Nightmares plagued my mind as I shifted around in my sister's old mattress.

"He's in danger. Ranger Academy will keep him safe!"

I tried to shut out the noise and assumed it was my subconscious speaking. Floating to the forefront of the darkness was an image of him lying in a pool of blood.

You promised to protect me, Rose.

He coughed up crimson liquid as he rasped at me accusingly.

"NO!" I screamed shooting up in the circular pet bed. I was sweaty and disgusting as I glanced around the brightly lit room.

I had overslept.

My paw went to my eyes wiping the sleep out as I felt a shiver run down my spine. The nightmare had felt so real. Despite sleeping in my sister's bed, I slept terribly.

"Everything okay in here?" Delilah called from outside the entrance. I assumed she had teleported immediately after hearing my distress. I cracked my neck forcefully and sighed loudly. This wasn't like me. I was used to being on the front paw, not backpedaling at every turn.

"Couldn't be better," I snapped, stretching out. The nightmare made me irritable.

"Sorry. Kyle's outside right now with Lula."

"Doing what?" I asked as I considered taking a bath.

"You'll be happy to hear he's decided to attend."

"Great," I stated, rolling my eyes. The dream came back to me, full force and I paused mid-thought. It was great. I couldn't protect him but the Rangers could if he was indeed still being targeted. By who I didn't know. Why? Didn't matter. Sighing, I considered the odds I was overreacting but knew that the fight had left a lot more questions than answers as to who was messing with Kyle.

"How's it going?"

"About as well as any of us could hope," Delilah responded.

"I'll be down shortly. I just need a minute."

"If you need to talk, you-" Delilah cut off as I gave her a harsh glare. She nodded quietly and closed the door.

I felt her presence retreat leaving me alone with my thoughts and concerns. I moved to Kyle's bathroom and reran the nightmare through my conscious brain again. Something wasn't right. My sixth sense was telling me that another natural disaster was coming and it was aimed at my trainer. Propping myself up onto my haunches, I appraised my reflection in the mirror. I was much leaner than I had ever been. My face had softened a bit, and I attributed that to my time in a loving home. I moved to the bathtub and started the shower. As the hot soothing water washed all the dirt and grime from my fur, I let myself wander through the darkest thoughts I concealed. I questioned why I was so anxious but the answer wasn't forthcoming. I was completely blind. I was missing a connection here...somewhere. But what I couldn't be sure.

I made it downstairs dry and emotionally stable an hour later. Unfortunately, the panic which permeated the kitchen shattered the newfound stability. Olivia and Delilah stood around the kitchen counter, with hectic energy. I moved forward, my eyes widening as it came to Kyle. He lay on the kitchen counter and was currently being tended to by his mother.

"LULA! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?" Olivia shrieked, performing CPR on her limp son.

"It-it was an accident! I swear. Just a water gun!"

"He's not ready for combat," Delilah said, as she provided healing to Kyle's body. A green light surrounded her hands as she tried to remedy his injuries.

"Come on son. Breathe! Breathe!" Olivia begged, compressing his chest hard and providing rescue breaths to him.

My heart rate accelerated with each passing moment that Kyle refused to move. I wanted to snap at Lula for being so foolish but knew that now wasn't the best time. Putting my trust in his Mother, I sat there silently waiting for an outcome. Again that nagging returned and I pushed it down. Yet I couldn't help but realize that if he was ever in a situation like this I was powerless to save him. Time seemed to drag on for eternity when the situation shifted in our favor. Kyle started coughing up water and sputtering as he returned from the brink of death.

"OH! Thank heavens," Olivia exclaimed in relief, hugging him to her chest. Looking to Lula I considered what had occurred and knew that someone had to speak up in her defense. It was a harsh truth we weren't ready to face.

"It's not her fault," I said solemnly.

"What?" Delilah said looking at me. Even the person in question stared at me as though I had lost my marbles.

"You can't be serious Rose," Olivia questioned but I explained my reasoning calmly.

"Kyle made his decision today. He asked Lula who is level 76 to help train him as he used to. If she can't hold back enough to not kill him, I doubt anyone here is capable of it," I said. Everyone grew solemn at my words when Kyle spoke up.

"We could reach out to Eon…"

"Out of the question," I snapped, watching as Kyle grew defensive.

"He helped me out, Rose."

"He lied to you and hid the truth from you. There are no guarantees we can trust him."

"She's right," Delilah agreed.

"Then who can we reach out to?" Olivia asked me. Speechless, I scratched my leg and averted my gaze. I didn't have an answer. Even my weakest attacks could cause severe or life-threatening damage to my friend and I wasn't comfortable risking his health for that. I shook my head and sat on my haunches defeated.

"I have three months to reach level 50 before the exam. Where am I supposed to go here if no one can help me train?"

"...I don't know," I replied. Kyle looked directly at me, and I hid my eyes in shame. I wanted to be his everything but even I acknowledged that my restraint could only go so far when it came to training him up physically. If I killed him, I would never forgive myself.

"But Kyle's no longer being targeted by Mewtwo. I don't think he's in any more danger," Lula spoke up. I exchanged a knowing look with Delilah. We both sensed that the storm hadn't passed. We were only in the eye and things would be getting rough again... There was still more to come, and we didn't know where the threat was coming from. A singular knock on the front door caught all of our attention. It was resounding and echoed off the walls. At first, everyone was stilled by the sudden intrusion and remained silent. Olivia was the first to recover moving towards the door.

"Coming!" she called out, letting the uninvited guest know we were home.

"Don't!" Delilah warned, a moment too late, as Olivia opened the front door. A cold breeze blew in from outside as we stared at the newcomer. Red eyes moved from pokemon to pokemon as he met Kyle's mother's eyes.

"He's here," Lucario grumbled. I stared at him, as he took a step towards Olivia watching as she backed away fearful.

"I don't know what you are here for, but-"

"Kyle."

The sound of his name perked me up and my horn warned me that this Pokemon was trouble. I bristled and stood up, only to notice that everyone had collapsed minus me. Powerful energy flowed through the room, and I watched as everyone was affected by it.

"Ro..se...careful," Delilah managed to mutter before she too collapsed. My strength was seeming absorbed by the Fighting/Steel type. Gritting my teeth, I steeled myself against the assault, ready to defend Kyle to the death. I stared at the Mon, as he laid Olivia down gently. He had caught her after she had fallen unconscious. His red eyes turned blue as he stared at me and he spoke a single word.

"Rest."

A wave of exhaustion hit me hard, but I shoved it away. My focus was on survival which meant cheap tricks such as that wouldn't have an effect on me.

We assessed each other from across space as he walked towards the now asleep Kyle. Targeting the ground in front of him, I released a single Psycho Cut which prevented Lucario from moving from the hallway into the kitchen. He would only get one warning. I roared loudly with all of my anger pushing my opponent back several feet with the shockwave.

"Kyle," he demanded.

"Leave. NOW!" I growled warning him I wouldn't back down. He appeared concerned by my strength and glanced towards his target. He was more focused on Kyle than me. That was his mistake. He leaned forward and blitzed past me. I hadn't been prepared for such speed. As he slid through my guard, I caught up, by pushing off. He swung his foot, mid-air, and ducked under the kick. My claws halted my backward momentum. Springing forward I tackled him into the hallway wall. He grabbed my horn and returned the favor slamming me headfirst into the wooden floor. I cried out in pain and used my paws to remove me from his grasp. A blue staff of energy formed in his paws. Dashing towards me, I ducked and weaved through attacks, heating up my horn with a Razor Wind. I countered two more stabs at my throat and fired the first blade. The attack missed, but I didn't stop unleashing a barrage. The attack forced my opponent on the back foot pushing him slowly towards the front door. As I released another, he slid out of view. My eyes remained focused on his last position. Backing up, I caught sight of him rushing straight for Kyle. An Aura Sphere started charging in his left paw. Biting into his paw I forced the attack to be diverted towards the ceiling. Plaster and wood exploded as a massive hole formed from the energy. He delivered a swift punch at my gut, my hind legs blocking his strike. I flipped backward, the Lucario launching himself into me and into Emily's bedroom. I landed on the bed, as Lucario backed up. My eyes followed his movement as he blindsided me from behind. At least he would have, had I not left an after-image which his attack dissipated. As he leaned forward, another punch prepped, I delivered a downwards Shadow Claw, sending him plummeting through the hole, and to the ground floor. I pursued him, missing him by a millimeter. My claws slammed into the deck, getting stuck by my over-penetration.

Damnit!

I turned just in time to see a powerful kick was aimed directly at my head. Focusing my energy, I activated Pressure, and Detect simultaneously. His foot slid into the ground an inch from me, as he lost his balance. My hind legs kicked back. As they touched his fur, I used the momentum to flip upwards. I spun mid-jump. He recovered from my double kick and grabbed me midair by my throat.

"Move."

"Make me!" I growled before biting as hard as I could into his arm. He howled in pain, dropping me in an instant. Closing my eyes, I created a Megahorn. Before he could prepare for the attack, I slammed it directly into his gut. He resisted it, his paws folded uncomfortably around his gut. Howling, I pressed forward. My horn exploded, sending me recoiling back, and my opponent down the hall and out the front door. Getting my footing, I took off to block his way back into my home.

"That's enough!" I warned. He appraised me and touched his side. A massive gash, bled profusely as I remained focused on Lucario. Whatever his next move would be, I was ready for it. He flung blood at my muzzle and I slashed through it, doing my best to shield my eyes.

"NOT GOOD ENOUGH!" I exclaimed, only for his fist to come upwards to knock me out. I baited his attack before activating Detect. The blow was deflected backward, and he tried to recover only for me to deliver a spinning double shadow claw from his shoulder to gut sending streetwards. I wasn't close to backing down. We prowled around each other outside.

"You're good."

The praise wasn't warranted but I graciously accepted it nonetheless.

"You won't lay a hand on Kyle."

I watched him hold his hands up and exhale calmly. I remained wary only for his speech to change to Poke speech.

"I'm not good with Human Speech. I'm Bry's father."

I stared at Lucario and inhaled his scent. He wasn't lying when he said that. I could practically taste the electric mouse all over him along with a more feminine scent similar to Bry's. Despite the statement, I wasn't letting my guard down.

"What do you want with him?"

"Kyle's fault for Bry's condition."

I wanted to reproach his belief but knew it was futile. He was a threat to Kyle and everyone in the household. My duty was to protect them no matter the cost.

"Then it's time you go."

"ROSE!"

I immediately leaped out of range and arrived next to my weak and tired Kyle. Appraising his condition, I was stunned that he had managed to recover so swiftly from the sleep effect. Lucario had only slowed him down slightly.

He's stronger than he realizes.

"Awake? How?" the Jackal demanded, confused.

"Rose. Stand down."

"Like hell, I will-" I started to argue.

"No. He has every right to be upset. I was responsible for making sure his son was protected."

My teeth gnashed angrily, as he patted my shoulder affectionately before moving past me. I watched cautiously as Lucario approached slowly. The moment he attacked my friend, I would retaliate. I focused solely on the blue Pokemon's throat. I would strike so fast he wouldn't have a moment to guard.

As they stood within a foot of each other, I felt the pressure around them change. The air settled down and stilled. A pocket of calm seemed to materialize, the balmy breeze faded away to nothing. The Lucario closed his eyes, and I ground my teeth as time wound on second after agonizing second. Nothing changed. Finally, Lucario spoke, his eyes opening. I could see the awe, and shock as he stared at Kyle.

"How?"

"How what?" my friend replied glancing at me. I shook my head and glanced back to Lucario who took a step back. As he did, he grabbed Kyle's hand. Placing his palm upwards, and simply exerting a small pressure to lift it, the jackal inhaled deeply.

"You," the Fighting-type whispered.

The air around Kyle's hand crackled and blue energy jumped into life. The aura spheres which normally had formed were decently sized but flowed almost like water. The blue energy which formed was almost like Lightning. It sparked, hissed, and crackled, making the ground ripple with each pulse. My eyes widened as I watched the pulses shift darker and darker until they were a vivid magenta. I stepped back as the intense waves threatened to assault me. The grass burnt as the power singed the blades in a random succession. The massive flame took form into a compressed sphere which made the air around me vibrate. I watched as Lucario took his hand off of Kyles and the energy vanished swiftly. I stared at my friend watching as he fell to his knees sobbing. I rushed to his side, as he trembled violently.

"Katherine….katherine….KATHERINE!" he wailed, as he fought to stand up and face our enemy.

"Kyle. Don't," I whispered, pulling him closer.

"What did you do to me?" Kyle screamed, furious. Shifting to our native tongue, I asked him the same question angrily. The Lucario sighed and then pointed directly at Kyle.

"Humans auras are not able to move beyond the first stage. His has reached the second stage...and not only that but it is far stronger than any I've seen in my lifetime. Whatever caused this power, attached itself to those memories. I...leveraged those memories to draw out that latent talent. Bry told me he was special. He's more than special. He's unique. One of a kind. I...need time to reflect on this. Do not tell him this. This conversation remains between us." A whirlwind of leaves formed around him, before he took off. I watched him depart before glancing concernedly to Kyle. He continued to sob for my sister.

"What did you see?"

He sniffled before speaking up.

"Everything we had done together. Every good memory. Including her death…" he stated trailing off.

I nodded before nudging him gently.

"We need to get inside."

"What about-"

"He's not coming back. If he knows what's good for him," I stated. I despised lying but if Lucario was truly concerned about Kyle then I needed to find out as much as I could. Entering the house together I glanced over my shoulder. There was so much that had happened, and I needed to speak desperately to Delilah. Lucky for me, the family was coming to, starting with Kyle's mother. Olivia sat up placing a hand to her temple.

"Ughhh. What-happen-AAAHHHHHHHH! THE CEILING! THE FLOOR! MY HOME!" she shrieked. Turning on me, I braced myself for her fury. "ROSE! WHERE IS-Oh...thank goodness," the woman said shifting from anger, to distress and then relief in a matter of seconds. I smirked before she stood up and pulled her son away from me. She held onto him protectively, unwilling to let him go.

"Damnit! It's gonna take me at least a week to fix that hole! I was supposed to report to work tomorrow. My boss is going to kill me! And-"

My eyes drifted as I watched Delilah emerge from around the corner, her eyes glowing with power. As his mother started ranting about all the damage done to the home, the Psychic type repaired each carefully and precisely. Within a matter of minutes it would appear as though nothing had happened.

"Mom…"

"Not now, please. The wood is going cost me an arm and a leg. Not to mention the workers-"

"Mommm," Kyle tried again, tugging her sleeve.

"I said not now Son!" she said letting him go, with a sour look.

"All done," Delilah said, with a perky smile. His mother whirled around before letting out a breath of relief. I couldn't help myself and started to chuckle. She had gotten so worked up over something so petty.

"However...what happened? I remember seeing Lucario and passing out," Lula asked looking at the recently repaired hole.

"Let's say Bry's Father and I had a discussion."

"A discussion?"

Everyone looked at me, and I grew defensive. I couldn't reveal what had been told to me. If I did I would have to explain not only the fight but what resulted from it. Kyle had experienced the power but there had been no explanation. He hadn't understood our discussion. Just that the Jackal had left. What did I say? What could I say without sounding too suspicious? To her credit, Delilah seemed to pick up on my inner conflict and immediately snapped her fingers. All heads stared at the Gardevoir as she redirected our attention to the main issue.

"Well...he's gone. Whatever it was, he's been repelled. Kyle's safe. Back on topic: Who is going to train Kyle?" she asked cheerfully.

"M-master? What do you think?" Lula chimed in, as my eyes widened. I knew of one person who wouldn't hesitate to help him train. At least...I hoped.

"What about Arren?" I spoke up. Everyone turned to me again, and I sensed that my answer had come up to quick. Yet Lula was the first to come to my defense speaking up aloud.

"No! That makes sense! Master! Call him," she begged. Her paws grabbed the hem of his shirt. He stroked her hair, before speaking up in a quiet voice.

"Do you even think he'll forgive me? I snapped and turned on everyone. I-I shoved them away, and they were gone before I even woke up. They lost two of their Pokemon because of me," he whispered. The pain was evident in his voice, but I tapped his leg gently grabbing his attention.

"It wasn't your fault. He can't blame you."

"Rose- I led-"

"How many times do we have to tell you? It's not your choice. You don't get to make the damn rules!" I snapped. He gasped and looked away. I knew he loved my sister. That hadn't changed in all the time we had known each other. Yet he continued to assume that decisions were somehow his responsibility.

"I-"

"Send the message Son," his mother asked placing a hand on his shoulder.

"It doesn't hurt to try. If he says no, then it's not over," Delilah said cheerfully. Glancing up into his eyes I said it again to remind him.

"I promised to stand beside you. I meant it. Call him, please," I begged using a softer tone. His eyes responded and he nodded once.

"Okay."

The message went out and we all sat at the dining table, awaiting a response. At first, there was nothing. For several minutes there was nothing. Kyle let out an exasperated sigh and I could sense he was defeated.

Bleep.

Kyle hectically looked down at the square screen. I leaned forward and read the message aloud for all to hear.

Are you okay?

I waited patiently as the conversation played out in real-time before our eyes.

I'm adjusting. I'm sorry for how I treated everyone. You are a good friend and I would do anything to make things right with you and Penelope.

I know. She's being Pene. Stubborn.

If I asked you for help, is there any chance...that you would consider it?

After the question was asked there was a notable pause. I assumed he was hesitating to answer. Instead for the first time, a near paragraph-long message came out from Arren. I drank it in and looked to Kyle. Tears pricked his eyes.

Kyle. What happened was out of our control. We took a guess and it proved right. Someone was masterminding your future. Pene's been a wreck since Gallade's death. I expect in a month or two she'll forgive you. Give her time. It wasn't your fault.

I see. Let her know I'm eternally sorry. I don't know what I can do.

I'll pass it on. What help do you need?

Training...I need to reach level 50 in three months.

Easy. For what purpose?

Ranger Academy.

How?

Diantha invited me.

I'll be there in two days. I will need to make a stop. For you.

Are...are you sure?

Yes. The danger isn't predictable. I forgive you. Stay safe Kyle. You're my best friend.

As the red Pokewatch was laid on the table, Kyle started trembling and I could see his anxiety had returned full swing.

"It's okay. Why don't you go get some rest? I'm going to prepare something delicious for dinner. I have work tomorrow. Delilah?"

Olivia stood up and the Gardevoir moved to Kyle's side kissing his hair lovingly.

"We will support you," she whispered, before following his mother into the kitchen.

Kyle stood up and left, giving me and Lula time to stare at each other stupidly.

"TV?"

"Sure," I replied.

I passed out curling into the Primarina as we held each other on the chair. It was such a delightful feeling to be loved.

After the attack from the Lucario earlier in the day, we were all still on edge. The family took turns keeping an eye in case he decided to return to complete his mission. Night fell as a nasty storm swept up unexpectedly. At exactly 7pm, Kyle came downstairs. His eyes were shiny and I sensed that sleep hadn't come. He'd had time to think and I wondered what exactly was on his mind. Something told me it was Katherine, yet I pushed it down. I was sure that becoming a Pokemon Ranger was a more pressing matter to deal with.

As we gathered around the table, Delilah spoke up drawing our attention.

"We should be expecting more company tonight. Just a friend. In...3..2...1…"

On cue, the doorbell chimed announcing that another guest had arrived.

I hovered protectively behind Olivia as she opened the front door. Surprise ran down my spine as we came face to face with a human we had not seen since that night. She wore a blue sweatshirt and black jeans which hugged her hips. Her blonde hair clung to her face messily. Her clothes were soaked through, as she didn't carry an umbrella. Her eyes looked over us as she held herself tightly. Despite her status, she looked plain pitiful. I could see insomnia wrote all over her face and my normally hardened exterior cracked as I stared at the woman.

"I'm sorry to arrive unannounced, Olivia. I'm here at Diantha's behest."

"You didn't. Delilah warned us just before you got here.," the older woman replied warmly. Reaching out, she pulled our company into the safety and comfort of our home. A pink towel dropped onto the Pokemon Ranger, procured by Delilah.

"Welcome. Care to join us for dinner, Sarah?" she asked politely. At first, the woman's eyes went out of focus as she saw Kyle. I expected her to bolt but instead, she gave a small nod. As the four of us entered the kitchen, the air grew awkwardly silent. I hoped that conflict could be avoided tonight, and was happy as Kyle quickly rushed to grab a chair for her. As she neared the table, I took my place at her side. She sat timidly avoiding everyone's eyes. Her shivers didn't fade despite the heat which blasted through the nearby vents. I suspected it had less to do with the cold as she sat there.

"Right. Dinner!" Delilah said, rushing to the oven. A spicy and hearty smell permeated the air as a huge plexiglass dish was placed onto the table. Wordlessly, Olivia swiftly started serving us the delightful meal. My mouth watered in anticipation as the meals I had enjoyed here were beyond comprehension. Olivia was such an amazing cook.

"Th-thank you for your hospitality," our company whispered, and I sighed. Whatever had occurred was tearing her down.

Focusing on my plate, I dug in happily. Meat, cheese, and a spicy sauce filled my palate with a heavenly taste. I took my time, savoring each bite. The meal went on in silence until our stomachs were full and the food was gone. Satisfied groans and grunts could be heard from a happy family. My eyes turned to Sarah. Her plate was half-eaten, and she appeared to be operating in a fog. I started to speak, but she cut me off.

"I...I have no right to sit here, Kyle, and act like Eon and I haven't hurt you. We know you have no reason to trust us but Diantha sent me. I owe you my most humble and….sincere apologies. Eon recently stepped down from being the Unova Champion out of respect for his failures that night."

Kyle gasped loudly and my eyelids narrowed at her words. I hadn't expected this, and it made me wonder if there was a hidden purpose. Glancing at Delilah she shook her head before slumping sadly. I looked down at the white plate and saw my own face looking back. It appeared distraught, and so out of character for me. Returning my focus to the Ranger, she continued to speak.

"Elaina… was my everything. A good friend. My biggest critic. My sole source of common sense. After 15 years you'd think I would have been able to read her like a book. You never saw the side I knew Kyle. She wasn't a slut. In fact, she was the most prudish being I knew. Her offers to please you were the first she ever made in my presence. She genuinely liked you. How much? Enough to ignore my orders. She jeopardized our mission to get close to you in the Pokemon Center. She was smooth. But I could see she was jittery. I never understood what she saw in you. Until you came bursting out of the window of the Lopunny Garden. You risked life and limb to retrieve your best friend. You saved her from torture and death. That's an admirable quality to have.

Elaina was a very motivated person. The mission always came first above all else. As a matter of fact, if it hadn't been for the little Zorua, we would have flunked out day one. Diantha was such a sweet and reassuring person to be around. As of late, I've seen her grow more and more...pessimistic about the world. "

She paused for a moment and licked her lips before continuing with her speech.

"I didn't think I would ever fail her like I did that night. Elaina trusted me and because of the stress of the fight, I failed to protect her. What's worse is I could have prevented it if I had just listened. We are taught to trust our team, and I refused to listen to mine. So stupid," she whispered angrily. I could hear the self-loathing as she swore those final two words. I could understand her regret but didn't believe that her pain warranted that emotional reaction.

"That night, Kyle...Elaina expressed a desire which threw me for a loop. She wanted a vacation. Something we had never taken in all of our time as Rangers. But what was heartwrenching is she wanted it to be just the two of you. She asked me immediately following the kiss. I snapped. I shouldn't have," Sarah said, her head whipping to face the object of the conversation. I watched heartbrokenly as her eyes shed tears freely as she seemed to relive the moment.

"I...I made her follow-through despite her clear objections. I was unreasonable. A fool."

She trembled a little bit, as Olivia held her hand tenderly.

"We snuck through the back door after incapacitating the only two guards. Using the vents and her illusion ability, the two of us worked systematically from the back to the front searching for the Wish Stone. If we could remove that single item, Mewtwo's plans would be for naught. Jirachi couldn't grant a wish without it. Eventually, we found our target. I remember the room. It was in the middle of an open octagon room. It was vividly lit with cyan lights that matched her eye color. As we approached, I sensed no one was near. The stone was humming with radiant energy that we could hear. We got close enough to nab it. Lusamine screamed as we stopped a foot from the metal stool it sat on. Unfortunately, she didn't come alone. Eight other grunts and Pokemon surrounded us. Eight...such a small number. Given our training, the fight should have been over in a second. Especially since Lusamine managed to dwindle the numbers down as she betrayed her comrades."

I smiled as the woman had kept her promise despite the obvious implications.

"As the fighting grew more intense, I realized that Elaina had been right. Our opponents were pushing us back despite losing limbs and weapons. They wouldn't stop no matter how hard we fought. With our strength dwindling, Elaina did the one thing she could think of. She grabbed the stone."

Sarah gasped and clutched her chest as she envisioned the memory in real-time. I could see it in her eyes.

"Why? Why didn't I listen? Why didn't I stop her? I was so worried about humanity, I ignored the obvious trap. An explosion ripped apart the room, sending us all flying away. Concussed, and confused I tried to get my bearings. A severed hand holding a single handgun lay on the floor in front of me. It was so weird to see the muscle and bone protruding from the limb of a human. Looking at Elaina, I couldn't believe it. She was running towards me, despite a massive steel rod penetrating her gut. She pointed towards the hand, and I looked back. Time slowed to crawl as the limb moved on its own. The index finger squeezed the trigger. I was still weak from the shockwave, so I couldn't dodge in time. Elaina saved me. She shoved me out of the way, taking five rounds meant for me. One to her shoulder. Three more slammed into her stomach. As she dropped from the force, the recoil sent the final round through the side of her neck. Lusamine destroyed a portion of the roof, separating us from the threats. With alarms ringing and the rock in our possession, we beat a hasty retreat, with me carrying my Zoroark and best friend on my back. I wanted to believe she would make it."

Sarah paused and took an offered handkerchief from Delilah who was as enraptured as I was.b She dabbed her eyes with it before continuing with her story.

"We made it to safety away from our enemies. As we rested, catching our breath, Elaina grabbed my hand. She was fading too fast. I pulled out my medkit and started trying to repair the damage as best as I could. There was so much blood. As I laid her down, she spoke her final two sentences to me. Using my HUD, I recorded them for your benefit."

Tapping her ear, a hologram emerged on the table. The camera recorded everything in crystal clear quality. I could make out Elaina's human features which obscured her true body. She wheezed loudly and shivered as her body bled out from the massive gouge in her neck. I could hear Sarah's sobbing and desperation as she spoke to her best friend.

"Come on Elaina. Don't you give up on me. Hold on," she pleaded. The moonlight illuminated the scene. Just behind the pseudo human's head, we could all make out a kneeling Lusamine, who watched the proceedings in silence.

"Elaina. Fuck! Ummm….cartorid artery. I need to-"

"Sarah. It's...it's okay."

"I'm sorry! Please don't go. Come on… Stay with me. Please. Please, Elaina."

"Tell Kyle...I'll miss him," her partner spoke. It was a struggle and we could see that it took everything the Dark-type had to just convey those thoughts. Her blue eyes seemed to be looking past her trainer.

She swallowed and the sound of blood filling her throat made my stomach flip.

"I...love...you."

The light faded in her eyes and I listened to Sarah sobbing as her best friend reverted back to the recognizable black and red form she was known for. The transmission cut off, and we looked to see Sarah was trying hard to compose herself.

"I...I shouldn't have snapped her. I'd give anything to go back and give her that vacation. I'd do anything to have her back! You now have the chance to attend Diantha's academy. I wanted to be the one to urge you to attend. I think Elaina and Katherine would have wanted you to follow your dreams. Kyle. I can never take back what Eon did. I understand how you feel though...and I'm truly sorry."

Looking at Kyle I could see his eyes were filled with water as well. I could tell the loss of the Zoroark hurt him, despite having only known her for a short period.

"Thank you Sarah and...I forgive you," he whispered with a tight voice.

"I don't deserve that," she whispered as her expression turned nasty with disgust. "I killed my best friend! The price was too high. It should have been me."

Standing up, she shook the towel off and headed towards the front door. I wanted to say something but knew that she needed time to heal. Words couldn't reach her as she was now. We all sat in silence stunned by what had occurred. Looking to Kyle, I asked myself a single question.

Would I ever choose not to trust him?

Everyone went their separate ways minus Lula. She sat at the dining table with me as the death of the Zoroark hung about the air like a mist. I turned to jump off the stool when the Water/Fairy type called my name.

"Rose. I need a serious favor."

Thanks for your patience all. I've got more stuff typed up and I'm working to release everything I've written down as fast as I possibly can. I know I haven't kept my word of late, but I promise it'll be worth it.

Thank you for the reviews and subscriptions! I'll see you all soon!