A/N: So I'm not really used to writing in first-person. Forgive me for any errors, haha. I'm still accepting OCs, and also, thank you to the following for sending me OCs:
reven228
Red Alfa
Apostle of Regeneration (long name there!)
ObiwanDS
Seth98
Dame Rivere
and K. E. Holt!

If you haven't sent in an OC yet, don't worry, I'm still accepting them! Thanks for the reviews, hopefully I'll get more feedback from readers soon! Anyway, I don't own Pokemon, just my own OCs.
Enjoy!

Edit: I will be taking a break until after July 11! Sorry!

.

Ending up stuck in forever,
Ending up lost,
Living with that guilt.

.

.

Zangoose was starting to get worried. It was obvious by the way he was constantly fluffed up and his constant glancing towards my shoulder.

To be honest, I was starting to get worried too. It had been two days since I got the injury, and the bandage was absolutely useless. What was wrapping the wound was a piece of my sweatpants that I cut with the small scissors I always carried with me.

"You hungry?" I rifled through my backpack. There was still food, thankfully. Just some pieces of Pidove jerky, but that would last us for a while.

Zangoose didn't reply.

He simply turned up his nose and continued walking without another word.

"Sheesh, give me a little less attitude, can't you?" I teased my Pokemon lightly, catching up with him. He wasn't on his fours anymore, surprisingly. "We've been together since...forever, anyway."

His tail flicked me softly and a small smile spread on my face. He was silent, most of the time, so I learned how to read his movements more. Honestly, his actions tended to be more comforting than his normal hissing. Maybe he knew that and chose not to talk.

The path was getting newer, though. As I stared at the ground, the edges of the road were getting more defined, the dirt more packed on the sides.

"Hey, Zangoose, was there a settlement close to here before?"

He whipped his tail from side to side, his expression pensive. But then he shook his head with a grunt.

"...'Cause the road's getting better, so I thought—"

Something rustled from behind us and Zangoose whipped around with a hiss.

"Zangoose!"

"Galll…"

A black shadow leapt out from the trees, hissing with the same ferocity as Zangoose. My hand flew to the empty Pokeball at my belt.

But the light revealed a spider-like Pokemon, covered with electric yellow fur. Blue eyes darted from my Pokemon to me, then back. Its back was half colored light purple, while its limbs not covered by fur was the same bright blue as its eyes.

"Galvantula!"

A feminine voice called out and I narrowed my eyes. It should've been obvious to me that the Galvantula wasn't wild. Joltik didn't live in this forest region anyway. I released the empty Pokeball.

From the woods, a blonde woman emerged. She couldn't have been that old, maybe a little older than me. I was only…I didn't even remember, but I knew I was under twenty. All the days...months, years blended together and to be honest, I didn't even know what day of the week it was. The woman finally noticed me and jumped back. Her eyes narrowed and she slowly stood behind her Pokemon, a white cocoon in her arms.

Despite her wariness, I couldn't take her seriously. She looked older than me, but seemed younger, in some way. Her cold eyes showed her maturity, but her round face looked like it belonged to a child…

"Zangoose, calm down," I reached out for him, but he batted my hand away with a claw-sheathed paw.

"Zan….Zangoose..!" His red-tinted eyes glared at me. I knew how to defend myself, and I knew when to discern danger from fake danger, so I felt a little miffed. Zangoose was acting like an overprotective father.

The woman just watched, scooting backwards, with her Galvantula still in fighting mode.

"Look, they're not attacking first! And there's no way she'd be able to attack me without her Galvantula. Look at those arms—"

"I...I can hear you!" She called out, her voice wavering.

Galvantula's hissing became louder, but it still didn't move to attack. With one last glare at me, Zangoose's fur smoothened and he sheathed his claws, slightly regretfully. Did he really want to fight so badly? I rolled my eyes internally.

"Sorry about that. Zangoose is jumpy, since we were attacked earlier. As long as you don't attack us, we won't attack you…" I hoped that was sufficient. I hadn't seen a wary, somewhat amiable person in a long time. Most of the people on the road were rude or attacking; there wasn't much of an in-between nowadays.

She lowered her head slightly, as if nodding, without the actual nod up. But other than that, she didn't seem like the type to really talk. I briefly wondered if she was wandering, like me, but that would've been prying if I asked.

"By the way...do you have any spare bandages? My shoulder's a little…" I indicated to the soaked piece of my sweatpants.

The blonde still didn't reply, only gave me a glance with a look in her eyes that I couldn't decipher.

"S-sorry…" With that, she took off, faster than what I expected. With that skinny frame, I was surprised she could even run. Even Zangoose was startled by the quick scuttling of the trio.

They were gone before we could even get information, or rather, get anything useful from them.

She seemed a little scared though. Of me? Of something else? I couldn't tell. I doubted that even if I asked her, she would've told me. It was probably nothing; she looked like the type to get scared about everything. Zangoose shrugged and turned around, falling back onto his four limbs. He seemed a little more tired than usual, perhaps from the tension. Fights really took the energy out of a person.

We continued trudging along the path, a little slower than before, though..

The sun burned into my shoulder and parts of my face. Without my sweatshirt, most of me was exposed to the sunlight and sunscreen didn't really...exist, or wasn't available to me, at least. If I wasn't careful, I'd be stuck with a rather painful sunburn. Which I had experienced before and it was one hundred percent absolute pain, especially when traveling under the Unovan sun.

"Zangoose, wanna get my sweatshirt for me? The sun is a huge shit today," I breathed out heavily, leaning backwards for him to reach the purple rag-like piece of clothing.

He growled, but swiped it for me, throwing it so that it landed over my head messily.

"Thanks, I guess," I laughed lightly and he even let out a snort. Looked like he was enjoying himself as well, despite the grumpy noise.

As we walked and as I cut off a part of the sleeve to wrap my shoulder, the road was definitely widening. There was an increasing amount of tree stumps on the sides of the path, which meant people were using wood. A clear sign that a settlement was nearby. I couldn't help but feel hope swelling in my stomach. Maybe someone there would pay for the metal rod so I could get actual bandages…

Before I could speak, I spied something that was completely foreign. It looked like a black spearhead, but it was far, far away.

"What the heck is that?" I pointed at the black spire that rose over the horizon of the road. Zangoose stared at it for a moment, but didn't respond verbally. The fur at the back of his neck was bristling slightly.

"I really need to get to a camp, so I'm just..hoping, you know?" The words just tumbled out of my mouth and I forced myself to shut up. I was sick of Pidove jerky. Bandages were my priority. Healing salve was a plus, if I could find it. I fiddled with the loose part of my backpack nervously as we headed closer to the spire.

Then, it came into view. The black thing was like a tower.

Actually, it was a tower. What surprised me was the rest of it. It wasn't just a camp I was looking at.

It was a huge, huge city.

Even in the daylight, light was flashing from almost every inch of the place. It looked so strange against the backdrop of forest and gray mounds of rubble and dust. The city looked like it wasn't even harmed by the Attack, or maybe it was built after it, I didn't know. I had never seen it before, which kind of scared me.

But it wasn't like I traversed this side of Unova often, so in the time I was gone, it was probably erected then…

When I looked over, Zangoose had a strange expression. It was like a mix of discomfort and repulsion, but also curiosity. I couldn't help but share one of those expressions, the latter. It was a city! A word that was demolished along with everything that made a city a city! There were probably people that could help and judging by the size, there were a lot of them. Not to mention, it looked like it was flourishing quite well.

It was like an open invitation, so who wouldn't take it?

"C'mon, Zangoose, maybe I'll find bandages there and more food. No more Pidove jerky for every meal!" Excitement made me yell instinctively, so when I realized I could hear my own echo in the wind, I quickly covered my mouth. It was almost taboo to be loud and I already broke that.

I could feel Zangoose's angry glare digging into my back and I sheepishly crept forward towards the city. However, I paused when I heard Zangoose growling.

"Something the matter?"

There was nothing around. Nothing but rustling trees, light wind, and the city up ahead.

"Is it the city?" I neared him, reaching out to ruffle his head, but he jerked away with a grunt. "Yeah, it's the city, isn't it? As soon as we get there, we can just get what we need and leave, okay?"

"You won't be able to leave."

I whirled around, squeezing my fingers together so hard I could feel the thumping of my heartbeat. Two times today! Two times we were snuck up on! I was getting frustrated.

"Holy shit, can you guys stop with the following people? Swear to Arceus...!" From the forests, a figure completely clothed in black emerged. The first thing I noticed was the rifle on her back and the hairs on my neck stood on end.

Zangoose snarled loudly, crouching on all fours with bloodlust in his eyes.

"W-Who are you." My question came out like a statement and my hands began to quiver, the heartbeat in my ears thumping louder and louder.

The figure raised its hands in a surrender signal.

"I'm not here to hurt you," it spoke, but I didn't drop my guard. The figure's voice was feminine, so I believed it was a she. My assumption was only furthered when she took off her hood, revealing dark hair and striking features. "You can call me Crow."

"Okay, Crow," I spat. "What's up with the city and why can't I get supplies from there?" Just to be safe, I drew my knife and I watched her scan me. Sizing me up. Wondering whether or not she could bring me down...

Zangoose made a noise and her attention was diverted again.

"Inside are things you wish to never see, I guarantee you. They hate Pokemon in there," she spoke in a curt, but almost disdainful way. It made my blood boil. "Whatever supplies you need, I can supply."

It was all shady. I couldn't trust anyone, especially a person in all black with...of all weapons, a rifle, on her back. A mercenary? A soldier? There was no government anymore, so it was impossible that she worked with a higher-up.

I growled out, "I can't trust you..."

Slowly backing away, I carefully eyed her. Her hands were still in the air, but the nonchalant, unemotional expression on her face betrayed nothing.

Then, she called out, "Don't blame me if you go inside. I warned you." As fast as lightning, she sprinted back into the forest where she came from. A soundless, speedy escape. The only thing that remained of our meeting was the leaf that was lodged loose by her movements.

"These people seriously run fast," I commented dryly, then turned around. Zangoose grunted in agreement, but what he didn't seem to be hyped about was going to the city. I didn't know why.

"Zangoose," I spoke, getting his attention. He glanced my way. "Want to go back into the Pokeball?" I wiggled the chain that was attached to my belt with the red-and-white ball dangling from it.

"Zaaaan..." He hissed and twitched his nose. A clear no. I sighed.

"Then can you not look so creeped out by the city? It's making me feel uncomfortable too," I walked faster, turning my nose up. I could hear his padding speed up to catch up to me, and in a few moments, his furry body slammed into my legs softly.

"Zangoose..." His hissing was softer as his tail gently prodded at my calf, before swishing around my leg.

"It's okay, buddy," I smiled softly. "I'll try to take the littlest time possible in there?"

He blinked, nodded, and then separated himself from me. He got his point across, which was his goal in the first place. But my leg seemed a little colder without him so close.

Before I realized it, we were a lot closer to the city now.

Huge, tall walls surrounded the area, almost like a prison. Black and wrought with some reflection-less metal, they seemed really ominous. But the inside seemed so cheery, so there was no way it was as dangerous as what Crow deemed it to be.

However, her words echoed in my mind.

They hate Pokemon in there.

"You might...want to get back into the ball, Zangoose," I grimaced, not making eye contact with him. I could already hear his low hissing as I talked, and sure enough, an angry hiss came from him.

"I can't help but...Crow said they hated Pokemon..." Reasoning normally worked, but Zangoose wasn't relenting. His claws sheathed and unsheathed repeatedly, the anger radiating from him. This wasn't going to work, was it?

I closed my eyes for a moment, thinking. I didn't trust Crow, so why did I listen to those words? Was it just not my brain listening to her, but my gut instinct? I didn't know which part of me to trust...

"Alright, fine, you can stay out. But make sure no one sees you!"

The little sucker almost grinned self-contentedly and the grimace resurfaced on my face. I had a hard time not giving in to Zangoose. Well, not only because he was my only friend, but also because he did some mad damage with those claws and teeth.

Surprisingly, there was no one on duty by the gate. It struck me as weird. Why bother with walls when you didn't even need guards?

Zangoose was acting strange too. He was almost off-balance by his own shaking limbs. His reddened eyes were flickering from side-to-side nervously, his size almost doubling by his fur expansion.

Suddenly, with a soft yowl, he took off like a rocket, leaving me behind.

"W-what the heck?!" I bit out, trying to keep my voice softer. The city was almost completely silent, except for place that was sending spotlights and explosions of light, color, and sound.

Everyone seemed to be there, and I gently pushed my way through with my elbows.

"Do you think he'll survive this round?"

"The other guy is ruthless, really, so my bet's on him."

"What a pain. Just kill 'em for not having the money and the rich win. It's a great scenario."

"That's barbaric! You always play with your food...but it's fun, I admit!"

I pushed my way through, my head tilted so high up, it felt like I was being suffocated. Zangoose wasn't in sight and I felt my stomach churning. Too many people...

When I looked up, there were so many TV screens. Large, spanning at least more than five feet in length, the TV showed a man, quivering, literally quivering and sweating and crying, as a multi-colored wheel spun in front of him. What I noticed next was the lonely-looking pile of metal beside him.

In realizing what it was did I recoil.

It was a Klingklank. At least, the remains of one.

"What shall our little failure choose?" A high-spirited, cheerful voice rang out. From a curtained side of the arena-like stadium, a tall, tall man walked in. His face was probably covered by the mask he was wearing. The man gave out a shitty vibe, a creepy one, what with the white-as-snow skin and the painted red smile. "There's a whole lot of variety in the Wheel of Horrors!"

The spinning was slowing down after the masked man spoke. The other guy, the "little failure," as he was dubbed, was looking rather pale. But I would too, probably.

This didn't seem like a very fun thing to watch and I gazed around the crowd. Every pair of eyes was staring at the screens without blinking, as if they'd miss something important in that split second. Some even munched on popcorn and sipped at their sodas, as if it was just a movie in a movie theatre.

I wanted to puke.

"And...it seems the Wheel and our almighty Master has chosen!" My head shot up to see what was going on. Perhaps morbid curiosity made me look to see, but the horror forced me to keep watching.

I should've trusted Crow.

The wheel had stopped on a portion that had a single eye on it.

My stomach plummeted.

From within the ground, something began to rise. A soft, mechanical whirring noise filled the stadium; it was so quiet that I could hear even that.

It was then that I realized the man was chained. That was why he couldn't move. Metal rings trapped his feet to the floor and chains bound his arms to the rings attached to the ground. The silence allowed me to hear the metal clinking against each other; it was a sound I wish I never had heard.

The hole in the ground revealed a seat. Not any old chair, though. It was like a dentist's chair, except with added features such as a spiky, metal mouth brace and metal bands to keep a patient from running the hell away. Like the guy was trying to do now.

"H-help!" He was screaming, and I felt the familiar convulsing of my stomach.

I didn't want to watch. I couldn't watch.

Blood, I could take. Maybe a deep cut or a broken bone, I could stand. The eye, the chair, the tools that lined the side of the chair… Removing someone's eye was too much for me.

I needed to find Zangoose and get out of here.

"Z-Zangoose?" I cried out softly. No one was paying attention, which helped me a whole lot with the searching. No, it didn't. Sarcasm.

I couldn't hear him at all. My skin was starting to crawl.

The silence was pierced by his screaming and whirring machines. I cringed. I wanted him to stop screaming; my hands were tensing and I was freezing up.

It was a bad decision.

I crept away from the crowd, skulking along the walls. Hopefully, the shadows would hide me. He was sobbing now, his tears probably mixing with his eye liquids and the blood. I closed my eyes and tightened my fists.

I could only hope to find Zangoose.

Where the hell was he?

Something tinkled when I walked, like a metal cross tapping a bell. I moved to crouch and turned, but before I could scream, something grabbed my arms, pulling them behind me painfully. A cloth was pressed to my face.

Thrashing and attempting to step on the person's toes, I couldn't find anything. A giggle breathed in my ear and my jaw clenched.

The smell of the cloth was sweet. Overbearingly sweet. Chloroform….

My vision was spinning, blurring into black at the edges of everything. The colors intensified suddenly, then dimmed into a grayscale, and the only thing I felt was the cloth against my face, the tight grip on my arms, and the throbbing of my blood.

I couldn't see Zangoose. That scared me the most, more than the fact that I was being kidnapped. Him being taken away from me...

"Zan...goose…"

Those were the last words I managed to speak before my vision completely blanked out.

.

.

Tell me, temptation, are you leaving me to this ruthless pain?

A/N: How was thaaat? I'll be updating a little more frequently since it's summer break for me, and nothing to do except for prepare for all the college-level classes I'll have next year... *sighs*

As tradition, I'll be asking questions for you guys to answer, like my Soul Eater fic.
So...what do you think is happening in the city? :3

I look forward to your reviews!

Edit: I forgot to add this, but please PM me if you don't your OC getting grievously injured/killed! :D

-Vis