Wow, it has been a while. I'm terribly sorry that I haven't posted more of this, but I've had some things to deal with, and ideas to explore. I won't go into it too much, but some kinda dark stuff has happened. I'm still working through it, which might take forever, honestly, but I'm still hanging on. If any of you guys have some stuff you're dealing with, don't worry. There's always someone in your life that is willing to listen and help you. Always remember that.

Now, I know I've been trying to stick to the script, but I'm not gonna do that as much. In this chapter, we're finally gonna get a small idea of why this story is called "Project: Zoroara." Specifically, we'll start to learn about a new main character.

I opened my eyes as I was greeted by the dawn. I slowly sat up from my bed, my head throbbing. I attempted to think back to last night, but the last thing I remembered was approaching my house. I thought for a moment longer. Last night there was a bag hanging on the handle of the front door. When I tried to think past that, my head throbbed even more. As I continued to think, Embar jumped onto the bed and sat down in front of me. His eyes seemed to stare into my soul.

What does the Pokémon with the crappy nickname want?

I told you, it was good.

Agree to disagree.

Maybe he wants head scratches?

I hope he burns you when you touch him.

He won't burn me.

Ten bucks say he will.

I rolled my eyes as I reached out my hand to my new partner. The kitten jumped back slightly, giving me a cold stare, before slowly working towards my hand. After a few seconds, I was scratching him behind his ear.

Damn it.

Told ya.

It should've bitten you. O-or at the very least, it should've nibbled on your hand!

What can I say? We've already formed a bond.

Yeah, no way it's just using you for its own personal gain. That could never happen.

I continued to scratch his ear until he began to purr. The sound, however, was a bit odd. It didn't sound anything like how Embar had sounded last night.

Maybe you're still asleep. Quickly, imagine you have some shred of competence!

No, I don't think I'm still asleep. I can feel Embar's fur.

You never know.

I rolled my eyes as I retracted my hand. Embar got up from where he was sitting and jumped down from my bed. He then walked over to the door and slowly nudged it open with his paw before slipping through.

I hope that thing eats every bit of food in this house.

It won't.

Won't it?

I pondered the question for a second before quickly throwing myself off of the bed. As I got up, I noticed I was still in the same clothes from the day before. I quickly made my way into the kitchen, expecting to see a large mess that would seem impossible to create in such a short amount of time, only to find that everything was still in its place.

Knew it.

You did not! You shot up from your bed!

Sure.

You didn't!

I looked around for a moment before spotting Embar. He was sitting in front of the front door, simply staring at it.

Why's he doing that?

You think I know? Maybe he's already lost all hope in you, which is understandable.

I don't think so.

Then I say you let him out. See what happens.

Well…maybe I will. I mean, Pokémon have to go to the bathroom too, right? That's probably what it is.

You didn't feed him yet. I'd say he's either trying to escape, or he's just gonna look for some berries or something.

I'm gonna open the door.

Then I suggest you get one last good look in because this will most likely be the last time anyone will be able to tolerate you for this long.

Quiet, you.

I walked over to the door, a small amount of uncertainty looming over me. Despite that feeling, I placed my hand on the doorknob and opened it. As soon as it was open enough, Embar bolted out of the house.

Told ya.

Damn it!

I ran outside and attempted to spot the fleeing Pokémon. I was too late. I couldn't see him anywhere.

Where did he go?!

God knows. I say we give up. As I said, he wasn't gonna last long with you anyways.

No. I'll find him.

Yeah, and then he'll just run away again. Funny how that works, isn't it?

He didn't run away!

Did he speed walk away, then? That thing was faster than you by far.

I looked around once more. I still couldn't find him.

I'm gonna grab my backpack, and we're gonna find him.

Seriously? You're still hopeful?

I have to be.

As I turned around, I quickly noticed something. Embar was sitting right next to the door, staring at a bag that was hung on the door handle. He didn't run away.

Oh, thank god.

Why couldn't he have just run away?

I paid my second voice no mind as I quickly walked over to my found Pokémon. Embar turned to me, a blank expression on his face as I scooped him up in my arms. I carried him inside as he quietly purred, content in my arms. I walked over to my backpack and grabbed Embar's Pokéball.

"Sorry, but it's too early for this," I stated. "I'll bring ya back out after I completely wake up."

This would've been so much better if he would have just run away!

I pressed the circular button on the device and watched as a blue light emerged and jumped to the floor next to Embar. When the light disappeared, Embar was left in its place. There were two of them now.

Wait a sec.

…what…?

Isn't there only supposed to be one?

I…I think so…

Am I just seeing double, then?

Beats me.

The Embar that had just appeared from the light looked to its left and jumped back

"Lit-litten!" the second Embar shrieked.

The first Embar simply stared back at the second.

Ok, so it's not just me.

So it would seem…

I silently watched as the second Embar slowly approached the first. Its eyes narrowed as it got closer before it sniffed the first Embar.

"Litten," the first purred. (Scaredy cat.)

"Lit-litten!" the second shrieked.

Wait, did you hear that?

Hear what?

"Lit litten," the first purred. (Jeez, touchy subject.)

Oh shit, I heard it that time!

Where is that coming from? Is there someone else here?

The first litten turned to me with an unamused look.

"Litten, lit litten" the first purred. (I can hear you, ya know.)

I nearly jumped.

Holy shit, it can talk?!

"Litten lit," the first growled. (I'm a "she".)

So it would seem…

I turned to the Pokémon, shock in my eyes.

"What…what are you…?" I asked.

As I looked at the Pokémon, it raised its right paw to its mouth and giggled. I watched as it enveloped itself in a cloud of black ash. I took a step back as the cloud cleared. It left a dark figure in its wake. As the ash cleared, I could make out a scar over its left eye. Red tufts of fur lay around the corners of its mouth, its eyes, its tail, and a large tuft of fur on its head.

"Zo-zorua?!" the Pokémon exclaimed. (Fooled ya, didn't I?!)