Wow…uh sorry? I have been through too much…graduation, college, and now job searching…then my laptop was giving me issues…that was toward the end though…so that isn't an excuse. This couldn't have been any later folks…I'm actually surprise my co-author hasn't fired me… (Which I would totally understand because just look at how late this was)…but anyway, this is it…here it is, the middle-ish of our story. I love naming my chapters now… so please enjoy.
Team Wildfire: Darkrai Returns
Chapter Eight
~Where I'm meant to go~
Neva's POV
I felt my ears pin back as Starley ruffled up his brown feathers. He huffed and snorted, pacing back and forth on one end of the tree house while Charmander and Helioptile stood on the other. My furry paws beat against the wood floor, my eyes shifting between the two. A nervous groan escaped my lips.
This escalated and took a turn for the worse…if it continues, I may as well have just stayed with my parents…
"I can't believe you said that to her!" Charmander growled, crossing his orange arms. His tail glowed brightly as his blue eyes narrowed in anger on Starley. Helioptile continued to look around nervously, er eyes darting from her paws. I was being blinded by my brown tail, my teeth nervously grinding together.
"She's the enemy, Charmander! Humans are just-" Charmander cut him off, balling up his fists at his sides.
"Alex is notthe enemy! She's nice and accepting, hell, she's pretty much everything you're not!" Starley's beak curled a frown. Helioptile stepped away from Charmander, moving herself toward the center in case a fight occurred.
"If you like her that much maybe you should just join her!" I quickly glanced to Charmander, feeling my heart pulse with excitement as Starley called him out on it. Charmander threw his balled up fists down, letting a fire escape his orange paws.
Helioptile's eyes widened and she glanced at both, her ears were pulled by gravity.
"Look guys, let's not fight about this. We can-"
"Just work this out!? Is that what you're going to say? How long do you think it will be before he decides that we shouldn't be on the team anymore! I'm tired of this…" Charmander was passionate, his brigh* flame grew bigger and bigger as his voice rose. I could feel my head perk from behind my brown tail as he continued. He's really fighting for this.
Woaw…that's…amazing.
Charmander's blue eyes trailed to me and my heart picked up its pace.
"Neva… are you with me?" I stood up, my tail perked as he called my name. I felt my ears perk as I glanced to Starley.
"I uh…" Starley growled.
"Whatever…I'm outta here too!" Starley flapped his wings and flew off into the distance.
"Fine!" Charmander shouted, stomping back toward Helioptile.
"Charmander, you need to calm down. We can just go talk to Alex…I mean we all care." Helioptile forced him to look at her; she perked her black ears tilting them to one side. Her sky blue eyes shimmered as he looked to her. She quickly gulped, taking a quick step back.
"I'm going to talk to Alex…try and get her to come back." Charmander began walking to the elevator.
"Hang on! I'm coming with you!" I yelped, and Helioptile came up to me.
"Me too!" Helioptile shouted, wagging her tail. I quickly quirked an eyebrow, she's coming along?
"No its fine, stay here in case Starley comes back…" I muttered quickly. She furrowed her eye brows but immediately shrugged. So with her staying, I began walking off with Charmander down the dirt path toward team Wildfire's base.
Charmander's POV
I crossed my arms, quickly walking through town with Neva at my side. She struggled to keep at my heels as I quickly walked through town. I passed many of the town's pokemon, most of which cast a worrisome glance my way.
"Charmander," I heard her call my name as I dashed right, making my way toward team Wildfire's base. My paws moved quicker.
"Charmander wait up!" She called again. I grit my teeth, trying to weave through the crowd of pokemon in the town square. I could feel her ears brush up against my side, nudging me so I would turn my attention to her. I turned, dug my paws into the floor, as she bumped into my back.
"Could you hurry up!?" I hissed, turning around to start off on the stone path again.
"I'm going as fast as I can, can't you just slow down?" She hollered as I dug my orange paws into the ground, Neva bumped into my back as I did.
"Could you give me some space!? You keep bumping into me!" Her purple eyes shifted and she stood up straight.
"I wouldn't be bumping into you so much if you just slowed down! Alex isn't going anywhere!"
"We have to talk to Alex quickly, otherwise she might never come back…" I could feel my voice trail off as I turned to look at the dirt path. My eyes flickered to the floor, my white claws clinking together as I gazed at them.
"She left because she wanted to…you get that right?" My ears flickered as the words clumsily fell out of her mouth... I could feel my paws ball up into a fist. The heat from my tail grew, hitting my back with a gentle glow.
"She left because Starley is being unreasonable…he can't treat her like that."
"Well why do you have to fight her battles? She's not some little kid, if the team was important to her, she'd stay!" Neva's claws scrapped along the dirt, her brown eyes filled with anger as her jaw tightened.
"You don't know what you're talking about! Alex cares! That's why we have to bring her back!" Her brown ears flattened against her head. Her brown tail pinned between her legs. She threw her paw down, her posture straightening as her fearful expression changed.
"I don't think she does… she left, end of story!"She swished her tail menacingly, her eyes narrowing on me. A subtle growl escaped my lips.
"Just shut up! You just don't like her!" I threw my hands down to release fire. Heat flashed on both of my sides. Flames resided in Neva's eyes.
"That's how you feel about everyone that goes against her; she doesn't make this any easier on the team, ya know!"
"She's trying to get home! We should be helping her!" I could hear the subtle shift in the crowd, the patter of their feet grew louder as they turned their gazes toward us.
"There's only so much we can do! It's not like we got anywhere with that!"
"You mean how we didn't get her home in a day? These things take time!"
"If it was important, it would get done quickly!" The crowd had moved, circling behind Neva. I felt my eyes weave between the crowd, all eyes casting to me.
"We're trying Neva, you can't expect anything to happen overnight if you aren't behind it."
"Stop with the excuses, you guys just don't have what it takes to get her home!" I could hear the snickers come from within the crowd. Neva glanced back, snorting in response. Everyone seemed to step back.
"Maybe you should have stayed at home! Your dad would have lovedto have kept you!" She curled her tail in front of her, her shoulders hunched over as her eyes glared up at me.
"Shut up!" Her paws gripped the dirt, her white claws showing. I straightened up, puffing out my chest.
"In all honesty, maybe he let you go because hewas embarrassed…and simply couldn't take it anymore."
"You're pushing it Charmander, I'm warning you, back off…" She growled, angry tears glossed over her brown eyes. She curled her lips back to show her teeth.
"To him, you're a disgrace! Thewannabe glaceon that refused to be a vaporeon!" I growled with a snarl. Neva pounced on me.
"You take that back! You don't know anything about me, or my family! I see the world differently okay! This team meant a lot to me, I wanted to join because it means something to me. From the looks of it, I don't think Alex cares!" I threw her off, picking her up by the scruff of her neck.
"You see it with a cold attitude, maybe you shouldbe a glaceon…it suits you!" I dropped her to the floor and her eyes widened. She snorted, turning her back to me.
"I'm not the one who's being cold right now…you just put me on blast because you're upset…y-you went too far…" She didn't say anything and my hunched over shoulders relaxed. My bright tail dimmed and a frown rolled across my face. I quickly shivered as she turned with tears in her eyes. I quickly bit my tongue.
I-I didn't mean it! I swear! I was just mad, not at you, wait!
"Good luck getting Alex on your own!" With that she ran off, pushing her way through the crowd. She was heading toward Wishcash's pond.
"Neva wait! I'm sorry! I…" The glare of the town was strong, everyone eyes mercilessly glaring at me with distain.
"I didn't mean it…" They snorted, and turned tail and went back to town. My chest tightened as I balled up my fist only to release the anger.
"Did you see what he did? Some friend." They left me there, silence overtaking the town.
I have to get Alex back…my whole team is just falling apart without her…without her, I'm no better than Starley.
"Alex! Alex!" I called as I walked up the steps to the famous base. My feet tingle in excitement as my eyes scanned the famous base. I need her to know, she needs to know we need her to come back…to come home.
Alex's POV
I stroked the edge of the wood with a piece of straw. I could hear the patter of my dad's paws as my eyes glanced up at him.
"Alex… I understand why you're here…but…sweetheart, can't you at least tryto work it out with your friends?" I sighed.
Starley hates me… he's never going to see that I actually care about him…even if he hates humans.
"Alex, maybe you should go back? Try to tell Starley how you feel," Gardevoir reasoned. She knelt down beside me, her paw gracefully touching my shoulder. Psychics… always seeing the deeper edge of your mind. Her deep red eyes scanned me, hoping to see the cause. With her blank stare, she had backed away...a slight frown tugging at the corners of her mouth.
"I see..." She mumbled, causing me to perk my head.
"Alex! Alex!" I heard the patter of feet and I turned my gaze. Charmander stood in the doorway, his eyes misty with tears. I noticed his blue eyes shimmer so brightly before, now looking so lost and alone. His tail dimmed softly, and I immediately cringed.
What happened to you?
"Charmander. Are you okay sweetheart!?" Gardevoir exclaimed, worry setting into her eyes.
"Has something happened?" Lucario followed, jumping from his bed down to the ground floor.
"He's here to take Alex back…" Dad stepped forward, his tail wagging as Charmander nodded.
"Can I talk to you please? Outside?" I cast a worrisome glance around the room, everyone nodded in a reassuring manner. I pushed myself up from the floor, following Charmander as we stood outside my father's base.
"Listen Alex, you need to come back."
"I don't really want to go back; I told you guys already I'm done. Starley shouldn't have to put up with me if he doesn't want to." I bit my lip nervously as my eyes trailed to the floor. If anything, I would have done anything to stay on the team…but with Starley…I could see how much pain seeing me put him through…that fight was the last straw.
"You can't just quit on us, trust me Starley doesn't mean a thing…he's angry, he's upset, but trust me…deep down he likes you," Charmander exclaimed. I could hear the rise in his voice, and how his claws tapped nervously. His tail swished nervously as his eyes avoided me.
"I think you need to look that over again," I turned, but Charmander quickly gripped my wrist. I balled up my fist, tearing away from his grip.
"Alex, I've already lost Neva and-" I felt my eyes shoot open.
Its not possible…
"You lost Neva-"
"Yeah, but you see that's not important right now, what is important is-"
"See this is what I'm talking about, you guys are just so unstable…with your friends, your families, even your own lives…I don't want to be part of that mix anymore." I could feel my voice crack, I accept them and all their flaws…but sometimes, you just need a break.
"We're unstable?" Charmander's blue eyes flashed. His anger filled the blue irises.
"You're the one who fights-" Charmander's eyes quickly stopped, and he bit his pink tongue. He stood, silently shaking as he took a breath.
"Ya know what, never mind. It doesn't matter what happened in the past, you just need to understand that the future of this team needs you in it… and I'm not leaving without you." He quipped. I could feel myself pulled to the emotion of the words, how confident and smoothly they flowed from his voice even though his body was shaking.
"I…I'm sorry. I'm sorry about Starley, I'm sorry about the team. Just come back with me." Every word was making it harder for me to be mad. I wasn't mad at Charmander, and my quarrel wasn't with him…
"I'm sorry too…" I saw Charmander's blue eye light up. His frown rolled off his face, his shoulders relaxed and he stood, neutral.
"But I won't go back until Starley understands…andapologizes." With that I turned tail, seeing my family hide behind the open door.
I glanced back seeing Chamander's face fall. His flame dimmed. His tail drooped onto the floor and he dragged it back toward town. He had stopped and turned, giving me one final glance.
I sighed, just turning back to my father who stood in the doorway.
"Alex…" He muttered softly. Lucario jumped down, putting his paw on my dad's orange fur. And with a slight nod, he turned to me.
"I know your upset about everything that has happened, but… poor Charmander did his best to make amends…doesn't that mean something to you? I think he came because the team needs you," Lucario's red eyes stared at me, piercing my heart.
He's right… maybe I should…
"Okay, then you're telling me I should go back?" Lucario smirked, his head bowed as his stood up.
"You know, this team wasn't perfect…but…now…" Gadevoir, and the others all stood in a line, giving me a smile. My tail recoiled tightly, as I glanced up at them.
"We're family. And the sooner you guys realize it…the better." Lucario finished. I sighed, standing and turning to the door.
"Fine… you've made your point." I muttered, swishing my green tipped tail and walking out the door.
"Charmander! Charmander! I've changed my mind! I've-" I glanced around, not seeing him. The smile from my face rolled away and my shoulders depressed.
"I…want to go back home…"
Neva's POV
My reflection looked back at me. I had been so certain before, but now…I'm not so sure.
You see with that cold attitude, you should be a glaceon, it suits you!
His voice still rang in my ears. They flattened against my head, and I splashed the water with my paw. I watched the ripples bounce over the water, ruining my reflection. I hate the water, how its flow was so gentle and smooth. I can't flow with anything, I guess…I just distort everything.
My reflection looked back at me, so clear. My purple eyes seemed so dull and my appearance seemed so boring. My eyes just don't seem lively, they don't seem happy. He's right, I am cold…
I touched the leather pouch I kept the ice stone in. I touched it, running my fingers along its exterior. I gripped it tightly.
If that's how he sees me then fine! Make me a glaceon!
I squeezed my eyes and waited…for a while. I could not feel the sensation of change, the tingling of a changing form. There was no sensation, and I opened my eyes. I glanced to the water, two diamond pointed ears, same brown color, same dull eyes.
"Why isn't it working!? This is supposed to work!" I pushed my face into the dirt, squeezing the stone tightly with my paw. Tears began to run down my face, a sniffle escaped my black nose.
"This stone is my freedom! I hatethis!" I threw the stone, hearing the water engulf it with a splash.
"Why does everything have to limit me!? Why can't I just…be? What am I missing?" I could feel my voice let out this whimpering cry. My ears pinned back against my head.
I can't even evolve right…
"Neva! Neva!" I felt my ears perk, quickly getting up and dashing into the bushes.
Whoever it is can't see me like this!
I felt my eyes widen as his orange glow ran across the water. His orange paws clinked as he ran across the stones to the water's edge.
"I…oh, you're not here." His eyes cast to the floor as he sat by the water's edge. He kicked his feet out, touching the water with his toes. The water swished around as his eyes danced across the clear water. His eyes looked up to the sky as he sighed.
"I have a good mind to push you in that water right now," I muttered softly. I sighed, putting my head on my brown paws as I just watched him in silence.
"I pushed away the one person who was willing to go the distance with me…and for what? Alex said 'no'…" My ears perked to the words, biting my lip in an urge to scream out.
Told you…
"I shouldn't have said anything about you or your family, its not my place…and I don't deserve to have a friend like you…" I let my ears fall, poking my head outside the bush. The gentle tug of branches shuffled the leaves making a soft sound but Charmander didn't seem to notice.
"I wouldn't be surprised if you never spoke to me again…I wouldn't even talk to me again." He muttered, throwing a rock that sat beside him. It skipped along the surface and finally sunk beneath the water.
"You and I both know that you have to be forgiving…because the world tries to define you…even if it is against your wishes,"
"I said you're cold, but you're just trying to cushion the reality of heartbreak, you were just looking out for me…you were being a friend…your warm Neva…" I gasped, my heartrate spike as he continued.
"I need a friend like you…" I walked forward, my face growing warm at the statement. My ears sky rocketed, as my tail rose. You stupid lizard, you…you're making me blush? I could feel warm fuzziness run through my chest, my tail wagging as tears bulged at the corners of my eyes.
"I-"
"Okay, stop. I've heard enough." He gasped, turning around quickly. His cheeks twinged pink, and he stared at the floor with a nervous grin.
"N-neva!? I-I mean Neva! H-How…How much of that did you hear?" He looked up at me as I rolled my eyes.
"I heard enough…" I said as I sat, swishing my tail back and forth.
"Oh…well…uh?" He mumbled, his hand reaching the back of his head nervously.
"Let's chat."
Delphox's POV
"Delphox, what a…pleasantsurprise…how's that eye of yours?" He chuckled as his patted my head. I shrunk lower toward the grassy floor. My paws trembled as he circled me. I was pray, I was always the prey…it was never going to end.
"I-its fine s-sir…" I bit my tongue, if anything I had originally wanted to tell him off, but, nothing was helping.
"I'm giving you one more chance…and do you know why Delphox?" I gulped, feeling my eye throb at the thought of another beating.
"W-why?" I sputtered out as I sat on the ground.
"Because…should you fail me again…you'll be one less member short." He had chuckled, a shadow ball forming in his black claws. I gulped, backing up and putting my hands out to my friends.
"I won't fail…master."
"Good, now make it so these children have a challenge…see their strength…" He growled, disappearing into the shadows of the forest. I glanced back to my friends who stood with fearful eyes.
"Delphox…"
"Its okay guys…we…we'll be fine." Hydreigon gulped, rubbing him middle head nervously.
"I-if we fail…w…which one-" I swiftly moved to him, grabbing his collar and forcing him to look me in the eyes.
"None! We are not going to fail! Understand!?" I yelled, feeling warm tears stream down my face. My head hit his chest in defeat. I let out a shaky breath.
Nothing is going to happen to them, I can't allow it…
"Lets go…" I said as I looked to them.
They followed haste as we walked through town, noticing a Charmander hastily running through the small town. He ran past us with such haste, like he needed to get somewhere fast.
Isn't that one of the kids from that team?
"Neva! Alex said no…" He yelped as he dashed toward the Wishcash pond. I pursed my lips.
Use him…
"Let's get him…Alex will have to come out of hiding…"
"Delphox, you're not really going to hurt him are you?" Chandelure asked. His blue flames dimmed as I looked to the ground.
"What choice do we have?" I muttered as I glanced to Chandelure and Hydreigon. They glanced to each other, eyes filling with worry. They knew as well as I failing was not an option…and we would not return home if it occurred. We would flee, we would have to…we couldn't take it anymore.
"You sure?" I nodded. And we all turned our gazes to the Charmander, watching him as he met with an eevee. We stood silently as we listened in on their conversation.
"I'm sorry…about Alex not coming back…" The eevee muttered. Her tail swished softly in the gentle breeze that came by. A subtle smirk ran across her face. He continued on, not noticing the gesture. But his face brightened red at the mention of the other girl…
Ah…she's jealous of the attention Alex gets. I see… well… he could care less…to busy being hung up on some other girl.
"Why? You were right…I was wrong…" He muttered sadly. His eyes bounced to the floor. Her paw touched his face and he looked to her. She smiled softly and his paw recoiled. I felt my face burn in embarrassment, it's so strange to watch others.
Show him girl…
"Delphox, are you blushing?" Hydreigon giggled.
"She's a secret romantic…" Chandelure said softly. I put a paw to my cheek, feeling the warmth grow.
"Shut up you guys! They'll hear you!" They grinned, gazing back to the two. The snickering went on and I rolled my eyes.
"Sure…whatever you say."
"I…was wrong about everything…and…I'm sorry…I really am…" He wrapped his arms around her as she cried softly with soft sobs.
"You should be…" Soft tears hit the stone below them, and he didn't care that she had seemed vulnerable about that. To him, it was amending the damage.
What went down? Man…He must have done something seriously messed up. Why am I thinking this? We have a job to do!
"Okay guys…time to go…" My friends nervously glanced to each other.
"Now?" I gave a slick nod, pouncing from the bushes, toward the eevee and charmander.
"Now!" I skimmed over the dirt as the startled pokemon looked to me. I grabbed the orange tail, sprinting off as he squirmed in my grasp. I could see the eevee nip onto my arm and I shook her away as I ran.
"Hey, lady let me go!" The little charmander cried out, gripping my paw tightly with his.
Sorry about this kid…really I am.
"Cover our tracks!" I shouted behind me. The others gave a nod, leaving the eevee in a cloud of black smoke with the explosions. My team mates surfaced out of the smoke in such haste, it caused worry for the poor lizard pokemon.
"Neva!" He screamed in a devastated holler. It filled the air with such dread as he desperately thrashed against my arm, making my grip slip. I felt my paw grip the child's tail tightly, slamming his into a wall that we ran by.
His squirming stopped as he hit the wall, his eyes filled with confusion and fear.
He's out of it…finally.
I kept running. the shouting and wails of his friend seemed to get farther and farther away. I can't turn back.
"Delphox! Where are we going!?" I could hear my teammates yelp. The leaves and twigs snapped before my feet as my eyes glanced to the mountain ahead. Snow rained on the tips of the mountain and I shuttered at the thought of the cold nips.
"Blizzard mountain…" With that, we rushed through the mountains, hiking up in the cold weather. The frost nipped at my fur.
"No! Let me go! Please!" The charmander hollered, and I let out an annoyed growl.
"Hush now!" The top of a peak snow lightly and I grabbed the rope, tying the poor creature to a rock. He squirmed and screamed, biting and charring the rope. I tapped my foot looking to chandelure who shrugged.
I let out a sigh, standing over the child. I shut my eyes tightly… I can't have them doing a simple rescue, Darkrai would have my head.
Forgive me…
I opened my eyes, noticing how purple glossed over his blue eyes, and he stared out into deep space.
Starley's POV
"And we have to get him back!" Neva hollered, tears streamed down her face. That infernal lizard will get an earful for letting himself get caught.
"Did you see who took him?"
"No…they took off so fast, and they left me in a black cloud…"
"Okay, how about where they were going?" I hummed as she stood up straight. Her brown ears perked and she puffed out her chest.
"Blizzard mountain…I may not be fast, but I can hear things from a far…she said 'blizzard mountain'."
"Okay then…inform Alex…she'll probably want to come." I said, stomping my toes.
"I did…she said she was taking her dad's team." Neva's eyes darted as her paw wavered across the floor.
"Well, I guess that's her choice…we leave now." I flew off overhead, spotting the trail. The others had their packs, walking along the trail. As we neared the mountain the air grew crisp and chilly, and I flew to the floor with my remaining teammates.
"I-its awfully cold," Helioptile muttered as her ears shook in the cold breeze. I glanced to Neva who marched on, her eyes cast to the floor. She could care less about the cold, in fact that didn't seem to bother her.
Charmander must mean a lot to her…
I sighed, spotting a cave up ahead.
"We'll camp here…wait for the storm to pass…" The others nodded, setting up a fire. They curled up next to it and Neva just gazed out into the storm.
"Neva…come get warm by the fire…" I called, my beak forming a frown.
"I'm going to keep going…" She muttered.
"By yourself? In this storm, are you insane?" Helioptile called, standing with worry. Her paws slapped against the cave's floor, as Neva turned around.
"Stay…its not safe." Neva's eyes looked defeated, tired, and desperate. Her legs quietly shook as she looked to me.
"I…have to find him," I could feel guilt run through me. If I hadn't yelled so much, maybe this wouldn't be such an issue. Neva wouldn't look like a mess, Charmander would be home, Alex might still reside with our team.
What am I missing?
"Why…?" I asked blanky.
"Because…because he's my family now." Neva had curled up tightly into a ball, falling asleep on the cave's edge. I couldn't help but wonder…
Family…?
I gazed at the poor eevee, shaking as the cold wind lashed at her exposed back. I sighed, flapping to grab the back of her neck, dragging her closer to the fire. I set her down, trying to be certain I would not disturb her.
Helioptile glanced at me…and smiled.
"Haven't seen that side of you in a while…" I huffed. I could tell by that look that she knew I had cared, even if it was a tiny bit.
Is…this…what it means…to have a family? To care…without regard? Its…familiar…yet new.
"What are you talking about…she's cold. Not going to let a teammate freeze to death."
"Stop pretending like we are just teammates… you know as well as I do that you actually care…you just have to know that we aren't going to leave you…"
"Alex will…"
And in a moment, my eyes widened. Helioptile smirked and Neva rolled onto her back.
"I just…I haven't had a family in a while…" I muttered. She curled up in a ball next to me.
"Now you got one, so…learn to be a member." She muttered as she dosed off. I glanced outside. I frowned, my thoughts trailing back to how I had treated Alex. She must be so angry with me.
"I will…" I said as I shut my eyes.
I hope Charmander is okay…and I hope Alex and her team have a safe journey through this storm…
Lucario's POV
"Anthony! Anthony!" I hollered through the storm's winds. Anthony trudged through the snow, Alex clinging to the gruff on the back of his neck.
"Press on dad! We got to find Charmander!" I could hear the soft groan escape Anthony's lips as he turned to us. Gadevoir walked behind me as I tried to shield her from the snow. Zoroak and Blastoise brought up the rear.
"Alex, this is too dangerous, just look at my team!" Anthony shouted as the wind picked up.
"You told me a team is worth fighting for! So…here I am!" She shouted, hoping it would reach her father's arcanine ears.
"That's not what I meant Alex. You have to take care of them first!" I called. Gardevior gripped my paw, her red eyes gazing at me.
Are you trying to read my thoughts?
She nodded her head.
She's just a child… but maybe we should find a place to stay until the storm dies down.
"Alex, do you spot a cave!?" I yelled out again, my paws slipping into the snow. I gripped the snow with my paw, wiggling my toes to keep them from freezing.
"I see…a light!?" She hollered. I narrow my eyes, trying to see past the hailing snow. In the distance, there was a faint light, a growing warmth emanated from its direction. I gripped Gardevoir's paw tightly, pulling her in the direction through the storm.
Gardevoir, tell the others to go toward the light.
She giggled.
Glad I'm not dying…
But she gazed in the other's direction, signaling to everyone where to go. She then gazed in Anthony's direction, a smile appearing on her face.
Anthony darling, head toward the light.
Darling…? Pfft, give me a break. I grit my teeth with a slight eye roll as we reached the cave. I could feel the familiar vibe. I noticed an eevee sleeping by the fire. I sighed.
"Its only Neva…strange how we'd all end up here though…" Anthony said. Alex hoped off his back, her snivy tail whipping across the floor. She poked Starley, her eyes determined and slightly afraid.
You can do it kid…
I felt Gardevoir squeeze my paw. I turned to see her red eyes soften.
Ah…so…you do care for children…
"Of course I do…I just wish I had one…maybe then I could give them what I didn't have…"
I know… and ya know, maybe one day you will…
I smiled to her, turning back to Alex.
"Starley…" He stirred, opening his black eyes. He glanced around the room and smiled.
"Sit down everyone…I promise I won't bite." We all sat quietly, trying not to disturb the other's. Alex sat beside Starley as Anthony shut his eyes. His ears still perked, must be trying to listen in on his daughter's new thoughts.
I could hear a faint whisper in my ear.
"Lucario, you can let go now…" Gardevoir mentioned, her face blared a red tinge in embarrassment.
"Oh uh…sorry." I could feel the scarlet color rush across my face and I bit my tongue. My heart rate spiked, but I quickly pushed it aside, glancing to Alex.
"I'm sorry about everything... I should accept you reason and understand why you need your space…it must have been hard to lose your parents…seeing how I treat mine must make you angry…I'm sorry Starley." Starley's eyes darted away, glancing to the Helioptile beside him. Helioptile perked her head, her eyes gleaming as Starley spoke.
"A wise person once told me…A team isn't just a team…it's family…" A sly smile crossed my face.
"Me…" Helioptile and I said at the same time. I could see Gardevoir giggle. The fire's glow was nice, heat with tired eyes filled the room, and we all fell asleep.
Alex's POV
I wish you had drowned in that river!
I squeaked as his shadow covered me. My eyes wide with terror, I could feel warm tears run down my face.
You're nothing but a bad daughter!
He stood with his dog teeth bared. His blue eyes filled with regret and anger. I didn't even recognize him, he's not the same. He's not my father, he can't be.
"Dad…stop! I don't understand. Why are you doing this!?" I tried to reason with him.
I don't have a daughter…
"W-what do you mean?" I backed up into a wall and gasped as my dad walked closer toward me.
I don't want a daughter…
"No…" He pounced toward me as I tried to shield my face with my paws.
"No!" I shouted as I bolt up from my sleep. I could feel my clammy paws as I touched my forehead. I…what was that? I looked beside me, seeing my dad sleep soundly with a slight snore. I smiled, its just a dream.
I stood up, seeing the dim embers of the firewood.
"Alex...what's the matter?" My dad's ears perked. I sighed, walking toward him before snuggling up to his side.
"Nightmare."
"What was it about?" I could tell him could I? Its just a dream... There's nothing more to add on it.
"I don't remember." I lied. I curled my tail toward me, seeing Starley open his eyes. He gave a small smile, watching the room.
"Oh...well, just try to get some sleep okay?" I bit my lip trying to sleep. Why had my dream shown my dad like that?
"D-dad...?" I gripped his orange fur, pushing the thoughts of the dreams away.
"Hmmm?" He muttered groggily.
"I...I love you." I said as I tried to go back to sleep. My dad blinked, perking his head to be sure I had said that.
"I love you too Alex, goodnight." He said as he nuzzled my head. That was just a dream. Dreams don't mean anything. Starley glanced to me, his eyes filled with a different emotion that I had yet to see.
He's understanding? He smiled, ruffling his brown feathers before going back to sleep. I smiled...bout time.
Anthony's POV
My claws stretched out as the morning light flooded the cave. I stood, sure not to wake Alex. Nightmare? Strange. Must be all the stress from the mission and teammates.
At least her and Starley are on better terms...
I walked toward the cave entrance, seeing it snow outside. It had not been as fierce as it had been the night before. With a loud yawn, I glanced back, seeing the others slowly open their eyes and stretch.
"Come on guys! We have a child to save." I called. Everyone had stood, the teams divided. Alex no longer stood with my team, but with Starly, Helioptile and Neva.
"Alright...let's go." I yelped, and everyone walked out of the cave and up the mountain.
"Hey Anthony, how long do you think it'll take us to get there?" Neva asked as she passed me. She stayed in front of the group, seeming to be in such a hurry to get somewhere.
"Not long...soon I'm sure." I replied. The eevee's ears drooped, her eyes casting to the floor. I could feel my ears perk as she mumbled to herself.
"What?" I asked. Her ears quickly perked as her checks tinted a slight pink.
"N-nothing." With that she darted ahead of the group, running out of sight quickly.
What's up with her?
I heard flapping and looked up.
"No worries, I'll keep an eye out for her," Starley stated as he flapped after Neva.
"We should go too... Later dad!" Alex called, running off with Helioptile. I called her and she turned back.
"Wait Alex, what about us?"
"We have to find him quick, catch up with us when you can." She called, rushing off through the snow before I could even decline.
"Alright...be safe." I turned back to my team, who gave me curious glances.
"We're backup. Let's go!"
Neva's POV
"Charmander! Hey! Charmander!" I yelled through the think snow. The icy grip attacked my toes as I tried to get my head above the snowline.
"Having a hard time moving are we?" Starley called, grabbing me and placing me on the top layer of snow.
"Yeah, go help the others..." He shrugged, flapping his wings to assist the others who struggled through the thick snow. I glanced up, seeing the top of the mountain and quickly rushed up the mountain. The icy wind seemed to fade as I broke through the top layer.
"Charmander!" I shouted. My voice echoed, leaving only silence. My ears drooped to the floor.
M-maybe I was wrong?
I heard a shift in the rocks and quickly glanced up. A faint orange glow bounced off the rocks. I gasped, sprinting toward it. My paws slapped the floor, echoing on the mountain top. I could feel my heart swell a bit, happy to have found him after all the traveling.
"Charmander! Its me!" I got closer toward the faint glow.
"I came to get you!" I heard the faint twitching of rock, claws scraping across the rocks. I could feel my feet stop, starring as the orange light grew brighter. A shadow ran across the floor. Noticing the air had seemed different, I quickly glanced to the lizard that stood before me.
"Charmander? Are you okay...?" His eyes narrowed, a twinge of purple narrowing on me. He growled and I backed up. I could feel my heart race, as I backed up.
Is this...my charmander?
"Charmander?" I squeeked, my claws scalped along the floor as I backed up. I could hear the shifting of rocks, chuckling in the distance. I hadn't gotten a look at the kidnappers before...but I know they are still here.
They must have him confused...or...something...
I turned to charmander, seeing his eyes glossed in purple. I grit my teeth. Is this what they want? Do they want me to fight my friend?
"Charmander its me, Neva!" I yelled, side stepping his paw that flew toward me. I pushed him aside, knocking him to the floor.
"You know, your friend!?" He touched his jaw, his eyes still glossed in purple.
"I...I don't have any friends." And as is eyes turned to me, I could hear the shouts of my friend come from behind.
"Charmander! Your okay!" Alex yelped as she ran towards us. I could feel my eyes widen as Charmander pushed me aside, creating a ball of fire toward Alex.
"What are you-" Starley flapped his wings, creating a powerful wind that pushed Charmander aside. Charmander claws skid along the floor, his tail swinging in the air.
"Something's wrong, this isn't like him," Starley commemted, gliding over charmander. I heard helioptile snort, digging.
"Well no duh," she muttered as she dug out of sight. I could only stare at the charmander, who relentlessly attacked Alex. I couldn't move.
"Neva! Move!" Starley commanded, I quickly shook my head, my claws showing.
"Right!" I yelled, running toward the charmander. His claws glowed a bright blue; a growl escaping his mouth every time he missed Alex. The snivy's wines, would push him away, but he continued to advance.
"Charmander, it me! Alex!" She yelled, pleading with the lizard to cease. I could hear faint crumbling. Seeing Helioptile pounce from the floor tackling charmander to the floor. We held him down and he squirmed.
"Starley, get lucario and gardevoir!" I yelled, knowing that if a psychic attack could make him that way, another one could fix it.
"That won't be necessary...you see, much like yourself, failure is not an option. " A voice called, letting purple over take the mountain. Rocks began to rain from the sky, and I could feel my heart pound as I glanced, seeing the rocks tumble toward us. I stuck with Helioptile by my side, seeing Alex and charmander fade in the rocky slide.
"We lost them! This isn't good!" I yelped, as the rocks slid to a complete stop. Half of the mountain was covered in rocks and they separated us.
"Starley, where are they!" I yelled.
"Over here! Fighting!" He shouted. I heard more shifting, seeing a blur of red fur. A arcanine howl filled the air.
"Are they okay!?" Anthony shouted. I couldn't see them, so I glanced around jumping up on the rocks.
"Where are you going!?" Helioptile yelled, electricity poured from her paws to the floor. She tried to jump up on a rock, but could not.
"To help." She gave a reassuring look and I turned, bouncing up on the rocks, trying to reach charmander before someone else did.
"Gardevoir, using you psychic powers to help him!" I could feel my legs burning, only a few more steps. I could hear the faint flapping of Starley, he seemed a bit uneasy about the situation.
"Don't hurt him." Gardevoir smiled, but I couldn't muster it. Alex was still fighting Charmander, and with the type disadvantage, I wasn't sure for how much longer.
"It'll put him to sleep." Gardevoir readiedbherself and I gazed to Alex, nearing the edge of the mountain. Do something quickly. Alex glanced back, seeing how little room she had left.
"Okay, here goes." A sift ring filled the air, and Charmander stopped. He stepped forward, muttering to himself.
"They might fall back, Starley go help Alex," Anthony called. I huffed.
"Help Charmander." I told Starley, who now had a pale look on his face.
"I can only pick up one at a time...but how can I possibly choose between them...they-." I turned my gaze, seeing Charmander mutter.
"Thanks ...Alex...I knew there was a...a reason..." He stumbled toward her, falling into her arms. But the Snivy tipped backwards and my paw quickly outstretch toward them. I knew I wouldn't be able to catch them, I wasn't near them at all. I grit my teeth, turning my gaze to Starley.
"Starley, do something now!" Anthony and I yelled. The two had already begun their descent and I held my breath as Starley flew after them. For a while all seemed silent. I could feel my ears drop... that might be...too much to handle.
A white light, erupted from the fog below. My eyes widened as flapping grew louder, a big bird flew from the clouds, clutching the snivy and Charmander together. Its...Staravia?
Alex clung to Charmander as the Staravia dropped her and the sleeping lizard to the floor.
"Alex! You're alright! Thank you! Er... Starley?" The Staravia turned, glancing to me.
"Neva... What's wrong...?" Gardevoir has used psychic to grab Helioptile and me and levitated us toward them. We stood in shock, looking at how our friend had grown.
"You...you evovled!?" Helioptile claimed. Staravia shrugged his shoulders.
"Strange...how did you do that?" I asked, my tail wagging.
"I...don't know, I just..." He turned toward Alex and Charmander and smiled.
"Needed to find a way to protect them...since their family..." I felt my ears perk as I heard a loud groan. I could feel myself leap onto the sleeping Charmander.
"You're okay! Oh thank acreus!" He opened his blue eyes and quickly squinted them. O could hear a softer, feminine groan.
"I'm still here... Can't breath." She yelped. I quickly jumped off, smiling to see my friends were alright.
"Your okay?" Charmander smiled, rubbing the back of his head.
"Yeah...sorry about attacking you guys...especially you Alex...it was...just a really weird dream..." I nodded, seeing Alex do the same. Anthony moved beside her daughter, nuzzling her.
"I'm glad your safe..." He said. Lucario and Gardevoir glanced to each other, smiling to each other.
"You were really somethin' out there." Lucario muttered, his face tinting purple. I smiled.
Just tell her already.
"Thanks." Blastiose smiled.
"Okay...now that everything is everything...let's get some chow, I'm starving from all this climbing." I giggled as Zoroak rolled his eyes.
"You're always hungry." So we began our trip back to town. And I occasionally glanced to Charmander, who would smile at me. Maybe...things would be different.
As for our readers, I guess you guys need to vote on BigBossMans poll. I am extremely sorry for the late update...but...ya know.