Author Note: This chapter will consist of dreams, but I didn't want to make it all italics this time around so please keep in mind that this isn't part of the main plot. It just kind of goes over the past and is meant to focus more on Crona and Ragnarok's relationship.

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own either Soul Eater or Pokemon. Although, you have to admit the idea of a crossover is intriguing.

Brown eyes gaped in horror at the human female and her pokemon cohorts as they approached. It didn't take more than a minute for her to turn, breaking into a sprint. Caramel colored paws pounded against the earth as the world left behind exploded into sounds of fierce battle and three sets of paws came after her in swift pursuit.

She ducked and maneuvered around trees and thorn bushes, managing to lose two of her pursuers, but one kept after her no matter what she did. Glancing over her shoulder she saw the houndour was closing in fast. Eventually, she was forced to slow down upon arriving at an old, hollowed out tree, which she and her mate had made their home just last spring. Except that home had became a grave for two innocent babes, now a third was being attempted and she feared their child would now grow up without its father.

Their home had been where she had planned to hide, hopefully where her mate would meet her at if he defeated those pokemon and escaped the clutches of that human, but those hopes had been crushed by that tenacious houndour that kept up with her. She made her stand there, brown orbs defiant and cream colored fur bristling as she prepared for attack.

The battle didn't last more than twenty minutes.

The houndour couldn't believe that the puny leafeon had tried to stand up to him. There was an obvious type disadvantage, not to mention how that run had left her drained considering how she'd been working hard, searching for berries with her mate, beforehand. Still, she struggled to stand and keep fighting.

Give it up, bitch, the houndour growled, knowing her struggles were futile, you're finished.

No! I refuse to let you harm my child!

'Child'? Looking around the houndour expected to see an eevee, but found they were completely alone, though he caught the leafeon glancing to a tree behind her and understood that was where it must've been hiding. He doubted his trainer would be interested in it, especially when they already found a pair of grown leafeon. Still, he knew if his trainer got an eevee then she'd be able to grow it into whatever suited her needs, which explained why the leafeon was so protective of it.

He was about to move forwards to try and investigate when the scent of blood wafted through the air and the presence of his master and five other pokemon made him turn. Leafeon gaped at the pair of serviper that were grinning at her. The blood of her beloved mate was dripping off their poison laced fangs and falling to stain the once pure green grass below their heavy, viper bodies.

Her cry of grief and horror was cut short as one of the snakes struck swiftly, slashing her side with its razor-sharp tail, as its fangs sunk deeply into her back just between her shoulder blades. The leafeon's legs quaked for several minutes. She fell promptly and lay, dying slowly at the feet of the houndour that had pursued her. The hate in her eyes was unmistakable, as was the confusion, sadness, and fear just before her life finished draining away from her once loving brown hues.

"Disappointing," he heard his trainer murmur with a sigh, returning three of the five she had arrived with. "These pokemon are too weak. We should go. Perhaps, we'll get lucky next time around."

The houndour knew he was to follow her, but his eyes were stuck on the leafeon, and then they were slowly drifting up to stare at the hollowed out tree. Padding over, he peered inside somewhat stunned to see a small brown egg with a cream-colored zigzag band surrounding its middle. It was flashing a dim, silvery light every few minutes, bringing light to its empty, darkened home.

It's going to hatch, he realized numbly, none too certain how to respond. He felt a tad sick. This child was going to be born an orphan and it was partly his fault. It would hate him just as its mother had in her final moments. He was sure of it.

"What are you staring at?"

He tensed, tempted to wince at hearing that voice so close behind him. Backing away, he allowed his trainer to take the egg from its nest. She examined it with great care and interest. "So," she murmured, sounding rather pleased, "today wasn't a complete waste after all."

Half an hour later, they were back at the cabin they'd been staying at for the past few days. The human, who was known to many in the human world as Professor Medusa Gorgon, had been doing research on the berries of the area and the effects they had on the forest pokemon; however, she'd also been doing some hunting on the side, searching out pokemon and killing them if they disappointed her, which most usually did.

The egg was flashing more rapidly by the time they had arrived.

It finally hatched after one particularly bright flash. In its place now sat a newborn eevee. It was small and fluffy, quite fragile looking in appearance. Its dark eyes took in the world for the very first time, but instead of the nature and loving guardians its parents had wished for it to see, it saw a human and that was who the child imprinted on.

Mama?

If not for the toying smile his mistress wore, the houndour would have laughed at the baby's assumption. He watched warily as the human stroked her fingers through the eevee's fur, humming quietly as she inspected the baby for any noticeable flaws or deformities.

He waited for her to throw the helpless kid to the serviper that were also watching, waiting for their mistress to be unsatisfied and toss them their afternoon meal. The air was heavy with tension and the only sounds that filled the room were that of her humming and the baby's quiet mewls as it was stroked and patted throughout the entire thirty minute inspection.

Finally, it was over and the serviper were still hungry. The houndour relaxed slightly, but that only lasted for a short two seconds.

"Ragnarok," she called, sitting the little eevee down on the floor, "this is your responsibility from now on. You're not to let anything bad happen to her. After all, it's not every day a female eevee is born." There was a pause as she then turned a sharp glance to her pokemon. "When I'm not training her you're solely responsible for her. Understand?"

The houndour stared at his mistress for a moment in disbelief before giving a reluctant nod. Nobody told this human no without suffering some form of abuse. Or worse.

He cast a weak glare to the eevee whilst she stared at him curiously. He gave her a quick jab with his front paw, knocking her over, causing her to give a small yelp and earning a brief glance from their mistress who didn't seem to really care so long as he didn't kill her newest possession.

Why you do that? She whimpered, looking teary-eyed.

Because, Ragnarok growled in response, I'm not a babysitter. Slinking off to lie down across the room and sulk about his new burden, which followed closely behind mewling pathetically, he could already tell this kid was going to be nothing but trouble.

Still, he let her copy and cuddle up beside him, knowing the serviper were watching her. He gave them a threatening glare, which did little to daunt them considering he was fairly young himself and posed little threat to the two of them. Nevertheless, he wasn't about to let anything bad happen to the eevee, not when it was his skin on the line.

Bah! She whined, climbing over him to crouch low, effectively hiding herself.

What are you doing?

Play hide, wanna play?

Sure, he sighed, glancing around the room before spotting the nearby closet where Medusa kept her science coat and outdoors jacket as well as a pair of boots and an umbrella. Why don't you try hiding in there?

Okay, the baby nodded, eager to please her newest friend. Wobbling her way over with the houndour following closely behind she peered inside curiously before glancing back to Ragnarok who was totally puzzled by the wide-eyed look she gave him.

He'd never before seen anything so adorably endearing and innocently inquisitive. It made him...soften? No. He may have reconsidered his actions for a brief moment, but he ultimately nudged her into the closet where she then began investigating the boots. She'd climbed halfway into one before he closed the door on her, yawning and going back to where he'd laid before he decided she was perfectly safe.

He wasn't there for five minutes before her scared whimpers and panicked yipping alerted their mistress of her whereabouts, earning him a good kick when Medusa found one of her boots had been partially chewed. And instead of screeching at the chewer she chose to shout at Ragnarok, giving him a firm swat with the boot and throwing both him and the eevee outside for the rest of the night.

And what did the eevee have to say about all this?

I sowwy...

He snarled at her apology, which left him enraged despite the genuine sincerity she displayed. He bopped her with a paw, growling and hoping to find somewhere to be alone and sleep. However, wherever he went his newest burden followed closely behind. And before he knew it he was lying beneath a blossoming apple tree with the eevee curled up asleep beneath his front paws and his head resting gently atop her soft fur that smelt new and fresh, making him feel sort of...off...

Umm, she murmured in her sleep, lub you...

Yep, she was definitely going to be a lot of trouble.

Isn't she cute? An umbreon murmured. Two of his friends nodded in agreement, smirking as they all watched the same eevee sit silently across the vast room.

Her fur shone dully in the moonlight, which poured through one of the numerous warehouse windows. She didn't appear particularly well-fed or like she'd win any beauty shows, but she was still quite cute in spite of the haunted gleam that shone within her unstable brown hues.

Yeah, a mightyena friend sighed, as he watched the eevee begin pacing, mumbling quietly to herself, too bad I'm not into the normal-types.

Really? The third friend, a zangoose, snickered. Well, it's your loss. I, personally, wouldn't mind taking her outside and making her scream–

What did you say? The three turned to see a young houndoom, who stood glowering at them hatefully. Disgust and rage burned like embers within his fierce gaze.

If not for the fact their masters had agreed to work together then these five wouldn't be guarding the contents of this warehouse. Hell, the houndoom would've torn these other three males to pieces if not for the fact his mistress would be pissed off about it later. Ever since he and Crona arrived they'd been ogling her and talking quietly amongst themselves, snickering.

Ragnarok didn't very much like that. And after what he'd just heard he had a pretty good idea what they'd been so talkative about. In less than a minute he had the zangoose pinned to the floor. The umbreon and mightyena both scrambled backwards, staring wide-eyed at the houndoom, whilst the eevee they'd been talking about stared at them in confusion from across the room.

What did you say? He snarled again, teeth dangerously close to the zangoose's throat.

N-nothing!

It didn't sound like nothing, you perverted little pissant! I should tear your throat out right now!

N-no, don't-

Lighten up, Umbreon interjected, his ruby gaze cautious as he spoke. It's not as though we knew she was your mate.

She's not!

Oh, is that so? This news seemed to amuse the dark-type, who smirked.

Are you related in some way? Mightyena questioned. Is she your sister?

No-

Then you don't have a claim to her, Umbreon concluded with a dark smile. Glancing over to the eevee who was seeming quite disturbed by their quarreling. Who knows, perhaps she'd be interested in someone of her own kind.

You go anywhere near her and I swear to Arceus I'll kill you.

Why? You already said-

Shut up! He barked, tail lashing furiously as he glowered at the trio. His ember hues blazed and for a minute the mightyena could've sworn he saw smoke coming from the houndoom's nostrils. She's my partner and if even one of you perverts so much as brush up against her, a pause to flash them a predatory smile, you'll wish you suffered a fate worse than death.

Needless to say, none of them had anything more to add, letting the houndoom storm pass without so much as blinking. He was soon over near the eevee who stared at the floor beneath her paws, ears flat against her skull as he approached. What was that about? She mumbled. Did I do something wrong? You kept looking over at me... The houndoom was tempted to whop her between the ears for being so stupid. It always bugged him when she apologized for no reason and blamed herself when she clearly wasn't at fault. Staring at her silently for a long moment he finally broke the silence by delivering a hard pop between her ears with a front paw.

Yelping, she fell to the floor, rubbing the top of her head with her two front paws and giving pained whimpers as she stared up at the houndoom through angry, teary eyes. Why'd you do that? She asked, sounding meek as she started to tremble with restrained rage that she would never have the courage to direct at him. It'd always be their enemies who took this anger. In the meantime, it would sit and build, slowly poisoning her as she held her emotions in. What'd I do this time?

You're a complete idiot, her partner growled, making her cringe as he turned an absolutely hateful glare on her. If she bothered to pay full attention instead of sink low to the floor with her eyes closed then she'd have probably noticed he was looking over her shoulder rather than directly at her.

A faint, low echo of metallic whining caught their attention. It went unnoticed by the frightened eevee, as her partner watched the mightyena turn to pad off along with the zangoose to investigate whatever the source of that noise was. They were most likely going to screw something up, but he couldn't very well take Crona with him, and yet at the same instance he couldn't leave her there, not with that damn umbreon.

Glancing behind them he noticed a good hiding place for her and supposed that'd keep her safe for the time being. She almost screamed when she felt his teeth at the back of her neck. Shivering, the eevee felt so helpless. Useless. She had never been too big on standing up for herself. There was a whimper of pain as he lifted her up and roughly dropped her to where she was left in a small space between two crates and a roof formed by some metal pipes that had been left stacked atop them.

Stay here, he ordered. I'll be back in a few minutes, and with that being said he turned to stalk off. N-no, wait– She watched him leave with silvery droplets leaking from the corners of her frightened hues. Oh...Breathing quietly, she laid her head between her paws and sniffled quietly.

Why did she always feel bad when he left? He hurt her, but...

Oh, dear, that was really confusing.

Lying there with her head between her quivering paws, Crona tried to not think about anything, but her mind always wandered from one thing to another. It was usually something depressing. Closing her eyes she tried really hard to make the pressure in her head recede. Why did he have to do these things to her? Ever since she could remember he had been there and ever since she could remember he'd bullied her, and yet she was unable to hate him as much as he sometimes seemed to hate her. Her ears twitched suddenly and she let out a soft squeak as she then noticed someone standing in front of her.

Hello, a gentle voice greeted. She whimpered, staring at the umbreon who'd crept over so silently, as he stared down at her with an odd smile crossing his dark canine features.

Whimpering, she scooted back further into her hiding space, knowing her partner would be enraged if he found out she talked with the umbreon. Ever since they'd arrived he'd been uneasy and suspicious of the three pokemon they were left to work alongside. She had no idea why though. They seemed kind of nice.

Oh, don't be afraid, Umbreon tried to soothe. I won't hurt you.

Ragnarok told me not to talk with you.

Oh? Is that his name?

She nodded.

He's rather rude. He wouldn't introduce himself, not like me and my friends did.

She nodded again.

Unlike you two we don't have nicknames. He sighed, trying to keep the conversation going alone. We're simply who we are. Crona didn't seem to particularly care about all this nonsense he was using, knowing fully well there was something more attached to his motives for speaking with her. Initially, he'd planned to just beat around the bush before pouncing on the reason he'd came over, but it seemed she was wanting him to cut to the chase. Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to talk? Maybe somewhere more private? It'll be an eevee to umbreon sort of thing. Don't you think it'd be nice to speak with someone of your own kind?

N-no thank you, Crona murmured with a shake of her head. Her eyes were downcast as she continued mumbling, I don't know how to deal with my kind.

Ah, I see. Umbreon said, moving forwards another step and crouching low next to her, apparently enjoying the feel of being so close. The feelings weren't mutual. Perhaps I could help you deal with it. Ever think of that? He pressed against her, severely limiting her movements. She was completely cornered now. He had the advantage and they both knew it.

Crona just didn't know, nor understand why he was scaring her. Was it to get back at Ragnarok? She didn't know, she just wanted him to stop.

Hmm? He prompted.

She shook her head.

Or, if you'd like, I could teach you something fun.

F-fun?

That's right.

I don't know how to deal with fun...

He scowled, blood eyes giving off a hint of annoyance. Okay, so she was starting to get on his nerves. Big deal. She knew she was annoying, tiresome, burdensome...blah, blah, blah...it was a long list.

C'mon, I promise you'll love it.

I don't kn-

Or are you so afraid of him that you won't explore the unknown?

I don't know how to deal with the unknown! I just don't want to...to...

To what? How was she to finish that sentence? Shaking, she could feel his body heat radiating off him now that they were so close. Whimpering and shivering, the eevee felt his teeth against the back of her neck. It was like what Ragnarok had done, except it was a lot gentler. Nevertheless, she yelped and squirmed in the dark-type's hold, scared as he forced her from her hiding space and started dragging her off across the room.

She might've had a chance at escape if she weren't so puny and frail, but due to a combination of neglect and malnourishment she was practically a four-legged twig.

L-let go! She exclaimed, still squirming even as he drug her outside through a hole in the wall that had been well hidden by a piece of tin leaning against the once hidden exit. Let go! She barely realized that they were outside even as he dropped her onto the hard asphalt. What are you doing?! She demanded, cowering low to the ground as she stared up at him, eyes narrowed mistrustfully.

Nothing, Umbreon murmured, smiling innocently as he started circling her. She tried to keep up with each move he made, but found it somewhat hard when he moved so quickly. Luckily, his rings were lighting up so the glow gave him away whenever he entered her peripheral vision.

Hmm, you're rather cute.

Huh? She gaped at him in shocked confusion. Wh-what'd you say?

Tell me, what do you know about mating?

M-mating? She echoed. Her expression made it evident that she had no idea what that was, causing Umbreon to give a quiet chuckle. The sound made her cringe. His soft, velvety breath caressed her ear as he suddenly stopped his circling to lean down close to her, causing her to spring back from him in fear. You're still practically a child, aren't you? Umbreon cooed mockingly, seeming rather amused with her immaturity.

Whimpering, Crona glared at him, not at all liking how this situation was turning out. She eyed the hole they'd came from for about a second, but that was all it took for the dark-type to understand her thoughts and they were both making a dash for it at the same instance. None too surprisingly it was Umbreon who reached it first, blocking her path. Growling, he glared at her menacingly forcing her to start backing away. Ears flat against her skull and fur bristling, Crona knew the only way to get back in was to fight. Sadly, she sucked at fighting and knew before she even threw the first attack that she was done for.

All it really took was a single well-aimed shadow ball to knock her off her paws. She flew back and landed hard against the ground, groaning as she struggled to get up, but was unable to due to her senses having been knocked out of her. So many pretty starmie... Her dazed mind thought as lights flashed off and on behind her eyes whilst the star-like pokemon danced over her head in a perfect 180 degree circle.

Now, if you're done being difficult–

She attempted one last attack. Too bad she was seeing double and aimed for the one on the right rather than the left, not only missing but allowing him to tackle her from the side, pinning her to the ground with his front paws. There was a short, sharp yip as her head smacked against the ground and all the lights went out.

No starmie, no doubles, no anything...

Returning from his investigation, Ragnarok felt like pestering his partner. If only to help put him in a good mood and remind her who was in charge seeing as she wanted to backtalk earlier. Imagine his surprise when he found out she was gone. Growling, he gave the room a good look over, spotting an opening in the wall that had once been covered by tin that had been pushed over to the side. Cursing silently, he ran for the exit in a near panic, imagining all of the worst-case scenarios before he even made it out. Freezing, he stared at the umbreon who stood over a battered eevee appearing rather triumphant as he towered over her beaten frame.

Ragnarok could feel the blood pounding in his ears and slowly a veil of red fell over his vision.

Crona groaned as she finally came to.

Weak rays of sunlight poured through the warehouse windows, alerting her to morning's arrival. Shaking at the immense pain that shot through her skull and torso she tried to look around only to wince as her eyes were briefly blinded by the weak rays of sunshine. Standing on shaky legs she nearly fell at the powerful scent that assaulted her nostrils. It was a powerful, metallic, sickeningly sweet sort of scent that whispered frightening lullabies and signaled the close to a life long lived.

Death hung heavy in the air.

She took in shaky inhales and exhales as she looked around, scared and confused beyond belief. Scrambling to her feet and giving the room a frantic once-over she quickly spotted a familiar black and white form lying not all that far off. She limped over, nudging her partner weakly with her nose against his shoulder.

Wake up, she croaked out weakly, please, Ragnarok, wake up. Her efforts went unrewarded as he simply chose to shift position to where he now lay on his back with his paws all up in the air. If not for her current state Crona probably would've found this to be comical. Presently, however, it was just an annoyance as she made one last attempt at waking him only to end up with a paw at her throat and enraged amber orbs glaring down at her.

What the hell? He snarled, getting off his choking partner and watching as she struggled to regain her breath. What're you doing waking me up so early?

Th-that...that smell...death...wh-what...what happened?

Oh, right, he sighed, tail lashing angrily as he turned a cold glare past the eevee. His gaze shifted between Crona and someplace beyond the room. For a minute all was silent. Don't worry, he finally said, I took care of it.

Took...care of what?

Those three pervs, he said, rolling his eyes like the answer should've been obvious. He didn't hesitate in adding, You owe me. Big time.

You killed them?! She exclaimed. Her entire body went cold. She hated how that umbreon had treated her, but...she hadn't wanted him to die...she hadn't wanted anyone to die! But...

Wh-what for? I don't...I don't understand!

The houndoom rolled his eyes, No surprise.

Ragnarok! What happened? Why'd he...why did you...ugh! I don't know how to deal with any of this!

That's your problem, Crona, Ragnarok growled, starting to pace back and forth out of frustration, you never have to deal with anything. Not when I'm the one always saving your skin! You let that umbreon win! You let him touch you and take you outside even though I told you to stay here! He stopped his pacing, turning to Crona in one swift motion. He seethed with rage as he towered over her diminutive form, looking ready to take a bite out of the poor eevee as she gaped up at him helplessly, not knowing what it was her partner was going on and on about.

Yesterday I barely managed to save your tail and if I hadn't figured out you were gone then you would've been hurt-

And you would've gotten blamed, Crona interjected with irritation reflecting in her pained hues, I know that and I'm sorry, but it's not like I had a choice! He made me go with him and he-

Cutting herself off, she then remembered what he'd asked her, what he'd said and she felt her curiosity flaring up a bit. What was it Umbreon had intended to do? He'd mentioned mating, but she had no clue what it was that he had meant. Her dark hues turned to her partner then.

Ragnarok was older than her, not by all that much, but still he must've known something about mating. So why wouldn't he tell her if he knew? Curious, she tried to approach the topic carefully now that she had it in her mind.

He asked me about something...

Don't think too much on it. Ragnarok said, attempting to dismiss it and speaking a bit too sharply for her liking. Whatever it was probably isn't important.

No, she disagreed, thinking back to what the umbreon had said, it sounded important. He said...he said something...about mating.

She noticed her partner visibly tense. His claws were digging into the concrete floor, leaving rigid lines in the stone's surface, as he stood silently analyzing the sincerity in her expression. It didn't last long and he eventually turned his gaze off to the side. So what? He murmured.

What is that? I've never heard about it before.

Because you're a complete moron. He snarled, feeling the urge to smack her before this conversation escalated any further. He didn't, of course, due to his building interest in where this conversation would lead.

So, you know about it?

Yeah.

Okay, she said slowly, so why haven't you told me about it?

Because... His words trailed off as he tried to not think of the selfish reasoning he had behind it all. Sure, there were a ton of other reasons and excuses, but it was the main big one he stood by and even he–with his lack of morals and manners–knew it was completely selfish.

Why?

He sighed. It was more from annoyance than anything else. He looked into her eyes and the innocence he found there was overwhelming. She wasn't corrupted, she wasn't a complete monster, she was...actually...pretty okay just the way she was. Most importantly, though, she was his. Everyone knew it. Well, almost everyone. As far as their mistress was concerned they were both her property and Crona seemed a bit ignorant at times.

At any rate, he figured that if he could keep her ignorant of the...ahem, more mature...areas in life then she'd stay pure and, by default, also remain his. Logical? Yes. Idiotic? Possibly. Selfish? Most definitely.

It's not something you'd tell kids about.

Lame excuse. True. But it was still pretty lame.

I'm not a kid! She argued defensively. I can fight now and I don't need anyone to look after me.

Ragnarok gave a snort of laughter at that and she knew it was a bad line to end with considering what'd happened the previous night. But he knew she had a point in spite of it. She wasn't a kid anymore. She was old enough to mate if she wanted to and, as much as he hated it, she could pick someone as her mate if she desired to do so. Something he'd hoped he could make her postpone indefinitely, but now that she was asking about it Ragnarok knew she wouldn't just shut up about it if he rebuked her.

Besides, if he didn't explain things to her then someone else eventually would, someone who'd probably try to take advantage of her ignorance to use it against or possibly harm her. So he explained what it was and meant and she took it rather well. She sat with her fluffy tail curled around her feet and ears drooping slightly while a faint flush rose in her cheeks and slowly spread across her muzzle. She seemed embarrassed for reasons he weren't too clear on, but she seemed to take it pretty well.

There wasn't any whining or big freak out like he'd expected.

Although, he imagined he'd prefer handling that than just sitting there in that awkward silence. It was a long while before she said anything, seeming reluctant to speak, though at the same time the words were ready to spring from her. And after one more reluctant moment of silence they just tumbled from her mouth and off the tip of her tongue, Is that what you want?

His entire form froze. Ragnarok could feel his teeth clench together as he stared at her, completely bemused as to what made her vocalize that question. Overall, though, he was just flat out stunned she'd asked that.

Ragnarok? Her timid voice continued shyly. Do you want to...umm...m-mate with me? Is that why you didn't like those guys being around me?

Now he could feel his face–no, his entire form heat up slightly. Whether it was because he was getting pissed off with her inquiries or because the idea was so appealing, he wasn't entirely sure. But he sure as hell wasn't about to let her think he thought it was...even if he sort of did...

Actually, she'd hit the nail right on the head with her line of questioning, which was why he slammed a paw down against her head, knocking her down whilst he raked his nails through her fur, making sure to be gentle to avoid tearing her skull apart, as he messed up the patch of fur that rested between her long ears.

St-stop it! She whined, trying to bat his paw away only to land a blow so pathetic it made him think of an infant swatting at an adult. Whereas, she wasn't an infant she was still about as weak as one. He had no idea what level she was on, but he seriously doubted she was past level five. Their mistress's forms of training were quite brutal and Crona never really caught on to them, usually suffering the consequences of failure rather than completing the harsh training sessions.

Giving her a good shove with the same paw after a few minutes he watched as she rolled then sat up to stare at him with wide, tepid eyes. What was that for? She whined, trembling all over as she tried to fix the fur he'd messed up.

For being so stupid! He barked, exhaling a hot puff of air that slightly warmed the air near her face. It stung her eyes and startled her, making her wince. Why would I want to do that? He demanded, making sure he appeared disgusted by the notion. Why would anyone want to do that with you? You're too plain. Real boring. And useless.

But-

I didn't like those three being around you because they were perverts. It's nothing more or less than that.

Then why-

We're partners and, as much as I hate it, you're my responsibility.

She didn't seem satisfied with his answers. Frowning, her eyes reflected hurt brought on by the insults and she nodded absentmindedly in reluctant agreement. I guess it's silly to think anyone would like me like that, huh? She murmured, body language turning melancholic as she sat there letting the houndoom's words sink in. He gritted his teeth together, growling quietly in frustration, as he watched her just sit there and brood.

Honestly, if at all possible he'd have preferred disappearing to watching her get all depressed. So, in a futile attempt to pacify her, he leaned down and gave her a quick lick between the ears once more messing her fur up but also earning a shocked stare from the frail eevee.

What? He growled, looking away. You're not...that bad...

There was a pause, and then...

Thank you. She whispered, blushing as she let her lips tug up into a little smile. He seemed to calm down and she tried to pretend that he was smiling, too. If she'd looked up she'd have seen her imagination was a reality. Not that he'd let her see as he tried distancing himself, hearing the faint, vaguely muffled sound of an engine approaching from outside. Don't read too much into it. He said, without turning as he headed for the locked double doors that were across the room.

And with a gentle smile gracing her typically dismal features, she followed after him.

Okay, so I have sucky time management skills; however, I have yet to stop working on this so I think I'm doing a pretty good job! I do, however, apologize for any of you who were bummed to see such a long chapter. I didn't mean for it to turn out like this, but...*shrugs* it just happened. But I thank those of you who were patient enough to wait and promise to keep writing on this, though I am uncertain when the next post will be. Once again, thanks for reading and being so patient. Until next time, see ya!

x)

~Sincerely, Fairylust~