From here on out, I will use "people" to refer to humans and Pokemon collectively. It's easier that way. Also, I found an image to use as the cover; as always, should the original owner contact me and wish for me to remove it, I will comply.

If you haven't read Werewolves of Sinnoh yet, there is still some time before references to that story will pop up. Obviously, you don't NEED to read that story to enjoy this one, but it's still greatly appreciated if you do. With that out of the way, here's the chapter.

Current music: Lips Of An Angel - Hinder

NO POV

Even within the safety of a television studio, it didn't feel very safe. Since it wasn't far from Oldale Town, the air still smelled like smoke. Each of the news anchors wore some type of face covering, whether it be an N95 mask, a cloth mask, or a simple bandana.

It wasn't exactly primetime, being that it was noon, but Vulpix News was such a major network that it had an audience at all hours of the day. This was particularly true now, since such a major event had just occurred.

One of the news anchors, a tall young man with fluffy brown hair, cleared his throat before speaking to the camera.

"It has been two days since Mt. Koru, located just outside Oldale Town, was responsible for a catastrophic eruption. While an official death toll has not been released yet, it's clear that the city we love has been altered greatly."

"That's right, Alec," a blonde female reporter said. "The volcanic eruption has had a massive impact on the region of Metro Oldale, and hospitals are overwhelmed with injured patients. Some hospitals have even been diverting ambulances to the field hospitals that have been set up around the city."

Alec nodded, a sober expression on his face. "Air quality in the Oldale Region has been labeled 'Hazardous' by the Hoenn Air Association. It's equivalent to smoking two packs a day of cigarettes, and everyone knows how horrible that is for your health."

Behind the two anchors, there was an image of the weather forecast for June 14, the current date. Per the excessively colorful graphics on screen, it was supposed to be extremely hot, to absolutely no one's surprise.

Alec continued to speak. "From here on out, it seems likely that June 12, 205X is a day that will live in infamy. Some have already started calling it Six Twelve; we here at Vulpix News harbor little doubt that, for a long time to come, those simple two numbers will inspire fear in the hearts of humankind and Pokekind. Take it away, Brittany."

The blonde female anchor chimed in, speaking in a somber tone. "Our hearts here at Vulpix News go out to everybody who's lost a loved one in this disaster. To everyone who's lost their home or property, but especially to those who have lost family members or friends. They're not just numbers to us."

Neither of the anchors spoke for a good minute after that. They both clasped their hands together as though praying to Arceus for the Oldale Region's deliverance from this nightmare.

"Now, we're joined by our correspondent John Dillow. He's right outside the field hospital set up at Kota Convention Center in downtown Oldale. John, it's nice to see you; how is the situation down there?"

Five miles away, in the midst of a chaotic scene of ambulances, stretchers, patients, and medical personnel, a dark-haired man stood. He was wearing a gas mask, so he was almost unrecognizable even if you knew him well.

When he talked, it was difficult to hear his voice; that's how low-pitched it was.

"The situation here is bad, let me tell you. Although the eruption was more than two days ago now, people and Pokemon are still being admitted to this field hospital behind me. Perhaps it's smoke inhalation, or maybe injuries are just starting to catch up to them. Either way, the medical workers are going to be busy for a while."

"Thank you very much for braving the storm; the volcanic storm, that is" Brittany told John.

John Dillow simply shrugged. "It's my job, that's all I have to say. Even in a crisis, especially in a crisis, it's vital that the public stay informed. No matter what happens, I will never abdicate my duty until you have to carry me out of here on one of those stretchers."

There was no laughter from either of the anchors in the studio. Even Alec, who was normally rather lighthearted for a reporter, wasn't in the mood for any levity today. That was a sign of just how horrible things were outside the comfort of the studio.

"There's more, however. An eyewitness report from the field hospital at Kota Convention Center stated that at least one patient became a Pokemon after being injured. We do not know his name; it has been redacted to protect his privacy."

Even without the patient's name, it was as though a bomb had gone off in the studio. If Brittany and Alec hadn't been paying attention before, they certainly were now.

"John, that's something we would have liked to know sooner!" Brittany exclaimed. "It could have at least been put on the website before we reported it here!"

John Dillow raised his hands up defensively. "I'm doing my best, okay? That's all anyone can ask for. I didn't even have that information before, it seems, the patient left the convention center!"

Although they couldn't see their audience, the tens of thousands, perhaps even hundreds of thousands, of people tuned in would no doubt be appalled at the verbal fight currently playing out between the news anchors. John hated himself for talking back to the anchors in the studio, but he knew that was what he needed to do.

Alec spoke furiously to John. "Well, how do you say something like that so casually? Humans becoming Pokemon isn't something that just happens!"

"Well, that's technically not true," John replied. "There are were-Lycanrocs, for example."

"I think the audience gets the point," Brittany interjected. "With that, we shall resume our coverage of the ongoing disaster in the Oldale Region."

The screen behind the anchors cut to an image from the day the volcano had erupted. A small town was shown, with a line of businesses comprising what could basically be considered the "downtown" area. It wasn't much, but everyone had to remind themselves that this town was home to several thousand people.

The sky was rather foggy, but everyone present knew that this was only a precursor to what was coming. Even through a screen, one could sense the tension in that scene.

"This is the small town of Gideon, which is a suburb of Oldale Town. At least, it was. It was largely destroyed by falling rocks and fire, and all residents have been urged to evacuate. Us here at Vulpix News want to thank all of our first responders for helping to keep Gideon's residents safe."

Brittany grimaced. "I want to warn you all that this next scene is difficult to watch. If you're squeamish about anything, it might be best to look away until it's over."

Suddenly, in the scene behind them, massive slabs of volcanic rock began to plummet from the heavens. A few people still in the street ran away, but there were two notable exceptions to this.

A black-haired boy in his late teens, as well as a considerably younger boy who might have been his brother, remained standing in the street. A massive boulder, at least twenty feet in diameter, came out of nowhere and landed on top of the younger boy.

Even though the anchors had known this was coming, both of them still squirmed at the sight. The video cut out the sound of the boy's bones breaking, but there could be no doubt that he'd been crushed to death.

"All indications are that the victim's brother is still alive. Our hearts go out to his family; at this time, we do not have the name of the victim. Once we have obtained it, we have every intention of releasing it." That was Brittany speaking, and she used a grave tone, as though she were at a funeral.

Speaking of the victim's brother, a different scene was playing out in the present day, in the city center of the Oldale Region.

DARIUS ASHLAND, 18

It was extraordinarily stressful to leave the field hospital. I knew I'd get some odd looks, of course, but I just hadn't expected there to be cameras.

They're covering this tragedy, in which so many people lost their lives, like it's some celebrity affair. What is WRONG with these people?

Still, I reminded myself that although they saw me as a Buizel, they didn't necessarily know that I'd originally been human. For all they knew, I might have been some random injured Pokemon who'd been sent to the convention center to heal.

Once we reached Christian's car on the fourth level of a nearby parking garage (thank Arceus for elevators), my friend told me to sit in the backseat of his vehicle. That way, he said, I was likely to receive a little less attention than if I were in the passenger seat.

I didn't object to this, and pretty soon we were on our way to Christian's home. I'd been there many times, but I'd never thought I would get to live there.

It was only once we had left the garage that I felt an unspeakably large quantity of tears form in my eyes. It got to the point where I could barely see, nor breathe through my nose (or was it a snout now that I was a Pokemon?)

The full reality of June 12, 205X hit me like a Geodude to the groin. Even if I were to suffer such an injury, it would not compare to the emotional wound of losing my brother.

Xander was dead; there was no question about it. After my parents had both passed two years ago, I'd been distraught, but I had taken some comfort in knowing that I still had my kid brother with me. We were still as close as could be; indeed, we only grew closer as a result.

Xander's demise made me feel about ten times worse than that event. I had no family left; I didn't even have my own body. Everything that had been familiar in my life was gone, to be replaced by a void of sorrow.

As Christian drove us through the streets of Oldale Town, which were congested with emergency vehicles and the like, he evidently heard me sniffle or something, because he turned around while we were at a red light.

"You okay back there, Darius?"

I saw no reason to keep anything from my best friend. Besides, he already knew that Xander was gone, so I really had nothing to hide.

Sniffing mightily, I shook my head. I tried to keep my voice strong, but it broke down a few words into my monolog.

"It's just that…sniff…my brother died. He was…sniff…all I had left. My only…sniff…family."

As the light turned green, Christian had to turn his attention back to the road, but he had clearly still processed my words fully, because he replied not five seconds after passing the light.

"I can't imagine what you're going through right now, Darius. I could say that I know how you feel, and I'm here for you, but I don't know how you feel; it's best to be honest about that."

"Indeed."

"But I'm here for you, no matter what happens. I'm your family now."

Although I felt desperate for belonging, it was clear that life after Xander would be very different from life with him either way. For instance, while Christian and I had been great friends for some time, it would be peculiar to go from "friends" to "family."

I can only hope that I'll adjust to life without him. But it hurts.

Even now, my chest hurt just as it had that day that I'd lost him. The car fortunately had a decent air conditioning system, but this tightness wasn't due to smoke; it was due to the emotional pain of what had happened.

We arrived at Christian's house eventually. It was about a mile from where I'd used to live, and, by what seemed like a minor miracle, it was still standing. The reason I say that he and his family were very fortunate is because both houses on either side had been decimated, presumably from volcanic debris.

I was about to ask Christian what had just happened to my home; in light of what I'd just been thinking, this also came to mind. However, it didn't take me long to remember that according to my best friend, my previous home had also been destroyed.

It didn't compare to having Xander's life be destroyed by the boulders, but it was still painful. It was yet another reminder that the Before Times would never come back.

I climbed awkwardly out of the backseat. It was difficult to do this thanks to my new body feeling unwieldy, as though I were wearing a fatsuit.

The Forest family's home was somewhat larger than the one I'd inhabited with Xander. It was still nothing fancy, however, and the smoke had done a number on its paint job. At least it hadn't damaged the home's structural integrity.

I had, of course, been here many times before. As a kid, I'd been on play dates with Christian practically before I could remember. Even after those two words had become less socially acceptable for someone my age to use, we still hung out quite a bit.

We'd play video games, do stuff outside, perhaps visit the local Pokemon gym to watch battles…whatever stereotypical activity you can think of, we'd probably do it together. Christian Forest was probably the closest thing I had to a "brother from another mother."

I waddled into the house, Christian right behind me in case I fell. Each step was a gamble, but once I'd reached the combination kitchen/living room, I felt as though I were home free.

This was a major error on my part.

The second I walked in front of the door leading to Christian's backyard, I was tackled by a body that felt stronger than mine.

What the-...

"A Water type? In this house?" shouted a rather feminine voice that nonetheless held considerable venom.

"I didn't…it's me, Darius! Christian's friend!" I could barely respond, since she was pinning me down pretty hard. I felt pretty powerless against this female's strength, but I recognized her voice.

"Dalgona! Knock it off!" Christian exclaimed. "He comes here in peace!"

That wasn't enough to convince the Braixen to get off of me, however. It was only once my friend had pried her away that I felt the grip fade, and I was able to return to my feet.

I glared at Dalgona. "What was that for?"

Dalgona, Christian's Braixen, looked incensed for no apparent reason. "He's a Water type, and he's intruded upon my territory. I have every right to battle him. Indeed, I challenge you to a…".

There was no doubt how that sentence would end. I was scared out of my wits at the idea of a battle so soon after I'd recovered, so soon after I'd become a Buizel. I knew Dalgona's strength quite well, and there was no question in my mind that in a battle between myself and her, I'd lose.

"No, Dalgona!" Christian exclaimed. "He's my friend; he was your friend too! He's Darius; you remember him, right?"

All of a sudden, an insane idea occurred to me. It was a ridiculous proposition, but if I wanted the Braixen to respect me more, then I'd have to give her a reason to do so.

And so, hoping that I wouldn't regret it later, I uttered these words: "I accept your challenge."

"Great," Dalgona replied. "We'll settle things outside in the yard; how does that sound?"

"Dalgona, I'm not sure this is a good idea," Christian interrupted. "He just recovered, and he's not used to being a Pokemon. You could hurt him badly, even if you don't mean to."

"It's fine," I told my friend, determined to show off some bravado. The indignity of the volcanic eruption had fueled my increased willingness to do something rash, something most would call idiotic.

"Okay then" Dalgona said, lifting her snout high in the air. "But if I win, you're going to eat your words. Let's go outside."

I hadn't noticed this earlier, but the air still smelled strongly of smoke. Volcanic smog hovered ominously over our small town of Gideon, and it was hard to take a deep breath.

It also became clear that I was at a type disadvantage; not only against Dalgona the Fire type, but also against the hot summer air, which was only made hotter by the volcanic wind (is that even a thing?) It felt like we were inside the volcano, which, for all intents and purposes, we kind of were.

All in all, I didn't expect this battle to last very long. Even now, I struggled to remember all the moves Buizel could use, so my best chance was to hope that Dalgona would go easy on me.

But since I'm a Water type, that's not something she's likely to do with me. Oh my Arceus, I am so screwed.

Running awkwardly around the yard, I tried not to trip over anything. This was easier said than done, though, because my feet were a lot bigger than I was used to. At any moment, it seemed, I might fall to the ground, and then Dalgona would have free rein to hit me with everything she had.

Let's see…Buizel can use Tail Whip, right? But then again, just about every Pokemon with a tail can do the same. Still, it's worth a shot, if only because…

I saw a golden blur get closer and closer to me, and I swung my tail to meet the Braixen's body. Unfortunately, it seemed that my hopes for this attack's success had been set far too high.

The instant my tail made contact with Dalgona's body, I felt a burning sensation there. I recognized the sensation right away, since it had been the last thing I'd experienced before passing out two days prior.

Grimacing, I fought the urge to scream. Given how much pain I was in, the volume of that scream would probably reach the whole neighborhood, even above the occasional siren.

I heard a female voice laugh, but it was quickly drowned out by the fiery sensation creeping up my tail. Since I was a Water type, you might think that my typing was able to serve as a "shield" of sorts against flames, but you'd be wrong.

Rather, my type worked against me here. I couldn't try and attack Dalgona; I wasn't even able to focus on running away. I hopped from side to side, jumping up and down as though on a trampoline, trying to put out the fire.

Finally, I had an idea.

I laid down on my back and tried to quench the flames using the grass. It probably wouldn't work, because the burn was so all-consuming, so excruciating, that grass probably wouldn't do much to dull the agony. But I had to try something.

Well, the burning pain was augmented by the discomfort of having crushed my tail beneath my body. I'm not going to describe how much it hurt, because you can probably imagine it; suffice it to say that my eyes were watering even more than they had been as a result of the ambient smoke.

"Fuck! Both of you! Cut it out, now!"

Even as my consciousness started to fade, I was still able to perceive Christian's urgent shouts at the two of us. I was relieved that the fight would presumably be over without me getting seriously hurt, but hearing my best friend shout like that was worrying, to say the least.

With a flash of red light, I felt my body dissolve. This didn't hurt; if anything, it felt like a warm blanket was being placed over me on a cold winter night (not that this part of Hoenn got that cold during the winter.)

I found myself in what looked like my bedroom back at home, before it had been destroyed by debris. All the books were on the shelf in the exact same positions they'd been before, my lamp was in its usual spot on the dresser…you get the idea.

It was all a rather comforting scene, even if it made me feel nostalgic for the good old days, that halcyon time that would never come back.

And it didn't take long for me to realize what had just happened. The flash of red light…the fact that I, now a Pokemon, found myself in a comforting environment…

Christian caught me in a Pokeball.

Of course, battling and being caught in Pokeballs was part of a Pokemon's life; there was no getting around that. But, even though this environment was rather pleasant, I was still trapped here. Besides, Christian had sounded rather alarmed (not to mention angry) when he'd captured me. What, exactly, had happened?

After what felt like only a minute or two, there was a flash of cyan light, and I found myself sitting on the back porch of Christian's home. The yard looked very different from how it had before, though.

Most of the grass appeared dead, as though it had been burned to a crisp. Dalgona was sitting a step below me, and that in itself caused me some worry. I didn't think I'd feel safe around that Braixen for quite some time.

"What happened?" I asked defensively.

Christian climbed down the stairs in between us, then turned to face Dalgona and myself.

"When you guys were battling just now, you went a bit too far. Dalgona hit you with an Ember, and that was enough to set your tail on fire. When you laid against the ground, that's when the grass caught fire and I had to put it out with the garden hose."

Welp, I thought. That looks like a great deal of property damage.

Christian turned to his Braixen. "Dalgona, since you were the instigator of this battle, you will be in your Pokeball for the rest of the day to protect Darius. And you, Darius…I'll be keeping a close eye on you."

Both of us nodded to show that we understood. However, I somehow didn't believe that being stuck in her Pokeball would be much of a punishment for Dalgona; at least, not if my own experience was anything to go by.

That was my first morning as a Pokemon. On some level, I wanted to believe that there was still a chance. That I could still hope to wake up in my own bed and realize that this was all just a bad dream. And I'd embrace Xander, wrap him in my arms and never let go, reveling in the fact that I still had him.

Sadly, I had to live in the real world.

You may have noticed that this chapter came out a day early. I've decided that I'll publish every three days until I reach a certain point, then slow it down a bit. On the whole these aren't as long as Werewolves chapters, at least not yet, so I can do that.

I'll see you guys next time.