A/N - Thanks for all reads, reviews, faves and follows! =D I hope you enjoy this chapter.

49 - A Toxic Nightmare

Enigma sprang down the mountain slope, picking out large rocks where the wind had whipped the snow away. He paused to wait for Harlequin to catch up, glancing back at the zorua as they scrambled down the slope. Harlequin's paws shot out from beneath them and they yelped as they slid on their bottom. The rock Enigma perched on stopped the zorua's descent before Enigma could leap into action.

Harlequin shook snow from their ears and looked up at him. "Coming back down the mountain is a lot harder than climbing it." A scolding tone was laced in the zorua's words, directed at their self rather than Enigma.

Harlequin stood and shook out their pelt.

"You just need to watch where you put your feet." Enigma glanced over at the mountain, the rocks buried deep beneath the snow.

Harlequin snorted and pawed at the snow. "Easy for you to say. You can just warp your way down. At this rate you might have to save me again."

Enigma turned and warped a few feet away, stopping on a branch jutting from the mountain to wait for his friend. "Sorry, Harle. But I'm not exactly in the life-saving business. It was just luck that I found you."

Harlequin scrambled towards him and puffed a few flakes from their nose. "You were following me. Besides." The zorua flashed him a grin. "I think you secretly enjoyed that you were able to save a life for once."

Enigma's jaw tightened and Harlequin raised a paw to take a step back. The zorua's striking sapphire eyes dimmed and they glanced away. Enigma became painfully aware he was glaring. He turned towards the evergreens ahead of them and sighed.

"I'm really sorry, Enigma." Harlequin plodded behind him as he warped further down the slope. "I worded that badly."

"Don't worry about it, Harle, because I'm not."

Enigma took the silence that followed to mean Harlequin was in fact deeply worried about it but choosing not to say anything. He shrugged it off and warped on ahead, landing on a rocky outcrop that overlooked the trees.

Tall mountain pines grew close together, the evergreen canopy sheltering the ground beneath from the snow. Boulders and soil were piled up around the outermost trees, joined by heaps of snow. A few trees strained beneath the weight, their roots pushed up from the ground in a knot of snaking coils. Yet they still stood firm, sheltering the base of the mountain from deadly landslides. For that reason, the pokemon that had lived in the village at the bottom had called the trees The Guardian Woods.

That was until the village fell victim to a nasty landslide several years ago. The trees could only take so much. All it had taken was a well-timed attack and the ancient tree holding back the soil crumpled.

Enigma's claws dug into his pads as he tried to clear the filthy memory from his mind.

Harlequin joined his side, their breath misting in the cold air. "It looks so quiet now, huh?"

"That's because it is."

Harlequin's claws scuffed over the rocky ground as they looked over the trees. Wood creaked in the breeze as they strained against the fresh landfall. The zorua shook their head and moved past Enigma. "Come on."

Enigma followed after Harlequin into the woods. The blanket of pine needles was a welcome change after the biting cold, wet snow. The woodland floor was almost warm in comparison, and muffled their footsteps. Enigma noticed Harlequin was veering off the path, away from the former Outcast town.

"There's nothing we can do about the memories," he told the zorua. "All we can do now is try to put things right."

Harlequin flicked up pine needles as they came to an abrupt stop. "'We'?"

Enigma shrugged and tucked his paws behind his head. "It wont bring back those we've killed. But at least pokemon will feel safe enough to spread out across Estellis again, rather than congregating in tiny, scattered towns."

Harlequin moved on, choosing not to press Enigma about skirting around their question. The zorua's blue gaze wandered around the quiet woods. "I half-expected to see Harbinger in the mountains."

"If he's moving about, our paths might cross," said Enigma. "But it's unlikely. He could be anywhere."

"Then I'll keep looking until I find him," said Harlequin.

"That could take days."

"Or longer." Harlequin cast a glance at Enigma over their shoulder. "It's up to you if you want to stick with me."

Enigma puffed air between his lips. "So I guess I'm out for an endless stroll then, huh?"

Harlequin laughed and Enigma nudged the zorua in the tail with his foot. They continued on, engaging in idle banter into the heart of the woods. The canopy grew so close together it blocked out most of the light.

Harlequin stopped, nose twitching. "Can you smell that?"

"All I can smell is decaying leaves," said Enigma.

Harlequin lowered their head, ears forward, sniffing over the ground until they reached an exceptionally large pine. The bark was deeply grooved half way up it and a sticky, pink goo trailed from them to congeal around the tree's knotted roots.

"This is fresh," Harlequin gasped. "There's a pokemon living around here."

"I'm guessing one with claws?" Enigma eyed the deep grooves above their heads.

Harlequin followed his gaze and swallowed. "Or spines."

"Well it doesn't look like blood." Enigma dropped into a crouch beside Harlequin and reached towards the slime. "So what-"

The wind left Enigma's chest as Harlequin buffeted him aside. He stared up at Harlequin, his surprised stare matching their's perfectly. Harlequin's worry melted into anger and they bared their canines.

"What are you, a hatchling?!" Harlequin barked, jerking their head towards the tree. "This is nidoking poison!"

"How was I meant to know?" Enigma spluttered as he pushed himself back to his feet. "I've never seen one before. I thought they were extinct!"

"Clearly not!" Harlequin's fur smoothed out and they sighed. "Just don't go sticking your paws into random stuff! Have you learned nothing from me? Good grief, Enigma, you'd be the first pokemon at a mushroom party to stick a death cap into his mouth!"

Enigma rolled his eyes then muttered under his breath, "At least I know what a death cap looks like."

If Harlequin heard him they didn't say. Their attention was back on the pink slime. "I know this is nidoking poison from the smell. I've never seen this behaviour before, but I've heard about it. They mark their territory by rubbing up against trees and cliff surfaces. It's a warning to other nidoking that one has claimed this land already, and also serves as a warning to other pokemon to stay away."

"So they don't like company?"

"It's not so much that as they're so toxic they could poison another pokemon just by brushing shoulders with them." Harlequin cast him a sideways glance and turned from the tree to continue down the mountain. "So keep an eye open."

"You're not planning on looking for this guy, are you?" Enigma asked as he caught up.

"I'd like to, but I don't know how he'd feel about a known assassin showing up on his doorstep."

"Oh good." Enigma's voice came out squeakier than he'd intended and he cleared his throat. "Because I don't quite fancy it myself, either."

They continued on in silence, each keeping an ear and eye open for any sign of the nidoking. Enigma stuck to the trees, warping from branch to branch as he scouted the canopy. Only the roar of water broke the silence, growing louder as they drew closer to the tree line. By the time they reached the edge of the woods the sun had vanished beyond the mountain peaks, but the sky was still the deep blue of late afternoon.

The land opened out before them, revealing a wide river that shimmered in the waning daylight. It cleaved through the valley, whisking flurries of snow from the banks which broke up against sharp rocks. An old mountain pine lay across the river, its branches and roots cut away to create a bridge. Green algae clung to its underside while moss grew in clumps along the knotted bark.

Enigma warped back to the ground, landing in the snow with a soft 'ploof', then looked down the river. With two options open to them the most obvious choice was to move away from the Shadow Lands. But that was well beyond the mountains.

"Shall we follow the river?" Harlequin asked.

Enigma shrugged. "Do you have anywhere in mind?"

"Somewhere to rest," said the zorua. "My feet are aching from the uneven ground. I could use a rest and something to eat."

Enigma waved Harlequin along. "Then after you."

Harlequin tutted playfully and skipped on ahead of the banette. The zorua's limp was more pronounced as they waded through the snow. Their black fur clung to their slight frame, and their bushy tail hung in tangled clumps. Enigma felt he probably didn't look much different. His mane could use a good brush. He idly dragged his claws through it, hissing as they found a tangle of knots.

Harlequin stopped a few yards down the river, sniffing at an opening in the cliff face. Enigma warped to their side and peered into the cave. It was dark and smelled like moss and earth. He strolled in ahead of Harlequin and gave a loud whistle that echoed around the vast cavern.

"It's bigger in here than it looks from outside," he called to Harlequin.

The zorua crept in beside him, keeping their head down. Ears swivelled left and right as Harlequin sniffed the air. "It's definitely not lived in."

"What do you think once lived here then?" Enigma asked. "Our nidoking friend?"

"No," said Harlequin. "I'd guess an ursine pokemon. But they're long gone now."

Harlequin inspected the far side of the cave and dug their claws into the dry earth. Seeming content, they slumped into a bedraggled pile and tucked their tail over their paws.

Enigma settled down beside the zorua and leaned back against the wall with a loud yawn. He tucked his paws behind his head and shuffled against the floor. "I could probably sleep myself."

"Go ahead," said Harlequin. "I'll wake you in a few hours. I want to sort through my bag anyway."

Enigma chuckled and glanced at the zorua out of the corner of his eye. It felt good to be around Harlequin again. Although he'd never admit it.

...

Too perfect. Much too perfect.

Harbinger perched on a ledge across the river. The wind whipped his fur, bringing with it the threat of snow. He was mere feet away from the cave Harlequin had chosen.

He turned aside to follow the river back upstream towards where he'd left Scratch and Claw. The two pawniard were the best pokemon for the job. Hopefully they'd have finished it by now.

Harbinger felt his heart pick up again, galloping like a rapidash through a field of wildflowers. If this worked - which he was convinced it would - his revenge plan would be complete.

And oh what a bittersweet irony it would be, too.

...

Cleo clutched onto Faith's waist as she gazed out at the land below them. They'd been flying for some time, and the sun was beginning to vanish beyond the Shadow Lands. The sky was turning a bloody orange ahead of them, smeared with grey clouds. More snow was threatening the travellers, and before long they'd need to seek shelter.

Cleo leaned around Faith's shoulder, feeling Spark stir in her fur as the dedenne woke from a light doze. "I think we need to land soon, Reshiram. Night is drawing in."

"Already?" Spark mumbled.

Reshiram cast a blue eye towards Cleo and made a thoughtful noise. "We're making good time. If we land now, we'll slow our journey."

"But if it snows we might get caught in a blizzard."

Faith looked back at Cleo. "Do you know where we are? Is there a village we can stay in?"

Cleo shook her head. "I don't recognise anything this far out. The northern parts of Estellis are completely alien to me."

She wanted to check her map to see if anything might be drawn on it that might promise shelter. But the wind was against them and she feared her map would be snatched from her paws.

"Most pokemon have fled south anyway," said Spark. "We'd be lucky to find anyone friendly in this place."

Cleo nodded at that. It would be very unlikely to find someone friendly so close to the Shadow Lands. She narrowed her eyes at it. The sky was growing darker, more red, and she thought she could see the thorny spire of Hydreigon's castle. Something she'd only heard of in stories. Was it just her imagination? It was still many miles away, yet it was still foreboding.

She huddled into Faith as her teeth began to chatter. "I really do think we're in for more snow."

"Me too," said Faith. "Reshiram, can you see anywhere that might make good shelter? It's getting colder."

Reshiram's tail flared in response, or it seemed as such. Heat flooded through him, warming Cleo from the bottom up. The white dragon veered to the side, turning towards the smudge of forest beneath them.

"You make a good point, girls," he said. "We'll land and find shelter. I might not be tired yet but I wouldn't say 'no' to some supper!" His laughter rumbled through his large body.

Faith smiled, hanging onto his feathers as he carefully turned towards the ground in a graceful arc. "I can second that!"

"I third it," said Spark, yawning widely.

Cleo blinked at Reshiram's comment. Not tired yet? They'd been flying most of the day! She held onto Faith for dear life, her yellow eyes wide as she watched the ground come up on her right. Reshiram levelled out, stiffening his wings as he gently glided towards the ground. His body jerked as his feet struck the snow and he tucked his wings in at his sides.

He looked back at his passengers and nodded. "All right! We're on the ground."

"It looks like a cloud," said Spark as she dropped from Cleo's shoulder.

The small dedenne vanished into the snow and Cleo's heart hit her throat. She stooped to rescue the small rodent and dusted snow from her orange fur.

Spark twitched her whiskers and shook her large ears. "Yikes! That's some deep snow!"

"Oh, Spark," Faith sighed, a small smile playing at her lips. "You do go on some adventures."

Cleo set her small companion back on her shoulder. "Look before you leap next time."

"I did!" Spark squeaked.

The meowstic waded through the snow, searching the bare canopy of the forest. There was no sign of any murkrow, not that she expected to find any. Without much shelter, even the forest floor had fallen victim to the snow.

Reshiram strutted over it, his large tail melting the snow away to reveal flattened grass beneath it. "If we camp on the outskirts we'll be able to make a quick getaway if any of Hydreigon's soldiers find us."

Cleo felt that was a polite way of him telling her there was little room for him in the forest. Not to mention the risk of a fire from his flaming tail. He'd undoubtedly offer it to keep them all warm.

Cleo reached into her bag for their tent. A new bundle of blue fabric and collapsible rods was squeezed between her old sheet and her restocked rations. She could still recall Old Red's kind face as he offered it to them before they left. She'd tried to refuse but he'd insisted, bundling the tent into her paws.

'It's the least I can do after your wonderful company,' he'd said. 'And you've given us a new destination! I look forward to the day we meet again in the Fairy Garden.'

Cleo's eyes welled up and she tugged the tent from her bag. The poles fell out around her where they stuck out of the snow. She stooped to grab them and Faith joined her.

"I helped them take down one of these," she said. "I think I can work it out in reverse."

Cleo thanked the mawile and together they managed to get the tent together. Its blue dome stood in the warmed grass beside Reshiram. In the white snow it would have been obvious, but the dragon had melted a huge stretch of snow away and from the sky the tent would be near invisible.

Yet Cleo still felt unsettled so out in the open. Even a large patch of ground free of snow would be suspicious to prying eyes from above.

Reshiram curled up near the tent, the warmth from his tail radiating off him and warming Cleo's cold bones. He nodded to them and they huddled into his warm feathers.

Spark let out a squeal of delight and huddled down in the grass beside Cleo. "It's so warm and toasty! Do we really need the tent?"

Cleo was beginning to re-think it. "As nice as it would be, if it snows again we'll be buried in it."

"It would melt right off us, surely?" Spark took a huge bite out of a sitrus berry.

"Then we'd be wet," said Cleo.

Reshiram chuckled, his laughter vibrating through his body and shaking Cleo slightly. "The smell of wet fur and feathers would probably put off any attack from the Darkness!"

"You sayin' I smell?" Spark joked, her voice muffled by her berry.

Reshiram chuckled again. He looked down at his friends and his expression turned somber. "I didn't want to ask earlier around your new friends. But what happened to Harlequin and Mischief?"

"Harlequin has gone looking for her absol friend," Cleo explained. "Mischief…" Her voice choked and she lowered her fish into her lap. "He was taken by murkrow."

Reshiram's eyes widened and a small 'oh' was his only response.

"We'd look for him," said Spark. "But he could be anywhere now."

"Yes, like the Shadow Lands," said Cleo.

"I doubt that," said Reshiram, drawing Cleo's attention. She met his soft, blue eyes. "I think he might have got away."

"What makes you think that?" Cleo asked drily as she took a bite of her fish. It now seemed tasteless.

"He's strong. His dazzling gleam clean knocked me off my feet! I'm sure he can handle a few murkrow."

"You didn't see how many of them there were," said Cleo. "He's a grass-type, in the snow. He'd be at a disadvantage, surely?"

Reshiram's warm gaze extinguished Cleo's growing rage and anxiety. She sighed and let her paws flop into her lap.

"I hope you're right," she said.

"And he's probably looking for you," said Reshiram. "Perhaps he'll find a friendly Outcast town? Or his way back home?"

Which home did Reshiram mean? New City or the Fairy Garden? Either way, the thought made Cleo feel just that little bit better. She felt a paw brush hers and she looked up at Faith.

"We'll find him," said the mawile. "We'll look for him as soon as we've found this fire-type."

"And I'll help you if you like," said Reshiram. His nose twitched as a flake of snow landed on it and he snuffed it away. "Now, you guys get snuggled in your tent. I'll stay close to it and keep watch."

Cleo swallowed her mouthful of fish. "Surely you need a rest? I can keep first watch."

"Nonsense! You lot need your sleep. I'll be fine."

"I won't hear it!" Faith cut in. "You've been flying all day and you're carrying us tomorrow, too. Get some rest, Reshiram."

"Okay." He raised a wing talon in defeat. "But at least let me take first and last watch?"

Cleo exchanged glances with Faith. "Between four of us, that will cut our shifts short. We'd get more sleep."

Faith let out a defeated sigh and cast Reshiram a sideways glance. "Okay. But you really are a stubborn dragon."

Reshiram laughed, his hot breath misting in the twilight air and melting the gently falling snow.

Before long, the trio retired to the tent. For a moment, Cleo feared the fire from Reshiram's tail would alert the Darkness to their location. But the warmth radiated through the tent's walls, and it wasn't long before Cleo was lulled into a deep, dreamless sleep.

...

"Come in!"

Yurlik strutted into the throne room, the large book clutched under one wing. He glanced at both Hydreigon and Yveltal and dropped the dusty book in front of Hydreigon. The title 'Yveltal's Fall' stood out clear from the cover, and the large black bird gave an irritated hiss as he took a step back.

Yurlik spread his wings in a bow. "I found this beneath Enigma's bed, my lord."

Hydreigon's eyes narrowed and a low growl rose in his throat. "I thought I had all books contained in that library destroyed!"

Yurlik lowered his head and took a cautious step back. "Unfortunately it would appear that this particular book avoided destruction."

"I can see that, Yurlik!" Hydreigon's voice softened slightly and he reared back from the book, keeping a thoughtful eye on it. "Funny how this book fell into the paws of a wretched ghost. Yet he thought to hide it, and continue masquerading here under my instruction…"

"Cowardice?" Yveltal offered.

A long, thoughtful growl rumbled from Hydreigon and echoed off the walls.

Yveltal's ebony feathers had bristled and he kept one eye on the book while the other watched Hydreigon. The dark bird's expression was calculating and Yurlik had to fight the desire to flee from the room.

"I want that ghost brought back here," Hydreigon told Yurlik. "I want to ask him what he thought he'd accomplish… and whether he believed the story in this book."

'You clearly did.' Yurlik swallowed back the statement and nodded. "At once, my lord."

"Hang on." Yveltal spread a large wing and turned his blue eyes onto the honchkrow. "I want to find him. I could use the exercise anyway."

Hydreigon fired him a sideways glance. "Would you bring him back alive?"

Yveltal chuckled and flashed a grin at Yurlik. "How about we make this a game? We both go looking for this… Enigma. Whoever finds him first gets to do with him as he pleases."

"I want him back here alive!" Hydreigon roared.

Something burned behind Yveltal's eyes that unsettled Yurlik. Even Hydreigon flinched slightly as the black bird fired him a glance.

"Okay," said Hydreigon. "First bring him back here, then the winner gets to dispatch him. How does that sound?"

A sinister chuckle left Yveltal and he spread his wings. "Very well. How fast can you fly, honchkrow? Because we're playing for keeps." He paused and his eyes flashed with amusement. "It doesn't look like your wings would hold you in the air for very long. How about I give you a head start?"

Yurlik bristled and backed from the throne room. A thousand retorts formed in his mind, but each one died on his tongue. So he let the slam of the door voice them for him.

...

Light streaked through the cave mouth, washing over its occupants with a warm caress. It bit through the chill for a brief moment, its heat extinguished by a blast of cold wind. It stirred Harlequin's fur, drawing the zorua from their daze. Harlequin sat up slowly, stretching their legs until their back arched and yawning so wide they let out a squeak.

"Sleep well?" Enigma asked.

Harlequin licked their lips and looked towards him. "Yeah. Didn't you?"

Enigma shrugged. "If I did I don't remember it."

"I think you must have," said Harlequin. "I hadn't the heart to wake you."

Enigma's fur bristled. "You should have."

Harlequin shrugged and yawned again. "I'm gonna get a quick drink. I've got some rations in my bag if you're hungry."

Enigma fired a glance at Harlequin's satchel. It was still strapped over the zorua's back. "I dunno…"

"I'm careful. I don't pack them with my poisons. Here." Harlequin whipped a brown packet from their bag with expert accuracy. It landed with a flop beside the banette. "Help yourself. I'll be back in a moment."

Enigma grunted and watched Harlequin's black tail vanish from the cave. He stretched his arms over his head until his spine popped, then ventured to inspect the packet. It contained dried meats of unknown origin. Whatever it was, it was dark. Harlequin never questioned where it came from. Neither did Enigma. He pulled a slice out and bit into it. He couldn't remember when he'd last had a decent meal. Before he knew it, he'd devoured two slices. It was very dry and salty, making him realise just how thirsty he was. He wrapped it up again, more to stop himself from grabbing another piece, then set it against the wall.

What was taking Harlequin so long?

It wasn't the worst thing. Perhaps this was where Enigma should leave his friend. Harlequin had managed to find out he had pokerus, but even if Enigma explained his fears Harlequin would only insist he stay. They'd only offer to help. He couldn't hear any movement outside. Had Harlequin left him anyway?

The thought tangled knots in Enigma's stomach and he swallowed as a wave of nausea flooded through him. The thought made him feel more sick and empty than leaving Harlequin of his own decision.

He pushed himself to his feet, steadying himself against the wall with one paw. He suddenly felt very dizzy. He took a few deep breaths until it subsided then straightened.

A strange retching noise made him freeze and he trained his ears on the world outside. It sounded again. Then a third time. Enigma squinted into the light. Something wasn't right… what was going on?

"Enigma!"

Enigma's eyes snapped wide open. Harlequin! In an instant, Enigma was knee deep in snow. He spotted the zorua sprawled out on their side, their blue eyes so wide he could see the whites. The zorua's flank rose and fell rapidly as they sucked in deep, frantic breaths.

Enigma dropped to Harlequin's side and placed a paw on their shoulder. They didn't flinch, instead staring at the rushing water.

"What happened?" Enigma demanded, rage bubbling in his chest. "Did someone attack you?"

Harlequin stretched out a trembling paw, directing Enigma up the river. He turned his head towards it. A few yards upstream lay that fallen tree. Beyond it lay a mound of jagged spikes poking from a violet carapace.

A nidoking…

Enigma's gaze drifted to the water as he felt his heart speed up. Blood clung to the tree's slimy underside, dying the water a muddy pink. It whipped up in a pink froth as the water smashed against the rocks, carrying the nidoking's toxins downstream.

"Tell me you didn't drink any…" Enigma's voice cracked and he turned back to Harlequin.

Harlequin met his gaze for a moment, then closed their eyes. A tear leaked from it, trailing over their cheek and into the wet fur around their chin. Enigma's claws flexed and he snatched Harlequin's satchel, tearing it open.

"I don't have one."

Enigma jerked his head towards them. "You don't have an antidote?!"

Harlequin's voice was a strangled whisper. "No…"

"You idiot!"

Silent tears flooded from Harlequin's eyes.

Enigma's heart twisted painfully and he wound his claws into Harlequin's shaggy fur. There was nothing he could do. Once again a life dear to him was slipping from his paws and there was nothing he could do.

He clenched his fist and beat it into the snow. Who had done this?! He took in a ragged breath and screwed his eyes shut, trying to hold back tears.

"You can't leave me." His voice trembled and his body shook as he held tighter to Harlequin's ruff. "I can't lose you too!"

Harlequin's warm paw fastened over his, melting away the snow. Enigma raised his head. Harlequin watched him with one eye for a heartbeat, then it closed again. Foam flecked the zorua's lips as they sucked in deep breaths.

Enigma's throat thickened as a wave of despair washed over him. He felt helpless. Powerless. He couldn't do anything!

No… he had to do something. He couldn't just leave Harlequin like this. He couldn't watch them die.

He stood and looked back up the river, following its course downstream. It vanished around a bend. That nidoking wasn't there by coincidence. Someone had killed him and thrown his body in the river. There was a clear target. Enigma's only guess was that there was a settlement further down the river.

A settlement… one that might provide help…

"I won't lose you." Enigma scooped Harlequin up in his arms. He'd always been amazed at how small they were, hidden behind all that fur. "I'll find you help."

Enigma took a step forward and faltered. Wildflowers filled the patch where Harlequin had been lay. They weren't flattened, but waving in the breeze. As Enigma looked up, more were growing along the riverbank like a rainbow path towards the bend.

He shook his head to organise himself and raced along the river, following its path downstream. Harlequin needed him. There was no time to puzzle over flowers blooming in the cold season. Yet they grew thick around his feet, speckling the white snow with delicate blooms, almost as if they were leading him.

Enigma held Harlequin close to his chest, ignoring the fire burning in his lungs. He desperately hoped whoever he ran into would listen to him. He eyed the river warily, carrying its invisible threat along with it.

Enigma just hoped whoever it was would still be alive.

...

Yikes! D= Can Enigma manage to save Harlequin?

Thanks for reading! Please R&R! =D