "So... Here's a joke for you..." he paused, tightening his grip as the man hicked. "Two cripples roll into a bar... What does the blind man say...?" he asked before bolts of power erupted from his hand, boiling away the man's eyes and getting a final blood curdling scream from the last of his targets, stripping him of his sight for the rest of his days. Finally releasing him, as he slumped back onto the floor, Chris exclaimed "Damn... I forgot the punch line..." before letting out an "Oh yeah!" and sneering once more, delivering one last punch across the criminals face as blood seeped from his swollen sockets.

Turning and making his way out, Midna looked at the criminals with a grin of satisfaction, cackling at their misery before nodding approvingly at Chris as he climbed out into the open, taking a deep breath. "Alright... Done." he sighed, turning and returning to the girls, squatting as he reached out and placed his hand on Rabecca's head. "You will forget, but they never will... That's my gift to you for what they've done." he affirmed, looking at Sera before pulling her back in his arms. "And for you... Nobody touches my family..." he added, a look of both, protection and vengeance in his eyes that Zorua took note of. Merely remaining where they were for a moment, it didn't take long for the sound of sirens to be heard echoing from the distance, alerting them to the police being on the way. Looking at Rabecca, Chris decided to leave her for them to find, writing a note in the dirt with his finger that said "I erased her memory. She'll wake up soon." before signing "A friend" beneath that and standing. "...Lets go." he nodded, looking down at Sera and showing a small smile. "She'll be okay now... Good people are coming. They'll take her back to her mom for us." he assured before looking at Zorua. "...We can't be slow, no offense but I need to carry you." he insisted. Looking up at him, she turned toward the sirens as the sound grew louder, finally turning back and giving a nod. Lifting her under his arm, he gave a stern "And don't land on me again..." warning, scowling at her only for the Pokemon to turn her nose up. "I might not." she replied, causing him to twitch an eye. "Right..." he muttered. Looking down at Rabecca once more, Chris gave her a "Take care" remark, nodding before his power ran down his legs, allowing him to take off through the woods at a rapid pace.

Making his way back to the town, where Bounsweet and Sliggo waited, he left Rabecca as the police arrived on scene, screeching their cars to a halt before countless men and women of enforcement swarmed the location, with some taking notice of the child and the note beside her while others surrounded the van, discovering the brutal scene within. Looking around, they were at a loss for words, as far away in the depth and shadows of nature, Chris raced along, his focus ahead without a shred of regret for what he'd done, tightening his hold on Sera as he focused only on having his own child back, the feeling of his hold on her putting Sera at ease as she snuggled against him, closing her eyes with tears showing while Zorua looked between her and Chris, still working on her judgement of him as they vanished from the scene, Midna hidden within the shadow of his hood as its red eyes glowed, grinning with delight from the darkness he'd unveiled...