Author's Note: The second part to this renovated chapter and the last one that I had a copy of. After this, all the chapters until 13 will be done simply from memory. Hope it doesn't fail me now. -EeveeInHeat

Silver

- Chapter 6: Suburban Wars, Part 2 -

Silver and the others had a hard day as they were forced to stay in their small alley. It wasn't long before the alley across from them got occupants, though they didn't speak to each other. They tried to lay and rest, but the ground just didn't allow them to. Also, they weren't fed the entire time, making Silver rather hungry.

Silver tried to pass some time watching the sky, but an almost transparent cloud seemed to cover the sky, blocking out the real colors of the sky and sun. Also, there was a reek that lingered on the place and made Silver wonder how these Pokemon lived here. Eventually, the sun was going down, the beautiful sunset blocked both by the strange cloud and the buildings.

Flame went and curled up in one of the corners of the alley, seeming to not notice the hard ground. Ace simply laid on the ground, not caring about the ground since he was a Ground type Pokemon. If it wasn't for the stones in the ground, Ace would have been able to use Dig to get them away. However, it appeared they would be staying for at least this night.

Silver inwardly winced as he curled down on the ground, the stones poking into his side. There was nothing else to lie on unless he wanted to get on the box that reeked or the glass. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep, but sleep was long in coming. He was awake for hours, trying to sleep. Several Flying type Pokemon kept passing overhead in the middle of the night, but Silver still concentrated on sleeping. Eventually, his body was too tired to stay awake and finally fell asleep.

(0)

Silver woke up stiff and uncomfortable. The sun seemed dull overhead as he slowly got up. He looked around and saw that Flame and Ace were already awake and just sitting there. Silver wondered what would happen to them today.

Silver's stomach took that moment to complain about its status. Silver sighed as he sat down next to Ace and Flame, the ground not affecting him as much now that he had managed to sleep on it. They stayed there, mostly silent as they waited for something to happen. Silver wasn't sure whether he wanted something to happen or not.

Finally, a Poochyena came around the corner and approached them. "Hey, you three," it started, "It's time to test you. Come with me."

Silver didn't know what test it was talking about, but he reluctantly followed it anyway. Ace and Flame walked along beside him as they went back down the alley they had come down before. Soon, they were back in the small clearing where Mark had talked to all the Pokemon before. Mark was there, along with a few milling about Pokemon.

"It's the three newbies," Mark greeted, the grin scaring Silver more than his clam expression. "Now it's time to test to see if you're really any good," he said.

"Test?" Ace asked.

"It's basically the initiative for all the-" Mark started. However, he was interrupted as a heavily breathing Pidgey landed next to him. The Pidgey was gasping for air and yet trying to talk to Mark at the same moment. "Just say what you have to say," Mark demanded.

The Pidgey took a large breath and managed to say, "Dereck is advancing."

"So, he's finally trying to push us out? Well it won't happen. It's time for the battle. Get everyone ready. We all march soon," Mark ordered. Several Poochyena stopped what they were doing and shot away to follow his orders. Mark turned to Silver and the others. "I guess the battle will be your test. You better fight well, because if you don't, I won't go easy on you when we win," he warned.

Pokemon started to pile in and Silver, Ace, and Flame were pushed forward to right in front of the box. Soon, the whole clearing area was full, even with all the flying Pokemon perched on the roofs. Silver looked around amazed that so many Pokemon followed Mark after what Sara had said.

"The time has come for the battle we've all been preparing for. Now, with our group stronger than ever, we'll crush the enemy!" Mark started. The Pokemon watching him cheered. "They won't stand a chance as we surprise and overwhelm them. Let's go and defeat the enemy once and for all. Move!"

Mark jumped down and led the way out of the area. Everyone followed, though no one tried to pass him. Silver, Ace, and Flame reluctantly followed them out rather than get trampled by all the Pokemon around them. Mark led them out into more alleys, filled with stinking items and bits and pieces of broken stuff. Silver was definitely lost after the first few alleys with all the twists and turns they took. The ground bruised Silver's pads as he walked. Soon, he was leaving small droplets of blood behind as they went. Maybe they could follow that out later.

After about half an hour's walk through the confusing alleyway labyrinth, they arrived at a large clearing, much bigger than the meeting place for Mark's Pokemon. Another exit on the opposite side was soon filled with more Pokemon.

These Pokemon were led by a large red Pokemon that stood proudly with its black stripes and chest. It was an Arcanine, who looked as powerful as Mark, but seemed more . . . gentle. That was the only way Silver could put it. If he really had to choose a side, he would have chosen Dereck's side. He looked like a much better Pokemon. The admiring glances from the other Pokemon proved his point. He was glad to see that Sara was over in the crowd of Dereck's Pokemon, meaning she had told him in time.

Mark stepped forward into the area, as did Dereck. Mark started off in a loud voice, letting it carry with the wind, "This is your last chance Dereck. Either give up, or I'll make you."

"Never," was Dereck's calm reply. He didn't even raise his voice, but Silver was sure everyone had heard him.

Mark leapt at Dereck, howling, and everything became chaos. The bird Pokemon flew off their perches on the building and started an aerial battle, while the land Pokemon of each side flooded into the clearing. The Pokemon leapt at one another, going for deadly wounds.

When they were jostled into the clearing, Silver pulled Flame and Ace into a corner. He had come up with a plan when he saw what was going to happen and whispered quickly, "Now, we'll stay here and defend. Ace, you look for a way out, while Flame and I cover you. No Pokemon gets through, Flame, got it?"

Flame and Ace nodded. Flame turned with Silver and watched for Pokemon coming at them. Flame returned to his battle ready stance. Ace got onto some large, gleaming, silver can in the corner, albeit with some difficulty, and started to search the area.

Flame's back suddenly shot into flame as he opened his mouth. A torrent of flames came out and hit a Persian that jumped toward them. The Persian was scorched and ran, crying out in pain. Flame's back went back to having no flames, but it still was emitting heat and Silver realized that was so his flames would start faster. Clever, Silver thought.

Silver jumped to the side as a Shadow Ball came by. It exploded nearby and shook the can Ace was on, but didn't knock it over, luckily. Silver looked around and saw that no one was targeting them. The attack must have been a dodged attack.

Silver and Flame stayed tense and alert as they waited. They were only targeted once more. The rest of the time they were blocking random attacks. Neither side seemed to be giving at all. In fact, it seemed there were more Pokemon than before. They needed to get away soon.

Silver almost fainted with relief when Ace said, "I found one." Ace jumped down and joined them. Ace slowly led them along the wall until they came to a small crack that Silver wouldn't have seen if Ace hadn't pointed it out. Luckily, it was big enough for Ace, who was the largest of them with his head.

"Flame, stay with me while Ace goes through first. I'll need your help to fend off the Pokemon," Silver said. Ace quickly made his way down the hole, going slowly as not to get stuck or hurt himself.

Silver covered the sight of Ace escaping with his body. He looked the nearby fighters over, watching for anyone to make a move on them. Flame had to keep his flame attacks constant as several more dodged attacks came at them at this angle.

Silver's attention on the crowd stopped as his gaze rested on one individual that he actually recognized; Eve. She was crouching against the opposite the wall, but the fighting Pokemon seemed to separate and allow him to see her for a second. She was cowering in fright under Mark's shadow. Mark started to approach her. Then, the fighting Pokemon got in the way and Silver could see no more.

"Stay here," Silver quickly said, not thinking. All that was on his mind was the Eevee at the moment.

Flame gave him a confused expression, but it was ignored as Silver jumped through the fighting Pokemon. If it was frightening watching the battle, it was terrifying to be under the battle as Silver darted under the legs of the larger Pokemon and around the smaller Pokemon, but he continued. He had to jump over a few bodies on the ground and Silver almost gaged at the sight. One Pokemon nearly collapsed on top of him, blood leaking from a wound. His paws were really starting to ache from all the dodging and weaving he was doing.

Finally, after what seemed like hours in the mad chaos, Silver reached the other wall of the clearing. Mark was standing near Eve. He seemed to very slowly approach the Eevee, enjoying the terror it was causing. Silver knew there was no way he could defeat the Mightyena in a fight of any kind.

Then, a saying that he was sure he had never heard before came to mind: If you can't beat them, join them. It didn't even seem like his mind that was remembering it, but Silver didn't linger on it. He took the saying to heart and came up with a plan.

Silver ran up to Mark, who was between him and Eve, and started to growl, though at Eve instead of Mark. Mark turned at the sound, ready to attack, but recognized the Eevee and grinned. "Well, well, I knew you would be a good addition. Here, this one's yours if you want it so much," Mark said manically. He laughed at the end.

However, Mark didn't leave, but watched for what Silver would do. Eve stared at him with recognition and, what almost broke Silver's heart, betrayal. Knowing he would have to use his complete plan, Silver continued. Since Mark was on his right, he winked at Eve with his left eye, hoping she would catch on.

Silver leapt at Eve and pinned her down, which was easy as she didn't struggle much. He reached down and put his mouth where her throat was and bit down. However, with the mane around her neck and the steel collar, he was able to make it easily look like he had done a death blow without hurting her at all. As his teeth met the steel collar, he felt one tooth go partially in an indent in the middle. At the moment though, all he thought about was if he had convinced Mark.

The Mightyena chuckled evilly and turned back to the battle, attacking the first opponent who came by. As soon as his back was turned, Silver got off Eve. However, as soon as she was free, her back feet came up and hit him in the stomach. Winded, Silver fell to the ground.

A paw rolled him over and Eve pinned him down. The look in her eyes was frightening Silver so much, he felt tears coming to his eyes. Eve stopped, confused, as she saw Silver's expression.

As she paused, Silver took his chance and started, "Wait, I know a way to escape. Let me up."

Eve hesitated and finally let him up. Silver got up and motioned for her to follow him. He charged around the fighters, making sure Eve was following him. Soon, they were back at the crack. Flame was still there, though he was looking tired.

Silver nodded as he got close. Flame was about to attack the Eevee behind Silver, when Silver stopped him, "Wait, she's coming with us. Let her through."

Flame hesitated, but moved. Silver motioned to the wall and Eve hesitantly slipped through. Once she was in completely, Silver motioned for Flame to go in first and followed in after him. The hole ended up being a tunnel to the other side of the building, luckily right by the outskirts of the city.

As Silver came out of the tunnel, he saw Eve struggling under Ace, who was trying to get her with a good attack. "Wait! Don't hurt her!" Silver shouted, darting over to them.

Ace paused at his comrade's request, allowing Eve to shove him off. Eve glanced at Silver for a second, before charging out into the forest. Silver went over to Ace and tried to help him up, though he pushed his help away. "Why did you do that? I almost had her pinned," he demanded.

Silver blinked at Ace's anger, surprised at the outburst. "I got her away from the battle. She wasn't the enemy. There was no reason to attack her," Silver reasoned.

Flame backed up a couple steps, not wanting to join in the fight.

"So what are you, her guardian angel or something? She chose to follow us, but not join us. You almost got us captured trying to help another Pokemon. What were you thinking?" Ace said, almost shouting.

"I was thinking that she was in trouble and that I could help her. What does it matter if I got caught? Flame could easily have went through the tunnel and escaped with you. I risked my life not yours. I was doing what I thought was best," Silver retorted, his temper flaring up.

Ace simply turned away, his anger seeming to roll off him in heat. Flame looked between the two Pokemon, unsure of what to do. Finally, not knowing what else to do, Flame sat down and waited.

After a while, Ace finally turned back to Silver, "Fine, risk your life however you want, but don't count my life with it. Now, let's go before we're caught all over again."

They headed off into the forest, Ace in front, then Flame, and then Silver. The sound of battle could still be heard from the city as Pokemon cried out their battle cries.

Author's Note: Hmm, I usually don't make Author's Notes at the bottom, but I didn't want to give anything away in this chapter. For all you old readers, you'll remember this chapter (before it was split into parts) was where my characters first took minds of their own, changing the plot dramatically. I'm still leaving this old Author's Note as a memento and the milestone of when that first happened.