Chapter 2. A New Beginning
There was no memory of falling asleep, but I did remember waking up. The first thing I noticed was that the rain had stopped. Although the cave was dark and damp, the new, peaceful atmosphere laid down upon the forest was enough to make me turn over and go back to sleep, not wanting to find what lay ahead in my future.
However, I noticed that someone else was in the cave with me. My eyes shot open, and I was immediately met with frightening, blood-red eyes much like my own, inches from my face. Startles, my golden rings of light illuminated on my fur, lighting up the cavern.
I gasped out loud, then tried to hide my surprise so I wouldn't seem weak to this new stranger. I backed up a couple of steps, wincing slightly because of my tight, worn out muscles from the painful day before. It was the first time I had ever seen another Umbreon besides pieces of my own reflection in the puddles of yesterday's rainstorm. Out of the corner of my eye, the sun peaked out from mountains in the west, but it almost hurt my eyes to look at it. I guess this is what it's like to be a dark type Pokemon.
"Hello there!" The stranger smiled a very friendly smile.
But I wasn't fooled. I knew that beneath any smile could lie a cold, dark heart. One that was oblivious as to how much it hurt others, one ignorant enough to chase all it's loved ones away, one -
My depressing thoughts were cut off by another lopsided grin and chuckle from the other Umbreon as he said "Well now, aren't you going to say hello back?"
"H-hi…" I mumbled. Then I remembered that I had claimed the cave first. "What are you doing in my cave?" My words must have come out much more defensive than they were meant to, because the stranger hesitated slightly to reply, as if frightened by my boldness.
His actions reminded me of the fear the heartless villagers had… Once they had found me and seen what I had become…
Once again, my thoughts were interrupted by the annoying Pokemon. His voice fluctuated suddenly, his eyes downcast, "I... I saw you run into this cave yesterday in the rain, and it looked like you needed some help..."
I blinked, wondering if this Pokemon was my friend or foe. I couldn't afford any more fake personalities or double crossers like I had in the past.
"Anyways... are you hungry? I know where the nearest Oran berry tree is..."
I blinked, contemplating my options again as my stomach growled loudly. I realized I had not eaten decently in two days.
This seemed to satisfy the stranger.
"Haha! I knew it. I'll go fetch you some berries." He turned to leave the cave. "Oh! And I didn't get your name…?"
Could this be another trick? I looked into his crimson eyes and decided to go along with his peppy attitude... Only for now. "My name's Akira. You?"
"Willow." With another warm smile and a blink of dark, ruby eyes, he left the cave.
Strangely, I noticed that the rings on his fur seemed more dull than mine, but I shook off the thought. I stretched out my body, still sore from the eventful day before. What now? I thought to myself. It seemed to be a hopeless situation. I had lost all my family, all my friends... Friends? I contemplated on my strange encounter with the other Umbreon. Was he my friend? Was I to make new friends? Was I to start a new beginning?
After all that had happened...
I didn't allow myself to reflect back on what had happened just yet. I was not ready.
I waited for Willow's arrival, and as the sun spread its rays into the opening of the cave and onto my jet black fur, I began to feel drowsy. I yawned. My fatigue finally hit me as I fell asleep once again...
Chapter 2... xD It's like twice as long as chapter one... haha
Anyways, thanks so much for reading! Please review!
~AKiRA