Sorry that I didn't update last week…Or the last… Bad case of writer's block and not being able to write anything- plus the fact that I've been… Busy. I know that's a lame excuse but that's okay! Yup Yup!
WarTotodile: Yeah- sorry I didn't reply to your review earlier, but here it is anyway. Thank you!
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Thanks to everybody to reviewed and… WHEEE! I HAVE OFFICIALLY REACHED… 1,000 PAGE VIEWS ON THIS STORY! YAY! Ahem. Okay, on with the chapter…
Moonlight's Shadow Chapter 16:
Forgive and Forget?
One certain Absol was dreading this very current day. To elongate and to complicate, this one certain Absol who was also known by some as Koja or outcast, was dreading to very day because this was the day to meet his pack and family who had so very bluntly stated that he should never return or see them again for if did that penalty would be death. Now that one's mind is properly and fully confused by the last long sentence, the story shall continue.
"We have to reach them by dark… Are you sure we're not lost?" came the voice of Shadow beside him.
"We're not lost… We're almost there."
What Koja also could have also said was that they could've have reached his pack much earlier in the day. They had set out from the den of that Slowking early this morning. They were well and very capable of reaching his pack by noon. It was now late afternoon. For Koja had been procrastinating, slowing every step, every second- there was a feeling of fear and tension in him that just would not go away. In fact, the Absol knew that they were at the top of the hill that led directly to his pack- it would take about a minute for them to reach his family…
Pep thankfully was not in the mood to annoy him today. She instead had found a new soul mate- Ditto. The two had really hit it off. But that wasn't all that surprising either- both were very similar in personality: Hyper activeness, acting like a lunatic, and being annoying… Yes- it wasn't surprising at all that they were two new found friends…
Zan and Inferno were deep into discussing battle strategies with each other, Sami sometimes joining into the conversation, adding a little here and there but otherwise stayed in the center of the group. They must have looked quite odd… A mini parade of Pokemon of all kinds and a human wandering around in the middle… But the Pokemon in the area if anything left them alone and interested themselves only in their own businesses.
Koja stopped as he reached the edge of the mountain path. His keen red eyes looked down as the path began to descend in a downwards manner. At the bottom of this crude well trodden path, was small valley with plenty of greenery in it. This was it. This was definitely it. He could not wait and fool around no longer, as he had done for the past few hours. He had his orders from the Gods- and they were definitely meant to be carried out.
"We're here."
"But we've being wandering here for ages and ages! We can't-" Pep's high pitched was cut of by the sound a paw sealing her mouth shut- Inferno's paw to be exact,
"Then let's get going," the Houndoom replied while adding in an undertone to Pep, "Don't annoy him! He's extremely tense, you hear me! Wait, where are you- Ugh… Children these days…"
The subjects of that statement were in a… They were in a very happy state of mind to say the least. Pep was now currently riding down the mountainside on the back of Ditto. Ditto had also conveniently transformed into a reasonably sized Golem, gathering speed as he went. There were squeals and yells of delight from where the two whooshed past the rest.
"Idiots." Was Zan's comment on the situation as he started to jog down the hill.
Koja led the group, and even though he was running fast, time seemed to slow down dramatically for the Absol. Shadow was bounding down the slope behind him, an anxious look in her eyes. Sami followed after the two and Zan and Inferno brought up the rear.
"Those stupid little-"
Koja glanced at Inferno, the one who had spoken and followed the Houndoom's gaze- the gaze at Pep and Ditto who were by now speeding at break neck speed down the mountainside. Both Pokemon had not thought or even considered the fact that they had no idea where they were going or that they had no idea if they were even going in the right direction. Or even that they were rolling down the mountainside so fast that their speed had turned into being highly dangerous and highly oh so Ditto and Pep-like.
No- Ditto and Pep didn't consider those facts until they same themselves nearing a Flareon who was staring up at them completely gob smacked. The others up the mountain were shouting now, shouting half angrily and annoyed and freshened. Pep shrieked in free but Ditto, try as he could was not able to slow down in anyway- or even remember that he was able to transform into another Pokemon form and get out of all this danger….
Seconds later, there was a loud noise of collision and yells and shrieks. From where he was, Koja could see that below amidst the dust clouds of the crash there was… Fire! Yes. A blaze of heat had erupted up from where Ditto and Pep had crashed into the Flareon. Koja quickened his pace.
This was not good. This was definitely not good… That Flareon was definitely a member of his… Old pack. There would be trouble- great big bad trouble. It didn't take long for he and the others to reach the crash spot. Ditto had transformed himself into an Onix, his long body placed in front of Pep to protect her. A dark look flickered across Koja's eyes when he saw exactly which Flareon that was. The one who was called his sister- his elder sister. Emotions flickered across the fire eon's face, crossing from surprise, to anger, to hurt and finally to no emotion at all.
It wasn't long before other began to emerge from caves and from all around the mountain side. Evees and their evolutions, Absols… They were going to be or were already surrounded. Awe was on the Pokemon's faces as they saw Ditto who was still into the form of a huge big long Onix. Koja smiled grimly- maybe they'd let them get away with it all for a little bit because they had such a huge big powerful Pokemon with them- or rather a Pokemon who looked powerful at least.
From out of the crowd where there was much murmurs and talk, came an Absol that was getting on in his years. That Absol was also known as the father of Koja. Koja's claws seemed to immediately grip the ground and his mouth was clamped shut as to not say anything he might regret later. So his father was the leader of the pack- how befitting. He probably lied his way to the top. Koja scowled upon thinking those particular thoughts.
A group of Pokemon stood behind Koja's father, not speaking but they seemed to stay in the shadows attracting not a lot of attention- but there was something about them… Something almost troubling- except that they looked so normal, so like on of the crowd that Koja ignored that group and focused on his father- and the job at hand.
"Stay focused. Stay focused." Thought Koja, struggling to keep his mind on what exactly he was meant to do. But it was hard- familiar faces sprung up from just about everywhere in the crowd that surrounded him.
His friends… His old friends… His family… His old family… His pack… His old pack…
"So you've come back."
Try as he could, Koja could not keep the hurt that spawned on his facial features. His father's words were spoken emotionlessly, just as his sister had; the words were spoken like a monotone… No shock or surprise? Not even anger? Emotion of some sort was very much less worrying then no emotion at all…
"And you've brought outsiders and that human…" the word 'outsiders' and 'human' was spoken as if they were considered to so very foul and ugly…. Koja narrowed his eyes at the one who had spoken- it was an Umbreon from that group in the shadows.
The Absol saw Sami clutch the strap of her backpack in anger, in an attempt to stop to control her feelings- she had to stay focused like the rest of them. They were on thin ice here. He didn't want the pack to end up killing them all before he had a chance to explain his reasons and call Articuno with those feathers…
"If you're not going to speak- you know that the penalty for this is death."
A large Absol forced his way through the crowd, looking like a likely executioner.
"I do know that penalty- but I have come with a more an important task- one that requires me to break your petty rules."
"You have come back crazed also, this is-" Koja's father was broken off by his son.
"I have been sent by the Gods. I am not a crazed idiot. The Gods have requested me to request you to join them in a great battle against a great evil."
There was an immediate uproar of talking, snickering, laughing and the atmosphere turned to scorn and mockery at Koja. Koja's father had his eyes narrowed- some emotion at last, even if it wasn't a very positive one.
"It is unfortunate that you and your companions are so crazed and mad in your ways- we will make you death a quick one-"
"Sami! The feather quick!" Koja returned his gaze to his father after directing the command to the trainer, "Maybe this will change your mind."
The noise seemed to drop to silence as all attention was turned to Sami. Nervous, the trainer stepped out from the shadows and revealed an icy blue feather in the palm of her hand. Though most Pokemon seemed to be indignant at the presence of a human, they kept their mouths shut and their eyes on that single feather. Sami turned her hand to the ground, releasing the object. The feather started its descent.
It danced in the air, gliding slowly, very slowly downwards until at last feather and ground made contact. Time that had seemed to slow down before now seemed to speed up and double as a flash of blue blinded the surrounding creatures momentarily and the temperature suddenly dropped drastically. But no one really cared about that dark spots that played in the corners of their vision or the coldness that nipped harshly at their fur- they cared about the goddess standing before them.
Articuno- it was extremely dreamlike and extraordinary… Gods were never seen… Let alone by huge crowds of Pokemon… Brains clanked and churned working furiously out what was happening, and as they did, heads bowed, foreheads touched the ground and Koja smiled grimly.
"You called?" the celestial voice of Articuno, though soft, was well heard by all in the small valley.
"Yes, Mighty One. Unfortunately it seems that this pack does not with to join you in your fight against your enemy."
Koja's father broke in hurriedly, "Well, well… It is automatic for anyone in our pack when upon seeing an outcast from our pack to… Dispose of that Pokemon. Any words spoken from that creature are taken as lies- outcasts cannot be trusted. Forgive us."
"You forgiveness is granted. But it is true, as the Absol said, there is a great evil approaching us. I am unable to give you much information on this matter but you must gather all of your pack, your friends, your family. You must then meet at the den of the prophet."
There were murmurs of disapproval and Koja's father frowned, "The Slowking Prophet?"
"Indeed it is. Are my orders understood?"
"Yes."
"Then I will go- also," Articuno paused and glanced at Shadow, Koja, and the rest, "It is my decision that this Absol is no longer of the outcast rank. These newcomers are to be treated like honored guests and should be given adequate shelter and water. Is that also understood?"
"Yes, your honor."
"Then I will go. There are many things to be done still. I leave with my blessings upon you all."
And with that sentence, Articuno, Goddess of Ice, vanished in a flash of blue light.
------------------------------------------------------
"Would you mind leaving here?" the words of Koja were laced heatedly with anger.
"No I wouldn't. Not until you understand." A young Flareon took a step closer to her brother, "We've all changed, Koja… We're truly sorry and what's happened in the past."
"I don't want to hear any more of your lies…"
"They're not lies. It's the truth. We were liars back then, maybe… But we were wrong! We know what we've done. We love you! You won't believe how happy we are to have you back Koja!"
Koja shook his head, "Another lie. You're only happy to have me back because I'm sent from the Gods. If I came back on my own I'd be killed by someone and you'd be hosting a party."
"No! No! No! Don't lie yourself! It's all so… wrong! We'd be happy to see you… We'd"
Koja cut his sister off angrily, sweeping his paw across the air, "Do you call this being happy to see me? This is the adequate shelter you have provided us? This cave stinks and is probably also the dirtiest place in this world!"
"It's-it's well… I know you don't believe us… But please! Understand. Father was also and is still put under pressure by the Council… They are the reason why your shelter is of such bad condition. Everyone in the pack is glad to see you and your friends- to an extent anyway… But, no one here but them would give you such… Such… And well, you are and were treated badly because- I mean," his elder sister began to stutter, frightened and scared.
"What is it? Care to tell the truth finally?"
"No well- I've been telling the truth all along! It's just that… I mean… Forget about it! Just forget about it!" pleaded his sister.
"You like hiding things from me don't you? But now you can't anymore…You won't be able to pick on like you used to, eh? I'm not that weak little runt anymore…" Koja held up a paw and gathered a small sphere of dark energy in it, the powers swirling around for a moment or two before disappearing, "I could kill you within five seconds."
His sister's fur bristled but she went on quietly, "I know you're different Koja. We're different too… Father's going to special trouble to get you out of your rank! And-"
"It was the Great Articuno's decision to relieve me of that rank."
"You know that you need that ceremony to be official. The Great Articuno did not specify that there was to be a ceremony… The Council don't want you getting out of your current rank. Father's sacrificing a lot of things for you. We all are!"
"What Father?" scoffed Koja, "He might as well be trying to kill me from what he's done. He is going to die one day. And I will tell you that I will be celebrating on that day."
"It's not Father's fault that you get kicked out you know…"
"Then who was responsible? Mr. Twinkly-Toes?" the words were laced with hatred and sarcasm.
"The Council."
Koja's eyes narrowed, trying to decide if this was another lie or a term he had not come across with yet, "Explain."
"Well, only a few people knew about them…" His sister hurried to talk, knowing that this just might win her brother back,
"Only a few people know about the Council. They're the real pack leaders of our pack. Father's just a figurehead, a puppet for them to use. You hardly hear from them, you hardly see them; they fade into the background as if they're not there… But they are the core to this pack… They are the reason why you are an outcast."
"You lie again. Covering up for Father aren't you? Pathetic." But his voice had lost its sureness.
"You saw them! I know you did! I saw you look at them! Remember? That group in the shadows? They are The Council."
"Well even if they-This Council- are the reason or not the reason for all these bad things… It does not give you or the rest of your family to go and put me through hell!"
There was silence for a short while before his sister continued on…
"But, but, can't you see! I've begged a thousand pardons from you! We're trying to do everything we can to make up from what we've done. We're not who we were! Can't you forgive us? Can't you forget at least?"
"No." The word was final, harsh, and definitely unforgiving.
--------------------------------------------------
"Koja…"
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Can we please be sensible?"
"I am being sensible! You just don't understand."
"Understand? No. I don't understand. There was a time, Koja, not long off, when I actually really admired you! From that time- it's went downhill. Admitedly, some of that wasn't your fault but… Everything else… "Shadow shook her head as she leaned against the cave wall, "Has been a total mess. And now this! I really don't understand."
The Umbreon's blue eyes flashed dangerously at him, but for once, Koja wasn't paralyzed- he was angry. Shadow continued, her tone of voice slowly rising,
"You told me once that you wanted a family- a real family. One that loved you. When one does pop up, guess what? You don't want them! Instead, you want to kill them all! How sensible is that? And then… you have the opportunity to free yourself of being an outcast! You basically turn it down. I have no idea who you are anymore… I don't even know who I am!"
Koja swallowed hardly, "Get a grip. You seem to think like you're like me, don't you? But you're not! I've seen you angst quietly here and there… You think you're wrong when you're not; you seem to make silent complications for yourself… Get over it! Besides that, my family is currently dead to me- just like I was to them. So you might as well shut up about what you just said."
The two stared at each other, a little shocked, a little hurt, but most of all, angry. Shadow turned to walk out of the cave, Koja staying behind to seethe in his emotions. The two didn't notice of even care that Sami and the rest were frightened out of their wits- they didn't notice anyone but themselves. It was like if a giant sword had sliced through that link that bound them together. It was if, everything was cascading into a huge big black oblivion for both. But little did both know, things were about to really get worse.