Well, here's memory. Eleven done, eighty nine more to go. Read, review, and enjoy.

Memory

As I look at my reflection, I can't help but notice how I've changed. Like the murky pond water I'm gazing at, my eyes are cloudy, as if the haze of memories is yet to be wiped away. I'm leaner than I was not so long ago. I guess I just can't get these ghosts that haunt me to leave. They're constantly near me, in the rustle of a bush, a smell, even a meal. Anything and everything reminds me of what I've lost. I can't help but look up with excitement when I hear what I think is a friend, then have to feel a lead like disappointment when I'm reminded that they're not on this world anymore.

Sometimes, I wake, and feel anguish welling up inside of me. Why? Because I haven't joined them, my friends. The coldest of nights, the longest of times without food, nothing will kill me. Is it a curse? No, it's just that my body can handle more than that. After all, it's lasted through these past few years of torment. I've been deprived of my fellow beings. I am but a wandering soul, and outcast, always on the fringes of society.

I look at the scars that decorate my body, some more recent then others. Each one has its own bitter memory. Looking at them, I can't help but compare them to memories.

Like memories, there are faded ones which I can't remember why it's there. All that's left is a tinge of bitter feelings. Others are fresh and tender to the touch. Some memories I shy away from, and some scars I refuse to bother. Also like memories, some scars are bunched together, huddling, due to one incident. I've got three parallel scars from a tangle with a horrid beast. I've got some memories that are so closely linked; I can't remember one without brushing against another.

I push away my thoughts, and bend down to drink the water. I don't take more than a few sips before getting up and resuming my meandering. I know there's a town close by, but I don't bother changing my direction. I won't hurt a single Pokémon. But, they'll probably hurt me. I continue walking, and relish in the small things I see that show others are nearby. How it hurts to know I'm not one of them.

Like not that long ago, on that fateful day, a wind ruffles my tawny fur. Does it seem like a coincidence that I'm walking through the forest? I can almost hear the howls of pain, the drips of blood, the cracking of bones.

I'm almost on top of the village. I can see small Pokémon looking at me with confusion. It won't take them long to realize that I'm a "renegade". But, before they do, why not smile, and bask in their positive attention? I do just that, and am rewarded with a few tentative smiles from the really young ones. A little skitty darts out of nowhere and lands in front of me. It seems like the adults hold their breath, waiting to see what I do. After all, my scarred body doesn't make me seems like someone to trust.

Very carefully, I bend down and look her in the eyes. She looks back, and does something that no little one has ever done to me before. She invited me to play. I smile, and not trusting myself to speak, I gently rub my head against hers.

Okay, so there's a chance I'll be rejected from this town as well, but right now, I think I'll bask in the moment. Also, this is a step towards something possibly better than my current situation. Maybe, there is a chance to make some happier memories.

By the way, I've used this character before. I'm pretty sure you should know who she is...