I found myself engulfed in the shadows. I could see no light before me, nor behind me-only complete and utter darkness. My heart grew fearful and filled with dread at the thought of being swallowed in this cursed realm with every step I took. I felt for the cross that Matthew gave me and clenched it for protection against any evil that dared cross my path. Although the thought of being forsakened in this world of despair caught my thought, I continued on, determined to find my way out of this world. When I could not move no more, I stopped and collapsed onto the pavement where I found myself being swept away into the corrupted world. With one final breath I sent a prayer in hopes of being spared from my execution: "Arceus, the creator of all, I beg of you-save me from this misery!" I mind became clouded with evil thoughts and my body went still from the cold.

Suddenly, I heard the voice of a creature.

"Rise, O cursed soul. 'Tis not your time to wither away."

My strength miraciously returned to me and I found myself confronted by my savior. Standing before me was a massive breast with long brown fur and a thick mane that covered its neck. Black cuffs were wrapped tightly around its legs and gray plates appeared under its cream-colored belly, face, and back, where a cape of smoke fummed from its back. It's red face was hidden behind a three-pointed yellow crest that illuminated in the darkness and its eyes burned like the flames from a valcano. It smiled darkly at me as my arms trembled uncontrollably; as I gazed into the beast's scorching eyes, memories from my dreams appeared before me. It became clear that this was the same creature that harrassed me in my dreams-the same one that tormented me and forced me to come here: Entei of the West.

"It would seem that you have finally decided to come then." it spoke in a masculine tone.

I bit back the retort that was dangerously close from escaping my throat. After all, I was just saved by one of the servers of Ho-Oh, so it would've been impolite to make threats-even though it was the same creature that constantly appeared in my dreams.

"Entei of the West," I mock-bowed toward the legendary Pokemon. "It is truly an honor."

The fire-type saw through my imitation but chose to ignore it. He turned in the opposite direction and beckoned me to follow him. After what felt like days, I finally asked him what I've been needing to know.

"If I may, Entei," I began. "Where is it you are taking me?"

Without turning to face me, Entei answered my question with a question of his own.

"Is this not where you wanted to go in the first place?"

The lion-like creature came to a stop with me still behind him. I was bewildered as to why we weren't moving, but he held up a palm to silence me. Without my knowledge, Entei unleashed an ear-splitting roar that would have caused any Pokemon to collapse in pain. I winced at the pain of it all, but remained standing. When he had finished, a light appeared before us and it grew until it exploded before us.

When I opened my eyes, I felt my mouth gape with shock at the sight of the colossal-sized door that appeared before us. Ancient markings were written on all six sides, it was marble-based color with a shade of platinum, and in the center of it were scriptures that swirled around the knob of the door. My body felt numb and my breathing became slow as I continued to marvel at this blessed artifact. Entei noticed my expression and nodded in approval.

"What stands before you is the gate to the other side." Entei began. My eyes shot toward him and I awaited for every word he had to say. "This is were all those who have lost their way in the world and allowed themselves to be corrupted by evil go when they have no place to go to. Here, they will be cursed, tormented, and tortured for the rest of their existance until they no longer exist, for that is the law governed by Giratina the Traitor. This is the true entrance to the other side-This is the gateway to the realm of distortion!"

As I looked in awe at the sealed door, I could already smell the scent of something wretched and foul lurking inside. I felt as if something was strangling the very life from my throat and I ears resonated with pain at the sound of the cries and anguish of the fallen. I felt my legs shake with fear as they threatened to drop to the murky floors that I stood on, but remained strong and vigilant. Only the voice of Entei brought me back from realization.

"Aura, the path you are about to travel is a perilous one. Many have come, but only few have finished; even now, the chances of your survival is not great. In this world, you must abandon all fear, cast aside your dark thoughts, and abandon all hope if you wish to survive in this world of madness."

I stared at the legendary as if he had struck me with one of his paws. The very thought of abandoning the remainer of my faith in a place like this sounded ludicrous, if not unthought of. My paws coiled around the necklace in a tight embrace as I remembered all those who had always been there for me when I needed them; they gave me the courage to move on from my previous life and gave me a reason to keep living. I couldn't do that to them-no matter what may befall me.

"To abandon my hope would mean abandoning my family, Entei," I spoke clearly at the legendary Pokemon of fire. "I shall not commit such a thing."

Entei looked surprised-proud actually-of my bold statement and decision. With an understanding nod, he pointed in the direction of the door. Standing before it was a black, shadow-like Pokemon with a white fog-like cape billowing from its head, blue eyes and a red growth covering its neck. Long black tatters hung from its shoulder and a ripped cloak appeared where its legs should have been at. My heart immediately froze at the sight of the creature; I have heard stories of him, but never thought I would meet him.

"Darkrai the Reaper." Entei bowed respectedly toward the legendary dark-type Pokemon.

He turned his attention at me before speaking with Entei once more. "Is this the Pokemon that was requested to come here?" he asked in a hollow whisper.

Entei nodded.

Darkrai began to inspect me as if I were a mere collection in his eyes. Once he was finished, our eyes met and I could feel his very life-force merging with mine. "You are a strange one." he spoke at last, surprising me. "A heart that had been shallowed by darkness, and yet is able to withstand the light; both, but at the same time, neither."

I was rather confused by the reaper's statement, but simply nodded and bowed. Afterwards, we both turned toward Entei, who was beginning his descent into the darkness. I was about to call for him, but the claws of Darkrai stopped me from moving. Entei turned to look at me and I could see that his eyes burned with understanding with what I feared for.

"This is where we part ways, Riolu Aura," Entei spoke strongly. "I leave you in the care of Darkrai. Take care."

And with that, he burst into flames and was no more. All that stood now was Darkrai and I. He turned toward the gate while I stood there, lost in thought. I was sadden to see Entei disappear; there were so many questions I wanted-needed- to ask him, but now that chance was long forgotten.

"Do not fret, young one," Darkrai brought me back to reality. "There are many chances to take in life. You just have to wait. Now then, shall we depart?"

I realized that he was talking about entering through the gate: fear, dread, fright. All of this and more coursed through me at the sight of that cursed door. I contemplated on backing away and escaping this place, but then my memories turned back to the promise I made to the others. Matthew, the others, and Jolt were waiting for me and I couldn't go back until I have discovered the secrets to these dreams that haunt me. Meeting the eyes of Darkrai, I cast away my doubts and gave the Pokemon a curt nod. He chuckled at my decision-not out of mockery, but with pride.

"Well said."

Raising his hand into the air, the symbols that were inscribed onto the door glowed to life. They changed into many colors and peeled off of the door. I watched in awe at Darkrai's ability; as he did so, he spoke in an ancient tongue, foreign to my very own ears. Once he was finished, the symbols disappeared and the door slowly creaked with life. It soon opened completely and I felt a blast of negative energy pass through me. Pure evil coursed through my very body as if attempting to take control over me; resisting the urge to fall victim to the temptations, I turned toward Darkrai who was waiting patiently for me. I had no idea what would happen if I go through this gate, but I couldn't turn back now. I was determined to face all the unseen challenges that lay before me and I would soon be cleansed of the darkness that still lingers in my heart.

"I shall be your guide from here-on-out." Darkrai whispered. "It will be my soul task to guide through all seven stages so that you may be able to save, not only yourself, but those you hold deeply in your heart."

He held out his hand in the direction of the open door.

"Shall we make our way?"

I nodded in agreement. "Lead the way."