The black bipedal fox-like creature ran through the misty forest with agility, cutting through the damp air she once called her home. Her red hair extended to nearly her entire body length, tinged with black spikes the color of the darkest night. Her claws were of deep crimson, and had always kept her out of trouble when combat was necessary.
But in the Zoroark's eyes, true fear radiated. Fear of a predator, one with inhuman strength and power, yet with the intelligence to have tracked her for three months. The fear that induces the panic, the primal will to survive.
Instinct told her to create her illusion and seek refuge. But that… thing… It could not be eluded. It wasn't natural. Nothing natural could have seen through her illusion. Yet she doubted she had the strength to create one. All her willpower was devoted to fleeing. To see another day.
The forest seemed endless. But the Zoroark knew, in her years of residence, that she had the advantage here. Something wasn't quite right, and she quickly paused to sniff the air. She felt a human presence, one that needed help. Curiosity broke her will to escape, and she slowly walked to where her senses told her the human was located. Perhaps she thought that the human was a ranger, or at least a trainer that could protect her. Normally the Zoroark would never go near a human without an illusion, but she was desperate. It was likely her only chance.
It was a good day for Eva. This day marked the second year of her career as the member of a top Ranger company, the Paladins, dedicated to protect the rare and elusive Pokemon of her world. Her partner Grovyle seemed to share the same feeling of accomplishment, although he was born a mute and was limited to only gestures to communicate. Eva seemed to be the only one who understood him, so they soon forged a close bond.
Eva was assigned to the north-west section of the Lonesome Woods. It was the only post open when she was accepted into the Paladins, and after two years patrolling the area, she knew why. The Lonesome Woods were already quite lonesome, but the north-west seemed the most secluded of them all. It was rumored to drive Rangers insane, but Eva just chuckled at her friend's warnings. After all, she had Grovyle. That was the only company she needed while patrolling these areas.
The day went past quickly, and soon the stars and moon ascended to the dark blanket of night.
"Beautiful night, isn't it…" Eva whispered to her partner.
Grovyle gave no reaction, instead being content to piece together the puzzles formed by the bright stars.
Several minutes later, Grovyle began to grow restless. He looked over at Eva, and tried to look concerned.
Eva quickly took notice of her partner's change of mood, and decided they would call it a night.
"Let's get back before anyone gets worried." Of course they had been out much later, it was just an old joke Grovyle and Eva did not mind sharing even to this day.
As they packed up their Ranger equipment, the bushes in the left of the clearing started to rustle. Eva dismissed it as the cool spring breeze, but Grovyle sensed something off. He quickly motioned towards Eva, who immediately understood.
A minute passed yet nothing revealed itself. Yet another minute elapsed, and the motion died.
"See, Grovyle? Just the wind-"
Eva froze. This time, she felt the presence of a stranger. Slowly turning her head, she found herself staring into the eyes of the most magnificent creature she had ever seen.
The Zoroark.
But Eva could tell that she was afraid. The Zoroark's eyes were wide, and her breaths came in ragged gasps through lungs battered with the stress of constant running. Kneeling to make a less threatening figure, Eva spoke softly to the fox-like Pokemon, trying to calm it down, as she had done many times in her training.
What are you doing? It isn't safe here!
The Zoroark tried to warn the Ranger to make her escape. She had hoped that the human would be able to at least help her get to a safe place to rest, but she knew this Ranger and her Grovyle would stand no chance against such a hunter.
However, the Ranger just stared. The Pokemon tried again to tell the human of the danger.
Leave! Before-
A soft whirring sound echoed through the woods. The sound the Zoroark was running from for the past months.
She knew it was too late to run.
Eva saw it unfold seemingly in slow-motion, viewing every frame but unable to help as a sphere of fire burst through the trees and slammed directly into the Zoroark's back. She was immediately knocked down by the explosion, coughing by the burning smoke thrown by the projectile. The force of the detonation was too powerful; there was no way it was natural.
"We need to… cough… get out of here…" Eva sputtered to her Grovyle, who was suffering a similar fate sprawled on the cold ground.
Slowly they crawled to a safe distance, where they wistfully watched the smoke clear through irritated eyes. The Zoroark lay unmoving, eyes closed and teeth clenched in unbearable pain. Her entire back was scorched, and the burn would kill the beautiful Pokemon if not treated. Eva was tempted to return to her side and get her medical attention, but Grovyle held her back and motioned for her to listen.
Mechanical footsteps echoed across the forest, nearing the location of the fallen Zoroark. The whirring sound slowly faded, and was soon overpowered by the sound of shifting metal components. Then there was silence.
Through sheer willpower, the severely injured Pokemon tried to lift its head off the floor and turn itself around. But a metal leg came down with force that made Eva wince, forcing the Zoroark's head down. The hunter regarded its prey coldly, oblivious to the presence of the Ranger.
Eva was frozen in fear, eyes wide and glued with horror, fixated on the ruthless predator claiming victory over its prey. She'd never seen anything like it before. It had the features of an arachnid and an insect… but on its back…
"Dear Arceus..." Eva managed to gasp.