FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

So, please leave a vote, and please comment. Favs are kinda nice as well, but what I really love are comments *hint hint*

(Author's Note)

=Character thought=

-Computer/onscreen text-

"Human Speech"

'Telepathy between characters'

{Pokemon Speech}

Example: "Ni nine tai tails ninetails ine?" is what a human would hear.

{What do you mean you can't understand me?} is what other Pokemon, and certain humans would hear.

|| * * * | | | * * * || = End Chapter

// // = Major Time/Scene Change

* * * = Scene Change

Chapter 16:

Dressed in black-leather clothing, raven-hair crowing his head, a man walked into a bank, hands buried in his pockets. Glancing around, his crimson eyes covered with a pair of dark sunglasses, the man known as Ghost took a spot in line. Pulling out a cheque, he looked over the amount written on it, running his thumb along its length for a moment.

Suddenly, the teller said. "Next," breaking him out of his reverie. Stepping forward, he smiled, and even though the teller gave him a disinterested look. Glancing at his cheque, the teller asked "Cash or deposit?"

"Cash," Ghost said with a smile, handing it under the bars that were there to, supposedly, keep would be robbers out.

"Alright," the teller said, quickly looking over the cheque. After clacking away for a moment, he looked back up at Ghost. "How do you want it?"

"Ten hundreds, five twenties, and eight tens," Ghost said without hesitation.

Just as the teller started counting out the money, a shout drew Ghost's attention. Looking over his shoulder, he just stared as three masked thugs burst in, quickly subduing the security guard, a Machamp taking down the Growlithe and pinning it to the ground.

"Alright mother fuckers!" One of them shouted, waving a large revolver around. "Everyone down on the ground!"

As he continued to shout, Ghost stood there, still facing the teller, even as the few other people went to the ground. "I would like my money please," he said calmly.

The teller just looked at him, wondering what was wrong with him, but slipped the money through to him, all of it tucked into an envelope. "Thanks," he said, tucking the envelope into an inside pocket of his leather jacket.

"Yo, bitch!" The lead thug shouted, and Ghost heard him step up behind him, "don't you listen?" The sound of a hammer cocking clicked out, "I said, 'on the ground'!"

Ghost turned around, blinking as the barrel of the large revolver was pointed right in his face. "And if I say 'I have somewhere to be'?"

The thug jerked the revolver forward, pressing it against Ghost's temple. "Then I blow your brains out!" Pointing to the ground with the barrel of his gun, "now get down!"

As soon as the thug took his pistol away, Ghost was moving. Twisting the thug's arm, he brought the pistol around. Jerking the man's arm, the pistol fired into gangster's own chest, the man gasping as he fell. Before the other two even knew what was happening, Ghost brought the pistol up, firing twice at the one, then once at the other.

Both of them fell down, their own guns skittering away. Ghost took a glance at the Machamp, who dropped the now unconscious Growlithe, and ran away, breaking through the door of the bank in a shower of glass. Glancing down at his hands, Ghost dropped the revolver by the dead thug, and gave his gloves a sharp tug, fitting them back on.

With money in his pocket, he walked out of the suburb bank, leaving behind a groggy security guard and tellers that were calling the police. Outside, on the dimly lit street, he saw a single car running, the exhaust visible in the cold air.

Leaning his head to the side, Ghost cracked his neck. Sighing contently, he walked up to the car, and opened the passenger side door. Inside, a bright red-haired man was sitting at the wheel, and looked over Ghost. "Why were there gunshots?"

Ghost sighed, leaning his chair back. "A couple of thugs tried to rob the bank at the wrong time, nothing you need to worry about Ignis." He answered, twining his fingers behind the back of his head. "We still have a confirmation with Abdul?"

Ignis nodded, throwing the automatic into gear, and driving away. "Yeah," he said, not even flinching as two police cars, sirens roaring, blazed by their car, "Abdul said they had left two hours ago." Looking up at a GPS that was sitting in the windshield, "That means, baring delays, we should still have four or so hours before they get back."

Ghost nodded, at that. "Aight then, I'll leave you to your driving," he said.

The last thing Ghost heard before he passed out was the red-head turning on some classical music. The swelling symphonies made Ghost smile before the driving car lulled him into sleep.

// //

Slicing through the air, Scyther's bladed arm cast a line of blood to the snow, a wicked smile on his face. Jumping back, insectoid-wings flapping behind him, the bug stood tall, his arms by his sides. Thin lines of red ran down the length of his blade, gathering at the tip before falling to the snow.

Aura screamed in pain, bringing a paw to her side, briefly covering her wound. She could feel the heat from her own blood flow past her paw, the slight stinging as the nerves caught up to what had happened to them.

With a snarl, she powered an attack, quickly throwing the azure orb at the oversized bug. She wasn't able to follow through though, as Rain quickly came up behind her, palms glowing with power.

With a shout, she just barely managed to get to the side, but the male Lucario still grazed her shoulder. Pain shot through her arm as she spun to the side, bringing a leg through and catching Rain behind the shoulders. He shouted as he was sent face first into the snow, but he quickly jumped up and recovered.

Turning his head, Rain quickly spat out some snow before coming about, a glare on his face. Hunching his back, he brought his paws together, focusing his power and forming an aura-sphere.

Aura's eyes narrowed as she too formed an aura-sphere, one in each hand. With a shout, she threw them at both of her opponents before either could retaliate. Rain grunted as the attack slammed into his chest, and he lost his focus. The Scyther just grinned evilly, taking its blade and slicing through the oncoming, low-power, attack. As the second orb shattered, causing a small explosion, the snow around them was sent up, obscuring the battlefield from physical eyes.

Just a few dozen meters away, a Grovyle was standing over a red-eyed Gardevoir. Looking down at her, Liam sighed deeply before dropping to the ground, legs crossing as he did so. With his hands on his knees, he sat in front of Kasha, watching her.

The sounds of battle had subsided for a moment, and Liam risked a look over at where Aura was dueling with his fellow Pokemon. Slowly he brought his gaze back to Kasha, blinking his amber eyes. {I know that you have no reason to trust me,} he said softly. {But I ask that you do trust me. And, maybe, I'll be able to help you.}

Kasha brought her gaze up to him, her face streaked with tears, red eyes even more so from the sorrow she felt. All control of her psychic power had left her, so strong were the emotions tearing through her. She did not resist as the Grovyle reached forward slowly, placing a green hand on her shoulder.

Liam made soft cooing noises as he slowly brought the Gardvoir into a hug, going to his knees before her. {There now,} he said softly, slowly helping her to stand. {Let's leave this place,} he said, still speaking softly, genuine concern going through his mind, and tinting his voice.

Kasha said nothing as she was led into the forest by the Grovyle, instead resting her weight on him. Liam looked down at his new charge, sighing deeply as a tear worked into his eye. They both continued walking, even as the sounds of battle started up again.

Back in the clearing, four dark canines faced off, teeth flashing in the moonlight night. Two Mightyena and two Houndoom, all of them growling deeply, and occasionally snapping at their opposite. Spike and Tina were haunch-to-haunch, slowly moving in a circle to keep their foes in sight.

Houndoom and Mightyena both were snarling, lips curled back to reveal their wicked teeth, as they circled the other two canines. Suddenly, Houndoom opened his maw, thick smoke foreshadowing what was to come. Tina snarled as she roared in defiance, launching a flamethrower at her enemy. The two attacks collided between them, the heat intense enough that the snow, for nearly ten meters in every direction, was quickly melted away.

As the flames twisted and roared behind him, Spike crouched low to the ground, a fierce glare fixing on the other canine. Mightyena simple scoffed, puffing his chest out as he let out an almost terrifying howl to the night sky.

Taking the cue, Spike's paws suddenly dug into the muddy ground as he leapt forward. Thick clods of mud shot out behind him, even as his fangs started to darken, thin tendrils of shadow hanging off of them. Mightyena leapt back, just barely in time, as Spike's fangs closed on where he had been a moment before; with another growl, he swiped a paw at Spike, claws extended to do so.

Spike merely leaned underneath the wild strike, leaping with his shoulder straight into Mightyena's chest. Both of them were sent into the air, and Spike twisted his body so that he landed on top of Mightyena. The black canine shouted out in pain as first his back hit the semi-frozen ground, then a sharp gasp left Mightyena as Spike landed on him.

Using the momentum gained from the fall, Spike brought his head down. Hard. Onto the other canine's head. The solid crack that followed echoed throughout the area.

With his paw on his foes chest, Spike looked down with a sneer of contempt. {One good blow, and you're already out,} he said, scoffing quietly. {The hell!} He suddenly shouted as the entire area was covered with a thick, noxious, smoke. Spike's eyes stung, and he tried blinking quickly to help clear them. But the smokescreen just grew thicker, now covering almost a fourth of the entire yard. With a small shout, he leapt away from Mightyena, shaking his head hard.

Both Houndooms had their maws opened wide, smoke billowing out from them. Neither of them were affected at all by the acrid, thick, black cloud that now obscured the moon from their sight. When the entire area around them was covered, Tina and Houndoom both slowed down their smokescreens.

Standing still, with smoke still billowing out of the corners of her muzzle, Tina looked around. The sight of a flash from where her opponent was made her eyes narrow, muscles tensing in preparation.

Tina was the first to move, quickly jumping to the side as a blind flamethrower charged towards her, briefly parting the smoke as it passed. With her nose twitching, she cocked her horned head to the side, listening intently for the sound of movement in the smoke.

Then.

She heard it.

With a shove against the ground, she leapt towards the where she had heard the sound of a foot splashing against the soaked ground. Flames broiled up from deep within her, licking the side of her muzzle as she charged. She was forced to close her nostrils tight when she unleashed her flamethrower, causing both the flames to not scorch her but to also be forced to fire blind.

She swung her head in a wide arc, bathing the entire area with her burning flame. A wide swath of steam burst up from the snow, the thick black cloud swirling lazily around the attack as it passed by.

When she heard no cries of pain, and didn't see her attack stopped short, save by the ground, Tina stood still. Eyes flicking side-to-side, nose twitching fast as she searched for the scent of her foe.

A soft growl was her only warning as Houndoom charged at her from the flank, his head held low as he came at her. With a roar, Tina leapt to the side, using her front paws as a focal point. Houndoom tried to skid to a stop as he missed his target by mere inches, mud shooting out in front of him.

Arching his neck, he launched a searingly hot stream of flame at Tina, catching her in the side as she landed. She cried out in pain as flame washed over her, fanged muzzle opening wide as she howled to the sky in pain. Houndoom snarled as he righted himself on his feet, bracing himself to charge again. Tina had no time to prepare herself as she took the full force of his charge to her side, knocking what little wind she had regained out of her.

Tina was sent flying through the acrid, still lightly swirling, smoke, Houndoom following her the whole way. He was biting, slashing, and launching low-powered fire attacks at the now-helpless female, a wicked smile on his muzzle.

As the female Houndoom came to a stop, the male stood over her, a single paw on her now bloody flank. {Not so tough now, are you?} He asked mockingly, extending his claws.

Tina whimpered in pain as the claws dug into her side, her entire body shaking for a moment. As she struggled, however, Houndoom dug his claws even deeper into her side, and Tina simply fell limp under him.

With the smoke lazily floating around them, Houndoom leaned in closer to Tina, licking his mouth with a long tongue. {In this smoke, no one would know what happens,} he said, chuckling darkly. Tina tried to struggle, but Houndoom simply leaned more weight on her. {As much as I like it when they struggle, I don't waAAHHH!!} He screamed as something jumped on him from behind.

Spike growled deep in his throat as he sank his teeth even deeper into the other canine's shoulder, his own claws sinking into Houndoom's flanks as he rode him.

No matter what Houndoom did, he couldn't get the resistant Mightyena off his back. Thick lines of blood ran down from his wounds, pain searing through him as he leapt and kicked, trying to dislodge the other canine. He suddenly cried out in pain as Spike leaned his weight forward, pressing on Houndoom's neck and forcing him to the ground.

Slowly, but surely, Houndoom's struggles grew weaker as loss of blood and lack of air picked at his consciousness. Spike refused to relinquish his death hold on the skulled dog until he was no longer moving. The Mightyena's sharp hearing could detect the faintest of heartbeats coming from the out-cold Houndoom, and he stood up slowly.

Panting from the struggle, eyes burning from the sharp smokescreen, Spike stumbled back to his mate. Tina lay there, gasping from the burns that covered her body; they taking precedence of her attention over the cuts she had. Slowly padding over to her, Spike lied down next to her, a soft whine building in his throat as he saw the wounds covering her. Carefully, slowly, he began to lick her wounds, her eyes closing as he did so.

All the while, the thick smoke stayed over the battle field, hiding them from all.

Spike could hear the sound of someone getting up, and scurry away. But the Mightyena had no desire to chase after the bastard that had harmed his mate. Instead, he slowly nuzzled Tina's side, continuing to give his slow ministrations with his tongue.

* * *

"So, Irishman," Craddok said, aiming his AUG at the red-head. "What's it going to be?"

Every fiber of the Irishman's being was saying to jerk the pistol in his hand up, and blow the bastard away, taking as many with him as he could. But, looking over, he could see that the battle between the Pokemon was not going his way.

Aura was struggling against the duel attacks of Scyther and Rain, Kasha was nowhere to be seen, and the mercenary's Houndoom and Mightyena were stumbling out of the thick smokescreen.

Bringing his gaze back to Craddok, the Irishman's arm shook, his grip on the pistol tightening. Flicking his eyes downward, he could see the Umbreon standing there, shaking his head. The Irishman was shocked when he heard a voice in his mind, obviously coming from the Umbreon. 'There will be another time for you to kill him,' he was saying, gesturing towards Kris. 'I will forgive you if you cannot do it tonight. I have, and will continue to wait if that is the case.'

Breaking his death gaze the Irishman had locked on the mercenaries, he closed his eyes. His mind quickly worked out scenario after scenario, each one that had him resisting showing him dead, and Aura at the mercy of these mercenaries. His entire body shook again, a bolt of pain shooting through his arm again, reminding him that he couldn't even get into a hand-to-hand fight.

A single tear forced its way into his eye, which he quickly blinked away.

Bowing his head in defeat, the Irishman let his grip on the pistol falter, his arm going to his side again. Craddok and the rest of the mercenaries watched as the pistol swung by the trigger-guard for a moment, before slipping the rest of the way off his finger. Almost in slow motion, the pistol fell to the ground, sending a small plum into the air.

Looking over his shoulder, he saw that a fire had started in the cabin, the inside of the house now burning as the fire threatened to break through the windows. Indeed, the flames were already licking out the main door, long arms almost looking like they were seeking freedom from the mass of flame within.

Falling to his knees, the Irishman bowed his head in defeat. "Guess you can't win 'em all," he muttered, staring at the moonlight snow. It was now that shock finally hit him, and the Irishman fell forward into the snow, passing out.

Craddok lowered his rifle, everyone but Hobbs doing so as well. Looking at the man, Craddok snarled a little. "Lower your fucking rifle, Hobbs, or I swear that you'll be joining Charlie Team!" He said in a cold voice.

It was enough to make Hobbs give a last glare, finger tightening for a moment before he finally released his grip, holding his rifle straight up. "Right boss," he muttered, looking away.

Craddok's eyes narrowed, and he turned his gaze to the two to his right. "Kris, Jack, tie him up. Get him to the van. Make sure he can't escape," he said. Both men nodded, holstering their weapons and moving over to the unconscious Irishman. Craddok nodded to himself, rather proud of what had been accomplished so far, before turning his gaze to the still dueling Lucarios and Scyther. With a sniff, he pulled out a cigarette, holding it between his thumb and trigger finger as he took a hold of it with his mouth. With his other hand, he brought up a lighter, and stated puffing away at the cigarette.

* * *

The woods were little more than a blur to Liam as he dashed through them, a Gardevoir, Kasha, holding tight around him. He was being careful as he dashed from limb to limb, never pausing for more than a moment as he went.

He heard the Gardevoir whimper in his ear, tightening her grip around his neck. The Grovyle snarled at the thought of what they had done, cursing almost everyone in the group.

Glancing around at the blurry woods, he knew where he was, and his leaps took on a downward angle as he sought to move closer to the ground. When he did reach the snow covered ground, he looked around for a moment, his forest-green hands moving to cover the Gardevoir's own lighter-green hands.

With a tensing of his muscles, he quickly started running the last bit of the ways to the vans. Looking around, he approached one of the vans, taking a hand to open the back. Stepping into the van, which was still running and warm inside. Gently, he set the Gardevoir down on one of the benches before entering the drivers area. Looking around briefly, he found the blanket he was looking for, ducking back into the rear of the van again.

He paused for a moment when he saw someone standing there, but he nodded, sighing almost happily. {Violet,} he said, taking the blanket and covering the Gardevoir, who was somehow sleeping, but still twitching every once in a while.

{Liam,} the Weavile said, nodding her head in acknowledgment. {Why did you bring her here?} With a nod to the Gardevoir to actuate her point.

The Grovyle sighed, running a hand over his head. {I didn't know what else to do,} he said, almost defeatedly. Then, a sudden idea hit him. {Violet,} with a quick jerk of his head to look at her, {can you watch her while I go and stop Rain from doing anything to that Lucario?}

Looking at the Gardevoir, then back to the male she had a crush on, the Weavile thought for a short while. {I can,} she said in a low voice, closing her eyes.

She suddenly gasped as Liam brought her into a hug, leaning his head on her shoulder to whisper into her ear. {Thank you,} was all he said, and Violet blushed even more as the Grovyle gave her a quick nuzzle on the cheek before he dashed out of the van.

Quickly turning to watch him, Violet could only wonder at how someone like him had been caught up in a group like theirs. She didn't have time to wonder long though, as the Gardevoir started moaning in her sleep. Stepping over to the Gardevoir, Violet sat down on the bench, and started running her hands along the sleeping Pokemon's shoulder, being mindful of her claws.

* * *

Bending over backwards, Aura shouted as a clod of snow was sent up from where Scyther had slashed down into the ground. Twirling on her hands, she pushed herself into the air for a moment, deftly landing on her feet.

Looking up again, she snarled as she remained in her battle pose, crimson blood dripping down her fur, and landing against the snowy ground. The multitude of cuts, the loss of blood, the cold air were all catching up to her.

She didn't know how much longer she could last like this without getting a chance to rest. Her mouth hung open slightly, each ragged breath like a knife through her lunges as the cold air passed through her.

To her credit, and what small joy it brought, Scyther's carapace was covered in bruises and cracks. Out of those cracks, a sickly green ichor leaked out, although the bug did not seem to notice his own wounds.

A battle roar from behind her caused Aura to spin, throwing up a defensive hand to deflect another attack from the male Lucario. He snarled, baring his fangs as his fist was pushed to the side. Continuing his roar, Rain rolled his shoulders, following his deflected palm to the side, bringing his leg around as he did so.

Aura, exhausted and battered, couldn't block the attack away. She could only watch, almost impassively, as the male's leg came around, catching her in the side of the head. With a grunt of pain, Aura was sent flying, crashing a short ways away as she rolled to a stop, arms and legs limp as she rolled. When she did come to a stop, she just lay there, unmoving.

Rain and Scyther both gave evil smiles as they saw no movement from the Lucario. With almost a shout of glee, the male Lucario bounded over to Aura, quickly jumping to land on her back.

Now the smoke from the fires of the burning house filled the cold forest air with its acrid stench, mingling with the smoke from the two Houndoom's smokescreens.

Aura, still stretched out in the snow, was covered in cuts and bruises. Her wounds, tinting the snow around her crimson with her own blood, dark against the shadows being cast by the blaze. The smoke almost seemed to block out the moon's face, hiding her from those in the field.

With all her strength, Aura lifted her head, snow sticking to the black fur on her face. A rough paw grabbed the back of her neck though, slamming her back into the snow. Breathing the harsh, crystalline snow, Aura dared not let the tear in her eye escape. She felt a pressure lower down on her, and she did her best to buck her back to kick the male Lucario off.

The paw slammed her into the snow again, and the smell of her own blood, coppery and bitter, filled her nose again. Feeling the pressure bear down on her neck as he leaned in, she snarled. An evil chuckle left Rain as he sat on top of her, and he spoke for the quietly. {I said you'd be mine,} the male Lucario whispered in her ear, {and now you can be.}

Jerking her head back, Aura tried to catch him in the face. Rain simply moved his head to the side, chuckling again. {Still have an attitude I see. Well,} he slammed Aura back into the ground, gripping her by the back of her neck, {I know how we can fix that.} Aura's eyes went wide as he said that, struggling harder against his grip.

His rough hands started to roam her as he said that, but still Aura refused to cry out for mercy, or beg him to stop. Instead, she went limp under him again, waiting for the moment to strike. She wouldn't get the chance though.

As suddenly as he had landed on her, Rain was thrown off of the female Lucario, thick vines wrapping around his throat. Rain gasped as his paws shot up, trying to tear the roots off his neck, and Scyther flew into a battle pose, searching for this new foe.

When he saw who it was that was attacking Rain, Scyther shouted. {Liam! What the hell are you doing?!} As he said that, his blade-arms came up in front of him, ready to hack and slash.

Kneeling just a short ways away, the Grovyle looked on, anger burning in his eyes. His hands were spread out on the ground, and the ground was heaved all the way from him to where Rain was struggling to breath as the grass continued to knot tighter around his throat. When he was sure he had their attention, the Grovyle stood up, the vines losing their animation now that the he was was no longer controlling them.

{I could ask the same thing,} he said coldly standing straight. From his elbows, two blades of grass extended, and he held his arms in front of him. He continued to stare down Scyther and Rain, none of them moving.

All of them started though when a fourth Pokemon walked into their group. Umbreon simply strode right in between the three, heading straight for Aura. When he reached her, he lightly stepped up on her before moving in a circle and curling on her chest, almost wrapped around her chest spike.

That was enough to make all three of them lower their attacks, and just stare for a moment. None of them had ever seen the Umbreon get so close to anyone before, much less get comfortable with them.

As they continued to stare, Craddok and Hobbs both walked over, Mightyena and Houndoom limping behind them. "The other two canines have been taken care of, and that Gardevoir is back at the vans, correct?" Liam turned his head to the side, but nodded slowly. "Good. Now, Rain," Craddok continued, turning his attention to the Lucario. "What was it that Greyson and I both discussed with you?"

Rain's head turned to the side, and he muttered something. "What was that?" Craddok asked, anger seeping into his voice.

"You said 'don't touch her'." Rain virtually spat.

"That's right. And what were you about to do?" Craddok went on, his eyes narrowing.

Rain turned his head to the side, grumbling something under his breath.

When the Lucario did that, Craddok swung his hand out, pointing his pistol at Rain. "Say that again, and I'll blow you to hell."

Everyone, except Aura and Umbreon, were watching the scene between Craddok and Rain unfold. With a flick of his thumb, Craddok brought the hammer of the pistol down, the click echoing in the silence. "Greyson might think you're worth something. I don't. You mess with me, and I'll shoot you, with or without Greyson's knowledge."

"Yeah?" Rain asked, a smirk coming over his face. "You don't have the guts to pull the trigger on me!" He said, throwing his head back in a laugh.

click

That one sound stopped everything again. Rain looked back at Craddok, confusion in his eyes. "Wh-wha?" He managed to stammer.

"I left the safety on, it seems." Craddok said cooly, looking at his pistol almost curiously. "Next time, the safety won't be on," he said ominously, holstering his pistol again. "Liam, get the Lucario," Craddok said over his shoulder as he turned to walk away. "Hobbs, Rain, Scyther, on me!" He shouted, the three that he'd called quickly moving to follow him.

With a sigh, Liam walked over to Aura, kneeling beside her as he looked over the wounds she had sustained. When he saw her eyes flicker open, a faint blue emanating from them, the Grovyle sighed. {You're a fighter, aren't you,} he said quietly as he reached up to the base of the leaf on his head. {Here we are,} he muttered, pulling out a small blue berry.

Gently placing his arm under her head, he shifted so that she was resting into the crook of his elbow. {Come on,} he said softly, holding the berry closer to the Lucario's mouth, {let me take care of you.}

After a few moments, Aura swallowed softly, and allowed the Grovyle to place the berry in her mouth. She gently chewed the slightly sweet fruit, already feeling the blood coming from her wounds slow down.

{Better,} Liam said with a helpful smile, closing his eyes as he grinned down at the Lucario. {Now then, let's see if you can stand,} he said encouragingly, slowly helping Aura to her feet. Supporting most of her weight, Liam nodded, placing an arm around her as he helped her walk through the woods.

Aura glanced back once, her aura-sight flickering slightly. But she did see her two canine friends, laying, covered in the thick smokescreen, hidden away from the eyes of the mercenaries. The last thing she felt was the gentle touch of the Grovyle's leaf draping over her; that one little motion simply made the Lucario melt into Liam, who stumbled a bit before righting himself, taking on her weight.

// //

"The hell?" Jayden mumbled to himself when he heard his phone ringing. Reaching into his pocket, he dug it out and looked at the caller ID. -Unknown Caller- was what showed up.

Sighing, he flipped the phone open, holding it to his ear as he leaned back into the bench, rubbing his forehead with a hand. "Hello?"

Over the line in response came a female voice. "Jay? It's Zada."

"Zada!" Jayden said quickly, sitting forward on the bench he was sitting on. "How the hell did you get this number?"

A soft chuckle came from Zada before she answered. "A girl has her ways," and Jayden could almost see her winking as she finished that statement. "You almost don't sound glad to hear my voice," the Zoroark continued in a faux-hurt voice.

"No, no," Jayden said quickly, leaning back against the bench again. "I just wasn't expecting a call from you is all."

"Hm, and I didn't expect to be calling you," she was saying before a pause. Something about her tone made Jayden's eyes narrow in suspicion, but he said nothing, waiting for her to continue. "Anyways," Zada started again, "I think I might have found some information you would find more useful than I would."

"About Aura?" Jayden asked, hope pushing away his feelings of suspicion.

"Yeah," Zada said after a moment.

"Well what is it?" Jayden asked, hope and eagerness starting to get the better of him.

"Well," the Zoroark on the other end of the line said before sighing. "The thing is, I don't want to tell it over the phone. I think it might be best if you get back over here-"

Cutting her off. "Yeah, I'll be right over," Jayden said quickly, grabbing his bag.

"Yeah, there's one more thing." That made Jayden stop for a moment, listening. "Can you grab me a copy of Paradise Lost? I'd get it myself but..." she paused again, "never mind, can you just get over here?"

"Alright, I'll see you in a bit," with that, the line disconnected, and Jayden snapped the phone shut. Standing up, he looked at his phone for a short while, before muttering "now why would you want a copy of...." he trailed off, walking down the street towards where he had parked his Humvee.

That's when it hit him.

"Oh shit," he cursed under his breath, his careful walk turning into an almost full out sprint as he headed down the sidewalk, people shouting as he ran by without a second care. When he did get to his vehicle, he threw open the trunk, glad he had parked on a mostly empty side street.

Glancing at the watch on his wrist, Jayden cursed again. Rush hour. It would be faster just to run there. Quickly pulling out a map of New York, Jayden traced a route that would allow him the fastest way to Zada's apartment. After memorizing the route, he folded the map back up, tucking it into the compartment on the side wall of the trunk.

Opening the back door, he stepped into the Humvee, closing it behind him. The dark tinted windows did not allow anyone to see what he was doing.

Jayden quickly stripped off his long coat, revealing a harness that held his Walther P99. Slipping the small pistol out, he ejected the clip before slapping it back in, pulling the slide back next to ensure that there was a round in the chamber. With a flick of the thumb, he ensured that the safety was on before slipping it back into the holster.

Reaching under the blankets in the far back of the Humvee, Jayden pulled out two more clips. With one hand, he tucked them both into place, even as his other pulled out a small blade from the halter. Looking it over briefly, he slid it back into its sheath.

Running his hands along his boots, he felt the two knives he had hidden, one in each boot, and Jayden nodded to himself. The last thing that Jayden did was grab the P90 submachine gun, disassemble it, and throw it into his satchel, along with an extra clip.

Slipping his coat back on, he then closed it up a short ways and stepped out of the Humvee. Readjusting his coat, he made sure that no one could see that he was carrying, and also that his coat would not come open on its own. Shouldering the satchel, he locked the Humvee before sprinting towards the end of the street.

Suddenly stopping, he took an abrupt turn down the alley, his feet splashing in the standing water as he dashed down it. Each time he came to the end of the alley, he would resume walking, albeit at a fast pace, until he reached the next alley.

The whole time, the only thing going through his mind was that someone had chosen the wrong time to threaten Zada. That kept running through his mind, how to save her, even as he sprinted, not growing the least bit tired, the parts in his satchel jingling and knocking together as it shook against his side.

|| * * * | | | * * * ||

I know, I know, cliffhangers.

Things are starting to come to a head, aren't they? The next chapter, much shall happen.

Anyhow, please leave a comment, vote, you can fav if ya want, and do not be shy about adding this to a group ^.^

Legal: Pokemon is not mine. You want the rest, see chapter one, that has the full legal thing.

I will say this though, this storyline and the OC's are mine. So please ask me before using them ^.^