Chapter 28

Chip

Chip thought about everything he and his friends had been through over the past couple of days. Never before in his young life has, he felt like he's had to fight for his life at every passing turn. Not once has there been a moment during his adventure, he's not been facing some kind of trial. He has fought against what felt like giants, wild beasts, and even his girlfriend. The last took place before he left home. But he was going to count on that since he didn't want to fight Hathor but she insisted on the fight. Unfortunately, he didn't follow it up with a good time but that might be a bit of his own fault for that one.

~ It was completely your fault. ~ Inari spoke into Chip's mind as the Zorua was walking through the forest. Chip and the rest of his group had been walking back upriver for about the past hour. Chip was still recovering from his recent fight, and he wasn't going to lie, it kind of hurts to move around. Kyuubi had patched him up shortly after the fox arrived. He gave Chip an interesting drink to help soothe his pains. When he tried to ask what was in it but Kyuubi told him it was best that he didn't know everything that went into his drink.

"It's best not to know." That was what he said.

"That's not very reassuring." Chip said as he sips back on the drink. Chip was hit by instant regret as he wanted to throw up it back up. The taste was foul reminding him of rotten eggs. He would have thrown it back up, but Kyuubi pressed his paw against the makeshift cup he made. Forcing Chip to drink the rest of it. He did have to admit that he felt like he had more energy afterward. Though he might not be able to taste much else for the next couple of hours.

"Do we know where we're going?" Alister asked as Chip's mind returned to the present. The sun was starting to set overhead. The sky was still mostly blue but there were already hints of red or orange sneaking in.

"Ya, we are. We've already passed where we started, and it shouldn't be long before we're at the campsite for the night." Kyuubi says as he dashes ahead to get a better look at where they were. His map was firmly in his mouth. Chip had to admit, Kyuubi looked very handsome taking the lead the way he was. He was so full of confidence, something he didn't see much when they were back in the city. Was their little journey helping to bring the best out of his friend?

Alister and Shawn were talking more, the two were throwing friendly jokes at one another. Hathor and Basil were giggling and seemly speaking as if they had been friends forever. Cassius was humming next to him, the seal seemed to be in his own world. But from what Chip has gathered so far, that was just who Cassius was. A Brionne that hummed to his own tune in life. Chip wondered if he has grown in any sort of way since they had left. What could he improve on?

~ IF you think you haven't grown Chip then you're in need of more training and self-reflection. ~

'Geez, thanks...I guess. Have you tried not always having to comment on my personal thoughts?' Chip thought as Kyuubi calls for the group to stop for a few moments while he makes sure they were still on the right path.

~ I'm only here to help. ~

'If we're being honest Inari. Where do we go from here? We came out here to have a vacation and if we're being honest, I don't feel all that rested.'

~ You left so you could have an adventure, right? Adventures are not always pleasant. If you want to have a pleasant cruise then well...get on a cruise liner. Real change and growth happen when you get out of your comfort zone and go on an adventure. And the best part is, we're nowhere near done yet. ~

Chip lets out a sigh. "That's not what I wanted to hear."

"What don't you want to hear sweetie?" Hathor asked while walking over to him. Chip sighs again.

"I'm tired."

"I know you are," Hathor says before kissing Chip on the cheek. "But we knew what we were signing up for when we came out here to find Meadow." Hathor smiles.

"Why did you agree to help me find Meadow?"

"Well because she was in trouble, and I was taught that you don't turn down someone in need," Hathor says while nuzzling Chip. The two of them press their cheeks together. "I'm your girlfriend Chip, you're my best friend, the Pokemon that I've grown up with. I love you and like it or not but I'm going to stand by your until the end."

"Thanks." Chip smiles as he looks Hathor in the eyes. He didn't see anger or jealousy. No, he saw a Fennekin that was full of love for him.

"Plus, Meadow looked like she needs a friend. I'd hate to be someone who felt like I had no one in my life that I could turn to. Like it or not but no one can make it in this world alone. Everyone needs someone. If we can be that someone for her then let's do it."

"Yeah." Chip smiles as he felt his heart flutter a bit. He realized how much he loved and admired Hathor as he stares into her eyes. Without thinking about it he lays a kiss on her maw. She doesn't move but instead returns the gesture as he pushes back against him. They break their kiss after a bit and stare at the other.

Chip honestly felt like mounting her now. He wanted to put a Zorua in her that's for sure. The world needs more lovers like her. Hathor seemed to get the hint as she puts a paw on his nose.

"Let's save it for when we find Meadow. She might want to join us."

"Whoa?!?"

Hathor blushes. "I knew you'd react like that," Hathor says while turning around and giving him a light smack with her tail. With a little giggle, she walked toward Kyuubi who seemed ready to get moving.

~ Damn, blue ball treatment. ~ Inari giggles.

'Oh shut up you!' Chip pouts. She wasn't lying as Chip felt a gust of wind on his underside that made him shiver. Life can be so unfair sometimes.

Chip and Hathor stop their play as they hear Kyuubi calls for them. It was time to keep moving. Chip lets out a little sigh as he was feeling exhausted, their journey has taken it out of the young fox. Though as they began moving, he felt a second, or maybe third wind come over him. He had to admit it has been a fun journey so far and it's only been a few days. It felt good being out here with his friends. They were exploring new places. Getting to know one another better. Heck, he felt stronger now than he did even just a few days ago despite how tired he was. This adventure was worth it no matter how he sliced it and chances are it was only going to get better.

"A little bit further, we're almost there," Kyuubi told the group as they set off again. The group together little out a few cheers but it was easy to tell that they were getting burned out. Chip looks around at everyone else and steps up.

"We can do this guy," Chip says. "If this journey has taught me anything it's that we're stronger than what we believe." Chip fights against his own weariness as he had to keep everyone's spirits up. Kyuubi was the only one who didn't look as tired but even he was showing signs of cracking. Any more trials and they were going to break.

With a few nods the group begins moving again.

The group had stopped in what was a silent clearing. There were flowers and small plants growing all around them. As they walked out of the little clearing and into the next area where they were met by an interesting sight. All around them were high bushes that were double or even triple their size of them. Tall grass that could hide even a Copperajah rose above them. Long vines hung down from the high branches of the surrounding trees. Chip noticed that the vegetation was becoming denser the further in they seemed to go.

"Why is everything becoming thicker?" Alister asked.

"It's a hunch but I believe it's because of the plate's power," Cassius says. Everyone looks at the seal.

"Excuse me?" Basil asked. "What do you mean plate?"

Cassius looks a little baffled by Basil's response. He shakes his head as the seal was trying to figure out the best way to explain this to the group.

"You guys know that the Meadow Plate is in this forest, right? It lies at the heart of the forest and is the reason that this forest is as vast and lush as it is." Cassius explains.

"Meadow plate?" Chip mutters.

"The Plates of Arceus, Plates of Power, they go by more than one name but they're all the same. The plates are powerful magical items that can shape the very landscape around them. They hold the elemental powers that were used to shape the very world we live in. Arceus used them during the time of creation. They're filled with so much magical essence that they influence the very landscape around them."

"I know what you mean," Kyuubi says as they continue moving. "I've noticed grass growing high despite the fact that there is barely any light down here."

"Really?" Chip asks.

"Grass normally doesn't grow that high when the canopy is this dense." Kyuubi points up. Chip notices that there was barely any sunlight shining down and what light did come through barely lit their way. "Grass needs sunlight to grow, and much lighter for it to grow high. But here there is high grass that we could literally hide in. Flowers are growing where there is nearly no light, and the vines around here seem almost unnaturally long."

"Plus, can you feel it?" Cassius asked the group.

"Feel what?" Chip asked.

"Magical essence is in the air. It's light right now but if you stop and allow your senses to guide you..." Cassius closes his eyes. A moment later a fine mist begins to appear around him, the mist wasn't white but was a mix of different colors. Chip gasped as he realized what he was seeing. He's seen this before when they were in the other forest and more importantly when he was in his spiritual realm with Inari. There was no mistaking it, this was MIST.

"There is no mistaking it, we are near the plate. And if we're near the plate-- "Cassius stops speaking as Chip speaks up.

"Meadow must be nearby!"

"Let's not jump to conclusions," Basil says, the Quilava crosses her forelegs. "Last thing we need to do is run ahead and get ourselves into trouble."

"Agreed," Hathor says.

"We should set up camp here tonight then," Kyuubi says.

"Yes," Cassius says, the Brionne seemed to have become serious suddenly.

"But Meadow-- "Chip is cut off.

"The Pokemon in this area will start becoming much stronger. Strong Pokemon are attracted to MIST and if we're not careful we could run into them. It's best to backtrack a little bit and camp somewhere we can dig in and protect ourselves." Cassius says. "Tomorrow when there is lighter out, we can continue our search. We need to be as close to 100% as we can be. There is no telling what is waiting for us beyond this area."

Chip wanted to say something, but he could tell that Cassius's suggestion was being acted upon. He was so close to those. Meadow had to be nearby. What if she was alone and scared? What if someone strong found her while they were resting? How can he sleep knowing that Meadow was nearby?

~ You are no good to anyone if you are too tired to fight. ~ Inari says.

'What do you know!'

~ I know that you're becoming too tired to move properly anymore. It's best to rest and regain your lost strength. Tomorrow, we'll find her I promise. ~

As much as Chip wanted to fight her on this he knew she was right. It's best to rest and get back out there again tomorrow.

As Chip began returning his attention to the road ahead of him he felt a cold chill run down his spine. Despite how he felt a cold sweat appeared on his brow and he felt like falling onto the ground. Looking around he felt like he was being watched, eyes watching him from within the MIST.

~ Yes. So that's where you've been hiding. ~

Chip looks around trying to find the source of the voice. He felt like he's heard that voice before but where?

'Who are you?'

~ You'll see me soon enough little one. Soon enough. ~

The ominous feeling drained away as if some kind of valve had been released. What was that feeling? Why did it overcome him? What kind of being had to power to do that to him? Chip felt Inari's presence as his other half comes to soothe him.

'What was that?'

~ Something terrible. Whatever came to us not long ago seems to have found us once more. We must prepare ourselves. ~

'...' Chip didn't feel right but he couldn't worry himself over it. At least not for now.

Chip's mind seemly returns to the present, he had fallen shortly behind his friends. "Wait up for me." Chip races to follow his friends, but the Zorua didn't know if he should tell him what had happened or not.

No there was no time to worry them. They had to stay focused on the road ahead. Worrying about his well-being will do nothing for Meadow. He had to stay focused on finding her at all costs.

Following his friends, the group soon makes camp outside of the area they were just in. They gather some firewood, make a nice campfire, and create a few nests. It brought Chip back to a night or two ago when they sleep under the stars. The spot they found had a nice few of the night sky.

Before long some food was on the fire and the group was quickly talking about what tomorrow's plans were going to be. Oddly Chip found himself becoming relaxed. He was enjoying this feeling. Lost in the moment with his friends.

"I know how much you care about her." Hathor lies next to Chip. Night settled in. The Fennekin's fur seemed to glow in the firelight.

"I'm sorry."

"Sorry? For what?"

"I don't want you thinking that I like her more than you," Chip says. He stares into the fire, the male was afraid to look at his girlfriend...no Hathor was more than his girlfriend, she was his mate. She was the Pokemon he wanted to start a family with the fox he wanted to be by his side always.

Chip feels a smack against his head.

"What was that for!"

"You're being stupid again!" Hathor growls. They notice a few eyes looking their way.

"I'm being stupid!" Chip blurts out. "You're the one hitting me!"

"And I'll do it again too if you keep talking like that." Hathor blows a bit of fire out of her mouth. "Stop acting like a pussy. Grow a pair of balls and mon up. You're not going to impress Meadow if you keep acting like this. Good luck finding her acting like this. You stupid pussy."

"I'm just trying to keep it together all right." Chip sighs. "I feel like I can't protect anyone right now."

"With an attitude like that I can see why you feel that way," Hathor says. "Life gets tough sometimes and that's ok. When it gets hard that is Arceus giving you a trial, a test of your will. Destiny awaits no one. When it's time for you to mon up, you mon up. So, stop being a little bitch and mon up."

"Hathor..." Chip blinks a few times staring at the fox. He gets up, puts a paw on her cheek, and lays a long kiss on her. The Zorua feels the heat coming from her mouth, but he didn't care.

Letting go and nodding proudly. "No more doubts."

"Oh, I'm pretty sure you'll act like a pussy again." Hathor snuggly replies. "But don't worry, I'm sure I've got enough balls for the both of us to pull you through it."

"I am fucking love you."

"You too sweetie, you are too."

Before they could say or do anything else the group hear clapping. Looking around they tried to find the source but it seemed to come from all around them.

"What's that?" Chip asked.

"What a lovely sight, two stupid little foxes being in love." A Sceptile steps into the firelight. He wore a breastplate with the Templar's crest on it. Chip remembered this guy, he was the Sceptile from back in the camp, Sir Godfrey.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" Cassius asked.

"We're here for a little payback you little tail lifter." A harsh grunt bellowed from the other side of the Sceptile. Chip's heart seemed to turn to ice as he saw that Tusk was there.

"Oh no..."

"Oh ya!" Tusk laughs. "Remember me you little punk! Paybacks a cold bitch isn't it."

Before Chip and the rest of the group could move, they were quickly surrounded by even more Templars. Looking around there was no way to escape, they were trapped. Finally, one final Pokemon appeared seemly out of the shadows. Chip felt that same cold chill from earlier, his heart was racing as a familiar image appeared in his mind. The image of something dreadful.

"You want to see Meadow huh." A dark chuckle greets the group as one by one Chip's friends were being captured by the Templars. Chip noticed Tusk making a grab for Hathor who blows a fireball at the Nidoking. Tusk lets out a fake sound of pain before snatching her by the neck.

"HATHOR!"

"Take one more step and I'll snap her neck in two," Tusk says as Hathor's cries are muffled friend being choked.

"I'd do as he says." Sir Godfrey smirks as he holds Alister the neck. "He likes to break necks for fun."

"Yes, do they say?" An Alakazam says as he appears out of the shadows. Chip's heart sank as he remembered this terrible force from his spiritual realm. Was this, was this the Pokemon who had invaded his soul? The psychic Pokemon steps in front of Chip.

"You wish to see Meadow? Why so do I?" The psychic Pokemon chuckles darkly. "Come let's go see her together..."

"Leave my friends alone!" Chip grumbles. Looking around everyone was in a bad position as there was at least one to two Pokemon holding them in place. If he didn't...if he didn't be careful, they might get hurt.

"They mean nothing to me..." The Alakazam says before looking over at Alister. "Well, maybe not all of them. Young Alister might be of use to me yet but the rest of them, extra baggage."

"What do you want you monster?"

"Monster? Me?" The psychic laughs. "I take that as a compliment. Do you wish to see Meadow? So, do I? Do as I say, and I'll spare you and your little friends. Don't and well..."

"AAAAHHHH" Hathor lets out a scream as Tusk was squeezing Hathor's neck.

"HATHOR!"

"Love... it's such a petty emotion. Such a powerful emotion that can drive a Pokemon to have mega-level strength. And yet it's such a frail thing that can easily be snapped like a twig."

"Stop!" Chip's head sinks. "Don't hurt her anymore..."

"Tusk."

"Yes sir." The Nidoking drops Hathor onto the ground and a rough "thump" echoed throughout the area. Chip noticed that Hathor was barely moving.

"HATHOR!!" One after another everyone said starting with Basil. Chip heard Basil's whimper as she was worried about her friend.

"Hathor..." Kyuubi and Cassius say one another after another.

"She can't..." Shawn says.

"Chip...Hathor..." Alister cries.

Emotionlessly and without a single care in the world Chip hears Ommni speak.

"Come, we have much to discuss."

"You're going to pay for this." Chip growls as he nears Hathor. He puts an ear over her mouth and was relieved to hear her breathing. He felt his anger starting to boil. This asshole wasn't going to get away with this. They were going to pay no matter what.

"No one has the right to play with other's emotions like this."

"I beg to differ." Ommni snickers. His voice turns from amusement to that familiar lack of emotion. "Now come, before I feel the need to remind you of your position. Tusk pick up the baggage or else our "guest" won't move."

" Yes sir." The Nidoking does as he's told. Chip looks at the ground.

"Do you always do what your master tells you to do?"

Chip feels a hit on the back of his head, the Zorua falls into the dirt. He thought that he heard a scream from nearby but as quickly as he was hit, he soon felt himself starting to pass out.

~ Don't give up. ~ Inari's words echoed in his mind.

The last thing Chip knew was that he was being carried off to parts unknown.