Sorry it took a long time but stuff came up. When I say stuff I mean preparing for Valentine's Day. Woo! Enjoy the chapter.
An image of Blair flickered in my mind. She was far and distant from me. Her back was turned and she appeared weary. I have no emotion that I can express. I have no anger, sadness, happiness or even confusion. I just stare at her and watch her every move. Blair perked up as a small Eevee ran towards her from the corner of my eye. Still I have no feelings toward anything. I can't even express my surroundings. It was all a blur from my point of view.
"Hi there little Eevee!" Blair giggled as she picked up the fluffy creature and held it in her arms. "Welcome to the family."
Family? What is family again? I can't remember. The Eevee chirps gleefully as a reply to Blair's statement. Blair continued to laugh and baby talk the Eevee as it squeaked and wiggled. Out of nowhere, Blair's Pokemon faded in and encircled her. They were all mimicking what Blair was doing. Adoring the Eevee.
"Who needs Flareon anyway? We can just make you into a Flareon and replace it!" Blair sneered and the other Pokemon joined in. I felt something in my chest tighten and a wave of unknown force rise to my throat. This could be a emotion but I can't tell. "C'mon guys let's go." Blair drops the Eevee and walks away, dissolving within four steps. The other Pokemon followed the same routine except for the Eevee. The Eevee is just standing in blank space with it's back to me. I had the option to move so I decided to walk towards it.
The tightness in my chest grew, as did the rising feeling in my throat. My back felt a cold chill as I slowly approached the unmoving Eevee. What am I feeling? I am only a few paces away from the brown creature, but it takes no notice. The tightness was overwhelming and the rising was too much to handle. Suddenly as I reached the small kit, I was pulled out of my own body. I watched myself tap the Eevee on the back. It turned around and smiled sweetly. However the expression on my face was not a friendly one. The Eevee grew nervous as I saw myself grin devilishly. Why am I doing that?
The Eevee spoke but no words came out. It felt like it was saying something to make me go away. However the uncontrolled me I was watching just took a step forward as an answer. The fur ball backed away with sheer horror on its face. I want to help but I am kept in place somehow. The Eevee said something again but once more I can't hear what its saying. My form began laughing insanely. My laugh. My voice. I saw my body ready itself for attack with a glint of vicious blood thirst on its face. The Eevee braced itself and shut its eyes as my possessed self began tackling and biting it. I had the look of evil. Pure undying evil. The small creature rolled across the floor as I saw myself ram into it. My form gracefully trots over to the battered Eevee as it tries to regain its balance. It looks up to me with sorrow but I swat it in the face and it rolls once again.
"You are pathetic…" My demonic form said. It had my voice but it was fused with another, darker one. "Get up."
The Eevee trembled in pain and shook its head no with all its strength. My body scowls and smacks it in the face. Why am I doing this? This isn't me at all. I mentally gasp as I see my body's mouth faintly glow as it smiled. No, not that. The Eevee's eyes grew as it saw my form doing what I would never do in a million years. As the Eevee lied bruised and beaten, unable to move from the ground, my possessed self's teeth became engulfed with flames. It was going to kill the Eevee. I am now feeling an emotion. Fear. My demonic self lowered its mouth to the Eevee's throat very slowly. Tears rolled down the Eevee's furry cheeks. I wanted to cry out or move to make me stop but I am completely immobilized. All I can do is watch. The fire engulfing my fangs grew bigger than they would have than when I used it. The surrounding area that was a blur is now black and red waves. I feel deathly scared. My body opened its mouth and clamped down on the Eevee's throat. I heard a gurgled yelp as the Eevee was punctured. I now felt another emotion. Sadness. My form kept its hold onto the little kit's throat. Keeping that position until its life was entirely gone. I don't want to see this. The Eevee finally died as its body grew limp. My dark self let go and licked its blood-covered lips. I shivered. It was then that my form turned to me with a look of vile lust and evil.
"Wanna play?" It asked in a nice but demonic way. A sly grin appeared on its face.
Suddenly it came charging at me with incredible speed as it exposed its fangs to kill me. Finally it reached me and…
"NOOO!" I screamed to the top of my lungs. My heart pounded so hard that I could feel it in my abdomen. I breathed hard. Where is it? Where am I? I turned all around me hastily. A room? Wait… This is where Burden lives. I saw that Burden's cloak was on me but it slipped off me when I woke. It was a nightmare then. A terrible nightmare…
"Blaze? What happened?" Burden came dashing through the teal door with worry on his face.
"Bad dream is all…" I whispered. I am so scared and frightened after that. Was that really me? I dislike the Eevee, but not enough to…
"Oh okay then. Well we have to go to Ying's today so I can repay him for yesterday. It's a sort of deal that we made. That alright with you?" Burden asked as he walked towards me. I noticed that he seemed much more relaxed than he was the other day.
"Yeah." I simply answered. I need to try to forget that dream. It was rather awful though.
"I was hoping on leaving now so you ready?" Burden walked away from me and looked outside the clothed door. Either a disaster is happening or he wants to see what's going on outside.
"Let's go then." I piped. If I fake my joy then maybe I'll feel it later.
"Good. They live inside a den in Eterna Forest. So we need to call Ying to teleport us there." He walked out the door and I followed him lazily. I am pretty awake but not fully. Once we make it onto the edge of the cliff I stretch my front and back legs. I shake my body making my tan-yellow fur bounce. I gradually stop and sit down quietly.
I noticed Burden sitting in the very same spot he did yesterday to call on Ying. I quickly covered my ears just in time as Burden let out a loud howl. I faintly heard the sound through my paws but it wasn't at all painful as before. Seconds passed after the call and I already got out of my anti-deaf position. I watched as Burden began to grow impatient and heard a mumble that was incomprehensible. I'm starting to get rather impatient also. My tail flickered in slight annoyance. Suddenly a mirage appeared behind Burden and in front of me. Both the crimson Absol and I glared at the emerald Espeon that faded in from the heat wave-like illusion.
"Sorry I'm late. A certain someone decided to play a prank on me. Shall we go?" Ying's red forehead gem glowed as we stepped closer to him in reply. I never noticed his gem before but then again I never pay attention to anything.
The world began to become a desert wave again. Will I ever get used to this? My eyes started playing tricks on me so I shook my head to recover. I blinked a couple times. As my eyes adjusted to my surroundings I grew amazed but also confused. Ying's den was clearly underground but it has so many human things inside that you would think that an actual trainer lives here. I saw a white tapeline that separated the room in half. One side of the room had a pine bookshelf with books and a few snow globes. A neat looking nest that is made of foliage and a pale yellow cloth lies in the corner of the one side with the bookshelf. It looks as though a neat freak got their hands on this space of the room. Then I glanced over at the other side. Trash lies almost everywhere so it's hard to tell what is what. I saw that there was another bedding but it seemed to be made out of hay and dirt and with a chocolate colored blanket to serve as bedding instead of a pale yellow one. I saw a small but wide table holding all sorts of items and knick- knacks. Some I recognized and some I never saw in my entire life.
Burden stepped towards the 'clean' side of the room. "So you two are still territorial?"
I watched as Ying scoffed at Burden's remark. "Until that ignorant fool cleans up after himself and his act then yes." He waltzed over to the bookshelf and took out a weird looking book with a familiar spine.
"So what do you want us to do?" Burden sighed as we watched Ying open the flexible book up.
"Is that a planner?" I meant to keep that question to myself but when you have a mind reader around then there really is no point now is there?
"Quite." Ying answered as he stopped on a page FULL of green colored human words that I can hardly read or understand.
"You can write?" I asked in slight shock. I never knew a Pokemon could read or write human language.
"Not with my paws," Ying psychically picked up the Smeargle pen that was inside the planner's spine. "But with my mind." He mentally put the pen back in the spine and started pinpointing something on the page. Burden and I waited patiently as he silently scrolled down the colored page. I wonder if we will do a favor, chore or mission. I am kind of bored. I'll do anything to distract my thoughts away from that disturbing nightmare…
"Will you hurry up?" Burden groaned as he lied down and rested his head in his paws with boredom. His eyes drooped as if he was tired. Was he up all night?
"Aha! I know what you two can do. I need you guys to stalk Yang and see what he's been up to. I have taken great notice that he's been gone far longer than usual and would like to know what in the world he's doing. I'd do it myself but I'm terrible at spying and he is my brother after all." Ying's mouth curved upwards to a smirk.
"Is that your excuse?" Burden questioned darkly. I could tell he was being a smart alec. He rose to his feet and yawned a little bit. "Fine we'll do it. It can't be as hard as last time." Last time?
"You'll find Yang either outside of the den in Eterna Forest or in Eterna City." Ying informed and closed the book. Burden and I both nodded as Ying put his planner back using his psychic powers. He directed his attention back towards us. "Good luck" Ying said in our heads sarcastically.
We turned towards the exit and made our way through the branch door. Apparently Ying's door is made of real tree branches that just so happen to cover the entrance. How very clever. My measly attention span snapped towards the surrounding forest area. It is true that I have gone through this forest before but its beauty will never cease to amaze me. The way the light of the sun peeks through the trees leaves, the wonderful smells of nature and plenty of weak wild Pokemon to beat up. This would be one of my most favorite of spots if I were on a vacation. However this is not a vacation. This is a request that we need to do. Track down some guy called Yang and stalk him to find out what he's doing. Stealth… Not to sure if I'm good at that. I'll see soon enough.
"So what kind of Pokemon is he?" I ask the shiny Absol as we stroll down the pathways of the forest.
"Umbreon. I'm pretty okay with the guy but not exactly best buds either." Burden simply put with ever-staring eyes straightforward and on lookout.
"Oh…" I murmur. I focus on my surroundings like Burden is. I fought an Umbreon before. Ringz was his name. I know what Umbreons look like from experience. Jeez, was that a rough fight…
I whimper breathlessly as Burden forcefully pushes me toward the bushes. I was confused and slightly dazed. Why did he do that? "Shhh." Burden turned away from me as he looked through the brush. I joined in too and understood why he did what he did.
"It's him…" Burden barely whispered. An Umbreon with faint midnight blue rings on his body and yellow glowing eyes trudged past us. A shiny Umbreon? I thought I said enough with the shinys! I noticed something in the dark creatures mouth. Perhaps a necklace? I leaned closer to take a closer look.
"Eep!" My paw burned and stung at the same time. I quickly react and take the thorn from my paw. Burden's eyes grew and he ducked. Soon I realized what he was doing and joined in.
"Who's there?" A muffled sounding voice said. It was Yang and he probably couldn't speak well because of the pendant in his mouth. I heard a spat. "I'll mess you up! Come out!" I heard him better now. His voice had an accent to it. A tough one that you would hear in a city. I looked at Burden and he looked at me. It is clear that we have been caught. I gestured for him to stay put. He began to silently protest but I jumped out of the bush before anything could be done. I did my best to look casual.
"An' who the heck are you?" The shiny Umbreon demanded. I showed no fear or suspicion but internally I wanted to have a small nervous breakdown. I gave him an apologetic face. My question is, will it work?
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you." I said peacefully. The black and blue Umbreon just looked confused with agitation.
"Hmm… Who's in 'ere behind you?" Yang asked cautiously.
Didn't expect that one. I have no alibi at all because I forgot to think of one. Must think, must think, GOTTA THINK! "My mate and kit." I smiled, not showing him my internal conflict. W-wait, WHAT?!
"Can I see 'em?" Yang pressed on. This kind of stuff must happen all the time for him to act this way. But still, what did I say? What? What!? ZUH?!
"No problem…" I paused. How will Burden react to this? Oh dear Arceus… "Burden, please come out with our kit." I know that Yang won't understand my hint but will Burden? Sweet Girantina this is going to be so awkward.
Burden walked out from the bush slowly at first but then at a normal pace. He sat next to me and surprised me with a lick on the face. My mind just got blown away. "Sorry but our kit is too shy to show its face to strangers so it ran off to play." Burden said coolly. Am I breathing? Phew, what? Huh?
"Burden?!" Yang jumped almost seven feet in the air. "You 'ave a mate? Who woulda guessed. Wow man, you got lucky eh? Hehehe."
We both were as still as statues. Perhaps it was the pure shock of the moment or the discomfort of the conversation but somehow I knew we were both mentally going crazy.
"I thought you were 'ere to stalk me 'cause of my brudda, Hahaha!" Yang continued. "Well I'll be seeing you two Luvdiscs then. Later suckas." With that, the shiny creature of the dark picked up the strange necklace and scurried away towards the city. We both watched him until he disappeared.
I looked at Burden who gave me a puzzling look. He just stared at me. The look was either of confusion or disbelief. I froze up as our eyes connected. What kind of excuse can I have for saying something like that? My body temperature began to rise from embarrassment so I puffed out my collar fur to release the heat. But instead of keeping silent afterwards I began to speak. I apologized sincerely more than awkwardly. "Look… I didn't know… I didn't know what to do. I'm so sorry. I-"
I was cut off by Burden's paw patting my head. I stopped moving, speaking and breathing. Burden spoke so gently that even I can just barely hear him. "Its alright. But you did kind of save my hide. Yang said that if he found me spying on him again then I would be taking a trip to the underworld. So… thanks." Burden removed his paw from my head and walked by me. I blankly stared at him as he passed. I can't really think of anything right now. "You coming?" Burden shouted for me. He was almost out of my sight.
"Er… Sorry!" I yelled over and began to run towards him. I stopped by his side then we began walking towards Eterna City. As we passed the trees and the plants I couldn't help but ponder. Does this mean that he forgives me? Perhaps he just wants to put on this routine so Yang doesn't annihilate him. Either way he's cool about it and I'm glad I didn't have a panic attack back there. A sign at the entrance of a street interrupted my daydreams. Houses decorated the sides of the road. As Burden and me inspected closer we saw letters. I can only make out a few but luckily those few were the most important. It read 'Eterna City' on the top of the sign and some tinier ones below it. They shouldn't be too important. I glanced over at the sapphire-eyed Absol and we nodded. We are doing this job and we are doing it right.
"Remember to actually stay low this time." Burden joked as we passed the wooden sign and through the town entrance.
I snickered and looked at him from the corner of my eye. "Let's shove a knife in your paw and see if you can stay quiet." Burden chuckled lightly at my comment. I saw a human tending to some flowers outside her house. This jolted my memory. Burden has no disguise! "Burden! You're exposed!" I hoarsely whispered.
Burden took a step into the shadows of an alley. "Exactly why I'll be taking cover in the dark while spying and you will be walking around town in secrecy." Burden and I both stopped walking. "Does that make sense?"
"Yeah." I agreed. "And we meet back up at the sign in an hour, got it?" I'm not used to being all by myself so I don't want to be separated for too long. I'll get used to it eventually.
"Sure." Burden replied as he turned his back on me and started down the alley. "Catch ya later."
"Okay…" I said under my breath even though Burden was gone. I sit down on the side of the street and sigh. Why do I feel that this is going to be a wild Zangoose chase? I turn to my head to see the same woman caring for her plants. I decided to be a little mischievous so I get up from my position and strut towards the young human. She takes notice of me and smiles sweetly.
"What a darling Flareon!" The female florist cooed as she petted my head. "What are you doing here huh?" Funny she should ask.
I faintly purr and she giggles. That's right lady, buy my act. Before the woman could even say 'Oh no', I jerked my head away from her one hand and plucked a purple tulip from her other. I scurried off behind a building. I did hear the florist call after me. She called for me to come back. Her tone sounded friendly but I decided to go against it. I put the tulip down and smiled to myself. I didn't want the flower but I needed practice for my stealth. Stealing a flower isn't a crime so I thought this would be perfect. I set the flower on the doorstep of the building I hid behind. I don't want a pretty plant such as this one to be wasted for nothing. I walk out onto the street and notice a black shadow sweep into an alley. I instinctively follow and take pursuit. I peek my head in the opening of the dark space. I saw Yang and another Pokemon conversing. It looked as though they were making a deal. I identified the other Pokemon as a rugged Mightyena with a brown bag hanging from its neck. I listened in closely.
"You got it, right?" The tough toned Mightyena growled. He was obviously very impatient over something.
"Ya. Don't get snippy wit me." Yang seethed through clenched teeth. He was still holding the pendant I saw earlier. I heard a low growl. Someone's losing their temper. "Take the stupid medallion. Just gimme my plate, Punky."
"I told you not to call me that!" The Mightyena snarled. Yang just laughed mockingly. "My name is now Grunt, got that?" Yang nodded dismissively. Grunt shook his head. "Here's your damn plate." Grunt reached into his bag and somehow managed to get a grip of a black tile. He threw it at the shiny Umbreon. Yang threw the necklace at the same time as Grunt threw the tile.
"Thanks." Yang sneered and began to walk my way as the Mightyena disappeared into the blackness of the dark alleyway. I acted quickly and hid below a nearby porch of a house. Yang walked into broad daylight and glanced around. Like lightning he ran away towards the forest with that weird thing between his canines. I squeezed back out of the gap and shook my body to get the dirt out of my fur. Darn it, I need to groom later. I licked my paw and cleaned my face. At least a little hygiene would be nice. A couple minutes of face cleaning passed, and then I decided to go to the sign of the town to meet up with Burden. I ran instead of walked. As I approached the exit, or should I say entrance, of town I saw Burden lying down beside the post and taking a nap.
I trotted next to him and nudged his shoulder a little. "Hey, get up." No answer. I nudged him a little harder. "C'mon." The only response was a grumble. I sighed and then hatched a devilishly good idea. I blew a Flamethrower in front of his face. Just enough to make him feel it.
"Waah!" Burden jumped back and panted. I stopped my attack and gleamed. He grinned. "What was that for?"
"Not waking up." I laughed. I decided to get on topic. "I found Yang. Apparently he's making deals with a Mightyena named Grunt. Funny thing is his name used to be Punky."
Burden smiled at this as he regained his composure. "I see. Let's go tell Ying then." I nodded in agreement.
"So that's what he's been doing? If mother was alive today she would gut him like a fish." Ying scowled. He sighed as he went over to his nest and sat down with his tail curled around him. "Well thank you two for helping. I will have to talk to Yang about this later…" He said the last part mostly to himself.
"Can you give us a free ride home now?" Burden asked tiredly yet sarcastically.
Ying smiled faintly and walked towards us. "As always in our little compromise." I sat silently as the green Espeon came between Burden and me. The gem on his head shined brightly and the desert waves surrounded us as our setting morphed from one to another. We were back on the cliff edge and I actually didn't get sick. Hurray. "Until next time." Ying said to us with his thoughts as he faded out in fake heat waves.
"Are we done today?" I asked Burden. I was actually tired from today. Which is weird because my stamina is always great.
"Yeah. Let's go to bed. Besides, It's getting dark." The shiny Absol trudged over to the teal door and opened it for me. I muttered a thanks as I walked passed him and through the door. Of coarse Burden followed me from behind. I made my internal thermal energy rise to get warm and comfortable, then I drowsily lied down beside the fire. I yawned soundlessly and lowered my head to my paws. My eyes slowly closed. Before I went to dream land I felt a warm, furry mass lay next to me. I couldn't help but faintly smirk from the comforting embrace.