Next chapter is out now. As always I'm still taking OC's for future use. Feel free to review or PM me about advice or anything like that. Read on...

"Well this is nice." Valence was walking through the new addition to the forest base, the cantina. Zavilus named it after what the humans called a bar. "So people just hang out here?"

"Pretty much, yeah." Amber stretched. "Seems like it's already teeming with activity." It was true, everyone other than Nomi and Vernon were talking amongst each other at various tables. "Care to join them?" Valence shrugged.

"I guess since Lynn hasn't figured out another job for us." Valence and Amber sat down with everyone who was gathered at the main table. Everyone waved and greeted Valence. "Hello everyone."

"Hey." Ahriana smiled. "Listen in, Zyra's telling a story."

"Oh cool! What about?"

"About her past. It's pretty shady, but cool nonetheless." Valence smiled and listened in.

"There was this old human castle I once found way way north, in the mountains. I had gone there because a client of mine wanted a book, a book! I have absolutely no idea why, but I was getting good pay for this job. So I found the castle…"

The Roserade with a green scarf stalked around the frozen moat of the old castle. She balled up snow and threw it at the water. The snow hit solid ice, marking the way for Zyra to slide down onto the ice. She circled around the castle in the frozen moat until she found a drain pipe that was not frozen. Slowly, she walked through the pipe and eventually came out into the dungeon section.

"Thing is, something strange was in there. I could swear I kept hearing something screeching…"

When Zyra walked into the old version of a boiler room, she heard something screech from deep inside the castle. She looked around and saw nothing.

"Clearly something's been roaming around here. I should be careful." She looked around and found many valuables. She found a staircase and crept up it. Just then something crossed her path, but she couldn't see what had crossed her path. "Whoa." She crept around the corner and continued down the hallway.

"Then hear this. I saw a ghost. Not a ghost Pokémon, A LEGIT GHOST OF A Pokémon!"

As she approached another door, she saw something beckon her down the other end of the hallway.

"What the…"

It is not safe that way. This way is what you seek. Zyra heard the screech come from the door again and jumped in surprise. She sprinted towards the sight. Do not be afraid. As long as I am with you, the Nullos will not attack you. As Zyra slowed down, she looked the figure over. It was a Glaceon image that had a spectral glow to it.

"Interesting. Who are you?"

My name is Lamaya, my body is asleep along with my sister, Kara. She and I were the Princesses of this castle.

"I thought this was a human castle at one point." The image looked down.

Yeah… but we were the Princesses' Pokémon. Then they all were killed by those… Nullos freaks. Those things aren't human, and only fire, dark, ice and some other mystery type can harm them or stop them. They are all things that used to be human, then someone tainted the water with some Arcane Power or whatever it was called, and they all turned into that. Gradually, we all were left behind. Now only my sister's body and my body lie in fitful sleep in the Nullos heart, the throne room that used to be… a throne room.

"Strange, but you know I wasn't planning to make friends… right?"

The book you seek is in the library here. The image looked at the door and it opened. Zyra walked in and then the image closed the door and reappeared by her side. Allow me. She closed her eyes and the book materialized in front of her. I know this isn't for you. I really don't mind. I've read all these books, nothing worth keeping secret. Not even the hidden riches in the throne room. Zyra's interest was caught. She took the book and put it in her plant cloak.

"Oh yeah?"

Yeah. You see, I care not who breaks into the castle and steals the riches in the heart of the Nullos. That is because once they've done that, they had to have killed all the monstrosities in there. Perhaps… maybe if you can come back with a group… we can finally be free. Zyra shook her head.

"I work and live alone."

Oh things change eventually. Like me, I never thought I'd be alone in my life… imagine my surprise. Zyra nodded and bowed.

"I am honored and I thank you for your assistance… and I'll remember you should I ever find people or Pokémon willing to free you." The Glaceon bowed.

My thanks. Now go, I will protect you from those creatures. Zyra left the castle and ran back to her client, not really remembering the words of the Glaceon.

"Wow." Fae took a sip of her berry juice. "So what was that mystery type?"

"Fairy. At that time it wasn't an acknowledged type. Speaking of which…" Zyra called to Valence. "You know… I highly doubt any Pokémon has the masculinity to travel there alone. Perhaps we in the distant future could venture up there?" Valence looked at Amber before taking a bit out of a Persim Berry.

"It's quite the journey." Amber said with a smile.

"You said there were two Pokémon trapped there right?" Fang asked. "A Glaceon too?" Zyra nodded.

"She also gave me this…" Zyra reached into her cloak and pulled out a palm-sized crystal snowflake. "She said if I had ever found people, this would bring us close, but not to the castle. So if you really feel up to it, just let me know." Valence nodded.

"Noted. Surely takes my interest for a rescue mission. Not now though. We will get to it eventually though." Zyra nodded and put the snowflake away. "Oh lord where did I put my drink?" Amber opened one eye and lifted his drink from behind him and set it on the table.

"That could've been messy." She casually said. "So, I also have a story to tell. If old castles are interesting, this one was in the west. The thing was, this castle was actually still running and populated with humans!" Valence's neck fur glowed green for a second before he took it out. The stone released a green ball of energy that slowly warped into a familiar shape. Waves ran up the shape and gathered at the top before coming back down, making flesh in place of the shape. Nomi was what became of the shape. Her head hung down and she was on one knee. Everyone looked from their tables and watched. Nomi stood up and her eyes opened.

"Nomi?!" Ahriana's tails extended and she snarled.

"HEY!" Helen yelled at Ahriana and Nomi. Helen volunteered to be the barkeeper. "No fighting in the bar, take it outside." Nomi put her hands up.

"I've had time to regret what I've done, so ease up."

"You ease up!" Ahriana said back. "You would've killed me! You really hurt Amber!" Amber sighed.

"…don't drag me into this…" She said.

"I should go." Nomi walked out of the cantina without another word. Everyone eventually went back to their conversations. Ahriana was rustled up and looked away from the group.

"I need to leave. Sorry everyone." She dashed out of the cantina and everyone sighed.

"Guess it's time to come back to reality." Valence stood up and everyone dispersed. Valence was about to leave when someone tapped his shoulder. He looked back and saw Fae for the first time in a while. "Fae? Damn I haven't talked to you in a while." Fae did not have time for small talk.

"Valence, this is Jessica." A small female Shinx walked forward and lowered its head to Valence. "She… came here alone and was spotted by Jay. She came to me and said that her parents were possessed by something." Valence's eyes widened.

"Oh dear." He tried to sound calm.

"Look… I'm young, I should be a child… but I need to know one thing. I need you to find out one thing. Please promise me that you will help me." Valence looked at Fae's glowing white eyes, expecting her to pick up on his motions.

"Can you tell us where you were, dear?" Fae coaxed the hyperventilating Shinx.

"Relax." Valence stroked the Shinx's head. "Tell us exactly what you can remember." The Shinx nodded and took a deep breath.

"My parents and I lived on the beach on the southern end of this region. We were new to the area and just found a safe nest. At first, all was going well. The Pokémon were friendly and considerate. Then one day… everything just erupted into chaos! So my family left and while we were in the woods, they started to disagree about something. Then they started yelling! Then after that, they started glowing with purple colors! Then they started fighting each other! Then… Then…" She paused. "My brother… he was… was a Luxio."

"Was…" Valence looked away and closed his eyes. "Continue."

"He jumped into the fight to stop them… but they… mom and dad. They KILLED HIM! Then THEY CONTINUED TO F-F-FIGHT!" The Shinx broke down and sobbed into Fae's chest. Valence's eyes were wide with shock.

"I'll get a team ready, and you're on it. Meet me outside in 5 minutes." Valence ordered.

"As you command." Fae smiled at Valence's request. "There, there young one, we will get them home." Valence was out of sight and the Shinx said another thing.

"Just… let me know if they are alive or dead. I need to know. Also… find my brother's corpse… or what's left of it by now." Fae nodded of course. The two quietly walked away. The scene, however, did not go unnoticed by someone in the cantina. Another Luxray listened to the whole thing and was determined to help another one of his species out. The Luxray followed the Sylveon out. The Absol had a Leafeon with him.

"I need you on this one Vernon. There is a chance her brother is still alive, and I'll need you in case that's true." The Leafeon nodded.

"Count me in then… just don't be disappointed…"

"I know." Valence cut him off. "Fae will also be with us so we have a good tracker." Vernon smiled at the news that his mate would be joining him. "Alright, let's head out!"

"Wait." The Luxray had a raspy voice and spoke up. Valence turned to look at who spoke and met the Luxray's eyes. "I heard what happened to the little one back there. Are you willing to have another join you?" Valence was already going to say yes, but needed to look official.

"What can you offer us?" The Luxray smiled.

"Let's just say I can take a beating and shrug it off." Valence nodded.

"Interested?"

"Count me in." The four dashed into the woods, heading south towards the beach. The Luxray was able to keep pace with the others. Valence hadn't used his Mega-form as a break for his company. There would be no way for them to keep up if he flew there. Vernon pulled up next to Luxray.

"What's your name son?" The Luxray was using his eyes to avoid any trees in his way. Jumped over a fallen tree and turned his head to see the Leafeon.

"James. Your name is Vernon?" The Leafeon smiled and nodded.

"Been listening in have you?" The Luxray rolled under a trunk.

"Yeah. Your mate's a friendly soul. There's something about her that isn't normal, but still pretty cool." Vernon guessed that he had noticed something with her sight.

"She's totally blind." The Luxray turned his head in shock. He looked and watched the Sylveon's feelers act like radar for her to dodge all the trees. "Her ribbons are very sensitive when she wants them to be. Her eyes are white instead of light blue. But on terms of sight, it's totally gone."

"I can hear you both back there." Fae said in a loud tone. "By the way, name's Fae, nice to meet you James!"

"A pleasure to you as well."

(Meanwhile)

Lynn poked his head into Lance's sleeping quarters and found the cat Pokémon silently staring at the wall with intent. He cleared his throat loud enough for Lance to hear and it drew his attention.

"Lynn? What is it?" The Mightyena held his jade pendant and tossed it to him.

"I made a replica of it, so here you go." Lynn walked into the room and looked around. Lance had his eyes fixated on the necklace before he put it around his neck.

"So how is she?"

"Alice?"

"Yeah… Is that the girl's name?" Lance asked, realizing he answered blindly.

"Yes. She's doing great actually. Thing is, she's already told me of what she did for you. Now she's totally aflutter that you helped rescue her. By that I mean: She wants to 'meet you' on the cliffs, alone, and with an open heart and mind.' Her words. So you told me you love her right?" Lance nodded. "Go get 'em Pyroar! Or Delcaty. Or Skitty, same thing, they are all cats." Lance laughed slightly before bowing.

"Thank you Lynn. And tell her I'll see her tonight then."

"Will do." Lynn left and Lance smiled at himself. "Oh, pardon me." He heard Lynn outside him room. Then another figure stepped into the room. This one was smaller and looked familiar to Lance.

"Hi… you're Lance aren't you?" The Pokémon was a Kirlia, still young, but Lance could already feel her potential.

"Y-yes. Wait, aren't you Amber's daughter? Let's see… right! Your name is Opal right?" The Kirlia nodded. "What brings you here?"

"Well, you see… I needed another psychic type to talk to other than my mother. I'll get right to the point. She isn't well. She got into a heated fight with a Mega Mawile yesterday and she almost killed herself by using all her stored power." Lance frowned.

"Oh… well I uh heard about it. But I didn't know she almost killed herself. This Mega Mawile… why did they fight?"

"My mom said she got corrupted." Lance's eyes widened.

"I see." Opal looked up.

"That's not why I'm here. I don't care about the Mawile. I'm saying that what happened to my mother is not what would happen to a healthy Gardevoir. I… I think she could be sick." Lance frowned. "I can already tell you have no idea how psychics work."

"Not entirely true. You know I'm a psychic type too." Opal continued on to explain.

"The horns we have on our bodies act like second hearts in our body. It stores a force secondary to blood that acts as a life force for our bodies. As age goes on, or fighting prowess exceeds expectations, those horns evolve to produce and hold more of that energy. I've read about it and this energy is called Joulium scientifically. I'll just call it 'Flow' and move on. I've been having my friends watch her alone. She is in pain. Now they say she's literally leaking this energy and she can't stop it." Lance lowered his head but kept his eyes on Opal's.

"This 'Flow'… Can she survive without it?" Opal frowned and shook her head.

"There is very little chance. There is one thing I noticed. She has a pink charm on her wrist that has intense power. I can feel it radiating from the centerpiece anytime I'm around it." Lance smiled.

"Then she will be totally fine. I know what it is." Opal was curious.

"What is that thing?"

"Valence calls it a 'soulstone' and it can somehow revive whoever it belongs to shortly after their death. Valence died once and came back the next day." Opal smiled.

"Oh good. So she's going to be okay." Lance nodded. "Something tells me it's too good to be true."

"Believe it. Valence got his throat cut and the next afternoon he comes back totally unharmed. I had no idea what happened before he explained it. Those things are magic or something."

"Now run along and tell your mother I say hi." Opal bowed out of respect and hurried off.

(Meanwhile)

"Hnn-hmn-mm-hnmm." Amber desperately clutched the nearest tree. She felt her consciousness slipping away. She knew she was running out of f]Flow and was getting close to death, or apparent death. Her chest horn throbbed with each breath and her eyes burned. Her muscles were tight and her body temperature was hotter than a Magcargo's shell. Amber desperately made sure nobody else was around and swiftly kissed her soulstone. "…w-work damn you…" Then her eyes rolled back and she fell on her chest to the ground.

"What the..?" Nomi was smoking a stick and felt her soulstone get colder. She took it out it was glowing. "Strange." The stone started to float in front of her and wanted Nomi to follow. Nomi followed the stone to a secluded area with nobody around. The stone darkened and returned to her presence. "Why would it bring me here?" Nomi searched around and saw a dash of white behind a tree. Curious she strolled over and saw who lay on the ground. "AMBER?! HOLY FUCK!" Nomi knelt down and couldn't find a heartbeat. "Why hasn't she disappeared yet?!" She held Amber in her arms and cried silently. "Did… I do this? She killed me yesterday, but did it kill her in return?! Please…" She cried into the Gardevoir's chest. "Please for Valence's sake DO NOT DIE!"

(Elsewhere)

Valence felt something in his neck fur freeze. He kept running before he noticed that his form was not transparent and that he was fading.

"Whoa, wait!" He ordered them to stop. "What in the world?" Vernon and Fae exchanged concerned glances. James' jaw was on the floor.

"What is happening to you?" Vernon asked.

"There is so much energy…" Fae whispered to herself.

"I have no idea, but keep going. I'll catch up later I guess. Vernon, you are in charge. Go find those Shinx's parents!" Vernon gave him a concerned look.

"We can't just leave you." Valence was almost gone.

"Well you don't have a choice…" Then Valence was totally gone.

"Arceus I hope he's alright. Let's move." The three left to continue onward.

(Limbo)

Valence landed on a green floor that sparkled with each step he took. He looked around and saw nothing.

What is this place? He looked around and only saw a lone glow at the end of a long green bridge. Now the distant walls flared up with a light green hue. The room was a bright green color. Valence saw no other way to go but forward to the glow. He walked for a few minutes until he came to the glow. He touched it and Amber's limp body fell to its knees and onto its back.

AMBER! Valence's mind yelled. Valence observed her body and marveled only for a second of its beauty. The Absol then noticed flashing red marks across her body. One was on her entire chest horn and the other was on the exact same leg she got impaled on when they had first met. What the hell is this?

Think about it. His mind replied to himself. Do what comes naturally. The body stirred and it opened its eyes. The ruby eyes were hollow for a few seconds before a shine came to their red color. They looked at Valence now who returned their shocked look.

"Valence? Why can I see you?"

Great question. I think… I do what comes naturally.

"What is this place?" Valence thought about what to do about those markings. "What… are those red things on me? I can't move!"

Hold still. I'm thinking. Amber stopped talking and gave Valence a trustful look in his eyes. Well here goes nothing. Valence poked the leg with the marking and a wave of energy soared up Amber's spine. You felt something?

"Y-yes… but isn't that a little… um… too close or too high?" Valence would've been blushing if he could. But clearly, this was not an in-body experience.

Maybe if I keep rubbing it the red will go away? Amber made a small yelp noise at his touch again. Valence acted like he was giving a massage on the leg. Amber shut her eyes and gave a sigh of passion, causing Valence to stop and back away.

"Why'd you stop?" Valence looked away.

That was fucking weird.

"Keep doing that."

Then don't moan like that. It makes me feel edgy.

"Sorry, it just feels amazing. Way better than in real life." Valence continued on touching the red marks on her leg and gradually, they went away. Then Valence noticed a light green light was coming from his hands.

This must heal you. Now your leg looks white again. Now for… oh dear Arceus. Amber saw her horn had those glowing red marks too.

"W-wait. That's very sensitive to- AHH!" This time a waves of agony rushed over her body as Valence rubbed it slowly. Amber clutched Valence now. Valence shivered and kept his maneuver up, in spite of her screaming that was slowly breaking his willpower. "THE PAIN! IT'S UNBEARABLE!" Valence shut his eyes and noticed that gradually, her grip began to loosen. After a few minutes Amber's pain was gone and waves of soothing coolness caressed her body. She released Valence who smiled at his friend.

There. I'm sorry you needed to go through that. But I think that's it now. Amber struggled to get to her feet but eventually managed to stand up. Amber shook her hands and looked at her leg.

"It feels much better. I guess I never fully healed that wound."

Really?

"You know I just died like a few minutes ago." Valence's eyes shrunk. "I'm going to have to walk you through what happened. Long story short, because the wound was only healed on a physical level, I died."

That's hard to follow Amber. Amber pointed to her chest horn.

"All living things have some sort of heart. Gardevoirs and Gallade and our evolutionary line have, technically, two. One for blood and another for a psychic energy that I call 'flow' that gives us life in addition to physical ability. Of course it doubles up as a type of transmitter and receiver for emotions, but I digress. You see, my species is very advanced. We need BOTH flow and blood to keep us alive. When I was wounded from that rock, I used flow to put a physical patch on the wound and closed it to stop me from losing blood, but it did not heal totally. Nomi attacking me forced me to draw on my power for that hyper beam. It opened the wound a little and all the flow in my body left within a day. So then I died. Thank Arceus I have a soulstone. It even seems ours are linked." Valence was quiet.

If Nomi hadn't attacked you…

"She got corrupted. Ahriana told you that."

True, but you still died.

"Feels weird hearing that. Well, why are you here? You don't seem like you got killed? Did you just vanish then?."

Seems that way. So you should be revived soon. I need to leave, I was on a mission. Valence turned to walk back towards the light where he had entered this place. Amber held her arm and looked down with a disappointed face. Valence almost stepped through before he hesitated. He looked back without turning his head. Valence never really had taken the time to know who lay beneath the champion white skin and dress. Amber had a past, a life, but Valence really had never taken time to get close to her. In fact, not really close to anyone. What was stopping him? He was no longer alone and nobody could just walk up and take them from him. What about Opal? He rescued her and never once even said hi to the girl. Zyra also had a daughter he had forgotten. Helen and him haven't talked in a long time, and they were technically siblings. Lance never really revealed much about his past other than that jade pendant and the girl they just rescued. What was her name even? Fae and Vernon had a son who called Levi or something. I haven't seen him since we rescued him. Valence sighed and his mind went back to Amber. Arceus himself said they were meant to be partners. Also that they could become more if they got close enough. Fine. Valence opened his mouth and his voice broke through.

"Amber?" The Gardevoir looked up. "What happened to Opal's father?" Valence turned and walked back to the stunned Gardevoir. She opened her mouth and started talking as well.

"Her father?" Amber looked down. "Well… her father was captured by a trainer. Well actually he was bought by someone from a merchant." Valence listened intently. "We were all together in a complex that was terrible. Someone bought my dad and left Opal and I alone. Then someone else bought us and released the both of us into the wild. I never was able to see their faces. You see, they put bags over our heads to hide their identity. They were very kind."

"Do you know where or who had your father?" Amber shook her head.

"No." She frowned. "What are you… going to do?" Valence lowered his head and closed his eyes.

"Tell me more. How did you two meet?" Amber took a second to recall.

"We met normally. We were in the same group and we just met. Then we had a daughter and we named her Opal."

"What was his name?" Valence asked quietly. Amber's mood darkened and she looked away. "Amber, Opal… and?"

"Emerald." She acted like she could wipe a tear from her eye. "We named Opal after another precious stone. We named her after Emeral-… I'm sorry." She covered her eyes. Valence moved closer to her and stood next to her.

"You miss him don't you?" Amber nodded her head, hiding her red face.

"You are just like him… very strong, brave. You would make a perfect stepfather for Opal. But we aren't in the same egg group. Hell. I'll be honest. If you were in my egg group I would make you my mate so fast your head would spin. Why, I can clearly see why Ahriana jumped to you. And I'm happy she's smart enough to find the perfect Pokémon." Valence blushed.

"Oh wow… how should I respond?" Valence looked away. "It does actually mean a lot to me that you say that. And let me have you know that I'll do anything for Opal or for you. You two are my family with Ahriana. I'm certain she would agree with me. All of you are my family." Amber looked up. "He might be gone now, but we will continue what he left." Then an idea came to his head. "Wait." Valence paced for a bit before looking up at Amber. "What did his trainer look like?" Amber had calmed down.

"About the age of an adolescent human male. Blue eyes, yellowish-white hair. I felt his heart for a second and it was innocent. By that I mean friendly."

"Did he say anything to you?" Amber sighed.

"He promised one day that he would find us. That was years ago. After a while we gave up on him." Amber frowned.

"Perhaps if we seek him out…?" Valence suggested.

"I couldn't ask you to do that. I could never pay you back." She shook her head. Valence sighed.

"I could never ask you pay me back. I'd do it for you and Opal, not for payment. I'm not a mercenary. Where do you think he would be?" Amber hesitated for a second.

"I've heard Fae and Vernon met you and you all were rescued and taken to the Pokémon Center in the town near our forest. Well. My best guess would be there." Valence smiled and stood up straighter.

"The moment we get back. You, me, Opal and Ahriana are all going to the city and we will find your husba- er mate."

"Husband? I might look like a human but I'm not one." Valence shrugged.

"Just slipped out a little. Seriously though, I know where the Pokémon Center was. Can you understand human speech?"

"I'm fluent and I can also speak it if I try hard enough. Look Val… this is too much for you to do." Valence shook his head.

"Nothing is too much for you." Amber covered her mouth with her hand.

"Oh stop you." She blushed. "Okay fine. I'll join you then since I can't convince you otherwise." Amber then embraced Valence softly. "And Valence…thank you. I didn't think I would ever trust you out of anyone I've ever met. I am forever grateful to you and for having the pleasure to know you." Valence nuzzled her hand and smiled.

"You gave me a chance, gave me a reason to fight, and now I have changed for the better. I owe it all to you." Valence smiled at her embrace. "I've never told you about my past have I?" Amber looked at him with a smile.

"With or without the killing?" Valence looked down and frowned. "Oh, I didn't mean it like that Val." Valence still had a frown on his face.

"I get it." He dismissed. "I never self reflected on myself. And I've done some thinking since all this started. So here's my story…" Valence put his paw on Amber's forehead and shared his memory with her.

(break)

The image came through as a young Valence walked around with this mother collecting berries from the nearby bushes. There weren't that many in the mountain's valley so they took anything they came across.

I remember this day, Amber. I still see this in my nightmares often.

Out of nowhere, another male Absol leapt from a higher cliff and caught the female's attention.

"Aro? What's wrong?" The female frowned.

"Diana, we need to go. I came across our neighbors, the family of four? All of them are dead. A roaming Watchog warned me of a massive group that had been raiding this area now for some time." Valence's mother held Valence close. "They could be here at any moment. We need to get back." Then they all froze and listened.

"…did you hear that?" Diana lowered herself. Then suddenly multiple Pokémon leapt out from behind every rock and bush that could be found. Aro looked around and saw at least 20 Pokémon surrounding them.

"Run!" Aro yelled. He pounced one of the Pokémon, allowing Diana and Valence to slip through.

"DAD!" Valence screamed as he looked back and saw his father get overrun by the sheer amounts of Pokémon. The two of them ran on until the Pokémon caught up and tore Diana away from Valence. "MOM!"

"RUN! DON'T STOP!" Those were her last words before a Bisharp impaled her neck and slit her throat in front of Valence's eyes. The Pokémon looked at Valence's mother and then at him. Valence did not shed a tear. He felt his fear turn to anger. He saw the bright red color of his mother's blood and slowly his vision started to become red. The Pokémon did not leap at him yet. He looked around for the weakest of Pokémon in the group and made a mental note of it.

"For the blood that you have drawn from my father and my mother… I will paint your bodies with your own blood. Then I will paint the trees and leaves red with your blood as well." Valence drew his claws. "Let the world know that I will not stop until your entire group lies on a pile of bodies!" Valence leapt and blinding speed to his first target, an Espeon. He pushed the girl away and as she recovered, Valence used a Night Slash to impale her stomach. The other Pokémon watched in horror. The girl coughed up blood and looked into Valence's unforgiving eyes.

"…mercy."

"Feel the pain? Can you feel it?" Valence whispered to her ear. The girl shed a tear before she stopped breathing. Valence took his bloody paw out of her and watched her slump to the ground. He turned and saw many more looks of fear than before. The Bisharp was long gone so he dashed to his next target, a young Bayleef. Valence swiped once and missed. The Pokémon tried to counter attack with assistance from another Grovyle. Valence was able to dig his claws through the Bayleef's neck and quickly pull out to slash the Grovyle across the chest. The Pokémon stumbled back and Valence tackled himself on top of the Pokémon. He wasted no time impaling his clean paw into the gut of the grass Pokémon. He pulled out and every Pokémon around him started to scream and flee. Valence was not sated yet. More needed to die today. He turned and saw an Eevee weeping over the Espeon's body.

"…mom…"

"You aren't going anywhere!" Valence screamed at the frightened Eevee.

"NO! PLEASE!" Valence picked the Eevee up and leapt up into a tree. "MERCY PLEASE!"

"WHAT ABOUT MY PARENTS? DID YOUR GROUP SHOW THEM MERCY?!" Valence did not care if this Eevee was just a kid. He too was just a kid, and they killed both of his parents. Valence impaled the Eevee's midsection and dropped him from the tree. He survived the fall, but Valence wanted him to bleed out. He leapt down from the tree and started his pursuit of the fleeing Pokémon. He caught up to a Mudkip who was very slow. Valence ran him through and left his body where it landed. Then he found a Kirlia that was attempting to sneak up on him. This one was a male, very bold, and dauntless. Valence caught his attack and rammed him away. Valence walked slowly towards him and he teleported behind him. "Too predictable." Valence whirled around with his arms extended and he raked the Kirlia across the face. Valence walked up to the Kirlia and picked it up. He lifted it high before impaling its back so hard that his claws here visible to the Kirlia's eyes just before his last breath left him. Valence threw his body to the side and then found his next victim. Another Absol who watched him kill the Kirlia. This one was a girl and she just shut her eyes and surrendered.

"P-please. Do anything with me or my body, just let me live!" Valence shook your head.

"I have no interest in your body other than to feel its blood on my claws."

"What if your parents could see you now-…" Valence took a quick slash at her front legs and she screamed in pain.

"Now you've done it." Valence observed her struggling and knelt down. "What is the most painful thing to do to another fellow Absol that murdered my parents?" Valence brought the tip of his claw to the base of the horn that was on her head.

"No! You wouldn't dare! Please!" Valence slowly stuck a single claw into the horn, drawing a blood curdling scream from the flailing Absol. Slowly, Valence sawed through the nerves and flesh that were connected to the horn. Finally, the Absol had died. Her horn wasn't even cut off, but the pain probably gave her a heart attack. Valence took his claw out and looked around at the carnage he had created. Somehow, he was not bothered by it at all. He looked around to make sure no other Pokémon was around and did what he promised. He went to each tree that he had passed in his pursuit and each tree where he killed a Pokémon, and painted the leaves and trunks of each tree red with each of their blood. By time he finished he looked at himself. Just a few hours ago his fur was pearly white, now it was all crimson red. He did not bother to find his parents' bodies because they were probably taken by the raiders.

"Now there is one thing only for me to do." Valence turned and walked into the orange sky that featured a sunset. "I will find all those responsible and everyone who ever joined that group, and kill them without mercy. Let everyone know this, I am coming for them. They. Will. Pay."

(break)

"My history is written, literally, in the blood of others. I hope this doesn't rekindle the fears that you and everyone else still currently have of me. After you killed me, after I killed your daughter, I never truly died. I still to the grave believe that I was meant to die that day, but I'm glad I was wrong." Valence looked up. He knew he would be in tears right now, if he was actually in his physical form. "I met you. I actually made a friend in this world outside my parents. I realized that no matter what happens to me, I'll always have you, Ahriana, Lance and everyone to be my saving grace. I'll never need to be alone ever again." Valence buried his head into Amber's side. "I love you all so much." Amber pet Valence's head and kissed his forehead. "You've all changed me in ways you cannot even begin to comprehend." Amber's emotions were emanating onto Valence. "I've… I've never felt this feeling from you before."

"That is because I was too weak to convey those emotions into a force. Now you've fixed my wound and I can interact with others much better now." Amber sent gratitude, comfort, and loving emotions through her chest and they passed onto Valence. Amber planned out the words she was about to say and took a deep breath before saying them. "Hey Val?"

"Yes Amber?" Valence calmly looked up. Amber looked directly into his eyes and was able to see her reflection on Valence's eyes.

"The past is called the past for a reason. It has past and we cannot go back and change it." She blinked. "But you've done just that, and I couldn't be happier than I am right now. When I attacked you and I saw the Meowstic defend you, I knew I wasn't dealing with the same Valence that killed my daughter, but I was dealing with the one that would bring her back to life. And now, I'm with the one who says he will reunite my family." Amber hugged him tighter. "I don't know what to say!" The two then began to vanish from this place. "Looks like we're good."

"Yeah. See you on the other side." Valence smiled. Valence shut his eyes and felt cool grass under his feet now. He opened his eyes and saw Amber gently land on the ground. It was nighttime and the moon was very bright. The two were very quiet as they both noticed someone sleeping in the spot where Amber had died. Nomi lay there with a blanket and a few berries, sleeping soundly.

Was she waiting for us? No, couldn't be.

"Seems like she has been here for some time." Amber observed the tree. "One, two, three. Three marks on the tree. Could that mean we've been gone three days?" Valence observed the three slashes. One was old, the next was moderately settled, and the third one was fresh.

"Two days at least, three tops." Valence looked down at Nomi. "Teleport her back to my quarters so she can sleep there." Amber moved her hands in a rhythmic fashion and the Mawile teleported away. "Now then Amber." He turned slowly to the Gardevoir. "I am ready to head into the town now. Once there, we will not return for a while." Amber nodded. "Now are you ready?"

"Yes, I am." The two moved quickly to the outskirts of the town. It was quiet at the time, almost too quiet. Valence and Amber stuck to the shadows and avoided the light.

Where is everyone? Amber felt something move behind them and she whirled around to find a boy sneaking around with them. The two of them froze, silently observing one another.

"Val." Amber spoke. Valence glanced back and became alert at the sight of a human, an armed one too. He was holding two knives and he had a strange look to his arm. It looked like it was fake or something. He also had a holster with a pistol and some other human weapons on him. Valence considered him a threat, but Amber was not backing away from him.

"Try to communicate with him." Valence told her, knowing the human did not understand what he was saying. Amber cleared her throat, but the boy spoke first.

"Do you even know what you are doing out here?" Amber took a deep breath and spoke.

"Greetings, human." The boy was impressed at the human speech. "We are looking for friends. I am looking for a Gallade owned by a boy with blonde hair and blue eyes." The boy cocked his head sideways.

"The Gallade that was taken recently?" Amber's eyes widened. "Yeah, the kid was murdered by some assassin and his Gallade was taken from him. Is that him?" Amber slowly nodded.

"Can you bring us to him?" The boy shook his head.

"The place is dangerous for Pokémon. I could get in there, but it is too risky." Amber took one knee and begged the human.

"My daughter wants to see her father. He was my mate, please let me at least try!" The boy put a finger over his mouth.

"Not so loud!" The boy looked around and sighed. "Tell you what. I'll get him for you and you just wait outside the complex for me to get him out, understand?" Amber nodded over and over.

"Thank you, thank you!" Amber pointed at herself. "My name is Amber." Valence looked back and Amber pointed him out. "My partner is Valence." Valence nodded at the boy who nodded back.

"Cain. Now stay quiet and follow me closely."

Characters used:

Valence- Absol

Amber- Gardevoir

Lance- Meowstic

Opal- Kirlia

Nomi- Mawile

Zyra- Roserade

Fae- Sylveon

Vernon- Leafeon

James- Luxray

Helen- Delphox

Ahriana- Ninetales

Fang- Jolteon

Lamaya (ghost)- Glaceon

Humans: (wow this section is small)

Cain- Special thanks to Rustic Ghost for one of the first human OC's to make an appearance in my story.