The beast watched as the Pokemon plummeted to the ground with a sharp cry and desperately held onto its rider. The beast watched as the pokemon managed to glide its way to the tree line and crash into the trees with a loud scream. The beast grunted in annoyance. He'd hoped that his prey would fall into the sea and, after the damage from the initial attack, be too weak to swim to shore. But of course things wouldn't be that easy; they never are.

The beast dove down and followed the kind of snapped trees and up turned earth until he finally found his prey. A charred Skarmory limped and helped its rider up and that rider was Hoenns champion. The beast landed and observed the injuries. The Skarmory was in no fighting condition and neither was that silver haired bastard. His face twisted in pain as he tried to push himself up from the ground and he noticed various cuts and quick bruises forming on his skin.

Suddenly, the Skarmory twisted its head towards the beast and flared out its wings in attack. The beast growled back deeply, but the Skarmory didn't falter. The beast slowly stalked out from the woods and saw the champion scramble back with his one good arm.

"I'm here for your rider, not you." The beast growled out a warning, "leave or you will die with him." The Skarmory didn't respond and let out a chattered call. The beast snorted and leapt forward.

Steven sat with his back to a tree as he watched the fight. He needed to find a way for them to get out, but he could hardly walk and he's arm spiked in pain anytime he moved it. Skarmory couldn't fight for long against the massive, dark skinned Salamance, but luckily, he had another member of his team with him.

Skarmory cried sharply as the Salamance bit down on its body and tossed it way into the woods. Then it turned its attention to Steven and began stalking towards him. Steven trembled in pain as he stood to face the Salamance, trying to calm the beast before he openly attack it.

"Easy," he said calmly as the beast bared its teeth with a low growl, "I don't want to hurt you…" The Salamance snorted and Steven swore he saw the faintest hint of a smile in his yellowed teeth.

Suddenly, the beast charges forward and pins Steven before he can do anything. He holds the Salamance at bay with legs while he digs in his pockets for anything to defend himself with. His fingers hit cold steel as the Salamance massive claws grazed his chest, ripping his clothes and drawing blood. He pulls out the pocketknife, flips open the blade and plunges it into the Pokemons neck. The Salamance got one more claw in before stumbling back; dark red blood dropped from the knife still lodged in his neck. Steven pushed himself back as his fingers finally found Metagross's pokeball. The steel type appeared shook the ground as its claws dug into the ground. The Salamance narrowed its eyes and threw itself at Metagross as Steven limped over to find Skarmory near death against a tree stump. The pokemon cooed softly as Steven knelt down beside him and saw the massive black gash the Salamance had left in its side.

"You need to get out of here and find help," Steven said as Skarmory struggled to stand, "find Drake and the others." Skarmory collapsed and whimpered as Steven dug in his pockets for anything to help his injuried pokemon. He pulled out a small, half full yellow potion and began applying it to the gash in his pokemons side.

"I know it's not much, but it'll be enough for you to get back Ever Grande," he said quickly emptying the bottle. Skarmory perked up almost immediately, but was still very hurt. Skarmory looked down at Steven one more time before taking to the sky as fast as it could.

Meanwhile, Metagross was quickly becoming covered in dark and sickly blood from and Salamance and from its self, but neither pokemon was willing to give up. The Salamance was quickly losing its strength, but was ready to do anything to take the Hoenn champion out of the upcoming events.

The Salamance broke off its attack and began barreling towards Steven. Metagross took off after it, but couldn't keep up as Steven backed up and managed to crawl his way into a gap of the tree stump. The Salamance first tried to claw its way down to him, then resorted to trying to crush him under the weight of the stump. Metagross got to it before then, but the stump had fallen in enough to trap Steven and put enough pressure to crush his ribs. Metagross had had enough and head butted the creature in its side as its spike pierced its skin. The Salamance roared and fell back, finally giving up the fight but was certain that it's prey would die and eventually bring out the real prize.

The Salamance staggered to the sky and once it was out of sight, Metagross went to address Steven, who was now trapped under the stump.

Breathing hurt like hell. It was like a fire was spreading in his lungs, but he couldn't tell if it was the weight of the stump or the possible broken ribs. It didn't feel like it but shock was a hell of a thing. The next thing Steven knew, he was laying face up to the sky with Metagross hovering over him. The steel type hadn't faired well in the battle either and was covered in cuts and scratches and an alarming amount of blood.

"I'm fine, Metagross." Steven said weakly and extended a hand on to his pokemon, "you fought really well. I'm proud. " Weather Metagross actually responded or not was not his concern as he noticed his pain slowly disappearing.

"Skarmory should be back in a little bit," he said softly as speaking set waves of pain across his chest, "we just gotta be…patient." He fought his mind to keep himself awake. He focused on the blistering pain to keep himself from falling asleep, but he was just so tired. Maybe just a little nap wouldn't be so bad…

The Elite Four knew something was wrong when Skarmory came back alone. They began fearing the worst when the pokemon collapsed as it landed, almost too weak to make the trip on its own. The pokemon was quickly healed and began chirping and crying, pulling on the Elites sleeves to get them to move faster. Each Elite mounted and followed the Skarmory as it went screaming across the sky to a remote clearing. There, they found Steven laying unconscious with Metagross standing guard over him looking beaten and exhausted.

Phoebe was the first down and rushed to Stevens side as Drake went to Metagross. Sidney went to Phoebe as Glacia called for help. Metagross was hurt worse than Drake had ever seen him before, but the pokemon was more interested in its trainers health than its own.

"He's hurt bad," Sidney shouted, "we need to get him back to Ever Grande and get him some help as soon as we can."

"What are his injuries?" Glacia asked calmly, but Drake had been around her long enough to know that she was terrified.

"Multiple gashes and possible a broken arm," Sidney replied as he carefully checked over, "maybe some internal stuff, but I don't know he's just breathing real funny."

"That's not good," Drake mumbled to himself and Metagross rumbled in what he took as agreement. The steel type grunted and lowered itself to the ground as Skarmory drifted over with two pokeball she clutched in its talons. Drake took the balls and returned each pokemon as Glacia finished up the call and walked towards Steven and the others.

"Some doctors from Moss Deep are meeting us in Ever Grande," she said and carefully looked back at his bloodied face and chest, "we need to get him back as soon as possible."

"That's not gonna be easy," Phoebe said, "he's in no condition to fly back on small flyers like what we came on. He needs to fly back on something large and stable."

"Was wondering… when you'd get here…" a weak voices called and then coughed sharply. The group looked down in surprise to find Steven awake and trying to sit up. Phoebe immediately placed a hand on his shoulder and raised him back down.

"You need to keep still," she urged, "we don't know how bad you're hurt."

"It's my…ribs…" he struggled out and placed a hand just below his chest, "I don't…think they're broken but…" he winced as Phoebe gently touched around his hand, "it sure does hurt…"

"We need to get you out of here," Glacia said as she scrolled through her pokedex for a specific contact to help them safely move Steven.

"What did this, Boss?" Sidney asked as he glanced around the damaged trees and ground.

"A Salamance," Steven replied, "we were shot down and landed here…then it attacked Skarmory and then me."

"Jesus…" Sidney cursed, "I've never heard of such a thing." Steven grunted once more and fell into a fit of painful coughs.

"I've got someone that can help get you back to Ever Grande," Glacia said as she stepped back towards the group, "I didn't want to call them just yet, but they were the only ones I could think of that could help."

"Let me guess," Steven said after taking a strangled breath, "Wallace?" Glacia nodded silently.

"He was the only one I could think of that was close by," Glacia said apologetically, "and we need…"

"…to get me back to Ever Grande," Steven finished for her, "I know I've heard it at least three times."

"For someone walking up deaths driveway, you're taking this pretty well," Phoebe said as she carefully checked the state of his arm.

"If this is what dying feels like then I've been lied to my whole life," Steven said before wincing in pain once more as Phoebe gently prodded his arm.

"Sorry," Phoebe apologized, "I'm just trying to gage how bad it is,"

"No it a good thing," Steven hissed out with his teeth clenched, "considering that I can really feel the constant pain anymore."

Suddenly, a massive gust of wind blew around them as Wallace landed and jumped off Tropius. Glacia met him half way as the rest of them prepared to move Steven as carefully as possible. Sidney looped Stevens good arm over his shoulder while Drake wrapped his arm around the upper part of Stevens chest. Steven and Wallace locked eyes for a split second and guilt kicked him in the gut.

"Hey Wallace," Steven greeted with a pained smile, "it's been a bit since I saw you."

"And I'm still somehow saving your ass," Wallace joked half heartily and returned the smile, "let's get you on."

The next ten minutes were spent trying to get atop the Tropuis as painlessly as possible, but every slight twist and breath felt like someone shoving hot coals into his chest. Wallace had thankfully brought along a makeshift stretcher and he was carefully laid down and Drake and Sidney carefully carried him and held him steady as they took off back to Ever Grande.

It was all blurred after that. Doctors calmly tested him and treated his injuries. He was stuck with IVs and a heart monitor. Before he knew it, his mind drowned all of it out and fell asleep.

Meanwhile, Wallace stood with the others outside the makeshift hospital room. He didn't want to believe that Steven was in as bad a shape as Glacia described but after seeing him unable to walk and fresh blood dripping from open gashes, Steven was lucky to be alive.

He sighed and rubbed his face before looking down at the message that had just come in to his Pokedex.

Glacia and Sidney stood beside his as one of the doctors conversed with Drake and Phoebe. The normally calm and collected Elite Four were shaken after finding Steven in the state he was in and for good reason. Steven wasn't Champion because he was a nice guy; he was the strongest trainer in Hoenn and it was clear that whatever attacked him was a pokemon. If Steven couldn't beat that pokemon, then what chance did they stand?

"I'll be back," Wallace said as he typed out a quick reply. The two Elites were too engrossed in thought to reply outside of a small head nod from Glacia. Wallace nodded to Drake as he passed the other two and stepped out into the cool night air where Tropius stood patiently. The grass type bend it's head and tumbled a greeting as Wallace gently stoked its neck.

"We need to head to Slateport," he said locking eyes with the beast for a moment. The pokemon grunted once more and lowered its body as Wallace climbed onto its back and they took back to the sky.

The beach was deserted as he landed beside the dock, but one person sat at one of the beach chairs and turned their head as Wallace slid off.

"Wanna tell me where you're stealing me to?" She asked jokingly as she stood with a smile. That smile quickly disappeared once she saw the look on his face, "Wallace?"

"It's Steven," Wallace said grimly and her face fell, "he's been hurt. Bad. I need you to come with me."

"What? What happened?" She asked as she immediately ran up to him and they started back to Tropius.

"I don't know the full details, but he was attacked by something," he said as he pulled himself up and then helped her up, "Lexi, he's not in good shape."

"Then there's no time to lose," she said soberly as they took off. They were silent the entire way and Wallace fully expected her to jump off and run as soon as they landed back in Ever Grande, but she stuck close to Wallace.

Everyone was gathered around a doctor when they walked in. Drake silently acknowledged Wallace and quickly glanced at Lexi before turning back to the doctor.

"…several lacerations on his chest along with some burns on his arms and back. As far as his ribs go I don't think any a broken, but there is a possibility that one or two are fractured and I'm 100% sure that there are some severely bruised ribs."

"About how long will it take for him to recover?" Glacia asked.

"He should be up and walking again in around two weeks at the most," the doctor replied and a weight was lifted off everyone's chest, "from what I've seen, there is no permanent damage."

The Elites all sighed in relief. Wallace did as well, before he noticed Lexi standing at the window looking into the room. Her hand covered her mouth tightly, but her eyes didn't move. Wallace crossed over to her and saw that Steven was now bare chested with thick bloodstained bandages wrapped around his chest. A small amount of dried blood was caked over his lips and his silver hair was now dirty with flecks of blood.

"He's going to be fine," he reassured her as he took her free hand and squeezed it gently, "the doctor said there'd be no permanent damage outside of some scaring."

"But what did this?" She whispered, "Team magma or Aqua couldn't…"

"We don't know what happened, Lass," Drake interrupted, "and we won't know until he wakes up."

"Drake's right," Phoebe added, "no one was around during the attack." Lexi turned back towards the window and Wallace could see her push down her fear and worry.

"How about we have a rest and clear our heads?" Drake suggested, but Lexi just shook her head slightly.

"He made sure I was ok when I was hurt," she said, "it's only fair that I do the same."

"I agree," Drake replied with a slight nod, "but this is a sudden event for you and I want to be sure that you can cope."

"I can cope I just…" she squeezed her eyes tight at the sudden striking pain in her skull. She wanted to cry, but she also wanted to scream and run as fast as should could. Wallace placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Let's at least go to Drake's office," he said kindly as she spelt opened her eyes, "we can get a game plan then work out what to do." Lexi nodded wordlessly and followed the two down the hall as Phoebe stuck close to her.

"You okay, dear?" She asked kindly.

"Just a crazy bad headache," she muttered and met the other woman's stare. The other smiled softly.

"I'll be around with some medicine in a bit," she said, "just follow Wallace and Drake." She left with another smile and broke away as Lexi followed them into a large office space. Off to the side of the room, a large blue winged pokemon lifted its head from its nest and cooed softly as Drake passed and sat at the over sized oak desk. Lexi followed silently behind Wallace as they sat in large red chairs.

"Now then," Drake said as he bent down for a moment and pulled up a bottle of brown liquid along with three small glasses, "since we don't know what to look for until Steven wakes up, how about we get to know each other?" Drake smiled kindly at Lexi, but found her staring off at seemingly nothing. She dug her nails into the soft cloth of the chair to try and ground herself. Her mind was drawing up nothing and she didn't feel like she was in her own skin anymore.

"You already know Wallace," Drake continued as he poured three glasses, "Names Drake. I'm apart of the Elite Four in Hoenn." Lexi nodded her head slowly and her eyes fixated on the corner of the desk. She couldn't hold onto the words at all. It was like trying to hold water in an open hand.

But they waited patiently as she slowly pulled her mind back into reality. She dug her nails into her palms and forced herself to blink until she finally felt…there. Wallace and Drake waited quietly as each took slow sips of their drink. She eyed her own glass and took a thin sip, just enough to feel that burning tingle down her throat and that final push to bring her completely back.

"Better?" Drake's raspy voice asked and Lexi nodded with and small sigh, "take all the time you need, lass."

"I think I'm good now," she hoarsed out and cleared her throat, "that happens from time to time."

"I understand," Drake nodded with another smile, "now back to introductions…"

"Right," Lexi said quickly, "I'm…"

"Lexi," Drake finished for her with a soft chuckle, "I'm glad to finally put a face to a name." Lexi arched an eyebrow and Drake chuckled again.

"The battle of Slateport was televised and we've heard about you from Steven," he said taking another sip of his drink, "your battle skills sound very impressive for a new trainer."

"Oh," she said and rubbed the back of her neck, "thank you. I've been to some of the gyms around the region and I've got two of the badges."

"You aiming to take on the Champion?" Drake asked leaning back in his seat as Lexi took another sip, this one much longer.

"Maybe," she said thoughtfully, "I don't think my team would ever be strong enough to take on someone like that."

"You'd actually be surprised," Wallace said, "actually…" A swift knock rasped on the doorway, cutting Wallace off as they turned to see who it was.

"Ah, Phoebe," Drake greeted the other Elite, "what can I do for you?"

"I'm actually here for her," she said with a bright grin and pointed towards Lexi. She immediately noticed the small bottle tucked in her hand and felt her body relax slightly. Phoebe quick walked up and handed her the bottle and promptly left.

"What Wallace was trying to say was that it's not as bad as people think," Drake said as she poured out two small white pills and set the bottle back on the desk. She eyed her drink then the two pills in her hand.

"I don't think I should take pills and wash it down with alcohol," she said as Drake bent down again and pulled out a small bottle of water and handed it to her. She thanked him and popped the pills back and chased it down. She coughed slightly and sunk into her chair.

"You're welcome to stay here for the night," Drake offered, "it's a long flight to Rustboro."

"I might take you up on that," she replied, "I don't think my Pidgeot can make the full flight with me just yet." Drake nodded and stood. As he walked around his desk, Lexi stood and followed him, leaving Wallace sitting in his chair.

She followed Drake back down the hall and forced herself not to look back into where Steven was. She dug her nails back into her palms and focused solely on the slight pain and following Drake.

Eventually they stopped by what looked like a small guest office. It was a lot smaller than Drakes office, but it still had the massive oak desk and bookshelves along with a couch and leather chairs.

"It's the best we've got on such short notice," he apologized as he flipped on the lights, "We rarely have over night company."

"I'm used to sleeping on a couch anyway," she joked and chuckled dryly. As they walked in, Drake stepped over to a large closet and pulled out a pillow and blanket as Lexi carefully ran her fingers over couch. He sat them down on the armchair with a huff.

"If this isn't enough then there are some more in the closet," he said but Lexi didn't look back at him. She was quickly zoning out again.

"Have a goodnight, lass." He walked out and flipped the light off as he left.Her vision went dark, but she wasn't processing what she saw anymore. Her thoughts were running wild now that she was alone.

She dropped to her knees as hot tears roped from her eyes. She covered her mouth and doubled over. She just kept repeating to herself that he'd be fine. That the doctor said he would be fine.

"Doctors lie all the fucking time" the voice in her mind lashed out, "they said mom would be fine!"

"They didn't know what happened to her," she pleaded aloud, "They couldn't have known…"

"And this is the exact same situation, isn't it?" It hissed back, "attacked to near death by a pokemon?" Lexi choked as her eyes went wide in realization. This was the same. The exact same. Oh god please no…

He can't die. He can't…

Her leg was starting to burn again; it felt like someone had sat hot coal on her skin and she couldn't ignore it any longer. Her hand dropped down and she dug her nails into the flesh. All she could think about was when she first saw her mother laying in that hospital bed. How bloodied and beaten she looked. How her bright blue eyes became dull and lifeless and her skin became a sickly grey. Then she saw Steven laying there in her mothers place. Inches away from death and she was powerless to stop it. His eyes becoming that same glassy glaze that took her mother.

She slumped against the couch and squeezed her arms shut as tight as she could, but she could still see him laying there in that bed. Her chest tighter as if someone had rope around her heart and was hell bent on ripping it out of her chest. She opened her mouth to sob, but it never came.

Where is my family?

My eyes are so red I can't see…

Ive lost my mother…

Somewhere in my memory…

And then the pain was gone, like what she had just sang had cut the rope tied to her heart. The soft words seemed to echo in the room as Lexi slowly pried her eyes open. It was like the air had become still and the words and her mind stopped racing. Her leg still burned, but she pried her nails off. The sickening scent of metallic copper hit her nose and her fingers felt slick.

She slumped against the couch once more, suddenly exhausted. Her breathing was deep and her mind was blank. Her body felt heavy as a stone and begged her to close her eyes. She simply climbed onto the couch and fell asleep by herself for the first time in what felt like months.

AN: am I an ass? I feel like an ass. Oh well.

So Lexi finally meets the Elite Four or at least Drake and Phoebe, but hey it's a start. Too bad she doesn't know that they're apart of the Elite Four. A big ol Salamance almost killed steven but he's fine. Probably…

Anywho, the song that she sings a bit of is called Until I'm Home by Westward the tide. It's actually a duet piece and I changed one word to mother instead of brother because it fit better for me. As for updates in really sorry that I take so long on these but it is summer time and I'm lazy af during it but hey at least you're not readers from my old account where the last story was updated about three years ago :) I'm also having surgery in a week and I might write something while I'm doped up on pain killer just to see how it turns out.

Remember to review and favorite cause that always helps a girl get more chapters out and don't forget to say hello to your local birb for me :)