I would first like to apologize. I realize it took three weeks to get this chapter out. I have a couple of reasons why.

Obviously one of them was Christmas and New Year (I hope you enjoyed your Christmas and New Year). Another reason was I needed time to think. The more I write. The more I realize how much I enjoy it. It has preoccupied most of my time at home. And even when I'm not writing. I'm thinking. Trying to figure out what to write next. With the three weeks I have been gone. I have thought long and hard about this story. And another story. My own story. I want to write something that has been on my mind for a long time but it's difficult finding time to manage two stories and school. So. I have come up with a plan.

With the three weeks I have used to think. I have come up with several ideas for this story. I want to keep it going and I don't want to stop writing it. So I have made up a plan. But I will not reveal that plan. Not yet.

As for my other story. I don't know. Part of me doesn't want to try the real world yet. But the other part needs to get this out. And thus. I am conflicted. But I will try nonetheless. When I find time of course. As it all depends on time.

When I reach college in a year and a half from now. I am going to be working a lot more. I don't know how much work. And I don't know if I'll have time to write. But I think I might be able to finish this story before then. Maybe. Depends on how far I stretch it.

I'm not the best writer on this site. I don't think I'm that good. I tell myself that I get better with each chapter I write. It helps me improve. I don't know if I'll be successful in this art. But I do know that I'm trying. That I made a leap me from a year ago wouldn't have even dared. It's not about how good you are or how bad you are. What matters. Is that tried your best. Is that you did your best. I believe that I am doing the best I can for this story. I hope you can appreciate that if not my writing. This is only my opinion though. My belief. And I'm not asking for you to accept this belief. I'm simply telling you what I think. If you read this far. Thank you.

Alright. Enough talk. It's time for chapter 10. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 10:

Awakening

"How much longer do you think he's going to be out for?" a soft female voice asked. Cooper's body felt numb and weightless as he attempted to move it.

"I already told you. When we found him his body had been completely destroyed. At this point we can assume that he's in a coma," a male voice said. The people Cooper was listening to didn't sound like anybody he had ever met.

"What were his injuries again?" a deeper male voice said with a large sigh. Cooper felt fatigued and hungry. He wondered if Marlin had anything to eat. Maybe he had some berries that Cooper could use to make a pie.

"A broken spine that has probably caused paralysis. Multiple second and third degree burns across his body which are most prominent here and here. A severe concussion that may result in mental confusion and amnesia. Most of the flesh and tissue in his right foreleg has been torn including some of the bone badly scraped rendering it useless. We'll most likely have to amputate it. He has four broken ribs from the pole. And he's inhaled a large amount of smoke that will most likely cause his lungs to fail. Combine all that with the amount of blood he's lost. It would take a miracle and then some for him to survive," the first male said again with sadness in his voice.

I wonder who they're talking about. Cooper thought curiously. I wonder what Elise is doing right now. Maybe I should go see how she's doing. Maybe she'll want to come out to eat with me.

"Arceus help his soul. Have the Scourge shown any movement lately Mary?" the deep voiced male asked. Cooper pondered over who the Scourge were.

"Not as of lately. After the invasion. They retreated quickly. At first it looked like a tactical retreat. But as I looked closer. It almost looked like they were running from something," Mary said with curiosity in her voice. What invasion Cooper wondered. Who would be crazy enough to invade the Conter Mountains?

"That's impossible. The Scourge fear nothing. What could possibly scare them?" the softer voiced male said.

"Beats me. I just know it looked like they were running," Mary said.

"Alright. At least it buys us time. Mary. Give him another dose of the numbing medicine," the deep voiced male commanded. Cooper felt his maw pulled open and tasted a bitter, horrible tasting liquid go down his throat. It tasted like a very strong medicine. He suddenly felt tired and exhausted. Cooper felt his mind drift off and he fell asleep again.

O O O

Cooper woke up to feeling someone rubbing his head. It felt like an arm. Cooper concluded it whoever was rubbing his head did not have a paw or a hand.

"How long are you going to sleep for?" the female voice asked.

Is she talking to me? Cooper wondered trying to push words out of his mouth. But once again he felt completely weightless. He wondered if he was still asleep. He felt his mouth pulled open again and tasted the horrible liquid from earlier go down his throat once more. What in the blazes is that? Cooper thought annoyed and disgusted. He felt tired again and quickly drifted back into sleep.

O O O

"... do we have a choice? The Scourge are planning another attack. And he would just be extra weight. He's been in a coma for four weeks now and his injuries have barely healed. What hope does he have?" the first male said.

Four weeks? Cooper questioned. That didn't seem possible that someone could sleep for that long. Well. Maybe hibernation pokemon could do it. He thought wishing he could sleep that long.

"But what if he has family?! What if they're still looking for him?!" Mary shouted angrily. Ana was far from looking for Cooper. In fact. She was probably in the capital by now. And his father most likely wouldn't care in the first place.

"I know you want to help him Mary. But Maron is right. His body is failing. And as much as I hate to say it. He would not be the only one who was left behind. At least a hundred bodies still lie in Conter Valley untouched. And they will most likely remain there. And if he does have family. I promise you they are not the only family who has lost someone. We are out of options. Under any other circumstances. I would without a doubt carry his body back myself. Maron. Get another capsule of the numbing. Let's get this over with," the second male said sighing.

Numbing medicine? What for? Cooper thought trying to understand the situation. Maybe that was the reason he couldn't feel his body. He attempted to shake himself as to get the stranger's' attention. But like the first time. It was no use.

"You have to reconsider Morton. He's still alive. We have to try!" Mary yelled again. Cooper tried hard to figure out what was going on. Of course he was still alive. Why wouldn't he be? The last thing he remembered was falling asleep after walking with Elise in the Golden Fields. He felt happy seeing that moment.

You fool. said a voice in Cooper's head.

What? Who's there? Are you my conscience? Cooper asked.

No. I am not your conscience Cooper. It doesn't matter who I am. What does matter. Is that you need to get up. Right now. the voice said deeply.

"There's nothing to reconsider. We have not the medicine nor the tools to save him and the Scourge are getting ready for another attack. I won't argue with you anymore. Now pack your things. We leave as soon as he passes," Morton said coldly. Cooper heard someone run the opposite way from him.

Oh. This is a dream. A really weird dream. And that means you can be whatever I want you to be. Turn into a mountain! Cooper said playfully. He heard someone walk towards him. He felt his mouth pried open again and tasted the bitter liquid from earlier. It ran down his throat and made Cooper feel like puking. He felt tired again and decided to take another nap. I've been real tired today for some reason. Maybe I'll take one more nap. Wait. I'm already asleep though. Cooper thought puzzledly.

GET UP VERLIDIAN! Do not drift back to sleep! the voice yelled in his head giving Cooper a mild headache.

I'm already asleep though. Right? Cooper asked curiously.

Elise! If you drift back to sleep. You will die and leave her alone in this world. Now get up! the voice commanded.

How am I going to die? I feel fine. I'm not leaving Elise behind. I'm not… leaving… her… Cooper's thought trailed off. Elise… ELISE! Cooper remembered the invasion all at once. He remembered his house falling on top of him. He remembered feeling crushed and burnt. He remembered conducting lighting to create a crater. He remembered that he needed to see her. He needed to apologize for what he did. He wouldn't die without reaching her. Without letting her know how sorry he was. He tried to force his limbs to move. He tried to yell out. But his maw would not open. He felt his body begin to drift once more. I can't. Not yet! Cooper yelled in his mind. I have to see her once more!

His mind became fuzzy. He felt like he would pass out any minute now. Not yet… Cooper thought trying to resist. He saw her on the Golden Fields again. He saw her fur. Her beauty. The way the flowers bloomed around her. I… will not… die here! Cooper thought feeling that surge of power rise inside of him once more. He latched onto it. He let it flow through his body. He felt sensation enter him again. He felt his body react. And within a minute of letting the power resurrect his movements. He could feel his body and the overwhelming agony that came with it.

Careful Cooper. Do not be so hasty to get up. You may be able to move again. But you are in no condition to walk. the voice said.

Than what's the point? If I can't move. They'll just leave me behind. I have to try. Cooper said back. He slowly opened his eyes so they could adjust to the light. He saw a rhydon and a conkeldurr standing a few feet away from him. He was lying on a soft blanket atop grass. He was surrounded by trees that provided shade from the sun that was surprisingly bright. The next thing he noticed were the massive mountains looming over him. So I'm still in the Conter Mountains. Cooper thought. Though he was happy to see the mountains. He knew Elise and the villagers had most likely started headed north. The rhydon was the first to notice that Cooper was awake.

"What the hell?!" Maron said taking a quick step back. Cooper looked between the two and knew Maron was the rhydon from his voice and Morton was the conkeldurr by process of elimination. Cooper slowly moved his left foreleg so he could push himself onto his paws. "How are you still able to move?"

"W-where am I?" Cooper said quietly. His voice was still sore and coarse. Four weeks and I can still barely speak. Cooper thought annoyed.

"You shouldn't be moving boy. Your injuries are bad enough," Morton said looking at Cooper worriedly.

"Y-yeah. But I'm n-not dead. And I w-won't let death take me j-just yet," Cooper said lifting his body with his legs which were still asleep. He struggled to stand as his whole body trembled from the pain. Most of the pain came from his right foreleg which he could barely feel. He looked at it and saw a red cloth wrapped around his leg. At first he thought it was just a red cloth. But when he looked closer he saw a hint of white in very few spots. He cursed under his breath realizing that it was his blood that had painted the cloth red. Some of it even looked fresh.

"You'll die if you continue to walk though. Your body can't handle it," Maron said keeping his distance as if Cooper was dangerous.

"So what then? Y-you were planning on l-leaving me here anyways because I c-couldn't move. But I'm moving. And I w-won't stop moving until I reach E-Elise," Cooper said looking at the sky to find the sun so he could find out which way was north.

"We had no choice. Have you even looked at the rest of your body? Standing up should be impossible," Maron said staring in awe.

"And yet, here we are…" Cooper said coughing up blood. It was summer right now. So Cooper looked at the sun and attempted to figure out which direction it was heading.

North is to your right. the voice said. Cooper scowled. He didn't like the idea of someone being in his thoughts. It made him feel uncomfortable and insecure.

Thanks...What do I call you? Cooper asked looking to his right. All he could see were the large mountains ahead of him. He knew it was going to be a long journey before he ever reached Elise. He would somehow have to make up four weeks of travel in a condition where his body was barely able to hold on. It would take at least a month to catch up to them. And that's assuming if he doesn't stop or get slowed down.

Sleepy. Sleepy said.

Sleepy? What kind of name is that? Cooper asked wondering if the voice was some kind of psychic pokemon with a really powerful mind.

It is not my real name. It is simply a shorter version of the one who sleeps. Sleepy said.

The one who sleeps? Why won't you tell me your real name? Cooper said believing that he was being pranked somehow. Most likely not considering the situation.

This is not a prank Cooper. And I'll keep my identity concealed for now. Sleepy said.

Fine. Also. Stop interpreting what I think. It's creepy. Cooper said trying to think of something else.

I'll try. Sleepy said.

"So do you plan on going to this Elise person?" Morton asked staring at Cooper intently.

"That's the plan," Cooper said stumbling in the direction of north. His foreleg restricted him more than he thought. He could barely move it without feeling it burn immensely. Is there a way to subdue the pain Sleepy? Cooper asked.

Hmm. Sleepy hummed deeply as if he was hiding something.

Is there a way? Cooper asked again.

He heard Sleepy sigh before he answered. Yes... Do you remember the power you summoned when you thought about Elise and how it subdued the numbing medicine?

Yes. What about it? Cooper asked back.

Take another dose of the numbing medicine they gave you. It will stop the major pain in your body. After that. I want you to concentrate on Elise. I want you to use the memories of her as a filter for the power hidden in you to flow through. Think of her. See her. Let her be the key to controlling your power. When you feel it emerge. Grasp it and use it to move your body. Imagine the power as your bones. Feel it. Control it. Once you do. You will be able to move as if you have no injuries at all. But be careful. If you do not keep track of your body's condition. You could easily forget you are dying. Sleepy cautioned.

Are you kidding me? Is that something anyone can do? Cooper asked in awe.

No. Only a certain few can muster the same power. Take caution when using your power Cooper. It is no blessing and could quickly become a curse. Sleepy warned Cooper in a deep tone.

You talk about it as if you yourself have done it. Cooper said.

It does not matter if I have or not. Heed my words Cooper. Sleepy said.

"Any and all survivors of Conter Valley have traveled far up north already. In your condition. You won't even be able to make it pass one mountain let alone a whole cluster of them," Maron said looking at the giants surrounding them.

"Where's the numbing medicine?" Cooper asked locking onto the memory of him and Elise in the Golden Fields and pushing all other thoughts away.

"Why?" Morton asked looking at Cooper intently.

"I need it," Cooper said trying to bare the pain.

"Does it even affect you? You somehow were able to move even when I gave you a large dose," Maron asked.

"Please. Just g-give it to me. I'll explain l-later," Cooper said trying to keep his balance. Maron looked at Morton who nodded. The rhydon opened the bag around his waist and pulled out a capsule with blue liquid in it. He walked over to Cooper and gave it to him. Cooper opened the capsule and looked at the liquid remembering the bitter taste. "Bottoms up," he said quietly to himself.

He poured the liquid in his mouth and in one gulp swallowed it all. He shivered at the bitter taste and held back the urge to vomit. He felt the pain in his body begin to fade and Cooper saw Elise in his mind. He saw her sitting in the fields. He focused on the glowing flowers that surrounded her that made her look like the sun in the flesh. He felt the energy build up in him and grasped onto it once more being careful not to let it go. He focused on the image of Elise and let the power run through his bones.

Just when he believed it wasn't going to work. He felt the feeling in his right foreleg return. The ability to move it freely. The sensation of the cold air around it. The shaking in his body from the pain that cursed him minutes ago faded away. He stood up on all fours and shook his body slowly. He didn't feel pain anymore. In fact. He felt incredible. He felt like he could run the length of Conter Valley twenty times. This is incredible. Cooper thought stretching his legs as if he just woke up on a Saturday morning.

"How the hell did you do that? A few minutes ago you were crippled," Morton asked glaring at Cooper in awe.

"It's… wow. It's a long story," Cooper said surprised at how he was able to speak so fluently.

Sleepy this is… incredible. I feel amazing. Cooper said looking at his right foreleg. It was still wrapped up. But this time it looked like there was a new bloodstain.

"A long story? Son you just came back from the dead. I only know one other man who has done such a thing. But it took him months to recover. You just… stood up. Like it was nothing. You have some explaining to do," Morton said walking around Cooper and checking him.

There is no time Verlidian. You may feel fine. But your body is not. Sleepy warned. As much as you would like to see Elise. You must head to the Unseen Forest. There is a person there that can heal you. Sleepy said.

The Unseen Forest? Are you kidding me? That place is a god damn maze. Anyone that's gone in has either been driven insane or has never seen again. Cooper said remembering the nights where his grandfather told him stories about the forest. It was the largest one in the kingdom and none of the past kings had been crazy enough to try and map it out and for good reason too. It was a nightmare. Some say it even rivaled the dangers and mysteries of the center of the Conter Mountains which Cooper barely believed was possible.

"I wish I could explain. But honestly I don't know what the hell this is either," Cooper said turning his around to look at his stomach which was also wrapped in a cloth. Though it felt fine. It looked like more blood had somehow gotten out even after four weeks.

I know what you have been told. But you have to trust me Cooper. You have no other choice. No medicine or healing ability outside of the forest can save you. Sleepy said.

"Are you sure you're fine? Your body still looks like shit," Maron said looking a little apprehensive.

I don't even know who I'm looking for. And what if the Scourge attack the villagers? Including Elise? Cooper asked worriedly.

I promise you Cooper. Elise is fine. She is under my watch along with the other villagers. I'll explain more along the way. As for who you are searching for. Her name is Fenna. Fenna Nightfall. She is the only one who is able to heal you right now. Hurry Verlidian. Lest you wish to gamble with a death second time. Now go! Sleepy said sternly.

"Listen. I want to explain and I will. But we need to go to the Unseen Forest. I know it sounds crazy. But currently I'm dying and eventually will die if we don't reach someone within the forest. You guys wouldn't happen to know a Fenna Nightfall?" Cooper asked anxiously.

Maron stared at Cooper like he was a mad man while Morton had a blank face. The conkeldurr looked at Cooper with an annoyed expression and said, "Nightfall of all people. Damn. Yes. I know her. And I know why you need to see her now. If you are truly running out of time. Then we have to go. Maron. Go get Mary. And make haste. We're leaving now," Morton said to Maron firmly. The rhydon ran through a few trees and out of Cooper's sight. Morton walked over to Cooper using the two concrete pillars to help him move until he was only a few feet away from him. "I didn't catch your name boy."

"It's Cooper Verlidian," Cooper responded still amazed that he was able to talk.

Morton stared at Cooper puzzledly. It almost looked like he was studying him. "Verlidian. How interesting," Morton said staring at Cooper for a few more seconds before walking away.

"Wait. How's that interesting? Do you know something about me? Or something about my parents?" Cooper asked curiously.

Morton turned to Cooper and looked at him. "Of course not. I thought maybe I had heard your last name somewhere before. But I think I was wrong," Morton said turning back around and walking the same way Maron had gone. Morton knew something. Cooper knew that. And he was determined to find out.

Cooper caught up to the conkeldurr and walked besides him. "Are you sure?" Cooper asked hoping to get Morton to say something.

"Yes. I am sure. I was just mistaken. Now let us go to Nightfall," Morton said nudging cooper on the shoulder before picking up the pace.

Do not persist Verlidian. Focus on getting to Fenna. Sleepy said.

Why? Is there something you're trying to keep from me as well? I want answers if this is about my parents. Cooper demanded. He saw Maron and a wigglytuff, which Cooper guessed was Mary, sitting and talking.

Listen to me well Cooper. I have learned a great many things in my life and seen much with my eyes and even more so with my mind. Out of all the people you have met and will meet. There is no other wiser or more trustworthy than I. And either you accept that or you deny it. It is your choice. But listen close Cooper Verlidian. Your parents were complicated people. And though I do know something about them. It is not yet the time nor the place for me to tell you. But if you trust me. Eventually I will tell you the truth. But please Cooper. Keep on your way for now. Dwell on this no longer. Sleepy warned.

Cooper still had questions and wanted nothing more than to persist. Why wouldn't he. His grandparents never talked about his parents. They never even mentioned his father's or his mother's name now that he thought about it. All they told Cooper was his parents loved each other and him so much. Cooper never bothered to beg to know more. Quite frankly he didn't care then. Now. With everything that was going on. He wanted to know more. Just in case things took a turn for the worse. But that didn't matter right now. Cooper and Morton approached the two sitting down who seemed to have not have noticed them yet.

"Alright!" Morton yelled making both Mary and Maron jump. "You two better be ready. We got a long road ahead of us. We're heading northeast to the Unseen Forest," Morton said lifting a heavy-looking brown bag off the ground and over his arm with ease and then placing his hand back on one of the concrete pillars.

"Jeez. Was that necessary Morton?" Maron asked grabbing his bag and another smaller bag. Cooper noticed Mary staring at him like he was a ghost.

"Of course it's necessary. We must always be prepared for an attack. You never know when a Scourgian might jump out of nowhere," Morton said with a large smile on his face.

"Scourgian?" Cooper asked at the new term.

"Yeah. Scourgian. You don't use that term?" Morton asked back looking at Cooper as if he should've know that.

"Not… really. At least I don't think we do," Cooper said remembering how Conter Valley was so secluded from the kingdom.

"So somehow you're able to walk perfectly despite suffering plenty of injuries that should've killed you," Mary said walking around and inspecting Cooper.

"Yeah. Um. It's complicated. I'll explain along the way," Cooper said feeling uncomfortable as Mary continued to inspect him.

"Mary. Leave the boy alone. We have to go. His injuries are still serious and need healing. So let us be going," Morton said walking away.

"Are you sure this Fenna Nightfall is in the Unseen Forest?" Maron asked with a worried expression on his face.

"No," Cooper said. Both Mary and Maron stared at him. "I mean. I'm pretty confident she's there. Right Morton?"

"Oh she's there alright. Never left. At least. Not in a long time," Morton said looking a bit sad. Cooper wondered how Morton knew Fenna. Clearly she must've had a strong healing ability or a specific way to treat him if she was his only hope.

Cooper decided it was best to find out the answers when they got there. As for now. He continued to walk and admire the way his body moved with ease. How long does this last Sleepy? Cooper asked curiously wondering if it could be used as a technique for battle.

Too long. And do not be thinking about turning this "trick" I have taught you into a technique Cooper. It is dangerous. As it does make you immune to pain. It does not make you immune to damage. You'll become obsessed with it. You'll feel… nothing. Nothing at all. Until eventually. It'll become apart of you. Until you lose control of it. And forget how to turn it off. Sleepy said grimly.

Cooper felt a shiver run down his spine. Feel nothing? What do you define as nothing? Cooper asked hesitantly.

Nothing. Not the taste of food… or the taste of water… or the feeling of a woman…. Sleepy said getting quieter each time. Forgive me Cooper. I do not wish to scare you. Just to warn and protect you. Do not become fond of this trick. That is all.

It was too late if Sleepy did not wish to scare Cooper. He looked at his right foreleg as he walked. And as much as he did not want to feel pain. He was too scared to care. He focused on the energy in his leg and released a little bit of it on the skin. He felt sudden pain shoot across it like burns. He made sure to leave his paw and the bones along with the flesh around them untouched so he could still move.

There. I let some of the pain on the skin of my leg come back. Just to make sure. Cooper thought.

That is… wise. Very wise. Sleepy said as if he was thinking about something.

Before Cooper got the chance to ask what Sleepy was thinking. Ahead him only a few miles away laid Conter Valley. Shattered and broken. There laid his home. His life. There laid where he met Elise and Ana. Where he met a sister and a lover. And the Unseen Forest was northeast. Directly through the valley. Cooper took a deep breath and began to walk towards his destroyed home.

That honestly took a long time to write. Might've seemed like a short chapter. But I put a lot of thought into it. A lot of passion. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it.

I'd also like to address that I am no expert in canine anatomy. So if I slipped up somewhere. Forgive me.

If you haven't read the status in my bio. It basically says that these chapters might be coming every two weeks. Might. Being the key word. Depends on if I'm writing my other story or if I'm thinking etc.. I hope you can understand.

Anyways. Criticism and reviews are always appreciated. They help me improve as a writer and person. And I'll see you next time.

"Make the leap" - Nice Guy Wolf