My name is Taren. I'm a Lucario. Until a year ago, I was under the ownership of a close friend of my father's.

But he can't help me here.

I run through a stream, darting around trees and rocks in an attempt to lose my pursuer. It's so fast…and it keeps changing. I don't know how.

I'm trying to lead it away from Mara. But it looks like it only wants me.

I come to the edge of a cliff, the piece of crystal around my neck bumping against my chest. I turn, and as the thing shoots from the bushes, wrap my paw around it.

It strikes me head on, in the chest, and the impact is like nothing I've ever felt. I go flying off the cliff. Before I lose consciousness, I scream one thought in my head.

HUNTER!

I am Taren. I'm a Lucario. And now, I am dead.

Well, he finally found a use for that crystal. R and R, please! I'll post the first real chapter, too!