I know that there have been grammar and spelling errors in my previous chapters. I'm fully aware of that. I have an A plus in Literature, however I have been too lazy to read over my work recently. Perhaps one day I will rewrite this entire thing correctly. Anyways, thanks for reading and please enjoy this chapter.


I open my dreary eyes and stretch my body. It's kind of hard to believe that I've only been in the wild for not even a month, and already so many things have happened. As I finish stretching, I notice that Burden is gone. He isn't in the cave at all. I shrugged and figured that perhaps he ventured out for a bit. As I yawned and trudged over to the berry bin, I immediately recognized the Chesto Berry and picked it up with my teeth. I walked over towards the tiny table and set it down. Chesto Berries work like coffee. I think that's what Blair called it. Anyway, they keep you awake for a long time. I should know 'cause I'm basically addicted to the stuff even though it's super hard and really dry. I bit into it and tried to swallow, but I coughed it down instead. Yep, this is one dry berry. After choking down the rest of the berry I became more alert. I might as well go outside to see if Burden's there.

Before I brushed past the clothed door I noticed that Burden's cloak is still lying next to the campfire. Either he didn't want to wake me up to get it or he isn't going into town. Ignoring the rest of my thoughts about the subject, I went outside into the snowy ecosystem. Light amounts of snowflakes are raining down from the sky and decorating my fur. This would have been a joyous experience if the snowflakes were not made out of something called H20. I walked out closer to the cliff's edge to see an enormous view of the region. I noticed something imprinted in the snow that lead from the cave, to the rocky mountainside, towards the white covered forest. As I came closer to the indents in the snow next to the cave, I realized that there was more than just one set of tracks. There were Burden's paw prints and then another Pokemon's paw prints. Did Burden run off with someone into the woodland? Once again I wiped the thoughts from my mind. The logical way of doing this would be to follow the tracks and find Burden, so I guess I should get started.

I glimpsed over the edge of the cliff and almost instantly I felt dizzy and backed up a little. By the looks of it, this is an eighteen-foot cliff. Of course. Burden would have helped me get down before but if I do it by myself… No. I CAN do it. I drew in a sharp breath and began scouting down the mountain. My paws slipped and slid making me gasp and tremble. The steepness of this mountain plus the icy snow doesn't help, and my body isn't exactly built to climb up and down snowy regions. I was about ten feet high when my back leg slipped from under me and I came sledding down. I screamed in terror and shock as I approached the bottom of the slope. Much to my relief yet irritation, a big glob of snow nestled below. I tensed up and closed my eyes as my body became engulfed in cold, white powder. The chilliness didn't bother me much since my temperature rose on the way down, but even so my fur was moist. I frowned at this and then shook my entire body to get rid of the excess snow. It didn't work quite well but nonetheless it counts as something. I trudged out of the pile and focused my attention on the set of tracks. I then began to follow the trail with determination.

After walking for such a long time that I don't even know, I reached the frost-covered forest. Even decorated in wretched snow this place is pretty cool. I redirected my attention on the paw prints. It seems like the longer I followed them, the more fresher the imprints looked. I continued walking onward. The prints look so recent. Maybe I'm closer than I think. I paused for a moment. I have no clue why but my instincts told me to stand still and be quiet. I heard something. Voices up ahead of me. I stuck low to the ground even though my fur colors pretty much give me away in this environment. I crawled closer to the voices, noticing that the tracks were also leading me to them. I then heard Burden's dark tone mumbling ahead of me so I crept up behind a nearby bush and listened. I caught him in the middle of a heated conversation.

"What were you doing in my cave?" Burden's voice was loud but controlled. I can't see what's going on but someone must have gone into our home when we were sleeping.

A long pause… My curiosity got the best of me and I tried to slowly look over the bush, just before I did I stopped myself and crouched back down. I don't want to expose my cover. Finally the classified character spoke. "You tink you can lie to me an' not get away wit it?" The Pokemon snapped. I inwardly sighed. Of coarse it would be Yang.

"What do you mean?" Burden demanded angrily.

"You know what I mean! You said that Flareon chick was your mate. Well guess what? I got buddies working in da shadows and they see what goes on." Yang started getting snippy.

I can tell that Burden started to get annoyed by tone in his voice. "And who exactly are these 'buddies'?" He asked in a low monotone voice.

"Let's just say they're my clients, my helpers and my amigos." Yang answered mockingly.

"So you just wanted to try and steal from me because I told a little white lie?" Burden growled.

"Lil'? Nah man you ain't talkin' 'bout some white lie. Where I come from, lying to me is like lying to a Don." Yang chuckled darkly. "An' Dons always get their sweet revenge."

"A Don?" Burden sounded confused. I don't blame him. I don't even know what a Don is. Isn't that a name? "What is a Don?" Burden questioned.

I heard Yang sigh. "Neva' mind." He changed the subject. "The fact 'tis that you caught me red handed so I guess I won't continue to 'borrow' yo things… for now."

Burden growled deeply after that statement. "Well what were you going to steal anyway? I have nothing of value."

"Pfft, says you." Yang rustled with something. I still can't see so of course I have no clue what it is. "So then, what were ya gonna do wit 'tis?" Yang sneered.

"Where- How did you find that?" Burden stammered. He sounded a little panicked about whatever Yang was holding.

"Oh 'tis?" Yang ceased talking for a moment, probably doing something to taunt Burden. "Well, my bloody red friend, hiding sumtin' as valuable as this behind a berry bin is so predictable. At least some of your lie was sorta true." Yang teased.

"Quiet!" Burden snapped. "Give it back, now." He warned in a slow manner. What does Yang mean by 'sorta true'?

"Hmm… Well I guess I can give this back to ya." Yang sighed in a bored tone and threw something at Burden. "Don't do it again. When I say that, I mean don't follow me aroun' and don't lie to my face." He spat. "Anyhow, laters." Yang cackled. Then I heard leaves rustling, which meant that he finally left.

I was about to back away slowly and try to make my way back to the cave before Burden did. But by dumb luck I had to step on a tree branch and make a loud snapping sound. I cringed as I gradually removed my paw away from the broken twig. Then came Burden's agitated voice. "Who's there?"

I wish I were a Kecleon so I could disappear. However I am not so I was forced to stand up and face Burden. He looked surprised to see me. I saw him hide something behind himself hastily but I ignored it and concentrated on the conversation. I did my best to not look guilty but I usually suck at that. "Hiya…" I smiled awkwardly.

"How'd you get here?" Burden asked quizzically.

"I followed your paw prints." I breathed as I pointed at the trail behind me. Burden nodded as a reply.

"How much did you hear?" He seemed to be troubled over something.

"Not much." I fibbed. "I only heard Yang's laughter so I'm sure I missed a lot."

Burden thought for a second. "Okay then… But hey, you go on ahead and return to the cave. I have some unfinished business to take care of."

"Okay, I'll see you later." I piped as I turned away and began traveling back home. I wonder what that item was that Yang took. And why is it so important to Burden?


"So what is it?" I chimed as Burden kept the mysterious item behind his form.

"I can't give it to you now." Burden smirked. "So I'm just going to hide it until then."

"Aw, but why?" I tilted my head trying to see the item behind him but he just covered it up.

"You'll find out later." Burden finished as he motioned his paw for me to leave. "Go outside real quick."

"Okay then." I sighed and slowly made my way outside. It was dark and cold outside. There isn't any snowfall, which is weird since we're in a winter wasteland. I pawed at the snow in boredom, and then I heard Burden's voice calling me back in. I sprinted inside, hoping to catch him in the act of hiding his item. Unfortunately he was already done so I sat down in front of the fire and pouted. "Well where is it?"

Burden gleamed. "I'm not telling." He laughed.

My tail flicked around in annoyance. I really want to know though… Grr.

The shiny Absol noticed my impatience and chuckled some more. "Don't worry, you'll see it someday."

"How 'bout today?" I asked cheerfully.

"Nope." He said simply.

"…" I don't like waiting. I dazed off into the fire in defeat. I really want to know what that item is!

"Well I'm off to bed so have fun staying up all night with anxiety." Burden mocked in a singsong tone. He curled up on his gray cloak and closed his sapphire eyes.

"I will…" I whispered with a grin. I don't think Burden heard me, which is good. I want to go outside and travel. Maybe I can find one of Yang's 'buddies' to help me find out what that item is. I crept away slowly from the warm fire and the slumbering Absol. I won't be gone all night so I'm not going to tell him of my absence. I licked my paw and cleaned my face quickly, and then I slid through the door with caution.

Outside had become much colder. I tucked my paws in and raised my temperature. The icy air simply repelled from my fur as I walked over towards the mountain path. I felt my heart rate quicken as I looked down. I saw void blackness with gray splotches. Suddenly I thought of an idea. I breathed in, feeling the flame sac in my body start to grow hotter. Finally I reached deep within myself and gradually spewed out a tiny flame from my mouth. I can't keep this up for long so with reckless abandon, I raced down the mountainside. I slid most of the way down. Right before I hit the same pile of snow as before, I stopped my long routine of exhaling and inhaled. However I inhaled the snow not oxygen. I started to choke and cough as I dragged myself out of the pile of cold and white powder. Perhaps this idea was not the best in the world. I finally managed to stop coughing and looked up. No longer was there plain darkness. The bright snow made everything look gray. I thanked Mother Nature for being on my side even though I burn down more than one tree in a month. I trudge towards the direction of where Snowpoint City is located. I remember where it is since I have traveled around Sinnoh for so long. The way there is long from the mountain but I am almost certain that I can go and return from there within one night. As I walk I can't help but wonder… What is that dang item?


I shook my body, causing all the excess snow to fall off. Finally I have reached Snowpoint City. Though at night it seems somewhat, well, sinister. As my paws padded down the main street of the city I couldn't help but feel a cold chill run down my back. It wasn't from the snow either. My breathing tempo quickened. Suddenly I realized that I was getting scared. I grew agitated and snapped out of it. What is there to be scared of? Nothing! There's nothing here… at all. My throat grew dry as I continued down the street. Maybe I wouldn't be so frightened if there were some lampposts in this town. My entire being jolted violently as a loud crashing sound erupted from an alleyway. The same alleyway I saw Grunt and Yang have that negotiation. Terror turned into to horror as I shakily approached the dark space between the two buildings. Another clatter sounded as I began entering the alley of doom. Time got slower and my awareness increased. My every step had a lag as I crept deeper into the depths of the opening. No way should I be so scared. Probably just a Skitty finding its way into a dumpster. It's logical. Yeah. I sighed within my mind. No matter how much I think positive there is always that big gaping hole of fear. I can no longer see what's in front of me and I stop.

My voice nearly cracked as I began to speak. "Is there a-anyone here?"

"We don't like trespassers snooping around in our alley." A voice hissed. My skin crawled as the rugged yet breathy voice came from the deeper shadows of the alley.

I don't know where the voice emerged from since the place had a slight echo, but I did my best to stay composed and unfazed. My throat restricted itself as I boldly replied. "Sorry for trespassing." I sincerely called. "I didn't mean to bother you or your friends so I'll just be going."

As I turned tail, I saw the faint light bleeding in from the outer world. I only advanced two steps before I heard a loud rattle of cans. A cold gale of air brushed past me as a large creature appeared from the unknown and blocked my path to freedom. The silhouette before me was anything but visible. I couldn't even guess it was so dark. I stared at the being with a blank expression. A figure loomed over me on two legs. It wasn't until I stopped focusing off the middle of the beast that I saw two claws protruding from the Pokemon's paws. Out of nowhere, a rush of adrenaline kicked in and I charged up a Fire Blast. The clawed form in front of me gasped as it saw my mouth conjure up a giant ball of flame. As I fired the flaming ball out of my mouth I heard a pained holler. Adrenaline turned into twitches as I shakily walked over to the injured creature, panting.

I looked at the Pokemon's face. I never saw such a creature before so I couldn't help but ask my offender a question. "What are you?" I practically murmured.

The clawed one's face became visible in the lunar light and revealed a grayish body with red feathers coming out from the top of its head like a crown. As it barely got up in a dazed fashion I couldn't help but notice that its body shape resembled a Meowth's. I stepped back a pace as the feline-like creature supported itself against a wall, breathing in a short, rough manner.

"I said," I hesitated a little from nervousness. "What are you?"

The Pokemon looked up and scowled at me, making me flinch. "My name…" The feathered organism grimaced in pain. I probably burned him. However he recovered and continued talking. "Is Scratch…"

My memory suddenly struck me. Scratch? "Hey, Scratch." I barely spoke. "Did you ever meet a red Absol?" I asked almost like he wasn't just trying to kill me.

I suddenly realized that I let down my guard as the clawed Pokemon darkly sneered. But then he grimaced once more and almost fell to his knees, so I knew I was safe. Even though this thing is injured, I want my answers.

I put on a fake hellish expression and stride toward him. I want him nice and scared if I'm going to get a reply out of such a scumbag. The moonlight illuminated my face as I approached the clawed creature. His very own expression turned from confidently sinister to absolutely petrified. The dark male became frozen as I stopped in front of him, basically eye to eye. In an unpleasant tone I muttered into his ear. "Tell me what your pathetic specie is and then answer this: Have you ever seen a shiny Absol?"

I calmly moved away from him but not drastically. The Pokemon dropped to his knees and started to beg, which made me feel sorry for the guy because truthfully I'm not that scary. As he pleaded, his whispery voice hissed as he spoke. "Please don't kill me! I'm just trying to make a living from what I've got!" Suddenly the creature bowed down to me, making me feel no longer bad but instead creeped out. "I'm a Weavile! And yes, yes I saw a shiny Absol before, just PLEASE don't kill me!"

His rapid breaths were all I could hear in the silent night. I tapped the Weavile on the back with my paw. He violently jumped as I poked him and then fell back on his bottom, looking absolutely terrified. I stifled a giggled as I reverted back to my casual face. "No I don't want to kill you, I just wanted you to stop acting like a moron and reply." I smiled.

The Weavile seemed shocked, then annoyed as he stood up. Even though he was still trembling and injured from the Fire Blast, he could stand in an unbalanced stature. "You're insane." Scratch hissed as he glared at me. Then a smile tugged at his lips. "I like it."

I scowled at the comment. "Hey don't you dare get any ideas you pervert." I declared sternly. "The red Absol is my-" I stopped myself and blankly stared off into space. Was I…? No. I shook my head. No, I wasn't. Not at all. Nope. Didn't say it.

The Weavile watched me with confused amusement. "What was that?" He grinned deviously.

"Nothing!" I retorted angrily. "Look here, you have nothing around here and you need shelter so follow me!" I ordered him in a quick matter.

The Weavile shrugged. I passed by Scratch, trotting toward the lighted exit and he followed. As we wordlessly made our way back to the cave my mind raced. There's no way I could really be… I mean I don't really feel… Hm… Denial is a funny thing.


It was nearing dawn when I returned to the cave. Burden should be awake though, which made me mentally note to ask him why he always is later. Before entering through the clothed entranced I whispered in a loud voice so Scratch could hear. "Just wait for a second."

After walking through the teal cloth, Burden immediately ran up to me. "What were you doing out there all night?" He asked in a worried tone. "Where you trying to find Blair or something?" His face was so sincere I almost felt bad. Luckily, I have a story behind it all.

I smiled warmly at him and quickly licked his nose. "We have a new resident moving in our little home." I announced in a singsong voice.

Bewildered, Burden replied. "How so?"

"Glad you asked." I cheerfully perked. Leaving the confused Absol only for a second, I peeked my head outside the cloth and whispered over towards the Weavile who was apparently admiring his claws. "Hey Scratch, come inside!"

I retracted my head away from the outside entrance and faced Burden again. He looked at me, I gestured for him to look over at the entrance and there came Scratch. Appearing rather loathsome, Scratch waved a claw at the red Absol, muttering a quick and low 'hi'.

Tilting his head questionably, Burden looked at me with uncertainty. "Are you sure this is Scratch?"

"Yes!" I cried out in joy yet slight shock. He didn't believe that this was Scratch?

Burden then walked over towards Scratch and made eye contact with him. "So how've you been doing? I mean, after running away and all."

Sighing in defeat, Scratch dropped the tough Pokemon act. "Dreadful." He hissed in disdain. "I've been living in shadowed alleyways in Snowpoint City since leaving this place. The only good thing that happened afterward was my evolution."

"I see." Burden acknowledged. Nodding his head as if saying 'yeah sure whatever'. However the Weavile did not notice.

"Oh, by the way…" Scratch moved closer to me and put a clawed paw on my head, making me nervous. "You've got yourself one tough mate." He announced in a mocking way filled with fake enthusiasm.

Burden's eyes widened in slight astonishment and disapproval. But before he could do or say anything I snapped and bit the arm of Scratch's claw, the one on the top of my head. "Damnit!" The Weavile cursed as he rubbed his arm with his sharp-clawed hand.

"I never said that!" I angrily shouted. I felt embarrassed by his comment and my reaction but darn it, it can't be helped!

"You were going to." Scratch sneered.

Burden turned toward him with words like daggers. "If your going to live with us then you better start acting more like a gentleman and less like an idiot!"

Scratch humphed and crossed his arms, looking away from him and me. "Fine!" He retorted defiantly.

"Good." Burden walked over to the fire and lied down. I strutted over to him and joined him, snuggling up to him happily. Burden looked down at me and smiled but then looked up at Scratch who was watching us with great amusement. "You sleep over there." Burden eyed the corner of the room, the corner of which Scratch would be three feet away from the clothed door.

Not in the mood for an argument apparently, the Weavile trudged over to the corner of the room. He put his back up against it, put his arms behind him and fell asleep rather quickly.

Eyeing him with suspicion, Burden lowered his head next to mine and closed his eyes. "Goodnight Pyra." He whispered serenely.

"'Night Burden." I happily replied and fluttered my eyes closed. Even though it was morning, we all decided to go to sleep. I don't know how Burden could but I'm not too sure when he awoke so I'm not one to question. Even though my mouth didn't say it there was one thing buzzing in my mind that I wanted to say before going to sleep. I love you.


Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I've been busy! Plus, this is a pretty long chapter. Anyway thanks again for reading and look forward to more chappies! Bye!