It's been a while, hasn't it? Well, consider it a hiatus or an
intermission, or SOMETHING of that nature. All in all, I've been kind of
busy. But I apologize. I did finally get an art archive on Side7, you can
visit it at: http://www.side7.com/art/katduga/gallery.html
Yeah, so that's my site. You'll probably have to scroll down to see the stuff I uploaded concerning this story, but its there. Requests, especially Pokemon and such are acceptable! Also, I would really still like some feedback on this story. Any real questions you have about this? Comments? Flames? Go for it. I really want to know if I should continue this type of writing or if I should just quit now. Thank you all so much!!!
I don't own Pokemon. Yet again.
*****
Watson was at the head of the trackers as they slammed the door open. Although he didn't possess a tranquilizer gun himself, he had armed himself with the next best thing: one of the tough plastic nets, affixed to a fiberglass pole about 4 feet long. It was this that he brandished in one scarred hand while still carrying the beat up energy reader with the other. The device had told him where the Ice energy was.
The trail had wound haphazardly though every single room in the building, sometimes weakening, but stopping at every single cage. The trackers had looked confused at the cage doors, which now all swung open, their prisoners released. For hours the trackers, led by Watson, had followed the Ice trail as it wound upon itself, often looping about somewhere only to dead end. Watson could hardly think that the test animal was intelligently trying to release all its fellows. But finally, the confusing Ice trail had ended in the Incubation Room.
And for the first time since the escape, he and Strange One met face to face.
The entire group of escapees fell silent. Many of them were frightened by humans-and for good reason. But others had gone too far and suffered too much to fear them anymore. The Charmander with the damaged voice showed his teeth, and the flame on his tail temporarily returned to its full flare.
But Strange One, at the head of the group, saw nothing of it.
All he saw was Watson.
He didn't know the scientist by name, but the human's face had burned itself into Strange One's mind. The one who had held him captive, the one who gave him the injections, the one who sundered him from his own kind.
The one who had made him Pikablu.
Strange One's eyes narrowed his eyes, and his cheeks crackled dangerously. It grew considerably colder.
It was at this point that Watson realized something. Even with the trackers at his back, and the considerably smaller stature of those he was up against, they seriously outnumbered his group. He wavered slightly, and the net rattled in his hand. What was he to do?
Strange One had no such problem deciding.
He charged!
And behind him, the escapees followed, each screaming its own warcry in its own distinct tongue.
Many trackers were simply overwhelmed, trampled flat by the sheer number of the swarm. However, several began to fight back, lashing out with the butts of the tranquilizers. Others fired randomly into the fray, hoping to hit something.
Watson, having only the net, found nothing better to do then use the long pole as a weapon. Abandoning the scanner, he took the pole in both hands, just as the test animal leapt for him. The doctor took a lucky swing.
Strange One, unable to change his trajectory in mid-leap, could only brace himself as the pole connected solidly with his side. With a cry of dismay, he was knocked heavily sideways, crashing heavily onto the floor on all fours. Dazed, he half-stood, then fell down again.
Watson stared gaspingly at the fiberglass pole in his hands. It had cracked cleanly in half in impact with the Pikablu. Both ends were heavily laid with frost, and his disfigured hands ached horribly as the cold touched his skin. Exhaling slightly, he stared at the injured test animal. Watson smiled grimly. He had done it.
"Hah!"
The single outburst echoed suddenly. Watson looked about himself, confused. Why had it suddenly become so quiet? The reason hit him like a bullet train into a cement wall.
His trackers had fled. He was the only human left. Hundreds of eyes turned silently on him. Angry eyes. Eyes that he had mocked every day from the other sides of the cage bars. He knew those eyes and feared them, but never like this.
Without a sound, Watson's nerves failed him, and he too fled down the hall, his footsteps the only thing heard echoing in the room.
The Charmander growled, and started purposely after Watson.
He can't run, we are faster then him!
Leave him.
All eyes turned where Strange One lie prone on the floor. One of his eyes half-opened and stared intensely at the Charmander. With deliberate care, Strange One levered himself upright, immediately wishing he hadn't. His whole left side was a throbbing mass of bruise, broken bone, and pain. Gritting his teeth, Strange One spoke again, his voice subdued and rather quiet.
He's not worth it. He's just a pathetic show of what humans can become. If we start to become angry and hate so much that we feel we need to kill him to satisfy ourselves, then we ourselves have become as pathetic as the human. Some of humankind might have gone so low as to kill and murder living things for their own pleasure. Let us hope our own kind does not sink so low.
Silently thanking Promise's wisdom for showing itself, the Pikablu stood straight. The feather behind his ear started to glow again. Inhaling slowly sent a new wave of pain down his side. But Strange One chose to ignore it.
Let's go. Far from here.
There was no argument.
*****
The trackers had made it outside. Several were limping, and most of them were bleeding from the melee. Clearing his throat, one of the less dense ones looked around him.
"Beaten up by a bunch of animals. This is pathetic!!"
There was a murmur of agreement. The men were just too injured to argue otherwise. The man continued dejectedly. "I'm sick of listening to a washed up crackpot who's to foolish to be smart. I say we desert. The helicopters are still here, right?"
Sure enough, the two helicopters remained where they had been left, glinting brightly in the early evening sunlight. Only 30 or so yards away from them.
A second voice spoke. "I dunno what The Boss would say about that. He doesn't take well to deserters…"
There was another murmur of assent. The first man to speak sighed aloud. "So what do you suggest?" He said, sounding angry.
There was a sudden noise, and the trackers found themselves literally surrounded by a hundred Eevee evolutions. Blue, yellow, crimson and brown, each stared silently at the small group of humans. Several showed their teeth.
The second man's eyes widened several inches. "On second thought…maybe a strategical retreat would be a good idea after all…"
Slowly, the circle of Eevee evolutions opened, leaving a clear path for the trackers to move towards the helicopters. Raising a collective eyebrow, the trackers looked at each other. Finally, the first man shrugged.
"I'm leaving."
He strode purposefully towards the helicopters, followed by the score of beaten trackers. Behind them, still as stern as ever walked the army of Eevees. It was obvious that any tracker who stepped out of line would find himself shocked, burned, and frozen, not necessarily in that order.
It was with an air of dejectedness that the trackers wordlessly filed into the two helicopters. The army stood impassively as the chopper blades began to turn, slowly at first but then building up speed as centrifugal force increased. Soon the blades were a blur, and the helicopters lifted off the ground with a downblast of wind. Some younger Eevees ducked as the sound grew to a roar.
Standing away from the crowd , at the crest of a hill, and watching as the helicopters grew smaller in the distance, were two quadruped figures. The larger figure was midnight black, and looked uncomfortable. The second, smaller violet figure blinked slowly and looked to her companion.
How are you feeling, Promise?
Promise raised an ear, cocking his head quizzically to one side. What?
I asked how you were feeling.
Promise's shyness around Solei hadn't abated any more then his love had. Staring directly at his forepaws, he murmured, Okay, I guess.
Being an Espeon and a Psychic, Solei knew better. It was true that her skills as a mind reader were strong, but reading the minds of Dark types were beyond her unless they deliberately allowed her to. Dark types had a strict advantage over Psychics in that matter. She could have asked him what was wrong. But she decided to keep silent. If Promise wanted to say anything, he would have to say it on his own.
Promise lifted his head as the helicopters faded into the blue sky. Turning his head towards the now abandoned laboratory, he said, I've got to find Strange One. Standing, he started to walk down the hill, the wind tickling his nose.
After a few steps, he paused awkwardly, one forepaw in the air. Turning, he looked back at Solei. I'd love it, I mean you, I mean I love you and would love you…to go with me. He stopped, stumbling lamely over his words. He wobbled slightly. Had he said what he thought he had said?
You idiot, he thought to himself.
I love you too. Solei said quietly.
This time, Promise really did stumble, landing in a heap several yards away at the bottom of the hill. So much for the sleek and graceful image of the Umbreon. Feeling the fool, Promise would have blushed had he been able.
Opening one eye, he glanced up at Solei, who stood at his side, looking concerned.
Are you sure you're okay? She asked daintily, licking his cheek.
Promise's eyes snapped open.
Looking sad, Solei sat down beside him as he sat up. I wanted to tell you at the Eclipse Festival. But I guess I was scared, and then you started talking…Then the Eclipse came and we evolved-
Promise nodded, still struck dumb.
You were a handsome Eevee, and you make an even more handsome Umbreon. But then you ran off and disappeared. I thought it was because you didn't like me at first, but I guess…
That wasn't it. The Umbreon's voice was still very quiet.
Solei turned her head and looked at him.
I- I was ashamed at what I had become. Our parents always told us, 'never stay out at night because you might become one of the Buarraki.' That Dark is bad. If that wasn't bad enough, you were Espeon…beautiful, graceful, a day walker…
Solei leaned against the Umbreon and closed her eyes. That doesn't matter. If we're opposites in form, then so be it. But it's what we see inside each other that does matter.
They didn't need to say what they saw inside each other. Solei didn't need to read Promise's mind to know any more then Promise needed to be a mind reader. They loved each other and that's all that mattered at the moment.
Solei gently stood. So, shall we go find your friend?
Strange One! Promise blinked hard. Dummy! You would forget your friend, wouldn't you?! I hope he's alright.
The two lovers ran towards the lab, side by side and perfectly matching each other's
stride.
*****
Strange One was struggling to stay conscious. As it was, he could only support himself on three legs. Several times the Charmander with the bad voice looked back, concerned at him.
Are you sure you don't want help?
The Pikablu would only furrow his brow and deny his pain when asked.
They were making their way, slowly back towards the heating ducts that Strange One had originally used. The problem was that only the smaller members of the group could fit into such a small crawlspace. Those whose height exceeded 2 feet would not be able to get out that way.
After making sure that the smaller members had successfully gotten out of the lab, Strange One turned towards the others.
We need to find a door.
The others nodded slowly in agreement. A one-eyed female Hitmonchan scratched the back of her head. If only we'd seen the way those humans ran.
Strange One nodded, wincing and blinking back stars. He was still denying the fact he was in pain. The feather behind his ear pulsed with energy, matching his heartbeat, and with it the throbbing in his side.
A quiet, husky voice in the back made itself known. We do not need to see to know which way they went.
Strange One peered through his flashing vision. What do you mean?
An Archanine slowly shuffled its way out of its position in back. His footsteps were slow and deliberate, and his frame, while large, denoted that he was of great age. Slowly, the old Fire-type lowered his head until the huge sable nose was level with the Pikablu's. Breathing in gently, he nodded.
Strange One said simply, You are blind.
Empty black eye-sockets existed where eyes should have been in the large dog's skull. Yes, he said, but I do know which way the humans went. Sometimes our other senses can see what the eyes cannot. I smell the sweat that they left in the air, I feel the movement of the air towards the exit. I hear the sound of the wind blowing from the outside. Slowly, the Archanine's head lifted, pointing down a simple hallway.
Strange One nodded, and the group slowly moved on. The Pikablu was bracing himself to move when the Archanine's voice halted him.
You are in great pain, young one. You will die soon if you are not given aid. Even now the joints in your body are stiffening. In a few more minutes, you will find yourself paralyzed. Another minute, and you will fall unconscious.
Strange One blinked, but before he could fall, the Archanine's great jaws lifted him as gently and easily as a kitten. He would have given a cry of shock, but the mere thought made him think of pain.
The Archanine walked slowly down the hall, towards the waning daylight, following his ears, his nose, and his instinct. In his mouth, the Pikablu feebly fought back the unconsciousness, before slowly succumbing to it.
Yeah, so that's my site. You'll probably have to scroll down to see the stuff I uploaded concerning this story, but its there. Requests, especially Pokemon and such are acceptable! Also, I would really still like some feedback on this story. Any real questions you have about this? Comments? Flames? Go for it. I really want to know if I should continue this type of writing or if I should just quit now. Thank you all so much!!!
I don't own Pokemon. Yet again.
*****
Watson was at the head of the trackers as they slammed the door open. Although he didn't possess a tranquilizer gun himself, he had armed himself with the next best thing: one of the tough plastic nets, affixed to a fiberglass pole about 4 feet long. It was this that he brandished in one scarred hand while still carrying the beat up energy reader with the other. The device had told him where the Ice energy was.
The trail had wound haphazardly though every single room in the building, sometimes weakening, but stopping at every single cage. The trackers had looked confused at the cage doors, which now all swung open, their prisoners released. For hours the trackers, led by Watson, had followed the Ice trail as it wound upon itself, often looping about somewhere only to dead end. Watson could hardly think that the test animal was intelligently trying to release all its fellows. But finally, the confusing Ice trail had ended in the Incubation Room.
And for the first time since the escape, he and Strange One met face to face.
The entire group of escapees fell silent. Many of them were frightened by humans-and for good reason. But others had gone too far and suffered too much to fear them anymore. The Charmander with the damaged voice showed his teeth, and the flame on his tail temporarily returned to its full flare.
But Strange One, at the head of the group, saw nothing of it.
All he saw was Watson.
He didn't know the scientist by name, but the human's face had burned itself into Strange One's mind. The one who had held him captive, the one who gave him the injections, the one who sundered him from his own kind.
The one who had made him Pikablu.
Strange One's eyes narrowed his eyes, and his cheeks crackled dangerously. It grew considerably colder.
It was at this point that Watson realized something. Even with the trackers at his back, and the considerably smaller stature of those he was up against, they seriously outnumbered his group. He wavered slightly, and the net rattled in his hand. What was he to do?
Strange One had no such problem deciding.
He charged!
And behind him, the escapees followed, each screaming its own warcry in its own distinct tongue.
Many trackers were simply overwhelmed, trampled flat by the sheer number of the swarm. However, several began to fight back, lashing out with the butts of the tranquilizers. Others fired randomly into the fray, hoping to hit something.
Watson, having only the net, found nothing better to do then use the long pole as a weapon. Abandoning the scanner, he took the pole in both hands, just as the test animal leapt for him. The doctor took a lucky swing.
Strange One, unable to change his trajectory in mid-leap, could only brace himself as the pole connected solidly with his side. With a cry of dismay, he was knocked heavily sideways, crashing heavily onto the floor on all fours. Dazed, he half-stood, then fell down again.
Watson stared gaspingly at the fiberglass pole in his hands. It had cracked cleanly in half in impact with the Pikablu. Both ends were heavily laid with frost, and his disfigured hands ached horribly as the cold touched his skin. Exhaling slightly, he stared at the injured test animal. Watson smiled grimly. He had done it.
"Hah!"
The single outburst echoed suddenly. Watson looked about himself, confused. Why had it suddenly become so quiet? The reason hit him like a bullet train into a cement wall.
His trackers had fled. He was the only human left. Hundreds of eyes turned silently on him. Angry eyes. Eyes that he had mocked every day from the other sides of the cage bars. He knew those eyes and feared them, but never like this.
Without a sound, Watson's nerves failed him, and he too fled down the hall, his footsteps the only thing heard echoing in the room.
The Charmander growled, and started purposely after Watson.
He can't run, we are faster then him!
Leave him.
All eyes turned where Strange One lie prone on the floor. One of his eyes half-opened and stared intensely at the Charmander. With deliberate care, Strange One levered himself upright, immediately wishing he hadn't. His whole left side was a throbbing mass of bruise, broken bone, and pain. Gritting his teeth, Strange One spoke again, his voice subdued and rather quiet.
He's not worth it. He's just a pathetic show of what humans can become. If we start to become angry and hate so much that we feel we need to kill him to satisfy ourselves, then we ourselves have become as pathetic as the human. Some of humankind might have gone so low as to kill and murder living things for their own pleasure. Let us hope our own kind does not sink so low.
Silently thanking Promise's wisdom for showing itself, the Pikablu stood straight. The feather behind his ear started to glow again. Inhaling slowly sent a new wave of pain down his side. But Strange One chose to ignore it.
Let's go. Far from here.
There was no argument.
*****
The trackers had made it outside. Several were limping, and most of them were bleeding from the melee. Clearing his throat, one of the less dense ones looked around him.
"Beaten up by a bunch of animals. This is pathetic!!"
There was a murmur of agreement. The men were just too injured to argue otherwise. The man continued dejectedly. "I'm sick of listening to a washed up crackpot who's to foolish to be smart. I say we desert. The helicopters are still here, right?"
Sure enough, the two helicopters remained where they had been left, glinting brightly in the early evening sunlight. Only 30 or so yards away from them.
A second voice spoke. "I dunno what The Boss would say about that. He doesn't take well to deserters…"
There was another murmur of assent. The first man to speak sighed aloud. "So what do you suggest?" He said, sounding angry.
There was a sudden noise, and the trackers found themselves literally surrounded by a hundred Eevee evolutions. Blue, yellow, crimson and brown, each stared silently at the small group of humans. Several showed their teeth.
The second man's eyes widened several inches. "On second thought…maybe a strategical retreat would be a good idea after all…"
Slowly, the circle of Eevee evolutions opened, leaving a clear path for the trackers to move towards the helicopters. Raising a collective eyebrow, the trackers looked at each other. Finally, the first man shrugged.
"I'm leaving."
He strode purposefully towards the helicopters, followed by the score of beaten trackers. Behind them, still as stern as ever walked the army of Eevees. It was obvious that any tracker who stepped out of line would find himself shocked, burned, and frozen, not necessarily in that order.
It was with an air of dejectedness that the trackers wordlessly filed into the two helicopters. The army stood impassively as the chopper blades began to turn, slowly at first but then building up speed as centrifugal force increased. Soon the blades were a blur, and the helicopters lifted off the ground with a downblast of wind. Some younger Eevees ducked as the sound grew to a roar.
Standing away from the crowd , at the crest of a hill, and watching as the helicopters grew smaller in the distance, were two quadruped figures. The larger figure was midnight black, and looked uncomfortable. The second, smaller violet figure blinked slowly and looked to her companion.
How are you feeling, Promise?
Promise raised an ear, cocking his head quizzically to one side. What?
I asked how you were feeling.
Promise's shyness around Solei hadn't abated any more then his love had. Staring directly at his forepaws, he murmured, Okay, I guess.
Being an Espeon and a Psychic, Solei knew better. It was true that her skills as a mind reader were strong, but reading the minds of Dark types were beyond her unless they deliberately allowed her to. Dark types had a strict advantage over Psychics in that matter. She could have asked him what was wrong. But she decided to keep silent. If Promise wanted to say anything, he would have to say it on his own.
Promise lifted his head as the helicopters faded into the blue sky. Turning his head towards the now abandoned laboratory, he said, I've got to find Strange One. Standing, he started to walk down the hill, the wind tickling his nose.
After a few steps, he paused awkwardly, one forepaw in the air. Turning, he looked back at Solei. I'd love it, I mean you, I mean I love you and would love you…to go with me. He stopped, stumbling lamely over his words. He wobbled slightly. Had he said what he thought he had said?
You idiot, he thought to himself.
I love you too. Solei said quietly.
This time, Promise really did stumble, landing in a heap several yards away at the bottom of the hill. So much for the sleek and graceful image of the Umbreon. Feeling the fool, Promise would have blushed had he been able.
Opening one eye, he glanced up at Solei, who stood at his side, looking concerned.
Are you sure you're okay? She asked daintily, licking his cheek.
Promise's eyes snapped open.
Looking sad, Solei sat down beside him as he sat up. I wanted to tell you at the Eclipse Festival. But I guess I was scared, and then you started talking…Then the Eclipse came and we evolved-
Promise nodded, still struck dumb.
You were a handsome Eevee, and you make an even more handsome Umbreon. But then you ran off and disappeared. I thought it was because you didn't like me at first, but I guess…
That wasn't it. The Umbreon's voice was still very quiet.
Solei turned her head and looked at him.
I- I was ashamed at what I had become. Our parents always told us, 'never stay out at night because you might become one of the Buarraki.' That Dark is bad. If that wasn't bad enough, you were Espeon…beautiful, graceful, a day walker…
Solei leaned against the Umbreon and closed her eyes. That doesn't matter. If we're opposites in form, then so be it. But it's what we see inside each other that does matter.
They didn't need to say what they saw inside each other. Solei didn't need to read Promise's mind to know any more then Promise needed to be a mind reader. They loved each other and that's all that mattered at the moment.
Solei gently stood. So, shall we go find your friend?
Strange One! Promise blinked hard. Dummy! You would forget your friend, wouldn't you?! I hope he's alright.
The two lovers ran towards the lab, side by side and perfectly matching each other's
stride.
*****
Strange One was struggling to stay conscious. As it was, he could only support himself on three legs. Several times the Charmander with the bad voice looked back, concerned at him.
Are you sure you don't want help?
The Pikablu would only furrow his brow and deny his pain when asked.
They were making their way, slowly back towards the heating ducts that Strange One had originally used. The problem was that only the smaller members of the group could fit into such a small crawlspace. Those whose height exceeded 2 feet would not be able to get out that way.
After making sure that the smaller members had successfully gotten out of the lab, Strange One turned towards the others.
We need to find a door.
The others nodded slowly in agreement. A one-eyed female Hitmonchan scratched the back of her head. If only we'd seen the way those humans ran.
Strange One nodded, wincing and blinking back stars. He was still denying the fact he was in pain. The feather behind his ear pulsed with energy, matching his heartbeat, and with it the throbbing in his side.
A quiet, husky voice in the back made itself known. We do not need to see to know which way they went.
Strange One peered through his flashing vision. What do you mean?
An Archanine slowly shuffled its way out of its position in back. His footsteps were slow and deliberate, and his frame, while large, denoted that he was of great age. Slowly, the old Fire-type lowered his head until the huge sable nose was level with the Pikablu's. Breathing in gently, he nodded.
Strange One said simply, You are blind.
Empty black eye-sockets existed where eyes should have been in the large dog's skull. Yes, he said, but I do know which way the humans went. Sometimes our other senses can see what the eyes cannot. I smell the sweat that they left in the air, I feel the movement of the air towards the exit. I hear the sound of the wind blowing from the outside. Slowly, the Archanine's head lifted, pointing down a simple hallway.
Strange One nodded, and the group slowly moved on. The Pikablu was bracing himself to move when the Archanine's voice halted him.
You are in great pain, young one. You will die soon if you are not given aid. Even now the joints in your body are stiffening. In a few more minutes, you will find yourself paralyzed. Another minute, and you will fall unconscious.
Strange One blinked, but before he could fall, the Archanine's great jaws lifted him as gently and easily as a kitten. He would have given a cry of shock, but the mere thought made him think of pain.
The Archanine walked slowly down the hall, towards the waning daylight, following his ears, his nose, and his instinct. In his mouth, the Pikablu feebly fought back the unconsciousness, before slowly succumbing to it.