I've decided that from now on, I will dedicate each chapter to a PercentVerse writer. I want to do this to promote PercentVerse, but more importantly because every single one of the authors and their stories deserves it.

Let's start with FaolanLasky, also known as Golem. His PercentVerse story, called "A Jolteon's Purpose", gave me much inspiration for this chapter.

I want to point out an interesting coincidence regarding his username. For those who do not know, "FaolanLasky" (I believe, at least) references the Wolves of the Beyond series by Kathryn Lasky. It is a coincidence because that series is, arguably, the root of my inspiration and motivation for writing. I could go on about why that is, but I won't here.

Unfortunately I haven't had many opportunities to interact with Golem, but from what I can tell he's one of the wiser members of the community. I look forward to potentially getting to know him better in the future, because I know there's much I can learn from him.

Join our community! More information, Discord link, etc. can be found in my bio page.

I felt the soft grass beneath me. A healthy breeze brought to my nose the soothing scent of the morning air. The world slowly came into focus. I lay in the middle of an enchanting meadow, surrounded by the most breath-taking scenery I have ever seen. In front of me, lush forest extended far beyond the horizon; behind me stood a mountain so tall, it reached above the clouds. A lovely stream flowed across the clearing and into a glittering lake in the distance. The birds sang, and the sun beamed brightly. All around me, wild animals and Pokémon alike were going about their business. It was a slice of paradise.

I stood and stretched. My mind eagerly took in all the senses, from the smell of fresh grass and the blue of the sky to the sound of rushing waters nearby and every little bit of feedback from my paws contacting the ground. The hidden beauty of the world was highlighted to me, and I couldn't wait to explore all of it.

I started walking, but it soon turned into a jog, then a run. The wind brushed my face as I indulged in the exhilaration of totally letting go, losing control.

I'm alive! I'm free!

I reached the stream and decided to stop for a drink. I lapped the crisp and refreshing water while my mind raced over what I should do next.

Visit the lake! Go scare some Mareep! Search for berries in the forest! Climb the mountain!

Sing!

I'll do everything!

The fates made a decision for me. A familiar humming endearingly directed me towards Pokémon in need. How long has it been since I was free of its incessant buzzing, plaguing my every step? Now it was only a gentle whisper in the back of my mind, guiding me and gifting me with purpose, but with none of the urgency and intensity. The world was at peace.

To the mountains it was. I scaled a rocky cliffside, leaping from rock to rock, skillfully maneuvering the treacherous terrain. My claws were perfect for gripping and climbing, while my horn and tail kept me balanced. Following my sense, I arrived at a snazzy cavern inhabited by a family of Lucario and Riolu. They waved at me. I smiled and waved back. I beckoned them out of their home, and they happily complied. We waited together, and sure enough, a rockslide came down and covered the cavern. I stayed awhile to help clean up the mess. Rock Smash is just one of many useful Moves I have collected over the years. The family expressed their gratitude and offered goods in return, but by then, I was long gone. There was a whole world out there for me to experience and no time to waste!

Lead me again, my old friend!

I patiently waited for my sense to reveal my next destination, but nothing came. It must have been a particularly tranquil afternoon. I was high enough that I could see all the way to the ocean. I munched on an enormous iapapa berry, savouring the acidic, juicy treat while enjoying the view. It was a truly magical land, prospering with life in every corner. Flying Pokémon soared past me, the friendlier ones chirping a greeting, and the others generally ignoring me. There was no concern about my safety, even when I was at a vulnerable spot such as now. No one in the right mind would attack an Absol — not because of our resourcefulness, or our strength are to be feared, but because everyone knows that keeping us alive and well will do them more good than it ever will trying to harm us. It was an unspoken rule of nature.

Feeling lazy, I lay down in a patch of sunshine and yawned.

I became painfully aware that this was a dream, and that when I wake up, I will remember none of it. I want so desperately to hold on, but I could feel that I was waking up. I was becoming drowsy - fading from this heaven and back into the harsh reality.

I only hoped that I could retain anything at all from here. My conscious self has yet to realize that in the depth of my heart, this is what I longed for. Nature. Balance. Freedom. Trust. Purpose. Peace.

This is where I belong.

•●•

It was not a comfortable awakening. My entire body stung and ached. I almost wanted to fall asleep again. Despite all that, though, I was more at ease than I expected. The faint memory of a pleasant dream lingered.

My heart skipped a beat as I opened my eyes. I was in my bedroom! With difficulty, I raised my head and spotted Clara curled up on the other side of the bed. She must have been awake because she immediately reacted to the noise of my movement.

"You're awake!"

I grimaced at the painfully enthusiastic greeting.

"Too loud." I croaked. My throat was dry. "Water?"

"Oh, yes." She picked up a bowl of water from my bedside table delicately with her mouth and placed it by my side.

I plunged my muzzle in and took a deep drink, too thirsty to bother with lapping. "That's better."

"How are you feeling?" she asked with a more controlled voice.

I chose my words carefully. I was hurting all over, but I didn't want to worry anyone. "I'm recovering, I think. Still… not great, but I'll manage. How long was I out?"

"Just over a full day now."

A full day! Does that mean it's late at night right now? She stayed up late for me. That's nice of her. "Yeah, I'm feeling better."

"Oh, good." She paused before continuing. "What happened after I fainted?"

"He burned me, but I managed to drive him away, I think. I couldn't quite stay alert enough to know. I managed to get us here before passing out."

I could tell from her flickering eyes that something was bothering her. "When he burned you… did it hurt?"

"Yeah?"

"A lot?"

"Yeah."

"Um…" She was fidgeting with her paws.

"What's wrong?"

"D-did it… keep hurting?" She was having difficulties forcing the words out. She was asking some bizarre questions as well.

"Yes?"

"Does it… does it still… hurt?"

"…yes?" I wasn't sure where she was going with this. Surely having lingering injuries after being burned was normal?

"W-where-" She swallowed hard. "Where does it hurt?"

"Um…" Everywhere. But I can't very well say that, can I? "I, uh…"

"I'm so sorry!" She broke down, completely and utterly.

I felt a little lost. What was wrong? "Look, I'll be fine after a few days. It's not like I'll be crippled for life or anything."

That made her cry even harder.

"I… Please calm down. You're making me anxious. There's nothing to cry about."

"You…should have… let… me go."

"What, no! He was killing you! He almost killed you!"

"Better… than… this… I'm… sorry…"

"What do you mean?" I was creeped out by her behaviour. There was clearly a problem, and I wasn't seeing it.

"Houndoom… Pokédex…"

I felt my stomach twist. I had read the entry before and remembered it as one of the darker pieces of Pokémon lore. So that's what he meant by pain. "It's exaggerated, right?"

"I… don't deserve… to live…"

"It has to be exaggerated. I feel better than before."

The pain will last forever, that's what the Pokédex said. I refused to believe it. I was hurting much less than when I was initially burned.

But what if? No. No.

I extended a paw and placed it on Clara's shivering shoulder. Moving was agonizing, but I tried my best to ignore it. I pulled her shoulder a bit. "Please, Clara."

Perhaps she misunderstood my gesture, or perhaps it was instinctual, but I was more than shocked when she came and snuggled up to me, all while sobbing and whispering, "I'm sorry," like some sort of chant.

It was a little intimate and a little awkward, but her warmth was comfortable and soothing. I think we both needed the comfort and support.

•●•

The pain stayed when I awoke again. Clara was out somewhere, so I was left alone. My room was as empty as I felt inside. Was it hopeless? Was I going to be like this forever? Was it even worth it living like this? I could barely move.

Thankfully I wasn't left to think dark thoughts for long. The only person who could have reassured me at the time walked into the room — my mother.

"How are you feeling, dear?"

"Mom! I uh…" I didn't know how to break the news to her.

"Ah, I forgot about the language barrier. Hey, Clara!" She turned and called.

Clara came running into the room. She was red-eyed and looked exhausted.

"Can you type out what Sorin says on the phone here?"

The Flareon nodded.

"Thank you. So?" My mother turned back to me.

"I'm feeling better." It was a lie, and I felt sick about it.

"That's good to hear." She smiled at me, which made me feel even worse. "What's your relationship with Clara here?"

"We met at the fire and decided to travel together."

My mother watched Clara type it all down and seemed to accept it.

She took a deep breath. "Now, I heard from Clara that there was something special about your injuries. Is that… true?"

Clara had told her. There was no way I was hiding it then. I nodded.

"How bad? Is it bearable?"

I nodded again at that. I could almost ignore it if I closed my eyes and let myself drift.

My mother reached over and gently rested a hand on my head. She gingerly began to stroke me. "I want you to know, everything will be fine. We'll find a cure for it, okay? Clara suggested strawberries, and we've been feeding you that when you were out. It helped your burns heal. I don't know too much about this Pokémon thing, but I'm sure there's something else that can help your condition. Just hold on for me, okay? I promise we'll make it out together."

Clara was crying again. I was leaning into the petting and was just about to doze off when my mother stopped. I was vaguely aware of her picking Clara up from the ground and placing the Flareon beside me. "No need to cry, dear. It's not your fault. Blame it on the… Houndoom, was it? Right, if it's anyone's problem, it's the Houndoom's. You take care of yourself now. You've barely slept since yesterday. I'll leave you two to rest."

With that, she walked out of the room, leaving me to fall asleep for the third time.

•●•

I was greeted with the face of a grinning Meowstic when I woke up.

"You two are so cute huddled together like that."

I recognized that voice. "Dad?"

"Who else? Hello, son."

"Dad, you transformed! How come Mom didn't mention anything?"

The Meowstic shook his head. "We'll talk about that later. I heard about what happened, son. You were brave to save Clara's life. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, Dad." That did make me smile a little.

"No problem. I know you're not feeling the best right now, but hold your faith. All your sufferings will not be for naught. If you persevere, better things will come."

My father was a man of faith. His optimism and will is admirable and gives others hope.

He looked beside me. "How are you doing, Clara?"

Clara replied in a monotone voice, "You should all just kill me now."

I turned and stared at her in shock. "Clara! Why?"

"It's what I deserve. The Houndoom was after me. I should be the one injured, not you! How can I live with that? How can any of you live with that?" She was almost shouting at the end.

I was speechless.

"Thinking that way will only makes things worse, girl," my father began patiently. "None of this was your fault. There was nothing you could have done to prevent it."

"But I ran away when he scared me! If I didn't get scared, I could have blocked the fire attacks, and none of this would have happened!"

My father shook his head firmly. "There's no knowing. You could have been injured even worse in that case. But what's done is done. Ultimately it was the Houndoom who attacked, so stop beating yourself over it."

"But I… he…"

My father's eyes flickered from me to her, like he was trying to hint at something. I suddenly realized what I needed to say. "I don't blame you, Clara."

The Meowstic flashed me a quick smile. "There. See?"

Clara's face was a mix of guilt, desperation and frustration. She didn't speak.

"Listen, do you want Sorin to be well?"

"Yes, of course!" she blurted out. "But I…" blurted

"Then I'll tell you what. If you want to help Sorin, you'll need to stop crying in the corner, and actually be productive. Am I right?"

She nodded reluctantly.

"Well, we are about to have a little family meeting, involving you. Sorin's mother should be here any minute."

My mother chose the perfect moment to walk in, holding two glasses of pinkish-white liquid with straws. "Strawberry smoothie, anyone?" Clara and I each accepted one with a "thanks," but realized too late that my mother couldn't understand us. Well, this was going to be an interesting meeting.

My mother placed the glass beside me and I took a drink. Flavour exploded in my mouth. I was never a terrible fan of strawberry, but I had to admit this tasted many times better than what I remembered strawberry was like. The best part was that it seemed to ease the constant pain, and allowed me to focus.

"So," my mother began. "We'll be talking about family stuff for a while, so just sit tight and listen, Clara. Sorin, anything you want to say to me, your dad will write down for you.

"I want to first address what happened the first day. I was panicking, Sorin. I'm sorry to have blocked you and everything. Must have scared you with that, too. We were in the car when your dad transformed. We got so lucky that I was driving at the time. As I said, I was freaking out, and I almost ended up throwing your dad out. Eventually, I decided to just keep driving. You trying to contact me was a wakeup call for me, and I managed to process what was going on quickly afterwards. We got to the lodge, and well, you were missing. We were so worried when we found that your phone was left behind. Then there was a mandatory evacuation. Sometime after we got home, we heard about the fire. We honestly thought you were dead until you showed up at the door. Clara filled us in on everything that happened on your side.

"The last few days have been… difficult. Aside from us having to deal with your 'death,' there was trouble everywhere in the neighbourhood. We could hear these… elementals throwing their powers around every night. It terrified us, especially me. I didn't know if the transformed had control of their powers or not, so I was too afraid to approach your dad. Luckily your dad's not as much of a coward, and came to me with some written notes." My parents shared a warm smile. They still loved each other dearly.

"Well, about your condition… we probably would have handled it much worse had we not thought that you were… you know. The situation is terrible, but at least you're alive! That's what matters." Her voice broke.

My father walked over and patted her arm.

"We… we bought so much stuff. We were so confident that you'll come back. But then the news came, and it was such a hard blow… we—sob—sorry…"

Days of stress, constant fear and grief must not have been easy to hold in. It was all out now. At least it was for a good reason: I had come back. I would have been happier if I wasn't still in pain, although lessened by the strawberry to a very tolerable level.

"So what do we do now?" I asked.

My mother replied after she collected herself and read my father's writing. "We find a cure for you. Clara, your help will be much appreciated, since you know the most out of all of us. But I know you'll want to return to your parents as well, and we by no means are demanding that you stay. If you need, we can provide you with transportation."

Clara looked down for a second. She seemed to have come to an agreement with herself, and nodded determinedly. "I'll stay to help."

"Thank you. We're very grateful. Will your parents be okay with this?"

"Um… we should probably call them, just in case."

The calls didn't go any better than last time. The personal number was still unreachable, and the business contact had been closed entirely.

My mother thought of something and looked at Clara with concern. "Your parents… if they are unavailable for some reason, or can't take you in, know that we'll be more than happy to do so. You're always welcome to live with us. Okay?"

Clara looked a little confused but nodded in affirmation anyways.

My father, being one of few words in situations like this, left us with a short but wise statement. "The world's unstable, but change, even so drastic as this, while harsh, does not always end badly. Clara, we are willing to include you in the family because we see that you care. Any trouble you have, don't be afraid to come to us. It won't be easy to find other nice people or elementals. Sorin, I know it's hard, but hold on tight. We'll make it out together, stronger than ever. You get some rest now."

Word count is 3011 without notes.