Chapter 2: Stone of Fate

Been a while since my last chapter of this, but I'm back into the swing of writing now after a break. This chapter is interesting because the original version of this story has nothing like it in there. I enjoyed introducing a new character though for a chapter, and the change of PoV at the end is something I'm proud of. So sit back, grab a hot drink and a blanket, and enjoy the next chapter of A Light In The Darkness!

Disclaimer- I don't own Pokémon, just my OCs.

? PoV

The first thing I noticed when I woke up was that I wasn't surrounded by trees anymore, I was surrounded by rock. "Huh?" I blinked, raising my head to see just where I had ended up. The first red sign was a blanket a few feet away, but even bigger was the Cyndaquil lying beneath the blanket, snoring quietly. I squeaked in terror and clamped a paw over my mouth for fear of it waking up. I had to get away, and quickly!

The next surprise I got was the fact that I was also wrapped up in a blanket, and in a state of beginning to panic I didn't register that this was probably a good thing. I struggled out of my makeshift bed and sprang up, looking around for the door. No clear exit presented itself but I assumed the tunnel with light coming out of it led to the surface… or out into the open anyway. With one final glance at the sleeping fire-type I hurried down the tunnel and around the corner, half-expecting something to pounce on me, but nothing happened.

I couldn't help looking behind me to see if I was being followed, but weirdly it appeared I could just leave and nobody was around to stop me! That was good at least- leaving before the Cyndaquil woke up and hurt me- so I continued my swift passage through the tunnel. It curved once again and I found myself in a large chamber containing several of what I assumed were personal effects of the Cyndaquil's. A chair made out of some dark wood, a small firepit next to it, a natural shelf built into the rock walls that housed berries and seeds- I was tempted by them but forced myself to stay on track.

The entrance lay just ahead of me, sunlight seeping into the cave and casting a ray of hope in my mind, and I hurried to the exit. As I got there a voice cut through the silence. "Are you sure you want to do that?"

I jumped in shock and whirled around to find the Cyndaquil staring at me! "Eeeeeep! P-please d-d-don't h-hurt me!" I squealed, paws trembling in fear, for the Pokemon looked like it could easily hurt me. "Fear not, I have no ill will towards you, young one. You are safe in my home," the Cyndaquil told me in a surprisingly deep voice for someone clearly so young- an older Pokemon would have easily evolved by now, right?

I blinked in surprise at the choice of words. "But… but you k-kidnapped m-me! W-why would you j-just let m-me go?"I stammered, not making sense of things. The Cyndaquil shook his head and padded over to sit in the wooden chair by the firepit. "Come, sit, and I will explain to you." I hesitated; if this were a trap he could tear me apart once I got close. But then again, I doubted I could escape anyway if he wanted to hurt me at any distance. With that decided I tentatively followed him back into the main chamber of the cave.

A flash of red burst from his mouth and the firepit was roaring with crackling flames, throwing out heat around it. Admittedly that did feel nice, a far cry from the cold that usually bit at my fur early in the morning or late at night. I settled down by the fire, in front of the Cyndaquil, though I was still a little tense. He must have seen this for he smiled warmly at me. "Relax, young one. You have exerted yourself much lately, it will do you good to be resting." I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. How did he know what I'd been doing?

He must have seen my confusion, for he chuckled lightly. "I see a great many things, not just what my eyes give me. You walk with the air of someone exhausted and broken beyond measure. You've been wandering for a long time haven't you?" he said, and I nodded sadly, my situation coming back to me in an instant. But again he beat me to a reply. "Do not worry. No Pokemon would ever find this cave unless I wanted them to." Did that mean I was actually safe then? Could I really have the chance to properly rest?

"Your pursuers, most likely they just wanted food and decided you were that. But they will grow tired and when you leave here they won't bother you again," he continued, and this earned a real smile from me. "T-thank you s-sir," I mumbled, my natural shyness ever a conversation barrier.

"You may call me Xanthor. Might I have the pleasure of your name?" He clearly wasn't bothered by my lack of confidence, which I appreciated greatly. "M-my name is Star," I told him, and he gave his own smile.

Xanthor must have had an interest of some kind in me, for his next words intrigued me a little: "Would you like to play a game to help you feel more comfortable? I will ask just three questions about you, and you may do the same with me," he suggested with a smile. I did want to ask about him, and whilst I was afraid of what I might have to answer I forced myself to nod in acceptance. "Wonderful. I will allow you to go first then, Star."

If I had three, I didn't want to waste them although I already had my first choice ready. "Why do you live out here, all alone in this cave?" I asked him. Xanthor chuckled as if expecting this, which he probably was. "I prefer the peace and quiet. Isolated from the nearby towns I can be alone with my thoughts. It's very therapeutic," he replied, piquing my interest. How could anyone live alone and not be afraid of someone attacking them? I silently wondered. But my thoughts were interrupted by Xanthor speaking again; "My first question for you is are you alright?" I blinked in surprise and gave him a puzzled look. "Am I… a-alright?" I repeated. Surely I was missing something.

He smiled, once again looking as though he'd expected my reaction. "When I found you, you were unconscious. A Poochyena was dragging you back to its home." That earned a gasp from my maw. So that meant... "Y-you… you saved me!" I felt really bad for trying to run now, that must have looked so selfish. "I'm s-sorry I tried to r-run… I… d-didn't realise…" Xanthor stepped forwards and placed a paw on my shoulder. "You didn't know, it's fine. Your actions held no malice. But are you okay now Star?" he reassured. I thought for a moment; was I okay? I was safe in this cave, nobody could get to me, and I had someone to talk to that didn't want to eat me. "Y-yes. I feel… a-a lot better actually," I admitted quietly, though it felt good to say that out loud. Xanthor nodded and sat back in his chair, satisfied.

I hadn't been sure what else I wanted to know about Xanthor, but now a question came easily to my mind; "W-what makes you s-so interested in m-me?" Xanthor regarded me closely for a second, as if weighing his reply against how I would react, before his smile returned. "You were in danger. If I had just watched I think we both know you wouldn't be alive anymore. I might live isolated from civilisation but that doesn't mean I'll ignore someone in need of help. Besides, you are not quite like others of your species. I have the feeling there is far more to you than meets the eye," he replied to me.

I subconsciously reached a paw up to my creamy neck fur, checking that the special stone I'd picked up was still there. The warmth in my fur told me that it was safe and sound- despite Xanthor seeming peaceful now I wasn't sure how he'd react to the stone as I was fairly sure it wasn't just an everyday occurrence. "W-what do you mean b-by that?" I asked nervously, almost afraid of the answer.

"That leads me to my second question: Why are you on the run, Star?" Xanthor asked gently, and this made me more confused. I thought he knew about the stone, I thought to myself, though I was glad he didn't. "Umm…" I gulped- how much did I really want to share with this Cyndaquil? How did I know he wasn't with them? But then, he didn't seem at all like one of them and he probably could have killed me already if he really wanted to.

"I… I'm b-being chased…" I admitted, my voice thick with emotion. "A-A group of G-Greninja are c-chasing me. They've… they've b-been at it f-for years. They…" I took a deep breath, for I hadn't openly talked about the group to anyone for a long time. "They k-killed m-my p-p-parents," I sobbed, unable to hold back the floodgates.

I heard a soft sigh and the next thing I knew warm paws were wrapping me in a gentle hug. I gave a small gasp and looked up at Xanthor through blurry eyes, and for the first time in as long as I could remember I felt safe. Even though he was a stranger, even though I knew almost nothing about him, Xanthor was showing me the kindness I'd not received for many years. I buried my head in his shoulder and cried until I had no tears left, and through it all he rubbed my back and held me in his embrace, giving me the chance to just let it all out.

Eventually I pulled back with a sniffle, admittedly feeling better than before. He smiled kindly and patted my head before retreating to his chair opposite me. "Feel better?" he asked after a few moments longer, and I nodded. "T-thank you… I-I really n-needed that," I said quietly, managing a small smile. He leant forward slightly to speak again. "I don't know you. You could be a thief, a criminal or any other common lowlife. But I know you're not, and I promise that while you rest here I will not let anyone lay a paw on you Star," he said, staring seriously into my eyes. I nodded hesitantly, though inside I was leaping for joy at such kind words. He spat another flame onto the fire and leaned back again.

"If you have something to ask, it's your turn," he prompted with an easy smile that urged me and gave me strength. But there was something I had to get off my chest, and it was only going to eat away at me if I didn't share it with Xanthor. "Umm… w-what are you g-going to do now?" I didn't word it how I was thinking of it; What's going to happen to me? Would have been better, but I didn't want to sound like I was scared. Fortunately he seemed to understand what I was really asking and he regarded me carefully as he spoke. "I'm going to leave that to you, Star. You have shelter, warmth, food for as long as you wish to stay here, but you can leave whenever you like. I won't try to stop you." That was what I'd wanted to hear, to know beyond all doubt that I was truly under no threat. The sincerity in his words and on his face told me that he was being completely honest, and that relaxed me more than anything else had today. As much as he didn't want to though, his next question would completely change that.

He fell silent again for a long moment; "My last question is something of great interest. What is that stone you are carrying?" he asked me, one eyebrow raised in anticipation. I felt a sudden chill- how had he known about that?! It was undoubtedly not the smartest thing to do but I decided in my moment of panic to pretend I didn't know what he meant. "S-Stone? W-What do you m-mean? I-I haven't g-got any s-stones," I stammered nervously. Xanthor gave an almost imperceptible sigh. "I think you know what I mean. I can sense its aura around you," he said in a not-so-helpful-to-me neutral tone. I gulped and shuffled uncomfortably in my seat. I clearly wasn't going to get far with this so I decided to just be honest. "I f-f-found it, w-when a s-shooting star h-h-hit the g-ground t-this morning," I squeaked. Xanthor must have seen truth because he smiled warmly this time.

"You must be very lucky to have found it then. Few Pokemon will even get to see a shooting star, never mind come across one that crashed," he remarked, and I'll admit I felt a little proud at that, to be one of the few who experienced it! And after a short hesitation I took the stone out of my creamy neck fur, feeling its heat in my paw. The jagged side hadn't actually cut me- I never considered that when I put the stone in my fur, but somehow I was okay. In fact, even running a tentative paw over it did nothing. "May I see it?" his voice cut through my thoughts and I looked up at him. Did I trust him with it? But then, he hadn't stolen it yet and he could easily have overpowered me if he wanted. With this in mind, I hesitantly reached my paw out and handed Xanthor the stone. He took it, weighing it in his paw and looking closely at the different colours. He traced over the imprints and winced as the jagged side bit into him. Eventually he looked up.

I had the feeling he knew what it was, and indeed I didn't have to wait to find out. "This is extremely rare! In fact, it's part of an ancient story actually," he told me beckoning me towards him and the stone. I leaned forwards to look more closely as he pointed to the jagged side; "This is only a piece. Another will fit with those indents." This was definitely a surprise, and it must have shown on my face for he smiled and got up. "Wait here," he said, heading back into his bedroom. I stared after him, puzzled, but did as he asked.

I couldn't deny that I was a little curious as to what Xanthor was doing so it was fortunate that I only had to wait a few moments before he returned with a large and heavy book, ornately decorated and very well-kept. He came to sit beside me this time and set the book down, flicking through until he found what he was looking for. "Here we are, take a look Star," he encouraged, gesturing to the page he'd turned to. I cast my eyes downwards to find an exact picture of the stone I'd come across before, complete with the jagged marks down one side. And next to it were three more stones that looked almost identical, save for the jagged marks being in different places on each stone. Whereas the marks were on the left-hand side of my stone, they were on the bottom of one and on the right of another. The middle stone was the strangest, for it had those jagged indents on both sides and on its top. I stared at the page for a few more moments as I tried to spot any more differences, but they were all the same light grey with the same seven colours in the same places as on my stone.

"W-What do they m-mean? A-And why are t-they all slightly d-different?" I asked eventually, looking at Xanthor who had been patiently waiting for me to comment. "These are part of a prophecy, an ancient legend. Where those indents are on the stones is where they fit together to form an amulet of sorts," he explained, pointing to the next page which indeed showed them all combined together to form a circular shape in the middle, with the three other stones set at equal distances around the main one. There were no marks to show they'd all been slotted together- to anyone who only saw that page it would appear they were made as one item, not four. The most significant detail though was the fact that the amulet was glowing. It had a soft white light coming out of the centre that made it look even more beautiful than it already was.

"Wow…" I marvelled, suddenly wishing I had the whole thing and not just the piece that I possessed. Xanthor chuckled quietly as if he'd expected that reaction from me, which he probably had at this point. He looked at me as he continued; "This amulet is called the Eterna-Stone. It's named for what it can do. The legend says that it can unlock almost unlimited power. You know what Dittos are so unique for?" I nodded- everyone knew what made those pink Pokemon so special: they could morph themselves into any Pokemon that stood before them, even gaining the abilities and moves of that species. It was even said that some didn't need the Pokemon to physically be there, as long as they had met them they claimed to be able to take their form. Unfortunately very few Dittos were known to exist anymore after they were hunted down and used for their shapeshifting abilities. Those that remained were smart enough to either hide themselves away or take the form of another species to go about their lives.

"Well the Eterna-Stone is said to grant the user the power to take the form of any Pokemon, whether they've seen it before or not. Using the stone properly, its user could theoretically live forever!" Xanthor told me, that earning a gasp of astonishment from me. How could such a thing exist? And where were the other pieces? Had they already been found? So many questions swirled in my head and when I tried to speak I ended up just stuttering incomprehensibly. I clammed up and sealed my maw shut, looking down at the floor as my cheeks flushed crimson in embarrassment… until I felt a warm paw gently lift my head up to look into a pair of… well, his eyes were closed like any Cyndaquil's but you get the point.

Xanthor smiled softly. "It's a lot to take in, I know. But you don't have to do anything. That stone is your treasure, Star." When I thought about it, he was right- I couldn't worry about that now when I had pursuers constantly on my tail. And besides, where would I even find the other pieces if I wanted to? I bit my lip apprehensively and then quietly said "I c-can't go l-looking for the stones. I-I have to get a-away from the G-Greninjas b-before they catch me."

Whether or not it was what he expected from me, he gave very little away, instead sitting back and regarding me for several moments. "When do you plan to stop running? You can't hope to outrun every problem you face in your life," he said not unkindly. He was right, and I'd realised this a great many times in the last few years, but I didn't know what else I could do about my pursuers. Certainly I couldn't fight them, in fact I wasn't sure anyone could. Xanthor must have noticed my look of helplessness for he gave me a small smile once more.

"There's a city nearby. Armonia is it's name, and you'll be safe there. The defences are impenetrable and nobody from outside can get to you. As soon as you reach it you can stop running," he told me, piquing my interest immediately. A place like that sounded like heaven and I knew that was where I had to go now. "W-What about you?" I still asked though, for I didn't want harm to befall Xanthor, even if I had only known him for the briefest of times. "What about me? I'll stay here. This is my home, and if someone should charge in I will remove them. My place is here, but yours is in safety. In Armonia."

It seemed like it would be wrong to just leave him here now, but he wasn't going to leave his home and he had made it clear I should go. When I thought about it, that made more sense- he'd be much harder pressed to keep both of us safe than just himself. But I felt like I was already safe here. Of course, fate clearly still hated me because no sooner had I thought that I heard a howl from outside. I jumped in fright and looked towards the entrance. Xanthor stiffened and rose to his feet, already moving towards the cave mouth.

He turned to look at me and beckoned me towards him. "I believe it's time for you to leave me. Your pursuers from before have returned." I felt a chill run down my spine- how could the Greninjas have found me already?! I heard another howl and the logical part of me realised something: Greninjas don't howl… So who was- "The Poochyena?" I asked Xanthor and he nodded. "It must be hungry. Sounds like it might be bringing its pack over here. Which is why you have to go."

Again I didn't want to leave Xanthor though after all he'd done for me. I could tell he wouldn't take no for an answer though this time by the firmness in his voice and his eyes so I just nodded meekly. "Head East and you should find your way out of the forest soon. Then you just have to cross the Gale Plains and you'll find Armonia there," he instructed. That sounded like quite a journey but I didn't dare argue. Something told me this would be my last chance at escaping the Greninjas properly and I wasn't about to throw that away after how far I'd come.

I felt I should thank him in some way but I had nothing I could give him. So I settled for the next best thing. "Once I'm i-in the city I'll c-come back with a g-gift. Y-You saved my l-life," I told him. Xanthor smiled warmly and said "Get to Armonia and you'll be able to do that. Now run, run and don't look back until you're safe." This time I didn't hesitate, I turned and headed off in the direction he'd pointed me, determined to reach the city, if not for myself then for him. I spared one more glance back as I ran and saw Xanthor standing stoically before his cave, ready to fiercely defend his home. Even if it killed him.

Xanthor's PoV

I cast a glance across to make sure Star was out of sight, then my mind turned to the battle ahead. The howls were getting more frequent and I could hear more and more of the Poochyenas approaching. They must have been desperate for the whole pack to come back, I thought grimly to myself. The wilds were tough and unfortunately not everyone could survive. But I wasn't about to give in to a group of them just because they were hungry. The little Eevee's life depended on it, especially if she now carried an Eterna Stone. Before I could ponder any further on the matter though the first of my attackers came into view.

It was clear right away that these hadn't eaten well recently, for they looked stringy and had the primal look in their eyes of someone half-starved and desperate. The fire on my back flared up fiercely with my resolve; these Pokemon might be starving but a desperate enemy is a dangerous one. If the whole pack was here then this would be a nasty fight. I held my ground as the Poochyenas continued to pour into the clearing before my cave- attacking now would only be suicide. I needed to be smart to overcome the odds.

The arrival of a Mightyena told me the whole pack was now here. I swept my eyes around and counted twenty of them- long odds even for a capable fighter. The Mightyena stepped forwards and bared its fangs at me, sharp and pointed like the implements of death they were. "Where is the Eevee?" it snarled, to which I regarded him with quite a neutral expression as I replied simply "Gone." Obviously the Mightyena didn't like that for it gave a deep growl and darted forwards, pinning me between claws just as dangerous as its fangs. "One more time. Where is the Eevee?" it said in a low voice.

I opened my mouth but instead of words, a torrent of flames poured out, flowing over the Mightyena's face and scorching it, causing it to release me as it reeled back screaming. And that was when the rest of the pack attacked me. As they all darted forwards I jumped into the air and shot another geyser of flame from my maw with enough force to propel myself backwards to a safer point and burn the closest Poochyenas. I smiled grimly; I would buy Star the time she needed to escape.

As the pack closed in I focused and released a burst of smoke from my mouth, clouding the area around me in thick grey murk. I heard yelps of confusion as those that had already reached me were blinded. Dodging several wild swipes and slamming a head into the ground in front of me I leaped out of the smoke cloud and threw the smallest of embers into the smoke. It went up with a huge bang as the whole smokescreen erupted like a volcanic explosion, throwing a half dozen scorched and broken bodies away.

By now the remaining savages were upon me so I was forced to resort to using my physical strength to fight back. The Poochyenas were fast and had fearsome claws but I was faster. Swirling flames formed around me as I dashed to and fro, throwing embers all around me and catching as many attacks as I could to reverse them back on my assailants with their own strength. A claw gashed my back, a fang nicked my shoulder but all of my shallow wounds would heal, unlike the hunting Pokemon that were thrown away by an explosion or scorched beyond recognition by a flamethrower.

Out of nowhere a larger body threw itself at me and tackled me to the ground: the Mightyena, face still smoking and looking beyond furious. Its fetid fangs darted for my throat and I shoved my small head forwards and blasted a gout of flames straight down its throat before kicking the charred body away. Though they were desperate, the pack could easily tell they were losing for the remaining survivors- barely half a dozen of them, most suffering from severe burns- backed up and with one look at their leader fled back into the forest to nurse their injuries and seek easier prey.

I smiled to myself- now Star would be able to reach the city without being run down by the wolf-like Pokemon that had pursued her earlier. I retreated back into my cave, my job here done. Star's future was back in her own paws now, though I knew we would meet again. She held one of the Eterna Stones after all…