~Pressure with Smooth Sailing~

"What do you mean I fell asleep? Summer, darling, there is just no way," Pain centered around my heart, crushing it into the oblivion of my thoracic cavity. My fingers trembled as they ran across my tan stomach, trying to sooth the knotted twists that go on inside.

This isn't real. There's no way I didn't propose, I've been planning it for so long,

Faint buzzing pounds against the walls of my skull, making me stumble around like a new born deerling. My knees wobble like jelly. I lean against to the brown rock wall to catch myself from falling to the cracked floor. My silver stare sees two or three different faces as the room continues to spin. I finally feel my gaze fixe on the Pikachu who whimpers softly. Her pupils widen as her voice gets louder.

"Sam, are you-" I shake my head furiously, blinking my eyes. The lightheaded feeling subsides for a moment and I sigh in relief as I realize I'm not going to pass out. Regardless though, the patter of paws grows louder as she moves to my side. Her yellow paw runs along my arm gripping the auburn fur in her fingers.

She said it; you missed your perfect opportunity! How could you have fallen asleep!?

But I couldn't have missed it. The beach was the place where we had first met. It was the start of our friendship; it was the start of our team. It was where we shared our first kiss. It was where our relationship started. That beach had been through a lot with us, and it was supposed to be involved in another stepping stone in our lives.

So much for that…

"Are you sure? I mean I was tired, but I wasn't exhausted. I could have gone out last night," I said with a nauseated gulp.

"I know what you saying. But when we came home last night, you just fell asleep. It's really not that bad. Honestly. " I balled up my fists, heat surging off the tips of my paws as I turned to the wall. I make an irritated groan.

You're right, it's worse!

She pops suddenly between my arms, her brown irises scanning me. I push away from her and the wall, turning my back to her quickly.

Don't look at me like that…

"Sam…" I can hear the eagerness drip off her small voice. She moves back into view and I can see her lips curl into a frown. Her black nose wiggles as she sighs. Her eyes swirl with tears as her lightning bolt tail droops, her black tipped ears press against her head.

You're sad for me…

"That can't be possible, I didn't fall asleep last night," I muttered to myself. Forced breathing came from my mouth; my line of sight ripped from her watchful eyes, fixing on the door. It would be so easy to run from this right now. I can feel the heat from my tail grow along with my anticipation.

Run…you know you want to.

My thoughts are put on hold as ice grips my arm. I flinched at the cold touch, jerking my head toward the source.

"Sam, these things happen. If you think this is an emotional issue with me it's not; I'm not angry," Her hand quivered as she tried to calm me down. I shut my eyes tightly, trying to force myself to think about anything else.

"That's not the point," I muttered through my clenched teeth. Her yellow paws ran through my auburn fur, gripping it tightly as I growled.

"Then what is the point?" My ears flicked to her voice. I can feel my flamed tail dim.

Tell her how you feel…

"Yesterday was just important to me… I had plans and I-" Silence overtakes the conversation as I swallow hard. I just can't finish my sentence.

"I know. You need to calm down and breathe Sam. You're working yourself up over a day," She squeezed my paw gently, gazing up at me. The corners of her mouth tried to smile…because maybe then she wouldn't look so anxious. She was trying to show me that it was all okay. I took a deep shaky breath, my tan paw running down my face in aggravation.

"See, you're okay. And besides, there will be other days," She added, standing on her toes kissing my cheek lightly. My tan cheeks burn a scarlet red as she pulled away, turning to walk to the fountain. My fingers glide to her paw and quickly move around her tiny wrist, holding her in place.

"Wait," I yanked her back and she stumbled back into my arms. I quickly turned, shoving her back against the wall. She just seemed to blink in surprise, unsure of what to say. I pursed, raising an eyebrow at my own actions.

You could have just told her to stop. Is it necessary for you to push her against the wall like that?

"Look at me," I commanded. My own muscles tensed up, surprised at the thoughts that surged through my head. My logical thinking was easily overpowered by my strong desire. My heart had always been the fighter…but that look on her face tells me otherwise. Her shoulder's tense up as my eyes run along her mouth seeing a slight smile take form. She's not frightened…just curious.

You already know…don't you?

"…" I could see tears break the surface of her eyes, quietly streaming down her face. My arms fell to the warmth that pulsed through her. I feel like jelly, sinking and turning to mush as a warm touch glides over me.

So it is true…you do know…you knew I wanted to get married.

I crumble to my knees, stilling gripping her yellow fingers. I can't even bring myself to look at her, I just hear her sigh. Her other paw runs across my jaw, forcing me to look at her. Our eyes meet and for a moment, the air seems thick as it suddenly becomes hard for me to breathe.

"You're so emotional today…" She giggles softly, letting my chin fall with gravity. I could feel myself sink deeper into the hole. I was giving myself away, hell I really didn't care anymore. The emotion is just eating me!

Stop teasing me and just give me the answer! I know you know okay! I wasn't sneaky enough to hide it.

"And I don't know why…" I blinked; quirking an eyebrow. I immediately released her paw, falling away from her. My head is throbbing, spinning in all directions.

What?

I slump back on my paws, holding myself up with my two front paws. The dizziness comes back as I take a deep breath. I can hear the crackle of electricity as she bends down beside me. Her fingers curl toward me, hesitating for a moment before her paw runs across my forehead.

"Huh?" I mumble, my thoughts flying back to earlier. My cheeks burn as I assume so incorrectly.

She has no idea…

"You're so flush… are you feeling okay?" She asks, concern hinting in her voice. I just try to take deep breaths as she moves behind me. Her small fingers glide along my back, causing me to tingle with glee.

I'd feel a lot better if you knew already…

A moment of silence takes over again. Her fingers continue to work their magic along the column of my spine. My arms fall and I'm on my back. My eyelids cover half of my eyes as I slowly feel myself drifting to sleep. My chest rises and falls with a steady breath. I feel a lot calmer then I had been earlier.

But nonetheless, I can feel her eyes watching me. She looks down on me as my head rests in her crossed lap. Her blonde strands of hair fall onto my face as she tilts her head.

Her black tipped ears tickled my face. She gives me a smile that I know all too well, and leans down. Her black nose hits my chin, my nose hitting hers just the same. Our lips meet, and I feel my thoughts drift for a moment only to come crashing back down to earth with disappointment.

You should have proposed…

"Better?" She asks; a soft smile tugs at the corner of her mouth. I reluctantly nod my head, plastering a fake smile on before pushing myself off the floor. With me standing, her arms wrap around my torso. Her arms lock tightly as she presses her face into my back.

"Take it easy today…" She murmurs to me. It's barely audible, but my tan ears barely perk to its sound. I just run my paw over her clasped ones, squeezing them tightly. I whisper it, but her ears twitch to my words. Her worry makes my heart drum with a wild beat.

"I will…" I hum, trying to calm her. I can see a hint of pleasure run along her face, as if the action is giving something away.

I'm all over the place…I need to stop and hide. I can't let it get to me anymore… she's right, another day like that will come.

"Come on, we have work to do…" I say, heading to the door. I can hear Summer groan, as her worry fades and is replaced with annoyance. I give a soft chuckle, knowing her lazy habit.

"Do we have to? Can't we just call in sick or something?"

"Nope…it's only a few jobs, come on, getting out there is actually good for you." I hear her scoff, knowing she is probably rolling her eyes at me.

"Yeah, it's just perfect…" I walk up the stone steps, feeling the sea breeze hit my face. I smile as my worries seem to slip away, making me smile. The sun is beginning its ascend into the sky, signaling the start of a new day. It's time to get to work.


My ears fall flat against my head as my fingers traced along his auburn fur. His silver eyes look to me and he smiles. He doesn't say much as we stroll into town. He's being quiet, too quite. My left eyebrow rises as I scan over the unsuspecting Chimchar.

His nervous smile grows wide as his grip tightening on our laced fingers. His eyes shimmer as the sunlight bounces of his silver irises.

What are you hiding Sam?

But the hustle of the street takes my mind away from the thought for a while. Voices shout along our common route to our job.

"Like something you see?" A faint whisper rings in my ear, causing my shoulder to cringe at the very sound. It's the feel of someone's breath on my neck, it's the uncomfortable vibe. Sam just laughs as my face twinges an uncomfortable red.

"Why do you have to do that?" His eyes shift, immediately moving behind me.

"Oh, you mean this?" His forehead grazes the back of my head, his voice lightly sliding along my neck. I tense, my paws balling up as my shoulders elevate.

"You just know that makes me uncomfortable," He gave a hearty chuckle, running chills along my spine. I know this; he wants me to admit to something.

"Oh, I make you uncomfortable do I?" Sam scoffed. Nothing about him makes me uncomfortable. I just nervously smile through the chills that run along my spine.

"N-nope, its fine…let's just go get our j-job." The words roll of my tongue clumsily. I can hear the stutter come from my voice and mentally cringe. But I just squeeze his paw as we walk through town.

The wind licks my face as laughter dances through the air. I notice the pick Chansey standing outside the daycare. She strokes her white egg lightly, her blue eyes shuffling among the children as they played nearby. I could feel my eyes widen, knowing if I had not seen the trio already, Sam and I were already in their sights.

"Sam…Summer…?" They quietly called. My fingers griped tighter, knowing that they would most likely ask about our relationship. My head darts down, avoiding the children's gaze.

I didn't know yesterday, and I don't know today. Please don't ask me anymore.

But instead I hear sniffling and the splatter of tears. My head whips from the floor, quickly looking to the growlithe, eevee and cyndaquil as they marched over. Their tearful eyes avoided our gaze. They had sat in front of us. Taking a look at the trio, I noticed how different they seemed.

I could feel myself growing as they seemed to sink lower and lower into the floor. The smiles that had once sat on their faces had all but disappeared. Now, their ears had been pinned back as they glance at their paws. I could feel my ears fall, knowing I had misjudged them so quickly.

What's the matter with them? Why so glum?

Sam had always accepted their comments better than I, answering them quickly without skipping a beat. I could see the Chimchar tilt his head in confusion as Nixon avoided his gaze.

"What's the matter you guys?" I could feel myself think back to their rejection of the guild. They aren't allowed to form a team until the others return home. That could be why they are so sad, but it's only for a few more weeks at the most. At least they get to join…eventually.

I glanced to Piper's purple eyes, glancing to Nixon as she nudged him with her head. He turned, and she gave him a smile, only to be pushed away as he turned his back on her. Her brown diamond ears flattened, and she turned to the Cyndaquil. Chasmin sighed, patting Piper's head.

"Sorry, Nixon's just…not in a very good mood," Chasmin replied. Piper glanced up at me, her purple eyes filled with tears.

She's really cares about Nixon…and for him to treat her like that…she must be heartbroken.

"He hasn't said much of anything since yesterday." Chasmin's ears perked, hugging his eevee friend to comfort her. I pursed my lips, unsure of what I could possibly say to make this any better.

My eyes narrowed in on the growlithe, seeing his head pulled to the floor. He didn't perk his head at his name either. I tilted my head, giving a worrisome glance to Sam.

He was fine yesterday…

"What's the matter Nixon?" I asked, trying to comfort the small pup.

"Don't worry Summer; we aren't going to comment on you guys today," Nixon barked. I could feel the scarlet run across my face. Even though he had seemed angry in his statement, the silly child just knew how to push my buttons…making me a huge target in his little game. But he was cranky, that much I understood.

"He talks to you but not me!?" Piper's purple eyes swelled up with tears. Her brown paws gripped the dirt below her before she took off back toward Chansey. I glanced to Sam, whose silver eyes were following Piper. She kicked up dirt and I felt a stabbing pain in my chest as her tears splashed against the floor.

Poor Piper…

Chasmin the cyndaquil quickly looked to the growlithe. His ruby eyes were brimmed with anger. He growled, gritting his teeth as he balled up fists. He sighed, letting a fire sprout from his mouth in a refrained huff.

"I hope you're happy," He snorted as he followed the eevee.

"Wait up Piper!" Chasmin's ruby eyes scowled at Nixon and he growled as he turned tail to follow the eevee.

My eyes glance to the growlithe, who remained silent. His blue eyes were glossed over with tears. He attempted to wipe them away before we could see. But as he saw our curious glances, Nixon bared his dog teeth instead.

"I'm mad..." Nixon whined. I looked to Sam, who crouched down to his level. Sam's back had been turned to me, but I could see how he pulled the small Pokémon into his chest to comfort him. The tan growlithe's ears lay flat against his head, nuzzling himself into Sam's shoulder.

Sam is so good with children…and Nixon…

Nixon is a child; It's easy for me to say that Sam is my property…by property, I mean other half of my soul…he's not going anywhere. I'm not angry, it's just…

That's my spot!

"Easy Summer, I can feel that jealousy from here," Sam remarked, snapping me out of my thoughts. It made my cheeks burn with embarrassment. I crossed my arms over my chest, rolling my eyes in an attempt to cover it up.

"But you aren't even looking at me!" I stated, pouting. My eyes darted away, glancing to the white fluffy clouds as they rolled by in the distance.

"I could, wouldn't change what I know about you though," I could only sigh in defeat.

He knows everything… maybe too much for his own good.

I chuckled to my own thoughts as I caught Sam's gaze. I plastered on a fake smile and he just smirked in response. With a chuckle from Sam, he had managed to get a smile on Nixon's face, who had laughed at Sam and I's small conversation.

"So why are you mad?" Nixon's floppy puppy ears flattened against his glossy red fur. His tail sat against the floor.

"I-I want to know if you guys are afraid…" I could feel my eyebrow rise.

Afraid? Of the teams disappearing?

"Afraid of what?" I asked absentmindedly. My fingers twitched as heard the poor pup whimper.

"Exactly! You guys aren't afraid of anything!" Sam wrapped his arms around the small child. Nixon sniffled, his wet dog nose as wet as the clear tears that streamed down his face.

"Nixon we-" Sam had begun to say. I trailed my paw down my ear, glancing to the pair as I cut him off.

"Us? Nixon you must be joking!?" I piped up. Sam's eyes quickly darted to me, glossing in a dark grey. I quickly knew by the glare that I probably shouldn't have said anything. Nixon eyes glanced to me.

"Nixon, there is no reason to be scared. I assure you, everything is going to turn out fine," I said in an attempt to salvage the inconsiderate statement I had made earlier.

"But what if it doesn't? Then what can I do? Sam, I'm not brave like you… I can't just charge in and fix the problem!" I'm not expecting the poor pup to; in fact, I'm not expecting anything to go wrong. The teams are just out longer than expected… it happens all the time…

Hell, Sam and I had been in the future for…a long time…its kinda hard to tell time when everything is dark…but point being we came back.

"Nixon, I'm going to tell you something my father told me," I could feel my ears perk. Sam talked of his parents in the highest manner. He had rarely spoken of his parents, but as time went on, he began sharing their words of wisdom.

"Really?" Sam nodded his head, smiling to the young pup. Nixon's pupils dilated, widening as his dog ears perked. His tail wagged as Sam cleared his throat.

"It's not about the fears we face, but what we can do in the face of fear. Do you understand?" I could feel my heart instinctively race. What strong words… I wish I could have met Sam's parents. The pup then shed a few tears and glanced to Sam and me.

"I guess so… thanks," With that, the young growlithe darted away without so much of another word. I spotted the small growlithe call out to his friends, pouncing on them before they could even so much as mutter a word.

I could see the small fox Pokémon smile. Her purple eyes glimmer with sparkles as her friend once again spoke to her. The cyndaquil smiled all the same, steering away from his normally gloomy attitude.

I wonder…

"My father's wisdom…it's…just something you have to pass on," Sam mentioned, I blinked, tearing my gaze from the children.

"Yeah, because if you won't who will…?" I asked as we left the shops. The guild's stone steps were beginning to come into view. Sam remained silent for a few moments, taking in my previous statement.

"Well you could…" He said as I put a paw on the stone step. I raised an eyebrow, giving him a mischievous smile as we started up the stairs of the guild.

"I could? I'm not sure if I give such great advice," Sam sighed. His eyes glimmered as he touched the gold chain around his neck. As he caught my gaze, he took his paw away from it.

"You don't have to, just whisper the words of wisdom…and let it be," I smiled, oh that's good. The wingulls flocked through the air.

"So, searches or outlaws…?" Sam scratched under his chin. His eyes ran along the Wigglytuff tent as we stood on the grate.

"Is that a trick question? Both of course!" He whistled as he allowed me to walk into the tent first. I jump down the hole, heading to the job boards. My eyes scanned the jobs.

'A' rank…no. Three stars…sounds good…Destiny tower…okay…missing item…doable…87 floors…ugh…never mind.

"Find anything?" Sam called, holding a few requests in his tan paws. His silver eyes still scanned the outlaw board. I sighed.

No.

"Nothing yet," I called. I looked back to my board, my eyes shuffling through the papers. I hesitantly walked to Sam, who flashed the papers in my face.

"So where are we going?" I asked, my eyes scanning the writing between all of them. They were all the same location, no ridicules climbing one dungeon for one job.

"Before you say anything, they are all from the Southern Jungle. Its only four jobs so it's not too much… but there is a problem, but I know we can handle it." He smiled, and I looked up from the jobs. I could feel my right eye twitch in annoyance, but I sighed instead.

He picked the missions... too bad criminals only play nice with other criminals.

"A gang of Blastoise, Charizard, Venasuar and Riachu…all band together, four separate criminals…all on the same floor? I actually find it pretty unique. What do you think Hun?" I gripped the papers tightly in my paws.

"I think this is going to suck," I muttered unenthusiastically. I groaned inwardly, a frown spreading across my lips.

"That's the spirit, let's go!" I swear. Sometimes I wish he would be more like me and pick an easier job. Why can't he pick something that is just…not a hassle?

But he dragged me along anyway, tying his blue bandana tightly around his neck. I tightened mine as well. This makes Sam and I such a huge target… I really wonder why he insists we wear them…he never takes his off.

He even tied the blue one back on after Dialga ripped it off…

We enter the thick Southern Jungle. The thick vines rain from the trees, covering me in a thick slimy green. The sounds of birds echo in the dense distance and the humidity makes my fir stick together in thick yellow messy clumps.

"Remind me to never come to this jungle again…" I mutter as I jump over a fallen log. The sound of moving branches and vines chime in my ears as Sam chuckles. But I'm not finding it funny as birds caw in the distance.

"Come on," He yelps as he climbs the trees above, jumping from vine to vine. He jumps, flipping in the air before landing in front of me. He turns as I groaned. I am not amused by his love of this. The jungle is just so hot…its ridicules.

"This isn't so bad," He pipes up, smiling as the jungle sounds jingle to life. I cringe, certain that there is something out there that is probably a lot bigger then Sam and myself.

"I am just surprised as to how you look so, refreshed and cool. I am dying of a heat stroke," He hummed in delight, poking my red cheeks at we strolled through the jungle.

"One of the many advantages to being a fire type, bet you wish you were just like me, huh?" I smirked, stifling a laugh. A paw quickly covered up my laugh, as my eyes darted to his surprised expression.

"On the contrary, if I recall correctly, it is you who said you wanted to be like me…" He rolled his eyes, huffing away with a fake laugh.

"Fair enough,"

"Oh and for the record, I was thinking of making a house out here," He joked, laughing a bit. I could feel stomach sink at the thought of this horrid heat all the time. I could only picture the nights here…all sticky and sweaty as we try to sleep.

"Actually I-" His teasing ceases. His grin shifting as his ears perked. His eyes darted around for a moment, and I took the moment to silence myself. He was the one of the group who usually spotted trouble. He was more in tune with his hearing.

I had grown used to the ways of being a Pokémon; I still didn't have the tune ways with nature. So, Sam handled it.

He stops, his head perking from the downed position as his shoulders relax. He looks back to me, his eyes reassuring me that all is well. I smile walking forward.

"So as I was-" A loud boom rang beside us. I am blown to the side, my arm scrapping along the dirt and I tightly shut my eyes. My muscles tense as the smoke blinds my vision. I immediately attempt to peer through, trying to find Sam through it. I whip my head toward the sound of snapping twigs, seeing the gang cut through the smog.

And here I thought we were looking for them.

"Aw, you already took one out Blitz, I think your fire destroyed him," A raichu sneered, her amber eyes glaring at me from a distance. My eyes darted around, and I couldn't see Sam. My chest began to tighten. My tail and ears drop as my eyes quickly scan for him. I know he's not so easily taken out…

Where are you?

"Oh, he's here somewhere…I can feel it…" A blastoise emerged from behind the group, his canons pointed toward me. I gulped, backing up into the thick brush. My cheeks crackled as my eyes narrowed. But it only ignited laughter.

"She thinks she's going to be able to take us out…and by herself no less," A Venasuar hissed, ruffling the plant that sat on his back.

He's right…but even with Sam here this would be an unfair fight.

But without another word, I shot my paws forward, letting the electricity flow from them like a fountain.

I could hear the wails from the Blastoise and Charizard, but the Venasuar and Riachu shook it away. I pushed one final time, at least attempting to slow the other two down before darting off into the thick jungle.

I wish I could find a good place to hide…maybe then I could get the drop on them.

I could see the electricity climb the trees as I rounded another tree. I jumped over a fallen log, kicking up dirt as my lungs starved for air.

I don't even know where I'm going!

I could feel my feet drag, climbing up a tree as fast as I could. I whipped my head around, seeing the Riachu and Venasuar standing below. I gripped the tree's bark.

"Come down so we can rip you to pieces," I gulped as the Riachu swished her tail menacingly. She snapped her fingers and the Venasuar rapped his vines around my feet. He yanked and I just dug my nails into the tree bark.

I puffed up my cheeks, letting my electricity ride the green vines. With a howl, his grip loosened. The riachu hissed, baring her teeth at me.

"I have to do everything!" She whipped her tail into the tree, flinging herself to the branch I was on. She walked over, a smirk running across her face. Her paws ran over my fingers, whispering an old rhyme. My electricity seemed to do nothing against her.

"This little tepig went to the market," She unhooked my pinky.

"This little tepig stayed home," Then my ring finger slipped from the tree. I could feel myself grit my teeth in frustration. My ankles were being pulled to the ground, while I held on to a tree that wasn't making much of a difference.

This is so much easier with Sam…

"This little tepig had roast beef," My thumb and pointer were the only ones left. The removal of even one more finger would ultimately spell my doom.

"This little pig had none…" My last finger was dying. The fur rubbed up against the branch uncomfortably. I could feel my chances of survival dwindling, considering Sam had vanished. I could feel my mind wander from this, trailing to him as my eyes darted around.

Any time would be absolutely wonderful…

"And this little tepig went wee, wee, wee, all the way-" Her voice choked out a horrid squeal. I shut my eyes tightly, my finger releasing itself from the branch. I could feel the constricting grip of the vines. The air was slipping from me, my pulse pounding in my ears as I tasted the dirt floor.

The grip from the vines had failed to cease and as such I was lifted into the air. All at once, I was flung through the air, sliding along the moist dirt of the jungle floor. I swallowed a lungful of air, my eyes fixing on the fire that rain through the jungle air.

Perfect timing…would have been nice to have seen you sooner though.

"Summer, you alright?" Sam shouted as his vortex of spinning flames hit the grass type. He rolled as the Riachu flung lightning at him. I pushed my paws together, standing quickly.

"Better now that you're here. Impeccable timing I must add…"

"All in a day's work, so hop to it," He yelped, igniting his fist into a ball of energy as he leapt toward the Venasuar.

I darted toward the Raichu, smirking as I gripped her shoulders. Her amber eyes let out a child like glee to them as we tumbled on the floor. She puffed out her yellow cheeks and I quickly pushed her away, bolting around her in a circle. She chuckled as I copied myself to try and fool her.

A wave of fire rang over my head, interrupting my thoughts for a moment. An electric wave rang on the floor. The yellow sparks jolted through me, locking me as I tumbled to the floor. The taste of dirt lay across my tongue as I glared up.

She stood above me, her fist glowing with yellow. The chirping crackle of electricity filled my ears as my mind scrambled through a way out.

I felt my ears perk as her foot rolled me to my side. I smirked as she drew back, my tail shimmered with a bright silver, swinging it forcefully. It connected with her ankles, sending her plummeting to the floor. I smirked as I drew my silver coated tail toward the sky, throwing it down toward the one place I knew would be able to put her out of the fight.

Aim for the face.

Cruel…uncalled for…but ultimately comes down to the fact that she toyed with me earlier. With a hard swoop, the Riachu fell to the floor. I hastily turned around, seeing Sam clutch the paw of the giant plant animal. The Venasuar tried leaning all his weight on Sam.

Hang on!

I quickly hastened my speed, bolting into the Venasuar's side. It knocked him off balance, but gave Sam enough room to get out from under his foot. I could hear Sam and I sigh in relief at the same time, glancing to reassure the other.

We then locked our gazes on our target, which immediately shrank back. His green eyes shook as he glanced to the Riachu, who was still unconscious. He put his vines up, looking us both in the eyes.

"I give…" I raised an eyebrow. I immediately backed away, taking out the cuffs to restrain the Riachu. Sam's readied fists didn't falter. He kept his eyes on the target. His silver eyes glanced to me, as if to question this guy's motive.

I could see a vine slitter on the floor and Sam quickly shoots flames at it. My fingers curl toward the Venasuar, who is then taken into custody. He doesn't put up a fight, disappearing in a flash of light back to the guild. The Riachu disappears as well as I touch the back of my explorer badge.

I can see Sam's eyes scan the distance, sniffing the air to be cautious.

Feel anything?

"Their gone…guess we'll have to get them tomorrow,"

I've heard that before…

Sam's eyes down casted as he began brushing the imbedded dirt from his darkened red fur. The reality of my fight was starting to trickle back. My arms burned shaking slightly as I held my badge in my paws.

My yellow fur looked dingy with the brown patches of dirt. I spit the remaining dirt from my mouth, taking a bite of an oran berry I fished out of my treasure bag. I gripped another berry in my hand, tossing it to Sam before turning to him.

"We should get back…" He says as he gobbles up the berry. I moved my lips from side to side. Silence over took my conversation, but I really didn't have to say anything at this point. We had to go back anyway, the other criminals had probably already fled since static doesn't last very long.

"Okay," I muttered, pressing the blue button on the back of the badge. Materializing next to your partner with cuts and bruises is normal, explaining to Chief Magnezone why you only have two out of the four outlaws you signed for is a completely different matter.

I gave a knowing glance to Sam, seeing the police chief come down the ladder. Sam's eyes darted to the floor as the officer floated in. I could only think back to the work we had attempted to do.

Enough of a challenge for you?

I could hear Sam chuckle, knowing he was thinking the exact same thing.


"Why are we here!?" The echoes swirled around the darkened cave. Feeble screams of the trapped teams sounded like a melody of my own creation. Soul's crimson eyes traveled along the faces of the teams, chuckling to herself as she turned to me.

"That's the last of them…" I nodded, cracking my fingers as my black claws unsheathed.

"Good. Are you sure they are alone?" A smile rushed across my face, my eyes trailing to the innocent cries of the helpless teams who attempted to break open from their chains and cages. Soul smirked, chuckling in confirmation.

A voice built up inside me, forcing its way to the surface before yelling. It had been so quiet before, and it shall remain as such. I won't allow it to be any different.

"Quiet!" My fist's balled up, a purple glow running across its anterior. Soul smiled, walking to my throne before kicking up her feet and shutting her eyes. Her eyelids fell with gravity.

"Good, now I can get some sleep," I shut my eyes tightly, rushing to the chair to yank her out of her seat. I held her by the scruff of her neck and she squirmed to escape my grasp. The Pikachu glared with her red eyes, growling as I pressed my face to her.

"Especially you," I growled. She merely huffed, her red cheeks puffed before shocking me. I dropped her, shoving her aside as the others looked on.

"Heh. Testing me again?" She grinned, standing from the floor. It sent chills down my spine to know that she liked the pain, the abuse…little psycho. But her crimson eyes glow against the darkness as show an unfamiliar emotion. I blink, seeing it lock away in her ruby eyes.

"Be ready, we can't afford to relax right now," I hissed through my clenched jaw. Soul looks up from the floor, her red eyes gleaming as I chuckled.

She must be ready… that's all I care about. And by the look on her face, she doesn't care about the methods I use.

"Time for the real deal?" She asked. I huffed, knowing she knew the answer.

"The others were mere practice; it's time to go play…" I hissed. The sun began to set, and I took another glance toward the prisoners as they quivered into the corner. I chuckled into the night sky, hissing as I slinked into the shadows.

And I know just who to start with…


"Hey Lu! My paw's all better!" I cheer as I jump from my cave. My silver tail is hit by the sunlight, gleaming as I turn to the riolu who stands at the entrance. His red eyes darted away as his blue paws kick up dirt as he walked toward me.

"Great! That's…wonderful." He said, his eyes looking at anything by me.

"Come now Lu, what's with the face?" He smirked; turning his back as his light blue sash gently grazed the floor. The dimming sun seemed to sink with each passing second between us. The breeze blew gently, ruffling the bushes as I swished my silver tail playfully.

"I'm leaving," My ears perked. I quickly felt my tail fall as I glanced up to him. The only sound was the rushing water from the stream nearby.

"What?" His eyes trailed to the dirt path that lead away from my home, and began walking. I felt my ears immediately fall, my tail pulled with gravity and he turned giving me one final glance.

"I'm leaving, mind coming along?" I had heard him the first time. My heart raced and I quickly ran to catch up with him.

"Wait Lu!" He turned and I ran into him in my haste to catch up. Even though he was a jerk, he was still the only person who had ever really spent time with me and didn't run off the first chance he got. He took care of me in my time of need. His light blue sash ran across my face as I stepped on it.

My paws dug into the light blue sash, and he gave a light tug. He turned back, his eyes trailing to see I had snagged his sash. I looked up as he rolled his eyes.

"What Avery?" I bit my lip knowing that anything I could possible say wouldn't help. He was stubborn, he was a fighter…and when he put his mind to something he did it… so what could I say?

"I…uh…" He smiled, stifling a laugh as he turned.

"Alright come on, let's go out," My fast pacing heart had all but stopped, a scarlet rose running along my silver cheeks. Uncomfortable knots twisted in my stomach and I crouched lower to the floor in an attempt to hide it.

"W-what did you say?" I said as I gulped, my gaze avoiding him. My perked ears flattened against my eyes, noticing Lu had turned around.

"Food…aren't you hungry? I was going to treat you to dinner before I left," I looked up; my front paw shifted through the dirt as I looked for an excuse. I could feel my paw instinctively release his sash, his walk continuing as I did so.

"Well yeah…" I sputtered. I mentally cursed myself as I finished with an uncertain hint in my voice. I could see Lu cross his arms, tapping him foot.

"Could you at least look at me when you're talking to me?" He huffed, turning around to walk. I made haste about following him.

"I-I guess." I shyly looked at him as he rolled his eyes; he pushed me in front of him. My tail scooted below me as I dug my paws into the dirt.

"Okay then, lead the way, wherever you want to go…" My eyes darted from left to right as I stood. I took a few steps forward, hearing the patter of his feet as he walked behind me.

"Like a restaurant? That's in like the next town over…" I squeaked as I rubbed against the plants.

"More time to talk then…" I gulped, hastily thinking of a way to get out of it.

"I…Can't we just take in the scenery. I mean…it's such a nice day." I smiled, my ears flicking to his laugh.

"The day is almost over…but thanks for trying." He countered. I cringed, his ruby eyes narrowing on me. I hurried my pace, jumping a log that lay there.

"Well um…hey! Look!" I darted to the opening of Jade Woods, spotting a sparkling town in the distance. It was small…but…

"It's your hometown," Lu had stated with confidence. My eyes narrow upon the town, my tail wrapping around my side. My head fell with gravity.

"Yeah…how did you-" He's a riolu and can easily read my thoughts and heart…he's-

Dammit, how could I have forgotten!?

"I can see it on your face…" I immediately questioned my previous thoughts. Maybe he doesn't invade peoples personal thoughts…or respects them enough to give them space.

"Oh…" But we had almost made it to town, and the town's little twinkled with bright signs. A giant sign read the town's name; I didn't care to give it a glance.

Aldonza Town: Home of the sweetest Pokémon…

"That's a lie…" I muttered under my breath. Lu stiffened, his eyes glancing to all of the bright lights and signs. As far as I was concerned he had been lost under the city lights. I glanced to the blue red and yellow signs that the city had always prided itself on.

Faces of the town's famous figures ran down the line, plastered on the windows of every shop. I sighed, my eyes looking to the one shop that was simple. I touched Lu's paw, grabbing his attention. He looked to me, his eyes sharpening as I pointed to the window.

"This one…"

"Not the others? But this one is so…" He pondered on it for a moment, his red eyes sharpening.

"Simple."

"Exactly, now…let's go," I dragged him into the store, finding it empty. I look to the checkered tables, walking to the register. I could hear the clink of dishes ring through the simple store. A clerk ran our orders in and we sat at a table near a window.

"Um…excuse me?" A head popped out, striding over with grace. Her red ears and red cheeks to match ran alongside her blue counterpart.

"Sorry about the wait. What will it be?" They asked. I smiled, glancing behind me.

"Whatcha want Lu!" He smiled and I stood on my back paws.

"Whatever you want…you seem to know the place." He muttered, walking to a table by the window.

"Er, sorry about that…he's a bit difficult," I apologized, my cheeks burning as I turned my head back to them.

"No worries, so what'll it be?"

"Whatever your specialty is!" I hummed, smiling as got down.

"Alright, we'll be ready soon!" And with that, they darted into the back kitchen. The clinking of pots and pans surfaced again as I turned tail, walking toward the riolu. I jumped on the chair, looking outside as he did.

The sun was beginning to descend, the stars coming out as the busy streets began to empty. I would occasionally look to the riolu, who continued was just staring at me from across the table. His red eyes scanned me, making my ears pinned back as I just tried to ignore it.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" I asked. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his leg over the other in a casual fashion.

"I don't know…why do you look at me like that?" I didn't dare look away, and he simply smirked in response.

"Whatever Lu," He looks away and the Plusle and Minum walk around with noodles splashed in tomato sause. Steam rises from the food and I can feel my mouth water.

Wow that looks good.

"You ordered spaghetti?" The riolu across from me tilted his head as the Plusle and Minum shoved the plate onto our table. With a smile they left.

"Yeah, why?" I hummed, spinning the white fork into the noodles. The riolu's glance danced across the food, shimmering in an emotion I had never seen from him.

"It just…seems like something out of a movie," He finished, fiddling with the fork in his hand. I swallowed the food that sat I my mouth, almost choking on it as he muttered the words. In a attempt to cover it, I sipped on the water from the glass.

My white tipped tail swished in anticipation as he continued. My cheeks burned as I plastered on a smile.

"No music, remember?" He shrugged his shoulders, his eyes darting to the window. He seemed to be at a loss of words and I sighed. I just wanted to know more about him. To me, he kept to himself opening up for a few moments before locking himself away.

"When are you going to take off that mask?" I said without thinking. His red eyes immediately darted up to me, swirling with answers and uncertainty. He gulped, taking a sip of his drink.

"What?"

"I uh…nevermind," I said lamely. Although, he continued to stare as if I had opened something I shouldn't have. I gulped another bite of the food, my silver ears swishing from side to side.

What have I gotten myself into?


She's the silver 'shiny' eevee that bashes questions open without giving too much of a second thought.

She thought I hadn't heard her, but believe me…I did. How could this emerald-eyed girl be so blunt? She doesn't even give too much thought on the question, she just blurts. Its like she's trying to push me into fighting with her.

I glanced to the plate of spaghetti, seeing it dwindle down. I swore I wasn't going to touch any more of it. It's my luck that I fall victim to the game of love…and I won't put myself in that position…never again.

I can't…not after…

I sighed, my eyes darting to the concrete floor. I instinctively cross my arms over my chest, touching the smooth light blue sash with my paw. It had all happened so fast, I hadn't even thought about it…but it's always the same nightmare…

My paws tighten on the blue sash, my temperature spiking.

Be cool man, relax

I can see the piercing red eyes, the black paws winding back with that red crystal in hand. That look of hatred rests in its eyes. My heart beats and my eyes widen as I realize its plan. The dark slits of an abyss that is surely the stuff of nightmares rests as its soul. Its evil, and it's…

You're okay your fine…everything's fine.

"Lu you okay? You're shaking…" Avery called out. I blinked looking to my blue paws. They shake terribly, and my breathing hastens. The walls around me seem so close, trapping me again. It's pulsing, my heart…its going to explode. It drums against the walls of my ribs, screaming to run.

Don't kill me…don't kill me…

I quickly whip out the poke, throwing it on the table in front of me. I stand as my breathing hastens. I can feel them, their watching me…there here.

"I have to get out of here! I'm sorry," I bolt out the door, running down the dirt streets as fast as I can. Shouts of concerned faces try to stop me but I don't look back.

It's coming for me; it's going to kill me.

"Lu, wait!" Avery shouts out my name. But I don't stop. My lungs scream for air as I dart back the way we came. The familiar sound of water rings through my ears, as I dart around the forest through the dark.

She's not going to get me! No…never again!

"Lu!" I feel paws hit my back, pushing me to the floor. I slide on the floor, my claws unsheathing I look up. I can already feel tears well up in my eyes, but I bury it as I turn onto my back.

"Basil! Look at me!" Its Avery, her green eyes wide as the moon reflects on the water below. My fast breathing continues, and I shake on the ground. I can almost taste the blood in my mouth and curl into a tight ball.

"If you won't look at me, that's fine…but I'm not going to leave you here…" So she stands, jumping off my back, laying beside me.

I-Its never going to go away…I'm going to be like this forever…

My thoughts go on like this for a while. The pounding fear hurt as I uncurl. The cold night air travels and the moon rises into the sky. The stars twinkle. I can feel the cold breeze of the night lick my blue and black fur as a shiver run along my back. I'm not cold.

Avery…

I sigh, my paws still shaking from earlier. The eevee sleeps on the floor beside me, her silver tail under her face like a pillow. She shakes, her paws shifting through the dirt below. I moved a paw onto her back, scooping her into my arms as I look for her cave. Her silver tail blows in the gentle breeze. For a moment, I cringe, thinking I have disrupted her sleep.

I put her on the cave floor, lighting a fire. The warm glow run across her face and I stare for a moment. She waited for me…

But I discard the thoughts, feeling the fire glow. It's so warm. The orange embers dance into the night sky passing me as I stand motionless. I shut my eyes tight as I sigh again.

Deep breaths…this isn't the first time…

But it is the first time with someone watching. I can already feel the embarrassment pierce my heart. She'll make fun of this for sure later…

I turn back, shifting through the berries, taking a few oran berries and apples before I go to leave. The fire glows across Avery's sleeping face, sleeping soundly with a concerned frown across her lips.

She really is a good friend.

I sigh, pushing myself to leave. I can't stay, she knows too much. She asks questions, ones I can't bring myself to answer. As I glance to the open road ahead, I hear paws patter lightly against the floor.

"Lu? Are you okay? Where are you going?" I cringed, biting my lip as I turned. Her eyes are glossed over, teary eyed and sleepy if you ask me. Her tail lazily taps the floor as she yawns.

"I'm fine…" I answer quickly.

"That sure didn't look fine to me…" She counters, stretching her paws in front of her.

"I told you before though, I'm leaving…" I said with haste as I jumped from the caves entrance. She quickly followed.

"I know but after that I-" There only one way to get this girl to shut up… I almost roll my eyes at the thought.

"Thanks for the rescue; you should make a rescue team. But I really must go…" I complement.

"Why? Because I saw you for what you really are? If you're afraid Lu, it's okay to be scared,"

"No its not! Y-You just don't understand!" I balled up my fist, holding it close to my chest. I don't want her to get close to me, I want her to stop trying to understand me…

"What wouldn't I understand! I saw you experience something that made me scared! I mean for Arceus sake, when you ran off…I thought you would just be another person who ran out of my life," Desperation and fear rang through the air, she trembled, her emerald eyes tearing up. She narrowed her eyes, her paws scrapping the ground.

"Well don't blame yourself…this isn't the first time," I muttered.

"What?" She quickly said, clear tears streamed down her face. Her diamond ears inched forward as I spoke.

"I'm not scared! I'm not a child! Stop treating me like I'm one."

"Lu I saved you, but I can't save you from this…you need to talk about this," She pleaded. I grit my teeth, my paws running along my neck and collarbone.

"Great to know! Why do you gather up some of your friends and make a rescue team then!? You seem to be good at that!" I hissed, turning away to walk. I would do anything to dodge her accusations. I could her the dirt shift as she ran behind me, her silver paw placed on my sash to keep me there.

"I don't have friends! That's why I don't have a partner… it's also why I live out here all alone," My ears perked. I didn't see her, but the desperation in her voice was eating away at me.

Don't turn around…Don't turn around…

"So what? Ever heard of a one-man-team?" I scoffed in an attempt to get her to release me. I turned, seeing her silver cheeks tinted red as her voice rose.

"I want a partner, Lu!" I shut my eyes.

Please don't…

"Yeah and?" I yelled, hearing it echo through the forest. It was quiet and for a moment. I felt my eyes dart to the sky, watching the moon pass over head. My paws were shaking as she opened her mouth.

"And I want that partner to be you!" She yelled. I took a step back, tumbling to the floor. I tried to scoot away, my ears flattening against my head.

"But Avery, I…" I gulped, feeling my voice trail off. I balled up my shaky paws, trying to pull away. But I couldn't, my legs wouldn't move. She sighed, her silver ears pinned against her head. Her green eyes seemed to glow in the dark as she walked toward me.

"I saw someone that I thought didn't exist…" My eyes darted from her as pain chiseled away at my heart.

"You don't know anything about me! So why don't you just back off and let me leave!?"

"You want to leave so bad?" She took her paw off my sash. I balled up my fist bringing it close to my chest in this sitting position.

"Then do it…" Her front balls balanced themselves on my knees. Her head sat on her two front paws, just waiting for me to go. But I sat frozen in place. I could see her smirk to herself as I growled.

"I knew it…you don't leave because you don't want to." She mused, humming as her tail began to wag.

"I'm going to leave, nothing has changed," I shouted, quickly standing. I whipped my sash around, forcing my feet to move along the dirt. Each step was harder than the last.

What's so different about this? Why can't I just go?

"Things have changed Lu, you want to know what it is?" Avery stood in front of me, knocking me to the ground with ease. I grit my teeth. But as I looked up, I saw her emerald eyes shimmer. Captivating my attention seemed to be easy with her, so much so that I found myself answering.

"What?"

"We're friends… and you won't leave a friend behind…" She didn't know how off she was with the statement; in fact, I placed myself on the other end of that spectrum. But she's the blunt eevee, the blunt silver eevee…she might have not been off about this. I gulped, feeling my muscles relax.

Could she?

"Okay…fine…I'll join your rescue team," She jumped for joy, nuzzling my side in her happiness for a moment. Circling around me again and again, brushing along me with her silver coat. I tensed at how close she was and immediately cleared my throat.

"Er, uh, sorry Lu," She muttered, covering her face with her tail. I shrugged, feeling a smile tug at the corner of my mouth. I crossed my arms.

"Yeah whatever," I mumbled.

"When do we start?" The words rolled off my tongue in such a sad manner, almost depressed. It was as if I was giving the key of freedom to some crazed warden of a prison.

"As soon as I sign the papers!" She giddied with excitement, gripping the papers tightly as she filled them out.

"I already have the perfect name!" She screamed. I could feel the cold breeze whip across my face, the leave blowing into the night sky.

"What is it?" I muttered absentmindedly.

"Team Silver Soul!" I coughed, rolling my eyes. But I couldn't argue with her team name, she is the one who wanted it.

"Let me guess, its because you're silver, and because you have a soul?" She giggled to herself, putting the signed forms in her mailbox. Her tail thumped the ground as I looked to her, but it only earned me a wink.

"Silly Lu, it's because you have one,"

And that is another chapter! Did you like it? As always, I ask for you opinion for the few questions I ask.

1. Villains' plan… what do you think they are doing now?

2. Are there any questions that you would like to see answered. This is to prevent plot holes, but I think I've covered all the bases… but just in case.

3. Do you like the story so far? (I don't care if you don't answer the others, but this one I would appreciate!)

Anyway, I have also lost some of you guys as favorites/followers on the other story "Love in the Abyss of Time" so if you didn't get that memo, you just did! :) And as a final thing, I have a poll referencing to a new story so if you guys have the time can you check it out?

I'm also sorry about the wait, the summer was slow. I'll update during the school year, I seem to work harder then. Any thoughts and comments are super helpful, but until then farewell! -Sunny