Chapter 26: The Day that Changed Everything
Anyone witnessing the reunion between Firefly and her brother and sisters would have been moved. The pure emotion they showed after finally being reunited after years of separation was enough to move even the most strong-will Pokémon to tears. As they looked on Indigo and the others couldn't help but feel happy for Firefly.
"Amazing… just when I think all the surprises are over with another one occurs," Farris said.
"Life's full of them, my friend. You just have to know where to look," Aqua commented.
"Guess you're right," Farris replied. The group continued to watch the reunion as it continued to go on in front of them. After a few moments Rubic thought of something.
"Hey! When do you think we should let Firefly know we're here?" she asked.
"She is expecting us to get here," Mayim added. "Perhaps we should go now?"
"Yeah. Besides, I'd like to get to know her siblings," Indigo said. The others agreed and soon everyone went out to join Firefly and her siblings. Just as expected everyone got along incredibly well.
"I'm glad Firefly was able to make such great friends," Shadowfire said. "She was young when she was taken from us and I feared that she wouldn't be able to survive in there."
"She's stronger than she appears," Aqua said. "There were many times she kept us from giving up."
"I can imagine she did. Firefly always was one who instilled confidence in those around her," Shadowfire said.
"Not only that but she tends to bring out the best in us," Indigo added. "I know when I met her I changed for the better. Before I met her all I cared about was my own survival, but since then I've found myself putting the needs of others before my own."
"It sounds like my sister has really touched your lives," Shadowfire said. Right then Firefly walked up to them, Firestar and Solarflare right next to her.
"What are you guys talking about? You'd better not be saying anything about me behind my back," she said, a playful smirk on her face.
"Your friends were just telling me how much meeting you has changed their lives," Shadowfire explained.
"For the better, I take it," Firefly said.
"Of course," Aqua answered. "Everyone here is fortunate to have met you."
"And I'm glad to have met all of you," Firefly replied.
"Sounds to me like all of you have become close," Solarflare said.
"Yeah. We see each other as family," Aqua said.
"Speaking of family I wonder where Mother and Father are. I figured they'd be around here somewhere," Firefly said. At that moment the Vulpix trio's eyes grew sad, something that Indigo noticed.
"They're…" Firestar stuttered.
"I'll… take you to meet them later," Shadowfire answered. His response was a bit strange in Firefly's opinion. Why would he need to take her to see their parents? Were they in some kind of trouble?
"In any case I'm sure you and your friends would like to know where you'll be staying while you're here," Solarflare said, quickly changing the subject.
"I was hoping we'd be able to stay at our old cave. It is big enough for everyone, isn't it?" Firefly asked.
"It is now," Shadowfire answered. "We've had to make it larger over the years."
"Make it larger? How did you do that?" Firefly asked.
"It helps when you know Dig," Shadowfire replied.
"Dig? Since when did you guys know Dig?' Firefly asked.
"After Team Rocket attacked all those years ago things have been a bit rough," Shadowfire explained. "We've had to adapt to survive, and that meant learning a few new techniques."
"It's been hard on everyone," Solarflare said. "As you can probably tell most of the Pokémon that used to live here left. We're pretty much all that's left."
"And I see Keiba and his gang were among those that stayed," Firefly said.
"Yeah, though I doubt if they'll stay around much longer after what you did to them," Firestar said.
"Not that we'll miss them. The further away they are the better," Solarflare added.
"Agreed," Shadowfire said. "So, shall we show you the way to the cave or do you remember where it is?"
"How could I forget," Firefly replied. She called the rest of the group together and proceeded to lead them to where they would be staying.
Just as she had said Firefly knew where she was going. She was in the lead along with Indigo, Shadowfire, Firestar and Solarflare. Kaiser, Summer and Tsunami were running ahead of them playing, a sight that brought a smile to the faces of Firefly's siblings.
"Seeing those young ones playing like that really puts your mind at ease, doesn't it," Solarflare said.
"It does. I just wish their mothers were still alive to see them now," Firefly said.
"I suspect Team Rocket had a hand in their deaths?" Shadowfire asked. Firefly nodded.
"They've brought about the end of many Pokémon lives," Indigo said. "What makes it worse is the fact that many who lived wished to be among the dead if it meant they would no longer be subjected to the everyday torture under Team Rocket's rule."
"How horrible," Firestar said. "I can't imagine how harsh it must have been."
"It was worse than you can imagine," Firefly said. "When you weren't fighting for your lives in one of Giovanni's sick battles you were subjected to torturous experiments."
"Is that how you got your wings, sister?" Solarflare asked.
"It is. That was one of the most painful experiences of my life," Firefly answered. "I wouldn't wish anything that painful on my worst enemy."
"Well you don't have to worry about that anymore. You're free and back with us now," Shadowfire said.
"That's right. The four of us are a family again," Solarflare added. Firefly couldn't help but smile. To her it felt great to have the moral support of not only her friends but her family as well.
"Hey, I think we're here," Shadow said. Everyone looked up ahead and saw the entrance to a cave.
"Well what do you know… you did remember how to get here," Shadowfire said.
"What did you expect?" Firefly responded. As they got closer to the cave entrance a few of them began to notice a change in the climate.
"Is it just me or does it feel a little cold," Mayim pointed out.
"I noticed that as well," Farris agreed. "I wonder why."
"There's only one explanation for this," Firefly said. "Is 'she' in there?"
"Why else would it be so cold?" Solarflare replied.
"I should have known," Firefly said.
"Wait. You mean you've got more friends to introduce us to?" Rusty asked.
"Yeah," Firefly answered. "We were quite the interesting group of friends back then. I wonder if she'll recognize me."
"It may take her a bit but I'm confident she will," Firestar said. The group entered the cave and quickly discovered that it was much colder on the inside than on the outside.
"Man… it f-feels l-like it's f-freezing in h-here," Rubic said, he teeth chattering.
"I don't know. I think it feels great in here," Pearl said.
"O-Of c-course you w-would," Rubic said.
"Don't worry. You'll get used to it after a while," Solarflare told her.
"Hey, Icy! We're back!" Shadowfire called.
"It's about time! I was wondering what happened to you guys!" a female's voice replied.
"Doesn't sound like she's changed a bit," Firefly whispered.
"Not really," Firestar replied.
"We ran into some Pokémon that need a place to stay!" Shadowfire said.
"And you naturally brought them here!" the voice responded. "I hope that doesn't mean we'll have to make this place bigger again! The last time was a pain!" Shadowfire was about to reply when Firefly stopped him.
"I think it's time to let her know I'm back," she said. Shadowfire nodded and stepped back a few feet.
"Well? Are we?"
"Still complaining about every little thing! You haven't changed at all, Icy!" Firefly called.
"Wait a minute! I know that voice!" They heard the sound of feet scurrying across the ground coming towards them. Moments later a Sneasel emerged from deep within the cave. She looked over the group, but when she spotted Firefly her eyes grew wide in surprise.
"No way! I've got to be seeing things! Is that… Firefly?" she said.
"In the fur," she replied. "It's great to see you too, Icy." Too overcome with emotions to say anything Icy did the only thing she could… she ran to Firefly and caught her in a tight hug.
"If I wasn't looking at you I wouldn't believe you were here!" Icy said. "But… Team Rocket came and took you from us years ago!"
"Come on. You really think they could hold me for long?" Firefly replied. Icy just smiled and hugged Firefly again.
"Look out, Moonrise Plains. The gang is back together again," Melody commented.
"It'll be just like old times," Saya said.
"Meaning?" Shadow asked.
"Meaning that things are going to be quite exciting around here again," Solarflare answered.
"I can't wait to see the look son Mother and Father's faces when they see I'm back," Firefly said. At the mention of her parents everyone grew quiet.
"Yeah… about that…"
"I'll take you to them," Shadowfire said.
"Umm… okay," Firefly replied. She had no idea why Shadowfire had to bring her to their parents instead of their parents coming to meet them. Before she could ask him Shadowfire started walking out of the cave.
"Follow me," he said. Firefly nodded and followed him out of the cave.
"Should we go as well?" Rubic asked.
"No," Solarflare answered. "It's best if we let them go alone."
"Huh? Why's that?" Rubic asked. Right then Indigo decided to ask the question that had been on his mind for a while now.
"There's something about your parents that you didn't want to tell Firefly, wasn't there," he said.
"… yes, there was," Solarflare finally admitted.
"Hold on. You were hiding something from Firefly concerning her parents?" Rubic asked. "Why would you do that?"
"It's a delicate situation. We weren't sure how she would have taken the news had we tried to tell her," Firestar said. Firestar's response didn't make much sense to Rubic, but Indigo was beginning to understand what she meant.
"I don't get what you're trying to say," Rubic said.
"Well… the truth is…"
"Your parents… are they?" Solarflare and Firestar looked at Indigo. They knew he knew what they were trying to say. They both nodded, a saddened look on their faces.
"I thought so," he said.
"What about their parents? What are you talking about, Indigo?" Rubic asked.
"Rubic… their parents are…"
"No…" Firefly was shocked beyond words. The sight before her was one she didn't want to believe, and yet she had no choice but to believe it.
"I'm sorry you had to see this, but I felt you had a right to know the truth," Shadowfire said. In front of the two of them were two graves. Though neither grave was marked Firefly knew who was buried here.
"Mother… Father…" she whimpered.
"They died the same day Team Rocket came and raided Moonrise Plains," Shadowfire said.
"How… how did it happen?" Firefly asked. Shadowfire closed his eyes as he recalled the painful memory of that day.
"I remember it like it was just yesterday," he said. "That was the day that changed everything… the day our lives were forever altered…"
The usually serene peace that wafted throughout Moonrise Plains had now been replaced with pure chaos. Hundreds of Pokémon, all wild, were either running or fighting for their lives, for Team Rocket had come and were attacking. The ground was littered with the bodies of Pokémon who were either unconscious or dead. Among those still fighting were a pair of Ninetails, a male and a female. The male was in the front and the female was behind him, protecting their litter of Vulpix.
"Have you found her yet, Helios?" the female asked.
"Not yet, Pyrois," her mate, Helios, responded.
"Where do you think she is?" Pyrois asked.
"Hopefully she's hiding until things settle down," Helios replied. When Team Rocket's attack began all of the Pokémon ran for shelter. During the chaos one of their young got separated from them. They wanted to go out and look for her, but at the same time they needed to protect their other young and keep them from being taken by Team Rocket.
"Helios, over there!" Pyrois cried. Across the field, hidden in the thick overgrowth, was a small Vulpix. Her eyes were side in fear, tears flowing down her muzzle.
"Firefly!" Pyrois cried.
"At least she's hidden from sight, but where she is now won't remain safe for long," Helios said. "I'm going to get her. Look after the others."
"Please be careful," Pyrois said. "I don't want to lose either of you." Helios gave her a smile and nodded right before he charged onto the battlefield towards their daughter, and though she wanted to go and help him her concern was keeping their own children safe.
"Stay behind me, children," she said. Their other children Shadowfire, Solarflare and Firestar huddled behind her, all three extremely frightened. Out on the battlefield Helios was making his way across, expertly dodging attacks while never taking his eyes off of Firefly.
"Sit tight, sweetie! I'm almost there!" he called. Even though the noise from Team Rocket's raid was deafening Firefly nodded as if she heard him. Determined to get to her and bring her to safety Helios sped up. He finally reached her, and though she was still scared Firefly managed to smile.
"Are you okay?" Helios asked.
"I'm scared, Daddy," the young Vulpix replied.
"Don't worry. I'm here now," Helios told her. Firefly nodded. Helios then looked back over the battlefield, seeing the chaos that was still going on. He looked towards the cave where Pyrois and their other children were waiting. He knew it would risky to head back with Firefly, but he needed to get her somewhere safe.
"Okay, ready to head back?" Helios asked. Firefly looked at what was happening. She was still scared out of her mind, but she was confident that her father would protect her.
"O-Okay," she replied. Helios reached down and picked her up in his mouth by the scruff on the back of her neck. He then looked out at the battlefield, trying to determine the least dangerous path back to Pyrois and their children. Unfortunately no matter where he looked he couldn't find any path that was less dangerous than another.
"Damn… doesn't look like I have a choice but to charge right into the thick of it," he said. "Well then… so be it…" With Firefly in his mouth Helios charged across the battlefield, intent on getting his daughter to the safety of her mother and siblings.
"Mommy, look! Daddy's got Firefly!" Solarflare said.
"Yes, I can see that," Pyrois replied. "Please hurry…" She watched as Helios ran across the battlefield with Firefly, holding her breath each time an attack came close to hitting them.
"I think they're going to make it!" Firestar cheered. It certainly seemed that way, but at that moment an errant attack struck the ground near Helios, throwing him to the side and causing him to drop Firefly. The small Vulpix tumbled away from her father, coming to a rest a few feet away.
"Helios! Firefly!" Pyrois cried. Helios recovered quickly and immediately looked around for Firefly. When he spotted her he didn't like what he saw.
"Look out!" he shouted. Firefly looked up and was instantly frozen in fear. Hurtling her way was a black Poké Ball belonging to one of the Rocket agents that had come and attacked them.
"Firefly, move!" Helios shouted. Despite his urging Firefly was too scared to move. The Poké Ball struck her, and as everyone looked on with horrified faces she was changed into red energy and pulled inside.
"No!" Pyrois screamed, overcome with grief at seeing one of her children captured. Helios on the other hand became filled with rage. If it was the last thing he did he would get Firefly out of that ball and back with her family.
"Release my daughter!" he roared. He jumped to his feet and charged towards the Poké Ball containing Firefly.
"Horn Attack!" Hearing an attacked called Helios looked up in time to see a Rhydon charging towards him, his massive horned lowered and ready to run him through. With little time to react he jumped into the air, letting the Rhydon seemingly pass underneath him. But all that did was make him easier to hit. Quicker than Helios thought the Rhydon lifted his head, plunging his horn into the Ninetail's midsection.
"Helios!" Pyrois screamed. The pain Helios was in was greater than anything he had ever experienced. He opened his mouth to let out a scream of pain, but all that came out were short gasps of breath as his lungs tried to hold in what little life-giving oxygen they could. The, with a simple flick of his head the Rhydon tossed Helios to the side. Blood poured from Helios's wound and pooled on the ground beneath him as he tried to stand. He managed to look up, and though his vision was blurry he could make out the Rhydon standing next to Firefly's Poké Ball. But moments later another figure walked into view and picked up the Poké Ball. Helios growled, knowing that it was a Rocket.
"I must say you're a tough one," he said. "Unfortunately for you you're too tough to capture, so that means you have to die." Helios glared at him as his Rhydon stepped forward. He had lost a large amount of blood and was growing weaker with each passing second but Helios refused to give in. Mustering all the strength he could at the moment he lunged at the Rhydon.
"Body Slam!" the Rocket ordered. The Rhydon intercepted Helios in the middle of his charge with a strong Body Slam, burying his shoulder into Helios's midsection. The weakened Ninetails was sent crashing back to the ground.
"Give it up. You're in no condition to fight back," the Rocket said. But Helios would hear none of that, instead launching a Flamethrower at the Rhydon. However, in his weakened state the normally powerful attack was nothing more than a slight annoyance to the Rhydon, who used one of his hands to block the attack.
"Pathetic," the Rocket commented. "You're not even worth the trouble. Get him out of my sight, Rhydon!" Pushing through the weak Flamethrower the Rhydon charged forward and delivered a kick to Helios's injured stomach, sending him rolling across the ground in pain.
"I think it's time to put you down," the Rocket said. "Hyper Beam!" His Rhydon opened his mouth and began to charge up the deadly attack, an orange sphere of energy forming in his mouth. Looking on Pyrois knew she had to act fast or Helios would be killed. She looked at her frightened children.
"Listen to me. I want you to get away from here and hide," she told them.
"But we can't leave you and Daddy!" Solarflare argued.
"It's not safe for you here anymore. Please, you have to get away from here," Pyrois said.
"But Mommy…"
"We'll come for you when it's safe. Now please, you must go," she begged. After speaking to her children Pyrois looked back towards Helios and the Rhydon. The Drill Pokémon was almost finished charging his attack, leaving her little to act. With no time to spare she charged towards the battle.
"Mommy!" Shadowfire cried. But Pyrois was so focused on getting to Helios that she didn't hear the cries of her children.
"Now… FIRE!" the Rocket ordered. With the Hyper Beam fully charged the Rhydon unleashed the deadly attack. Helios could do nothing but watch, his body to weak to move. Just as he was ready to take the attack Pyrois jumped in the way.
"Pyrois, no! Get out of the way!" Helios yelled. But Pyrois refused to move. She glanced back at her mate and smiled. Then, the deadly attack struck, engulfing both Ninetails in a deadly blast.
"Mommy! Daddy!" Shadowfire cried. Solarflare and Firestar whimpered behind their brother, both of them frightened by what they saw. When the blast finally died down their parents were revealed to still be alive, but just barely. Thanks to Pyrois jumping in the way Helios was spared the full force of the attack, but because of that Pyrois was left in bad shape. The force of the attack knocked her to the ground in front of Helios, her body badly scarred and burned because of the Hyper Beam.
"P-Pyrois… are you okay?" Helios asked.
"I've… been… better," she replied. She managed to smile a bit and laugh, but moments later she coughed violently. Helios grew concerned when he saw a bit of blood coming from her mouth.
"Listen… you have to live," he said. "The children… they need one of us… to live."
"I'm not… abandoning you," Pyrois said. "Besides… I can't move… even if I wanted to…"
"What?" Helios replied.
"I… can't feel… my legs…" Helios managed to look over her at her legs. They were twisted in awkward angles, obviously broken.
"We're… going to die… aren't we," Pyrois said. Helios hung his head as he answered.
"It… looks that way," he told her. "Neither of us… have the strength to move… and I don't think that Rocket… is going to let us live."
"I… figured… as much," Pyrois said. She looked over at the cave, seeing that Shadowfire, Solarflare and Firestar had not moved.
"I guess… I should have… expected them… to stay here… 'til the end," she said. "I… just wish… they… weren't around… to see… what's going to happen… to us." As they laid there the Rocket looked on, slightly surprised to see another Ninetails.
"So there was another. Well, the two of you shall share the same fate," he said. "Use Rock Tomb." His Rhydon slammed the ground with his fists, causing four massive stones to shoot up out of the ground.
"I guess… this is it," Pyrois said. "I'll be waiting… on the other side…"
"You won't… be waiting long," Helios replied. "I love you… my dear Pyrois…"
"And I love you… my darling Helios…" Those were their last words. Moments later the Rhydon stomped his massive foot on the ground, causing the stones to come crashing down on top of both Ninetails.
"Mommy! Daddy!" Shadowfire cried. Solarflare and Firestar whimpered behind him, both of them shocked by what they just saw.
"Now that they're out of the way let's see what else we can get here," the Rocket said. He and his Rhydon went back on the search for Pokémon to capture. Realizing they were in danger Shadowfire and his sisters retreated back into their cave, all of them praying this nightmare would be over soon.
Firefly's mouth hung open in shock as Shadowfire finished retelling the tale of that horrid day.
"The attack lasted a few more hours. Once they were done most of the Pokémon here were either dead or dying. Those lucky enough to have made it through with minor injuries tried to help those with more serious ones," Shadowfire explained. "When we were finally able to free Mother and Father from the Rock Tomb… it was already too late." Firefly walked up to the tombstones and placed a paw on one of them.
"It's… not fair," she said. Shadowfire could tell by her voice that Firefly needed his support. He walked next to her and saw that tears had begun to form in her eyes.
"It wasn't enough… that they took me away from my family," she said, the tears beginning to run down her muzzle. "They weren't satisfied taking me away… they had to kill them too! It's not fair!" Shadowfire had expected this reaction. He reached out and put a paw on her back. As soon as she felt this Firefly turned and buried her face in her brother's chest, letting her tears flow freely.
"I never… I never got… to say goodbye!" Firefly cried. "They took them from me… before I could say goodbye!"
"It's okay, sis. I'm here so go ahead and let it all out," Shadowfire said, doing his best to comfort his grieving sister. Firefly just sat there, soaking her brother's fur with her tears as she cried over the loss of her parents. After a few minutes Firefly's crying had died down to a few quite sobs.
"Are you going to be okay?" Shadowfire asked.
"I don't think… I'll ever be okay, but I do feel a bit better," Firefly replied.
"I know seeing this must have been a shock," Shadowfire said.
"It was, but I'm glad you brought me here," Firefly told him. "It's going to be a hard truth to accept… but I know that over time I'll be able to come to terms with it." Shadowfire looked at her and smiled.
"You know… you've really grown up strong," he said.
"Being in captivity I had to," Firefly said. "Though, there are still times where I show some weakness… like now."
"That's why it's good to have someone to rely on," Shadowfire said.
"Like a brother," Firefly said.
"Yeah… like a brother," Shadowfire said. Firefly leaned over and rested her head against his as the two of them sat by their parents' graves a little bit longer.
The sun had started to go down by the time Firefly and Shadowfire started back. Though she was saddened to learn of her parents' death Firefly was grateful that Shadowfire was there with her. Had he not been there she wasn't sure if she would have been able to take the heart-wrenching news.
"You doing okay?" Shadowfire asked.
"All things considered… yeah, I'm fine," Firefly answered. The two of them walked in silence for a bit before Firefly spoke up.
"So, how did you guys survive?" she asked. "After Mother and Father were killed I'm sure it was difficult to find any food."
"It was, but we managed," Shadowfire answered. "Firestar, Solarflare and I were the ones who looked for food while Saya, Melody and Icy stayed behind to guard our cave."
"Sounds like you guys had it rough," Firefly said.
"You don't know the half of it," Shadowfire replied. "There were times when it seemed like we'd never find any food. When things got that bad we often found help in the form of some Pokémon passing through. Most of the time it was this Farfetch'd that we'd often see flying over. He's tell us where to find some food before flying off."
"Must have been Flyaway," Firefly said. "I'll have to thank him the next time I visit Scarlet's forest." The two of them continued on their way back to their cave. They were passing by some bushes when Firefly paused.
"What is it?" Shadowfire asked.
"We're not alone," Firefly replied. Shadowfire froze and listened carefully, trying to hear what his sister heard. Seconds later Firefly looked over at the bushes.
"I know you're there! Whoever you are come out!" she demanded. At first no one appeared, but seconds later a Leafeon came out of the bushes.
"Whew… am I glad I found you," he said.
"Who are you, and what do you mean you're glad you found us?" Shadowfire asked. Firefly looked at the Leafeon.
"Why does he look so familiar… wait!" She took a few steps towards the Leafeon.
"You… I saw you at Scarlet's forest!" she said.
"So you do remember me," he said. "My name's Sage."
"I remember you, but what are you doing here?" Firefly asked. As she watched Sage took out something and tossed it to her.
"You forgot this back at the forest," he said. Firefly looked down at the object and was shocked by what it was.
"This is one of Stickers's spikes!" she exclaimed.
"Stickers?" Shadowfire asked.
"One of my friends who… who didn't make it," Firefly answered.
"I found this and knew it belonged to you," Sage said.
"So you came all this way to bring me this?" Firefly asked.
"Well… I did have another reason," Sage replied. "You see, I've lived my entire life in Scarlet's forest, and while I loved it there I realized after you left that there was an entire world out there that I haven't seen."
"I don't see what this has to do with Firefly," Shadowfire said.
"Well, I was hoping that you'd allow me to join up with your group," Sage said. "I know it probably sounds like a strange request and all but…"
"No, it doesn't," Firefly said. "You want to explore the world, see things you wouldn't normally see by staying within Scarlet's forest."
"So, does that mean…"
"It does, Sage. You're more than welcome to join up with us," Firefly said. The look on Sage's face was one of pure elation.
"Oh thank you, Firefly! You have no idea how happy this makes me!" he said.
"Judging by your reaction I have a pretty good idea," Firefly joked. "In any case it's getting pretty late. We should head back before everyone else starts worrying." With daylight fading and the night slowly approaching the three Pokémon quickly made their way back to the cave.
The trio arrived at the cave right before night fell, much to the relief of the others. They were a bit surprised to see that Sage was with Firefly, but just as she expected they were more than happy to welcome him into their group. Once everyone had been settled in it had become quite late. Firefly was laying down near the mouth of the cave, her sisters laying down on each side of her. Kaiser, Summer and Tsunami were with them, all three slowly drifting off to sleep.
"Looks like someone is getting sleepy," Solarflare said.
"It is past your bedtimes," Firefly said.
"Okay," Kaiser yawned.
"Mommy… could you sing that song again?" Summer asked.
"Song? Is she talking about…" Firefly smiled and nodded. Both Firestar and Solarflare immediately knew what song Summer wanted her to sing.
"You guys want to help out?" Firefly asked.
"We'd love to," Solarflare answered.
"Why don't you start it off," Firestar suggested. Firefly smiled and closed her eyes as she recalled the words to the song her mother taught her:
(Firefly)
I know that you're hiding things,
Using gentle words to shelter me…
Your words were like a dream.
But dreams could never fool me… not that easily.
(Solarflare)
I acted so distant then
Didn't say goodbye before you left…
But I was listening.
You'll fight your battles far from me… far too easily.
(Firestar)
"Save your tears, 'cause I'll come back."
I could hear that you whispered as you walked through that door.
But still I swore
To hide the pain when I turned back the pages
Shouting might have been the answer
What if I'd cried my eyes out and begged you not to depart?
But now I'm not afraid to say what's in my heart…
(All three)
"Cause a thousand words
Call out through the ages
They'll fly to you
Even though I can't see
I know they're reaching you
Suspended on silver wings.
Oh, a thousand words, one thousand embraces
Will cradle you, making all of
Your weary days seem far away
They'll hold you forever!
The three children were slowly drifting off to sleep, the song putting their minds at ease. Everyone else listened on, amazed by what they were hearing. Firefly, Firestar and Solarflare were in their own world, reliving the memories of their mother teaching this song. And so, with her memory in their hearts, they finished their song:
Oh, a thousand words (a thousand words)
Have never been spoken (oh yeah)
They'll fly to you
They'll carry you home (carry you home)
And back into my arms
Suspended on silver wings (on silver wings!)
And a thousand words (oh!)
Call out through the ages (call through the ages!)
They'll cradle you (oh yeah!)
Turning all of the lonely years to only days (only days!)
They'll hold you forever!
Oh…a thousand words…
By now the children were fast asleep, smiles on each of their faces. Firefly smiled as she kissed each one on their foreheads.
"Sleep well, my angels," she said.
"Firefly, I… I had no idea you could sing like that," Rusty said.
"I don't think any of us did," Indigo said. "You sang beautifully."
"Thank you," Firefly said. "Our mother… it was her favorite song."
"And I've never heard it sung any more perfect than it was just now," Shadowfire said. "I know that both Mother and Father were listening, and I know they'd agree."
"Thank you, Shadowfire," she said. With those words Firefly's eyes started to close. She laid her head down and drifted off to sleep. Indigo walked up to her and gently brushed his paw against the top of her head.
"You rest now… you deserve it," he said.
"Indigo…" The Growlithe turned around and was met with Shadowfire's smiling face.
"I want to thank you… for watching over our sister and bringing her back to us," he said.
"Yeah, you don't know what it means to us to have her back," Solarflare added. Indigo returned their smile.
"You're welcome, though it was really her that brought us here," Indigo answered.
"Even so, I'm glad to know that she had someone like you to watch over her when we couldn't," Shadowfire said. Indigo smiled and looked back down at the sleeping Firefly. Even in sleep her smile never went away.
"That smile… I'd do anything to protect that smile," Indigo said to himself. Looking at her sleep was starting to make Indigo a little drowsy. He soon laid down next to Firefly and closed his eyes, joining her and their children in dreamland. Shadowfire looked at them for a few moments before he turned to walk away. After what he had seen he knew his sister was in good paws.
"He'll be a perfect mate for you, Firefly… of that I am sure," he said to himself. He paused a glanced back at them. In his eyes the two of them, along with their children, were the perfect family.
Though the revalation of what happened to her parents was harsh Firefly was able to find comfort in her ever-growing family. With the new addition of Sage the Leafeon and Icy the Sneasel what new adventures will they find in the days to come? Find out in the next chapter of Firefly: Queen of the New Breed!
Author's Note: Sage the Leafeon belongs to Scarlet Pikachu. Also, as already stated earlier in the story, the song 1000 Words is from the SquareEnix game Final Fantasy X-2.
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