Author's Note: "id" is seriously a word! That's ridiculous! Lol, well I definitely learned something today! Well, I'm kind of thinking up a sequel for this story (if I make it that far!) …Sorry for the false alarm…I reposted chapter four because something about it was bugging me. Man, I want to write some romance, but seeing as these characters are only like 12 and under, that kind of constricts me to cutesy crush-type stuff…eh, I'm thinking of –evil- romantic plots for the sequel…-looks towards Kelly- Muhaha. :) She isn't going to have to wait that long (queue cutesy crush-type stuff) Lol. A lot of this chapter is actually about Kelly (what's up with her anyway?)

Special thanks to Mew3692002, who took time to review all of my chapters :) I love my reviewers! Frankly, I'm shocked that this fic hasn't gotten flamed yet!

Question for FireSpirit: Do you mind if I give Sofia a Spheal? It will have to do with later chapters and Merick ;)

Disclaimer: I do not own anything Pokemon related. I own the Lochbay Region, Nell, and I half-own Kelly. Kyle is Dinobot's. Sofia is FireSpirit's. Whoever created Pokemon is most probably a creative genius and rich, and I am neither.

Chapter Five: Contemplating

"So…How should we tackle this gym guys? Oh wait; I really have no choice, do I? That is, considering stupid Palee won't battle!" Nell muttered in frustration, regretting letting her first Pokemon off the hook of battling. She didn't feel sorry for him one bit that Ao was still out for his blood, it served him right for being a stuck up prick! Eventually she would run out of bad bribes to get the jerk to do things that normal Pokemon did- mainly not constantly eat and sleep. How did a Pokemon like that even pass the registration process? He probably lied about everything…

The slick Scyther, Ao, stopped at her position on the bed. She had been running around the room in attempt to catch Palee; it was a wonder how he could move so fast, which had Ao thinking that Nell was feeding him super-Pokemon food, and that the girl was keeping the stash from her new Scyther. She looked at her owner, feeling a bit of pity for the girl, who wore a sad expression on her face-one that definitely did not fit her. Ao would gladly fight for the worried girl, even if it meant sacrificing her 'hunt Palee' time, which was her main idea of fun on this rather uneventful journey.

"I'll fight, although I know I'm not very effect against ghosts…" Ao offered, unsure that she would be able to please her trainer. Nell gave her a small smile of encouragement and stared back towards the ground, one thousand thoughts going through her head each minute. There was no way she could beat this gym with only one Pokemon, especially as a new trainer, and even though she learned about battling in school, nothing would compare to the real thing. At this time something crossed her mind- she had never actual had a real Pokemon battle before! Sure, she did pathetically battle her classmates and Merick on the beach, but she couldn't really count those battles, could she? After all, they had all only just gotten their Pokemon and barely even knew their attacks. Why, if she ran into Merick or Sarah Appleton now, they would probably beat her blindfolded. Come to think of it, they both probably had at least their first gym badges…

Nell sighed dejectedly, watching the cowering Palee attempted to fit his large lily pad beneath the round bed in attempt to hide from the angered Scyther. That was just what she needed to find out- that her first Pokemon was a complete coward, though not to mention a conceited jerk. At least she could count on Ao, but for how long? She knew that Ao wouldn't last long in a ghost Pokemon gym…There had to be another way. The sun would rise in one hour, and that was when she had planned to challenge the Marionette Town gym leader- whose name was a mystery- for her first badge. However, that was before she had told Palee that he didn't have to battle. She figured that she could always go out and catch another Pokemon, but Nell remembered that Route 146's grasslands were rather empty, and that she needed a sufficient reason for leaving Marionette Town in such a hurry.

She looked toward her Pokemon, still fretting about what to do. She trusted Ao, but she didn't want her Scyther to suffer a major loss at her expense and definitely not at Palee's expense, after all, this was Palee's fault and nobody else's. If the Lotad would just cooperate for one second, it would be long enough to beat the gym leader's Pokemon.

At six o'clock am on a Sunday morning, Nell had decided to take things into her own hands- she would go out and catch another Pokemon. It was her only choice.

"Get away from me you cursed bug!" Palee hissed at the swiping Scyther, drawing all attention to him.

"No! Die!" Ao growled back, getting more tired as she swiped at the water Pokemon in desperate attempted to injure him as much as he injured her.

If only Palee could evolve…Nell stopped in mid-thought. It was said that when some Pokemon evolve, their personalities changed drastically. No, it was hopeless. Even though Lotads evolved into Lombres at level fourteen, there was know way she would be able to get Palee to battle in order to gain four levels. If she could, it would probably cost her a fortune in bribes. What had she bribed him just to help her get into the place? Whatever item he wanted, the promise to not send him out in the upcoming gym battle, and limitless sleep. Who knew what he would want next?

Convinced she would need another Pokemon, Nell turned to Ao. "Okay, here's the plan. In about an hour we're going to go out to find another Pokemon. I'll still use you in the battle if you want to fight, but I honestly think we'll be needed some more backup."

"If that is what you feel is best." Ao agreed, tilting her green head slightly to catch her trainer's eye before continuing to try to hurt Palee.

"Help…" Palee shouted in frantic attempt to get Nell to tell Ao off, thinking that she would actually do it.

"Nope, you deserve it! In fact, Ao why don't you try a little bit harder?" Nell said grinning and bringing her arms back behind her head. She gave a stifled yawn and headed to the bathroom to get changed and ready, hearing terrified shrieks from her first Pokemon. Oh, how she loved life.

Morning struck Eclipse Forest and brought bright sunlight around Kyle's tree base. With the sunlight came a cool breeze that headed up the hole in which produced the tree's climbing vine. Kelly- having only been wearing a tank top and shorts- snuggled closer to the warmth to the side of her. She yawned and shut hers eyes tighter, trying to block out the endless chirping being made by Pidgeys outside. She wondered where Rina was, as she always slept with the Delcatty for warmth and comfort. Surely she hadn't forgotten to let the poor cat out of its pokeball, had she? Her question was answered by a quiet purr from the bed only a short distance away from her sleeping spot.

She remembered having a bad nightmare last night, one that involved a group of black cloaked people. They were causing havoc throughout a large city, destroying everything they had come in contact with, stealing Pokemon from their loving owners, tripping elderly people. It was both incensing and terrifying. Who would do such a thing? Kelly knew it was only a dream, but it had felt so real. It was as though she was really there, watching through the window of a two story home, surrounded by three other people- one of which was Kyle. There was screaming. Mother's were carrying their children from the devastation, trying to save both of their lives. There were brave souls. Men and women trying to save the innocent from the evil, fighting with all of their might. And there was death. That wasn't something that Kelly wanted to reminisce about.

She shuddered and got up slowly. As the covers left her body, she shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. Something was beside her though. She looked over and saw Kyle's sleeping body, blankets pulled up so high that only the tips of his hair were visible. For a moment Kelly felt awkward, but she brushed it off, blaming her lack of judgment on her dream. What he wouldn't know wouldn't hurt him, right?

She pulled her legs off of the bed and stood up carefully, trying not to wake the sleeping boy. Rina perked her head up when she saw her master walking toward her. Kelly brought the Delcatty into her arms and held her tight, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. She wouldn't allow herself to look beaten up like that! She would do anything possible to look like the happy girl that everybody expected from her- even if that meant putting on a fake smile, a mask even.

Knowing she would be back, Kelly only took time to put on her shoes before making her way down the vine with Rina still in arms. Together they walked to the nearby stream and sat down, Rina dipping her paws into the water suspiciously, as if something would pop out of it. It came as a small shock when a Psyduck popped its head above the surface of the stream and shot a squirt of water at the cat's face, enraging her and making Kelly laugh. Rina dipped her head down in preparation of Headbutting the duck Pokemon, but it sped off downstream before she could hit it. Rina growled and returned to Kelly, curling up in her lap and falling asleep.

That is what Kelly loved about her life. Everybody in it was so easygoing- almost careless. Well, that was, everybody except her new escort Kyle Nolan. She really thought that the boy needed to lighten up a bit and have some fun. Sure, since he had the egg, Kelly made sure to make his life a living hell, but that wasn't the point, and that was his fault anyway. She was hoping that by the end of their long journey- to where? Kelly wondered- she would have rubbed off on him just a little bit. After all, anybody who knew Kelly became a happier person, either through her humiliation or addictive laughter.

She sighed, her previous laughter settling, and a small frown being placed on her face. What was she going to do? Where was she going? She could always go back to the Daycare, but her employers wouldn't be very happy with her…Maybe she would head to Carina Port and work there. She could always participate in and win those Seal and Spheal games; they had a grand prize, didn't they? Her brother would be proud of her if she won…

Her brother, she missed him so much. Five years older than Kelly, Jake Fernbrook's life was taken in a fire one year ago. At fifteen, he was everything anybody could expect from a teenage Fernbrook. He was cute with a highly appealing personality and overwhelming knowledge. Their parents had always anticipated him to have a successful life, one with a great job, a beautiful wife and kids, and a home of his own. When they learned that he would never have that, they broke down. However, Kelly was possibly the person most affected by this tragic happening.

Most siblings had a typical sibling relationship; they argue, they play, and they stick up for and support each other in rough times. Not Kelly and Jake though. When Kelly lost Jake, she lost her best friend-her protector. With him went his Pokemon, so there weren't many things left to remember him by. The house was destroyed along with his, but that wasn't what mattered at the time. Thinking that everybody survived, Kelly was hit by an overpowering urge of relief, but that relief turned to grief when she had found out the truth. Her brother was gone and she couldn't do anything about it.

The initial shock of losing a loved one was hard, but the next few days to come were the hardest in her life. If it weren't for her friends and Rina, Kelly wouldn't have made it through all of the visits to the funeral home and the funeral itself, but even though they were their, Kelly had wished that the fire would have taken her to, because nothing could make up for that loss. When she had voiced her thoughts to her parents, all they could say was that Jake wouldn't want her to die- that he would want her to be alive and happy, to live her life to the fullest…and that was what she intended to do. She hadn't changed after the funeral, she was still herself in many ways, even though her heart was broken and the pain was unbearable, she was determined to move on and keep her brother where it hurt most- in her heart.

There were, of course, times when she felt like giving up all together. Her parents certainly weren't normal any more. They had just lost their star child, and would not lose another one. One day Kelly had built up enough courage to ask them if she could finally leave on her Pokemon journey, feeling like it was the only way to get out of her hometown- Crystal Fort- but they had only yelled at her, saying that it was too dangerous and they wouldn't be able to bear losing another child.

That had been her breaking point. She would leave that place even if she had to run away. She packed what little she had and left, never to return. She did not get very far however. About two miles into the Eclipse Forest, Kelly had run into some hardships. Equipped with only Rina- who was only a Skitty at the time- she found that the forest's wild Pokemon were trying to get rid of her. Eventually, Rina had fainted, and Kelly was knocked to the ground, blacking out immediately.

When she had awakened up, she was in warm room, tucked beneath thick covers with an ice pack on her head. She couldn't remember what had happened in the forest or how she had been brought to this place. Later she was told that she was in the Eclipse Forest Pokemon Daycare, and was being taken care of by Mrs. and Mr. Fudgen, the elderly couple that ran the building. Kelly had established comfort in the log cabin and had decided to stay as an apprentice. She loved learning about the habits of the many different species of Pokemon, and liked to play around with them. Mrs. and Mr. Fudgen had been so kind to her- they had even taken her to Carina Port to go shopping for new clothes, accessories, and equipment. They had even let her keep one of the Pokemon eggs, which had hatched into a Gorebyss, who Kelly had named Cara. That was why it was so important that Kelly got the Pokemon egg from Kyle- so she can continue Cara's bloodline. It could be a tradition of sorts, but at this rate she was never going to get it.

Bright blue eyes drenched in tears, Kelly snapped out of her melancholy daze and looked down at Rina on her lap. With one hand she made an effort of wiping her tears from her face, and with the other, she stroked the Delcatty's head. She was so thankful for this Pokemon- for all her Pokemon. They had been her strength when she needed it the most.

"Hey," Kelly whispered to herself, "at least I have Kyle annoying to look forward to…" Rina woke from her nap and looked at the girl, purring. Kelly grinned at the cat and looked back out across the river.

Ten minutes past without sound, until a shriek filled the forest from behind Kelly. This was followed by a thump and a cry of pain. Kelly laughed. Kyle must've been up.

Sure enough, the boy- whose hair was in disarray from sleep- stomped toward her, holding her backpack as far from his body as his arms would allow.

"Good morning!" She said happily, her face now dry and sparkling with joy upon seeing him.

"Oh yeah, great morning! Why are you still here? I thought I was just having a bad dream, but no I wake up to your flippin' backpack on my floor!" Kyle glared.

Not being in the mood for an argument, Kelly frowned. "Awe, I love you to, but we're going to have to do something about this grumpiness in the morning!"

Kyle growled, still glaring, and snapped, "Why are you still following me? I tried to help you last night in that forest, and this is thanks I get? You not leaving? What am I doing wrong?"

"Youch. I never needed any help in the forest, honey! I was just simply admiring that adorable Luvdisc that I have just recently learned is yours! Oh, and you must have forgotten about are whole 'egg situation'!"

"Don't call me that, and like I was supposed to know that you weren't screaming at my stupid Luvdisc! Who does that?" He said angrily, throwing Kelly's backpack on the ground, making a greatball fall out of one of the pockets.

"I do that! You, my dear, need to calm down. I told you long ago- okay, not that long ago, but still- that I wasn't going to leave you until I get that egg!" Kelly snapped, starting to get slightly angry.

"Fine. What's the big deal about that egg anyway? You work at the Daycare; you could have any egg you want!"

"It's my Gorebyss's egg! You know what? I'm not in the mood for this. If you're not going to give me that egg, or if you're not going to calm down, then go away."

Silence surrounded the two for a moment.

Kyle walked forward and touched Kelly's bare shoulder. "What's wrong? Even if I thought this was a bad dream, you were never like this." His voice was filled with worry.

"I've just got a lot on my mind is all." Kelly said nonchalantly, trying to shrug his pestering action aside. Instead, Kyle sat down close to her.

"Oh, sure. C'mon, tell me. You know, you aren't the only one allowed to be annoying. I have my times now and again!"

Kelly hesitated. Would Kyle tell her that she was being stupid and to forget about it like everybody else had? She doubted it, but was still hesitant about telling him her thoughts. After all, this was the guy who stole her egg! Who could she trust him?

"You know, it isn't good to keep things bottled up inside." He continued. "Whatever it is, I promise that I would bug you about it."

"Well, I suppose I should tell you, because if I don't you might start poking me." Kelly said seriously, looking at Kyle, who as, in return, look at her.

"So…what is it?"

"Well…" Kelly stopped herself, feeling another wave of grief taking over her. "I'm sorry, I can't tell you…not yet at least. It's all too fresh in my mind still."

"Well, if that's how you feel." Kyle stood up, dusted himself off and offered the girl his hand. "C'mon then. We should probably get out of here."

Kelly took his hand and stood up, grabbing her backpack with her free hand, and they both head back to the tree to pack up.

That hadn't gone as Kelly had expected.

The chamber was dark and cold. With walls of stone and chains, it was what one would expect a dungeon to look like. In the center of the room stood ten black cloaked figures surround one of their own.

Today was the day of initiation of a new brother- a day of celebration. Together, they would raise their drinks to their new brother and to their plans for the future. He, unlike the rest of the new recruits seemed to have no hesitation about what he was about to embark into. He did not threat when he signed their contract in blood. He appeared to have no worries. This was a good thing for all of the brothers.

The Xeray Group was now complete. Together, they would conquer all, and with the help of their new brother, the Lockbay Region would like it- or else.

"Now my brother, open your eyes to us and feel our undying power!" The leader said, raising his arms above his head.

The younger brother opened his eyes and brought down his hood, revealing a length of teal hair.

"Yes my brother." He said, smirking.

Authors note: I smirk at that. Yes, I was going to make this chapter much longer, but decided to cut it down, due to lack of time and such. I especially cut Kelly's part down (it was nearly double the length) because I wanted to make it progress throughout the story. I hope you guys liked it :)

If you read this, I encourage you to review, as it a)makes me happy, and b)makes me want to write more!

R+R