Chapter 12
As the group of young explorers ate together, Purrloin opened her eyes.
"Hi!" Chespin smiled. "How are you feeling? I'm glad you're awake!"
Purrloin tried to sound as tired and in pain as she possibly could.
"H-Hello… I'm… Still not feeling so good…"
Fennekin went over to Purrloin. "What's your name? We found you passed out in a field. Do you remember what happened to you?"
"My name… It's… Purrloin," Purrloin said faintly, "But… I can't quite remember what happened to me. I think I was attacked, but I don't know for sure who the attacker was…"
"Whoever they are, they're a coward!" Chespin blustered, "What kind of evil Pokémon attacks an innocent traveller like that?"
"Most unjust," Shaymin agreed with Chespin for a change. "If there's any way we can help you, please let us know!"
Chespin looked astonished. "I thought you were done with this whole world, Miss Shaymin… Did my words perhaps have an effect on you?"
"N-No… It's just that Purrloin is a little Pokémon as well, and us little Pokémon have to stick together, right?"
Chespin laughed. "Sure, that's totally what you were thinking."
Slowpoke looked at Purrloin. "So… Uh… Can we help you in, uh… Any way?"
"N-No thanks… I think I'll just go back to sleep…" Purrloin whispered.
"That's probably for the best." Froakie agreed.
Purrloin stared at Froakie.
"Y-You…"
In a second Froakie became terrified.
SHE KNOWS ME?! What if she's from one of the towns the Shade Syndicate burned down… Damn it! Chespin will definitely stop being my friend if he finds out!
It turned out all right, as Purrloin closed her eyes. That was close. Who was this Purrloin? Froakie felt as if he should have recognised her, too.
"Wow, she just went back to, uh… Sleep… Just like that, huh?" Slowpoke said slowly, "Reminds me of myself…"
"Anyway, let's eat!" Fennekin suggested.
They all sat down to a meal of berries together. Chespin and Slowpoke joked and laughed and told stories, while Froakie sat contemplatively, trying to figure out who Purrloin was.
"You okay?" Fennekin came over to him.
Froakie glanced at his friend, and saw that her eyes were full of concern. It hurt Froakie to know that he would have to keep secrets from his friends for as long as he knew them. If they found out about the Shade Syndicate, his time with them would be over. Froakie imagined having to go back to his old life, with the constant training and feeling Tyranitar's wrath when he messed up on missions. He didn't like killing, but in the past it was his only way of staying alive. Now, he had just began to settle into his new life with his new friends, and didn't want the happiness he was feeling to end.
"I… I'm all right, thanks."
"It seems like something's wrong," Fennekin said, "We're your friends, you know. You can just tell us if something's bothering you."
"Really, it's nothing," Froakie replied. "I'm just… Tired." He lied.
"You should get some rest, then," Fennekin smiled.
"I'll try."
It pained him to lie to her, but he did what he had to.
They finished eating their berries, then one by one they started to fall asleep. Froakie had his eyes closed, but didn't want to sleep. He feared Purrloin, thinking she might be a Pokémon sent to lay a trap for them, which was correct.
Fennekin and Shaymin were still up. Fennekin went over to Shaymin.
"Miss Shaymin?" Fennekin asked.
"Yes, Fennekin?" Shaymin answered.
"I just wanted to say… I'm really sorry about how Chespin acted today. His temper rises too quickly, and it puts him at odds with others. If you say anything that opposes something or someone he cares about, he tends to snap. He's very protective of his friends!"
"Ah, that isn't a bad quality to have. I was like that too, once…"
Fennekin found it difficult to believe that the sharp, world-hating little hedgehog in front of her was once like her best friend, full of optimism, bravery and dedication.
"Can I ask you something, Miss Shaymin? You don't have to answer this if you don't want to… It's sort of personal, and I don't mean to intrude…"
"Oh, no, it's okay," Shaymin said. "I like you, Fennekin, so ask whatever you want."
Fennekin smiled. "Thanks. So, my question is… What changed you? You said you abandoned this world a long time ago, and that you don't believe in heroism anymore. What caused such a big change from you?"
Shaymin's eyes grew sad and solemn, as if it physically hurt her to think about the incident in question.
"I was once like you, Fennekin," Shaymin began her story, "I was a bright, aspiring young explorer who wanted adventure and aspired to see the world! Arceus the Creator brought me to life many, many years ago. We legendary Pokémon were some of the first Pokémon to be created, aside from the Prehistoric Pokémon, most of which now only really inhabit once part of the world. As I grew, the world grew with me. Ordinary Pokémon were created and involved, giving this world its huge population. The older legendary Pokémon worked to keep the world in balance. Some of us, though, lived amongst the ordinary Pokémon, and co-existed. We acted as guardians, but also fitted in with the average citizens. I became an explorer as sort of a side-job apart from the whole guardian thing."
"Really?" Fennekin said, amazed. "I never knew that! So, you had adventures of your own?"
"As I said, I was just like you," Shaymin replied, "My partner and I went off in search of relics, artifacts, treasure and glory. It was really a wonderful part of my life."
"Partner?" Fennekin asked, "Who was your partner?"
"His name was… Keldeo." Shaymin paused and looked like she was going to cry, something completely unsuited for the plucky, sharp Pokémon she was.
"Keldeo and I were friends ever since we were created. He was trained by a group of three Pokémon known as the Swords of Justice. When we were powerful enough, the Swords of Justice and Arceus the Creator acknowledged our skills and allowed us to go off and see the world."
Fennekin smiled a little. "That really does remind me of me and Fennekin. We worked and trained hard to become the explorers we are today, as well."
"Keldeo was a gentle soul. He was brave, powerful, intelligent and kind, but also kind of an idiot. He was clumsy at times, and often messed things up. However, he was fiercely protective of each and every Pokémon he knew, and would help any Pokémon with any problem. I loved him… I really did."
"He really does sound like Chespin… Wow…" Fennekin thought of all the times her friend had dived into danger to keep her safe. Even recently, when he hunted down Kecleon, he had saved her from the pain of having to fight one of her closest friends. Chespin was effortlessly kind.
"Do you… Love Chespin?" Shaymin asked.
Fennekin blushed and stammered. "N-N-No… I just meant… Keldeo is like him because he's so kind! I mean, I do love Chespin, but in a friend way! Well, maybe more than that… More like a best friend way!" She grew defensive, "Don't you have a story to be getting on with?"
Froakie had to contain his laughter at Fennekin's embarrassed reaction and futile attempts to cover up her feelings.
Shaymin laughed. "Sorry, I didn't mean anything by that! Anyway… Keldeo and I went on a great many adventures," her voice grew distant and contemplative once more, full of nostalgia remembering all the great times she had with her best friend. "But then… Only about five years ago, four years after I met your friends Lucario and Luxray… Something happened."
"Did you two have a falling out?" Fennekin said sadly.
"Worse… Keldeo is gone. He was taken by something or someone, and I don't know why. I suspect it's to do with Darkrai's plot. Even though he's only really started moving recently, Darkrai has probably been around a lot longer than we think. You heard about that whole incident with the Time Gears and such, right?"
"Y-Yes. Lucario, Luxray and their friends Grovyle and Celebi saved the world from Primal Dialga."
"I have this theory… I think Darkrai was the mastermind behind the whole incident with the Planet's Paralysis. I think he may have even had some involvement with Giratina the Renegade, the evil Pokémon that I myself sent back to its own world. That was about… Fifty years ago? I really do think Darkrai has been around for a long time, hiding in the shadows and biding his time. And now the monster that I believe took my best friend from me is making his move."
Fennekin was shocked to hear this, as was Froakie. The latter stifled a gasp and proceeded to listen to the rest of the conversation.
"So… Isn't now your chance to save your friend?" Fennekin said, hoping to rekindle the flames of heroism in Shaymin.
Shaymin, however, shook her head. "I believe, as sad as it is to say… That Keldeo is dead. Darkrai is a being of cruelty and malice, and no Pokémon would survive five years after being taken by him, not even one like Keldeo."
"You have to have hope, Shaymin! If you believe that Keldeo is still alive somewhere, you could still find him, and go back to how it used to be."
"It's pointless!" Tears were running down Shaymin's face now. "I'm not strong enough to save my friend. I never will be, and I realise that. So now… I just care about my own survival. I like you, Fennekin, and I see potential in you and your friends, even Chespin. You shining young stars will light up this world one day, if we all survive this Darkrai crisis. I, however, am a star whose light has faded out, as I no longer have my companion star, who your partner Chespin reminds me of so painfully. If I talk anymore, I will just embarrass myself. Goodnight, Fennekin." Shaymin turned away and lay down to sleep.
"Goodnight, Miss Shaymin… I'm so sorry for putting you through that. It must have been painful to remember such things…"
"In truth, it was. But, I also feel somewhat better for opening up. Feel free to do the same anytime, young one. We girls need to support each other. Goodnight."
I definitely… Understand Miss Shaymin a lot better now, Fennekin thought to herself as she too headed to sleep.
Froakie heard the sound of sobbing for a while, probably from Shaymin. That story had also hit Froakie hard. He knew what it was like to go from a happy life to one of loneliness and pain. The tale reminded him of his own tragic story. He decided to put that out of his mind.
For hours, things were quiet, and Froakie was alone with his dark, torturing thoughts as the night passed.
You don't deserve this life…
You deserve to die, like all those other innocents they killed…
You're a murderer…
You deserve to burn…
Why were you alone spared?
Froakie was so wrapped up in his own bubble of darkness and negativity that he didn't hear the sounds of movement nearby. If he had, he would have merely thought it was just some of the Pokémon that lived here.
Purrloin opened her eyes and dropped her innocent, wounded act. She stood up, perfectly fine, and whispered one word.
"Now."
Froakie's eyes snapped open, but not before he could move and evade an oncoming Shadow Claw attack from Purrloin. He leapt back, wincing in pain, and looked his attacker up and down.
"You!" Froakie said, "I knew you couldn't be trusted!"
"What gave me away?" Purrloin smiled.
"You… You know me!" Froakie said, hoping not to wake any of his friends. He could take on one measly little cat.
That Shadow Claw was powerful… I have to be more careful…
"I've only heard the stories, Froakie of the Shade Syndicate!" Purrloin cackled. "I know all about you, even that little secret you have!"
"My life is a secret," Froakie snapped, "You'll have to be more specific!"
"Oh, you know," Purrloin taunted, "That one you were born with! My colleagues and I know Tyranitar, and when he took you in, he couldn't help but brag about that gem of a find he made, with that rare-"
"Enough!" Froakie lunged at Purrloin and attacked her with Double Slap. If she had felt anything, she certainly did a good job of hiding it. She smiled menacingly. Froakie glared back.
"What do you want with us?"
"Oh, I personally don't have any problem with you, assassin…" Purrloin said in a singsong voice, "But my friends, however…"
It was then that Granbull and the rest of his posse, about twenty in all, came crawling out of the darkness into the light of their campfire.
"Who are you?" Froakie shouted. At this, Chespin began to stir.
"Just five… More minutes…" Froakie's friend slurred sleepily.
"I guess you could call us… friends." Granbull said, "Friends of Linoone, the very Pokémon you young hotshots sent to Klinklang's Prison the other day! The name's Granbull, and I'm here for one thing, revenge!"
Purrloin smiled. "The boss is so cool!"
Froakie glared daggers at Granbull. "If you guys are anything like Linoone and his gang, it won't take me five minutes to send you packing!"
"Big talk from such a little guy!" One of the Zangoose said.
"Precisely!" Granbull said. "I know all about you, little one, and I know about that. But I bet it hasn't even awakened in you yet! You may be some kind of baby assassin, but you're just an ordinary Froakie if you haven't awakened that!"
Froakie didn't like this one bit. He'd prove to them that he wouldn't be so easy to take on.
"I'll show you just how scary I can be." Froakie hissed sharply. He ran at Granbull, but two Watchog got in the way. He started hammering at them with punches and kicks, evading their Hyper Fang attacks easily. Once Froakie was in the zone, it was hard to catch him off guard.
He launched Bubble attacks at the rest of the minions, picking them off one by one as they charged at him, trying to protect their leader. Even Purrloin could do nothing against him as he tirelessly pummelled the pathetic criminals.
I still have to be careful. I can't waste energy with fancy attacks. That Granbull looks tough…
He glanced back at his friends between knocking down Zigzagoon, remnants of Linoone's gang. They were still asleep, miraculously.
Granbull was the only one left, and his minions were cowering behind him.
"You're all useless!" Granbull shouted. "I'll do it myself, then!"
"You cretins!" Purrloin said, "You are so pitiful that you make the boss waste his power on a little fool like that?"
"Shut up Purrloin, he called you useless too!" One of the other subordinates of Granbull called at her from the back of the crowd of injured minions.
Purrloin slinked off to find whoever said that, while Granbull charged at Froakie.
"Dodge this, baby assassin!" The gang leader shouted, barrelling towards Froakie with his head lowered. Before the Skull Bash attack could land, Froakie leaped up and landed perfectly on the ground. Granbull crashed into the ground as well, much more painfully.
"Boss, are you okay?"
"Shut up, Purrloin! Can't you see I'm in agony here?!"
"It seems your own attack was your downfall." Froakie said with a cocky smile that he felt he deserved. Not many Pokémon his size could take on twenty gang members. He turned his attention back to the gang of idiots in front of him.
"You lot," Froakie said, "Are the most incompetent avengers I have ever seen. Linoone would laugh at that pathetic attempt. Now, leave my sight, and don't ever try that again! Do you hear me?!"
One of them whispered to another, "It's because the boss is a Fairy-Type."
"SILENCE!" Granbull howled, still holding his head in pain from when he bashed into the ground.
"We won't do that again, Froakie sir," Granbull said, "We understand now that you have the situation under control. You'll do our work for us, saying that you're going to kill these guys and all those other fools at the Guild, right? You're a great assassin, so you're probably just getting in good with them so as it'll be easier to stab them in the back and massacre them, right?" The gang leader sounded almost hopeful that this was the case, so that he wouldn't have to come back and try to avenge his friend a second time.
It was risky of Froakie to say this, but he decided to go along with Granbull's assumption.
"Yes, that's true," He started, "And I don't need any other gangs trying to interfere with me! These are my kill, you got that?"
Granbull whimpered, "Y-Yes, Froakie, sir…"
"Leave me." Froakie commanded with eyes like knives.
The Granbull gang bolted in a second. Froakie was elated. He had successfully protected his friends from those idiots, and none of them had even woken up. He didn't have to tell them about the attack, as they'd just worry.
Chespin would probably be annoyed that he missed out on a fight… Froakie thought to himself with a chuckle. He looked down at his snoring friend.
"Gonna… Be… A great adventurer…" He mumbled again in his sleep.
"That you are, my friend," Froakie whispered with a smile, as he too finally settled down. The tiredness from his hours travelling and the fight with Granbull's gang finally caught up to him, and he decided to take the last couple of hours of the night to rest up for the day ahead.
A/N: The Chapters of this story just seem to be getting longer and longer. I really like how this Chapter turned out, and it was just under 3000 words, making it the longest Chapter so far. This Chapter is a good one for me as it shows off exactly why Froakie is probably my favourite character on this journey. Anyway, leave me a review saying what you thought of the Chapter, and follow me if you want to be notified when I upload the next one.