Chapter 2: Through the Veil

*Ugh… What happened?* Lucario thought as the world around it became focused. She was in a small room with forest green walls, a black curtain blocking the window, a desk with some electronic device next to it, a computer, and a closet with clothes in it. Once Lucario propped itself up, it realized that it was lying on a bed. As the Pokémon scanned its surroundings, a voice spoke from the doorway as the door shut softly.

"Are you okay?" Bryce stepped forward, and looked at Lucario as if it were an alien. The aura Pokémon looked at him, scanning his aura as best it could. There was no malice, just concern and sorrow…a lot of sorrow. Lucario finally spoke.

"I've been better."

By the sound of the Lucario's voice, Bryce could tell she was female, and upon looking at him he could see that she also had purple eyes instead of red. He hadn't seen her eyes since she had been asleep for the better of ten hours. Fortunately it was summer, so he was able to keep watch over her during the early morning.

"Do you know what I am?" she asked curiously.

He nodded. "A Lucario, the Aura Pokémon, typically around 3' 11" in height, and they have the ability to see and use aura, and are able to speak telepathically." He paused. "How in the world did you get here?"

"I volunteered to go see other worlds and establish what their people are like." She responded. "My world is becoming filled with several Pokémon, and so we're looking for places to spread out. Scientists and engineers are helping us by looking into other worlds that would sustain all types of Pokémon. As precaution, some of us were sent to places…like here… to see if it truly is safe. The travel here took a lot of strain on the body… much more than I thought."

Bryce considered this for a moment. Earth's track record was against something like this. Earth started a world war just because one archduke was killed. There was almost always a civil war somewhere…even most television shows, videogames and books had some kind of war…

"It's a good thing I found you, then. Pokémon here are something of a fantasy." Bryce explained carefully. "Some people have known about Pokémon, but there aren't actually any here, as you already know." He walked over to a chair and sat down, leaning back slightly. "Honestly, I think you're looking at the wrong world. I know some people wouldn't mind at all, but most would resort to violence immediately."

She sighed. Though most people would be frightened by an unknown creature, to do something like kill her before even giving her a chance…

"… However, if you want to stay here to make your own judgment, you'll need to be careful. If you need a place to stay…as long as you're out of sight of my parents, you'll be okay."

Lucario looked up at Bryce. "And you're all right with me staying here?"

He looked at her questioningly, "You...care what I think?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"Sorry." Bryce replied, "People aren't exactly…known for caring… sometimes not even your own family." He looked away. "It's not my house or my choice, but I would be okay to see you stay and help you with your questions."

"Then I'll stay." Lucario replied.

He nodded. "By the way, I thought Lucario's eyes are normally red…why are yours purple?"

"I don't know," she said sadly. Bryce knew he had struck a nerve without meaning to.

"I didn't mean to bring up painful memories…"

"It's okay. I know you didn't mean to. It's just…I've been teased for as long as I can remember. That's why I said I would go to other worlds, and maybe find someone who likes me for who I am, not what I look like."

"I'm sorry." Bryce apologized. He knew that feeling all too well… "Don't worry about it here though. I would never tease someone on how they look...I've had my fair share of being teased."

*Besides, you shouldn't care what others think of you. They're just humans…I suppose that nature is only human…*

"I'm guessing that coming here altered your height. You look to be about my height."

She nodded. "I expected physical changes from going to a new place. Actually, humans in my world are fairly short."

It wasn't until then Bryce remembered she hadn't eaten for at least ten hours. He pointed to the door behind him. "Feel like eating? It may not be what you're used to, but there is one thing I know you'll like."

She smiled and nodded. "Sounds good."

He extended his hand to help her up. She took it, but once she stood up, Lucario lost her balance. Bryce quickly put an arm around her back to prevent her falling onto the wood bracing. They looked into each other's eyes for a moment before Bryce withdrew his arm. She giggled slightly and he blushed slightly, shifting his gaze elsewhere.

"Sorry, I haven't been standing up for a while." Lucario replied.

"It's fine, I'd probably be unstable too." Bryce said, still looking away. "I'll lead you to the kitchen, provided you can walk okay."

She nodded, following him out the room and down the hall.

*Maybe there's another reason why I was sent here…*

Author's Notes: I know the second half of this chapter is about the same. I just wanted more detail in the beginning and as to why Lucario is on Earth. Please continue to read and review!