Author's Note: Okay, if there are more than one Author's Note, than that means I had to upload a corrected version. The first Author's Note is always the newest. In this chapter, I missed a several first person mistakes when it's third person view (when I switch views, I usual can't stop the switch, so I make many mistakes when I do something wrong before I can stop myself) and other (what I think) are stupid mistakes. So I revised the chapter (no new content) and made only grammatical errors.

Author's Note: This idea came after Chapter 6, though I was able to write it before I posted, luckily. This shows why Blaze is reluctant to talk much about the past. This is my longest chapter yet.

Light's Adventures

Chapter 4: The Past

Light eagerly awaited Nick at the front of the Pokemon Center. Even though Nick was staying in one of the rooms, Nurse Joy wouldn't let him past the counter until Nick checked him out. Light started to chase himself in circles. There was nothing to do in here. Ace was still roosting on the counter, though Light was sure Ace had opened his eyes once. Blaze was sitting quickly, showing no intention of playing.

Light was sure he was going to wear the floor out if he continued, but he did anyway. Maybe he would make a dip low enough to go under the counter. Oh, what was taking Nick so long? He jumped onto one of the chairs near a computer and stared at the door leading to the guest rooms.

"A watched Slakoth never moves," Ace warned.

Light darted a look at him, but he was already in his roosting position again. Light huffed and turned to the door anyway. He waited and waited. He could see the sun almost to its zenith by now.

Suddenly, the door slammed open and Nick came running out. "Oh, sorry guys, over slept. Come on, we gotta go, now. I'm taking them Nurse Joy, thanks," Nick said, starting to head to the door. He stopped and turned suddenly. "Oh and here's my keys. Bye!" And with that, much to the inconvenience of the flustered Nurse Joy, Nick ran out the door.

Light jumped off the counter and ran after him, Blaze running behind him. Ace flew ahead and landed on Nick's shoulder. For once, Light didn't envy his bumpy ride. Nick jogged all the way out of town going south.

They rested at sunhigh, Nick catching his breath. After that, Nick thought they were pretty much on schedule and they started walking. Light wondered what schedule he was talking about. He saw Blaze also confused for a second. Then Blaze nodded his head, as if understanding. Light was startled to see his shoulders suddenly sag and his tail start to drag the ground. What was wrong with him?

Light thought about approaching him, but knew that it would make him sadder, maybe even mad for him bringing it up. Light did come closer though and brush against him to comfort him. He knew Blaze wasn't always happy, but he had never seen him sad. Light wondered what it meant as they went down the road.

Soon, they reached a large space enclosed by a fence. Inside were many different Pokemon. Nick was startled to see it, but went ahead and headed around it. The fence led around to a large two story, ranch style building. On the front was a large artificial sun image (a yellow circle with lines around it) and the word 'care' after it.

A man was sitting in a rocking chair on a porch in front of the building, slowly rocking back and forth. He waved to them as they were about to pass. "Hey, traveler, are you a trainer?"

Nick looked up and grinned, "Yep, do you want to battle?"

The man laughed, "No . . . no . . . I'm not a trainer. Come here, I want to tell you something."

Nick looked at his watch and shrugged. He walked up the three wide steps onto the porch. "What did you want to tell me?" Nick asked.

"Do you know what this here building is?" the man asked.

Nick shook his head.

"Well it is kinda new here. See this is a Pokemon Day Care. You leave your Pokemon here for a small fee and we'll train them for a little. It also gives you a little time off. Want to try it? I'll give you two Pokemon passes for a night and we'll see how it goes, okay?" the man offered.

Nick scratched his head for a second. "Are you sure about it being free for this first time? No strings attached?"

"Absolutely," the man said, giving a toothy grin. Light saw some of the teeth about to fall out while others were already missing.

Nick thought about it for another second before nodding. "Okay, I'll give it a test run for today. Here, I'll let Light and Ace stay and we'll see the results," Nick said.

Light was devastated. How could Nick just leave them? Nick held a hand to Ace and he jumped on it. How could Ace be complying with this? Nick then offered the Pidgey to the man, but pulled back before the man could take him.

"Wait . . . I need some kind of proof besides just your word. How do I know this thing isn't just some way to steal my Pokemon?" Nick interrogated. Light almost cheered. Maybe they wouldn't have to go.

The old man paused and put a hand into his pocket. He pulled it back out and showed Nick a card. "This is my proof. Also, you can ask all the other trainers who have left Pokemon in my care," the man said.

Nick stared at it for a little before nodding and handing Ace over. Ace hopped onto the man's shoulder. Nick picked Light up and handed him to the man. "There, now be good Light and Ace. I'll be here to pick you up in the morning," Nick said getting back on the road. He waved as he left the path and went into the forest, Blaze slinking. Where were they going?

(0)

Blaze followed Nick into the forest. He could fell tears almost falling already. But he was glad Nick had brought him. He wanted to see it again, for just a moment to be with her again. He was also glad the others weren't coming. This didn't involve them. This was between Nick and him.

He let his tail drag the ground, not caring of all the dirt getting into it. Soon, they came upon familiar landmarks. Blaze soon took the lead as he started to remember exactly where they were. They were almost there.

Blaze was the first to reach it and the tears started to fall as he saw it. It was still the way they made it. The grave was still untouched. Blaze came up to it and fell, crying, to the ground in front of it. Oh how he missed her.

Nick knelt down and put a hand on Blaze's back. He rubbed Blaze's back as his Pokemon lamented at the grave. Blaze wanted her back so much, but now she was gone. He would never see her again. He cried as his grief became anew as he remembered the old times.

(0)

Blaze hurried in front of Nick, clearing the area in front of his master's feet as they trudged through the snow. They needed somewhere to stay, fast. This winter blizzard was bad enough without them staying out in the elements.

Blaze shook the snow out of his brown pelt. Unfortunately, Eevee have a very absorbent fur. All of the snow melted by his body heat soaked into his fur. He was now drenched to top it all off. Could this day get worse?

All of a sudden, the ground went out from under Blaze and he found himself inside a snow bank. He struggled to get out. Great, now he was cold to the bone, too. Anything else, Arceus?

Blaze continued to plow a path for Nick, even now. He knew his master had no fur to warm him except those thin rag thingies and that he was very easy to become sick. Blaze searched around as he looked for shelter.

Suddenly, Blaze had hope. There, in the distance, was something black. Blaze motioned for Nick to stop with his tail and bounded forward. He soon reached it and saw he was right. It was a cave! He quickly retrieved Nick and brought him to the cave.

He rushed back outside to find something to use as kindle. He found a pile of sticks and brought them to Nick. Nick nodded numbly and pulled his backpack off. He pulled his backpack close and started to search through it. Blaze saw his hands were trembling too much to do anything and pushed Nick's hand away. He looked through it himself and quickly found the two stones. He pulled them out and put the sticks into a pile. He held one stone down and, holding the other in his mouth, struck it. He had seen Nick do it many times and was glad when a small fire started.

Blaze huddled close to Nick as they got near the fire. Once Blaze was warmed some, he went back outside and collected some more sticks. Once on the fire, it produced some more heat and Nick and Blaze eagerly warmed themselves. Soon, they both stopped shivering and sat there, glad to be out of the snow.

Soon, Nick went back to the entrance and Blaze followed. Nick started to pile snow against the entrance and Blaze helped him. They left a short tunnel only big enough for Blaze and the cave instantly grew warmer. Nick went back to the fire and laid down next to it. Blaze snuggled himself into Nick's arms and Nick soon fell asleep.

Blaze wanted to go asleep, but he knew he had to keep watch. Many wild Pokemon may come seeking their heat. But as night started to fall, Blaze felt his eyelids getting heavier and heavier. He was sure he dozed off for a second somewhere, but couldn't remember. But he was instantly alert when he heard something outside. Something was trying to get in. Blaze slipped out of Nick's arms gently, as to not wake him and positioned himself near the tunnel entrance.

The creature came through with a struggle and Blaze knew it was bigger than him. That was just great. Blaze bunched his muscles, ready to spring. The creature came closer and closer. Blaze was ready to use his Takedown move.

The creature pulled out of the tunnel and Blaze leapt. He wrestled the creature to the ground and pinned it there. He was surprised at this as he was a third of its size, but he managed it somehow. The light from the fire allowed him to partially see the creature. It was slightly like him, except reddish-orange and yellow instead of brown and tan.

Then he heard the Pokemon whimpering and he decided he had been too rough with it. Blaze got off and saw the Pokemon back up to the entrance, about to slip back through. Something inside of him told him to stop it, however. Blaze looked at the creature and whispered, "Wait."

The Pokemon stopped and waited, but didn't say anything.

"You can . . . come and sit by the fire . . . for a little, if you want," Blaze whispered. He knew he shouldn't, but something was driving him to do otherwise.

The Pokemon gave him a doubtful glance, but saw he was being honest. It came over and sat by the fire on the opposite side of Nick, warming itself. As it got close to the fire, Blaze realized it was a Flareon, one of his evolutions. He went back to the fire and sat in front of Nick.

"T-thanks," the Flareon said.

Blaze heart did a double take. It was like listening to an angel. Wait, what? Did I just think that? Blaze asked himself. "Don't mention it, umm . . ."

"Angel," she said. Oh, the irony.

"My name is Blaze," he said.

"What are you doing here? If you're a captured Pokemon, why aren't you in a house?" she asked.

"My trainer tried to take a shortcut and we got lost. We've been hiking through here for two months, trying to get out," Blaze answered, sighing.

Angel started to come around the fire and he tensed. Angel saw it and sat back down. "Then this must be hard. Is this your first winter as well?" she asked.

Blaze nodded. He had decided winter was his least favorite season.

"Do you guys have any food?" she asked.

Blaze wanted to say yes and give her some, but they were honestly out. They had ate the last and were about to replenish their berries when the blizzard came in. He shook his head.

"Well . . . I know where you could get some close to here," she said.

Blaze jumped up, ready to go out, "Could you show me?"

Angel nodded and led the way to the tunnel. Blaze waited as she struggled through and then slipped through easily. Angel led him over to some tree and motioned him to stay back. She then sent a burst of flame at the snow and it easily melted. Under the snow cover was a very large berry bush. There must have been dozens of them.

Blaze reached down and pulled three branches off, taking the berries with them. Angel also bent down and got a few. Blaze took them through and then came out and took Angel's also so that she could fit through the hole. Blaze carefully pulled the berries off the branches and threw the branches into the fire.

They got back into their positions around the fire, Blaze taking a berry to munch on. Angel also took one and Blaze found himself mesmerized by her as she ate. She glanced up once and Blaze quickly looked away. He could fell heat rising into his cheeks.

After eating, Blaze snuggled into Nick's arms again. Angel laid down by the fire. Blaze could see she was still shivering a little, though. Making sure not to wake Nick, Blaze slipped out of his arms again and went over to Angel.

She raised her head as he came near. "Would you mind I laid next to you for warmth?" Blaze asked, berating himself for making the question seem so stupid.

Angel blushed and shook her head. Blaze laid down next to her. He felt her shivering soon stop. He fell asleep to her breathing.

(0)

Blaze woke to Nick's startled cry. He looked over and saw Nick backing away from him. Then he remembered Angel. Blaze got up and approached Nick. He padded Nick's leg and motioned toward Angel. Nick seemed reluctant at first, but came closer to Angel.

He reached a tentative hand out. He stopped as soon as Angel started to shift. She looked up and saw Nick's hand, but stayed still, not even tensing. Nick continued and started to pet her. Blaze heard her start to purr.

Blaze took a few berries and brought them to Nick. Nick gladly accepted them and ate them all. Blaze was sure Nick would have a stomach ache later. Well at least he was full. Nick sat back and sighed. He then went through his backpack and pulled out his Pokedex. He pointed it at Angel and it soon booted to life. Blaze knew Nick would soon be reading all about Flareon and such. Bored, he went over to Angel.

"So, what are you doing here?" Blaze asked.

"I was looking for a place to stay out of the cold," she answered.

"Are you a wild Flareon?" Blaze asked.

She nodded.

Maybe Nick could catch her, Blaze thought. "So, uh, do you have any family?"

She shook her head, "Not that's with me anymore."

"Do you have . . . like a mate or anything?" Blaze asked. What did I just say? That was definitely poorly worded, he thought.

She seemed slightly startled at the question but shook her head. "No, I just haven't found the right Pokemon to have as a mate yet," she said, a wistful tone in her voice.

Blaze could see she was starting to shiver again and pressed against her. She hesitated for a second, and then pressed against him, too. "I've always wanted to be a Flareon," Blaze said.

"That would explain the name," Angel said. "Thanks again for letting me in."

"No problem. Thanks for helping me get food," Blaze said.

She nodded, "Well now we're even."

Blaze looked at her out of the corner of his eye. She was so gorgeous. Her pelt was smooth and soft and- What am I thinking? Blaze thought.

"So, uh, when are you guys leaving?" Angel asked.

"I don't know. Probably when the snow melts. We have food, water, and shelter here, so we'll stay at least for the storm," Blaze said.

Angel seemed to be disappointed. She turned her head sadly away and sighed.

"What's wrong?" Blaze asked.

"I was kinda hoping you guys would be staying longer . . . or . . . permanently," she said, keeping her head turned.

Blaze wondered why. Was she feeling something towards him, too? "W-why?"

She sighed again, "It doesn't matter now."

"Well Nick could catch you. You could come with us," Blaze said.

"Really?" Angel said.

Blaze decided to tease her. "Only if you tell me why."

She gave a little sad face, but finally relented. "O-okay, it's . . . it's . . . because I think I like you," she whispered, a blush appearing on her cheeks.

Blaze's heart gave a leap of joy. She liked him, too! "I-I think I like you, too," he whispered back.

She gave a little gasp and smiled. Then she leaned forward and kissed Blaze lightly on the lips. Blaze was too shocked to react.

"EW! Go get a room, guys. Not in front of me," Nick exclaimed.

Blaze looked away, embarrassed. When Nick went back to his Pokedex, Blaze got up and went over to Nick. He reached a paw around him and pulled the empty Pokeball off. He dropped it in front of Nick and nuzzled his leg to get his attention.

"Uh, what's," Nick started. He stopped when he saw Blaze pointing at the Pokeball and then motioning toward Angel. "Do you want me to catch the Flareon?"

Blaze nodded eagerly. Angel slowly approached.

"Okay, if you want me to," Nick said. He took the Pokeball and tossed it onto Angel. It rolled on the floor for a little before dinging. Nick quickly released Angel and hugged it. "Great, my second Pokemon!"

Suddenly, Angel's eyes opened wide and she struggled out of Nick's grip and ran to the entrance. Before they could react, she shot through it with a Flame Wheel. "Quick, get out, you two," Angel yelled.

Blaze immediately ran out. Nick started to follow, but turned back to grab his backpack. Blaze turned to help, but Angel rushed by him. Nick grabbed the backpack and Angel started to rush him out. Suddenly, the earth started to shake a little and parts of the ceiling started to fall. Angel's eyes went wide again and she used a Tackle on Nick's back. Nick was shoved right out.

Blaze checked on Nick, but looked back as he heard the rocks shaking. Angel was trying to get out, but was unable before a rock came and blocked the entrance where Nick was standing a moment ago. The cave started to collapse in on itself.

Blaze was unable to do anything as he watched Angel get buried, tears coming down his face. Nick got up from where he landed and started to call out once the cave in was over, but Blaze couldn't understand him. Everything was coming as a blur to him.

Blaze rushed to the wreckage and started to dig. He reached Angel soon and uncovered her. Her back end was flattened by a boulder and blood was slowing seeping out of her. Blaze got close to her and realized she was still barely alive. He started to cover her face in frantic licks.

"Oh, Blaze . . . you're okay. Good . . . I was able . . . to save you. I . . . want to tell . . . you one last thing . . . I love you. I loved you . . . from the moment I saw you. I . . . know it's corny . . . but I did . . . Have a good life, for me, okay?" Angel asked.

Blaze nodded as he started to weep. She was dying and he couldn't do anything about it.

"Good bye," she said. She shuddered and then died.

Blaze howled at the sky. How cruel this world was. It took away his first love, before he could even say those words. He wept even more when he realized that he never told her that he loved her back.

He felt a hand on his back and leapt into Nick's embrace. They wept together as the sky became clear. She was gone now, never to speak to him again. Blaze wished he could speak to her one last time.

(0)

Blaze woke from his memories as they finished. He saw it was starting to get light. Nick was sleeping on the ground nearby. He nudged Nick awake and they headed back to the Pokemon Day Care.