Sparkle and Sparky continued on their way, traveling along a winding dirt trail with trees encircling it. The sun had risen high in the sky, and it was beautiful scenery. But Sparkle and her brother were too worried for their parents too care about the scenery.

With paws clasped together they went on. They had to find the stone of the stars. They had to. It might be hard, but they could do it together.

"Do you know where the stone is?" Sparkle asked her brother.

"No, but I'm sure we'll find it. We've got to." Sparky answered.

"I hope we don't run into any unfriendly pokemon." Sparkle said, slightly worried.

"Don't worry, we can out run them, we're fast." Sparky assured her.

Sparkle managed a small smile. She was glad her brother was with her. They continue to walk, silently, minds drifting.

From the bushes along the path, big Raticate crouched, watching the plusle and minun. They were on HIS territory. He would teach them a lesson. He bared his huge fangs and sprang forward, landing right in front of Sparkle and Sparky. They stepped back in surprise. "A Raticate!" Sparky exclaimed.

"You're trespassing on my territory," the Raticate bellowed.

"The forest belongs to everyone, not just you!" Sparkle protested.

The Raticate lunged with a hyper fang, but with their speed Sparky and Sparkle managed to dodge. He lunged again, and almost made contact with Sparkle. "We can't keep dodging!" Sparky said.

Another attack. Another barely missed dodge. From high upon a rock stood an Umbreon, watching the battle intently. "They cannot keep dodging for long. I'll lend my help." He said, leaping skillfully from rock to rock to reach the battle. He made one more spring, and landed smack dab in the middle of the battle.

The Raticate, as well as Sparky and Sparkle, seemed surprised. "I'll beat you too then!" The Raticate hissed as he lunged again, this time directed towards the Umbreon. But the Umbreon opened his jaws and hit the Raticate head on with a crunch attack.

The Raticate fell, in a faint. Sparkle and Sparky stared at the Umbreon. "You saved us!" Sparky exclaimed.

"Thank you!" Sparkle cheered.

"It was nothing." The Umbreon said.

"I'm Sparky." Sparky introduced himself, and Sparkle said, "I'm Sparkle."

"Everyone calls me Darkness." The Umbreon, Darkness, answered with a slight bow of his head, "What brings you out here?"

Sparkle explained sadly about their parents and the Stone of the Stars. Darkness listened silently. "Sounds interesting. If it is all right, may I join you? Sounds interesting enough." Darkness said.

"That would be helpful." Sparkle said.

"Thanks." Sparky agreed. Having a strong ally would be good on their journey, and a friend.

They set off along the trail once more, but this time it was three instead of two.

Sparkle knew they would find the Stone of the Stars. And they would save their parents, she, Sparky, and Darkness as well.