Chapter 1: Logan

I gazed silently at the now rising sun, feeling the warmth the fiery rays gave off as it touched my fur. There was a pinkish glow that lustered off the clouds that replaced the dark colours it held not too long ago when the sun has yet to reveal itself. Breaking into the horizon, showing off its magnificent colours, signalling a new day, a new dawn for us Espeons.

And out there somewhere, at this very moment, they might now be concluding their now passed night. Our rivals. Our foes. The little devils that they are.

Umbreons, I thought.

I stood slowly from my lying position, stretching for a moment, and then made my way down the small hill I was comfortably crested on. The land was so vast that even when I already knew how big this land would be, I gazed all around just to see the vastness of it. The hills where I laid moments ago expanded further north, and from afar I can see tall human buildings and structures that poked out, and the roads that led to them. The only human settlements in this small area. We avoided them as much as we can, and we are fully aware that they are capable of "capturing" any living Pokémon in this forest and claim it as their own. I saw it happen once, when I accidentally saw a lone Poochyena in the midst of the battle with a human's Pokémon. They were so strong that the fight it gave was pathetic, and it was captured in no time, seeing it being forced into that red and white ball the humans called "Pokeball". How do they even fit in there?

I cannot imagine how it would feel to have your life suddenly taken away from you. In just one moment, being at the wrong place at the wrong time, separated from your loved ones, forced to become some humans pet. You would have your freedom taken away from you. The only thing I treasure in this freaking world.

And that reason alone is enough to make me hate every single one of them.

Anyway.

As the hills become less and less northward, the mountains stood, so far from us that they might just take forever if you are to reach them. They continued and spread in opposite directions. Then there's the forest, where I was now headed, spreading out for miles and miles, covering at least half the land.

There had been rumours that another human city was located at the other side of the mountain. Bigger that the one nearest to us. If that were true, then I was glad that the mountain separated us.

I entered the first patch of tress that concealed me so easily it would have looked like I had disappeared altogether, away from the sun's watchful eye. Immediately the forest smell hit my nose. A tang of mint and dew. Signs of winter fast approaching. I delved in deeper, looking around as I if know this place like I know myself. I know what I am. And I do.

I am Logan, and I am an Espeon. The son of Nox, my father, and Elinir, my mom, who I didn't even got the chance to meet, who died when I was just little. Nox would tell me that I was the best thing that could have ever been given to him and my mom, that I was important to them as they were to each other. And the Umbreons took her away from him, from us... and killed her. Even if he tried to hide the grief that was still clearly eating him alive, even if he tried to hide it from me for my sake, he vowed to mom that he would protect me.

And I promised my mom, wherever she was, that I would avenge her.

Someday…

I live here in Hakobe Forest, inside the Espeon pack. Enclosed with boundaries and rules, a lot of rules, order had been maintained so far. Our leader, Maximus, made sure of that. But the only thing the Espeon and Umbreon pack had both agreed on was war. I had seen one in first hand when Umbreons suddenly raided our home, where they killed my mom. You would have to be at least two years old to participate in a war, to become a soldier, to ensure that you have enough experience and wisdom. I don't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing, but I turned two yesterday, which my dad was not too happy about, even if it was inevitable. Even he had joined the war, and I could see it in him, in his eyes…

The eyes of a soldier.

The eyes of a murderer…

I could see how he tried to smile, to convince me that everything is alright. But that would be harder if you got blood on your paws, wouldn't it? But I believed him, seeing as I was but a small kit back then. And he would hate seeing his only son look the same as him or any other soldier. It would definitely break him…

But I didn't care.

War means killing, right?

It's my chance to avenge my mom.

My chance to kill them all.

Our conflict between the Umbreons had gone since before my generation, maybe a decade or so. And as I entered the Espeon pack, its effects are written in all of their faces. Hunger, for they could not hunt without the risk of Umbreon attacks, was our main problem since forever. You could see their ribs poke at their chests, seeing their frail and stick-like legs that looked like it would break anytime at how thin they were. Though that was only some, and they were adults at most. Others aren't as unlucky. You can tell that they were being fed, especially the kits that play around the area, but clearly not enough.

The area had multitudes of small caves or dens that sheltered all of us. Mine is located at the very tip if the area. Moss and grass sprung up from above the cave openings and dangle towards the ground, making it look daunting. As I looked around, Espeons go about with their daily lives, acting like nothing was happening, feeling as if they are not involved in a war.

Like this was a time of peace.

And oh how I envy them.

"War only annihilates, Logan…" I remembered my father said once when I had asked him why they were fighting. I was so innocent back then that he actually managed a laugh at my question. If only I was like that at this very moment. Innocence… pure to children, but becomes Reality as they grow up, slapping them in the face at how wrong to think that everything was okay, "War only annihilates, even if they say that through war we would find peace."

Here in the pack, the only thing that kept everyone from killing themselves, or rather what kept them lively was their noise. They speak with everyone, talking about problems, news, gossips and other boring stuff. Noise doesn't run out. It's like an endless chorus of voices. Our voices. And because of that everyone here knows everyone.

I continued on, not looking at the children and others as they casted quick glances at me. Other that what they were saying, I could hear what they were thinking. What all Espeons here were thinking. Their thoughts muddled together. I know it's wrong, an invasion of privacy. But sometimes you can't help it. I am a Psychic Pokémon after all.

War is here… war is here…

I'm hungry…

Damn children! Damn Umbreons!

Where's food, mom?

Dad, where's mom?

Why did he have to die? What did I do to deserve this?!

WHY?

WHY?

GOD DAMMIT WHY?!

My head suddenly began to throb and I closed my thoughts, too overwhelmed not at the sheer volume of it, but at what they feel while thinking it. Their emotions… my god it scared me. Anger, spite, sorrow, regret, grief, annoy… Pure hated. And by these emotions they sought only one thing. The only thing that would make everything that they are right now disappear into something new and better. I can tell, because it is what I also wanted. What everyone wanted.

Relief…

War only annihilates, Logan. I thought.

I glanced to my left, and the biggest cave stood there, it's large gaping entrance looking almost inviting. Cave of the Sun. It served as a war-room for the army and inside stood Maximus, along with his top-notch generals, no doubt planning a strategy in the war. I've got the hand it to them. Especially Maximus. He definitely knows how plan a war, much more fight. I saw him kill five Umbreons by himself once. A great fighter no doubt. But he stays behind enemy fire. Wouldn't want to risk his own life.

But for most, it was not an act of cowardice. "He's too valuable to be sent to enemy fire." Said some. I don't know if I with them agree or not. He is one of the smartest ever to lead, but right now, he's the only one. Too valuable, I thought. His son died on his first battle, and he grieved. They all did. But he kept his head, and led us to near victory.

Just near.

I was so deep in thinking that when I glanced in front of me, we were already inside my den. My home. Home sweet home. It's nothing special, just a small cave with little holes in the ceiling for sunlight to enter, but provided shade as well. Two large clumps of feathers and moss were on the floor, which we use as our bed, my father and I.

I looked around but dad was nowhere to be seen. I didn't saw him come out of the den either. Must be hunting for food. I couldn't remember when I last ate, and my stomach growled. Damn, I should have searched for food. Might as well go back. I stepped outside my den−

And suddenly it's quiet−

No noise−

No voices−

I looked around− and everyone was frozen stiff. What the hell is happe−?

Then I sensed it−

Coming through the trees−

Coming towards us−

In broad daylight−

Damn−

Umbreons.

Hello readers! First of all, thanks for reading this ff :) Please review so I would know how I'm doing. If there are any errors, feel free to tell me via pm or review.