First, I want to give a shout out to everybody who has given me reviews! You all have such beautiful, kind words to say about this story that warm my heart! Y'all don't even know how much they make me smile! I love the reassurance that you guys like it so far! Second, I'm so sorry about the delay...Wasn't home for the weekend and I didn't bring my computer along with me. I'm also sorry that this chapter is a little shorter than normal. I just thought it needed to stop where I stopped it! :P Oh! Also I'd like y'all to know that your reviews pushed me to pound this chapter out as fast as I possibly could! You're support is like fuel for me to keep going!

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Pokémon!

Chapter Four

Vera tore into the flesh of the Doduo's torso. The sweet meat melted in her mouth as she chewed. She swallowed the morsel, leaning toward the body to tear off another chunk when a movement caught her eye and made her raise her head. Two large, chocolate eyes peered at her curiously from behind the bulk of one of the dead bird's circular head. The little Pokémon ducked behind it once she spotted it.

"Hello there." Vera greeted it warmly. The Ninetales didn't move from her spot for fear that she would scare the poor thing off. "Would you like to share my meal? I'm afraid it's too much for just one Pokémon to handle."

The head popped up again, allowing her to examine the creature more closely. It was a Teddiursa. The honey fur and crescent on its forehead identified it. Nodding his head slowly, the cub cautiously crept away from his hiding place. He was adorable. The way the little guy shuffled toward her with his tiny paws held nervously over his mouth made her want to giggle. He paused a foot away, looking uneasy about getting any closer.

She turned back to her kill, hoping he would feel more relaxed without her watching him.

To Vera's delight, the Teddiursa sidled up right next to her and began eating a few moments later. His trust in her warmed her heart. When the two had their fill, the Ninetales hesitantly lapped the blood off the little guy's muzzle. At first the Pokémon wiggled and squirmed under her attentions, but he eventually gave in and let the female do as she pleased.

"All done!" She yipped, poking the cub in the tummy. He giggled and held his side then tried to return the favor. Vera chuckled, avoiding the little guy's attempts to get her back. He abruptly tackled her. They rolled, laughing all the way. When their bodies came to a stop, the Teddiursa was on her chest. He sat up and clapped his paws together cheerfully. His mouth opened in a silent cry of happiness, revealing his tiny incisors. The Ninetales smiled. "What is your name? My name is Vera." She asked. The small Pokémon stared at her for a second before answering.

"K-Kenta." He stuttered, blushing. Out of the blue he scooted off her and dashed into the forest. Vera blinked, rolling onto her side as she watched him leave. She noticed then that the entire pack was gaping at her.

"What?" She asked self-consciously, flattening her ears to her head. No one answered her at first—instead continuing to stare. Vera whined uneasily. Raiden finally stepped forward.

"Kenta…has never talked to anybody before. Nobody. And somehow you got him to. You're really something aren't you?" The Arcanine chuckled. The question seemed to be more for him than directed to anyone else.

"I didn't do anything special. I'm certainly not anybody special either." Vera murmured, ignoring everybody else as she abruptly stood up and padded away.

Mood turned mellow, the Ninetales shuffled to her den. She curled up in her nest with a sigh. It's almost been a week since she was turned, and she has been adjusting to life as a Pokémon. Even though she put on the appearance that everything was fine—she really was troubled inside. Vera still hadn't told her brother about what happened… The vixen's eyes widened as an epiphany came over her. How will she ever tell her brother about their mother if she couldn't speak to him?! Frustration welled inside her and a choked sob escaped. She was being pitiful.

Light footsteps sounded from outside her cave.

"V-Vera?" A child's voice came from outside. Wiping a paw over her face, the Ninetales told the kid to come in. Poking his head through the entrance, Kenta immediately walked over to the fox. He snuggled into her side and stroked her fur with his tiny paw. Tears welled in Vera's eyes. The little tyke was trying to console her.

"Thank you." She whispered, laying her head across her paws. Kenta's strokes began to slow after a while and a light snoring filled the enclosure. He had fallen asleep.

The Ninetales purred. 'Not a bad idea.' She thought, shutting her eyes and escaping into the darkness.

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When Vera woke up later Kenta was gone. She wasn't surprised. Feeling renewed, the female crawled out of her den and stretched. She didn't know someone was watching her until he spoke.

"Hello." A voice rumbled. Vera whirled around in surprise. Raiden stood from his sitting position, laughing at her. "Sorry, I couldn't help myself." He held a paw out defensively.

"Whatever." She rolled her eyes, tackling him. The Ninetales barked out a laugh of her own as she knocked the large Pokémon onto his back, landing on his broad chest. "Pinned ya." Raiden growled deep in his throat. His eyes were smoldering, promising payback. She yipped, leaping off of him and racing away.

The Arcanine easily caught up to her, nipping at her heels playfully. He was toying with her and she knew it. He ran up beside Vera, picking her up by the scruff of her neck with ease. She became deadweight in his jaws. Her tails were the only things on the ground now, dragging between the legendary Pokémon's legs. The female pouted.

"Dang…" She muttered when Raiden dropped her gently to the grass-covered ground. Throwing a sheepish smile at him, she rolled to her paws once more. He gave her a lopsided grin, tongue lulling out the side of his maw. Suddenly his expression turned serious.

"Vera? Would you like to…find your brother soon?" He asked. The Ninetales' smile widened and she nodded her head vigorously. The big male nodded back. "We will leave tomorrow morning then. Will you know where to find him?"

"Yeah I should, once I figure out where we are or if there is some kind of landmark around here." She replied, glancing around as if she'd see something right there. With a jolt, she realized she actually knew this place. Too focused on running away from her companion, Vera didn't even pay attention to her surroundings. 'I know this place…!"

Standing tall before her and Raiden was an old beech tree. The smooth, grey bark-covered branches splayed out tall and wide. Huge roots popped out of the ground in every direction, almost like steps leading to the base of its massive trunk. Automatically, Vera's eyes darted to the place where she knew she'd find two first initials. One was a V and the other was a G.

She remembered the day her and her brother found the beautiful tree. Grayson had just gotten a pocket knife for his birthday and they had snuck out of the house to play in the woods. When they came across the beech, Gray took out his knife and started making a slash in the bark. Vera had protested, but quieted when he said that he was making this their secret spot. After that she bubbled over with excitement. She asked him what he was carving and he simply replied the first letters to their names.

He had been so proud of his crude work after he finished.

Raiden cleared his throat, bringing Vera back to reality. She shook her head slightly, apologizing.

"I'm sorry. I just…this place holds memories." The Ninetales whispered. Her tails lowered a fraction. "If we start from here tomorrow, I'll know where to head." She finished, placing a paw over the G on the tree. She missed him.

The Arcanine let her collect herself before telling her gently that they should head back to camp. She followed him, her mind taking her back to childhood memories. Vera didn't notice the worried frown that pulled Rai's eyebrows together.

He sighed, wishing the vixen would tell him what was bothering her.

A/N: I hope you all liked this chapter! Read and review please! :)