ROSE POV-ONE MONTH PRIOR

Kyle collapsed in front of me, his body unmoving as I dashed to his side. The small dust cloud swirled up as he trembled violently. He curled into a ball, clutching his left arm. The cloth melted away as a purple tinge started up his appendage bit by bit. My eyes bulged in recognition of the symptoms. He had been poisoned.

Turning to Mewtwo, I noticed he held his distance and refused to attack. Making a metaphorical movement with his hand, he smirked at me.

"Tick tock...He'll die if you don't act," he said, with an evil laugh. Fear filled my mind as I came to terms with my situation. He was right. But...if I did what I was thinking I'd take away any choice Kyle had for his own future.

There's no way I could make this decision. The watch on his wrist beeped hectically letting me know how much time I had left. 4 HP. 3HP. 2HP.

Time crawled by as my worst fears became a reality. I had to choose and soon or I'd risk losing him forever. Just as it reached his forearm, he let out a choked groan. The sound snapped me out of my inaction, and I slid my horn against a nearby rock to heat my cutting tool. Glancing one more time at my friend, I apologized internally before I made my move. A red mist sprayed into my eyes, as I hacked the damaged appendage off. The crimson liquid splattered my muzzle and horror at what I had just done, filled my chest. Pressing the still red hot part of my body to the wound, I inhaled the scent of burning flesh. The cauterization took only a few seconds, but to me felt like an eternity as I listened to him unconsciously cry out in pain. Finally, the deed was done and I looked to Mewtwo who sat there smirking. He was exhausted, but the act I had committed had given us both plenty of rest to keep going.

"Either he bleeds to death, or I'll kill him. Why not save him some pain and do it yourself?" he taunted from his kneeling position.

"MEWTWOOOOOOO!" I screamed.

Everything in me raged forward, and I saw black. I saw red. I was consumed by the storm I had struggled to keep in check daily. My sanity cracked and then shattered into a million pieces. Before I could help it, my power surged forward, unchecked. My ability activated full force and Mewtwo collapsed as gravity was increased to intolerable levels. Before he could speak another word, I closed the fifteen meters in a nanosecond, dragging him through rocks, trees, and brush without stop. We moved like a bullet, each of us attacking at each other. His fists and kicks were parried as I flipped like a blade, dodging and attacking at the same time. I stabbed tirelessly, focused only on destroying the target in front of me. Each time he moved, I avoided and countered. As my right claws removed themselves from his gut, he tried to use Recover, only for me to fire off a barrage of Night Slashes which slammed into his position without a moment for him to avoid or counter. Smoke filled the air, and my horn burned from the pain of using so many attacks in rapid succession but I didn't care.

His voice spoke up from the shadows, extremely weak but still taunting me.

"He doesn't know, does he? Too bad. Well, you could always tell him in the afterlife."

"YOU FIRST!" I howled searching for his presence.

"Come now. Think about it. If you kill me, he'll never forgive you. Then again, if you let me go...well. I promise he'll always be looking over his shoulder. You think Eon can watch his back forever?"

His laughter filled me with furious rage, and I ducked as a Shadow Ball narrowly missed me. Landing on my feet, I stared at the Psychic-type as he emerged from behind a nearby tree. His precious strength was gone, and despite my wounds, my anger refused to abate. In fact, my mind lived off the pain turning it into fuel for my onslaught. He huffed for air as he tried to stand up again.

"You won't lay a paw on him. I swear if you even dare-"

"You'll stop me? HA. give me something original. Your sister said the same thing-"

His words ignited my fury more, and I rushed forward to finish his life. To cut until nothing remained. In the seconds before I reached him, I could see her. The only family I'd ever cared for, as I remembered the promise I had made her. Digging my claws into the mud I came to a screeching halt. My anger abated bit by bit. Each promise held the weight of a thousand lives, and I refused to ignore any of them for my own selfish needs.

"Your life isn't mine to take," I said firmly sitting down on my haunches. I wanted his blood so badly. I couldn't forgive him from taking Kyle from my life. It was just the two of us and no one would ever know what I did. I decided with finality to abide by Kyle's wishes. This one had to live. To be punished for his deeds. I turned my back away from him, only to regret it a second later.

"Big mistake!"

Detect!

The Focus Blast which I had expected broke through my guard. My eyes widened as the air exploded and I rolled several feet away. For him to break through, despite anticipating his retaliation was stunning. As I struggled to my feet, my vision blurred heavily as I faced him. Glancing down, my eyes widened. Critical hit. A huge gash from my hip to ribcage had opened up spilling my precious bodily fluids onto the ground. The pain was exquisite and kept me conscious despite the grave danger I was in. Gritting my teeth, I refused to back down.

"Oh, Rose. I wish you could be there. I'll make him scream for you. For those he loves. As I tear his eyelids out of his skull, the last thing he'll see is your limp dead body. Tell me. Why do you care so much? He's just a

random person. A stinking human."

"MY friend. You have no right. He's MINE!" I growled, coughing up blood, and feeling my strength fading with each passing second. My life was flowing out of me, and I didn't think I'd survive much longer.

"Well? Let's end this…Tell your sister I said hello."

He'll never leave Kyle alone. I have to protect him. I have to hold up my promises. All of them.

Calming all of my senses, I returned back to that cave. When I had given into my murderous intent and killed for fun. Sensation faded. I was in the moment. Mewtwo underestimated me. And that was his fatal mistake. Mewtwo blitzed forward, teleporting above my head, with a Hyper Beam aimed at my body. Just as his paw targeted me, I activated Pressure again, making gravity pull him paw first to the ground. As I fired a Night Slash with my horn at Point-blank range, he blocked the attack with his remaining hand. Leaving him open to both of my first one found its home in his genitals, severing the area with a swift rip. He howled in agony, but it was cut off mid of my Shadow enhanced claws pierced through the base of his jaw and into the top of his skull. Gurgling, he collapsed to the earth, powerless. The beam he had been charging fired into the forest, as he tried futilely to remove himself from my attack. I stared into his eyes, and pushed harder, only for him to deposit one final thought in my head.

He'll never forgive you.

My rear claws latched onto his stomach, as I disemboweled him with a singular motion.

And with that...Mewtwo died. Unable to contain my emotions, I gave into my bloodlust, slashing over and over into the corpse until the flesh was nothing more but a puddle of unrecognizable remains and blood. Howling into the sky, I turned away from my opponent. As my emotions died down, I felt an urgent need to run back to Kyle. I needed to be sure he was okay. a paw to my side, I winced realizing that I couldn't. What could I possibly say that Mewtwo hadn't already said? I prayed that death would be smooth. I could feel my strength slipping away and my desire to stay was tenuous at best. I didn't want to see what happened. I knew what was best for everyone concerned. I was sure my actions would cause immeasurable amounts of pain. This wasn't the victory I had imagined. This wasn't how it was supposed to feel. My run turned to a slow trot. I stared up into the night sky and listened to the forest around me momentarily. I continued moving forward, bumping past trees, and brushes. Staring back down at the ground, I noticed that one of my claws was dislocated. The knuckle had grown swollen and was twisted at an awkward angle. My vision blurred further, as I came to a small running creek. I was thirsty. I was tired. I was...I didn't know anymore. My body collapsed as I slipped n a stone and refused to move.

"Huh."

Everything had hinged on the fight, and it was done. I let my body go and gave in to the sensations dragging me down. Darkness surrounded me and my physical sensations faded until all I could feel was nothing. Not numb. Just...astray. Afloat in the void.

I'm tired of fighting. Let's just get this over with. Kat and Mom are waiting for me.

For how long I remained in this darkness, I was unsure.

Eventually, though the weight returned, and my body's feelings surged.

Pain filled my consciousness and I was dragged away from sleep and into the world of the living.

With a jolt, my eyes fluttered open as I awoke in darkness. I blinked a few times, clearing the dust from my view and trying to adjust to my surroundings. Finally, everything in my current field of view came into focus. Instead of the cold damp stone which I appeared to lay on, my body was supported by something soft and warm that hugged my side. Starting to move, sharp pain rippled through my leg and ribs, making me close my eyes and cry out.

"Easy. So you came around, young miss. How are you feeling?"

The gravelly voice was far away, but clear enough I could sense their direction. Trying to look, I groaned as my head managed to take in the view between my rear paws. Surveying the back end of the massive cave, I managed to make out an elderly hiker who was leaning against the far side of the wall. He wore a heavy green parka and khaki pants. His skin was tanned and leathery, but most of his face was obscured by a large grey beard that hung down to his chest. Leaning back, I inhaled his musk from the pillow, unable to deny how good it smelled.

"Alive. Unfortunately," I replied, looking at myself as I remained prone. My ribs were heavily bandaged, and my leg was in a basic splint to prevent my wounds from getting any worse.

"Unfortunately?"

"I fucked up. Why did you have to save me?."

My eyes watered as I could only imagine the state I had left Kyle in. I had broken two of my promises to him. As far as I could tell I had failed to be the friend I needed to be. Bitter tears forced their way past my eyelid, and I let out a choked out moan.

"Is that so miss? Why are you running from it?"

His words bit into me, and I felt my normal reflex return as I bit back at my accuser.

"I'm not running!" I snapped, letting out a low growl. To his credit, he remained quiet and gave me a minute alone.

"Are your wounds healing up well? It was a bit of touch and go, but I'm glad we managed to save your life," he said, stirring the embers.

I tried to move yet found my body was incapable of acting. I sighed heavily and stared at the far wall.

Things remained quiet, for as we each tended to our minds. I felt shame and tried to sleep, but my dreams were consumed with memories of Kyle. Of my past. The nightmares made resting past five minutes completely impossible. Finally, I decided to stay awake and just accept my current situation. Staring at the man I noticed that he was content just to sit there and read his book.

"How long was I asleep?"

"Well, miss-"

"Call me Rose," I interrupted, realizing how rude I appeared too late. "S-sorry."

"It's fine, Rose. As for the answer to your question: six days. You had lost so much blood when I and Barb found you. She wouldn't let me leave you behind. Oh. My apologies… Barb is currently out getting dinner and berries for us. She's an odd fellow but that's probably why we get along so well. She's a Slowpoke. Just...don't expect her to talk. An accident at youth rendered her mute."

Laying my head down, I sighed, only to realize that my throat was begging for fluid. Before I could ask the question, my savior arrived with a large flask. Glancing up, I was stricken by how azure his eyes were. They were the bluest of blue and I couldn't help but admire them as he offered me a drink.

"It's a bit strong, but all the Pokemon I've met love it after the first sip."

Opening my maw, he spilled an amber-colored fluid onto my tongue. The sweetness was hard and helped soothe my aches, as I lay there. However, a strong aftertaste caught me off guard. It was bitter like medicine but after a few seconds faded. Warmth filled my limbs and my face flushed hard.

"Homemade Mago Mead. I brewed it about a month ago. I take enough to last me two months usually, but end up bone dry by the third week. It's good stuff. Helps cure ailments and forget bad things."

His words calmed my nerves and my usual abrasiveness seemed to require too much effort.

"Thank you, sir."

"Oh. Sorry. Where are my manners? You may call me Robert. Or Rob for short."

I let out a small chuckle and then hiccuped accidentally.

"Rob and Barb. Sounds like a bad joke," I said, watching as he returned to the fire and stirred the embers a little.

As I lay there contemplating my situation, I looked to Rob again. He and Barb had saved me from danger. There was no harm in opening up to him at this time. The worst he could do was kill me and at this point in time, I was perfectly willing to take that risk. Closing my eyes, I spoke up catching the elderly man's attention.

"I'm not running away, Robert. I wish I could. Death would have been merciful. Forgiveness isn't an option for me."

He was quiet and sighed forcefully. After a few minutes of silence, I expected that he was ignoring me. Indignation filled my gut, only for him to start in a very quiet tone.

"I thought the same thing. I used to live in Johto. At the time, as a young man, I thought the world was mine to do as I pleased. So I tried to rob a Pokestore. Long story short, instead of taking money, I accidentally ended the life of a young girl aged seven. Her name was Ashley. I'll never forget her. She had brilliant green eyes and copper-red hair. Her mother told me she had dreamed of being the next instructor at the school down the street from her. When I went to court, I thought my life was over. I'd rot in prison for the rest of my life. And then, her mother...surprised me. She begged the judge to let me survive. She told me she forgave me and handed me a photo to remember her daughter. The judge acquiesced and I was given a much shorter prison I was passed around for any man to use and abuse. I came out twelve years ago. After I did, I wandered around the streets, doubting my worth. My days were spent drinking myself to the edge of death. I always saw her face when I slept, so I spent days awake at a time. Then as I lay in a ditch, covered in my vomit, I heard the cries of a young girl. Amy. As I lay there, listening to her beg for the three young men to stop raping her, I felt a righteous fury beginning to boil in my blood. So I did what I had to. I fought them weak and unable to defend myself. However, I ended up saving her. Amy thanked me and offered me food and shelter. I chose to return to my cardboard shelter and avoided her contact. I thought for sure it would be the end of it. For a week, she returned to where I lived and invested time into trying to rehabilitate me. It..it changed my life. And her final words to me offered me the courage I didn't have. She told me 'Forgive yourself. You were meant to be here, and you did the right thing now. The past can't be changed. Only the future."

His story brought tears to my eyes, and I was shocked when he arrived next to me. Unzipping his coat, he revealed a skinny but well-muscled body in an orange turtleneck. Reaching down he grabbed the very edge of the fabric and lifted it up. My eyes widened further as I stared at his body. I gasp escaped my lips as I stared at the damage. Nobody should be able to live from those. The number of scars was innumerable. Puncture wounds. Cuts. Rips. Torn muscle. He appeared to be a living canvas of pain, and I couldn't help but admire his fortitude. And then his next sentence was like a punch drove all the air out of my lungs.

"This is what happens when you refuse to forgive yourself. I could have stopped them. I didn't. So again I ask...why are you running?"

The guilt. The shame. All of it welled up, and as I had just before my coma, I wailed like a baby. Except for this time Rob held me. Tenderly. Lovingly. Letting me let it out as my best friend had what seemed like an eternity ago. My body continued to weep until I was exhausted from emotion and even then my mind couldn't stop racing. Even in sleep, my memories plagued me with that one scene over and over again. I hurt those near me all the time.

When my body decided it had enough of pretending to sleep, I woke up slowly lying on the lap of someone II wasn't familiar with. Small white claws stroked my fur gently. I looked up to see that Barb was holding me tenderly. Luminescence in the cave alerted me to a nearby fire that Robert was busy with. His hands seasoned and expertly rotated a spit where a massive fish rotated. Returning my gaze to the unfamiliar face, I watched it smile cheerfully.

"Don't try talking to her. Unfortunately with your typing she can't read your mind or talk to you. But she says hello and good evening. Dinner should be ready in a few minutes. Just making sure the fish is cooked just right. She loves my cooking," the elderly man spoke, as I blinked twice. Trying to rise, I felt a firm paw on my side. Barb refused to let me and I fought against her grasp

"I have to get up. I can't lay here, especially if I'm going to eat." My bad leg caught the weight and downforce screaming out in protest. Unable to get up, I collapsed on the pillow again, banging my head on the concrete. A small moan left my lips and I tried to shut out the pain.

"HEY!"

The scream caught my attention, and I looked to see that Robert appeared dazed. His eyes shone brilliantly with purple-colored irises.

"I'm borrowing him for a second. LAY. DOWN. I spent all this time nursing you back to health with his help. I don't need you making things worse."

Exhaling forcefully through my nose, I sighed loudly. She was bossy, yet I was going to have to follow the Slowpoke's rules if I wanted to avoid her ire.

"Sorry," I replied, coughing hard as my lung spasmed from my movement.

"Good. Oh no!"

Looking down, I watched as Slowpoke returned control to Rob, who immediately dashed back to the fish as a large flame engulfed the fish.

"I told you to give me a heads up before you started rooting around in there. Luckily the fish ain't burnt. If you'd be so kind as to feed our guest I'd greatly appreciate it."

Looking back at the Mon, I was gently lifted and laid back onto the pillow as the Water-type rushed to his side to help plate me some food.

"Does...does she know what you've done?" I asked, glancing between the two.

"I knew. At the time, I was super upset, but he helped me. After a chance encounter with a trainer and his Ivysaur, I lost my voice due to the poison powder. He gave me a home." she answered through his voice.

I nodded solemnly and looked down at the ground. Did I deserve a second chance?

"Whatever your story is, tell it when you are ready. Barb and I here have seen our share of troubles. Don't think, I'm not unsympathetic to your plight. Leaving it inside though? It'll fester, and you'll make yourself sicker. Mentally. Trust me. Barbara. If you will," Robert stated tenderly.

A stone tablet was laid a mere foot from me with a hot fillet covered in Oran berry jam. The scent made my mouth water and my stomach growl. Unable to lift my head, I let out a low whimper, only to smile as the female mon scooped a little bit into my mouth. I took it in and let out a groan of appreciation.

"You're a good cook, Rob."

"I wanted to be a chef. One road ends and another begins. Now I spend my time roaming Kanto and giving any wannabe trainers a place to rest their team. I met the current champion on his journey. Red I believe it was? Such a strong-willed individual."

Taking another bite from Barbara, I chewed thoughtfully. All my bad luck had caught up with me. Where had I gone wrong? Why was this pain so bad? These two had run into pain and yet it had transformed them into kinder beings, while I had snapped and bitten at any and all. Including Kyle.

Sorrow overcame the flavors in my mouth, only for a paw to wipe it up.

"She says to leave the heavy thoughts for after dinner. For now, eat. Rest. Recover. Your spirit will come back and from there, you can figure out how to approach your problem."

Nodding, I closed my eyes and continued to eat in peace.

For days our routine was simple. They would talk to me about the people they met. I asked questions and pondered about my future daily. Barbara would go get food while I rested. After the first three days, I was immobile. After the fourth, I was able to barely crawl over to them. They never suggested that we go to a Pokemon Center, or that we find someone better suited to my cause. They stayed with me. Kept me company. When I asked, all Robert could say was that "I feel I was meant to help you. We both do."

After a week, the dam burst. I finally had had enough withholding in this burden, and it came out in a flood over a salad. As I spoke, every emotion welled up, but I pushed through through my tale. All of it from the beginning until the end. And as the final blow killed Mewtwo, they let out a small gasp. When at last words failed me, and I couldn't convey anything else, Robert was the first to speak. And his question, although simple stung.

"Do you love him?"

I couldn't bear to face it. The words hurt, and I bared my fangs in frustration. I couldn't love a human. After all the pain they'd caused me. And if even if I did, I couldn't go back. I wish I could but he wouldn't forgive me.

"Tell you what. How about Barbara and I here go mess him up a bit-"

Fear shot through my chest and before I could help it, I was struggling to my feet.

"IF YOU EVEN DARE THINK OF HURTING KYLE-" I roared, crying out as my leg gave out and I fell with a loud

"thump". I struggled against my body as the two started laughing. Their noise caught my attention and I stared at the two of them incredulously.

"You do," Robert said, chuckling. I stared into his face as he beamed at me and Barabara shook her head at my naivety. "Despite your words, it's obvious you really do. If he is the man you say he is, then he deserves everything you have to offer and more." His words touched the sore spot I had avoided.

"I wish I could have that. I'd give anything to stand by him. But I can't! He'd never forgive me. It's over. The end," I cried, the water filling my eyes again. Before Robert could speak up, Barbara took over, responding to my shout with a chuckle.

"You would take another choice away from him? You'd refuse to give him the closure he deserves? How selfish can you be?"

Her words were like a physical slap, and I gasped in disbelief at her audacity.

"So you cut off his arm? So you killed Mewtwo? You did it out of the purest emotion to ever exist. Even a blind person could see that. You have to make things right," Robert said, controlled by Barbara

.

"He'd never accept my words as truth. He believes Mewtwo over me. I messed up. Bad. And what if he didn't survive..." I whispered. The defeat from earlier still hung around my mind like a mist.

"I doubt he passed on. If you cauterized the wound, the most you have to worry about is the shock." Taking a sip of water from his canteen, he let out a sigh before answering the heavier question. "If he doesn't, then the issue isn't on you anymore. You did everything you could. At least then you could die knowing you tried." Robert said, now himself again.

The pain faded, and a small glimmer of hope filled my chest. The possibility that I could be at his side again. I wanted to believe in it, but a shroud of doubt filled my mind.

"If he doesn't forgive you, you are no worse off then you are now. This pain won't go away until you take the leap. Rose. Give him a chance. Do it for us, if you won't do it for yourself."

I remained quiet and contemplated it, before rolling over. I feared going back to sleep as my thoughts were now consumed with him. I wondered if perhaps he had nightmares about me. Us?. It was disturbing to think that even this far away from each other our bond...our connection still held true. That the mega evolution had affected us so much.

"Before you rest, do you know what I think?"

Letting out a sigh, I looked over my shoulder.

"I think your sister was right," he stated solemnly. His hand took a hold of my paw and he kissed my forehead.

"You deserve happiness. I mean it. Rest. Tomorrow's a new day."

And like that he gave me the space I needed. I tried hard to fight the storm. To deny their logic and my own feelings. It was a losing war in the end. He was right. I thought that what I was doing was right, but I had fallen into Mewtwo's trap. He had meant for us to turn on each other. I didn't realize that the Psychic Legendary had predicted this. We both had gone through so much pain. I let out a choked sob, as I saw him in my mind's eye. His smile. It filled me with fuzzy warmth that I desperately clung to. If I was going to pursue this, I had one stop to make before I returned home to Kyle. I had a daughter and friend to speak with. Closing my eyes, I hung on to the smallest shred of hope I had left. If Kyle turned me down, then...I would go to return to my sister. However, I owed him the truth. All of it with no strings attached.

I awoke in the middle of the night, to the sound of a Ninetales howling at the moon. Blinking twice, I pushed myself upwards. At first, my broken leg fought against me, but as I got my other three legs underneath myself, it had no choice but to support my weight. Sweat poured down my body. Glancing at my bandages, I noticed that my ribs no longer hurt. The pain was all but gone. Hesitantly, I leaned down and bit the edge of the highest cloth. Taking a moment to compose me, I pulled hard. I gasped in pain as one of the bandages had started to heal to my wound, but grit my teeth. It was coming off, regardless of the damage. After a few more minutes of arduous work, I was free of my bindings. Examining the cut up my side, I smiled for the first time in a long time. The wound had healed nicely. Given another two weeks I'd be fully up and ready for anything. Which meant I had work to do mentally. Looking up into the stars, I considered the odds that Kyle would forgive me. Shaking off my anxiety to rip that bandage off, I closed my eyes. Did I love him? I hated him. Why? The answer was simple and complex. He made me feel like I mattered. He gave me a place where I was desired and happy. The warmth that Kat had spoken of filled my chest. He was so attractive for who he was and not how he appeared. I hated him because he was a human... which meant what? All my qualms about his species faded into the back of my head as I realized how little it mattered.

However, I knew that Lula had laid claim to him back then. My stomach turned sour as I thought about the Water/Fairy. She had made the first move, and now I was at a disadvantage. If Kyle intended to keep his promise, then there was no chance in hell for me to earn that position. Sighing heavily, I closed my eyes imagining myself in his arms again. My body ached for him to claim me. To mate me. A feeling I hadn't felt...since Fang. My eyes shot up, as I came to the realization I was dripping down my own leg. Biting my lip, I considered pleasing myself but decided against it. Willing my body to stop, I thought hard on Kyle. I hated him. He was a human and it was forbidden, however I couldn't fight it. I wanted to be his. To protect him. To be close to him. I hated that he made me feel so happy, but it was because I felt so good near him, that I loved him. I wondered about the gift I had gotten him before the fight. He had promised to hold onto it, but now that the fight had concluded, I wondered if he had even bothered to open it. Letting my thoughts fade, I focused on what mattered. Getting better.

Stretching my body out, I took steps around the cave. I was careful, taking my time to rehabilitate my leg into pain was intense but I pushed the physical sensation down and focused on what mattered. I couldn't afford to be a stickler.

Over the next week and a half, I regained full faculties to where I was able to make light laps around the cave without straining myself too hard. My friends applauded my progress and often assisted me towards my goal of getting better. Finally, on a beautiful Saturday morning filled with storm clouds and a bright orange sun, I decided it was time for me to be off. Waiting until after our Duoduo eggs had fried up and our leftover fish from yesterday had been finished, I broached the topic.

"Robert. Barbara. I cannot thank you enough for these two weeks. You've been there for me and helped me through my pain. However-"

"Don't gotta make this difficult. We know its time. And we couldn't be happier that you are back on your way. "

There was a slight pause as he shifted into Barbara who beamed using his face.

"Come on now! Go get the one you love. I don't want to see you back here unless all attempts have ended in miserable failure!"

The shift ended and I glanced at the Slowpoke and shook my head with a small chuckle.

"Now listen here, young lady. If everything doesn't go according to plans, we pass through this valley once a month. Promise me you'll wait for us. That you won't do anything irrational. You were suffering heavily when we met and if he tells you no. If he decides forgiveness isn't an option, then I want you to know there is a place among our company," he said tenderly stroking my horn. I leaned into his hand and considered his words carefully. I couldn't. I couldn't live or exist without Kyle. I had to have that second chance. It was the only glimpse of hope I saw for my future. However, after everything they had done, they deserved to see my end.

"I promise. But it won't be a happy reunion. My mind won't change if he says no," I whispered quietly. Glancing to Barbara I noticed she appeared sympathetic to my feelings. Something I believe we had in common. She appeared to deeply care for Robert, and it wouldn't have surprised me if she loved him.

"If it comes to that...if you decide there really isn't anything left for you, we will respect your wishes. I just want to be able to say goodbye to the sweetest Absol I ever met," he replied, taking a step back.

"I wish you could have met Kat. She was the best," I stated with a tone of regret.

"Alright then. One more sip for the road. Cheers. To our next meeting, good or bad." Robert said. The flask he had let me sample earlier was passed around and I took a hearty gulp letting the fluid fuel my journey forward. Hugging Barbara one more time, and rubbing my scent onto his leg, I took off out of the cave, as the first drops of rain fell. The rain was my favorite weather condition. As the water soaked me through, I let out a cry of pure emotion, and then dug in. I had to get home to Fang and Lily. No time to dawdle.

As I approached the cave, I was greeted by two Absol guards who watched me approach with wary eyes.

"Who-"

"It's Rose, you idiot! Welcome back, ma'am," the second shorter member stated bowing out of respect.

"I'm not your leaders anymore. I'm just here to visit for a moment. I need to see Fang and Lily," I asked, sitting down a few feet away.

"Ah! So they went for a morning trip to the berry fields south of us. By the beach!"

Nodding in approval, I took off without another word, running through the forest to greet my second family. I stopped midthought as I realized I had put Fang and Lily lower than Kyle. It was something that didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. Pushing off of another tree branch, and weaving through a luscious brush, I kept my heart rate even as I grew closer and closer to my objective. My eyes widened as I recognized the two of them sitting near a sandcastle my little one was building.

Stopping at the tree line, closed my eyes, and inhaled the salty air emanating from the ocean. I had truly missed them. Making my presence known, I stepped into the sun and dashed the twenty feet to where they could see me.

"MOMMMMY!" Lily screamed. Sliding to a stop, I watched the small bundle of joy, charge at me full force. I

laughed joyfully as she barreled through me, and wrestled with my horn trying to pin me down. We played for a few minutes as Fang approached before I flipped her onto her back and faced him, sitting regally.

"Welcome back, Leader," he said, bowing slightly. His words made me look away abashedly before I retorted.

"You don't have to call me that. I missed you both. How are things doing here?" I asked, flexing my claws to gently rub my daughter's belly. She squealed happily as I massaged her soft flesh while keeping my gaze focused on Fang. His eyes widened as he stared at me before he started to chuckle loudly.,

"Wh-what?" I asked, a blush overcoming my cheeks.

"I didn't think it possible. Kyle got through to you!"

His words struck a nerve, and my temper started to grow. Being with him had changed me quite a bit, but I still had a long way to go from being rehabilitated.

"I'd watch it joking with me like that," I growled, watching as both Lily and he stiffened. I let out a low sigh before explaining myself. "He's done so much for me, and I messed up big time Fang."

"So just apologize Mommy!" Lily said, nuzzling my arm. I shook my head and giggled at her innocence. Every problem I over-analyzed, and she found the simplest and most direct answer to it. No matter the issue, she thought life was a give and take exchange. However, my experience dictated that it usually took more than it gave.

"I wish it were that simple sweetie. I wish I could just apologize and move onwards, but-"

"You love him," Fang stated. The shock made me trip over myself before I retaliated with my usual sharp tongue.

"Fang!. I d-don't."

"Mommy's blushing hard!"

"Shut it, Lily!"

"EEP!"

Glancing up to Fang, I noticed his normally stern exterior had faded and the male I had known returned a little bit.

"It's pretty obvious isn't it?" I asked him, taking a step forward, my head bowed.

"Blatantly. And I don't blame you. Granted your choice in men has always been rather shitty but this one just might work," he said teasingly shoulder checking me.

"Ouch," I responded sarcastically before smiling broadly. He was more than right. None of my relationships had lasted more than a month or two. And the longest one, I had sabotaged intentionally. I couldn't be close to others and now that I had found someone, my actions had made chances at reconciliation worse.

"Mommy?"

Glancing to my child, I noticed she had run back to the small sandcastle. I followed after, arriving a step or two after her. She was now working on fortifying the moat on the outside, and I admired the details she had put into the work. Always creative and optimistic I was so proud to be there for her journey.

"You are happy. Happier than I've seen you in a while. I like it," she said, digging another line into the sand, watching as it shifted under her careful touch. As usual, she found a way to get under my skin and I felt the need to respond, but my tongue was tied. I remained silent, as I reached up and patted her head.

"I do too, Lily. I do too." Turning to Fang, he said something that caught my attention.

"We brokered a deal with the humans in town. They leave us provisions during the hard times, and we don't raid them. In return every once in a while we send one of our kids to live with them."

I nodded quietly as I took the information. It was a logical concession and one that would benefit us much more than it hurt. Losing a pup here or there was definitely better than losing adults to gunfire and assaults

"I knew putting you in charge was a wise decision," I replied, lovingly staring at my daughter. She made me happy and I regretted that this might be the last time I came home for a while.

He nodded before turning to me.

"We aren't going to see you again for a while are we?" he asked. Looking down at Lily I noticed that she realized the gravity of those words.

"I'll be back. I promise. I love you both very much and it would be wrong for me to just abandon you both." The lie felt wrong for me to say and I bit my lip anxiously. I had to put on a brave face for now. Turning to Fang, I noticed his gaze was stern again.

"Rose. Please do. You are always welcome and loved here. We may not be able to be as we used to be but you are still my oldest friend," he said. Nodding absentmindedly. I hugged him real quick and kissed Lily.

"Unfortunately, I have to head out now. I only stopped to see you both and get the advice I knew you had. You both know me too well. Take care and hopefully I see you later rather than sooner," I said. Glancing to Fang, he smiled as he understood my meaning.

"I hope the same," Fang said ruffling my fur.

Turning to my little one, I decided that if this were the last time, I had to impart a little bit of wisdom before I left.

"Sweetie. Time and life are not kind and you will always find that when you mess up the path forward isn't easy. That doesn't mean you shirk or avoid it. You do it because its what is necessary. I'm proud of you, my little one. Stay safe," I said, pulling her to my chest. It hurt because if things ended the wrong way, I didn't think I could return defeated. I'd rather die alone then shoulder this pain.

Putting my familial connections on the back burner I focused on my one goal and contemplated the best way forward. My eyes flicked past dozens of other pokemon as they watched me with curiosity. Ignoring them, I blitzed forward and away from my family. As I entered the forest, I decided to not stop or rest until I reached my goal. I only hoped it was an achievable one. A home. That's what was waiting for me in Unova.