New chapter today and I like how quickly I finished this one. Only took about a week so yay for faster updates :P

Review Response- Keldabe: Thanks for taking the time to review again :). Don't worry about Night changing personalities, he hasn't changed that much and you'll see more of that this and next chapter. That chapter was also sort of an experiment in point of view change, I'll most likely keep it to a minimum in the future though. That cryptic thing at the end was super interesting though, I can see how that could be a possibility. Jane's a character that I like to keep a little mysterious, but hopefully I can portray what I want when it comes to her. Thanks for reviewing again!

Okay, thanks for everyone that has reviewed so far. Just over ten chapters and I almost have 30 reviews :D I'm giddy. I hope I can steadily increase the quality and accessibility of the story to match to quality of reviews I've been getting so far.

Question of the chapter time- Which character do you find more likable/interesting Night, Ruby, or the Espeon (Requiem)?

And time for the chapter!


Night's point of view


"Do you think we stand a chance Spark?"

"I'm sure we do, but don't worry about that now Night." Said Spark with a smirk "I want to see if Razor has what it takes to win."

"He should." I replied as I looked at Ruby reluctantly saunter off the battlefield "He's a grass type."

"I've already told you Night, type advantage doesn't guarantee a victory. I've won against Sandrews and lost to Pidgys, it's all about how you act in the moment."

I smirked "You lost to a bird?"

The Pikachu casually waved a hand "I'll tell you the story later, let's see if Razor can bring in a win."

The Bulbasaur smirked as he tensed himself up, I was pretty sure he knew that he could do it too and it was all about execution.

"Show 'em up Raze." Commented Ruby with a deep frown etched on her face "You're a Bulbasaur, you can do this."

"Razor, start off with a vine whip!" shouted Katherine with strength "I know you can do it!"

Brock smirked "Alright, good to see you still excited! Brick, rollout now!"

The Geodude made an attempt to charge at Razor, but the Bulbasaur quickly dodged to the side and let the rock roll pass. Before he could turn around the Geodude was stopped by two vines wrapping around its body. Razor lifted his opponent in the air and flung him across the room.

The rock-dude hit the ground with a thud and rolled himself upwards.

"Brick, counter!" shouted Brock "We're not backing down yet."

"Raze, razor leaf now!" commanded Kat.

Brick pushed himself off the ground with all of his strength and sped at Razor at a speed one would not expect a little rock head with arms to go. Razor planted his legs, swirled his head around, and then let loose a storm of leaves headed right at the attacking Geodude. Multitudes of leaves collided with Brick, slowing him down to the speed of a brisk walk.

"Finish it Razor!"

"Brick, dodge!"

The Geodude didn't stand a chance as the grass dinosaur wrapped his vines around him and gave one last hurl in the direction of the gym leader. As Brick was flung threw the air Brock sighed, pulled out a Poke-ball, and returned the flailing Pokémon back to the safety of his Poke-ball.

"I'm calling that one, you beat him. Good job Brick, you put up a fight against a grass-type." Sounded the gym leader with a slight smirk "That means I've got one left, but don't think I'm about to ease up."

I caught myself scoffing and nudged Spark "What's he gonna do, send out another Geodude? If that's all this gym's got then it won't be a problem."

"Let's see, maybe it-"

"Crash, go!" shouted Brock as another Geodude found its way onto the battleground.

"-is going to be another Geodude." Sighed the Pikachu "Maybe this gym won't be as bad as I thought?"

Katherine smiled "Okay Razor, don't get over confident. Keep your distance and you should be fine."

"Don't make me have to finish this Razor-"shouted Ruby "I won't be happy stealing your thunder."

Razor smiled with a toothy grin "I'll try to keep that in mind Rubes."

"Alright Crash, hold your ground for this one and then move in close" Said Brock "He's prone to use vine whip so try to stay out of his range for now. Try rock throw!"

"Good luck bud." Sounded Razor with a wide smile on his face.

"Likewise Bulbasaur!" Shouted back the Geodude before smashing his fists together.

"Razor, try to hit him with a razor leaf while dodging. Wait for your moment to approach for now." Said Kat "Alight, go!"

Razor steadied his stance before unleashing a barrage of leaves at his opponent. This Geodude appeared to be a little smarter than the previous one as it ducked behind one of the many boulders that littered the arena.

From behind cover Brick picked up a chunk of rock from the floor, quickly popped out of cover and threw it at Razor. That little rock was going about the same speed as Razor's razor leaf attack and even he wasn't fast enough to avoid getting a rock to the forehead.

"Gah!" shouted the grass type as he recoiled back. He planted his feet and shook his head "That was a good one."

"Razor get in closer, use the rocks to cover you until Crash is in range of your vine whip." Spoke Kat "Just stay calm and I know you can win this."

The Bulbasaur nodded, lowered his head, and jutted off in the direction of the closest rock. Taking a cue from his opponent he hid himself behind a rock and prepared to launch another razor leaf attack.

"Move up a little bit Crash, get him within range of your attacks." Sounded Brock.

"Raze, this is your chance, hit him with a razor leaf!" shouted Kat with a wide smile on her face.

Razor nodded and pushed himself out of cover and instantly noticed the moving Geodude. Still moving forward he shot leaves at and around the rock type. Crash raised his arms to protect his face as the razor leaf attack hit him.

"Now, vine whip. Finish him." Spoke Kat with confidence.

"Crash, smack down!" yelled Brock, "Don't let him take you down without a fight!"

Razor kicked up dust as he got close enough to use his vine whip. The green plants extended from his bulb as the Geodude jumped up in the air. The vines wrapped around Crash's body as he made a fist with both of his hands. In one quick movement the vines crashed down, pulling the Geodude with it. However as he went down the Geodude's fists pounded down on Razor's skull. The sound of bone and rock meeting rang throughout the room as the two were shrouded in dust.

"Razor!" shouted Katherine with worry.

Brock frowned "Wait… this might not be over."

The dirt stated to settle and in the dust two forms were seen. Razor was clearly still standing with his vines wrapped around Crash's body. Crash himself still had his fists on top of the Bulbasaur's head. Both of them were locking eyes and both had wide smiles on their faces.

"I'm surprised you took that Bulbasaur…" sounded the rough voice of the Geodude.

"I try… I can't believe you're still conscious after what I just did." Replied Razor.

"Crash, this isn't over! Punch him!" yelled Brock, breaking the moment with ease.

Katherine looked flustered as Jack, Spark, Ruby and I looked to her "Um… do something Razor!"

Crash pulled his fists back and prepared to slug Razor again. But before he could follow though Razor sprung to life and slammed him into a nearby boulder. Crash's body and Razor's vines went limp.

Brock sighed "Good try Crash." He said congratulating his defeated Pokémon as he returned it "You put up a fight."

Razor, who was still standing up, staggered before catching his feet "Man… that was great."

"Razor!" shouted Katherine with glee as she strode onto the field to pick up her miniature green dino. She lifted him into her arms and jumped around like a maniac "You won, you won, you won!"

"He's a grass-type, no big deal." Sounded Ruby as she trotted up to her trainer. The fox looked up at her partner "But I guess he did a good job."

"Well they won." Said Jack with a sigh before sitting down next to Spark and I "You guys ready for this."

"I'm set." Sounded Spark with a salute.

Jack smirked and put a comparatively large hand on Spark's shoulders "Awesome." He turned to me with those dopey green eyes of his "What about you Night? I won't make you do it if you don't want to."

"Oh how nice of you." I said quietly before shrugging. It had been two days since Jack had caught me and I didn't like how quickly I had warmed up to him. The idiot was kind of a nice guy and Spark wasn't half bad either. The dolts needed me to win, they needed my magnificent strength and dexterity to even have a chance… and I couldn't let them down, at least, not right then and there.

I smirked "Okay fine, it's just rock-types."

Jack detected my smile and put a hand on my shoulder as well "Cool." He pulled Spark and me close to him "I know you guys can do it."

My eyes rolled instinctively "That's good, 'cus I don't"


Espeon's point of view


"Requiem… what did you think you were going to accomplish?"

I glared at the Leafeon "I just felt the need to help her-"

"Not the Purrloin. You know what I'm talking about, I didn't need your help and you didn't need to do what you did." Replied the Leafeon with a frown.

It had been a few seconds since Dawn and I had quickly said goodbye so Jane and I could talk. I wasn't sure how I felt about seeing her, but I at least knew she wasn't an enemy.

"So you're saying that you don't appreciate what I did?" I used a false accusatory tone knowing she would pick up on it.

"No I-"she paused "Requiem I'm saying that you-"

I cringed "Stop calling me that, that's not my name anymore Jane."

"What a coincidence, I don't go by Jane anymore either. It's Fern now, what do you call yourself?"

"For now?" I sighed "Nothing, just Espeon." I pause for a second before giving a sad laugh "Look at the both of us, changing names to make ourselves feel better."

"We didn't do anything wrong." Sounded Fern getting more emotional.

"You didn't do anything wrong." I corrected.

A short period of silence followed before Fern spoke up again "I've heard rumors of people losing their memories around here… I knew that it had to be you."

"Are you here to stop me? You know I-"

"Yes I know you won't tell me why, but it's important." The Leafeon looked towards the falling sun "I'm trusting you Re-"she stopped herself "Espeon I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt, but I don't like it."

"Memory loss isn't what I'm trying to do to them... it's a secondary effect that I'm working to get rid of." I said hoping that would justify myself.

"That doesn't mean anything to me Espeon, I just wish you'd tell me more about what's going on with you." replied Fern with concern.

I looked at her eyes, she did want me do the right thing. Jane… Fern… did have a sense of justice, but she had a stronger sense of loyalty "Will it make you feel better if I told you it had to with them?"

Fern frowned slightly "Do you think I'm stupid Espeon? Of course it has to do with those monsters, why else would you not be able to tell me?"

"It's very dangerous information and-"

"-and nothing Requiem. You can't tell me because you're still loyal to them. No matter what you may think you still care about them." She shrugged "Why wouldn't you, they saved you."

"I can't tell you because I'm afraid of what you might do. You're already busy enough, you don't have time to fret over my problems." I took a step towards her "I can handle it."

Fern gave a smile "That's what I said to you when you offered your help."

"But you needed it then-"

"And you need my help now. You don't have your team anymore Requiem. You haven't been keeping up with your training and you've changed your way of thinking. I know your psychic abilities aren't what they used to be and with what you're against you need help."

I paused to think about what she said "You…" I shook my head "You have a point, but I won't let you give up your life to help me Fern."

"Why shouldn't I?" she asked as her bandanna shifted on her neck "You did the same for me?"

"Please Fern… don't." I got closer until we were inches apart "I won't let you help me. I won't let you ruin yourself for me. I've made mistakes and I'm making up for them."

"I ca-"

"You can. You can let me do it. If it stays under my control I'm going to make sure that I succeed." I paused to think about what she had said "How about this… give me a week. I'll reevaluate what I can do and if I need your help then I'll accept."

"What makes you think I'll be able to find you again?" she asked with a smirk.

"Come on Fern, I know what you can do." I stepped on one of her paws "I know what you have in these, you're capable of finding anyone you need to once you have the information. Your master taught you well."

"You know about him?" she asked with a raised brow.

"I know about you and all of his students, there more than a couple of you running around these days." I said with a smile "Do we have a deal?"

She paused to glare into my eyes "Fine, I trust you." She started to walk away "Seven days."

I nodded instantly regretting allowing her to get involved. I faked a smile "Seven days."


Night's point of view


"I'll be sure to give you your badge once I fight your friend, okay?" spoke Brock.

"That's fine!" shouted Kat from the sidelines. Ruby and Razor stood at her sides, it was their turn to quietly make comments as we fought.

Jack, for all of his gothy glory, actually almost looked like a badass. His hair was still a hair gelled mess and his pants were still way too tight to be good for his future children and blood flow but he looked the part of a good trainer.

Spark had tied the blue scarf around his neck tighter but his body looked relaxed. His dark eyes glared at the gym leader across the way, he looked like he had been preparing for this his whole life.

I, on the other hand, had literally just heard about the existence of these gyms less than a day prior and was a mess of nerves. It wasn't that I didn't think I could do it, of course I could do it. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to compensate for any crap that might take place during the battle. Who knew if Brock was actually holding back for Kat and was waiting for us to put on his a game? It was entirely possible that he had saw me the moment I entered and said to himself 'Man, that Umbreon looks frickin' strong, I'd better make sure I hold back until he's fighting'

"You'll do fine Night." Stated Spark as he patted me on the back "Just follow your instincts and listen to Jack, we'll win if we get lucky."

I raised a brow "Lucky?"

"Are you ready challenger?" asked Brock with a proud stance.

"Yes I am… leader!" replied Jack in a way that totally didn't make him sound like a tool.

"Excellent." He pulled out a Poke-ball "I usually wouldn't use this guy, but you've beaten my newer Pokémon, so-"he threw the ball "Rocky, give these guys a challenge."

Before us materialized was looked like a bigger Geodude except it had another set of arms and legs. Its body was littered with bumps and it wore a large grin on its face.

"A Graveler… great." Whispered Jack before looking down at his Pikachu "Spark, give it your best shot buddy."

The mouse tightened his fists as he stepped to the rocky ground of the battle arena. The Graveler's face lit up "A Pikachu… you got some guts bud." He lowered his stance "Don't think I'll let up though."

Spark smiled as he shifted to a four legged stance. His scarf hung from his body and is tail went low "I wouldn't want it any other way."

"Spark the only way you'll win this is if you don't let him hit you. Use your speed and start off with a quick attack." Said Jack calmly.

"Rocky bide your time, wait for your moment to strike. You might only need to hit him once to finish this." Spoke Brock.

Spark leaned in more before pushing his legs off the ground and sprinting towards the larger rock Pokémon. He zigged from left to right before hopping up to strike his enemy. The Graveler was way too slow to do anything, but Spark's tackle only resulted in him rebounding off the rough outside of the Pokémon and land behind it.

"Spark, try thunder wave. Go!"

The Pikachu then turned around and placed his paws on the Graveler's back before charging his body with electricity and pushing it into the Graveler. Of course this did nothing seeing that its body was completely resistant to electricity.

"Rocky, fall back on him." Said Brock with a stern face.

"Get out of there Spark." Yelled Jack "Move!"

Spark rolled out the way much before his enemy could stop himself from falling. Backing away Spark stood on his hind legs and jumped around to keep his blood flowing "I need some help Jack."

"I know! Try sand attack." Replied Jack almost like he knew what Spark had said.

The mouse lowered his body and proceeded to grab a handful of dirt and when Rocky stood back up he was greeted by a face full of sand. Spark took advantage of his opponent's temporary blindness to charge him. With speed that I could just make out Spark proceeded to jab at the rocky form that was his enemy, quickly run around his much larger body, then hit him somewhere else. Rocky was completely unable to do anything as Spark had his way with him.

"Rocky, rollout." Sounded Brock "That should get him off you.

I instantly knew what his plan was but Spark was too busy being in the moment to do anything. Suddenly Rocky held his limbs to his body and spun in place, blasting Spark back with force. The Pikcahu landed on his back and used the momentum of his fall to roll back onto his feet just in time to get directly hit with the rollout attack.

"Spark!" yelled Jack with concern.

The Pikachu yelled and he was flung all the way back to Jack, settling at his trainer's feet. With endurance that I didn't expect from the little rodent he slowly got to his feet. His breath was heavy and his body had scratches all over it but he was standing.

"You okay Spark?" asked Jack with deep worry.

His Pikachu nodded while keeping his gaze ahead "I'm far from finished."

"Awesome… then try to trip him up again, that's your best chance to do some damage. You can do it." Said Jack with encouraging words.

Spark dashed as his opponent again but instead of a serpentine pattern he chose a direct path. Rocky held his arms out to prepare for the quick mouse but was proven to be completely outmatched in the reaction department when Spark jumped at him, planted his feet on the Graverler's head, and shot himself off to land on a large boulder next to him.

"Rocky, rock smash!" yelled Brock as he pointed at my electric buddy.

Rocky gave a large smile as he blasted the large rock, shattering it into hundreds of fragments. Spark had seen this coming and had jumped up just before his perch was decimated. The Pikachu landed on his enemy and slammed both of his fists into the top of the Graveler's body. But just like every other time Spark landed a hit it appeared to do nothing.

"Rocky, jump and then smack down." Calmly said the gym leader as he put his hands into his pockets "Let's finish this."

Rocky pushed himself off the ground allowing Spark to lose his footing and stagger slightly as his foot hold shifted underneath him. Turning himself Rocky opened one of his massive hands and collapsed it into Spark's small body.

"Spark!" yelled Jack with a devastating yell as he saw his Pikachu crash into the ground below to land in a pile of dust just before the Graveler.

"I'm not going to hit you again." Sounded Rocky's deep voice "No need to bring this any further."

Spark's form became visible as the dust around him settled. It was clear that he wasn't unconscious, he was kneeling with his face downcast only being supported by his spirit and his wobbling limbs.

"Spark, it's done. You've done all you can. I'm not going to let you get hurt anymore." Sounded Jack with a soft voice.

"I… I can-"stuttered the battered Pikachu.

"You won't persuade me with your spirit Spark." He smiled once again responding to Spark like he could understand him "Can you walk?"

The Pikachu strained, but got himself to his feet. He looked up and eyed the Graveler before him "Well… looks like you got me."

"You lasted longer than I thought you would Pikachu, if you were a water type I'd be concerned." replied the Graverler.

Spark turned to his trainer and limped back to his side before sitting down. He didn't even look defeated, a grin shown on his face. He had done all he could and lost, but he looked proud of himself.

"Alright Night." Said Jack as he looked down at me with that goofy smile "It's on you now, you up for this?"

I matched his grin with one of my own "Are you serious?" I eyed to Graveler as I stepped into the arena high on adrenaline and mindless on testosterone

"Of course I am."