FSE

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Chapter 12: Lost at Sea

Morning breached her drowsy eyes like the wind from the outside did. In tender silence Luna caught onto the scent of the ocean. At the end of it all she was sleeping in the living room - curled up by the fireplace which Trevor had ignited the night before. 'She doesn't have a home to go back to?'

Luna looked to the sunlight. It was a cloudy, but warm morning. She stood up, pressing her paws to the window-sill and watched the waves from the beach-house. Suddenly her mind went back to Griffin - knowing him he would be challenging the Saffron gym today. Restless Luna walked into a different room - pressing her nose past a Shoji.

The Washitsu was empty and cold - like the night prior, it mimicked itself again and again. In the end Luna found it very, very eerie. Two large doors stared at her - the bamboo panels were empty and soulless, and cold. Luna watched the sunlight pour from the thin walls and finally pressed her way out of the room.

The morning and the ocean wind was colder than she thought - salt pressed against her nostrils as she walked out into the sunlight. Rising; climbing softly in the sky the sun pressed higher and higher bringing the water to life. The tide was out and far below her was the beach, she looked on both sides.

A staircase was further off to her right. The little home was surrounded by trees - nearly. The city was still seen from the backyard; barely Luna could hear the city pick up pace - its heart starting to beat in the early morning.

In the end Luna found herself at the beach, feeling sand collect between her paws. Her tails hung low behind her - still unkempt and straight rather than groomed and curled. She blew the hair from her eyes and rested softly on the warm sand watching the clouds roll bye.

A shadow touched her eyes and she turned to notice a large rock in the distance. Spirit was there - the Sandslash patiently waiting. Luna was inclined to ask and walked to the boulder - her mind focused on breaking the ice. Yet the moment she got up to him her tongue tied.

Luna hardly knew him - hardly knew if she'd really see him again. Spirit was Trevor's and she was Griffins but she wanted to know more about him. Her mind jumped towards yesterday - he was quiet. Spirit seemed upset and determined about something. Luna's curiosity was starting to get the better of her. Quickly she climbed onto the boulder and watched the sea - the water was further out, resting the sunlight that shimmered in its tender caress.

"Morning..." There wasn't much of an answer... Maybe he was meditating? It felt like an eternity before he suddenly stirred - the movement catching in her ears "Morning." The age was evident in his voice and he turned - his soft, dark brown eyes catching onto hers. "I didn't expect you to be awake so early. Usually I'm the only one who's out here at this time." He sighed and stood up.

"I didn't mean to interrupt you." "Not at all, it is about time to get back anyways - Trevor should be awake by now." Spirit took his eyes to the sky. "It'll be sunny today." Were the last words that brushed Luna's ears before he leapt from the rock and made his way back home. Luna decided to sit there and watch the sky for just a little longer her mind lost in her thoughts.

-

The night was restless for Griffin as his mind went towards the gym. He wanted to challenge it and get out of Saffron quickly - his wallet couldn't really afford it. His only concern was his Pokémon, after everything that happened the day prior he knew that they needed at least a day or two to rest. All Griffin knew was that he really didn't have the time either.

Leafeon rested before the edge of his bed, that's where he took his place that night; away from Natasha. Moonlight ended up on Griffin's bed - he hardly minded but he knew that the maids would read him the riot act for it... A noise stirred in the air - Thief was rolling around on the floor when his tender brown eyes lit up. He woke only to have the patio door in front of him and the sun shone down on his face.

That was how the morning really started, the moment Thief yawned awake - Leafeon woke up and stretched. Moonlight stirred awake and rolled over - his nose nearly touching Griffins. Moonlight suddenly jolted off of the bed and Griffin was thrown in dis-array (Along with the bed covers as Moonlight fought to get off of the bed...) and the racket woke everyone else...

"What in the world!?" Brad jolted up and Aura calmly took in the situation. Natasha woke and looked at Moonlight as if he was some black cat. The fur on his back was standing clearly on end and Leafeon stared at the Espeon, almost snickered from his work. Thief was giggling in the back and just like that - in a single split-second the entire day came to life. Moonlight slumped leaving his muzzle to the carpet and put his paws over his trap. Griffin swore that the Espeon was blushing but he could hardly really tell.

After a moment of time Moonlight let out a sigh and muttered under his breath; scolded himself for his actions. Griffin chuckled about it and scooped the Espeon up "You're alright now." He practically figured that Moonlight must've been startled that Griffin was next to him.

After everyone dressed and shook off the final grips of sleep they all returned their Pokémon for a moment and went down the stairs and through the lobby. A man stopped them "What was that racket?" The stranger sounded concerned enough and immediately Natasha and Brad told him that Griffin fell out of the bed...

Griffin bit down on his tongue and apologized for it. He figured it must've been his fault somehow. Finally the three trainers were free from the hotel. Griffin split the check with Brad... Over 600 dollars... "We're so lucky that those gyms reward you with cash after you beat them..." Griffin muttered

The bill took a quarter of his winnings from Pewter. "I figure they'd have to or there wouldn't be many trainers." Brad brought up "Or it would be like the Olympics. You know? Like advertisement and sponsors and all the rest of that crap." Griffin left in the open "I'd hate to be a trainer if that was the case." Natasha looked around with shifty eyes, wondering if it was the right thing to say.

"I wouldn't." Griffin started "It'll take a lot more than some scheme like that to make me give up my Pokémon." "But what happened if you lost a major battle? Like a league? Maybe they'd just relinquish your license." Griffin didn't think of that. "Then I would drop off of the map." "This isn't some spy movie." "No, I'd take them and leave. I don't care how far I'd have to go."

Brad sighed and looked down the street. "How about we grab something to eat for breakfast? There's a diner over here." The roads were empty today, or at least that road was. Griffin started to get a bad feeling about being down there.

The place was normal looking - it wasn't like they turned into an alleyway in a bad neighborhood. Silence really put Griffin on the edge. But it was all in his imagination. Once they all stepped into the diner it was as lively as the city was the day before; they weren't packed but the small hole-in-the-wall was definitely a popular place. After a second Griffin realized why Brad chose this place

it definitely had that American feel. The interior design made Griffin think of the late nineties, so the place wasn't really old. They took a booth seat by the window. Another trainer was sitting by in a booth - her Houndoom stared over to them and then rested his muzzle on her thigh. A waitress cut off Griffin's view

"Hi, my name is Sara. Can I get you three anything to start?" She handed the menus to them. "Coffee would be great." Brad said and Natasha agreed. "Water for me." Griffin asked. "Oh, do you have any rules on Pokémon?" "Oh? You're all trainers? Well it depends on how many you have." "I only got one." Brad said. "That's fine." "I have five." Natasha said. "I got six..."

"Well usually we're very strict on having Pokémon in here." Sara started to say "We also don't sell Pokéfood here. There is a shop down the block a few ways though." Griffin nodded and thanked her, and Sara returned to grab them their drinks. Brad let Aura out and she sat right next to him. Her eyes caught onto the Houndoom for a moment before they went back to the table. Her paws pressed together.

Brad didn't notice at all but Griffin did. He took one more glance at the Houndoom. He was really attached to the trainer. She rested her hand on his scalp, petting him and taking a sip of her coffee. Suddenly a beam shot out of Griffin side. Moonlight sat out in the open.

"W - w - wh -" Griffin was definitely going to get thrown out for this... "What are you doing?" It sounded a bit like a plea, and the other trainer in the back turned to notice Griffin. He went to return Moonlight but he was being stubborn.

He didn't want to go back all of a sudden and jumped onto the booth, almost on Griffins lap. His hand rested on his forehead and he felt his face flush through. Moonlight curled up onto his left-side, right at the edge of the booth.

Something clanked on the table and Griffin nearly jumped out of his skin. "Oh, I'm sorry did I startle you?" Sara noticed Moonlight and Griffin apologized; trying to explain that he came out on his own.

"Don't worry about it. Just make sure your entire team doesn't." She giggled as if it was a joke For Griffin that was entirely possible... He took a sip of his water and jolted from the feeling of something touching his leg.

Moonlight was using his thigh as a pillow... Griffin heard some giggling in the back and the girl pressed her forehead against the Houndooms. Only a pocket of her words touched Griffin's ears and he filled it in best he could.

You always go along and make other Pokémon jealous. Don't you? He swallowed down some of the water and looked over to Brad only to notice Aura. She was fidgeting nervously and Moonlight looked up to her as if saying something.

"It's not uncommon Aura for a Pokémon to be close with their trainer" Moonlight chirred tenderly and Griffin paused, his hand resting on Moonlight. Swallowing down some water and looking to Natasha.

"Take a chance." Moonlight purred and closed his eyes as Griffin petted him.

"Well we could always tag the gym at the end of the day - that way we have a few more hours of rest." Natasha started to bring up her view. Aura stopped moving and Griffin watched the waitress come back.

"What can I get you three?" Griffin still needed a few more minutes; he hardly looked at the menu at all. Natasha and Brad had already placed their orders and returned the menu, Griffin opened it and took a view glances.

Something was nudging at his thigh and he looked down to Moonlight. He was glancing at Aura again. Griffin looked back to the menu and figured out what he having.

Sara came back shortly after and took his order too. As Griffin waited he noticed Aura reluctantly rest her head against Brads shoulder. When Griffin really thought about it, Aura never left Brads side for even the slightest second.

Shaking off his ludicrous suspicions he went back to talking with Natasha and Brad about what they were planning for the day.

-

A little while longer, that's all it'll take! The young voice touched Luna's ears.

I found the neatest place by the river! Come on! Again the haunting tone preaches to her.

Familiar

Unfamiliar

Lost...

Luna shook herself out of it the moment she realized that she was lost in a daydream. The house behind her was filled with the sounds of the morning by now and the sweet scent of spice caressed the wind.

Paw by paw, stair by stair the house inched closer to her. Laughter touched the clouds. Her daydream came back again?

That was all it was, and Luna reminded herself twice about it and picked up her pace. For whatever reason she was starving and the scent was growing stronger the closer she got; alluring, sweet, and powerful.

Suddenly she was reminded of Thief and immediately she knew why. The scent was an Oran berry. God I'm such an idiot... Luna took the feelings that pricked her skull and threw them away.

She remembered the conversation at the Pokémon center in Cerulean - Thief didn't know her at all... But... he did admit that she was familiar.

_I bet he doesn't remember either._Luna swallowed, she knew that must've been the case and walked into the Shoji - her nostrils filled with the scent from cooked Oran berries.

In truth she never really did like Oran berries. They'd always vary in flavors when she'd eat them and afterwards leave a pasty feeling on her tongue. What Luna really loved was Mago berries - even Aguav berries tasted better than Oran ones.

Mago was her favorite kind of berry even though she'd only ever tried them once, a very, very long time ago. The taste still resided on her tongue - she'd remember the flavor from time to time just by thinking about them.

"Vulpix?" Trevor's voice stung her ears - she was still getting used to a human voice but Luna hurried along, throwing her day-dreams aside for now.

-

The three of them split the bill and left the restaurant. Moonlight nearly fell asleep by that point and Brad... Brad didn't really notice that Aura was leaning on him at all. In fact he seemed oddly oblivious at that point.

A beam shot out from Griffin's belt, and another - another, another... another "W - w - what the hell!?" Griffin swallowed the words down

It made Griffin wonder what would happen if they stayed in the diner any longer... He nearly shuddered from the thought. Griffin would've been the laughing stock of the entire city if that happened...

Thief strayed around and stretched - watching Griffin, Natasha, and Brad. "Hey kid." Moonlight nodded to him and smiled. Thief smiled back when someone cut in front of him. Bandit. "So are they planning on letting us starve Moonlight?"

"Of course not!" Moonlight sighed and kept up with Griffin; Thief also kept by his side. "We're going to get food now." Marill hopped alongside Aura - they were talking about nothing important. Scarf... walked with Thief while Bandit and Shadow lagged behind Griffin. Thief watched as Griffin adjusted his ruck-sack, looked down to him with a smile and then pick up his pace to keep up with Brad and Natasha.

Ten minutes flew by them. Finally the three trainers found the place Sara was talking about. One could say that it looked much like a pet-store, Pokémon care products on the shelves and an employee who knew a few things here and there in the shop.

"It's all packaged food..." Griffin muttered to himself and sighed; reading the nutrient facts on the back of each bag. "So what? There's not much a difference between organic and processed" Natasha started to say "It's all superstition really, another way for some un-named company to rip you off."

"That's why I cook organic foods, it's not so costly." Griffin muttered and kept reading the packages "You are kidding right?" Natasha stuck her hands into her jean pockets - she wasn't wearing anything over-the-top today. "The moment you 'brand' something 'organic' the price sky-rockets!" A little vein stuck out of Griffin's forehead

"It's better than poisoning Pokémon with this processed crap." He was keeping his voice down "All of the food here is designed for Pokémon; it'll be the same as cooking food. In fact it'll be healthier for the Pokémon to eat something normal!" Natasha, on the other hand, was a little bit louder...

"Something normal is herbs or berries, or, well I don't know... ORGANIC!" Brad sighed "Can we stop this?" "Stay out of this Brad!" They both barked back and he sighed again.

"Getting angry isn't going to help anyone." He rested his hand on his forehead - as if he was getting a headache from watching Natasha and Griffin go head-to-head. "Both methods are fine. Griffin, organic food has many plus sides and many negative sides; such as spoilage. Processed food doesn't spoil as quickly - that saves money. If anything I'd say we should balance our income and outcome accordingly to our tastes. We can find a medium between organic and non-organic."

He took a breather. "Now how about we chill and pick up food from here for now and maybe tonight you can cook something a little more... organic." Griffin and Natasha sighed; accepting the common-sense that defeated them both.

"Fine." Griffin went along and picked out the best package he could find in the shop - it wasn't the cheapest... "Alright, alright Brad." Natasha stuffed her hands into her pockets "We'll go half-and-half"

"Anyways I told you I was good at baking Griffin." Griffin remembered back to some of the pastries he made... they sucked... but his cakes and cupcakes were great. "I bet I can try making Pokéfood..." Natasha leaned into Griffin

"He's thinking..." She sounded terrified "This is bad..." Griffin replied just as scared. "I CAN HEAR YOU TWO!!!" Brad exclaimed and the two went on with laughing about it.

Outside of the shop the three of them went along with all of their Pokémon to check out the park - this time they had no trouble finding it. Once they were there, they let them have some food and free time. Thief found himself on the grass in the middle of the park by the fountain. He was bored out of his mind and listened to the world roll by. Softly he closed his eyes and lost track of time, letting his own imagination whisk him to somewhere new.

-

After breakfast Luna and Absol both had to go with Trevor, Spirit, and Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee. Trevor couldn't leave them at his place alone. Outside Trevor stretched out his legs and returned his Pokémon into their Pokéballs "Sorry you two but I'll need to bike to get to work."

Another second rolled by and Luna was in the world inside the Pokéball with Absol - alone. She looked around studying the artificial - yet real world. Luna glanced over to Absol, watching; waiting.

She didn't speak or talk, all she did was lie down and wait. Luna bit her lip; the silence was like a noose of tension - tightening slowly around her throat. What could she say? Luna demanded to know but she really couldn't get a word out. After ten minutes or so Luna sat down and looked up at the sky - whether it was real or fake, she couldn't tell anymore. In truth it made her feel a little uneasy. Luna swallowed and closed her eyes for a moment, a dull pain still resided in her side and it stung to move the wrong way.

Sharp painful breath's touched the wind as Luna decided to stand; she was tired of waiting, tired of the silence that had been coming between them. She went to speak, turning to the Absol when her world shifted. She was about to ask about her home.

The room they were in felt cold and a little damp. Luna looked around the warehouse of a place when lights flickered on. A Pokémon gym. Luna took a moment to clear her eyes from the stinging nettles that came from the rafters when she noticed that it wasn't normal. There was a large pool in the middle surrounded by different areas and chalk line battle grids. Instantly Luna pictured some of the Pokémon tournaments she'd seen once before on television. It felt a lot like that only larger.

"Well, let's get to work!" Trevor started and hit some more of the lights. Spirit and everyone else knew what they were doing but Luna and Absol were left in the dark and sat by a register, right near the front door. Somebody walked in; a tall ginger-haired girl adjust her round-rimmed glasses and took short strides to the counter.

"Sorry I'm late Trevor!" She called to any direction past the front desk. There was a muffled reply in the back; Luna didn't catch onto it. Her name stood out though, Rebecca. She came around the counter and nearly jumped; she wasn't expecting a Vulpix and Absol to be there. "They're both with me Rebecca!" Trevor called from somewhere. There were sounds of objects being moved around in the background.

Rebecca calmed down right away and opened up a log book. Luna bounced up onto the counter; it wasn't difficult for her at all. She stared at the cursive writing; they were dates and names of people who went to the gym. Luna counted more than fifty trainers for the day before. Rebecca skimmed through the names with a computer on the desk as if to check if everything was in order before starting a fresh new page in the log book. Luna sighed and looked back to Absol, she was lost in thought.

"What are you thinking about?" Luna figured the question was stupid but Absol replied right away. "I'm wondering how Scarf and the others are doing." Luna went to the edge of the counter and hung her head over it. "I know they're doing fine." She spoke reassuringly - there was something about Absol's tone that made her feel uneasy. She suddenly smiled and looked up to the rafters, Luna looked up too. There was nothing but vents and lights.

"How are you and Thief doing?" The comment was like being shot with a blank. Luna froze unsure of what to do or even what she said. "Sorry?" "You and Thief, how have you two been?" Luna didn't really think about that, in fact it didn't really come to mind unless he was around. "Well..." somewhere inside of her something stabbed at her chest; she couldn't tell if it was her injury or not. "I mean we're doing fine..." She softly cut her tone down. "I was wondering before, how long have you two been together." That made Luna's pelt stand on stilts. "We're not really together." She was fidgeting around nervously now - playing with her paws in some childish way "He's just a friend, really." She tried to say with a straight face but there was hesitation somewhere in her voice. "I mean I think I've known him before."

"He's an old friend?" Absol asked once more "Yes... but he doesn't seem to remember me..." Luna replied and stared out at a row of passing shadows that cut off the sunlight to the gym. Absol smiled and looked back at her with gentle, warm eyes. "You fooled me." Luna took a while to stare. It really was the first time she noticed Absol smile so openly.

"Excuse me." There was a customer and his voice shook off Luna's train of thought. Absol was lying down again, just staring at the rafters as if she could see the sky through them.

-

Thief lost track of time as he lay in the sunlight. A chilly breeze swung by lingering scents from a vendor somewhere further in the park. Voices of trainers echoed through his mind - names were called, Pokémon responded from all over. Thief opened his eyes, the sun was high today and he was starting to feel the burn dig into his skin.

On his feet, the blood rushed to them and left him feeling dizzy and light-headed. That was the best time to look at the trees that surrounded him as the feeling would let his eyes sharpen. He'd love the sight of the sun piercing light through bright emerald leaves - especially if it was in the morning when the dew collected on the leaves.

Thief found it to be special and he'd always, always wake up early to keep that moment for himself. He'd never found anybody to share it with. As he stared at the stems and the branches, down to the roots of the tree... something cracked and hit the earth with a soft thud.

"S - Scarf!" Thief bolted over to help him up but Scarf got back up on his own. "What in the world are you doing?" The Pikachu stared at Thief and sheepishly smiled. "Well, I'm training." Thief drew up a blank. "Training?"

"I'm climbing some trees to try and build my strength up." Even with Scarfs older voice echoing through Thief's mind he couldn't help but think of how childish the idea was. "Isn't there some safer method?" He looked up at the snapped branch above him and then to the branch on the ground. It wasn't particularly large. "Maybe, but I like to aim big." He replied with a grin "What else would you do if you didn't challenge yourself from time to time?"

"I don't see how that's challenging yourself..." Thief replied. "In fact it's kind of dumb..." "You shouldn't be so narrow-minded" Scarf replied "You don't have to climb a tree, but at least go ahead and do something!" Scarf turned to scamper off. "Anyways, I think that Vulpix of yours would love to see some muscle on you." Thief felt the blood fill his cheeks "She's not mine!" He barked back at him, embarrassed, and all Scarf did was snicker and run off.

Thief muttered some stuff to himself and walked back to the field... I'm not trying to impress Luna... He bit down on his tongue, his face still red. That's stupid, why would I have to impress her? He looked around, stared down the way where some branches were creaking. Thief started to brainstorm - filling in the dots... He's not training for Griffin! A devious little smile came over him and he walked back to the small trees nearby...

"You're bugging me about impressing Luna but you seem to be working pretty hard yourself..." Pikachu hung over the branch - looking much like a Zubat in a cave. "You're not trying to impress Absol are you?" Silence was the reply. "... Maybe" Thief grinned - suppressing a giggle "I've noticed how she's gone along and hung around you. She likes you already Scarf."

"So?" "What do you mean so? Why would you work so hard to impress her when she already likes you?" In his mind Thief was just playing a childish trick on Scarf. "Because I want to be better." Scarf replied sincerely, still hanging off the branch. He's no fun... Thief was expecting him to deny it and get upset and embarrassed. It really didn't come out that way. "So you're trying to change to get Absol to like you more?" "... I'm trying to change so I can be the best I can be." "For her?" "Exactly." This is getting confusing... Thief gave Scarf a look "You're not making sense." There was laughter from somewhere in the trees. Thief and Scarf both caught onto it in a heartbeat. The laughter belonged to Moonlight. "You'll understand him when you're older Thief." "Moonlight?" They both said with opposite tones. Thief was confused and Scarf was calm, and happy. He urged Thief to follow him and Thief went ahead.

The park was a large and beautiful - that's an understatement. Thief was captivated by the stone path's and the perfect rock-like benches. Not to mention the trees and lined after every few tree was a Sakura. The bright - pink flowers Thief had seen at one point - long ago weren't in bloom at that point of the year. He felt upset, but with the leaves changing and the temperature dropping with every passing week he knew that winter was starting to come around.

"That Vulpix of yours is... different" "She's not mine!" Thief whined defensively and Moonlight chuckled about it. "Well she's grown rather fond of you." Moonlight spoke with a happy and, nearly caring, smile "... She's a bit weird to be honest." Thief nibbled on his bottom lip "Weird?" "When we first met her, back in Pewter she stared at me like she'd seen me before." Thief explained and Moonlight looked around cautiously - the young Growlithe hardly caught onto it. "She's the fir-"

They were surrounded by a group of strangers... Somebody looked familiar - a Flareon in the mix. "Hey Thief" Akamaru started to say and Moonlight took a light defensive stance. "Go back to Griffin please; we need to talk to Moonlight alone." "But" "No buts. just go." Moonlight nodded to him and Thief went back - looking at them only once.

They did seem to be just talking...

A Persian to his right and a Golduck to his left, Moonlight glared sharply at Akamaru - he gave a small guilty glance as somebody cut him out of view. "I have a question for you Espeon." A Wartortle crossed his arms. Moonlight shifted his eyes to the other two. The Golduck was already taking up a fighting stance. The Persian simply licked her paws calmly; smiling like it was all a joke. "Ask away." Moonlight responded promptly, he already knew what was going on - it was all too familiar. "You made a little comment while fighting that Glaceon the other day..." "What of it?" The Golduck stirred, annoyed.

"Boss! Just ice this faggot already!" Moonlight smirked "Is that all?" Moonlight always kept a happy and kind tone but suddenly it stopped and began twisting - malforming... "Shut it you worthless bitch!" Moonlight adjusted the tufts of his fur and glared at the Golduck. "Really, I'm surrounded by children..." The Golduck snarled and Persian took a gloating look "You really don't take a hint do you Espeon?" She sighed and hissed "It sort of pisses me off." "At this rate I'm going to have a headache." Moonlight replied sincerely and the Wartortle took his stance. "You'll be in more pain then that when we're done with you freak." He snarled "How can you just throw away basic decency! The laws of nature!"

"Looks like your trainer's views rubbed off on you Wartortle" Espeon gave a taunting stretch, like he was warming up. The Wartortle grimaced and Moonlight hated the look on his face - he was about to wipe the floor with it. "My only question for all of you is this." He was strict and cold. The chill of his voice resonated into the wind as if a thirsty bloodhound had turned the corner and found its prey cornered. "What!?" The Golduck snapped and Moonlight was already holding a glare upon him. "How does the Center treat you all?" The Golduck took the taunt and bolted forward. "You'll be in the dirt by the end of this!" Moonlight noticed his attackers as targets.

The sight reminded him of something he remembered years ago... The scent of blood filled his nostrils... a memory? Moonlight felt the sudden lightness in his muscles - adrenaline was suddenly racing through him. He hardly noticed when the Golduck took a swing.

Well tried to in the very least. On the floor - nearly cracked into the cobblestone was the Golduck... Moonlight felt the shimmer of deep purple emit from his forehead - he caused it. His eyes shut with the simple picture and his body flared with a familiar heat. The familiar joy...

Quickly his eyes snapped open, he pictured exactly what was about to happen. The Golduck's claws neared for his neck and like it was nothing, Moonlight painted that picture. The Golduck slammed into the pavement with a cry of pain - hard enough that blood splattered into the air, crossing by, and spraying, Moonlight's muzzle.

The mark of blood looked oddly like some scar - as if some beast tore at his face long ago, but it was thick and red and dripping onto the floor before the Golduck. His body shivered in pain and Moonlight snapped his attention to a row of footfalls racing towards him.

"You!" The Persian hissed out and tackled him; he simply took the blunt of it and used the momentum back to roll into a stance - facing her. "Bastard!" "Bring it." She snarled unleashing a torrent of quick shadows - Moonlight knew the technic instantly. Shadow claw mixed with agility. Although lost in the darkness - void of light his sphere still glowed with a violent purple-pink light.

The Espeon could see the Persian easily - her energy wasn't hard to detect at all. Something started to pick up in the air. Moonlight realized that she was gaining power, this power...

Shadow Ball. Moonlight bounced around, calling upon Light Screen. The moment her attack struck his screen, he bolted off left, sliding out of the darkness and committed himself to creating his own - even though he knew that she wouldn't be affected.

Quickly he charged one up, one that was easily twice the size of the one she made, and the moment the Persian was out of the darkness - she was enveloped by his. "Was that it!?" She darted out and the moment that happened - Moonlight had her right where he wanted her.

Agility came next. Before the Persian could move Moonlight swept her off of her feet by her throat and drove her into the oak tree behind her - head first. This time the blood drenched his teeth, he drove them in further then he planned originally. She was barely moving and Moonlight targeted the Wartortle next; he was at a loss, terrified by Moonlight's brutality. Moonlight overstepped the Golduck - not giving him a second glance and loomed over the Wartortle. He stared into Moonlights sharp eyes and nearly flinched when he opened his mouth.

"I'm only passing through with my trainer, but understand this." He hardly needed to snarl "Never come near me or my trainer, or I will end you. Understand?" "..." The Wartortle bit his lip and glared into Moonlights eyes. "I guarantee that if you're ever back into this city, I'll kill you, understand that?" "I don't need this city, so you can have it." Moonlight strutted away, glaring at Akamaru who reluctantly followed. Afterall he only wanted to go back to Natasha.

"What the hell was that?" Akamaru's voice broke the silence after they were out of sight "You..." He swallowed - nearly taking a stance and Moonlight stared at him. Akamaru couldn't move. "That." A small smile touched the curve of Moonlights lip - his muzzle was still covered in blood and his eyes gleamed in a way that only a predator could give. "That was something I haven't done in much too long..." "Y..." he swallowed "You've done this before? Wait... How old are you?" Akamaru tried considering all of the facts "Griffin was talking about when he met you first - you were on a trail..." "About nine, maybe ten now." Moonlight was slowly calming himself down "You're older then Bandit then?" "About a year or so."

Akamaru swallowed again - trying to push further. "I come from the mainland." "Across the sea?" "That's where I was born and, unlike here, it's kill or be killed - that's exactly what I did. Survive." Moonlight then cut Akamaru off "Why were you with those Pokémon?" "It's not like I had much of a choice..." Akamaru hung his head down in shame. Moonlight gave him a smile and sighed "Enough about this - it's making me tense again." Akamaru swallowed bitterly as Moonlight's happy - playful tone suddenly came back. "Let's go check up on Griffin and the others!" Anymore happiness and Moonlight might as well have begun skipping all the way there.

-

"Awwe, what an adorable Vulpix!" Another trainer was going into Trevor's gym and couldn't help but stop to stare at Luna for a while. She was curled in a way that her ribs stayed off of any hard surfaces. Absol was still lying down behind the counter - it was as if she turned into a statue. One that spent all of her time staring at the ceiling...

Luna sighed loudly as if trying to get her attention after the customer walked in with his own Pokémon. "Hmm?" Absol stirred barely and kept her eyes on the roof. "Instead of just lying around why don't we go wait outside? I mean, you obviously want to look at the sky, don't you?" Absol looked Luna's way and watched her pop off of the counter.

"Vulpix?" Rebecca called and Luna brushed it off. "Come on Absol, sitting around in here all day is getting boring." Hesitating Absol stood up and followed Luna. They weren't in the heart of the city, in fact, the entire area was more of an industrial complex nearby the harbor. A row of old warehouses lined the road to their right - heading to the sea and a main road was to their left. Somewhere even further down, Luna could notice the top of some large department store nearly looming over the city - or that's what it looked like in the very least.

"Lilycove City..." The name Minamo came to mind as well - that must've been the name before western influence. Luna took a moment to draw in the sight. From the Harbor to the city - it was a hill and on the top was the city. It was only the slightest angle but it looked magnificent.

"Luna!" A shadow darted to her from one of the warehouses - Absol cut in front of her... Followed by Spirit who narrowly casted off the attacker in a single fell swipe. A Quilava picked itself off of the pavement followed by a Baltoy to back up his escape. Before Luna could even flinch Trevor was already behind them with Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee. There was a silhouette from the doorway of the Warehouse - a human.

"I told your kind to get away from here!" He through his powerful arm to the right - passing it off in a cutting motion "Get lost mugger!" The shadow 'tsked' and left, his Pokémon lagged on behind. Trevor stood out front of his gym for a while before looking down to Luna - her eyes went wide with fear for the slightest of seconds.

And then he smiled. "He's gone now, just watch your back around here - Team Magma loves to try and sneak Pokémon away from trainers." "Do you want me to speak to another officer about it Trevor?" Rebecca hesitantly strolled out of the gym "There isn't much they really can do unless we actually get robbed by them."

"Fair enough... I just don't want to be walking home and have one of those creeps follow me." Trevor smiled and put his large hands into his pockets "Don't worry about it; I'll walk you home tonight." Trevor had already passed by Rebecca and didn't notice, but Luna noticed that her face went cherry-red "I-I-I..." Rebecca muttered under her breath, trying to find some words then, she bit her tongue "Thanks Trevor..."

"No problem." He replied and went back to work - supervising and helping trainers with their Pokémon. Luna walked in and watched him work with a different trainer "I'm trying to get my Pokémon stronger to compete for the Mossdeep gym." Trevor started to contemplate the name for a moment "Oh! You mean Tokusane!" He gave a hearty laugh and the trainer stared at him, confused.

"Tokus- ... 'Mossdeep' has a Psychic gym so your best bet would be to focus on countering that and physical attacks shortly after. This is if you don't have a Ghost Pokémon of course." "So if I don't use a Psychic type to beat their Psychic types I should focus on ghost-type attacks?" "Not just using Psychic attacks, those are all about focus. You overpower them with any other element. Like fire." "So break the will of the Pokémon?" "Exactly, just try NOT to injure them."

The trainer seemed to understand and continued training his Pokémon, without Trevor's guidance. Luna stared out into the doorway of light. She couldn't see the road well as the lighting dropped inside of the training center, probably to keep the temperature low. A bad feeling overcame her, somewhere, anywhere in the city she knew that eyes would be staring at her. Softly she nipped at her dressing - Trevor replaced it not too long ago. The bandages were a sign of her_weakness_ here and Luna knew that it makes her an easier target for Team magma or any other thief that may come along...

Lunch came around soon enough. Absol hardly ate much; in fact Luna noticed that she hardly really ate at all. It made her worry about Absol, she'd never eat anything most of the time, only nibble on food here and there. "I'll be fine." Luna felt the shock run through her pelt as Absol startled her. Her voice was soft but sincere. "I know I don't eat much at all." "I never sai-"

"I know you were thinking it though, the look in your eyes tells it all." Absol gradually began eating some more food, not much, but at least it was something more. "I never really do eat..." Luna's mind froze. Griffin brought Absol in after he ran into Team Rocket... She started to add more and more of the puzzle together. She's quiet, odd and she does the weirdest things - most of which hurt her in the end... Luna swallowed some of her food and sat down next to Absol.

She went back to lying down. She's sad. Luna could feel the emotion in her eyes. Absol knew that Luna was staring at her but it was as if she never really acknowledged Luna's presence unless she was being spoken to. It made her feel sick because... Luna knew the feeling. A long, long time ago she knew that feeling.

"Wh - what did they do?" Absol froze, looked away and stared intently at her paws. Words slipped out without a second thought and Luna swallowed, taking a bit of a firm stand. "Please tell me." "I don't think you'd -" "I will understand Absol." Luna looked into her eyes with the deepest sincerity she could find in her heart. She didn't deserve any of this and Luna wanted her to see that.

For whatever reason she couldn't stop caring. "You're part of Griffin's team, same thing as Scarf and Moonlight, and Thief and Everybody else." Luna swallowed dryly as Absol stayed quiet, staring back at her. "You, me... we're both part of the same team and I feel like we're a bit like family..." Luna sat down, starting to double-guess her words.

Lightly the pain in her chest started to ignite again and Luna winced, Absol took attention and stood up. "Are you okay?" The concern resonated in her voice so clearly that it almost made Luna mad "Why..." She bit down on her tongue, forcing herself to calm. "Why don't you care about..." Absol cut Luna's voice off and started wiping her paw against the side of her muzzle She was wiping a tear away from Luna's face.

Absol smiled wryly "I can't." She replied to Luna's question softly and stared into her eyes. "I just... can't" Luna couldn't understand her at all; the only thing she really did know was that she was suffering and it was from something that Luna knew all too well.

"Humans aren't terrible things." Luna didn't know where she was going with that. "In fact, there are a lot of good ones out there. Sometimes even when the bad ones don't realize what they could do, there's one that can..." Luna naively whispered her point of view and Absol smiled.

The smile was faked, anybody could see that. Somewhere in the curves of her face was a hint of resentment. "You're more of a pup than you realize, Luna." Absol smile became a bit bright and that was the Absol Luna wanted to know. After a while Absol went ahead and decided to lie back down, watching the clouds through the tin roof above them.

-

When Moonlight and Akamaru showed back up, both Natasha and Griffin nearly jumped to their feet. They had heard about an attack on two Pokémon in the park from somebody.

Moonlight cleaned his muzzle off at a nearby fountain and it dried before they got there. He nuzzled into Griffins hand a little too lovingly and he was taken by surprise.

Thief and Scarf were chatting but the moment Moonlight walked by they both started talking with him - Akamaru went with Natasha where Tsuara was swooning over Sephiran - or so it seemed, she didn't even notice the effect on him.

Akamaru sighed and sat next to the base of a tree. Yuny was running over to Natasha, pawing playfully at her jeans. She knelt down and petted him, a small content smile brushed against her face.

Akamaru sighed again, this time casting ambers at the thick, green leaves in front of him - they burned and he felt delighted. A shadow loomed over top him. Leafeon. The older Pokémon gave him some scolding look and passed on his way, Akamaru felt the anger touch his core.

He hated it there, as if he was a middle child, he hated every minute of it. Soft tender cries touched the clouds somewhere above. A Pokémon hovered high above the city - a Fearow by the look of it.

Something stood behind him - blocking out the sun. The moment he turned... a person? Before he hardly knew what happened something hard struck him and he fell unconscious.

Moonlight was busy chatting with Thief and Scarf, Griffin was busy talking to Natasha and Brad and Tsuara, Sephiran and Leafeon saw nothing either.

Somewhere out from the thicket of the shadows and trees was Bandit. She saw everything and trotted off, following the mysterious looking man in a plaid jacket and a clean pair of jeans.

Shadow followed Bandit naturally as she walked by. "Did you notice?" "Far before you did." Shadow smiled and licked his maw "It's been a while since something like this has happened, hasn't it?" "Team Magma never stood a chance before, this figure can't either" Bandit smiled with deeper intent. "He's not Team Rocket is he?" "No, he's somebody much, much different."

They followed the mysterious man out of the park, a passing police officer stopped him at the front. "Excuse me sir, why don't you have your Pokémon away?" "Oh, sorry. My Flareon fell asleep in the park and I didn't want to return him to his Pokéball." The officer took another glance; the plaid-suited man hardly gave off any bad vibes. Instead the passing officer smiled and let him on his way.

"Foolish cop." Bandit and Shadow avoided him with ease. "Anybody could see through that coy trick." "I think that was the point, did you notice his uniform?" Bandit recalled her thoughts. "It was a lighter shade of color..." Shadow smiled and kept his pace.

"Exactly, it was a few tones too light." Bandit seemed to growl bitterly "What is wrong with this city?" Shadow kept a watchful eye out and around - the man was keeping to the alleyways and that kept Bandit and Shadow out of the open. Bandit followed in the shadows, from time to time the man turned.

"How much have we noticed wrong already?" "Too much, Griffin and the others hardly noticed." "Like the guy who lifted his wallet before?" "Yes, nobody even noticed that." They followed the thief a little further; Bandit wasn't going to return without the Flareon. Surprisingly the city was filthier then it showed off before. There was a wonderful amount of glow and luxury when they walked in but at the end of the day it had its nooks and crannies and even filthier places.

Somewhere in the neighborhood they passed in was a row of different shops and bars. The sun was out burning past the clouds. "I remember this one trip with Trevor..." Bandit started as if casually passing the time. "Mexico was the place; it was when he was visiting his grandparents down in America. He wanted to see it" "When Griffin and Logan were in Grade school right?" "Yes." The man swung around the corner and they peeked over after hearing other footsteps.

"Team Rocket obviously." The uniforms said it all. They exchanged money with the plaid-suited fellow and he counted it out. The man handed over the Flareon and nearly walked right into Shadow and Bandit but he was obviously too distracted to notice. They followed the two of them, who were laughing and joking about anything else. "So remember those two idiots that Boss keeps hiring back" One said to the other. The other one was carrying Akamaru - not that Bandit or Shadow cared to remember his name.

"What Jesse and James?" "Yeah... wait you really remembered their names?" "Christ I hear about those idiots too much." Something cracked under Bandits feet - the two heard it in an instant. "Shit, Shadow get on my back." They were just turning. "What?" He started to half-understanding "Now!" She whined in some way that the Team Rocket lackey's turned quickly only to see two Mightyena's about six feet behind them... one on top of the other. Bandit shut her eyes as if acting and Shadow hardly needed to move, only freeze as if he just noticed them.

"Seriously?" One of them turned back around "I didn't even need to see any of that..." "That's sick..." They both turned and walked away "They look like strays." "Who cares?" The other one said "They aren't worth taking if they are." Shadow and Bandit waited till the two turned the corner before Shadow climbed off.

"Sorry..." Bandit apologized softly "It was the only thing I could think of, there wasn't anywhere to hide..." She looked behind her - she stepped on a large old window pane. There was a crack in it; her one paw must've put too much weight on the corner. Bandit growled again and started to track them "Let's go get that damn Flareon and head back." Shadow nodded and hurried along, his face was completely red.

After following Team Rockets scent for a while, Bandit and Shadow came by an old building - it looked much like a shop in the middle of an old, poor neighborhood. There were cracks inside the concrete and the dim sickly-yellow paint was peeling away. Bandit put her jaws onto the door - it was unlocked. Quietly she pushed it aside.

There was a row of cages about three by five cages high. Each one was filled with a Pokémon. To her right the cages were plain and empty. "I told you before" The one man lit a cigarette "the way everything is going we'll meet our quota early. The Boss is going to be happy with us, that's for sure."

"So what about that next mission we were told about?" The other fellow was drinking out of a logoed can - Bandit assumed it was beer. "About that Fletching kid." The word Fletching made Bandit snap in her mind. "Don't worry about it; we got plenty of people who can deal with him when the time comes."

Bandit sharpened her fangs while waiting for her chance but Shadow stopped her. The two of them left and locked the door behind them. "There" Shadow clipped off a lock with an old technique he learned. "Bandit, there's an open window above the shelves; we need to alert somebody - anybody." She nodded softly and licked her maw. She could almost taste the blood around it, it was sickening.

Making her way through the window-sill Bandit bolted towards a better neighborhood as fast as she could. Shadow stayed behind, clipping off as many locks as he could. "Watch the door; I'll free everyone I can before they get back."

-

By the time Natasha and Griffin noticed the Akamaru was missing, it had already been about half an hour. She wasn't particularly concerned but Griffin got everyone to help look for him. That's when he noticed Bandit and Shadow were gone too. Scared to death he raced around the park, calling out both of their names - there was no reply.

Brad and Aura went out into the city to find somebody to help them; they went alone even though Griffin wanted to go with them. Brad told him that he should stay at the park, in case they returned.

After pacing the park a few more times and retracing some steps he ran into a police officer. "Excuse me, sir?" "Yes? How can I help you?" He responded with a smile "My friend can't seem to find her Flareon and I was wondering if you've seen him around."

"Sorry but I can't say that I have, I'll keep an eye out though." Griffin smiled and gave a quick look around "Thank you sir." "No problem." The police officer left, looking around and asking some other trainers if they'd seen Akamaru - those trainers declined too...

Griffin sighed in worry and took a breather, his eyes rested on Natasha. She was all chilled and simply sat on a park bench with Tsuara and Sephiran. Yuny and Leafeon were in the field at least ten or so feet away. It made Griffins blood boil.

Tightly he clenched his teeth about as much his closed fist before letting it go. Nearly crumpling onto the grass he felt weight hit his stomach. A lot of weight... Moonlight was sitting on his stomach, his paws reached up onto Griffins chest. Softly he petted the Espeons ear.

Soft tender purrs rang through the air around him, the came from Moonlight. Gently he swayed his tails left and right in a manner that calmed Griffin right down.

Memories touched the back of his mind in a tender cool wind that pressed against his hair. At the same time Moonlights small tongue pressed against his cheek - Griffin knew this feeling from long, long ago.

That feeling came from Bandit.

He remembered living with his grandparents in Littleroot, exactly a year after he met her. She did the same thing - the same thing Moonlight was doing now. Softly his hands went astray and embraced the Espeon - held him to his stomach tenderly. Griffin closed his eyes and let the sun beat down on him; the heat was casted away by a tender breeze that sung in his ears.

Ever so quickly did he lose track of time, just by listening to Moonlight purr and knead into his chest. Somewhere in the distance Griffin caught onto the sound of sirens. One, two... three? He sat up and looked around

"There you are!" Akamaru was back, Shadow and Bandit seemed to crawl back around from the treeline - they were gone for a long time themselves.

"Hey... Griffin." Brad was panting madly, Aura caught up from behind him "There are cops all over the main strip; I heard something about Team Rocket being involved."

"What?" Griffin stared to get up and Moonlight popped off of him, Griffin apologized to the Espeon "I don't want to stay if Team Rocket is running around..."

"Well we were planning on going to Maidens peak right?" Brad brought the conversation back up "Oh my god!" Natasha got up herself "I completely forgot about that, we HAVE to go." "Alright, alright." Griffin replied "We'll head to Maidens peak and then go to Vermillion." Griffin looked at his Pokémon "After, we take on the Saffron city gym. Can you handle it Moonlight?" Moonlight nodded

Everyone else nodded in agreement and made their way to the gym. Aura clung closely to Brad as he looked back to Griffin and Natasha "It's a Psychic Gym according to the locals here." Brad stuck his hands in his pockets "Me and Aura are going to have one hell of a fight." "Damn straight!" Griffin replied, clenching a fist "I know we agreed to have a day off... but all this waiting is making everyone tense."

"What's with the sudden determination Griffin?" Natasha loomed over him "Afraid that team rocket is going to steal your Pokémon or something?" Griffin shoved his hands into his jacket

"No way! I'm just getting pumped up...."

"It's just a Psychic gym" Bandit started the chat with Moonlight; they were the only two who wouldn't enter their Pokéballs. "Griffin really is a bit of an idiot, don't you think?" "He's young and naïve. There is nothing wrong about that Bandit." Moonlight kept his pace next to Griffin and hardly stared behind at Bandit. "You smell like blood." "As do you..." She replied, smiling. "Somebody made you mad, didn't they?"

Moonlight focused back on Griffin's aura and let it drench him from its powerful, positive wave. Bandit snickered and caught up to Moonlight "Yeah, I do smell like blood don't I?" "I know you hate the scent." "I know you love it." "..."

Moonlight stepped beside Griffin. "Stay out of my way Bandit you're trying to intervene with things that you hardly understand..." "Fuck you." She recoiled with a snarl and Moonlight met her gaze as if it were a challenge "Such a foolish temper... you're annoying me" He retorted and stuck closer to Griffin "do me a favor and stop"

"Fine Moonlight, anyways I'd love to see all of that bottled rage during this gym battle." She taunted him and strolled ahead to talk to Aura for a bit. Moonlight bit down on his tongue - stopping any more words from touching his lips. Images of blood paved across a den wall flashed in the back of his mind.

Bodies...

Family....

Slipping away into darkness and somewhere in the despair he noticed a light hum over him. A Vulpix, the name pressed against his lips and Moonlight whispered it with a deep and never-ending longing. "I... still love you... Autumn."

The curve of his small muzzle and the smile that always touched his face; and even the light-blue scarf Ayumu bought him for winter. Small tender memories swallowed him whole before he let the emotion fill his spirit.

That's what Moonlight was always fighting for and he would never forget that. Looking above him was a building - the gym towered over him like some opponent across a chalked field.

He would never forget him, he could never forget him. Quickly Moonlight followed Griffin inside and let go of all his hatred as he knew of the challenge that lay ahead of him

The challenge of facing himself again, the same way Sephiran fought him before.

The challenge of being able to see Autumn again...

Chapter 12 end.