Chapter Four: Dante

Sayo gasped and stumbled backwards. A huge monster had risen out of the lake waters, and was thrashing about in an insane rage. Sayo covered her head as it sent yet another wave of cold water pouring down on the beach. "What the hell is it?" She yelled to nobody in particular, wiping yet more water out of her large eyes. At once, to her great surprise, the Pokedex in her pocket cheerfully dictated an answer.

"Gyarados, the Sea Serpent Pokémon. Gyarados live a mostly solitary life in oceans and large lakes. They only meet with others of their kind during the mating season. Gyarados are feared by sailors, and are well known for their aggressive tendencies."

"Oh great," Sayo muttered, peering up at it. "Perfect for my first week out on the road." Charmander peeked out from behind a large rock, still sheltering his vulnerable flame. He let out a fierce growl, looking fearlessly up into Gyarados' powerful face. The huge Gyarados payed him no mind, but continued to loom threateningly over them. It reared above Sayo, its fangs exposed, an insane glint in its golden eyes. She soon realized that this Pokémon was not just angry, it was insane. It roared out loud, showering her with nauseating breath, and spittle. The ground beneath her feet trembled as it lashed its powerful coils, crumbling thick rocks with apparent ease. Sayo could feel her knees shaking uncontrollably, and knew that she would never be able to escape.

"What's wrong with you, Gyarados?" Sayo screamed at it, leaping aside as a chunk of granite was sent spinning in her direction. "Why are you acting like this?" She knew that it would do no good; the powerful beast was just too far gone. Desperately, she threw stones and twigs at it, trying to snap it out of its delirium. The projectiles merely bounced harmlessly off, causing no more harm to it than a feather pillow.

Suddenly, just as she drew her hand back, preparing to throw one last stone, she felt someone grip her wrist, holding it back. She spun around, startled. The hand that was holding her arm belonged to a young man 3 or 4 years older than her. He shook his head, forcing her wrist back down to her side. "Stones will only further infuriate him." He shouted over Gyarados' frantic roaring. "There is nothing we can do now that he has started his rampage. Follow me. I will help you get away."

Sayo hesitated, and then nodded. He turned back towards the beast and launched a poke ball in the air. "Prepare yourself, Dragonite!" The capsule opened in a shower of golden light. Out of it flew a large yellow dragon with small green wings. It gave out a cry as it flew up into the sky, circling above Gyarados' head. "Use dragon breath to distract it." The stranger commanded. "Once we are safely away from the water, follow us into the forest." He turned back to Sayo. "I suggest that you recall your Charmander. If its tail gets drenched it could die."

Sayo realized the dreadful truth in this statement, and fumbled around for her poke ball. "Charmander, return!"

He nodded at her once she had put her poke ball back in her bag and took off running away from the lakeside. She followed him with difficulty, trying to keep pace with his longer legs. He led her far out of sight of the water and into the nearby woods. Sayo could feel sharp stones and sticks stabbing into her bare feet. Biting her lip, she continued on, stumbling as she went. The journey seemed to last for hours, though in reality it was merely ten minutes. Every step sent daggers of pain shooting through her legs. She almost considered asking for a break, but memories of sharp fangs and glaring, mad eyes propelled her onward. Just as Sayo felt as if she could not bring herself to run another step, the stranger slowed to a walk, breathing evenly through his nose. Gratefully, Sayo collapsed on the ground beside him, tenderly rubbing her bare feet.

He looked down at where she sat apologetically. "Forgive me for pushing you so hard, but we had to get completely out of Gyarados' territory."Noticing her cut and bruised feet, he frowned and looked at her face. "Where are your shoes?"

"Back on the beach," Sayo groaned, gingerly touching a particularly deep gash. He sighed and sat down opposite to her, rummaging through his backpack. After awhile, he produced a pair of thick clean socks, and handed them to her. "This will have to do for now. They should protect your feet somewhat and keep the wounds from getting any more infected."

Sayo nodded to him and pulled on the socks. They were very large and went up to her thighs. She wiggled her toes experimentally and then looked up at him smiling. "Thanks! I'm sorry if we caused you any trouble with our carelessness. Is your Pokémon going to be ok?"

The stranger smiled. "Dragonite will be fine. I can hear her flying above us now as a matter of fact." Sure enough, the large Pokémon landed lightly on the ground beside his master, and crooned softly. It cast its large, intelligent eyes upon Sayo, studying her carefully.

"Hello." She whispered softly to it, holding out her hand. The Pokémon regarded her imperially for the briefest of seconds before nodding once and lowering its great head. She stroked it gently, marveling at the smoothness of its scales. "You're called Dragonite?" It nodded again, straightening up and rumbling contentedly.

"How did you do that?"

Sayo turned towards the boy, confused. "How did I do what?"

"How were you able to touch Dragonite?" He repeated, staring at her curiously. "She is very distant towards all humans, and has never let anyone touch her other than me."

"I don't know." Sayo replied honestly. "Professor Oak asked me the same question about my Charmander. This little once has hated all humans ever since he was abandoned. Yet when I first met him, I sensed none of that hatred in his heart. I guess I just understand that feeling better than most would." She drew out the poke ball and released Charmander. He looked around vaguely before climbing into her lap and curling up. Soon little snuffling snores could be heard. "I think he sensed that in me too." They were both silent for some time, lost in their own thoughts. Suddenly realizing her manners, the girl held out her hand. "My name's Sayo, thank you for rescuing us. It was a very kind thing to do; I only hope that someday we can aid you in some way."

He laughed as he took her hand. "Think nothing of it. I am sure you would have done the same for me. You can call me Dante." He paused for a moment before he withdrew his hand. "I saw your white flamethrower. It was power beyond any that I had ever before witnessed." Dante looked down at the sleeping Charmander. "You must learn to control that power at once. It is very dangerous. I believe that the intense heat caused the lake's temperature to rise and injured the Gyarados. Its rage was born of pain, not cruelty. It will take a long time for the area to recover from such a drastic change, and if you are not careful and learn to harness that power, this is what will happen."

Sayo opened her mouth in horror. She could not believe it. How much harm had they caused the Pokémon who lived in the lake? Seeing this, Dante gave her a small smile. "Dragonite has fetched your things from the abandoned campsite. I suggest you let your feet heal for a day or so before you do any strenuous walking."

The girl barely heard him. She continued looking ahead, still torn by remorse. Dante looked sadly down at her before walking over to her small bundle of belongings. He reached up and unclasped a thin chain that hung from around his neck. At the base was a small crystal pendant that was shaped in the form of a Dragonite. He hung this on a limb that drooped low to the ground. Hesitating for a second, he drew out a small scrap of paper and carefully wrote a short note. Setting this on top of the bundle, he nodded to his companion. Dragonite uttered a soft cry that was barely distinguishable from the natural forest noises. Dante leapt onto her back and whispered in her ear. "Come my friend, let's leave her be. She needs to discover her own path."

With a soft rush of wings, the pair flew away from the clearing. Dragonite continued to let out her sad cry, but never looked back. Sayo didn't notice them leave. She simply sat stationary in that spot, until night fell and the gentle hum of Criketot lulled her to sleep.

Note from the author: Hey everyone! Thanks for reading the latest chapter of Legende. Please, please, PLEASE review so I can improve. It really means a lot. Have a wonderful Valentines and/or Singles Awareness Day. :P