Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon.

Thank you for reviewing the goldeneye101 (I guess it's because she is like an armadillo...) and theredone1223 (Don't mind the review, you're story is great!).

Ch. 4

Night. Mahi, Rin, and the majority of their Pokemon were watching movies in the dark. They heard someone come down the stairs...It was Zanny, as she was the only one not with them. Fang was the first to look over to glare at the Zangoose. But the hostile look turned to one of surprise.

It was quiet, except for screams from the tv. Zanny ignored the looks of astonishment and horror and walked past toward the kitchen, giving everyone the chance to get a good look at her.

The red markings were dyed black. Black linings around her eyes were obvious and around her neck was a black, metal-studded choker and a purple necklace with a skull pendant. On both her ears were three golden ear rings. And around her arm was some king of black bandana with skulls on it.

They watched, stunned, as the Zangoose disappeared into the kitchen, where they could hear her grab and unplug something. Zanny came back with the radio Mahi plays while doing dishes, cord trailing behind her. She went back upstairs and the family could hear her close the door to her room.

Then heavy rock music blared, louder than the TV. Everyone exchanged glances and eventually, Mahi spoke:

"That's my CD..." she muttered. Rin paused.

"And did she use your hair dye?"

Sandy, still sombrero-less (amazing, I know), opened and closed her mouth, not sure how to react. She looked at Fang in particular. She was surprised to see his expression. He didn't look shocked anymore. He didn't look hateful or angry or confused...he looked concerned...

The Sandshrew shook her head, lowering her ears, wondering just how long Zanny was willing to be like that...

--

A week later and Zanny's still the way she was...She barely comes out of her room, only to eat. The house was so quiet now that Fang and her had stopped fighting...She shows no more interest in the snake and Fang barely sees her to begin with...Whenever he does get the chance to issue a challenge, she doesn't respond...

Sandy was watching one of her favorite Spanish shows when the Seviper slithered over to her. He looked back and forth between the Ground-type and the TV. Taking the risk, he turned it off. The Sandshrew's eyes widened and she muttered darkly in Spanish before glaring evilly at the other Pokemon.

Fang tried to hide his intimidation and softly (and reluctantly) said his reason to be here before any harm can come to him.

"You have to help Zanny. You're her friend, you can get her back to normal." he mumbled. Sandy tilted her head so much, her newly-regained sombrero almost fell off her head. The Seviper was hissing at himself, glancing around to make sure no others were witnessing this. Afterall, nobody else needs to know about how he's caring.

"I tried already. It didn't work." she said. Fang sighed.

"Well, try again." he hissed quietly. Sandy paused, then jumped down from the couch. She looked Fang over.

"You miss her too?" she asked. The Poison-type flinched in surprise, then scowled.

"What I miss is beating her in our battles." he told the smaller Pokemon before going off. Sandy shook her head and looked up at the ceiling, where more loud music turned on.

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