Chapter 2
Clairvoyant Awakening
A female Eevee opened her eyes to see the light of dawn brightening the darkness of her small cave. She turned her head lazily to see a narrow crack on the side of her cave. As she expected, the sunlight pierced through for a brief moment. The sudden brightness never failed to wake her. She slowly stood up and stretched.
Another day to live
Her thoughts slowly gathered as she exited her den into the brightening lush green forest. She began to walk forward, unsure of her destination. She had lived in this forest for most of her life, and she loved every moment. The forest was usually tranquil and not much outside influence disturbed it. Her mind unconsciously began to wonder why. Outside influence could exist, as there was a city outside of the southernmost region of the forest. Despite this, no living being except for a select few Pokémon ever entered from there. Interestingly, she had recently begun to hear through the stories told by passersby that most visitors arrive from the North and the West. To the East, after a decently sized meadow, lies a desert. The same stories told her that the desert was long and unforgiving. Pokémon trying to cross it without a trainer or a Pokémon that could provide water, was nigh impossible. To the North of the forest amassed a majestic mountain surrounded by a small cluster of mountains. Though the range is small when compared to other mountain ranges, the mountain itself was one unlike any other, at least according to the travelers. She heard that if one were to exit the forest West and travel for days straight, they would eventually hit an ocean. In between the forest and there was a variety of terrain, including another forest. Pokémon of all kinds of variety came from the West, while ice and other mountain inhabitants came from the North.
With all of this running through her mind, she found herself realizing why there did not seem to be much disturbance in the forest. Not once in her lifetime of the forest had she seen a Human within the forest. She had seen Humans outside, but never have they stepped within the boundaries of the trees. When she passed a grove of bushes with bright Cheri berries on them, she rounded the nearest tree and sat down to ponder. After a few moments, she shook her head and licked her paw. Her thoughts led her nowhere.
"Guess I'll just have to find out for myself," She thought out loud, standing up.
"Who are you talking to?" A voice above her asked. She looked up to see a Mankey hanging off a branch a ways above her. Embarrassed that she did not check to see if someone was near her, she shrugged in response to Mankey.
"No one," She answered, looking at Mankey with curiosity. "I was just thinking out loud."
"Thinking out loud?" Mankey repeated with a confused look. "How do you do that?"
Eevee had to struggle to keep from bursting with laughter. Although she never questioned the intelligence of individual Pokémon on intuition, Mankey in general were known for their brawn rather than their brains. She dug for the words to respond but none would come to mind.
"Ah, never mind," Mankey swung down from the branches on to the ground next to Eevee. His slightly taller stature composed of a round body with cream colored fur. Its brown eyes matched his brown hands and feet. The moderately sized tail behind it composed of the cream colored fur for the first half, in which it turns brown for the tip sided half. Its nose was an oval placed on its side on the middle of its body. On the top of Mankey's body sported triangular ears. "Have you seen any Shinx or Luxio around?"
"Um…" A quick scuffle through her memory assured Eevee of her answer. "No, I haven't. Are you looking for someone?"
"Yeah," Mankey responded, his tone suddenly turning angry. "When I find them I'm going to rip-"
"There you are!" A low voice boomed from the branches above. Both looked up to see a Primeape climbing down towards them. It landed with an ungraceful thud next to them. Primeape looked like a larger version of Mankey, with somewhat large metal round objects on both wrists and ankles. Just looking at the Primeape move with those on seemed to be a testament to Primeape's strength.
"Dad!" Mankey greeted in surprise.
"What are you doing son? You're supposed to find Cheri berries remember?" Primeape did not seem angry, but he looked as if he was about to explode with anger at any moment.
"Y-yeah, still looking dad," Mankey hesitated, sounding like he wanted to say more.
"Sorry to intrude but-"
"Nothing to be sorry for," Primeape interrupted Eevee, shaking its body in the same manner that one would shake their head. "I should apologize for my son bothering you."
"No, no, he wasn't a problem," Eevee shook her head in assurance. "But if you're looking for Cheri berries, there is a whole grove of them growing just around the other side of that tree." She turned and pointed her head towards the location.
"Really?" Primeape answered, looking towards the direction she pointed. He motioned for his son to follow and Eevee followed them as well.
"Wow!" Mankey exclaimed as he came upon the grove.
"Thank you; this is just what we were looking for." Primeape nodded to Eevee in appreciation.
"Did something happen?" Eevee asked with a slight tilt of her head.
"None of your business!" Mankey snapped in sudden anguish.
"Son!" Primeape rounded on Mankey. "That's not the way you speak to someone who helps you!"
Mankey turned his head in shame. Eevee felt sympathy for him. Despite not knowing their predicament, the fact that they needed Cheri berries told her enough to at least have a hunch.
"I apologize for that," Primeape said as he turned to face Eevee. "He still has trouble controlling his emotions. You see, our group was attacked by a large group of Luxio and Shinx. We fought them off, but several of our members have been paralyzed, so we need these berries."
"I see," Eevee nodded in understanding. "I am sorry about your misfortune." Mankey turned as if he was about to say something, then seemed to think better of it and turned away. Upon seeing the berries, Mankey began picking some.
"I'll be honest, it was a fun fight, and I just wish it could have been for a better reason than territorial claims." Primeape sounded pumped, but regretful all the same. Eevee nodded again in silent response. Primeape looked back at his son and watched him a bit before he clapped once. "That'll do, give me some of those and let's head home." He turned to Eevee. "Thank you again."
"No trouble, really," she bowed her head slightly in respect, and the two left. Mankey stopped and after a pause turned to Eevee.
"Sorry," he said quickly the turned to follow his father. She smiled at the Mankey's attempt at an apology. After watching them go, she wondered about why there was a fight over territory. While not unheard of, territorial arguments usually sprouted between two Pokémon, and either a compromise or, primarily, a short fight would solve the problem. If there was a mother with young ones present, it was considered despicable to so much as trespass on the land knowingly. Still, Eevee could not figure out why two large groups would suddenly fight over land. Eventually she shrugged it off and continued on her walk, her thoughts returning to the forest. Just then it hit her. To answer her newfound questions, she should visit who was possibly the wisest Pokémon in the forest.
Eevee trekked to the aforementioned Pokémon's rocky home close to the river. The den was composed of large boulders arranged into what looked like a small cave by psychic power. She had been visiting the Pokémon who lived here for several moons now, and she often came to him for advice or to voice her concerns. As far as she could tell, he has been enjoying her company. The inhabitant of the den was a Ninetails named Pyre. She did not know his age, but given his vast wisdom and ability, he had to be one of the oldest Pokémon in the forest.
With a peek into the den, Eevee could see Pyre sitting in the middle of his quaint home with his head bent and eyes closed in meditation. A Rawst berry dangled from Eevee's jaws, meant as a gift to him, since it was his favorite berry. Pyre's light yellow fur covered his body, except for the light brown for making up the tip of each of his nine tails. Standing at three times the height of Eevee, he seemed to tower Eevee when she stood next to him. The tails that were currently curled and tucked under themselves were all longer than Eevee. Pyre stood perfectly still as the ray of sunlight shown through the roof of his den. From the way it looked, the sunlight made Pyre's fur shine a brilliant gold. She padded quietly into the den and sat down a ways in front of him, setting the berry down gently. She closed her eyes after a moment of watching the motionless Ninetails, wondering if she could feel what he was feeling by doing so. After a few long, silent moments, Pyre finally broke the silence.
"Even after this many moons," His soft, but full tone barely echoed off the walls of the cave. "I can never resist the smell of a Rawst berry." Eevee opened her eyes to see Pyre's piercing red gaze. They seemed to glint as the Rawst berry was lifted up and carried through air. Pyre opened his mouth enough for the berry to fit and ate it, smiling slightly. "Thank you young one," He said after he swallowed. "What brings you here today?"
"I…" Eevee hesitated, still recovering from witnessing psychic power. "I wanted to know why I never see humans enter the forest."
"Ah, I see…" Eevee wondered if she saw Pyre's eyes shine for a brief moment. "It is a long tale, but I am aware of your endless curiosity." Pyre slowly stood up. "Join me for a walk?"
Eevee nodded, trying to hide her surprise. She had yet to see him leave his den. She trotted to keep up with him as they left the small den.
"When did your curiosity strike?" Pyre asked casually.
"Shortly after sunrise," Eevee responded. "I met a Mankey and a Primeape as I was thinking about it."
"Do they belong to the large group that lives in the Northern part of the forest?"
"I believe so." Eevee recapped in brief the conversation she had with the two, with the main point being the attack from the Sphinx and Luxio.
"How peculiar," Pyre commented. "Let us hope it is not a herd of strangers to this forest. Welcome as they are, unrest is unwanted here, and for good reason. It is time I told you the story of the origin of this forest.
Eevee nearly jumped in excitement, but she contained herself. Pyre was heavily implying that this forest was not just a forest, something she had been suspecting for a while.
"Humans and Pokémon," Pyre began. "Have long been known to live together harmoniously throughout time and now they continue to do so. Countless partnerships have been made around the world, and both Pokémon and Humans thrive as a result of those partnerships. They live together, fight together, eat together, overcome challenges together, and even die together. Bonds created between Humans and Pokémon can be so strong that not even death can sever their link." Pyre paused for a moment. Eevee let his words sink in, slowly realizing the power that he was portraying.
"However," Pyre continued. "Not every Human or Pokémon is born with a good nature. Some will manipulate the bond in treacherous ways, using power to obtain more power. Some trainers mistreat their Pokémon just as much as some Pokémon mistreat Humans, trainers or not." Pyre stopped at a river and stared across it. It was then Eevee realized that they had come to the Eastern edge of the forest, as they were now gazing across the meadow. "Long ago, there was a large influx of trainers who mistreated their Pokémon, and the Pokémon's misery eventually evolved into rage. A catastrophic war broke between the two groups, driving the land into ruin. When the dust settled, a few Pokémon, with their good trainers, were able to bring a halt to the bloodshed, and set a truce. Though the conflict ended, the Pokémon and the Humans would remain bitter towards each other. Eventually, the truce melted away, forgotten through time, and another war was about to erupt, when a single Pokémon emerged. Tired of the conflict, it created a safe haven for the mistreated Pokémon and guided them there. To the Humans, it seemed as if the Pokémon had just disappeared into thin air. They could not see the safe haven that the single Pokémon had created." Pyre stood up and began walking again. Eevee was so entranced by the story that she barely noticed and scrambled up to follow, trotting to keep up with him.
"Not long after the haven was created," Pyre stated. "There was a young Human who noticed the missing Pokémon, but unlike the others, he wanted to make peace with them. He found and befriended a curious Pokémon who left the haven. The Pokémon who created the haven was surprised to see a Human treating a Pokémon well, and eventually mustered the courage to see for itself. Unfortunately, the Human was followed by a group of older Humans who had found out about him visiting the Pokémon on the same day, and they ambushed them. The Pokémon was so surprised that the barrier melted away, and the haven could be seen. The Humans, with newly ignited rage, prepared to raid, but the virtuous Human blocked their path, and there they argued. The enraged Humans began to hurl threats to their younger member, but he would not move, imploring and begging them to come to their senses. Words were lost and a fight broke out. The Pokémon and the lone Human fought the enraged Humans. Regrettably, they were not strong enough to hold back the numerous amounts of Humans back and retreated, beaten and weakened, as the Pokémon shouted to their brethren to warn them. The Humans cornered the Pokémon who created the haven, and prepared to kill it. The Human shielded the Pokémon with his own body, dying instantly from the blow." Eevee gasped lightly, noticing that her heart was racing. "All action ceased and all grew silent. The Humans stared at their fellow being in shock. Pokémon stared in awe of the scene, unfamiliar to such a sacrifice. Grief tore through the Pokémon the dead Human befriended and he wept, burying his face into the Human's lifeless chest. The Pokémon whose life was saved by the young Human's sacrifice, used the power of the bond the two shared, and a bright flash came upon the land. Pokémon and Humans alike panicked, unable to see what was happening. A mighty earthquake shook the ground, and after long moments of chaos, peace ensued. The Humans, scattered and confused, looked around for signs of the scene or Pokémon, but could find none. Eventually they found each other, their hatred forgotten amidst confusion, and returned home. Unfortunately, the Pokémon had used so much power that he breathed his last creating a new safe haven. Trees grew around the area that it had died, sprouting up and covering a large area of what was grassland. While the forest was being created, the Pokémon floated down and landed gently next to the Human. The Pokémon that wept for the human grew startled as upon contact the Pokémon and the Human disappeared in a bright white glow. In their place, a sapling stood ingrained, tiny as a flower. After the Pokémon recovered from its loss, it vowed to see to the forest, so as to not waste the precious lives lost. It watched over the forest for moons as it grew, providing a place for Pokémon to escape occasional Human tyranny." Eevee's felt dazed as Pyre once again sat down. They had come upon the Southern edge of the forest, where a city lay.
"Since that time," Pyre's outmost tails moved with the moderate wind as he spoke again. "Pokémon and Humans slowly became friendly to one another, and now any visitor would see a land like most others, a land full of Pokémon and Human bonds. Still, the forest exists today, an oblivious masterpiece forbidden by Humans to see, feel, or even touch. The power of that sacrifice remains today; ready to provide refuge to the mistreated and miserable. The site of the sacrifice is now where The Great Tree, the force that holds the forest together, has laid its roots."
Eevee looked up as Pyre finished, wide eyed and feeling small. She had been born in the forest, so she knew little of Humans, but the story was far from what she expected. It was not until Pyre had mentioned the word forest did she realize that Pyre was speaking of the very same forest. Pyre patiently stared at the distant city as Eevee struggled to find words. His story was so detailed and descriptive that it sounded as if he was there. Upon that thought, a flash of realization hit her.
"So…" Eevee hesitated, still finding the words to say. "The Pokémon that the Human befriended… Was that you?" When she looked at Pyre, his eyes were noticeably shining.
"I was wondering whether you would pinpoint that or not. You are correct; I was indeed that same Pokémon."
Eevee once again searched for words. "You must have been in so much pain."
Pyre chuckled before responding. "Those times were dark yes. The sacrifice was not in vain however. Though slow, the relations healed between Pokémon and Humans, and the forest grew into not something necessary, but a beautiful addition to nature, and still a refuge for those in need." Pyre paused before continuing. "There are some Pokémon out there that wish to avoid Humans entirely, which has become the main reason why Pokémon find their way here. The forest calls to them, and they wander here as a result."
Eevee could understand the feeling. While Humans did not sound bad to be around, she, and many others she knew of, preferred the wild freedom that they currently had. A thought occurred to her, and she wondered if Pyre ever thought the same.
"Could a Pokémon tell its trainer that the forest exists?"
"Very good question young one," Pyre answered her enthusiastically. "Presumably they could. I have met many Pokémon in my life here, and not one was with a trainer. I would imagine that the same power that draws them here probably works to discourage those happy with their trainers. Even without it, trainers have avoided this area entirely. While I am not fully aware of what they do see, it appears that they see something dangerous."
"Interesting," Eevee breathed the word in awe. She had learned so much in such a short time.
"It is time I showed you something. Follow me." Pyre turned and walked back towards the deeper part of the forest. Eevee glanced back at the city before turning to follow Pyre.
By the time that they had reached their destination, the sun had dipped noticeably lower in the sky. Pyre had taken Eevee to the Great Tree. Upon arrival, she looked around as if she had never been there before. Despite being there twice already, Pyre's story caused the place to have a much different and more powerful meaning.
"So this is where they…" Eevee trailed off, wishing she had not brought that up.
"Yes it is," Pyre confirmed. "The final resting place of those brave souls." Eevee thought he sounded proud from his tone. While he said that, Eevee realized that he held the two in great respect, not just for their sacrifice, but for what they left behind had become. It truly was a spectacle.
"What did you want to show me?" Eevee asked while looking around preemptively. Without replying, Pyre walked up to the Great Tree and settled by the base of it.
"Over here," He beckoned Eevee. She noticed that all of his tails were slowly falling and rising in waves. She joined him, feeling very small when close to the incredible tree. The base of the tree was so large that running around it would take more than ten seconds. "Touch it."
Eevee glanced sideways at him.
"Trust me." He said, nodding to her encouragingly.
She stared at him questionably for a moment longer before approaching the tree and touching it with a paw. Upon contact, she immediately felt drowsy.
"What is… happening to me?"
"Do not be alarmed," Pyre's reassuring voice was beginning to fade. "You are about to dream."
While the sun is still up?
Sleep overcame her the moment her thought was finished.
When Eevee awakened, all she could see was white. All was silent and around her there was no movement. Eevee stood up and licked her chest for a few strokes to comfort herself. Suddenly, a voice could be heard from seemingly nowhere.
Young one
Welcome to my realm
I have summoned you here to test you
Are you prepared
Eevee stood baffled before she shook her head. She kept reminding herself that this was a dream. After a deep breath she replied steadily.
"Yes."
Then steel yourself and step forward
Taking the voice's advice, she breathed deeply a few more times. After one paw step forward, the white around her instantly changed. She could tell she was in a meadow, but heavy fog surrounded her, so she could only see a few tail-lengths in front of her before the fog clouded her view. The grass around her was taller than her and was rooted just before the fog. As she looked around, she suddenly felt a light breeze. She felt her fur move with the wind as the voice from earlier spoke.
Others will rely on you to find a path
Sometimes the path will not be clear
Enemies will burden you with their wraith
You must make choices even if danger is near
The grass began to rustle around Eevee as the wind and voice subsided. She looked to and fro but the grass was moving everywhere around her. In an attempt to focus, she closed her eyes for a moment, opening them after and scanning the movement carefully. She ignored the rustling getting louder and soon she found an area of the grass that was not moving. Without hesitation she bolted for the grass at full sprint, crashing through the tall grass to get away. Shortly after, she heard a crash behind her. She ignored it and kept running until she came out of the tall grass into a clearing. Stopping to catch her breath, she panted for a few moments, and then looked up to scan her surroundings. Curiously, the fog around her was already gone, as if it was never there. She could see the meadow stretch to the horizon. As she surveyed the plain, the wind came again, and with it the voice.
Though your vision will be clear
Outside forces will interfere
You must see through the darkness and fight
Lest your enemies will prevent the light
The scenery did not change, but darkness blanketed her vision. Soon, she was hearing the sound of battle around her. Roars of fury and cries of pain filled her ears. She could see movement before her in an outline, in the shape of what appeared to be a Pokémon similar to her, moving towards her as if charging. Pushing the voices out of her head, she sidestepped when the outline jumped for her and retaliated. A powerful force hit her back mid attack, and with a gasp was pinned to the ground by something above her. She struggled, but she could not shake free. Sounds of battle and chaos grew around her as she felt hot breath against her ear.
They will die
The whisper into her ear was so sinister that she shivered violently under the pressure. A howl of pain accompanied the words. Eevee envisioned multiple Pokémon in front of her on the ground, lifeless.
"No!" She screeched, and with all her strength rolled, forcing the hold off of her back and pushed her attacker away with all four paws, scrambling up quickly after. When the outline hit the ground, the darkness ebbed away, and she found herself standing on sand next to a huge body of water. The clear night sky above her was full of stars.
Is this the ocean?
She examined the area and spotted a Pokémon sitting at the edge of the water. To her surprise, it was an Eevee, looking out into the ocean. She approached the fellow Eevee slowly, still gathering herself from the exhilaration of the brief fight she just had. When she drew close, the Eevee looked at her with and unreadable expression.
"Do you remember the promise you made?" It said, tilting its head very slightly to the side.
"Promise?" She replied curiously, tilting her head as well. The other Eevee returned its gaze to the ocean.
"We promised each other to see each other every day, remember?"
"We did?"
"I suppose I may have asked too much."
She hesitated before responding.
"Who are you?"
It stayed silent for a moment, then looked at her again, and said with a look of longing.
"Someone who wanted to be with you every day."
"What?"
The image around her was fading away even before she finished speaking.
"Wait!" She called, but the image had completely faded. Her visions faded and returned to the white soundless area where she started. The voice soon broke the silence.
Your actions are true and pure
For your friends you endure
To you who guides the lost I dub thee:
Dawn
Rise my chosen warrior
Dawn watched in awe as the white faded around her and she felt the ground beneath her. Feeling dazed as she opened her eyes, it took her a moment to realize that she was looking at the Great Tree. She slowly stood up, feeling wobbly on her legs and lightheaded.
"Congratulations young one," Pyre's soothing voice reminded her that he was there. She looked toward him, still gather her thoughts. His eyes were shining, and she thought she detected admiration in his tone. "So how does it feel?"
She tilted her head to the side, not knowing what he was asking. Pyre chortled before responding.
"Look down," He suggested.
Dawn obeyed and gasped when she saw not a brown paw but pink. Turning her head she saw a pink, lithe body in place of her fluffy brown one. Her thinner, pink tail was longer with two sensitive prongs at the end of it. She circled the ground, trying to get a feel of her new body as an Espeon. It was then she realized how clear her mind was. She could look and see things unavailable to her before. Wondering if it was psychic power, she turned to Pyre, sat down and closed her eyes.
"What are you doing?" Pyre asked, immediately suspicious. Dawn had to struggle to keep from smiling. Concentrating, she reached out to his mind with hers. After a moment, Pyre laughed.
"Are you trying to read my mind? Well then," Dawn sensed his movement and he bowed his head. She cringed as a sudden onslaught of memories flooded her mind, and emotions of all kinds shot through her. Only a few heartbeats passed before she had to stop, breathing heavily. The pressure was intense.
"Try that on the younger ones before trying that on someone like me," Pyre told her with a smirk. "But, be careful. Early on, Pokémon can tell when you probe their mind, some will tell regardless."
She smiled to him and nodded.
"If you are willing I can teach you the basics."
"Yes please!" She responded enthusiastically, finally speaking up. She mewed after that, trying to get used to the sound of her voice.
"Good. Follow me, and we will start right away."
"By the way,"
Pyre looked at her inquiringly.
"My name is Dawn."
A wide smile spread on Pyre's muzzle.
"The name suits you well."
As Dawn followed him, questions probed her mind, despite her excitement. Why did he want her to touch the tree? Did he know she would evolve? Who was the Eevee that claimed to know her? Was that part of the test? Who even gave her the test? Did she truly make a promise? With all these questions flooding her mind, she followed Pyre with a newfound resolve. The next thing to do was to find the answers to these questions.
