Wow Chapter 19! This chapter is actually the first chapter to make it past 10,000 words! That's a pretty big achievement for me. Thanks for sticking around. This chapter is one of my favorites of all time and it was a blast to make. Yeah and also sorry this one took awhile. the improvement that I have made in my writing skills from my first chapter to this one really shocks me. Anyways enjoy!
Chapter 19 - Warped Values
Steven and I continued back to our own respective places of living, I was pretty much done with the day already. So I'll just head straight home and say goodbye to Steven.
"Hmm, Now that I think about it" Steven said
"Hm?"
"Flare sounds too basic, I want something to represent me in a way yaknow?"
"Yeah, I do suppose so" I responded back to him, we were currently nearing passing under the highway
"We literally just thought of it in 5 seconds, a name has to have meaning! So yeah scratch that. Just…uh, guess it's back to Steven now. Maybe later I'll find a good name, I'll definitely ask around"
"Yeah, Good luck"
Crack
A very noticeable crack, like a stick being stepped on. This wasn't like a little rustling of leaves. This was purposeful. It stuck out like a sore thumb. It wasn't Steven, it was something else.
It then gets eerily silent.
It sure seemed like Steven heard it too, as when I looked back, Eyes widened, he was completely silent as well. Ears at all full attention. I could even notice my own ears moving.
Steven gives me a short head nod and I then do the same, still not making a sound. It seemed like we both knew what situation we were in, someone is near.
For I? I was not moving a muscle, I tried peering through the woods, and general vicinity from my current standing. To no afar for whoever, or whatever made the sound. I look back at Steven, who gives me a particular head nod in a particular direction.
I Shake my head, then looking towards the highway. That we should just get out of here before we get into trouble. I try to make it as apparent as possible.
Steven then looks back at me, Shakes his head, and then he goes slowly walking, sneaking of sorts silently. I've noticed that we are very attentive creatures when it comes to our hearing. The entire time he is doing that, I am trying to very much tell him to stop.
Steven ends up by the side of the 'Path' of sorts, then goes silent again, peering and staring down to the side of it, where a small depression relies.
He attacks. Lunging into the small ditch. To get nothing. There was nothing to be found. He then looks back at me with a defeated expression, then walks back to me, with a much more serious one.
"Come on now, let's get out of here, gives me the creeps…You need some baby wipes." He said
I realize that my poison Sweat had activated, it was only on my body. We practically ran out, I wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible. Steven was completely quiet the rest of it, I didn't even hear a peep from him. I ended up walking straight back home, as Steven already knew the way back to the factory, and so we parted ways off to our own living places.
I had returned home, I needed to clean myself up. Don't make much noise. I open the door, and I come inside yet again. I see my Mother greet me.
"Welcome back Jack. did something happen?"
I give off a Shrug trying to avoid eye contact, and I then walk up back upstairs to my room.
I had kept my presence low for the day, only really coming down for dinner after I had cleaned myself up. I had thought about what happened, someone or something was following us. But why would someone follow me and Steven? Or was it mere imagination, a simple defect of our new ears? I sat, per usual, alone in my room. Thinking of what could've happened, I don't have any real details on why. The only answer I could find was that maybe someone from the little shack had followed us. But that was the only answer I could muster.
My parents, were of concern to me, though at this point, I don't really fully care, I still hang out with them, listening, observing, but I don't talk much. They have stopped asking me what I do on my trips, though they would never understand what I do as that is my personal business. I don't "talk" as I used to do, responding with my gibberish of words that they can only perceive. I still do the usual job for them or a task. I still answer questions, and if my parents really have to tell me something I'll listen.
I typically spend my days now, staying up almost all night, waking up at like 12 or 2 pm. being with them, maybe even nap on them. still trying to get the Internet to even work at times, though I have learned that plugging in an Xbox controller on a computer and playing Minecraft creative quite viable, albeit slow.
When I look back, at everything, I've done well, for the circumstances that I've been through. But there is no need to reminisce over my past actions. I hope to find information on the whereabouts of the shack people from the day before, and if they did indeed follow us. I am also hoping to see if anything on the supposed Thief has been found, if that may tie into things. I do also hope to check in on Steven, as to how he acted during the walk home concerned me.
My parents, before I left, checked with me one more time if anything had happened. That I could trust it with them. It made me feel bad that I am hiding it, though nothing good would come out of it.
Instead of taking the more usual route, that I've always taken, I decided to be more chaotic and adventurous. I am a lot smaller and faster than any human. I had explored even a few backyards, cutting through several.
The rates of destruction and robbery in the city near me has grown. It was always a problem, though now there is no clear path to solving it. Nobody is taking any risks that could cause them to blow up, though they are hoping to possibly send out maybe a relief bill or something of the sort.
The backyards I had explored were simple, but the thrill of being somewhere you really shouldn't be is getting to me. I caused no damages though, as that would be quite stupid. There is no punishment to this, sure maybe trespassing, but I'm an Eeveelution, I can just run through it and be silent. And get the hell out as easy as 1,2,3 if I'm ever spotted. There's no risk! It's that easy!
I felt something very special, just like as I went through the woods, I felt…unnoticed, invisible or The feeling of freedom without punishment! Even though the entire experiment was short. The feeling stuck with me. I had also gotten the urge to maybe look in some dumpsters, maybe I could find something neat. I choose not to, as the second I successfully found one and opened it. Was only trash, and the boring kind of it. And most definitely reeked. I wouldn't want to mess up my good fur with trash or whatever goo or muck.
I then reminded myself of what I wanted to check up on, but maybe later I shall continue. Maybe a night trip? Sneakin out! Though only if the time presents itself well, and maybe after I figure out everything first. Jumping in headfirst would not be preferable.
The Factory was now within eyeshot, I had made it through the shortcut which Steven had shown me. I entered through the side door and walked inside the old building, it was just like any other day. I greeted some Fellow Eeveelutions, talked with them. Turns out the Prime minister of Australia is also an Elemental, I actually got that information from Jorden. It was quite an enjoyable conversation I had with him. The Battles in all were surprisingly a success, and nothing went wrong. Though it showed the true powerful nature of our kind. I hope a balance can be stuck between Elementals and Humanity, though with how powerful we are and the current polarization, I doubt.
Then a Vaporeon fellow, struck my view, in the back, immediately I thought of that shack group or whatever. It was seemingly trying to advertise something to someone else, I said Goodbye to Jorden and went up to him.
"—nd we "borrowed" some tools from the makeshift pretty much left to rot skatepark, and we used it to make a little shack! We constantly look around the place, one time we even found a possible bed! It was just a mattress, we took it." The Vaporeon said to a Leafeon, who in turn seemed mildly interested.
"You with that little Water Gym thingamajig?"
"Yeah, names Charlie!"
"Yeah, so uh. I have some quick questions for you."
The Vaporeon turned to me, visually surprised by the sudden mini confrontation.
"O-Oh, Sure! Feel free!"
"My friend Steven and I stumbled upon your little Shack…2 days ago. we were greeted urm, pretty well. I was askin, if you ever saw your friends ever follow someone or if you heard of anything of the sort?"
"I have not sir. I wasn't even there on that date. They did tell me that an Umbreon and a Flareon showed, I believe that you and your friend. Correct?"
"That is correct."
"Yeah, turns out I blew the 'cover' on accident, I asked some dude who could make an accurate description of an area, a map. Told him the stuff, it could've been useful if we ever wanted to share the location. Yaknow?"
"Yeah, I guess so. I do suppose you are talking about Oliver, We got the information from him. Are you even supposed to even be telling this information out again, don't want anyone else to know?" I asked
"…Uh, so yeah…from what I know they didn't follow anyone, Why? Did something happen?"
"Nothing of the sort."
"I gotta be going, it's been a pleasure," I said to the Vaporeon, and I walked off.
It does seem simple, Seems like this idiot wanted to advertise his little group, without telling anyone. gave the information to Oliver, and leaks it to me for peanuts. Though he didn't say anything on any of them following us, of course, they may have the suspicions and followed us anyways, maybe it was the thief?"
I was still near the back of the factory, though near me there was a ladder. There were two ladders to get onto the catwalks, one near the front and the other in the back. Though the back isn't as 'scary' as you would expect it to be. I go up the ladder, as irritating as it was. It is still scary for me to go up to them, or maybe I'm just being a wuss.
I was going to check up on Steven, I was going to where he specifically 'lives'. Or sleeps in this case, to see if he's there. I end up dear the hatch that went down to the storage room which kept liquor, though it's sadly empty.
I look at the hallway which was near the hatch that no one really goes down, and for good reason. The entire middle section of the floor collapsed down into the room below.
I find his sleeping spot, a couple of blankets, like two. Though things have moved around a lot and is in disarray. I crouch down to investigate.
"Damn," I said to myself
Some small pieces of wood and sticks can be seen burned, some even ash. Though brushed away into a small pile near the side. I make a quick theory.
"Seems like he burns wood in his Freetime. Neat."
I pick my head up and I look around. Seems like he isn't there currently. Disappointing.
I walk to the catwalk and yell down below
"Yo did anyone see Steven at all?"
"He went out somewhere, dunno where though. Claimed he didn't sleep well last night"
"Ok, thanks mate."
I go to back Steven's spot and sat, picking around at the burnt sticks while I thought out my next plans. The entire nature in which he lives in genuinely depresses me. I let out a sigh. How long has it been for this kid? 14 or 15 days here? He doesn't even have a family or anything anymore, he lost it all…doesn't even have a chance to get it back if he tried. Something clicks in my brain, and it all just flows to me, as a strike of realization.
"…He's barely living here, and I'm not even acting grateful for what I have currently, he would love to have what I have. And I've been acting…like I don't even value that."
I groan at my current situation, and I put a paw to my head. I should be happy about having a family, and for caring for me because it shows they love me. I'm fortunate for what I have, to have a bed and be fed, and to be loved. People lost so much more than I have. I've been ignorant, I've been an idiot. I lie down on my side and I think
"I-I mean, even if I did just said everything. They would panic." I look around "I wouldn't be able to do any of this, how mad would they be at me for going into other peoples yards?—I mean, they won't get mad at me if I don't tell them that."
"…I don't even know how to even talk to them anymore. I mean, how would I even express my feelings to them?…definitely not what I've been doing now." I thought
"I-I miss them," I said to myself accidentally
"But is there use? Things aren't the same anymore. I remember all the memories, what we did together, I was so happy…I miss everything. now I'm just a Mutt. can those kinds of memories still happen again? Things have changed so much, even with me becoming something new. Is trying to reconnect a feasible idea? Am I just holding onto a dead hope? A dream, but only simply a dream?"
I try to think more, but every thought I think, another thought contradicts. I can't even decide on what to even do, is it impossible? Is it possible? How can i even do such thing? What even is the thing? Is it better to just…do nothing? No, that's foolish of such an action. I'm in a complete stalemate. I hate when I do this. I'm just being an idiot…can't even form a coherent thought
"I can't just randomly just swift to a completely different mindset…they would think something is up. Am I just overthinking this? I'm just an idiot…I've been messing everything up again. I'll cause such a ster."
I take a deep breath, I need to collect myself. I don't need to figure out the answer to all my problems right here right now. I'll get myself worked up, I need to think clearly and not panic. I have other things to think about.
I take another breath, I was going to think again, as a large pile of guilt and self doubt and hate is in my stomach. But I choose to distract myself, in anyway possible. Boy do I feel overwhelmed.
I take another look at the conditions Steven is in now
"I will not let myself take my family for granted, I'm an Umbreon, but they are my family," I said softly to myself as some loud barking broke me out of my self doubt trance
"HEY WHAT ARE YOUDOING!"
"Gah!" I jump and quickly scramble back up
"Look buckho I wasn't doing anything," I said, then I realized it was Steven
"Oh shit. It's you" Steven said "Sorry."
He then comes over at a quick pace and stands immediately on his Blankets, investigating everywhere around him and the hallway. He sniffed abit the wood while I just watched him do all this.
"Why are you here?" Steven said while poking around his little 'area' "You don't know what kinds of people can get in here"
"Look I'm sorry, I wanted to check up on you from yesterday. It was quite an event for us. I wanted to see if you were doing alright"
"Ohhh yeah that little adventure of ours" He said sarcastically. "I'm just a sitting duck, I have nothing. Nothing I tell you!" Steven said
"It's a lost cause, I have nothing. I'm sick of everything and there's no options left for me!"
"There is nothing I can do. Literally nothing, it was 'fun' for the first couple of days."
"…"
"What do you legit have nothing to say?"
"I wish I could help you more, I honestly don't know as well, I'm largely just don't know what to do anymore to help you, or even say in this situation"
"Do you realize how much bullshit I've had to go through, I am going to die alone. I have nothing else in my life, my life is gone!" He said putting his paw down angrily, I can very visibly see small amounts of flame under his breath
"What options do I have! I tried looking for a better house or building and found nothing, if I go to the police or anything of the sort I'll end up with my father. Who even wants a fire type? I just cause destruction."
"Hey, your more than just a fire type." I said, knowing 100% if he was experienced enough he could potentially burn my face off this very instant "Your still valuable and your still mor—
"I've heard that same line too many goddamn times. I'm sick of it. Valuable? I could be shot and nobody would even notice."
"What am I just going to do? Tell me what options I have"
"…" I ponder to myself, and I can't think of anything, I then just look back up to Steven and shake my head slowly, I am defeated at finding any possible answer
Steven begins to walk away "…There's nothing left for me. There is no hope. There is nothing for me to do to change this, I'm just lost."
"What will I do tomorrow? The next day? And the next?…I want it all just to be done, I'm sick of everything, I'm sick of my life. This isn't fun."
"Dude please come on, your not worthless, you have much as a right to live as any other! Maybe ask someone if you could live or stay with them? Hell maybe my place!"
"Most importantly things will get better!" I said
"I've told myself that for 14 days, or is it 13?" He looks at me "15?"
"What am I to do?…Im just going to die. You look at me and what do you even see? A teenager who could be the very reason your house is gone. No body will ever want me. Things will not get better, no matter how false hopes I get." Steven then begins to laugh
"Funny how so many little things just add up huh?"
"Thanks for trying to help me all this time. But there is no hope man, I'm sorry to say that. I couldn't even find a better place to be in, but this place is still quite fine, I can't let anyone steal my shit." Steven then goes over to the hallway, and pulls out some sticks, he then sits down next to me and holds out a stick
"See this? This is a one good stick. I've had nothing better to do, so I've been practicing my fire, it's nothing big whatsoever. Quite pitiful actually." He saids showing the stick in-front of me
He then lets out a small but steady flame from his muzzle, after some smoke, it lights the very top tip of the stick on fire
"See how beautiful that is? I just need to give some flame encouragement to keep it going" Steven said, the fire is very much beautiful, the way it flickers, the dim yet bold light. It's constant fight for survival.
"Now this, now this is fun." Steven said
"Yeah, I can most definitely see that." I would say don't burn anything down, but I don't wish to ruin this for him by saying of the sort. "I loved playing with fire, putting the sticks in and seeing how Long it took to burn, I would always get the longest ones and hold it over the fire at the Cabins I stay at sometimes."
Steven gives me a genuine simile
"Look, I'll try to figure out whoever been stealing shit and I'll tell you. I'll tell you right away. Please if you anything from me, please let me know." I said
Sigh "Ok, I will."
"Oh and also," I said to him while I'm getting up
"Don't do anything stupid you may regret."
"I'll see you later, thank you for showing the stick. It was beautiful. You did a great job"
"Heh" Steven laughed a little bit, shaking his head in the process, "Thanks anyway."
I looked around me, I then made sure to take a long look at Steven who was now seemingly lounging. I took pity on him, though this seems like my cue to leave. This was Indeed successful. Instead of going down the ladder I first came up at, I decided to go down the other, passing by some storage mini rooms. They were keep away by iron wiring, though most of them now have holes or little entrances or "doors" in which you could enter through. Seemed they were areas to put equipment or other tools in.
Counting my steps, and with extreme concentration, I went down the ladder, it is easier said than done and it is quite the process, it is easier to go up than down. I just also hoped no one would do a surprise water attack on me. That would not be good.
I make it down, and the first thing that had come to mind was the sorta promise I said to Steven, I wanted to at least do something to relive the guy. So I wondered where Cyan was about, he's been wanting to be the "detective" of the thief thing, it's sorta funny to me. But It shouldn't be honest. I also wanted to see what kind of reaction could get out of him, maybe a little too honest to think about? Though that's only if he's even here.
What the Umbreon in question has stolen was mainly just smaller items, though seemly has gotten cocky with some of his later steals. Honestly just quite kind of a Bruh moment, I mean, there is quite the sense of unity and community here, and with also most of the Eeveelution I meet. Sorta kind of a pack? I guess, but there's no real leader, no real need really, just people living life man
I asked around if anyone had seen Cyan, that I had some Business to talk about with him on a few things. People ain't spendin their entire lives here, well most people sadly. so it's not like everyone is here at the given moment. I then saw Cyan who was seemingly about to leave, I could pick out the Blue Slyveon even in a crowd of people that's how noticeable his blue was. I ended up quickly running up to him to catch up with him in time
"Hey, Cyan!"
His ears moved and then he looked at me with quite an intrigued expression
"Oh hello there Jack. What brings you to me on this very day? I was just going back home" Cyan said
"Yeah so uh," I collected my thoughts
"Remember yesterday when Steven and I went out?"
"Ah Yes, I do very remember. I made sure to remind you two of making sure everything went alright, and reporting anything suspicious back to me"
He seemed excited "Did you two find something?"
"Yeah, so…here" I got out the map and I give it up to him, "that is the map in which we got to the shack thing"
"Yeah you told me that where you guys were going"
"Everything went well, a shack made with some ruff materials. There was a lot of stuff they have found, and just things they keep that is in the trash that is still is some quite value. Steven and I went inside and saw all the stuff, though we were confronted by them almost the instant we got in"
"We argued for a while, they suspected we were thieves or whatever, then a human got into the mix not really knowing what has happened and it all sorta mellowed out, the second we had the chance to get out of there we left"
"Here's where it gets interesting," I said to Cyan
"What?"
"When we were coming back, there was a very deliberate sounding stick crack, we both froze, looking at each other on what we should do. Steven investigated the matter, and we ended up with nothing. But a thing is certain."
"We were followed."
I can see Cyans face right now, seemed like the little cogs in his brain are really moving now
"You were followed?"
"Yep, very much so. It could either be of the shack people who followed us or the thief guy, possibly even possibly trying to pin the blame on me"
"Though I have a question, you know the Umbreon who took the store employees hat? Has he been questioned, it could just be him and we are just overhyping this"
"Well, you see," Cyan said, one of his feelers of now on his chin
"The only sighting of the Theif, the Umbreon, was here at the factory. It quickly came through the back door and nabbed anything it could really quickly, it was later at the time. But the stuff it stole was a lantern and some Cool Ranch Doritos chips."
"Honestly just should've fricken asked, heh," Cyan said "But the Umbreon who took the hat, his name is James by the way. Was there at the same time of this event, he was even one of the witnesses."
"It would be very easy to just pin the blame on James, and he's feeling the pressure alright from all of this. But to be frank I think there is a larger picture."
"Thank you for this Map Jack, I shall do an investigation in that general area," Cyan said "Thank you for the assistance"
"You got the map from Oliver correct?"
"Yes, I did, and a Vaporeon there told Oliver of the area. That's where he got the information about it from."
"Alrighty" Cyan said now holding the map in one of his feelers, with another giving me a sort of wave before leaving "see ya around Jack"
"See ya"
It makes me happy to see another person happy, or at least interested in what I have to say. It makes me feel good inside.
"Hey Jack, heads up!"
I immediately duck, crouching on the ground, and then the wet horribleness of water on my precious fur, I shake it some off, it wasn't enough to get me soaked at least.
"Yuck…" I quickly get back up to see Rin looking at me with an over so proud grin
"Water gun, pretty neat huh?" She said coming over to me "How's it been? You didn't tell me you were going to a water gym didn't you?"
"Oh damn, well yeah, you seemed to be preoccupied with the battle, and I didn't wish to bother ya, you needed to recover after you lost"
"Nah…if you told me I would've still gone in a heartbeat! Heard you went out with Steven, what was it like? Did you battle?"
"Eh, we didn't battle, seemed like we were there early before any kind of battle could happen. It was still an interesting experience of a course, it was pretty cool"
"Sounds awesome, want to go?" Rin asked "I could possibly challenge one of them"
"Oh uh, I just gave the map to Cyan" I still knew where to go perfectly from memory, but I don't wish to disturb any of his investigating. Plus I really don't wanna go back neat there "I don't really know the way there without it, but when I hopefully get it back from Cyan, I'll give it to ya"
"Oh that'll be awesome, want to do something else instead?" Rin asked
"Hmm, like what?"
"Hmm, since we can't go there, want to just explore? Find some cool stuff? We could also talk about Humans in general as well, that's a real interesting topic ain't it?"
"You have peaked my interest, I'm always open to talk about that, maybe want to go explore some backyards?" I asked
"Hell yah!"
"Heh, nice"
Rin and I promptly left, it was nice to go out with her and I haven't been able to talk with her in awhile. It was refreshing, I ended up actually taking her down the shortcut Steven showed me. She was quite happy to know about a better route.
"So any plans or anything?" Rin brought up
"Eh, not really. Not really a 'game plan' of explorin. I mean, normal people travel or follow the hiking path. Not really carving out their own destiny, just following the set path"
"So! Let's break some norms. I do say. The world is open!"
"Sounds about right" Rin said "Just to confirm, we're not really going to take that to such lengths of like, um really serious things?" She asked
"Nah" I said "I mean, if we see something really interesting, hop or crawl that fence to find out. That's all I'm sayin here."
"do whatever fits ya" I said "No limits comin from me"
"Alrighty"
"it is still quite fun to just wander about, isn't it?" Rin said "I mean, even from seeing from another height," Rin said
"Oh it sure is, the thrill is definitely there isn't it?"
Rin Laughs "Oh most definitely, it's pretty crazy how much has changed in just a few weeks."
She gives a quick sigh "…You understand, don't you? A fellow Eeveelution?"
My current cheery and free going nature and expression turns to a small frown
"…Yes, I do. Though not perfect of understanding you. We both understand the general thought."
"I feel sorrow for which the transformation has brought apon us, I am fearful of what's to come"
"I mean," Rin started to say "We aren't really that useful anymore, we can just be crushed like a stinkbug. Be swept away."
"We are nothing now. We are just a waste. We need to really work on our powers and abilities! We need to level out the playing field."
"Nah, we aren't nothing. We are far stronger than any human will ever be, as long as we just over time get better and master our abilities. We can overcome any threat." I said
"Though my main fear is, and what we all have faced is that to a human the main questions are 'What are the proper needs of an elemental? How should we act around one? How do we know if it's friendy?'"
"But most importantly, communication is key."
"With Great powers, comes great responsibility," I said to Rin
"You gettin all this? I tend to ramble."
"Oh nah! I ramble a lot as well it's all fine" Rin said
"Another problem is how Human society is just plain is. pretty much at this point, Humans are literally being engineered to fear us, most Humans are also just plain old too stubborn to change. You think some southern hillbilly in the woods is going to treat us with respect?"
"Most likely not. It's starting a vicious cycle."
"You think a Human will treat us like a Human being?…no, wait. We are not Human beings. We are Eeveelutions! Elementals! We are just mentally able as any human, and that's the status Quo we need to uphold. We are in most situations more capable than any Human! And that's also counting the Elementals on two legs, four legs, whatever! or any non-Eeveelution"
"Have to remember there is other types of Elementals, heh."
"Yep! Us Eeveelutions need to stick together! They're all just Dumb idiots who simply don't even have the brain capacity to even understand perspective!" Rin said
"i can just imagine all the fear from humans over our powers, we are quite powerful and Not only that, the burning of the Chrysler building has shown humanity our true flaming colors. Our true imprecations to the fate of the world." Rin said
"That just creates even more of a reason for us to be outcasts! We are simply a danger"
"No no…we aren't truly a danger, The government won't care as long there is a benefit for us to be there."
"Government? I'm talking about normal life here! How we are going to be treated by humanity?"
"A disgruntled far stronger and able Population that can rise up at any moments notice will very displeasureable to anyone to who dares opposes it"
"It's Best to keep em satisfied?" Rin added on
"Bingo." I said
"Besides some Elemental-Human family and those who at least reasonable on the subject, who cares what a Human filth like that thinks?" I said
a Cheeky Simile forms on Rins Face "I like where you're going here."
"Pretty much the problem here is ourselves being powerful and strong, and that allot of Humans are just pathetically minded!" Rin said
I walk around a puddle, while Rin walks right through it,
"Imagine everyone you knew had a built in rocket launcher, that's the kind of vibe check we are getting with this shit."
Rin laughs a little "What about Humans though? They don't have that ability to even relate sometimes. they don't know us, they don't understand or feel us. There is a wall…"
"…a wall I can't even break if I tried, it…just doesn't help me.l
"I try all the hugs, the love. The affection." Rin said
"…it doesn't fill a void in me. A void that becomes more apparent every day…I don't know what to do anymore"
"Don't we all just don't know?" I said
"Yeah. Arnt We all just winging this…there was no preparation for this to happen, just a Click"
"And bam. The whole world changes, your alone, scarred, hurting…you don't know what to even do…it's all dizzy, and your just left to be sucked down the goddamn drain."
"How will even I prove myself…I want to prove myself that I'm that I'm at least save in normal society, that I'm worth something," Rin said
"I wish to prove myself to be the son to my parents I haven't been for weeks." I said
I think for a brief moment
"…Were you awake when you transformed?"
"huh, what? What did you say?"
"Were you awake when you transformed?…im sorry for asking."
"…I, look…mm. I don't wish to be reminded of that. Very much so, it fills me with such…anger that was the day I became this…filth"
Rin and I make it out, the sun hitting my eyes once more.
"…Heh, thanks for showing me this" Rin said
"It's all Good" I responded
"Though You aren't a filth, you are more than that yaknow?. We just talked about how we are stronger than humans, you aren't weak, it's only if you make yourself weak. We are Eevons."
"I know that doesn't just fix all the problems though. Society is an ass. It is and it will always be."
"I love as my family as much as you do. But over time humans will realize how much of a threat we are to their existence"
Rin and I went on and continued left than the right I went with Steven last time. We mostly huddled the tree line with a road and some houses to our right
"…some Elementals thought we might get too few of attention, that we are too cute to be taken seriously. Though some elementals are like legit dragons. But now?"
"We are going to get allot of it, and it's never going to end, Elementals and Humans are made almost perfectly to fight endlessly. I don't wish that to happen."
"…but in this world, there is idiots, And idiots will ruin everything," I said
"Very true words…" Rin said "I…I just want to know if I'm worthy of bei—
"You are worthy, you are worthy by my standards"
'…my standards are pretty shit though'
"Thank you, I just wish for something good to happen. I miss everything that used to be in my life"
"Well! Let's be the change you want to be! Change the world!"
'Honestly, we are just legit teenagers, we can't change anything really. It's all up to the adults who are now Elementals I guess, I don't really know.'
"…Maybe we shouldn't go into backyards?" Rin brought up "I think that would be a positive change," Rin said
"…What? W-Why not?"
"I don't know…It just doesn't sit well in my stomach, it just came to me"
"Aw come on! You're just overthinking it, seriously. Nothing bad is going to happen, we are not even breaking anything or even really poking around!"
"Hell to get to Point A to Point B it's twice as fast, We haven't even done anything yet. What should we do instead?"
'I was quite disappointed because I had so much fun during it the first time and was really looking forward to doing it with a buddy, maybe crack some jokes or something'
"Hmm, I don't really know, I'm having fun just walking with you. I really just enjoyed the talking. Plus it's quite nice out" She said as a breeze of a larger car wooshed by
"Yeah your right, it is pretty nice out. Well then, we can continue on ahead."
"Heh. So you know what? You know what I find neat?" I said
"What?" Rin said
"I actually was in these woods to our left a couple of days ago, you know how enchanting everything looks?" I asked
"Oh it's quite neat!" Rin said, "I've been back there numerous times, I wonder what it will look like In fall?"
"Yeah! With all the leaves, how beautiful a mix of Red and Gold it will be"
"I love it also because there's nothing there stopping you from anything, you can just run!" Rin said, "You can just finally have some quiet, you can be to your own thoughts."
"None of the naggin" I said
"…Yeah" Rin responded
We walk by a metal sign, we were entering a new Township the sign was partly vandalized
"You ever been in water yet?" I asked "Your a freesh, tried any pools?"
"I have, dear lord I was stupid…"
"What happened?"
"Fish drown in chlorine pools."
'Yikes'
"So yeah, not tryin that anytime soon, I got out quick. Though I was able to swim extremely well. It felt awesome to finally put some use to my new body. I think a Lake would be more acceptable."
"Ever think of going into the river?"
"Yeah, that's polluted as shit. Plus you could easily get swept away. Not goin by it. What about your moon stuff? Umbreon's are known for their devotion to the moon, I've always wanted to know what's its like. Most Umbreons are just pretty nervous about the whole thing"
"…honestly it's not as bad as I thought."
"It's actually pretty fun, and I get filled with like a certain power or something! It's pretty awesome. Really, it quite is. The moon is quite most definitely a sight during those times! Though it's also scary at times…"
"It's like…recharging. My body needs energy, and that energy is from the moon, it was…urm a shaky start. But I've learned to just find it neat."
"Have you ever been on any night walks of sorts? Maybe thinking your the keeper of the night?…being edgy?"
"Heh. I have not at the current moment. Though it's something on the list of course! Heh. Sneakin out, it's so daring of a move!"
"Though in all honestly, I wouldn't go anywhere except in my backyard."
I simile to my myself. imagining myself running around in circles in the dead of night. Being the glowbutt I am."
"Have you ever want into the night Rin?"
"…eh."
"I did it like once, or twice…or maybe three times?"
"So a lot," I said
"Yeah…"
"What did you do?"
"Ahh you know, the usual. The thought of being a rebel and just saying frick everything and just going out on your own accord, its actually one of the reasons how I even found the factory. I found it and thought it was neat to look inside in."
"I guess it's also a reason why many of the people there are just people who just liked to go out on their own and investigate their surroundings. Though some are quite unconventional in where they do it in I do say. It's also pretty much a 'park' for Eeveelutions."
"Heh, still sounds pretty awesome to me. I'm proud of something like that naturally forming. Gives me hope for society"
"You know? it shows we can successfully band together and go for a common goal, and can be at least tolerant of each other"
"We all sometimes just need that little hope, even if it's quite insignificant."
"…Heh, I sadly barely feel hopeful, your pretty much correct, topics like this are quite depressing. Everything is fricked. I wish I could be hopeful again. But hey, that's what family is for, to care and to love in unprecedented times. I wish you the best of luck in trying to break down that wall of ours with your family" I said
"I wish the same to you." Rin said to me "…I just want everyone to be happy, honestly I'm completely lost on what to do."
"Heh, your pretty lucky as well. Your father transformed. You can talk with him much better than I can with mine. My parents are both human. Two Humans raising an Elemental."
"My father has a job. He can't really do that Job anymore properly because he's just a…rrrr…just an Elemental like the rest of us!"
Rin and I make it to where we have to to make a left to keep going safely because if we continued straight we would have to cross a big road
"Well…hmm. What is he again?"
"He's a Leafeon. Just a four legger like us…He's a science professor, works at a (Name) College"
"Oh well, I bet he surely finds this interesting!"
"W-What? Why?"
"Leafeon's a grass type. Since he's a science professor, he can pretty much just experiment on himself! Plus, if he's into the environmental kind of science. It's a win-win, he's pretty much a plant, he could learn quite a lot from just doing photosynthesis."
"It's not a win win. How is he going to speak to people? He can't even let alone drive now!"
"I mean…he can teach Elemental Classes? He can be understood by Elementals still" I said, "Imagine all the science projects he could possibly do!"
"Aw come on. no one would allow it. It would be easier to just a get human substitute. He's lost his use!"
"Heh, yeah. He will only end up that way if you seriously make him feel like that." I Said
"What?"
"Yeah, I'll say just gave the man encouragement and be there for him. Hell…like I know its hard, and it's even hard for me. But just go for it, at least you can talk clearly with him. Unlike my parents, where they don't understand what I'm saying"
"maybe help him with science shit or whatever, you know him way better than I do."
"Yeah…I guess your right. What's it like looking with Human parents?"
I sigh
"It's pretty much fine really. It's just all my fault for everything, I end up making everything worse."
"What do you make worse? It can't be that that bad"
"…"
I stop and begin counting on my paw
"Im a danger being around them. My powers are unpredictable at times, I end up making everything worse whatever I do. Whenever I think it's a good idea it's absolute dogshit and I end up making everything worse…I want them to be happy yet I always mess up…I don't want them to be suspicious of me! Yet I mess things up and I make it's all worse when I'm near them."
"You really think you're the worst don't you?"
"…eh? Yeah. In allot of ways…pretty much"
"Well I can tell just by being with you for the past like…uhhh"
I can visually see Rin thinking quite hard
"…15 minutes?"
"You can't be that seriously bad, plus you just repeated yourself 3 times"
"…Pah. What do you see in me?"
"I mean from what you have saying for awhile, and from what you just told me on my father, you seem quite intelligent. Your pretty kind, you'll been trying to help Steven and you give him food sometimes."
"Honestly you seem quite Chill. Reckless at times…but Chill…"
"I mean, we all mess up. It's normal nature. I mess up a lot as well. It's simply adjustment pain I suppose."
"Yeah…but you don't really understand the whole picture! I've been just been digging myself into a hole! And when I think I get out of it. I realize it's even deeper! Im just a burden to them! I make everything worse that I touch"
"…"
"We…urmm. Look you are not a burden."
"How do you even know that?!"
"I don't know…just don't talk yourself down like this. Really man. It's an adjustment, hopefully…things will go better. You know there is a problem at least. You just need to drop the shovel, man up, and charge in head on."
"If you think you have failed so many times and have tried everything. think of this…as your last resort."
"Also…for when you get home, get some wipes."
"I fricking hate this moment, I just want to burst at my body is acting up and I'm looking like an embarrassment"
"H-Hey! Your all good! It's fine! I probably should not have said anything"
"…it's fine. I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry."
"It's all good, your fine mate. It's just me."
I look around quickly, there wasn't even a soul nearby. Well except for a couple of cars. Though What did catch my Eye was a Gas Station. Same one from awhile ago
"Hey, Jack! See that Junion Gas Station? maybe just use the bathroom there. Clean yourself up. Quick and easy"
"…Sure, it will be very quick though. I don't want to hold you up." I said "I should have better control of myself"
"Ah You're fine…"
Rin and I waited for a while, the road itself was long. Though in width was small. I was starting to think that maybe we shouldn't just cross the road, and we can do something else. Though I'm most likely just being a wimp…
When there weren't any cars as far as the eye can see. We crossed safety.
"Did you know that this the place where a lot of people buy a lot of snacks and shit from? Heh, it's nearby and quite easy to get to?"
"Have you been in there before?"
"I have not, I don't bring money with me. Honestly sorta stupid to do so. Heh, we don't even wear clothes, there's no real pockets or such." Rin said
"Heh, when I was human I just ignored how truly important Pockets were. You never miss them when you don't have them anymore"
Rin pushed open the door to the gas station, and I could hear the bell ring of the door opening
"Go for the bathroom, clean myself up, maybe get out." I repeated to myself,
I see at the counter a Slyveon, wearing a mini green uniform of sorts. I try to keep myself from bursting out laughing, it's just funny to me okay?
"Hello! Welcome, let me know you if need anything." The Slyveon said
I walk up to the counter
"Hey um, do you know where the Restroom is?"
"Yep!" One of its ribbons goes Into an arrow formation, pointing to a Restroom "Right that way. I am relieved I don't have to use any of my speech signs, as we are both Elementals. I have like 4 of em, heh"
"Here's the Key little mon" With another Ribbon he handed me the bathroom key
"Alright. Thank you" I Said taking it and ever so quickly scooting over to the bathroom. Then realizing that using paws to unlock a freakin door is not a strongpoint of Elementals
The Slyveon then came after seeing my many difficulties and offered to open it for me using his Ribbons and I accepted it. Slyveon Ribbons are so cool, it's like having arms and hands!
I did my business. I made sure to get myself looking better and also peed in the toilet. I also got to see myself again in the mirror. Truly amazing what I am now, I'm an Umbreon. It's unexplainable and yet it still makes me speechless sometimes simply looking at myself and what I am now
"When I'm older, I think I should keep a pack of baby wipes where I go. It's pathetic sounding. Yet it's important"
I finished what I had to do, and I was quite satisfied with myself, feeling quite better from before.
I left the bathroom and it seemed like Rin and the Employee were making small talk, We thanked the guy and promptly left the station
"Feelin better?" Rin asked
"Yeah, I'm all good"
"The way that guy does his job is very interesting, he lifts up signs to communicate with human customers. He even showed me some."
"Well, I hope there's lots of innovation that comes out of all this," I said
"Yeah, with how people do stuff and such. I wonder what's it's like in Boston? With it being all majority Elemental! Though information is quite limited, and that's all that we know, and hell that may even be not true" Rin Said
"Yeah…I haven't heard much about it either. But I wonder how things will be like in 50 years!"
"Yeah! Imagine buildings that are pretty much our size! It's quite a funny thought, any ideas on what job you can have in the future?"
"Hmm"
The road was quite clear so we crossed it
"What kind of Jobs can an Umbreon do?"
"Heh, you would be a great late night shift worker, and with you being made perfectly to adapt and work in the night and dark is also important. You have like night Vision!"
"Yeah, but the hard part is that's all I'm useful for really. A one-trick pony"
"I'm a one-trick pony as well, we all have our own special abilities, it's what makes you special. You could just work a normal job or whatever, a human job as well, everything still on the table. You don't just need to get a job exclusively only for your new powers."
"I mean, other than a better lifeguard than a human and that's a pretty basic example. What jobs can I do solely based on my powers?"
"Hmm, yeah your right."
"Each Eeveelution is best at a certain thing, their focus really. You can do things I can't do and vice versa. Heh I can just imagine you staying up all night and actin like it's nothing"
"I'm sure you will find that one special thing that really fits you."
"Aw. Thanks" I Said "I'm sure your dad will do great"
"So, want to cut through the forest? Make our way to the back of the factory, and then call it a night?" I asked pointing my paw at the forest
"Sure!" Rin said lowering herself into a position to kick off the ground
"How about I race you there!"
"Pah…really? Alright then. I'm going to smoke you then." I said getting into position. "You won't even know what passed ya"
"Hahahaha. Let's rumble boy" Rin said
I kicked off with my feet going full throttle, while also making sure my breathing was in check. Rin had also done the same I could feel the wind of her near me. There was quite a lot of trees, but I just need to swerve and pass them. I think I should go and head straight as best as I can
It was a Rush, I know for sure I would kick Rins ass. I'm the running master! I then ended up causing a rear ending for Rin bumping into her as I moved left to dodge a tree, almost making us crash fully into each other.
Rin forcefully rams into me, trying to push me out of the way. I growl back as I ram into her, as she is now on my left. Showing her who's boss while coming out ahead of her
"HAHAHAHAHA!" I can feel the wind! I can feel on my ears! My tail! I can feel it! I can feel the wind on my fur! It's all here! I feel everything!
My Body gets some new sudden Weight right on top of me and I'm beginning to get dragged down and starting to skid, I quickly glance to see that Rin Lunged onto me laughing. I try sway her off of me but we end up stumbling and falling, and I'm then Met with dirt
"Oof!"
On the ground, quite disoriented. I quickly try to realign myself and I get up but I'm tackled down again. What happens next is pretty much a little scrabble of movement. I quickly manage to brute force myself back up knocking off Rin, making her flop back onto the dirty ground while I could hear her cursing the entire way.
I simile to myself as I quickly picked up my pace again with my new found headstart. trying to make sure I don't end up smacking my face into a tree.
"Get back here!" I could hear her yell quite angrily, though her hopes are in vain. "I won't let you!" I heard her again father away
I continue on, hoping my sense of direction has persevered enough to a certain degree to the endpoint which is the factory. Though I doubt I'll be lost.
As I just began to worry, for us to call it off to see if we are on the right track here. I remember this familiar area from before, and my fears are quenched. I quickly look behind to see that Rin is still actively pursuing me, so to see if I left her behind
I could see some daylight shine through the leaves ahead, and I quickly climb up a short hill. Panting when I reached the top. The dilapidated factory is there, I have secured victory. I lay down in the shade, catching my breath.
"I…I am not theFastest person." She said In and out of her panting, after making it up the hill, then pretty much flopping down onto the ground catching her breath as well in the shade near me
"Heh, you did quite well. You good?"
"Yeah. I'm fine, just a moment…" Rin said "You did really good
"Yeah, And you were quite the tackler."
"Heh, what's a little wrestle between friends?" Rin said
I lightly simile "I guess your right. That was a lot of fun. Thank you for being a friend, it means a lot.
"A friend." I thought to myself "You can a Girl as a Friend. That's perfectly normal"
"Anytime, it's all good. thanks for all of this." Rin said "I'll catch ya later, see ya"
"See ya Rin," I said as Rin walked away
I sat in the shade, clear of the current sunlight. As much as I liked being with people, I loved to be alone as well. I like the quiet. I'll do some good today with my parents as well.
"That isn't my current concern though," I said to myself "my concern is a little nap."
And with a simile, I happily took one.
Ah…Another Chapter done! This one is my most proudest one. Most character interaction and it gets the feel of 30 Percent and what it is perfectly!
An important word of advice, if something is quite hard. just start the beginning of it and you may be surprised to see that the ball has started rolling! Don't overthink it, just go and have fun!
Also, very important. Go check in the Community search page the words "PercentVerse"! Lots of other hard working people have written their own stories for the PercentVerse, which is set in the same universe as 30 Percent!
I highly suggest to take a look at their fictions, they are of such quality! There are currently about 25 current PercentVerse Stories and that number will soon be outdated. So when I'm a poop and it takes awhile for more chapters, go take a look at those. They are awesome in their own right!
The next chapter release date Is whatever, so I'll see you then! :D