A Secret Revealed

Story by Sludawg on SoFurry

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#20 of Pokè-Treat


Copyrights to respected owners.

I'm playing with some old fonts I found in some of my mother's scrapbooking magizines (Yeah shareware ^^) so if anything shows up funky, let me know. This one font is titled Nightmare Before Christmas. I don't have anything that would fit an evil character any better. Anyway... some blood, not detailed though. And Enjoy this little secret brought out by Arceus' Will ;)

KERR-ACCK

KERR-BOOM

The deafening sound of thunder surrounded the four flying figures and their passengers. They had left the lair of Zapdos behind a full day. They had flown into a headwind and were thrown off course. Now stuck at the edge of a hurricane, the group fights for survival. Below them, well over a kilometer, the waters churned and twisted with fury. They were heading for the only land in sight and unfortunately, it was in the very path of the storm as well. Lightning struck one of the flyers, only ears were damaged. They began to slowly tilt their way towards land to prevent them from getting sucked down to the waters. Hand signals were the only sign the others were still in one piece.

After a prolonged hour, landfall had come. They quickly ran to the nearby woods as they sought out shelter. The group found a large cavern and quickly fled into its dark depths. Though not very dry, it was warmer with no wind to chill their wet flesh. The Life Fire of the three Charizards flickered; the two humans quickly dried and applied various potions onto them to warm them back up.

KEEEERRR-AAAASSSSHH

The group jumped and rushed to the entrance of the cave, several tree blocked the only way out. Jason sighed then released the rest of his team. The three females did the same. The more warmth they had the better the chance of survival. The youngest of the four Pokèmon Trainers, Grace, huffed as her translator gave her the telepathic update of what everyone said though she argued that she did not ask for the sour news.

"What now, fearless leader?" Maylene asked smugly.

"We can't burn our way out without killing ourselves with the smoke. But it is extra protection from the storm, so for now we don't do anything until we know the storm has passed."

"That may not be necessary." The Suicune of the group said as he tried to force an over energetic Raikou away. "Loraline, stop. There are tracks of odd Pokèmon here. Most are bigger then the normal types. Perhaps this island is unique and has formed hybrids of some kind."

"Who else thinks we should follow them?" Flame backed her mate up.

"Do we have a choice? Either way we could end up dead." Maylene's sour attitude came from being the one struck by the lightning. Her ears still rang and her fingers numb, but she was fine.

"Despite being a true possibility, Arceus may have had a hand in this." Jason checked his sword then flicked the remaining water from it. "You three feeling any better? You can go into your balls if you need to."

"I'm chilled, but good." Champ answered.

"I'm... fine, I guess." Clair shook water from her wings.

"I have a job to do, I'm not going the weak way out and let my young Trainer be unprotected." Rex snorted as he blew his own Flamethrower over his body to warm himself up.

"Alright, let's move."

They had not even traveled ten minutes before they found the first actual sign of life. A torch barely burned on the wall, Rex grabbed it and used his tail to relight the fire. He then passed the torch to Jason as the human watched him. The male shrugged then went back to his Plusle Trainer. The children whimpered as mothers carried them mostly to use the small ones as warmth. Maylene's team followed silently, especially her only flying type being a Flygon. Maylene urged them to mingle with the others, but only Camerupt seemed to care. He walked beside Rex and chatted quietly with him.

Though Maylene had allowed the large male to mate her, she refused to talk to Rex in any manner. Overall, that suited Rex as he hated the fact she could not understand him without help. Maylene grabbed the entire group's attention when she tripped and a nasty crack echoed.

"My... my ankle. I think I just broke my ankle." She bit her lip to keep from screaming.

"Moon, can you do anything for her immediate pain?" Jason asked as he went to crouch next to the young woman.

"Yes, I can. Tell her to relax and open her mind... Oh... my..." Moon stared past the edge of the firelight. Lisa and Adrian extended their Aura Sight to find what she saw then gasped.

"What?"

A dragon-like creature slowly stepped into the light. The coloring represented that of a Dragonite, but the features made it appear more human. It bowed then cleared its throat. "Forgive me, but we usually don't see humans on this isle. If I may, do you need assistance?" The voice in itself sounded young almost prepubescent male.

"Uh... yes. Yes, we do need the help. She thinks she broke her ankle and also the entrance is blocked by trees."

"There are others leading to the city, they'll be moved. Let me carry her, and I shall take you to our hidden city."

"Sure. Can I ask something though?"

"I do not see why not."

"Is everyone in your city like you? Humanoid?"

"No, there are still some originals here, but most do share blood with your species. We call ourselves Victars; the few humans that have come to see us have called us... um... PokèMorphs. One that specialized in the art of science declared that we have become a new step into Pokèmon Evolution. We just call ourselves lucky to be alive and have a place to call home. Try not to move the foot now. We don't need your screams causing a collapse."

"Just hurry." Maylene whimpered as the brute of a Dragonite knelt down and scooped her up like she was nothing.

"Come, the storm has weakened this part of the cave system and it may not hold long."

"Right. After you."

Sam walked up beside Jason with a worried look on his muzzle. Without a word the two slowly dropped to the back of the group. With a sigh, Sam opened up. "I am not directly a member of the Suicune Clans. This is hard..."

"Take your time, my friend."

"Erg... I was born here; my parents are parts of their city. I, well we, need to see them since we are here."

"You knew of this island and yet you kept it quiet?"

"Yes... there are good reasons though. I am just glad he is too young to directly know me without knowing my name. My real name. It is Samuel, but..."

"You have a surname?"

Sam flinched slightly then nodded.

"Well, Mr. Mysterious, it is good to know more about you. Is there anything you can tell me about this place?"

"Just try not to capture anyone. Tell Maylene and Lisa that, Grace, too."

"I will," Jason rubbed Sam's head then went ahead of the Suicune.

As Jason went to spread the news, Sam all but crawled up to Flame and nudged her. He didn't smile at her; he sighed then explained himself to her with far more details. Flame listened to his hushed voice with no malice, and when he finished. She gave his cheek a lick. She smiled then moved off to Moon and began giggling.

?

They came to a magma lit chamber that held a city larger than any of them had seen before. Yet Jason and Maylene recognized on building above them all. The two gasped as they realized it was a lost League Plateau. The Dragonite-man veered to the right down a path that led to a lone building outset from the rest of the city. That trip took only a few minutes but they did not focus on that as the sites came to them.

"Here we are," The male said as he stopped in front of the building. "The Clinic. You are what the humans call a Trainer, yes?"

"I am." Maylene answered through gritted teeth.

"Do not act like one here, it could get you killed. Now, your family must stay with you so they are not taking in by the denizens of Victious. Same goes for you, young- "

"They have already been taking in by a Victar... me. I am Samuel Snowtail."

The Dragonite gulped and slowly went pale. "V-very well. I will get your female fixed up then. The Snowtails have not exchanged power yet, sir." He fled into the building with Maylene's team quickly following.

"Uh... Sam?"

"My parents are the rulers of this city. Technically, you are traveling with a prince. I left at my own accord, but do not be surprised if people here start to fear you. Mainly me, though. Come, I'll take you all to meet my folks. But, they aren't like us... ferals, by their words."

"So- "

"No, do not call me 'Your Majesty,' or whatever else. I left because I did not fully fit in. Let's move, I am sure mother will prepare a feast in honor of her only son's return..."


Sam led the group up to the 'castle' and got the guards to allow them access. From there, they split the noble crowd and went to the throne room and met with the rulers. Sam smiled as he saw their emotionless faces. He even saw a glimpse of his younger sister in the background.

"Mother, Father, I have returned unexpected with my new family. The great Father has made it clear to me of what my path will be." Sam's voice echoed against the stone room as he stared at his father.

"And what is this path, boy?" The Suicune couple stood and whisked away robes to reveal themselves as 'Morphs. "And why do you bring a human into this sacred place?"

"Arceus himself. That is why. He came to us. He has declared us as the next protectors of the realms. We cannot deny his voice, you know this."

"No one can lay their eyes on our god and live, boy, admit it, you have allowed the Humans to wipe your mind!"

Sam growled then stomped a paw into the stone breaking a large chunk free. He lifted the chunk with his paw and stared at his parents. "I am the vessel of strength, I am the Blade of Water. Champion of the Suicune Clans. I am the very claw of our Father. This Human is the Blade of Life, Master of the Blades, and Champion of the Humans. I have to follow him for the Father has declared it so! Do NOT tell me that I have been enslaved. If anything, I have been freed!"

"Enough, you two. Victor, go sit down and relax before you make your heart fail. My little Sammy, I take it that the Ice Mistress treated you well?" The Queen raised her paw in front of her husband.

"She did, mother."

"Good. Now, please be a good boy and replace the floor."

"I can't throw it at him? ... Fine." Sam placed the chunk back down and then looked back at his mate. "I know father will not agree to this, but I do have others with us, down at the Clinic, we need a place to stay until it is safe again to travel outside."

"I will arrange it myself, my dear. Jude, come here."

A smaller version of the queen scuttled forward out of the shadows, she curtsied to her mother then the crowd.

"Wow, my little sister has grown into a beautiful young woman."

"That she has. Jude, please take the females to the washroom while your brother takes the males. It will not due to have dirty guests nor dirty claws at the dinner. Shoo, I will have the servants gather when it is done and the rest of your companions have gathered."

"This way, ladies." Jude glided down to the group and ushered the females off leaving Sam to usher the males off.

The males walked into a large room moments later and were swarmed by servants who took a guest each. The servants took them into separate chambers where they were scrubbed, groomed, powder, and then (if able) dressed in a noble fashion. Sam, being placed into his princely role, was donned in a fine silk robe that brought out the color of his fur. Jason saw that his Suicune companion had been transformed after that, his posture stiffened, his facial expressions melted to a neutral point. Even his voice had changed, he now had commanding power within each word making the servants race about. As the others came out to join the Prince and Jason, they could tell that everyone had transformed into something that was not them. Mostly the Char family, their coloring seemed to have been darkened and suits sewn around their bodies to allow wings and tails to be free.

Bowties were tied around those that could not easily wear clothing. Sam led them to a room where he knew his sister would take her side. His assumption was correct, the males found their counterparts even more elegant than before. Sam gave a wolf's call as he circled Flame.

"Mmm, mhm, sexy little cinnamon, give me a taste of that sweet spice." Sam leaned in to kiss his mate.

She giggled and kissed back. "I'll give you a larger taste later, my dear."

"Indeed you shall," Sam chuckled. "Right, do you know when the meal will be served, dear sister?"

"We most likely have an hour, brother. Do try not to get into trouble like you used to." Jude clasped her gloved paws over her waist and kept her royal demeanor.

"Trust me... I can't. Not without permission."

"What ever does that mean, Samuel?"

Sam bit his lip then straightened his posture. "Jason is the Master of the Blades, I must obey him. Arceus said so to the three of us as we found our duties. As of which, I had to submit myself to the feral ways."

"So you are a pet, then? Better than being a blood pool, I guess. As long as you are living happily, I am delighted."

"I am glad you approve, sister. Truly."

"Father will not be so kind once he learns this."

"Is he ever to me? I am the only feral in the family. I have only been the scapegoat of all his problems when I was growing up. At least now I can live freely."

"There you all are!" Maylene and her team joined them, Maylene had a sturdy walking cast on her foot as she wobbled into the room. "It's amazing here, I can understand all of the residing Pokèmon. I just wish I could understand my team."

"In due time." Jason said as he walked up to her. "So?"

"Sprained, not broke. The odd Chansey said I took it to the point of just starting to tear the ligaments. As long as the pills hold out, I'm good. Oh, where did that little Zorua go? I saw a really nifty painting that had one in it."

Sam gulped, "Damn, totally forgot about him. Where is he?"

"How did your Suicune just speak?"

"Long story. He's hiding on my shoulder under the illusion as a moth. He's also snoring lightly." Jason patted seemingly empty air then Sam sighed as he saw the space ripple.

"Don't mention him again. I don't think we really want to start another argument with my father."

"What is going on here? Why can I understand Sam all of a sudden?"

Sam growled lightly, but quickly corrected himself and went back into 'Prince' mode. "I am Prince Samuel Snowtail. Heir to the throne of Victious. If you have ever heard of Victini, it is said that this is the birthplace of the first one. Anyway, I will take your males, you females go with Jude. You must be ready for the meal otherwise you might be mistaken for a peasant. We don't have much time."


Later, they had gathered in an extremely large banquet hall, Jason lost count after thirty-six tables as they began to fill up. He, Azu, and Flame was seated next to Sam as he took his place at the Master table. The four could hear Loraline complain over the gathering crowd about the ribbons and the dress-like robe that was placed on her. Flame could not help but chuckle as she fidgeted with her own. Yes, the robe was annoying, but it did look nice to look like someone important for a while.

"So, why are Loraline and Hazel sitting with the others and not with us?" Flame asked Samuel in a rather hushed tone.

"Age."

"Okay, that I can understand, but she is a Blade."

"I could not join the table until I passed the Dominance Battle just like Jude cannot sit with us now. And before you ask, Jason and Azu are my direct guests and you are my mate. Just be prepared to answer any of my parents' questions."

"What battle and what kind of questions?" Flame asked.

Sam did not get to answer her when a quartet of trumpets sounded the entrance of the Royal couple. The room stood silently and watched as the King and Queen took their place at the Master table. Victor looked around the room with a slight disapproval. Regardless, he knew his duties.

"Welcome, fine Ladies and Gentlemen. We gather tonight to celebrate the return of the Prince and the coming of his friends." The King forced out. "Though I do wish he would take upon him his duties; Samuel has decided to stay with his new family. Thus said, his duties shall now pass onto my daughter, Jude will hereby take on the Dominance Battle as soon as allowed. In other news that is a cause for celebration is that my son has taken on a mate of his own. One of the Originals, no less. So, Master Chef, break out the good casks! The Kingdom shall celebrate tonight!"

Roars of various Pokèmon sounded as the subjects cheered out. The couple sat and room followed. A mountain of food was Teleported in via the Psychic Master Chef. The room turned to the King and watched him slice the meat and quietly take a bite. As soon as he swallowed, the room filled with the murmurs of chatter and light music as the rest began to fill and empty plates.

"Human... Jason, was it? How did you come to meet my son?" Victor asked as he cut another slab of meat from the hog in front of him.

"A challenge from within a vision. Then I was just a simple Pokèmon Trainer, not knowing what I was to do. He changed that. Then soon after that meeting, we met Flame."

"Trainer? Does that mean he has been captured?"

"By his own accord, there is only three I have of my family that was placed in those things against their will. Two is with us tonight, the third had to stay behind so we could bring our children with us."

"Do you have young?"

"Indeed, Sire, I have a son of my own. He is currently with his adopted sisters while his mother sits with you."

"I would like to properly meet the family after the meal. My Queen has calmed my head, I was... too willing to judge my son as a traitor to the blood and his duties."

"As you wish, Sire."

"Young Entei, what is your name?"

"I have no blood name, Sire. The ancestors told me that the Master here had to name me, of which I am called Flame." She answered as prideful as she could.

"So it is no nickname... There is a third, correct?"

"A Raikou pup that is named Loraline, she is called Blade around other humans we do not trust with the old laws."

"She has a mate given to her, no?"

"A male of the same clan that goes by Hazel. Caught in a true battle by the Master Blade's adopted daughter."

"How interesting. Tell me, how many times has my son mounted you in attempt to sire pups?"

"Victor!"

"Quite alright, my Queen. We have joined several times out of my cycles, we do not wish to have pups as of yet in case we fail our task and the pups grow without us."

"Promise me you will try at least once in your next cycle. I do not wish the bloodline to fully end with a chance his sister cannot bare young."

"To be honest, Sire, we would have to discuss this subject first." Flame's charm glowed for a brief moment as the King reached for his goblet. "Don't drink that, Sire, I am eighty-six percent sure that it has been tainted by Spinarak toxins."

The King flinched then raised his paw. A guard came quickly to his master's side the King thrust the goblet to the guard. "Taste this."

"As you wish, your Highness." The guard removed his helmet revealing himself as a Raichu morph.

He took the goblet and sipped it. Immediately, the guard's paw began to quiver. He dropped the goblet as he reached for his throat as it closed off. Before the guard completely collapsed, Jason had begun to strip him of his armor and lay him down. Jason quickly drew his own blood and placed a droplet on the Raichu's tongue before stabbing the sturdy male's heart. The guard gasped loudly as the poison escaped his body and up the blade then into Jason's waiting palm. Jason ripped the blade from the male's chest, the King watched as the hole closed up leaving no scar. Jason soaked a napkin with the toxin then wiped the mess up with it. He looked up at a nearby servant and beckoned her.

"Burn this then have someone with a Fire ability to burn the rest out of this before cleaning it. Wash up completely before handling anything else."

Moon teleported next to Jason with a Raticate entangled in her Psychic grips. "I quickly scanned the minds present and saw that he placed a vile into the King's wine. I can share the image with you, Sire, if you wish."

"No, I trust the Psychic abilities, for non can truly deceive the truth. Can you stand guardsman?"

"Aye, Sire."

"Good, take this Raticate to the dungeons. Find out why he tried to poison me."

"Darkrai the Everlasting shall rule us all. Death to all those who are against the Dark One!" The Raticate shouted as the guard started to drag him away.

Jason shuddered involuntarily, "Well, guess coming here was no mistake, eh, Sam?"

"... Yeah. We four need to question him; I bet that dead man we captured was killed after we left him because of this Darkrai character."

"Good point. Sire?"

"We shall go after the meal."

Meanwhile, a dark force grunts his distaste as he feels his name shouted for all to hear.

"Why? WHY!? Now those fools know who I am. They will DIE!"


Jason shivered as the four Blades walked behind the King and his guardsmen. Something made him nervous; he just could not place it to an exact thing. His thoughts raced as they went down into the dark tunnels which effectively made anyone feel the despair of those dragged down through here. The guards opened one final door that led to the cells, but what was inside made even the guard vomit then turn tail.

"Shit!" Loraline exclaimed as she pushed by the still vomiting guard. "There's someone still alive!"

She rushed ahead into the blood-filled corridor; bodies strewn everywhere, most ripped into several pieces. Including one Raticate whose head was missing.

"Jason, this guard is barely with us!"

"Loraline, tap into your power. Keep his heart alive."

Loraline nodded. With a calming sigh, she placed a paw gently on the guard's chest. I am the Blade of Thunder, the Essence of Energy. Here my call, use me failing one...

The guard gasped but did not fight, especially as Jason came up to him and felt him over. Jason sighed and stepped back. "He's all yours," Is all Jason said.

Loraline glanced at him before realizing that it was more than the guard's heart that needed her energy, it was the Raichu from the banquet hall. She sent short bursts of electricity into him, of which he soaked up and restored his body. She only stopped when the male grabbed her paw.

"You are only partially charged."

"Good... enough."

"I don't think so; this is your second strike. Strip and embrace me."

"What!?"

"That metal will just take the electricity. Take it off."

"No..."

"For the love of... Jason, will you help me here?"

Jason nodded then started forcing the armor off, he easily overpowered the male.

"Fine..." He muttered.

"What's your name?"

"Everyone calls me Zaps, but my full name is Zapperiah"

"Fitting. I am Loraline. Just relax; hopefully I am still a universal donor with your kind."

"Are you talking blood?" Jason asked as he moved the armor aside then helped the freshly nude male stand.

"No. You would not understand being a non-Electric, but there are six types of electricity. The most common is the same as lightning itself, which makes that type a universal donor, others are rare and are hard to recharge another with it. Mostly non-Electric types use them so they don't fry themselves while attacking with it." Loraline sat on her haunches then threw her forelegs over the male's shoulders.

He wrapped his arms around her as best as he could.

He flinched as he felt her jolt him but his body quickly took in the power until his cheeks returned to their normal red shade. The process took about five minutes, but once done, they quickly parted and Zaps got dressed.

"Let's not speak of this... please."

"On the contrary, we need to know how you came be like that." Jason retorted as Zaps refastened his armor onto himself.

"A shadow attacked us, it was like a Lucario, but it was super strong. Once it had the head of the traitor, it went ballistic. I poured everything I had into it and it still went on destroying everyone. I think it left me for dead because I did drain myself to the point of a slow death."

"Lucky you." Loraline sighed then broke off to look into a nearby cell. "They're still locked yet the occupants met the same fate. I do not like this at all."

Jason looked at Loraline, he could not tell if she was trying to act mature for the Raichu's sake or had she actually learned something from earlier. "It is hard telling; best not try our luck to see if the foe is still here. We may be strong, but I fear this may be out of our league. Sire, I advise a retreat back to your throne. Sam, protect him. Flame, do you notice anything unusual?"

"Only the scent of Dark energy, Lisa and Adrian may be of more use here."

"I'm not willing to risk it. Let's go."

"But..."

"No, we are not strong enough yet to fight any form of Darkrai. Hell, we don't even know what its abilities are."

"How can we learn if not to fight it?"

"We could die like these men. I am not throwing our lives away and let the world perish."

"Wise choice, human. Alas, our battle is not meant for now. I shall allow you to live for the day."

A black mist rolled out from the one of the cells, blood dripped from it as a head hovered within it. Jason gulped and reached for the pummel of his sword but hesitated on drawing it. The mist raced passed them and vanished from their sight as it went up the stairs.

"That was not Darkrai's true form. We could not have won anyway." Flame stated as she sniffed the air. "But we do have his scent now."

"Definitely male. Full of hate and lust of power. Arceus guide us all." Sam drew in the scent and shivered.

"Just seeing that thing... It makes me want to hide. Can we go, please?" Loraline whimpered and cowered slightly.

"Yes. We all must train. As soon as we get to Fire Island and get Fiera's help, the sooner we can get home."

Zaps held back as his King and Prince left then the two females followed them. Once he had the chance, he grabbed Jason's shoulder. "Sir, I know it is not my place to do this... but I wish to repay you somehow. You saved my life twice in one day."

"Just knowing you're alive is enough to make me happy." Jason looked over at the male, it seemed that the Raichu was about to cry.

"Not me. I am willing to forsake my duties and follow you and the Prince anywhere."

"Tell you what, you ask for permission to leave to protect Sam and I will gladly take you and you immediate family with us, as long as you don't care to fly."

"I have no children yet, but I will call upon the Prince's favor. I do hope my blade will come in use for you."

"An extra set of fighting arms always does us good. Shall we catch up?"

"Oh, yeah. Of course."

Once the royal family and the traveling group was fully gathered within the throne room. Sam began to fully describe the events that had led him to Jason. Zaps had snuck in and stood silently in the back awaiting the proper moment to speak out. As Sam continued, Lisa and Moon scanned the room for any malice thoughts or Auras. Moon listened to Loraline's thoughts by pure accident and found out what had happened in the dungeons. She shivered slightly as flash images came up. Then a ping hit her. A guard came in behind them and stood beside the Raichu guardsman.

The newcomer hid under armor, but his mind was blank, no thoughts other than the subconscious survival ones came out. Moon growled as she turned and stared at the newcomer. The room fell silent and all eyes fell on her.

"Guardsman Zaps, remove the helmet of the guard next to you." Moon ordered.

Zaps looked cautiously at his King, and then removed the helmet. The face was just as blank as the thoughts. The Croagunk stood there drooling on himself. Something within him clicked, but Moon reacted before the guard did. She jumped and created a barrier around the King as the guard shot poison darts from his paws. The solidified poison shattered upon impact and fell as glitter to the floor. The guards captured the frog and pinned him down.

"His mind has been completely wiped. He knows not what he does, only does what he is ordered." Moon said as she lowered the barrier. "It would be wise to put him in isolation with nothing."

"Do as she says." Victor grunted.

"Guardsman Zaps," Moon smiled wholeheartedly. "I believe you have something to say."

The Raichu bowed then stepped forward then knelt before the throne. "With your permission, Sire, I humbly request permission to travel with the Prince and help keep him safe."

"Given the history my son has with you, guardsman, I normally would say no. But with recent events, I do want him to have a guard he can trust. Permission granted. Go to the Royal Blacksmith and have the apprentice join you."

"Thank you, my King. I shall go gather him at once."

"Jason, if you have a wine cellar, make sure to keep those two away from it."

"That shall be easy, Sire, for I have no wine cellar. I really do not see a need for one with a town within walking distance. And If I may, sir, I would like to offer an open invitation to your entire kingdom to my home. I believe that you would enjoy seeing all the races working and living in harmony."

"Perhaps, but normally leaving the island is forbidden. Times have changed, albeit on my time. If this... Darkrai shows up again, I may take you up on that invitation. Perhaps even to join forces."

"That would be a wise choice Victor Snowtail." A small red-orange and white Pokèmon wobbled into the room, the guards parted as though as it had some sort disease. Its large ears converged to make them look like a V shape while its paws seemed to be permanently curled into a victory sign.

"You live!? Praise be yours, Victini Usapa!"

"Enough. You shame yourself too easily. Little Zorua, show yourself please."

"I would rather sleep. Too many strange creatures..." Zorua fluttered off of Jason's shoulder and 'popped' back into his normal form. "What do you want?"

"I knew your mother and have tracked you down. I have something that belonged to her. A charm, she used it to focus her energy to change forms. I felt something happen to her, so I assumed it is time you had it."

"A what?" Zorua trotted over to the little rabbit-like creature.

"A charm. Here allow me." A chain dropped from the Victini's palm. He then tossed the loop over the pup's head then released the charm.

The charm itself resembled a star with Zoroark paw print in its center. In itself, the seemed pulsated lightly with power; Zorua could tell that it felt like his Mimaw and whimpered.

"She lives, little one, barely... You being here is keeping her alive. Stay with your human and grow strong."

"I have to anyway."

"Good, boy. Warrior of Arceus, this pup is special, when the time comes for him to change, he will learn what I mean. Good luck."

"Victini Usapa, please return to have your heir here." Victor was almost ready to fall to his knees and beg, by the looks of him.

"Unova needs my abilities. Though there can only be one of us allowed to live at a time, I do not know where my next life will drop me. For now, I will assume in the hands of this human. We shall see. I still have two winters left. Farewell and Victory be yours." With that, the little rabbit creature ran out and disappeared.

"Odd fellow." Jason said quietly after a few moments of silence. "Anyway, it has been a long day for us. May we... uh, retire for the night?"

"Quite. Samuel, I assume you remember where the guest quarters are... and your room."

"Thank you, father. I do remember quite well. Fare thee well, mother."

"Samuel... you are mated now, you even have a wonderful family. You may speak however you wish."

"Thank you, mother." Samuel bowed then turned towards his family with a smile.

"Jason, is your mate and yourself willing to stay for some ale? Your child may stay as well."

Though Jason wanted to refuse, he did not want to make the King mad by refusing. "We would be delighted, your Highness."


"Why did you shout out my name!?" The Darkrai shouted as he held the head of his Raticate subject in his claws. "You told them exactly what I did not WANT!"

The head went flying through the darkness the evil one called home. After a brief moment, the sound of the skull cracking sounded.

"YOU all shall pay!"

"Your Darkness, the next batch of Dark Warriors is ready for your programming." A voice broke the Dark One's ranting.

A hiss answered then two red orbs began to glow, the eyes of the Dark One peered into the darkness to find the fleeing subordinate, he would find the wretch later... much later.

"You all shall pay..."