FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 14: Melody

Jarring sounds rang through the forest as Thief stirred awake in the cold morning wind. The sky was blue and clear letting the sun shine down into the meadow with a friendly smile.

As he yawned and stretched, his eyes noticed Moonlight for a moment - he was asleep and further down field, nestled in the tall grass as if making a cradle. The Growlithe whined and yawned before looking behind him to his trainers' tent.

Griffin was still asleep, along with everybody else. He wandered further in field about twenty feet, looking at a bundle of purple fur - Moonlight was still.

It was a dry night and a beautiful morning, Thief looked around the forest and the wild Pokémon that fluttered around the trees and the airy sky.

As his brown eyes skimmed over the air and met with a small poofy cloud with long ears and a large tail. He looked at the cloud and the Eevee looked back.

-

Luna was woken by the sound of Absol walking by. It was already ten and the Vulpix yawned groggily and looked around exhausted. They were alone at Trevor's.

"Where is everybody?" Luna said yawning "Trevor said something about the Herbalist. Spirit is here though." Luna looked to the sliding door, pressing her muzzle pas the small crack to notice the Sandslash sitting out on the beach below. He was a golden speck on a bluish-green sea.

"How long has he been out there?" "Since this morning..." Absol started to cough bitterly and Luna immediately focused on her. "Are you okay?" Luna turned a bit, her legs shaking tiredly. "I'm fine hon. it's not the first time I've been poisoned." Absol watched as the Vulpix sluggishly made her way over to her. Absol smiled "You should rest more, that way the herbs can work quickly."

Luna nodded, the medicine was affecting her harshly - her body felt numb and she was exhausted all around. Tenderly she curled up by the fireplace, it wasn't lit but it made her feel warm. Absol stayed up, making her way to the beach as Luna had slipped back into sleep.

"She fell back asleep?" Spirit asked as he skimmed over the ocean water. His eyes copied the waves. "Yes she did." Absol replied and sat on the sand next to his rock. "Sweet thing isn't she?"

"Luna is young... a little too young in my opinion." Spirit hopped down, looking over the Absol. "Has she noticed?" Absol looked down to her hind leg, the fur tufted out, jagged and sharp.

"Probably, but she hasn't asked." "Only one of your scars... I see a lot of them." Spirit studied her more, skimming over the Absol quickly. "Are you ever going to tell everybody what you've been through?" A small smile broke through the Absol and that was something Spirit started to notice, she was smiling. Spirit smiled back.

"I appreciate your concern, but that story will come in due time." Spirit glanced back at the ocean. "It's been a while since I could talk to somebody my age, so pardon if I may be at a loss..." "You aren't at all; in fact it's been rather nice talking with you over the past few days."

"I'm glad." Spirit brightly said and stared back into the ocean waves. "Trevor should be back soon, let's head back." Absol nodded and followed Spirit back to the house by the beachside

-

"Yes, the shipment should be in shortly." A voice echoed on the other end of a speaker, a brown-haired fellow spent his time focusing on the notepad in front of him. "Sure thing Dad, I can get it all checked" He speaks into his Bluetooth while skimming over his notes while comparing it to those of a friend.

"Logan, over here." He took a quick walk over to another man, skimming over a set of old slabs. "I guess your father was right about this" "He usually is." "I just can't believe he dragged you over here to help" Logan smiled and looked over the stones, drawing a quick sketch of them.

"Well what do you do really? You're invited to go onto an archeological site and speak to scientists and researchers for a few days." "But on such short notice" "I really don't mind, anyways I won't need to be back home right away." Somebody whistled behind them, urging him to come.

"We found some more in the main dig site!" They called out and Logan made his way over with the other man "What did you find?" "Fossils."

"Fossils?" Logan hopped down into the dig site, passing through the trench-way "Yes everything has turned into a smoother stone over here too, there seems to be a building under the earth..." "So we found something big?"

"I don't quite know..." Logan got onto his phone and checked over the fossils. "These look like Anorith fossils, they aren't uncommon." "I found Archen fossils over here." A voice called and while everything was being uncovered...

"Hey what is that? Logan! Over here!" Logan looked over to a young woman who picked up a fossil - or at least it looked like one. He immediately looked over it. "I haven't seen this before..." As he started to make some calls he looked over the fossil of a small orb-like creature.

The last phone call Logan put through was one to his father, telling him about their discovery. Upon hearing the news he said that he'd leave the meeting to go their right away.

It didn't last long at all, the silence at least. Logan was busy looking through a set of notes and finishing the sketch of the fossil in his small notepad when he had heard it. A gunshot rang through the dig site. At first he thought it was just a controlled explosion but the screaming proved that it wasn't the case.

Engines revved in the mountain air as two jeeps broke out of one of the logging roads, armed men walked out of the vehicles. Logan stepped out of the tent moments later only to be met with the barrel of a nine millimeter handgun.

Blood was caught in his peripherals, they shot somebody, and it wasn't a warning shot. As calmly as he could he stared back at the man, goggles blocked out his eyes and a rag covered his face. His hood kept Logan from noticing the color of his hair.

"Can I help you?" The gun was solid, unwavering. Logan had only run into this situation once before with Team Magma. "The sapient you uncovered." A voice changer, it made his tone raspy and deep "Give us the fossil or we will kill the rest of your team." Logan hesitantly swallowed, the gun stiffened and he could feel the cold steel press against his forehead.

"We don't ask twice boy." Another fellow - a Kalashnikov in his hands, the barrel was still smoking. Logan stepped back into the tent and pulled out the fossil they had found, silently he slipped his notepad into his back pocket where he kept a sketch of it. He immediately handed the fossil over when he stepped out, eyeing over the man as a surge of adrenaline racked his body.

"Finally somebody who's smart enough to cooperate..." He shook his head to another figure and he threw Logan a medical bag. "See to it that he doesn't bleed out." Another man took out a jerry can - filled to the brim with diesel. At least three of them started pouring the entire cans over the tents. Pictures, research and fossils were lit aflame.

"Remember, nobody witnessed anything." He was smoking a cigarette and suddenly he tossed Logan a zippo lighter - the smooth surface was entirely spotless... not a single fingerprint. The words on the front spanned from top to bottom, they said Underworld.

Their engines rattled noisily in the air and they peeled back down the road, Logan jumped over the moment they were out of sight. Luckily the man they shot had serious, but non-fatal injuries.

-

By the time it was ten thirty Griffin was long awake, climbing out of his tent and quickly setting his stuff down. He noticed his Growlithe was awake and cloud-gazing, not that there were many. He set up his portable camp stove and started to light the burners.

The flames whooshed to life and it caught Thief's attention - he ran over in a heartbeat and Griffin found himself chuckling from it. Immediately the Growlithe sat down before the stove, watching as his trainer began cracking a few eggs that he had and started cooking rice on the side.

Thief watched with big eyes and a rather big nose as Griffin kept cooking, in the midst he petted Thief reassuringly "You'll all be getting some too." He had said with a smile. Once he started cooking a few pieces of salmon he had picked up from the market, Natasha and Brad woke up.

Brad dressed pretty quickly from his tent and set it down right after, packing everything up for the day. Natasha stayed in her tent for a bit - she seemed to have been looking at a map. Griffin focused on his cooking even as Brad sat down next to him watching his every move.

"It's just eggs, rice and salmon..." Brad didn't seem to really care "How did you prevent the rice from sticking? Whenever I cook it nearly cakes on the bottom of the pan..." "You preheat the water, calculate the amount you need and take it out at the right time" "When is the right time?" "For my recipe here, I'm just making sushi rice, so right as the water evaporates... It also helps that the pans are non-stick pans"

"What are you two talking about?" Natasha had finally set all of her stuff down and was packed up. Griffin was practically done cooking so he let everybody out - he used up most of his supplies for it. From his bag he pulled out some paper plates - his Pokémon knew that they weren't food and he knew that he could trust them with that.

"Really Griffin?" "We reached an agreement, and since it's the first thing in the morning I figured they all deserved a treat." "That is unbelievably corny...." "It is not!" Brad stepped in after "The two of you are acting like a five year olds!"

"..." "..." Griffin looked at her "She totally started it" "Blow it out your a-" "Chill both of you!" Brad interrupted again "Anyways, Aura likes Griff's cooking and so do everybody else, so let's just enjoy it before it gets cold." Brad picked up his fork and started eating, seeming bitter. Natasha and Griffin started to eat too, nearly ignoring one another

It stayed pretty quiet for the morning and after breakfast they all started to move further into the forest. The silent and ancient forest spanned before them and Griffin took in every sight of it. Something rumbled in the wind and all three of them stopped by a nearby mountain ridge. It was long past lunchtime by the time they made it there.

The rumbling intensified and worryingly Griffin returned Thief, everybody else did the same with their Pokémon. "What is that?" Griffin was further behind them, taking his time when a shadow overlooked him for a moment.

A huge boulder fell from the top of the mountain. He jumped back and the crash took out the large ridge, letting it crumble under him. "GRIFFIN!" Natasha and Brad both yelled it when he fell down to the trail far below them.

Luckily for Griffin the ridge was actually angled - he rolled down, landing on the trail below. After a sharp exhale of pain and a moment of hearing their yells he finally stood back up. Moonlight had shot out of his Pokéball, trying to see if Griffin was okay.

"I'm alright!" He called back "Both these roads should lead to Maidens Peak, we'll meet there!" He sighed with a small panic in his voice "At least I hope we will..." he whispered to himself. Brad called back, signalling that he heard Griffin.

Immediately he turned on his GPS on his PokéNav, it wasn't calibrated properly - the trail... he was on a new logging road. He started to go the same direction as Brad and Natasha when the road curved right and further down it curved left narrowly. The road was beautiful

The road was forgotten. Moonlight kept tight to Griffin as if ready to guard against anything. Suddenly he reached an old fence - the ones with the wooden posts and the circular beams. It looked like old farmland and walking down the road in front of him was a young trainer.

His baseball cap rested low against his forehead, green and black. His sweatshirt was a pitching black with a blood-red Anarchy sign on it. He smiled, his Azure eyes dug into Griffins.

"I guess it's the fate of hell." He shrugged, hardly saying another word. "Time for a battle Trainer" Griffin felt annoyed but challenged, Moonlight took a cautious guard

"Straight to the point?" The mysterious trainer threw out a Pokéball. Haxorus sprung out, suddenly darting for Moonlight. Griffin darted out of the way as the Espeon took to speed, dodging the wild attack by skimming through its legs.

Damn... I've never gone against a pure dragon type... Griffin hardly knew what to do think... Think damnit! Moonlight dodged high when a sudden pulse rung through the air and a shock echoed from Haxorus's mouth - Dragon Pulse struck Moonlight clean. Suddenly the Haxorus was struck back.

Moonlight used Mirror Coat last second, barely skidding past the Haxorus's attack. In Midair he took a moment of time as a grace and struck again with a quick Psybeam - as the sudden battle raged on a sliver caught Griffin's eye last second.

Did the trainer really just?

Griffin took a wild jump back as shot of adrenaline racked his body when he felt his cheek tear. The trainer swung a heavy fist at him.

"Hey what the hell!? That's not bloody funny!!" Griffin put his hand to his cheek and instinctively took a defensive stance; he pulled his fingers away from his cheek. They were covered with his blood. Moonlight whined out in surprise, moving to guard Griffin when he was suddenly launched back into the air and punched clean to the chest by Haxorus.

Hardly a cry echoed out as Moonlight rag dolled through the air and landed as a heap of fur at the end of the road behind him. "Moonlight!!" "I'm your opponent" The fists jabbed this time and Griffin threw his bag, swinging it forward like some medieval axe. The Haxorus took the hit instead and suddenly it actually used Payback against him

Griffin swung back, landing on the ground hard next to Moonlight. "I'm bored of this, kill the Espeon." Griffin felt his eyes sharpen, the Haxorus took a bolt forward and Griffin practically scampered in front of Moonlight - hardly able to actually kneel, let alone move. His arms crossed to guard himself and his eyes went wide.

He wouldn't move and Moonlight tried to stand, almost yelped to protest. Griffin wouldn't.

There was no way in hell he would.

Suddenly a huge flash appeared in front of him, a blinding light stopped everything and before him was Bandit. Her fur was riled up - spiked in some violent outburst. The way she snarled it made him feel like she was laughing.

Suddenly she bolted and the ignition was like a missile going off. With a vicious roar the Haxorus took a sudden stomp downwards, trying to crush her into the ground but it missed. Suddenly she made a cut and leading it towards another and another and another - her body literally darted across all angles of the Haxorus.

So this is frenzy? Griffin tried to keep up with it but all he really could see was the Haxorus in panic, unable to keep up with her speed. Blood suddenly splattered into the air but she wasn't done yet. Bandit landed back in front of Griffin, a sudden light beam shot forward. She used Giga Impact and used that as her precursor towards Hyperbeam

Her charge became a quarter of the time it usually would and suddenly Bandit unleashed a massive torrent of energy that only a legendary could compete with. The Haxorus released Dragon Rage, it was the only thing it could do and as it tried to resist her attack

Griffin finally realized that during Frenzy she made every hit Toxic too. All that happened was a flash that blinded the world and suddenly a massive crack touched the air. Once he could see again the Haxorus was...

Griffin felt sick to his stomach, staring intently at the carcass before down casting his view. He didn't know what he was mad about, or upset about. The fact that Bandit just murdered a Pokémon or the fact that the trainer left it's Haxorus for dead?

Bandit casually walked back over to Griffin and he suddenly felt tears sting his eyes. As she walked towards him the only thing he could really picture...

was the Poochyena he found years ago.

-

Luna woke up from a torrent of nightmares, fire razed entire forests to the ground and there were Pokémon fleeing from all directions. Standing before her in the last current of seconds were the legendary beasts, the Pokémon of rarity. Zapdos, Articuno, Moltres, Lugia and Ho-Oh. Entei, Suicune and Raikou. Groudon, Kyrogre and Rayquaza...

Standing before her, in the last split seconds were their bodies, defeated - the impossible. In their place was them. Staring at her with devious looks and murderous intent, she felt smaller, lost in the shadows of her dream.

Finally waking in a cold sweat Luna stared around the room and silence met her. Her chest was inflamed - swollen slightly and weak to touch, the Vulpix finally got up. She stepped outside only to let the ocean wind meet her. Her paw pads met the sand softly and she found herself smiling, the pressed tenderly against her paws - the sun keeping it warm and the ocean water keeping it cool.

Her eyes glared out into the sky and somewhere, somewhere very far out she saw something move. Like a large bird flying very, very far out in the sky. I'm just having nightmares and making myself paranoid... it's probably just from the medicine.

Luna looked around and noticed that she was the only one at the house but not the only one at the beach. There were humans and Pokémon much further down, she could notice them on the horizon.

Without really caring about the time Luna decided to sit onto Spirit's rock and look out into the ocean, the sun was full but the sky was partly cloudy, blocking the light away from time to time. Luna felt her eyes start to fade away again

And somewhere on the horizon she heard the most beautiful music from far, far away. The chime echoed through the water like a pebble being tossed across the surface leaving ringlets of tune onto the ocean.

Where had she heard the song before? Luna knew the music and softly she opened her eyes without really opening them and suddenly she was soaring across the sea with the music in heart.

She heard the song from a tale long, long ago, a story that her mother told her came back into her mind. Many of them did. But there was one that suddenly stuck.

"Every night during Autumns' moon there is a chance for the sun to take it away. That is a time where the barrier between worlds can be broken and all of reality between them can shatter. It is said that once the barrier falls all of darkness will consume this world from its home - a place where even Giratina wouldn't tread. Like Yin and Yang there is both our opposites, a world of light like ours and a world enveloped in shadows as theirs."

"How does it not fall apart?" Her silver smile seemed to burn in her mind

"We, the maidens of the shrine of course. It is our job as Vulpi to protect the gate from ever opening. As I am the head maiden of the shrine I can communicate with the shadow world and... compared to what people say it's not as bad as we really think... Like our world they have right and wrong. They have people who go against the Kurai Kage... people who have always wanted to be here too. That is why there is such thing as Dark type and Ghost type Pokémon love."

The Ninetails skimmed over the moonlight and looked to the stars. "Hence why your name is Luna" The song kept igniting through and through. "And like your father's name was Lunar." Her contagious smile glittered in the lunar rays as Luna could hear a voice echo in through her mind. "You are the pin that holds balance and without you that balance is lost."

That voice!? Luna bolted awake and the moment her eyes opened the music was gone. She knew that voice without a doubt. Lugia's voice.

"Luna!" Absol made her way across the beach to her. "You terrified everybody; we left for hardly a few minutes..." "Sorry..." Luna smiled and jumped down onto the sand. "Y - You didn't happen to hear anything did you?" "Like what?" "Nevermind" Luna kept up with Absol, glancing back at the ocean from time to time.

Inside she was met with the overwhelming scents of food, she smirked playfully after her stomach growled - she forgot that she had been sleeping all day.

Trevor smiled and looked to Absol and Luna. Mid-way through lunch somebody started knocking on the door. Trevor answered the door only to see Logan there.

"Logan? What a surprise." Trevor let him in a second later "It's been a while since I've seen you in person. How have you been?" Logan stayed quiet for a minute "They attacked the archaeological dig..." "What? Who?" "Probably the same kind of person who attacked you..." Luna stopped eating and Absol did too. "They shot one of the archaeologists. He's in the emergency ward." Trevor looked over Logan "It's just like what Team Aqua and Magma did years ago but this time... it wasn't so lenient." "What did they do?"

"They burned everything to the ground. But I kept my notepad" He reached into his back pocket "I'm assuming that they tapped the phone lines... we were running with an actual line not wireless and the moment I pressed the findings to my father they came in." Quickly he showed Trevor the drawings and the notes. "They were after this fossil; I've never seen anything like this before... but worst of all I can't get a hold of Ayumu..."

"Damn..." Logan then gave Trevor the lighter. "Underworld?" the memory of the man before flashed in his mind. "The man who attacked me mentioned something about an Underworld..."

"See, I'm not going as crazy as I thought" Logan sighed and took off his jacket - he had a number of Pokéballs with him. "Unfortunately I'm not going home and I didn't know where else to go... I ditched the site after showing the data to my father and took a walk through the woods before getting a wireless transfer for my Pokémon... immediately after I ditched my phone and my Pokénav in the forest."

"It's that serious?" "They walked onto the site with guns, not just handguns, shotguns and even a few Kalashnikovs... "Logan sighed "They had jeeps and... everything" "So it's like what happened a few years ago?" "Worse" Trevor looked over at Spirit and his other Pokémon before glancing at Absol and Luna.

"I know of a place... somewhere secluded." "... You mean grandpa's old cabin right? Way in the middle of the Forbidden Forest?" "Do you have any better ideas? We can stay there for a while - it's in connection too with some things..." Logan sighed knowing that it would be painfully dangerous.

"I don't have any better idea's... I just wish there was one better than that..." "We should leave as soon as we can... But" "You need to tell Rebecca right?" "T - That and pick up some more medicinal herbs for Vulpix" Trevor flushed through and through and Logan started to laugh. "Alright... be quick."

Understanding the situation suddenly Luna began to eat as much as she could. They were going to be leaving for a little adventure of their own for a while. Absol surprisingly ate more than Luna expected and it made her feel relieved. After they finished dinner Trevor had come back - with Rebecca.

Logan figured that she wasn't going to take no for an answer and decided to head out, after a quick pack up. "So we go to Littleroot first and tell grandpa about everything." "Yeah, and we tell him that we're going to be using his cabin for a while."

They turned around the back of the house "This is where you came in right? Through the trails?" "Yeah, I avoided the city for the most part." "Alright, we can figure this all out... But for now let's work on getting there instead." Rebecca chimed in. She had three Pokémon of her own, Logan was carrying eight. Trevor started his way with everybody alongside him.

"So what kind of person is your Grandpa?" "He used to research Pokémon in the Forbidden Forest before it became... Forbidden. He found a number of interesting things and he stayed there even when they blocked off the woods. The Pokémon didn't mind him at all... we may be a different issue." Trevor picked up the pace, the city was disappearing behind them and Luna took another moment to look back at the beach.

The oceans silvery waves fluttered and glittered softly back at her, like the wings of a proud and majestic creature.

-

Griffin limped the rest of the way as his leg was sprained harshly. Refusing to return Moonlight away, he ended up carrying his Espeon while Bandit practically escorted him along. Moonlight was starting to lose consciousness and Griffin feared the worst with the blow that was dealt to him.

"Don't you die on me Espeon." Bandit commanded it, looking up at him from Griffins footsteps. Moonlight smirked "Why" He began coughing a bit, Griffin stopped immediately completely filled with concern. The Espeon stopped coughing shortly after "Why did you fight so leniently?"

Bandit grimaced softly "Because I knew that I would win the fight, that's all that mattered..." "You hardly hit him with your Hyperbeam" "I'm not the murderer you people believe I am."

Moonlight glared sharply at Bandit "Let's hope you made the right choice then." Another spree of bitter coughs rang out from the Espeon and Griffin continued limping on. By the time the sun was going down he had found himself trail - the main trail in fact, just past the mountain ridges descent. A little bit of hope touched him. "They'll be setting up camp pretty soon... if anything I should be able to catch up with them..." Griffin leaned against a nearby tree - his leg was entirely numb and swollen. He really shouldn't have been walking on it.

Moonlight squirmed from Griffin's arms "H- Hey!" he limped on the ground for a bit before his nose softly pressed against the injury. Without a moment to react his leg felt light and the swelling started to stop and.... Reverse. He's not actually using!?

Moonlight was using Healing Pulse on his trainer. Griffin swallowed bitterly, healing other Pokémon was one thing, but healing a human was something else - it would take a lot out of him. "Moonlight stop." He pressed his hand against his nose "You need to rest; I can always make a splint or wrap my leg."

Moonlight went to try again and Griffin stopped him "Please, just rest for now okay..." His head casted itself downwards "Please." Out of some admiration the Espeon pulled away and he quickly scooped him back up. "Thank you though, it does feel better."

Griffin picked the pace back up and Bandit rolled her eyes from the affectionate sight. It lingered in her mind like a bad taste on her tongue. Griffin kept walking until the sun started to slip further from the mountains. It was getting dark - very dark and he couldn't tell if Moonlight was asleep or just barely awake.

Something caught his ear, a crackle from a fire. He made his way to the sound and finally broke out at a nearby cliff - he was going up the whole time and below him was the light, flickering in the trees. There was Brad and Natasha, but how the hell was he going to get down there.

"Hey!" he called out and suddenly Brad looked around. He did it one more time and he looked above him. "Hey Griffin!" Natasha looked over too "There should be a way down close by!" Griffin looked around and Bandit was sitting right by a trail that led downwards.

After one last short stretch through the woods he was finally able to sit down by the fire. Worried he looked around - they were in a crater and if it were to rain they'd be soaked.

Sitting down Brad noticed his knee. "What happened to you? Did you get that from the fall!?" Natasha noticed it too. "No, I was attacked by a trainer - He gave me the bruise on my cheek too."

"What?" "He... swung a fist at me... and his Haxorus went right ahead and punched Moonlight... that's why I've been carrying him." "That's ludicrous no trainer would try to attack another trainer in a battle" Natasha recoiled "Well he tried to attack me." "Regardless of what happened that is still a very bad injury..."

"Well I'm here now, so I'll set up a sleeping bag for the night and we can make a splint tomorrow." Griffin sighed and easily rested his leg. Moonlight was still awake watching the fire and suddenly he felt thoroughly grateful. "Do you have a potion Brad?"

"I may..." He rummaged through his bag "It's nothing powerful but I have one... this thing is only really good for external injuries though." Griffin sighed and looked over Moonlight once more. Worry filled his soul. "Let him rest for the night." Brad helped Griffin set up his sleeping bag and gently Griffin put Moonlight down onto it.

"Are we close to Maiden's peak?" "We should be able to make it for breakfast... but with your injury it may take longer..." "I'll be sure we make it in time." Griffin smiled and started to chuckle "I'm not quitting that easily, we just left Saffron!"

Nightfall was quick and the cold began rushing into the small nestle of trees that surrounded them. Moonlight was fast asleep along with everybody else but Griffin stayed awake for just a while longer. Keeping his leg next to the flame he peeled back the fabric - it was swollen all around and it looked terrible.

His eyes shifted as he stared hopelessly at his injury. These things sometimes look worse than they are He lied again and again to himself but his leg wasn't broken, it was only sprained. The pain was numb all around but the heat was helping him feel it.

After a while longer he checked his PokéNav. His Vulpix and Absol were in their Pokéballs...

-

By about twelve at night the forest was alive with the sounds of bugs skittering and a Butterfree or two fluttering about in the nightlight. Trevor, Logan, and Rebecca took the night to keep walking through the woods. Rebecca's Charmander lighted the way. "How has that Vulpix and Absol been holding up?" Logan started the casual conversation. "They've been healing rather nicely... I don't like how we left them in their capsules though" Trevor sighed and Logan had an idea. He rummaged through his bag...

And he pulled out two pink and blue Pokéballs "Put them in here for now, we can put them back later on." "Heal balls? I don't know if they'd work well..." "It's designed like a miniature heal deck - like the ones at the PokéCenter. It might just help speed up the process." Trevor let them both out, letting the beam form them on the ground before him. Quickly he retrieved both of the heal balls from Trevor. "It shouldn't be hard changing the mark on the Pokéball; all you really need to do is let them accept the new one"

"I know that." Trevor said and held it up to Absol. She pushed her nose to the button and entered the Pokéball... Luna on the other paw didn't want to enter it at all. Annoyed Trevor tried one last time. "It'll help heal you..." The Vulpix didn't care for it and looked the other way. Agitated Trevor respected her choice and returned her to the other Pokéball.

They shifted through the woods quietly on the farthest horizon was a familiar place, the lights showed it brimming in the night. "Is that Kinsetsu?" "Mauville Trevor." Logan corrected him and he continued to look at the lights from high above. The small arch of a cliff overlooked most of the forest. "We're all pretty far from the main trail..." Rebecca said, petting her Charmander to reassure herself. The light glowed past the green ocean of windy trees and Trevor started down a steep path to the side.

"It's narrow but we should be able to make it down." Logan stepped over, pulling out a Pokéball. Dragonite sprouted out. "Can you help us out Dragonite?" It nodded and took Logan, carrying him down to the forest floor below. Then it was Trevors turn and lastly Rebecca... "W - Wait a minute I'm not good with f-" It picked her up and she squealed with fright as it flew low landing on the ground softly next to Logan and Trevor. She was clinging to Dragonite tightly - her heart practically stopped.

Logan found himself laughing and Rebecca's face went pitch red "T-T IT'S NOT FUNNY!" He stifled his laughter but found him still chuckling about it. Trevor found himself grinning but he looked the other way. "That's one way to stay awake." They started walking further through the woods, pressing onwards towards the lights of the city far, far in the distance. "If we're lucky we should be able to make it for tomorrow"

"Dragonite could fly us." Trevor brought up and Rebecca started on her rant of 'NO' "It's not a bad idea" Rebecca continued making remarks, trying to talk sense into both of them. Logan ended up returning Dragonite - he wouldn't have been able to carry all of them at once...

-

The next morning Moonlight was the first one awake. As he blinked adjusting to the sunlight he realized that Griffin was holding him. The Espeon felt warm... After a moment of fluttering that suddenly pressed against his chest the Espeon squirmed, getting out of his trainers grasp. He was still fast asleep.

Slowly he stretched out and noticed the bruising on his chest. It wasn't terrible at all, relief hovered over him and he took a moment to investigate Griffin's leg. He had a terrible sprain and the swelling hadn't stopped. Delicately the Espeon began flowering the injury with a pulse of energy.

It wouldn't be too bad for Moonlight and he had plenty of strength to spare. After a few moments the swelling was minimal and the Espeon curled up with Griffin, nosing at his arms. From the corner of his eye he noticed Shadow, a paw was slumped over Bandit and they were snuggled together, nestled between their fur. When had they left their Pokéballs? Moonlight couldn't care. It was warm.

Crackles rang against his ears and his eyes went wide, the Espeon swung his head rearward and like he had thought. The Haxorus was there, stumbling out of the woods. Standing he took the defensive. The dragon rested slumping to the earth next to the Espeon. "What are you doing here?" He snarled baring his teeth like a rapid dog. The Pokémon stared at him

"I have nowhere to go" He started to say calmly "My trainer abandoned me...." "What makes you think you are accepted here?" He was growling loudly now, Griffin stirred a little before waking up. Once his eyes adjusted he saw the Haxorus sitting over top of him.

He froze for a second wondering if it was a dream before nearly jumping awake, swearing loud enough that Bandit and Shadow woke up too. The second she woke up the Mightyena bolted across the way gunning for the Haxorus that sat there in response. Before really getting the chance to lunge she stopped, staring at the Pokémon.

"Moonlight, what's going on?" The Espeon skimmed over the Pokémon and Griffin froze in place trying to figure out what to do. After a moment he noticed the Haxorus dig into his rucksack before knocking a Pokéball his way. Griffin stared at it for a while. Half understanding Griffin picked it up, pressing the button in the middle to put the ball to full size.

Without much of a chance the Haxorus pushed a claw against it and the Pokéball drew him in without any resistance. After a moment it was locked Griffin caught a Haxorus, his first dragon type. Moonlight looked at Griffin and then peered to his leg, he was standing on them both and that made him feel grateful and proud.

"It looks like Griffins little show swooned him a little more than I thought" Bandit remarked looking as Griffin watched the Pokéball stream away, immediately he realized that he was in an area where the connection to his PC was strong. Trevor would have the Pokéball soon, he knew that.

"I told you before, Griffin is a different trainer." Bandit snickered "That's cute, you know that." "What?" "The way you admire him, it's like you'd follow him to hell and back." Moonlight didn't reply and instead he sat up tiredly and watched as the camp sprung to life. First Thief came out from his Pokéball and it simply followed from there.

Unfortunately Griffin didn't have the chance to cook and spent the time eating a few fruits from his bag. He shared a little with everybody even though they all had their own bowls of Pokéfood.

"Your leg is looking better." Natasha said "It might be from the water here, I've heard that somewhere near Maidens Peak is an old hot-spring." Brad started to say, wondering if the rumor was true "An older local story was that the waters became enchanted by a priestess long ago. Even the mist of the forest is said to heal Pokémon and people"

"I bet it's just mineral run off, Pokémon can thrive from many different nutrients and if the minerals aren't harmful I'd guess that many Pokémon around here would be healthy." Natasha rebutted "The forest around here is exceptional so it must be rich in nutrients and other materials"

Griffin rolled his eyes and began staring at his leg curiously - it was odd. Moonlight was curled by his thigh, resting his chin against him. Griffin was starting to notice that he was becoming much more attached to him than ever before.

After a quick bite to eat (Griffin really couldn't consider any of that breakfast) they started on their way. As they all began walking Bandit took a moment to look behind her, Shadow was being exceptionally affectionate again that morning and she knew the reason why. Suddenly she noticed that Moonlight was at the back of the group and for whatever reason he was staring at one spot in the deep blue cloudy sky.

"What are you looking at?" Thief bounced beside him and for the slightest of seconds he seemed bothered by it. Right after he smiled at the Growlithe "Just a few clouds, it's a beautiful day." Thief was left a little behind as Moonlight picked up his pace. "I'm bored..."

"I figured." Moonlight smirked and caught up with Scarf and Marill, they were just behind Bandit and Shadow... After a few more seconds... "Oh I know of a game." Thief chimed in "Something that might be able to get all of us to know each other."

"What's with the sudden curiosity? We've known each other for months." "Yeah but I don't know what all of you like... stuff like that." He started to laugh Scarf joined in "It's not too bad of an idea actually, we all talk a lot but it's usually about battles and training." "Griffins cooking." Marill commented "Exactly."

They were all grouped at the back, talking as Griffin, Natasha, and Brad skimmed over their map and continued pressing on the path before them. "So... what's your favorite... uhm" Thief took a moment to think about his question again. "Favorite time of year" Marill spoke up first "Mine's spring, especially when you get near a river!" "I love summer, the nights are just" Scarf stopped "Beautiful." "I figured winter" Moonlight stuck out his tongue "STOP WITH THE NAME THING!"

"I like the spring summer... the transition" Thief said "I mean by a beach during that time is great! Or maybe a lake..." They continued to walk, following their trainer. The trees were becoming scarce and the faintest hint of salt water lingered in the air. "What about you Moonlight? What time of year do you like?"

The Espeon paused for a moment. "Autumn." "Oh when all the leaves change color! Oh and there are festivals too, with fireworks and shows!" A faint smile stuck on the Espeon's maw. "Yeah."

"Favourite thing to do?" Scarf said "I love digging and exploring caves when I get the chance." The Pikachu's tail swung left and right he was getting excited just talking about it. "I like playing near sandy places..."

"You just love beaches" Marill grinned "The ocean is an awesome place to be! Me, I love spooking other Pokémon." The eyes were on Moonlight now. "I like collecting things from the forest... berries, plants, flowers, that kind of stuff." He smiled softly and Thief paused for a momentbecause to Thief

His smile seemed so sad.

"You smell that?" Brad said to Griffin. "Yeah it smells like ocean water." As they came up the hill and to a clearing all they saw was small shimmers of sunlight littering a wide beach far below them. The sun was reflecting off of glass windows. "Looks like we made it!"

"OH MY GOSH!" Natasha made both of the guys jump "There it is!" She nearly squealed and pulled out a camera. Griffin and Brad noticed the tall stone tower just off of the cliffside to the ocean. The faintest outline of a woman was on the horizon

"That's the memorial?" "Yes! I just wish we were here for the festival!" Brad and Griffin shrugged and made their way into town. Moonlight stayed out of his Pokéball as they walked onto a paved street, everybody else was put away. Staying close to his trainer, the Espeon took the time to admire the sun glittering over the ocean waves.

"We are definitely staying the night, I need to let out a paper lantern." Natasha kept marveling, showing off the spark in her eyes. Griffin and Brad started to hang back - people were beginning to stare... As they made their way through town the two boys noticed how quiet it really was, the silence was unsettling.

"Alright I'll go find a place for us to stay for the night, I bet they'll have a Pokémon Center." He turned to face somebody, his old dirty face and his cheap hoodie... "JESUS!" Griffin bounced back to the defensive It was that 'Name Identifier' man from before, and he was creeping up on him.

"AH HA! I knew I recognized you! You had the Vulpix Luna" "H- Her name isn't Luna you creep!" Brad stared back after a second. "What are you doing here? Didn't you bother me enough in Pewter?" "Did you get rid of the Vulpix?" He asked suddenly and Griffin shook his head. "She's with my cousin for now, she got injured." The old man looked over him rather seriously

"A Pokémon like that will only bring you ill luck." "She isn't bad luck, she's a wonderful Pokémon!" Griffin snapped on that one. The old man sighed "No matter how true that may be she is still bad luck!" Thief bounced out of his Pokéball a second after, he started to snarl and the man flinched "God, what is that thing!?" He backed away and Griffin was completely lost.

"It's a Growlithe?" He shook his head, he was done with him. "Nevermind, bye." Thief snorted and followed Griffin away from the strange old man. "Who was that?" Brad started to ask "No,no NOPE!" Griffin replied "No one, don't bring it up we probably won't see him again." He gave a sharp glare behind him and the old man was long gone. "Lets go find that center." He looked at Natasha and nearly blinked painfully "It'll be better than hanging around her when she's like this..." "I second that." Brad laughed and started to follow Griffin through town.

After ditiching Natasha and the two focused on walking they finally came by the Pokémon Center, nearby was the most humble sushi shop Griffin had ever laid his eyes on. For lunch they'd definitely have to go there. As they walked by it the older man waved with a happy smile and Griffin waved back. He took a second to turn, his face went blank. Natasha was still bouncing around somewhere in the distance.

Griffin noticed his Espeon diligently walking beside his feet. The large cat-like creature had hugged close to his shoe's for the whole time. After a few seconds he turned and picked Moonlight up. After a quarter second of what he swore could've been something similar to purring. Brad tapped his shoulder.

"Let's check him in alright? It'll be good for him to rest." With a nod they both stepped inside. "Welcome to the Pokémon Center, my name is Nurse Joy. How may I help you?" "Hi there, we're hoping to find a place to stay for the night." "Hmmmm..." She seemed rather stressed suddenly "We have only the one room in the back... there is two beds in that room."

"Anything vacant?" Brad replied "We have a trainer leaving today, she and her Houndoom had just came in late last night." Griffin looked to Brad for a split second. As usual Aura was standing right beside him

"Well with Natasha that would leave only one bed." Griffin started to say "Thinking of her?" His face went red "No, NO!" He recoiled "Not at all I just don't want to hean argument about it later." He looked to Nurse Joy. "How big are the beds?" "They're only singles."

After a moment of thought Griffin nodded "It'd be fine if I just sleep on the floor right?" "No way Griff." Brad replied "You leg -" "My leg is actually doing really well."He looked at it carefully "It's weird honestly, I could hardly walk last night... Anyways, I don't like the Center beds..."

"If you've been injured then it would be best if you take it" Nurse Joy started to preach "You shouldn't be so stubborn when people care for you." Griffin and Brad went silent, both of their faces went red

"W-w-what's that supposed to mean!?"

-

By the time Griffin and Brad made it to Maiden's Peak, Luna and everybody else took their first step into Mauville. Something felt wrong to Luna maybe it was from the Pokéball Trevor suddenly received when they walked in or perhaps it felt like someone was stalking her.

In fact ever since she left Lilycove it felt as if she was being hunted. Trevor felt his phone vibrate and he pulled it out. "Griffin?" Logan paused and Trevor told him that he was being too paranoid. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"Oh we made it into Maiden's peak... I was wondering if we could make a little transfer." "A transfer? Sure, I'm guessing you want your Vulpix and Absol back? You were talking about it before." Trevor started to say "That was before you left Saffron" "Yes, I was thinking about dropping off Bandit and Shadow for a while... I've heard of some interesting tips so far, apparently there is a healing spring of some sort nearby."

"I've heard of the rumor myself." Trevor glanced at Logan. "I'll set up for a transfer as soon as I can, are you near a Pokémon Center?" "Yeah, I'm actually in one now." As the three walked down the road there was a Center standing in the distance - as if appearing on cue. "I'll be right in one soon, I'll also transfer some items to you, they have medicine that they need to take..."

He spent the time filling Griffin in about it, Absol being in a Heal-ball and he then mentioned that he was making a trip to see Griffin's Grandfather. Even though the old man may as well be a grandfather for the entire family. Stepping into the center, Griffin still on the phone Trevor noticed that it was packed.

A computer was open and the transfer system was free. "I could've sent your Vulpix over wirelessly, but with Absol" "It's fine, whatever can help them is beyond appreciated." Griffin said and Trevor got onto the computer. Quickly he went through the system with the passcode that he remembered from Ayumu.

The code was simple Autumn.

"Alright." He placed on Pokéball into the transfer device and it disappeared within an array of light, then he put in another. As it disappeared Trevor watched as two others came into the receiving end. Moonlight and Bandit. Logan stepped over, taking the two Pokeballs.

"Didn't think he'd return these two so soon." Trevor looked over them and shrugged "I guess he wants to move on?" Logan smirked "Nope, not at all." After a few more moments Logan and Trevor put their Pokémon through the heal deck right across the counter.

Nurse Joy was in the middle of checking over Logan's Pokémon. "If we keep on the trek we're going we might be able to make it in the next few days." "Now that we have Bandit and Shadow nobodies stopping us." Logan grinned and collected his Pokémon. "Griffin may want to transfer them back after he brings his Vulpix and Absol to the hot spring."

"It's a myth right? I doubt he'll find it." Trevor sighed. "Either which way let's get out of here. I don't want to be in the city any more than I have to." Logan nodded and Rebecca followed, waving at the Nurse and saying thanks.

-

Finally Luna was let out of the Pokéball. She looked around skimming over the familiar yet strange face. Griffin - her heart suddenly fluttered, Thief was going to be here. At his feet was Moonlight. "Luna" He bowed quiet formally, acting as if she were some princess. She rolled her eyes and he simply chuckled "Is that how you say hello?"

"Hello Moonlight." She couldn't hide the smile, it was so stupid but she found it adorable. She pictured Thief doing the same thing and it made her feel a little too empowered. She pictured him again, the entire scene ran through her mind like a daydream.

The field of trees swaying in the wind. The grass rustles carrying the sound of a river and there it was, a single Oran berry softly dropping to the floor as she...

She couldn't fill in the rest, her face went completely into a fluster. Why am I thinking about this now? A beam shot off nearby and there he was.

"Luna!?" His tail immediately shot up, wagging left and right. In all honesty Luna felt relieved for a moment she thought that Thief didn't miss her at all. "Hi Thief." She didn't realize that he got so close, nearly nuzzling her and she froze. Her fur stood on ends suddenly and her breath was taken away.

The warmth from his fur radiated off of him like the bright sun on a summers day. His eyes seemed cool and welcoming and his nose lightly pressed by her muzzle, as if he didn't mean to at all. She wanted to stay like that for whatever reason... She wanted to feel him touch her.

Luna wanted to feel his nose against hers but before she could even act he pulled away and turned into a sheet of red. "I - I I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to get so close" His head drooped slightly and his ears lowered with him. All she could do was nod her head no.

What she was trying to say was that it was okay, that she liked being close to him. The words slipped away from her tongue and she was almost as red as he was. Moonlight started to chuckle, it was a soft and friendly sound. Luna finally looked back and noticed the Espeon staring up at the sky through the window.

After that she followed Griffin out with Moonlight. Thief was beside her every step of the way telling her about the things she missed - how they beat Saffron and how Moonlight fought really hard during the battle. Of course he added in the fact that he was able to fight just as well, she simply smiled and told him that he shouldn't lie so much

To her surprised Thief simply dropped his head low again and whimpered that he was sorry. She really didn't think that her words would affect him that much. After a while of reassuring him the Growlithe was back to his happy self. He then stopped his conversation suddenly, as if dropping the topic.

"How are your injuries!?" Thief seemed suddenly frantic, he just remembered about them... "Better." Luna replied and watched as the concern seemed to fill his eyes. She felt bitter and suddenly her heart seemed crushed. Tears softly stung her eyes.

"L - Luna?" Thief went straight up to h felt so loving. "A - Are you okay!? Luna!?" She softly broke kneading her paws nervously into the cement before pressing her lips against his. The Growlithe was taken entirely off guard. I don't want him to worry. I don't want him to feel so alone...

"Mhm!?" It sounded like a protest but Luna wouldn't take her lips away, she pressed firmly yet kept it tender. Her nose nuzzled against his and after a few seconds he stopped moving, just letting it happen. It only took a few special seconds for her to melt away, feeling herself connect with him.

Her heart was pounding against her chest and she knew she could hear it. Another echo touched her ear and the rhythm stayed in beat with hers. Softly a moan slipped from Luna's lips, she couldn't stop it and her face only went cherry red. She could hardly count the seconds as they rolled by, leaving her with him in their own special time.

Finally she broke it leaving strands to stick between her maw and his. She was panting needlessly and he was panting all the same. "L - L - Luna?" His young voice chattered in the silence... it was all a daydream. The Vulpix was simply sitting there looking into the Growlithe's eyes... "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." She casted her view down, walking beside him and for whatever reason she found herself brushing against his fur. Luna cursed herself. She lacked the courage... she lacked the strength to kiss him like that. The confusion bit into her heart like a snake and she felt her body quiver.

Swallowing she stopped her body from shaking and closed her eyes for a moment. A breeze gently swayed by and she found herself catching onto his scent. It felt so familiar It felt like home.

"Do you even see Natasha anywhere?" Brad was on lookout. "Haven't since we ditched her..." Griffin glanced behind him just to ensure that she wasn't there. It was clear and he sighed with relief. Luna caught onto Griffins eyes and he gave a smile.

They continued to walk on looking at the statue that overlooked the sea. They naturally started to walk in that direction letting the breeze guide them to the ocean. "When does the festival happen anyways?" "During mid-summer from what I've heard... All I really know is that the League is starting in the next few months."

"Once a year..." "This is what we get for starting late" Brad shrugged again. "... Well we are off to a really good start" Griffin nodded to agree and the Vulpix was listening into the conversation.

It felt... like their words were cutting out. She pressed her ears closer, they twitched accordingly. Maybe I'm just imagining things. Luna glanced to her right and stared at Thief. For the slightest of seconds he turned to meet her eyes before giving a smile.

Maybe it was the way the sun hovered over him or maybe how his nose would cringe when he closed his eyes and smiled. Whatever it was Luna knew that she was falling for it. No

She knew that she had already fallen.

"You two have been hanging back this whole time." Moonlight commented and started to walk beside them both. The grassy hill went further up the way, hugging close to the ocean and separating the trees from the cliff. A spray of light salt brushed about in the air.

"Yep..." Thief replied, the nervousness hung in his tone clearly and his fur started to prick up against him. He glanced at Luna as if to steal her eyes away from the Espeon. Thief noticed Moonlight smile again, the soft curve of his pink furred maw almost gleamed at him.

A shrine came into her view and Luna felt something hover around her. It felt as if there was somebody. A simple haunting voice echoed in her mind "hello?" It wasn't a clear sound and suddenly the door swung to the left and...

Natasha stepped out of the shrine. Luna's pelt went a mile high and her eyes were wide. Something about this place was unsettling for the Vulpix. "There you are!" Griffin nervously chuckled "We found a Pokémon Center so we can stay there for the night. " Natasha smiled "Awesome, did you check out the story? They have wall scrolls telling the tale of the Maiden." Footsteps came from behind Griffin and Brad. They both turned and Luna met face to face with...

A Houndoom. She nearly jumped back and Thief cut in front of her as if to challenge the strange Pokémon. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." The Houndoom said the same thing its blonde haired trainer did. She gave a smile, her light blue eyes glowed by the light. "I guess you all are here for the Maiden?"

"Yes." Griffin replied "We were passing by and thought it be worth looking into." She smiled "It's great to know there are other trainers who respect such things!" Griffin raised a brow, the girl was odd... "Sorry I should introduce myself. My name is Melody."

"Griffin." He replied and shook her hand "This is Brad and Natasha." "Yo." Brad stated "Nice to meet you Melody" Natasha said after. "You were at that diner in Saffron right?" Melody tilted her head

"You were the trainer with that adorable Espeon!" She finally recognized them " Small world right?" "Definitely" Griffin replied with a chuckle. "I have a feeling you're all going to Vermillion." She smiled and Griffin nodded "For the Thunder Badge, yes."

"Mind if I join? I've been traveling by myself for a while... I meant to stop and chat at Saffron but you all left before I had the chance." Griffin, Natash and Brad took a look at each other

"I don't see why not?" Griffin said "Sounds great to me, the more the merrier." "Welcome to the team Melody!" Natasha replied with a smile and Melody softly smiled back.

Thief sat down by Luna as she started to look out to sea. As he sat by her watching the waves for only a moment the Vulpix rested her head against the Growlithe.

They both sat there listening to the song of the sea while their trainers talked with their new-found companion.

Luna and Thief sat by the cliff trying to understand the melody of the ancient waters.

End.