"Come on! Hurry up!" whoops Lira as she raced ahead of me, hopping over dead logs and rocks. She giggled as she flew across the barren, rocky terrain, as if there never was a care in the world. I simply shook my head as I watched her, grinning warmly.

Two years. It had already been two years- or at least it would have been. The planet's paralysis did nothing to save the people and Pokemon that had survived this mess when it first began and their future generations from aging. My human companion had hit a growth spurt during our time spent together and was now just a little shorter than I. In size, however, she was still very small; she wasn't eating enough, but then neither of us was. Her malnourishment made her near weightless.

And yet she didn't whine or complain, keeping whatever disappointment or discouragement she may feel behind her teeth. In fact, it was near the very opposite. She was, for the most part, happy all of the time. And she wants to help others when she can- sometimes getting both of us into trouble in the process. I haven't been able to make her understand how careful she needed to me, especially around strangers. She understood death, of course, but she hardly considered another being to cause death- not when she had done no wrong at least. I can't even fathom how she remains so innocent and so… hopeful.

I watch her stumble for a moment, tripping as her baggy, roughly sewn, pants that sagged a little down her waist. They were bigger than they should have been- and I believe that they were actually meant to be worn by the males of her kind- but it was all we managed to get other than her overly large, plain shirt, obviously made for an adult. Lira had grown out of her old clothing. Thankfully, I had anticipated this a little early on and we had been able to save a few things from our raids here and there until I had been able to go to the nearest town to trade them for her clothing. Not that many Pokemon had a need for garments, but they did have some other uses, like keeping someone warm or for a luxury of comfort.

I hadn't asked where the merchant had gotten the human attire. I don't think Lira or myself would've liked the answer anyway.

On the bright side, she had time to grow into them.

"You're slow!" she teases.

Slow, am I? I think with a smirk. With a burst of speed, I dash forward, scooping her up and racing ahead a good distance in one smooth motion. She laughs all the while.

I wasn't entirely worried of keeping her quiet as I had been the first few weeks with her by my side. She could keep quiet when she had to, such as whenever we were making raids. Other than that, some Pokemon who lived here- at least the ones that weren't completely hostile or were working for Dialga- seemed to not just tolerate her presence in this area, but sometimes even treat her with kindness; a smile, a greeting, even playing with her on occasion. It was her gift to uplift their spirits. Lira gave them, all of us, something we had been missing for a long time.

Hope.

I wish I knew how she did it; how she always managed to make these dark days brighter. She was very strong in the sense that, despite everything this world's put her through- the loss of her parents, the betrayal of her own kind, the threat of death looming over her head for reasons unknown, she hasn't become corrupted to the darkness. She pushes it away. Someone like her, so meek and with so much to fear, how does she remain so… pure?

After all this time spent with her, I wonder if maybe that's why Dialga's thugs want her gone. She's a spark of light that they wish to put out.

When I stop running and put her back down on her feet, Lira spins around and give me a hug, nuzzling me against my chest. I return the affection warmly, running a hand through her dirty, tangled hair. Like so many others, I can't help but love her. She broke down the walls that guarded my heart and gave me the one thing I thought I never would have; a friend. Why did they do it? I often questioned, Why did those men leave her for dead? She isn't a hindrance; she does everything she can to help others and earn her own meals. And- although I don't know what most humans are like- she's the sweetest person I know.

We reach our destination- a winding path leading down a cliff face to the stockades. We had enough food stored up, but this wasn't that kind of raid. The carts that travelled through here around this time would bring in items such as seeds and orbs, often used to torment those captured and brought here. For example, an X-Eye Seed, used for something worse than hallucinations, to make a person's terrors come to life until they begged to be released from their nightmares, telling Dialga's men anything they wanted to hear.

The people who were brought into the stockades typically didn't walk back out. This was a risky job, and one of the few harder ones I've let Lira come along on, but it would be well worth it if we pulled it off right. We could use some of the items to help us during our raids, and things we didn't need we could trade off to the resistance for medical supplies, information from spies about when the schedules for imports and exports had changed, and maybe food too when we haven't gathered enough. Members of the resistance often made fair enough trades, wanting to get their hands on anything that would help them fight back against Dialga and prove to others that they were there to help.

The carts came right on time; three of them pulled by a group of twelve- seven Sableye, a Golem, and four Porygon. I can't help but find myself grinning; maybe this wouldn't be such a tough job after all. I had the advantage against the Golem and- like the Sableye- while Porygon made up a large number of Dialga's followers, they were barely worth the effort it took to fight them.

"Lira, are you ready?" I ask, slipping something into her hand.

She smiles brightly at me and nods, automatically falling silent as I had taught her to be while we're on our raids. Although I still don't believe she understands everything I'm saying- even after two years together- she seems to get things for the most part. As quick and quiet as a Rattata, she darts off, her small size helping her hide in the unlikeliest of places. I watch her pull out a slingshot- her sole weapon that we had crafted for her to use if she ever got into a pinch.

There weren't many trees around, but I took to a dead oak nonetheless. From up high, I'm able to watch her and survey the area to make sure there's no one else either to sneak up on us during the raid. Lira picks up a handful of pebbles here and there along the way as she creeps closer and closer to the carts. Once she's just in range, she loads a couple stones, pulls back, takes aim… and lets them fly.

"Gah!" cries out one Sableye and his hand flies to the newly made sore spot on the back of his head, "What was that?!"

With a loud, high-pitched whistle and teasing giggle Lira grasps the attention of the dozen Pokemon. Waving at them, she hollers, "Wanna play?" After firing off another few rocks, she races off without a second glance back. The taunting attitude of the child irritating him as well as the chuckles of his fellows, the first Sableye gives chase immeadiately, follow by two others whom dive down into the earth to try and take her by surprise there.

"Isn't she that one human?" questions a Porygon, "The one Dialga wants?"

"Yeah…" gulps another, "If she's here, then Grovyle's probably not that far away either. I heard he slashed right though the Pokemon that tried to get her two years back."

"Haw!" barks out the Golem heartily, "As if I'd be afraid of some lizard and a small fry like that! I'm going after that one!" He's already heading off with a fourth Sableye behind him. "Are you boys coming? If you help me catch her, I might just put in a good word for you with Dialga as I bring her to him personally."

"I'm not that nuts!" the first Porygon shakes his head franticly, "And that's only if you catch her! And if you don't, Dialga and Dusknoir won't be happy!"

"I heard he did something pretty awful to that first bunch."

The Golem shrugs them off, his overconfidence getting the better of him. I'm a bit worried about that one. I had given Lira a Quick Seed so she could make a speedy get away at the last second. That Pokemon was probably slower than most, but if he did manage to get a hold of her, he probably wouldn't have the self-control needed to stop himself from bashing her brains out with a boulder. I need to work fast; the more time I waste, the longer her safety is compromised.

Three Porygon and five Sableye to take care of. I smirk; this is nothing I can't handle. Lunging down right in the midst of them, I use Leaf Blade. "Alright, who's first?"

Within a short time, I'm already filling the second pack and swinging it across one shoulder as the Porygon stand over to the side, frightened, the downed Sableye sprawled in front of them. They weren't stupid; I'd give them credit for that at least. I ignore them as I head back to the sparse tree line, knowing that they'll be no trouble. Like most of Dialga's henchmen, they could boast alright, but Porygon would typically sooner teleport away before getting into a fight.

Now the real challenge would be finding which way Lira went. I just hope she is smart enough to know to stay put somewhere safe after she flees from the Golem. And I assume she's outran them because I have yet to hear a scream and the alternative is simply unthinkable. I had no way of giving her any particular direction to go in, not without a sun or wind to lead the way. Travelling by tree, I should cover more ground and be able to spot her easier. I can't even say I find myself particularly worried; I've kept up with her and her ever rooming curiosity this long after all.

Soon enough, I find her- a good quarter mile away from where the thugs who had chased her down were searching, trying to catch her breath in the cover of a small brier patch. Good job, I congratulate her mentally for not only outrunning them by a great distance, but for also finding a good place to bunker down in. Shifting in her position to get a little more comfortable, her gaze goes upward.

I'm about to jump down to her when she spots me. Her eyes widen and she shakes her head frantically. I pause; she's not one to panic over stupid things or over exaggerate, so I'm not about to take the action lightly. My eyes flicker back and forth about the surrounding area, searching.

And yet I find nothing. What is putting her in a sense of unease?

You still forget at times, a thought comes to me, no matter what she's still only a human child. Perhaps bringing her along on a raid on a scale such as this, at an age so young with the memory of her being lost in the woods alone possibly still fresh on her mind- even after this long, has left her paranoid with her fears and flight response overcoming everything else.

I lunge from my perch and head near her, but as soon as I do so, she darts off- out of the briers and into an opening in trees. I raise a brow and blink in surprise; was she scared of me now? But why? She was acting as if she had swallowed an X-Eye Seed. "Lira, what's wrong with you?" I start stepping toward her once more, "It's just me."

A harsh snicker and howl finally alerts me that we are not alone out here. "There you are, little girl."

I begin searching for the sound and prepare to fight, but that's when I spot Lira put a bony finger to her lips and point back up to the treetops. She's looking at me with fear, but now I understand it's not just for herself.

I scowl at her. I wasn't going to leave her here to face whatever unexpected enemy there may be. And she knows I can fight; I've protected her often enough to prove that and she knows it.

When I don't make a move, she does, heading deeper into the woods- chasing after the voice. What are you doing?! I scream at her, but only mentally. To say anything now would give up an advantage; they think Lira's still alone.

"What's this?" the voice questions, surrounded by the laughter of others, "The runt wants to face us head on? Well, ain't that cute!" So, there was more than one of them.

My heart stops for a millisecond when I spot her opponents- a group of five Houndoom. Reacting purely on instinct, I duck behind a tree that had been seared right in half somehow. Houndoom were Fire-type Pokemon. One or maybe two, I could handle, but against a group this large it was wiser to retreat.

"Come here, little girl," the voice continues, smooth as silk, but with a bit of foreboding laced with it like a poison, "Over here, little Lira." They begin to block her ways of escape, moving very slowly, splitting off to opposing sides. I'm worried now more than ever. How do they even know her name? She's not on any wanted posters and I'm the only Pokemon who could possibly know her by name, considering that I'm always with her when she interacts with the rest and never once has either of us even uttered it.

She lets out a nervous moan in response. I can just see her trembling, but only slightly so. She's trying so hard to be brave. To hold everything back and stand her ground.

"Let's just get her already!" barks one of the hounds impatiently, making Lira flinch and her head snap in his direction. "It's so easy! We gotta take her out before that reptile starts looking for her!"

"We're not 'taking her out'!" snaps back the one who must be the leader of these brigands, "Dialga wants her alive and unharmed- no burns, no bites, not even so much as a bruise! She gets hurt, we don't get paid!"

"I don't see what it matters if we can just patch her up later. It might even teach her to stay put." A dangerous growl is directed his way in reply. "Besides, wasn't a group of Sableye tortured because they couldn't finish the job the first time?"

"Or they were tortured for trying to finish the job in the first place," another one mutters.

"It doesn't matter!" the leader gnashes his fangs together, agitated by his subordinates' blabbering, "What matters is here and now, and now Dialga wants her alive, understand?!" The other four bow their heads respectively in answer.

Meanwhile, Lira has attempted to scoot away from the group, only for two of them to nudge her forward with their heads, making her tense up. The pack leader steps closer, speaking again in that icy, seductive tone, "Come on, little Lira. Don't you want to come play? We don't bite."

"Much..." A sharp glare as keen as a razor. A head ducked downward once again. Silence.

When he gets too close for her comfort, she smacks him with the palm of her hand with surprising speed, right on top of the head. "No!"

Reacting angrily, he growls at her, all attempts to make her come quietly vanishing into thin air as he chomps down on the front of her shirt to drag her with him, making her fall to the ground in a screaming heap, kicking and clawing as she tried to get away from his vice-like hold. The others swarm in instantly, closing in on her and ready to force her down again. "Get a Sleep Seed!" he orders through clenched teeth, "Now!"

Wasting not another second, I dive out of cover and Pound straight into the nearest Houndoom, knocking him off his feet. "There's no way I'm letting you take her, you thugs!"

"Grovyle," says the pack leader wickedly, with a sickly smug grin on his face, "So you came to her rescue after all. I was beginning to wonder if you would show yourself. Either way, in case you haven't noticed, you're outnumbered and outgunned." As if confirming this, his lackeys begin to close in on me, leaving only one of them to hang on to Lira.

"I've noticed," I say in a flat monotone, betraying nothing of what I feel and glaring fiercely to the leader.

"It's a shame, really. You could've been so much more if you had just joined the right side instead of just sitting on your hands and watching after that pest," he chomps his fangs after that last word, as if imagining the child's vulnerable neck in the place of what is only air.

I don't respond, and instead remain still and defiant. It would take more than an eloquently worded sentence or two to make me fall to emotion and therefore leave rational thought behind in battle. Even with Lira in their clutches, to succumb to that blindness would only endanger us both.

"Him," the leader looked to the most impatient of the Houndoom, "him, you can kill."

"With pleasure," he chortled, licking his fangs.

I veer out of the way just in time to avoid a burst of fire aimed right at me as he uses Flamethrower. I would need to be careful; it was just a rumor, but some said that if a Houndoom was to cause a burn, then that burn would hurt forevermore.

As I spin left to avoid another strike, I feel a sharp, searing pain in my arm and swiftly jerk around to find a third Houndoom biting down on it, having used Fire Fang. "Grovyle, no!" Lira screams. I bite down hard on my lower lip, resisting the urge to cry out for the sake of personal pride and for Lira; I would shove the pain aside and stride on to fight even if it only meant helping her stay strong for the time being. Using Leaf Blade, I take my free arm and slice the Houndoom across the face. It's not enough to do any real damage, but it's enough to disorient him for a few seconds so that I can force him to let go.

The fight is fierce, but brief. It's obvious even to myself that I'm outmatched here. But if I fail, I could very well lose and life and Lira will be dragged off to Dialga, and I can't let her down- I can't fail her.

I manage to fight them back a little while longer, firing Energy balls off at them, before they finally surround me and I'm left panting on the ground. "I'm ending this, once and for all," a Houndoom exclaims. Opening his jaws, I see sparks begin to swirl within. My eyes widen; he's using Inferno. I try to move, but I can't- too weakened from the fighting. So I do the only thing I can- brace myself for the blast.

"Grovyle!" Lira screams again. And then everything seems to happen in slow motion; her slipping out of her shirt to break free, the massive ball of fire that is sent my way, lighting up everything with intense heat…

Lira, crying out in absolute agony, falling, writhing on the ground, doubled over in pain, as she rushes in front of me to take the attack herself.

I'm so numb with fear for her that I can't even say her name. My mouth hangs open as I crawl over to her, trying to comfort her while at the same time not touch the newly made burns. The Houndoom argue, placing the blame on each other; who should've held onto her better, who should've held back, who should've made sure she didn't get in the way.

And while they're distracted, a panicked thought comes to me. Slipping my hands into one of the bags, I quickly yank out the first orb I find by feel and toss it on the ground in front of us, letting it shatter. Arceus must've been in a good mood that day, because I soon discover what exactly it does.

It's a Petrify Orb, and it lives up to its name. All of the Houndoom are frozen instantly, paralyzed.

But they won't be for long. Moving fast, I pick up Lira and her shirt and dash out of there as fast as I can go. And I don't stop, not until I'm far enough away so they won't be able to track us by scent without hours of searching.

"Lira…" I gasp, placing her gently on the ground. She's unresponsive, paralyzed with pain and shock. "Lira, please, say something!" I beg. I continue to try to coax her into saying or doing anything, but it's pointless. She's fallen unconscious now; the hurt too much for her to bear and causing her to faint.

I hadn't expected any Houndoom to be near here. I hadn't expected her to get hurt, certainly not burned. Any Rawst Berries we had were back home, in the cave. For the first time in forever, I feel helpless, completely unable to do anything to help her. An unexpected tear rolls down my cheek.

I don't know how long we stay there, but it's too long. A rustling bush grabs my attention and I grimace in hot fury. Whoever it was that had come to attack us this time, let them try. I was too angry at myself for failing to protect Lira, at the Houndoom for attacking her, at everyone who had ever done her wrong. I spin around, standing over the girl, ready to fight again; I need something to hit.

A familiar Lopunny backs off a moment before steeling herself. She stands there, staring at me, her eyes occasionally flicking down to Lira. I don't speak and neither does she. Why was she here? Eventually my gaze falls to what she's holding in her hands; a jar filled with a bright green sludge. Curious and confused, I relax a fraction.

Emboldened by this, she takes a few steps closer. "It's made from Kuo Berries," she says softly. Whatever expression I bare on my face, she must see that I don't know what those are, because she continues, "They're not as well-known as Ice or Rawst Berries, but they heal burns all the same."

Without even waiting for me to ask, she sidesteps me and kneels down to where Lira lies, already unscrewing the cap and dipping her hand in the jar to pull out a glob. I hold her by the wrist before she can do anything and we have a short stare down. Only a look in her eyes, a pleading gaze that tells me she only wants to help, makes me relent.

"Sissy?" I hear yet another recognizable voice. The Lopunny looks up from her work of covering Lira's body in the Kuo Berry medicine and I turn around as well to see the girl Buneary, followed by her brother.

"We found them," the boy states. Looking over to me, he drops his gaze and mumbles, "We… we found help."

And then, one by one, a few other Pokemon reveal themselves from the shadows. A Squirtle, two Torchics, a Bonsly, an Oshawott. I blink at them all in surprise. The more wary and suspicous part of me puts me on guard. Could I fight all of them at once, injured as I was and with Lira to protect? Then again, I still had some orbs left.

But there's no need for that. They too have just come over to help. The Squirtle and Oshawott use Water-Type moves to help heal Lira's burns. The others try to revive her with berries. Slowly, something else begins to dawn on me; I've met them all before- not just the Rabbit Pokemon. They're all Pokemon that Lira had run into the woods. She had offered to help or console, or wanted to befriend them all.

After a while, the Lopunny tries to talk me into letting her apply the medicine to me. We argue for some time until eventually we both come to some agreement. Yes, I'll accept her help, but I can apply it to my body on my own.

When they've done all they can, they retreat back into the woods without a word. Before the Lopunny and her siblings can go, I can't help but ask the two year-old question. "Why?"

She sighs, but smiles at me, "You should know yourself by now… No one can help but love her."

((Author's Note: I'm sorry guys; I tried to write an epic battle between Grovyle and the Houndoom, I really did, but I failed miserably. After about two weeks of just staring at the document with little to nothing done, I just gave up!))