Review response: Dear Shadow-Snivy, thank you for the lovely review! I've been doing my best to weave mysteries here and there in this story and I'm glad to know that I'm succeeding. I'm deeply flattered that you enjoy my descriptions so much, I worry sometimes that I haven't added enough of them, oh well. As for the cliffhanger, that wasn't intentional at first. When I was writing Chapter 6 and came to that part, I suddenly had a writer's block that simply wouldn't move. So, I ended up starting a new chapter from a different perspective.

Dear Alice-Chan123, hello! I apologize for not warning about the cliffhanger at the beginning of Chapter 6, I had forgotten it was there and when I remembered I thought that maybe I should surprise you guys with the first cliffhanger (if you don't count the prologue) and then give warnings with the cliffhangers that might follow. Delano and Tynan are a strange pair aren't they? Well, rest assured that I have a very good reason for portraying them the way I do, a reason that you will find out about much later. Sekani is still one of my favorite characters to write and I'm already plotting more trouble for him to get into. Dale does seem more than a little bit interested in Mira doesn't he? Enjoy the new chapter!

Chapter Eight:

Giving Aid

Castor heard voices, far away, but drawing steadily nearer. One of the voices was particularly loud, loud enough to make him wince in his sleep. "So anyway," the voice was saying, "Castor came up with the idea to go to the Dugtrio home den and ask them for help. Of course, now that we know just how dangerous the river is, that plan is probably a bust."

Castor groaned in irritation, "Can you talk any louder?" he mumbled groggily as light pushed its way through his eyelids and forced him to wake up fully. He opened his eyes and was promptly greeted with a close up of Sekani's grinning face. Castor recoiled with a yelp, "Hey! Personal space, Sekani!"

Sekani snickered and did a jig around the irate Charmander, "You're awake! You're alive! According to Hermit Delano, the sun is up and now we can go find someplace with a decent breakfast!"

Castor blinked, "What? Who?" Why do I have to have such a spontaneous blockhead as a best friend?

Sekani laughed, "Where is your tail and I know the difference!"

Cora slapped the Aipom with her paw, "That made no sense. Now settle down and be polite, Sekani."

Sekani whined and rubbed his slapped ear with a paw, pretending to be injured. Castor shook his head an stood up, "Thank you, Cora." Wait ... his eyes widened and he grabbed Cora's shoulder shell plates, "Cora! You're alive!" Impulsively, he hugged her tight, his heart singing with joy at seeing Cora uninjured and safe.

A calm voice he had grown to know all too well spoke up from behind, "Yes, we are both safe. Hermit Delano used his powers to rescue us from the waterfall. I know you have met Leal and Ahanu, but I think you should now meet the reason they were also searching for us." Castor realized he had an audience and hurriedly let Cora go, his cheeks flushing a faint red.

Dale looked amused, Leal looked puzzled, and Ahanu was to busy fawning over a nearby yellow Pokemon to really notice. The yellow Pokemon, Mira he presumed, looked highly annoyed at the Wobbuffet's constant attention. Castor coughed slightly, hoping to somehow draw attention away from his hug. He walked over to Mira, ignoring the slight soreness in his limbs, and said, "Hi, I'm Castor. I presume that you are the Mira Pikachu that Leal spoke of?"

Mira gave him a once over with her eyes and nodded, "Yes, I am. You are Castor, your friends speak very highly of you. Though they do say that you have a tendency to risk your life needlessly."

Castor shrugged, "I just do what I think is right at the time. So, where are we?" Castor listened as Dale explained to him everything that had happened to him, Cora, and Mira and how Castor had lead Leal, Ahanu, and Sekani on a wild search through the rain until he had nearly died from exposing his tail flame to too much water.

Leal interrupted, "Is it true that your village was hit by an earthquake of previously untold magnitude and that you now wish to find the Dugtrio clan and enlist their help to rebuild? Is there any way we can help?"

Castor nodded, "Yes, it's true," he lowered his head and sighed, "but after seeing how wild the river is, I'm not sure if there's any way to get them across safely if they did agree. As for helping, unless you can figure out a way to get the Dugtrio across without using the less-than-safe ferry and providing them dirt to tunnel through on the way over the river ... I don't think so."

Cora crossed her paws in front of her plastron, "So what do we do? Go home? After all the traveling it took to get here?"

"You build a bridge." All eyes swung to Mira. Castor felt his eyes wandering to her long scar again, but he tried to focus on what she had said.

Sekani cocked his head to one side, "A what?"

Mira scowled at them all, "You honestly have never heard of a bridge?" At their blank expressions, Mira sighed, "A bridge is a construction, usually made out of stone or wood, that spans across the river, thus giving safe passage to travelers on either side."

Castor brightened, "Do you know how to build one?"

Mira's expression grew thoughtful, "Well, the simplest one I can think of would be..." she suddenly turned to Dale, "Does the West River go through your forest?" Dale nodded, "Do you think it would be possible to float some logs down from the forest that would be tall enough to span across the river?"

This time Dale shook his head, "That won't work, there used to be something just like what you describe between the two sides of the forest. However, as soon as the river flooded, that bank underneath it broke and logs floated away. Besides, it would take longer to build one and find the Dugtrio than it would to rebuild the village without their help."

Mira made a soft 'oh' noise and fell silent. An air of gloom hung over the seven Pokemon as they stood in Hermit Delano's kitchen. Castor felt miserable, I drag my friends on a wild adventure, nearly get two of them and myself killed, and it all boils down to a big fat impossible. Why? Why is it that just when an idea seems great, reality has to come and squash it?

A deep voice spoke from the doorway, "Good grief, just when the storm up there is past, you seven have to make one in my kitchen. What's the matter now?" Castor looked up in surprise at the purple colored Gengar. That must be Delano.

Sekani answered for everyone, "We were trying to figure out how to get some Dugtrio safely across the river so that they could help rebuild Nagai Kusa Village, but it seems to be impossible."

Delano snorted, "Nothing is impossible for a determined Pokemon. You just aren't looking at your problem correctly."

Castor couldn't stop himself from snapping at Delano, "Then what would you suggest? The ferry is too wet and dangerous, a bridge would simply wash away or take too long to build!"

A polite tap on the wall drew everyones attention to Tynan Greninja. Castor realized with surprise that the ninja had probably been listening in the entire time. Tynan made a soft waving motion with one webbed hand and then drew a semicircle underneath it with the other. Sekani piped up, "What's with the charades? If you have something to say, spit it out!"

Castor ignored the cuff noise that indicated Cora had slapped Sekani again and her hissed lecture about being more polite, he was too busy trying to figure out what Tynan was saying. Delano seemed equally puzzled, "What did you say, Tynan?"

Tynan eye-rolled at them and summoned water into view. Right, Greninja's have the ability to control and solidify water! Castor watched as Tynan made a miniature version of the West River and then repeated the semicircle pattern underneath.

Suddenly, the meaning of Tynan's hand motions dawned on Castor. His face split into a huge grin and cried, "That's brillant, Tynan! It's a wonder no one has thought of it before! You're saying that we have the Dugtrio dig a passage under the river aren't you? An underground tunnel that will connect the Grasslands and Kasai Desert!" Tynan nodded approvingly and the water vanished from her hand.

Sekani slapped his forehead with a paw, "Well, duh! Wouldn't that just make things easier!"

Dale looked thoughtful, "That might work ... at the very least it would be worth a try. If it does work, then we not only retrieve help for Nagai Kusa but we also make travel between the two regions much safer and easier. Otachi Town is only a few days travel away from the river, if we could convince the Dugtrio to try Tynan's plan then that would be the logical place for the Grassland exit."

Castor was positively beaming, "That's a great idea, Dale!" After putting up with the excited chattering from the young Pokemon for another ten minutes, Delano insisted that they be on their way. He gave them each a poffin to snack on until they reached Airmd Town and bustled them all out of the hidden door to his home.

Castor felt practically overwhelmed with renewed determination, he was going to get help for his village and nothing was going to stop him! He looked over at Leal, even though he had only met the Riolu the day before, he decided that he like the Emanation Pokemon.

Castor lightly touched Leal's shoulder to gain his attention, "Hey, you said that you were on a Discovering, right? It's okay if you say no, but, do you want to come with us? After we get the Dugtrio clan's help we could show you around Nagai Kusa."

Leal seemed to consider Castor's offer for a moment, but then his shoulders slumped a little bit, "I would love to, but I can't. You see, I ... I accidentally insulted Mira's honor and so it is my duty to follow her until I have redeemed myself."

Mira, who was walking just ahead of them, snorted, "You don't consider trying to save my life, twice in one day to be redeeming? If you want to go with them, it's okay."

Leal shook his head, "There is a great difference between trying and doing, Madam Mira. I am flattered that you consider me redeemed, but I have not yet accomplished that goal by the standards of my clan. I must continue to follow you."

Mira sighed and Castor got the distinct impression that she found Leal's statement very annoying. Huh, I guess she's the solitary type. Pity, I really would have liked to have both of them along. Castor listened idly to the sound of the other Pokemon talking. Cora was chatting at Dale, Ahanu was laughing and joking with Sekani while bragging about how he would be the first Wobbuffet to join the Silver Wing Sentinels.

We all seem to get along together. Castor smiled softly, It will be kind of sad when we go our separate ways. Castor shoved that thought out of his mind and kept himself busy by talking to Cora since Dale seemed to be too preoccupied to talk much.

The walk to Airmd Town was pleasant, the late morning sun had yet to turn on its full heat and the rain from the previous night had washed the air clean. The river, still swollen and churning, was so loud that the group had to walk a good distance from it in order to hear each other without shouting like maniacs. Even so, Castor thought that its rolling, ever changing pattern of turquoise and frothing white was beautiful in a terrifying sort of way.

Because of their easy pace, they reached Airmd Town at noon and agreed to stop and eat in one of its restaurants. Needless to say, the town Pokemon were shocked and overjoyed to see them safe and well. Leal seemed to take it upon himself to glare at those who had given up on Mira, which amused Sekani to no end.

As Castor munched happily on roast Pinon nuts and various flavored poffins, he noticed that Mira had stopped eating and was absently rubbing her scar with a paw. Castor couldn't resist the question pressing on his mind, "How did you get it?"

Mira looked up, startled, "What?"

Castor nodded timidly to her scar, "That. How did you get it? If it's okay to talk about, that is."

Mira stared at the table uncomfortably, "I'm ... not sure. A lightning bolt I think, I don't really remember."

Sekani jumped into the conversation, chattering so fast that he was repeating some words, "Whoa! You have amnesia? That's so cool! So, so, what do you remember? Vague images of your family's faces? Your long lost love calling your name in anguish as you plummet to your death? How did you survive? Did you die? How did you remember your name or is Mira one that a kindly old Pokemon gave you since you lost your original one? Who-"

This time it was Dale who slapped Sekani's ear, hard. Sekani yelped and clutched his smacked ear sulkily. Dale scolded him sternly, "Didn't your parents ever teach you not to pry into other Pokemon's private lives? Honestly, how can anyone talk so fast and not make even a berries' worth of sense?"

Mira looked slightly relieved at Dale's intervention. Cora took it upon herself to apologize for the nosy Aipom, "I'm sorry about Sekani, when we were kids he hardly ever spoke two words in one day. Then Castor had to teach him how to talk. We've been trying to figure out an effective way to shut him up ever since."

Castor held up a paw, "Wait, my fault? You were the one who taught him nursery rhymes so he could get over that stammer problem of his! Even after he started talking, on his own thank you, he still knew better than to talk all the time. You're the one to blame for his word mixing abilities!"

As Mira watched Cora and Castor playfully fight over who's fault Sekani's talking skills were, she felt a pang in her chest. There was something about these Pokemon that reminded her of her past very strongly. Oddly though, Mira was reluctantly finding herself enjoying their company anyway. To her right, Dale caught her eye and whispered, "Are you okay?"

Mira glanced at the Eevee and tried to mask her surprise, "Why wouldn't I be?"

Dale shrugged, "You seem sad is all. I hope Sekani didn't hurt your feelings, he doesn't mean too."

Mira rolled her eyes and chuckled, "Really, and here I was assuming that he was actually thinking about what came out of his mouth."

Dale flopped one ear and gave her a playful, 'whatever gave you that idea?' look. By this time, Leal had been slurped into the argument, firmly believing that it was a real fight and not a mock battle of words. Sekani was standing at his full, unimpressive, height and attempting to yell over the fight about how insulted he was.

Mira shook her head and leaned over to Dale so she could make herself heard, "Should we break it up?"

Dale swept his eyes around the rest of the restaurant, noting the looks they were beginning to get, and replied, "We probably should. The patrons are beginning to look menacing."

Mira smirked and winked at Dale, "Okay then." Before he could ask what she was doing, she sparked her cheek pouches and unceremoniously hit the battlers with a mild Thunderbolt Attack. Once her Thunderbolt had finished, dead silence fell over the building. Sekani coughed, smoke puffing into the air comically, "What, the, Ho-oh, was that for?" he whispered almost fearfully.

Mira casually settled back down and munched calmly on a Pinon nut, "I just wanted to say that you should stop the fight. You might attract attention with all of your yelling."

Castor looked at her disbelievingly, "And frying us with a Thunderbolt wouldn't?"

Mira shrugged, "Hey, my mom always said; if you can't yell over 'em, fry 'em. Besides," she grinned wickedly, "Sekani's fur looks good in the electrified style." She turned her eyes to the table, fully aware that Leal and Ahanu were staring at her as if she'd grown another head. In all the time they'd been with her, she had never smiled openly or cracked a joke.

Cora was feeling herself all over, checking for injuries. Being a Water-type, she was especially cautious around electric attacks. Finding herself unharmed she looked up, saw Sekani, and burst out laughing. Every strand of the poor Aipom's fur was standing on end like tiny poles and looked cartoonishly brown.

Everyone else at the table looked at their companions and began laughing as well. Dale shot Mira a surprised look that said, 'did you know this would happen?' she simply smiled tightly at him, trying not to laugh herself. As Mira looked around at the laughing group all around her, she realized something. I haven't had this much fun in over a year ... not since Jack ... left.

The image the name conjured nearly ruined her mood, but instead of dwelling on it, she pushed it away and focused on the happy sound of Pokemon talking and joking around her. She laughed softly, maybe Castor could use an extra paw on his trip.

All too soon, the lunch ended and the seven of them filtered out of the restaurant. Castor looked suddenly depressed, "I guess this means goodbye..." he muttered sullenly. Mira nodded. With sad looks all around, Cora, Dale, Sekani and Castor bid goodbye to Mira and her party.

Mira watched them trek off towards the nearest general store to acquire more satchels and supplies. A pang stabbed her heart again as she faced the thought of walking away.

Ahanu and Leal looked utterly miserable, they had obviously gotten very attached to the other Pokemon in their short period together. She studied their faces out of the corner of her eye, I was incorrect earlier, they really can look more pathetic than before. I suppose since they insist on being under my command I should put out an effort to make them feel better.

Mira studied the town around them briefly, it was late afternoon and the streets were busy despite the heat. The types who live here are used to the heat. So they don't have to hide indoors. She led them in silence to a different general store, musing over an interesting thought that had entered her mind while acquiring new satchels and supplies.

When they stepped out once more into the hot sun, Mira had come to a decision. She turned to Leal, "Which way is the Dugtrio home den anyway?"

Leal looked up at the sun to gain his bearings and then pointed, "Well, since we are in Airmd Town, the collection of caves the Dugtrio live in would be that way."

Mira nodded thoughtfully, "If someone was traveling to say, Meiro Woods, then they would probably pass right by those caves correct?"

Leal was starting to smile hopefully, "Well, yes, I suppose so."

She rubbed a paw over her scar, "Hmm, I'm also very sure that I saw a Fearow gang when we first arrived. They always try to get travelers when they leave sight of Airmd Town, correct?"

Leal nodded eagerly, "Oh, yes. In fact, the mayor himself advised Pokemon on a Discovering to travel in as big a group as possible to help avoid confrontation with the gang."

Ahanu, who had been looking from one to the other in confusion, finally got what the whole conversation was hinting at, "Are you suggesting we travel with Castor's group for safety till we reach the Dugtrio caves?"

Mira rolled her eyes at his slow pickup, "Yes, Ahanu that is what I am suggesting. Unless of course you no longer want to be in Sekani's company..."

Ahanu hurriedly waved his arms, "No, no! I didn't mean that at all! But do you really mean it? We can travel with them?"

The Pikachu smirked to herself and took off running, "If we catch up!" Behind her, she clearly heard Ahanu whoop. For once, he didn't appear to mind running in the desert heat.

It took about two minutes of solid running to reach the edge of Airmd Town. In the distance, she could see the small dust cloud kicked up by Castor's group. Mira felt strangely happy at the sight, her body flooded with a sudden energy and she pulled ahead of Leal. As she rapidly approached, she spotted the brown fur of Dale. The Eevee was the first to hear her coming and turn around.

He stopped and with a cry, alerted his friends to her rapid advance. She skidded to a stop in front of them, kicking dust up at Sekani. Castor looked puzzled, "Mira, what are you doing here?"

She fought to keep a straight face and shrugged, "Well, I was originally planning to cross over to the Grasslands, but Mayor Skarmory told me that until the river returned to normal, all ferries were closed. Since Leal said that the only other way into the Grasslands is by crossing Ao Lake in Meiro Woods, we thought that maybe..."

Leal had caught up and hurriedly finished Mira's sentence, "We thought that we could all travel together until you reach the Dugtrio home den! That is, if you do not mind."

Castor's face burst into a huge smile, "Of course you can come! That would be great!" From his position several yards behind, Ahanu gave a breathless cheer. Mira glanced over her shoulder at the Wobbuffet, Really, he's out of breath already? Sekani whooped happily at the prospect of getting to 'hang out' with Ahanu again and hurried past her to dance around the panting blue Pokemon.

Mira watched the jig for a moment before calling sternly, "Hey, we should get going. Unless you are too busy performing Rain Dance?"

Sekani didn't seem to register her sarcasm, he just grinned even wider, "Well I don't know, this desert might need some more rain!"

Castor shook his head adamantly, "No, no more rain. We had enough of it last night, Sekani. Besides, you don't know Rain Dance." Sekani winked at Castor and happily marched beside Ahanu as the seven Pokemon set off down the road again.

As the road stretched on and Airmd Town became smaller and smaller behind them, Mira did her best to ignore the heat of the sun. To her inward surprise, while Leal conversed with Castor and Cora, Dale chose to walk silently next to her instead of joining the others in conversation. She studied him thoughtfully out of the corner of her vision.

He was fairly muscular for an Eevee, she could see the soft ripples under his fur every time he took a step that indicated a lot of hidden strength. His ears were slightly drooped in a relaxed but attentive position and he moved very well for a three-legged Pokemon. Her eyes drifted to his face, his huge brown eyes were flicking almost casually in different directions, observing everything around him with mild interest.

His mouth hung slightly open and he was panting softly from the heat. She couldn't help but notice that his fur, while still brownish, was much lighter than other Eevee's she had met. I wonder if he's a Shiny? Shiny was a term used for Pokemon with color differences from the norm of their clan, they were very rare and some legends said that it was a mark of an adventurous life or a special destiny. She had never personally believed the legends, but it was still interesting to meet a Shiny like say, Cora.

Dale swung his brown eyes to look at her, "Is there something troubling you?"

Mira shook her head and waved a paw absently, "No, no. I was simply wondering why you weren't joining in the others conversation instead of marching along beside me of all Pokemon. Leal and Ahanu can tell you that I'm not a very good option when it comes to friendly companionship."

Dale smile softly, "That's why I'm walking with you. You won't expect me to say anything for talking's sake. Anyway, Castor has two other Pokemon to chat with and Sekani is a little ... preoccupied."

Mira glanced over at Sekani, the Aipom was chatting animatedly with Ahanu. If the snatches of conversation she had unintentionally picked up were any hint, the two were planning to be Silver Wing Sentinels together ... or comedians, she couldn't tell which with all of the bragging laced through their chatter.

She turned her attention back to Dale, "Think your friend could convince Ahanu to stay with him forever and stop following me?"

Dale shrugged, "Not sure, I've only known him for a few weeks. Is Ahanu really that bad? He seemed rather pleasant to me."

Mira rolled her eyes, "You haven't been out on the trail with him long enough. He's a regular brass band when it comes to whining."

Dale frowned, "What is a brass band?" Mira inwardly scolded herself, Right, human thing. Better not do that again.

She shrugged, "It's nothing, just a really noisy piece of equipment where I come from. Jack and I-" she stopped the sentence short, cursing herself for saying that name out loud, "never mind, forget it."

Dale studied her brooding expression for a moment and then drooped his ears slightly, obviously believing that 'Jack' had been someone dear to her who had died. He wasn't far wrong, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that."

Mira shook her head silently, the pesky lump in her throat preventing her from saying anything. Dale was surprisingly tactful, he didn't pry or offer hollow comfort phrases like most Pokemon would have. Instead, he turned his eyes forward and after a few minutes began to hum softly.

Mira stared at him, What in the regions? Dale burst out singing in a soothing tenor;

My father always told me,

That life's a mystery,

And if I looked hard enough,

I'd find out what it means.

So travel, lad, I beg you,

Open up your eyes,

See the greatest wonders,

That stand under the skies!

The others had stopped talking and were listening to Dale sing. With a laugh, Sekani began clapping his paws together in time to the spunky beat.

So I traveled far and wide,

And many things I saw.

I saw the woods and mountains,

And met their Pokemon.

But when I asked the meaning,

Of what my father said,

They'd shrug and say, 'I don't know'

So I took off again!

Mira shook her head in amazement at how delighted the others seemed to be at hearing the old traveling ditty of Pokemon. With each passing verse another one of her companions joined in, clapping their paws in time to the song and some of them even singing along. Where am I? An island disconnected from the rest of the world or a kit school musical?

Despite her sarcastic thoughts, Mira found her tail slowly bobbing along with the beat as Dale, Cora, and Leal sang about the traveling lad and his journey to the desert, the grasslands, and all of the rivers in search of a Pokemon who could tell him the mystery of life.

A smile broke out across her face without her permission when Sekani began dancing ridiculously to the jig. And Ahanu thinks I have energy! Even I don't jig around at noon in the desert! As the song ended, Mira called a lunch break, leading her breathless and sweating companions to a nearby cluster of scrub.

They all sat down underneath the bushes, taking slight relief in the shade they provided. Castor arranged his tail so that it wouldn't set the bushes on fire and all of them opened their satchels. Mira carefully selected two Pecha Berry poffins from her bag and settled in to munch them. Sekani sniffed at her poffin and promptly made a gagging noise, "Yeck! How can you like that sweet stuff?"

Mira deadpanned at him, not deigning to give a verbal response to his rude comment. Ahanu however, remembering her battle with the Ryhorn, made a point of stuffing a Figy Berry poffin into his friend's mouth, "Here, try this one!" Sekani attempted to protest around the poffin but at Ahanu's pleading stare, sighed through his nose and chewed the poffin instead.

After a moment's chewing, Sekani's eyes bulged he spat it out and began squealing, "Spicy! Hot, hot, hot!" Mira chuckled as she watched Sekani gag and frantically beg for water. Cora promptly sprayed the screaming Aipom with WaterGun, thus quieting him.

After the initial taste bud revolt and subsequent soaking, Sekani settled down and actually enjoyed the Figy Berry poffins that Ahanu had packed. Mira rolled the taste of her Pecha Berry poffin on her tongue, savoring it's sweet cheerful flavor. Not bad, the baker in Airmd Town knew what he was doing. Everyone dug into their own packs, enjoying their poffins and comparing flavors. Sekani ended up dizzy from a sugar high after stealing one of Cora's berries which turned out to be extremely sweet.

While the others laughed at Sekani's sugar induced antics, Dale suddenly stiffened. He looked up, his ears pricking fully upright and his brown eyes searching the sky. Mira tensed and looked up as well, straining her ears to catch the sound that had alerted Dale. Dimly over the others' laughter, she heard flapping. A large shadow passed overhead, its long neck instantly marking its owner to be a Fearow. Of course ... wait until the victim is out of sight and earshot of any reinforcements, let them march undisturbed until they are tired and their guard is down. Then strike.

She stood up and called sharply, "Look sharp! Fearow gang incoming!" Her companions froze for a second before the import of her words fully registered, then they all scrambled to their feet, heads tilted towards the sky in anticipation. Sure enough, with menacing cries and powerful wing beats and large Fearow landed just outside scrub patch, followed by fifteen confident-looking Spearow.

Mira moved her eyes from opponent to opponent, the gang had surrounded them and was leering smugly. Well, they are either really confident in their skills, or really dumb. Probably both. Her eyes rested on the Fearow. He was a large, mostly brown colored avian Pokémon with a vulture-style neck and broad, powerful wings. His long, pointed, pink beak was curved slightly into a smile and the decorative red coxcomb on top of his head gleamed in the sun. Noticing Mira's stare, he returned it. The pupils in his narrow eyes growing even smaller than normal.

The shaggy feathers on the base of his neck and upper portion of his wings were fluffed to make him seem even bigger and his pinkish, sharp-clawed talons looked recently polished. He tapped one of the three front talons on his right foot, making a clicking sound against a nearby rock, "Well, well. What do we have hear? Pokemon on a Discovering perhaps? Seeking to learn new things and meet other Pokemon types?"

Mira felt her lips twitch and flattened her ears, trying to block out the nasally voice of the gang leader. Castor seemed to take it upon himself to answer, "Yes, yes we are and we don't want any trouble with you."

The Fearow laughed, "Hear that boys? No trouble, he says!" The other birds laughed, their voices even more shrill than their leader's. Mira glared at the Spearow. The very small brown birds were known for being vicious. Their rough, brown head plumage and short, hooked beaks seemed to attest to the personality trait. With small red wings designed for short, very fast bursts of flight and black sun absorbing back feathers, Mira had never met a Spearow who didn't like a fight.

Like Jack always said, they have a 'little bird' complex. They need to prove how tough they are at every opportunity. Mira spoke up, "If there is something you want, Airmd Town is not to far off back were we came from, I suggest you go there."

The Fearow turned its piercing gaze back to her, "Oh, and who are you, little mouse, to tell me to fly all the way to Airmd Town? Haven't you ever heard of generosity? You seven should be jumping at the chance to help out me and my hungry flock here." His smile turned menacing, "Because you know, they say bad luck happens to Pokemon who don't share. Sometimes they disappear into the desert, never to be seen again. We wouldn't want that to happen now would we?"

Leal looked outraged, "I know what you are insinuating, bird! How dare you try to intimidate us and threaten our party! Have you no honor at all? Begone with you, thieving cowards, before I teach you the true meaning of justice!" Ahanu whimpered and Castor looked ready to slap the outspoken Riolu. Mira saw the furious looks on the gangs' faces and knew that this wasn't going to end peacefully. Great, I wanted to crisp these guys anyway.

The Fearow snarled at them, "Fine, then we will take what we want the hard way!" With a jerk of his head, he signaled his gang and they rose into the air as one menacing, shrieking mass.

Mira allowed her lip to twist into a snarl and crouched low to the dirt, readying herself for the fight. Next to her, Castor growled in a low tone to Leal, "Nice work, Mister Escavalier! Now we have to fight them!"

Leal was bouncing lightly on his toes, his paws in an opening martial arts stance, as he retorted, "We would have fought them anyway! They are bullies and would not have listened to any logical or reason you told them!" Mira silently agreed with Leal as she locked eyes with the gang leader.

She smiled tightly at him, "So, what dance do you prefer tiny? Tango or Waltz?"

The Fearow, not having any clue what a Tango or a Waltz was, decided to focus on the 'tiny' insult and screamed, "Get them! Tear them apart! But leave the mouse to me!" The Spearow all shrieked loudly and dived at the party of grounded Pokemon.

Castor felt fear spark inside his soul as the Spearow dived, there were so many of them! He leaped to one side just in time to dodge a Spearow's Peck attack, sucking air into his lungs and spewing Embers at it in midair. The Spearow laughed and took to the skies again, evading his attack. Something hard and sharp struck his back, hard. Pain lanced up his spine and he crashed onto the ground with a cry.

The hard object hammered his back and head in rapid successions, cutting into his scales and threatening to do serious damage to his spine. Desperately, Castor flailed his tail back and forth, the flame on its tip colliding with something feathery. His attacker screamed shrilly and the hammering stopped. Castor rolled to his feet, adrenaline washing away the pain in his back, replacing it with rage as he spotted the smoking Spearow.

Heat built inside him and he lunged, extending his claws to their fullest. He attacked the Spearow with a roar, his claws slashed through the air to rake across the rearing bird's tiny chest. The Spearow's shrieks grew louder as it flapped frantically, trying to retreat from the flashing claws of its former victim. Castor felt a feral impulse surge inside him, he wouldn't let the Spearow get away! He snarled and leaped into the air, tackling the bird to the ground so he could continue to claw it. Another Spearow tackled him, attempting to protect its comrade.

Castor twisted in the air, rolling with the blow to land mostly unharmed on his feet. Without taking the time to locate his new foe, he spun on his toes in a tight spin, using his tail flame to send out a burning salvo of embers in every direction. He stopped spinning and hunched his shoulders, eyes darting from side to side in search of his opponent. His Ember attack had damaged several Spearow and the one he had scratched lay unconscious on the ground.

An electric crackle filled the air and Spearow screamed in terrified pain. The smell of burnt feathers was becoming prevalent in the air. Castor spotted Dale, the Eevee was fighting bravely against four Spearow but it was evident that the three-legged Normal-type was losing. One of his ears was ripped and he was getting assaulted with Peck attack after Peck attack.

Castor charged, "Leave him alone!" Two of the Spearow turned at the sound of his voice and shrank back in terror at the horrific look of rage on his face. The heat in his chest was becoming unbearable, he felt like he was going to explode. One of the Spearow who hadn't noticed him yet raked its talons across Dale's back causing him to cry in pain.

Castor felt the anger and heat in his chest reach a crescendo as the cry reached his ears. He opened his jaws as wide as they would go and bellowed, "I said, leave him alone!" At the last word, the heat came boiling out in a steady stream of scorching hot fire.

The Spearow gave indescribable noises of pain and surprise as the flame slammed into them. They immediately gave up the attack in favor of rolling and flapping on the ground in anguished attempts to douse the fire on their feathers. Dale looked up, his eyes watering with pain but still gleaming with pride, "Castor! You just used Flamethrower!"

Castor paused in surprise, "I guess I did..." Sekani's panicked yell claimed both of their attention. Together, Dale and Castor bounded towards where the Aipom was scratching like a maniac at a higher level Spearow. Ahanu was standing at his back, using Counter to hold off another Spearow's Drill Peck attack. Dale lowered his head and charged Sekani's opponent from behind, slamming his shoulder into its back and driving it to the ground.

Castor barreled towards Ahanu, "Duck, Ahanu!" The Wobbuffet obediently ducked his head just in time for Castor's second flamethrower to pass harmlessly over him and collide with the drilling Spearow beyond.

Ahanu bobbed his head back up as the Spearow flapped away in panic, "Whoa! I thought Sekani said you didn't know Flamethrower!"

Castor came to a stop next to the Wobbuffet and the four Pokemon automatically slipped into a four pointed 'star' formation, each one facing a different direction in case the next attack came from there. Castor answered, his voice sounding strangely casual, "I didn't, I just learned it about ten seconds ago."

Dale called, "Incoming!" Some of the Spearows, having seen their comrades defeat at the paws of Mira and deciding she wasn't worth the risk to attack, were diving at them. Castor flamed at them, spewing a steady stream of fire into the air. Several broke away sharply, not wanting to get burned, but one Spearow appeared to be more experienced than the others and evaded the Flamethrower. It continued its dive towards them.

Dale suddenly lunged into the air and collided with the Spearow chest-to-shoulder. As the Spearow reared its head back in reaction to the impact, Dale reached up and clamped his sharp little teeth into the birds neck feathers. It squawked and flapped until the air hummed around its wings, but, unable to bear both its and Dale's weight, crashed to ground.

Sekani bounded over and slapped its face repeatedly with his paw until is passed out. Looking pleased with himself, Sekani pumped a fist in the air, "Yes! Aipom and Eevee one, Spearow zero!"

Another electric attack split the air. Spearow were beginning to retreat in fear of the powerful Thunderbolts. They had come expecting an easy robbery, not a bird roasting. Looking to his left Castor saw Cora spewing WaterGun and the airborne Spearow, soaking some of the less attentive ones.

Leal stood next to her glaring up at the birds, daring them to come close enough for his physical attacks despite the danger they represented because of his type. Castor hurried over to them, followed by Ahanu and Sekani. Sekani, spotting Dale limping in another direction, called, "Wait! Where are you going, Dale?"

Castor turned and saw Dale smile weakly, "To watch the real fight." Castor followed Dale's line of sight and blinked in surprise. Mira Pikachu stood in the shadow of the Fearow, the two Pokemon were trying to stare the other down.

Mira was smiling, not the tight or honest smiles that Castor had glimpsed before. This smile was cruel, bitter, terrifying somehow. As if the previous Thunderbolts had simply been her warm ups and now the Fearow was going to be victim of her full power.

Castor stood next to Dale, watching wide-eyed. Mira called up to the Fearow that was hovering just out of Thunderbolt range, "It's different isn't it? Going up against Pokemon who aren't afraid to hold back? I would have thought that you'd have trained your Spearow better."

The Fearow glared hatefully at her, "What would you know of training Electric-type? All you buzz heads ever think about is how 'wonderful' your attacks are against Flying-types! You cheat!"

Mira snorted, "So you attack seven peaceful Pokemon with fifteen Spearow while you watch on and I'm the one who cheats? You bullies are all the same, you refuse to take responsibility for your actions and blame others for your sloppy technique!" She pointed a claw at him, "Well guess what tough guy? Moves like Swagger and Mean Look don't work on real battlers! If you want to take our stuff your going to have to come down here and get your talons dirty!"

She cocked her head to one side almost coyly, "But you know what? I don't think you will, I think that you're going to turn tail and fly away because you know that against an actual trained Pokemon, you wouldn't last twenty seconds! You won't come down here because you're a coward just like Leal said!"

The Fearow threw his beak towards the sky and shrieked loud enough to make Castor cover his ear holes in pain. The huge bird beat its wings together, screaming at the top of his lungs, "How is this for sloppy technique?" His wings snapped open wide and a triangle of energy formed, drawing a glowing line between each wingtip and his upturned beak before solidifying into a triangular wall.

Castor felt his stomach flop, Tri Attack! "Mira look out!" Everything moved into slow motion, he saw Mira's eyes widen in shock and her muscles tense in a desperate attempt to leap out of the way. He saw the Fearow clap his wings together and snap his long neck towards his wingtips simultaneously, launching the Tri Attack at Mira. He saw Mira leap to one side in hopes of dodging it, but the triangle destructive energy tracked her movements, following and gaining on the fleeing Pikachu.

Castor squeezed his eyes shut, not wanting to see the inevitable collision that Mira was now bracing for. He did, however, feel something go rushing past him and heard a yell of distress from the others. He forced his eyes open and what he saw knocked the air from his lungs. Ahanu was standing between Mira and the Tri Attack, shaking under the strain as he used Counter.

The triangle of energy abruptly dissipated, Ahanu's Counter had not been strong enough to knock it back onto the Fearow, but it had been just strong enough to obliterate it. With the strain of holding back the powerful Tri Attack suddenly gone, the Wobbuffet fell backwards with a weak cry. Castor's heart went into his mouth, Oh no! The attack didn't dissipate, Ahanu absorbed it! Sekani wailed and Leal had to hold the Aipom back, "Ahanu!"

Mira looked up from where she had braced for impact and stared at the unconscious and heavily damaged Ahanu. She gingerly brushed his blue cheek with her paw and seemed to be struggling not to cry out. Castor saw her lips tighten into a thin line and her jade colored eyes gleam dangerously.

She looked up at the smugly smirking Fearow and hissed out two words as if they were poison, "My turn." Her entire body began to glow and she was shaking violently. The Fearow's triumph turned to fear and with a strangled noise he turned to fly away as his Spearows had already done.

Dale shouted, "Everyone! Cover your eyes!" Castor squeezed his eyes shut again and slapped his paws over them just in time to protect them from the bright flash of energy. The Fearow, unable to shield his eyes, screamed and flapped crazily, going first one way then the other as he tried to regain his sight. Even though his eyes had been closed and covered, Castor was still seeing spots and having trouble focusing when he opened them.

But Mira wasn't done yet. She barreled towards the Fearow, electricity surrounding her tail tip in crackling, snapping blue waves that swirled tighter and tighter together with each bounding step she took. She shouted as she charged, drawing out the syllables, "Pika!" She lunged into the air, twisting horizontally to build momentum. She released the now large ball of electricity at the Fearow with a yell, "Chu!"

The blue orb shot through the air, leaving a snapping energy trail in its wake. The Fearow, hearing the noise, turned in the air, his eyes wide and defocused. The orb collided with his feathery chest and instantly exploded, coating his entire body in hissing, biting, electric power. He screamed hoarsely and froze in the air, his muscles visibly shaking and spasming. The energy faded and he crashed to ground limply.

Silence fell over the desert, the only sounds being the soft thump as Mira landed and the wheezing rasp of the Fearow. Castor stared in shock, unable to even form a cohesive thought about what he had just witnessed. Mira didn't even deign to look at the Fearow, she turned away from him and ran back to Ahanu.

Dale ran to Ahanu, trying to fight off the sick feeling in his stomach as he passed the wheezing Fearow. It's amazing that bird is even alive after that attack... He gently nudged Ahanu with his nose. When that failed to spark a reaction, he turned to the silent Mira, "Help me get his mouth open, I have some medicine in my satchel."

Mira nodded and worked on prying the Wobbuffet's mouth open while Dale hurriedly rummaged through his satchel in search of a berry that would heal Ahanu. The other Pokemon snapped out of their daze, Cora looked over at the Fearow, "We should help him, we can't just let him die."

Mira barely glanced at Cora as she held Ahanu's mouth open for Dale to gently place an Oran Berry inside, "Let the Spearow take care of him."

Leal shook his head and reached into his satchel for a berry, "I agree with Cora, we cannot leave a helpless Pokemon to die. Even if he is a brigand and bully." Mira didn't appear to pay them any attention, she kept her eyes on Ahanu.

Dale dropped the Oran Berry into Ahanu's mouth, "Okay, let his mouth close." After the Wobbuffet's mouth closed, there was a long pause.

Ahanu opened his eyes slowly and moaned, "Where am I? Did I die?"

Sekani whooped and hugged him, "You're alive! You're alive! Oh, man you had me worried for a minute! You missed the best beat down ever! Mira took out that Fearow like it was a ... a newly hatched Pidgey or something! She was so ticked that you got hurt, I told you that she liked you!"

Dale smiled at Ahanu's blush, "Don't pay any attention to him, he's just babbling because he's happy you're okay." Another groan sounded close by and everyone whirled.

Leal and Cora were backing away from the Fearow as it stumbled to its feet. Dale sensed Mira tense and could practically taste the hatred rolling off of her. The Fearow wobbled a little bit before steadying himself. He looked down at Leal and Cora in complete confusion, "Why, why did you do that? Why didn't you just let me die?"

Leal bravely tilted his chin upward, "Because no matter what you choose to do with your life, you are still a Pokemon. Therefore, I cannot, in good conscience let you perish from your wounds when I have the means to help."

The Fearow studied him for a moment before suddenly flapping off, "Whatever! Just don't expect me to go easy on you next time we meet!" Dale watched the bird fly into the distance and shook his head silently. Some Pokemon just never learn.

Dale gently helped Ahanu to stand, "Are you feel better? Do you need another Oran Berry?"

Ahanu smiled weakly, "If you don't mind, I'd rather get away from here before taking another berry. It reeks of burnt feathers." Dale nodded, suddenly noticing just how correct Ahanu was. The air was practically swimming in the stink of burnt feathers and several unconscious Spearow lay here and there on the ground.

Leal insisted on helping the Spearow before they left, giving each bird half of an Oran Berry to restore their energy. Most of the Spearow reacted very similar to their leader, huffing and flying off with threats of retribution. One Spearow however, stared angrily at the ground and didn't fly away immediately.

Dale cocked his head to one side, studying the female bird, "Your friends have all flown off." He pointed out calmly. She nodded curtly but still didn't move.

Castor eyed her suspiciously, "What are you waiting for?"

She looked up, "I am impressed by you, you stand by each other and you show mercy when others would give none ... if you ever need a wing, call me." Before any of them could say anything else, she flew off into the sky.

Cora looked surprised a she watched the tiny bird fly off, "Well, didn't see that one coming, I guess not all of those Spearow are as bone headed as they seem."

Castor coughed a few times, "Yeah, I guess. Let's get out of here and go somewhere where we can breathe again." The other Pokemon silently agreed, the air was to smoky and hot. As they continued on their chosen path, Dale looked over at Mira. He had never seen an Electric-type who used such powerful attacks. She really does care about Ahanu, when he was hurt, she looked ... outraged. Murderous even, and even though Ahanu's all right, she's still brooding.

Dale had heard of Pokemon who tried to shun the world after a bad experience, such as losing a good friend or family member. He remembered how she had mentioned someone named Jack and then had stopped abruptly. I wonder if Jack was a family member. She obviously cared deeply for him ... maybe he was arranged to be her mate before he died.

This thought distressed Dale, most Pokemon took mates for life and were so loyal that if one of them died, the remaining one would never remarry. They would instead enter a form of eternal mourning, often forgoing the company of others in favor of wandering the island for the rest of their lives, alone. That would explain her aloofness ... maybe she got her scar in the fight that took Jack.

Inwardly, Dale felt extreme sympathy for Mira. He had met a wandering Pokemon who had lost his mate once. The Pokemon had been polite and helpful enough, but even at his young age, Dale had understood that there was something deeply sad about him. Like he had lost a very important part of himself and was still looking for it.

Mira sensed his prolonged glance and glared at him. But the glare had no real malice, her deep jade eyes looked vaguely empty. Dale wanted desperately to comfort her somehow, no Pokemon should live without friends after all. Before he could think of anything to say or do, Castor spoke up, "I think this is far enough, let's rest here for now."

Ahanu sighed and flopped happily on the dirt, glad for the chance to rest after the fight. Dale made a move to sit next to Mira, but Cora stepped in front of him, "Hey, Dale, are you all right? You ear is in nasty shape." Dale blinked, he had noticed a throbbing in his ear, but hadn't assumed it was anything more than a scratch.

He gently felt his right ear with a paw and winced, he could feel a large notch missing from it near the top, "Ouch, I guess I didn't notice it Cora. It will be fine, don't worry."

Cora shook her head, "Oh, no you don't mister. You sit down with me and let me treat that. You have enough missing limbs as it is!" Even though he protested, Cora insisted on sitting him down and cleaning the cut and rubbing a special, and unpleasant smelling, balm on it to keep it from getting infected.

By the time she had finished with him and moved on to Castor, who's back was fairly well pecked, Mira had moved a good distance from the rest of group. Dale hesitantly made his way towards her, ignoring the almost comical sound of Castor fleeing from the same infamous balm that was smeared on Dale's ear.

He was almost halfway there when Leal got in his way, "Leave her alone, friend Dale. I believe that it is, as they say, a private moment."

Dale looked at Leal, "But I'm worried about her."

Leal shook his head, "I know, so am I. But in the short period of time I have known her, I learned that her thoughts, and her past, are sacred secrets unless she chooses to make them known." He smiled faintly, "I believe that we would help her more if we simply left her alone. If she needs someone to talk too, there are six Pokemon other than her no more then ten yards away."

Dale looked past Leal to were Mira was perched on her hind legs on a small rock, watching the horizon intently. He sighed and his shoulders drooped, "I suppose you're right."

Leal nodded and his smile grew a touch wider, "Good, now let us go watch Cora administer 'the balm' to Sekani!"

Dale heard a high pitched wail behind him and couldn't help but laugh, "Okay, but if she turns on you next, don't look to me for help."

Mira sat on the rock, listening to playful chaos reigning behind her as Cora attempted to treat her friends with a famous, or infamous depending on who you asked, Water-type specialty balm. The general store she got it from must have imported it... Mira watched the sun sink gradually lower in the sky. If her estimation were correct, it was almost four o'clock human time.

This looks just like the day Jack and I fought those twin girls from the Orange Islands. Mira swallowed hard. She hadn't meant to lose her temper at the Fearow, she knew that what she had done was nothing short of vindictive overkill. Which nearly became an actual kill. If Leal and Cora hadn't had such strong consciences, I would have been perfectly fine with letting that bird die.

Her ears drooped even lower on her head, I just ... after Ahanu took that attack for me... Her mind reverted back to that moment, she could still see it in vivid detail, and probably would for the rest of her life. She had realized that she couldn't dodge the Tri Attack and had braced herself, hoping that the pain and damage the attack would cause her wouldn't knock her out.

Then Ahanu had come out of no where and taken the blow instead. The others might have been simply concerned for his safety, but Mira had inwardly been devastated. If he hadn't used Counter, there is good chance he would have died. Wobbuffets are tough creatures, but Ahanu ... his level of experience is much too low to be on a journey like this. Much too low to try and deflect an attack that powerful.

One of her paws clenched silently into a fist, and if he had died, it would have been my fault. My fault for needing his rescue, my fault for not believing that the Fearow might have had a powerful attack like that one. Her eyes narrowed as she glared into the distance, I've got to work harder, that can't happen again.

A tiny voice spoke up in her head, you could always leave, it whispered coaxingly, just like how you wanted to in Onidrill Village. They're too busy playing together right now, no one would notice if you vanished into the desert. Ahanu risked his life to save yours, that clears his life-debt, doesn't it? So run away.

Mira peeked over her shoulder, the others were indeed playing. Everyone was laughing and bragging about their part in the recent fight. This was probably their first actual battle ... She suddenly realized that someone was staring back at her. Dale Eevee stood there, no more then ten yards away.

She spun to face him fully, cursing herself internally for not having sensed his approach. Mira summoned her best narrowed eyed glare, "Shouldn't you be bragging with the others?"

Dale crossed the rest of the distance between them and sat down, "You were thinking of leaving." His voice made it clear that he wasn't asking a question, he knew.

Mira turned back to watching the horizon, she didn't respond. Dale continued tentatively, "It's okay you know. Ahanu is fine, no one was seriously hurt. There is no reason to blame yourself."

She felt her lip twitch slightly, "Are you sure that you aren't an Espeon in disguise?"

Dale looked confused, "Espeon? Is that a Psychic-type? I don't think so. But, you are trying to change the subject. I could tell by those attacks you used, you're a very high level Pokemon. It's easy to deduce from there that your angry with yourself over what you see as a sloppy mistake that nearly cost someone else."

Mira hid her surprise, he's very observant ... even if he doesn't know about Espeons. Yet another thing that is strange about this place. She sighed softly and her shoulders slumped, "I shouldn't have provoked him and not expected an attack. I knew better."

She could see Dale watching her out of the corner of her eye. Dale said, "Everyone makes mistakes, no matter what their level is. It was Ahanu's choice to leap in front of you, it isn't like you called to him for help of anything."

Mira shook her head, "That doesn't change the fact that it was my actions that lead him to make that choice." She left the thought, I'm too high a level to be so irresponsible, unsaid. Instead she stated, "What Ahanu did repays his life debt and Leal has more then proved his honor. There is nothing that would keep me here."

Besides, they'll probably be safer without me attracting trouble for them. A heavy silence fell over the two, Mira studied the landscape, her mind set on leaving.

Dale inched a touch closer to her, "Please," he whispered softly, "don't leave."

Mira looked over at him, mildly surprised at his plea, "Why would I stay?"

Dale searched the ground as if it had answers. Finally, he said, "You're worried about being too high of a level for the rest of us, right? Worried about attracting similar level Pokemon that we wouldn't be able to handle?" He looked up confidently, "So why don't you train us instead?"

Mira stared at him blankly, hardly believing what he just said, "What?"

He smiled, "You could train us! I'm sure Castor would love to learn that move you used to take down the tree." Dale hesitated and then said a touch more timidly, "Also ... if you don't mind. I'd like you to become my tutor."

Mira saw the sincerity in his eyes, he honestly wanted her around to teach him what she knew, "Teach you what? New attacks? You're a Normal-type, the most I'd be able to teach you would be something like Double Team."

Dale shook his head, "Not attacks, how to move without burning off extra energy. Your body, no offense, does not scream 'physically fit and ready to run a mile in desert heat' yet you can do that and gain enough speed to practically outrun a river."

He looked at her hopefully, "Maybe you could teach me how to do that. I've spent a lot of time training, trying to get as good as ... other Eevees. But with my leg," he sighed and turned his eyes to the ground again, "I just can't do it."

As Mira listened to Dale talk, she found herself unwillingly seeing something in him. Something of herself. Almost before she consciously registered it, she had gently placed a paw on his shoulder, "No, you can't. You would never be able to go toe to toe with another Eevee who has all four legs, you would never be able to run as hard or as long. But," she smiled tightly, "you can still knock 'em ... knock them out of the field. All it takes is strategy, dedication, and a lot of hard training."

Dale locked eyes with her, "So you'll train me?"

Mira cocked her head to one side and pricked an ear comically, "You do know that with those big brown eyes you could talk Gyarados into becoming a pacifist. How can I refuse?" She grew serious for a moment, "But if you really want my help, then be prepared for me to make you do things that you don't believe you can do. I'll train you like I was trained."

Only without a couple of the more ... harsh things that my training had me do. Dale positively beamed, "I promise! What do we do first?"

Mira smirked and climbed down from the rock, "First? We get something to eat, our lunch was interrupted if you recall, and I am hungry." Dale actually laughed as he followed her back to the other Pokemon.

He trotted next to her, "One last thing, are you going to train the others?"

Mira shrugged, "If they ask, maybe. Now let's get some poffins before Ahanu and Sekani eat them all." Dlae laughed again when he spotted what had prompted her statement. Sekani had goaded Ahanu into an eating contest and they were currently wolfing poffins as fast as they could while avoiding the angry paws Castor, Cora, and Leal.

Cora yelled at them "Come on you guys! We have limited supplies! You two can't have a 'who can ingest the most gross amount of food' contest! Give those satchels back!"

Sekani yelled back through a mouthful of food something almost intelligible that she assumed meant, "Nuh, uh! An' if you guys attack us, you'll just ruin the satchels and the food. So, back off! This stuff is all mine, mine, min-whoop!" Mira had blazed past him, grabbing the satchel from his tail-hand faster then he could react. She would have laughed at the look on his face if the satchel strap hadn't been clamped firmly in her mouth.

The surprised yelp from Ahanu told her that Dale had followed her lead and snatched the stolen bags from the Wobbuffet's rubbery arms. She bounded behind Castor and dropped the pack, turning gleefully to watch the fun as Leal wrought 'vengeance' on Sekani for 'being an evil influence on Ahanu's impressionable mind' while Castor and Cora simply laughed at the Aipom's overdramatic cries for help.

Mira rolled her eyes, "An overdramatic coward and an over eloquent knight. Those two deserve each other, I swear." Leal was currently chasing the agile Sekani, yelling in outrage that the little scoundrel should 'face his fate like a Pokemon'.

Ahanu leaned over to Dale, "Shouldn't we break it up?"

Dale shrugged, "I don't really think so. After all that food you two hogged, Sekani must have a lot of energy to burn off. Maybe you should join them." Mira chuckled along with the other three, fully enjoying Ahanu's uncomfortable response and the show Sekani and Leal were unintentionally putting on.

After allowing Leal to pursue Sekani for several more minutes and noting how low the sun was, Mira called a halt and suggested that they find somewhere to stay the night. Leal was still a little bit peeved at Sekani, but his honor dictated that he obey Mira's order to leave him alone.

Castor looked around, "There isn't any good cover for miles, were would you suggest we camp?" Mira swept her eyes all around, she loathed the thought of going to sleep without some kind of protection from the wind or prowling nocturnal Pokemon. However, just as Castor had observed, there wasn't any good natural cover for miles aside from the occasional scrub and rocks.

Mira glanced at them, "Anyone here know Earthquake?"

They all shook their heads and gave her weird looks. Didn't think so. Mira looked around again, "How about Dig?" They shook their heads again. She huffed softly, "Well, that makes things more difficult. I suppose we'll have to settle for the lea of rock or something."

Dale shrugged, "Maybe we should try walking a little farther, maybe we'll find something." They took Dale's suggestion and kept hiking, Mira and Dale snacking on a few poffins, until the sun had set and the stars had come out.

Sekani yawned, "Can we stop yet? I'm tired!" Ahanu mumbled in sleepily in agreement. Mira looked over her shoulder from were she had been lighting the way with her cheek pouches.

The others looked fairly exhausted in the light of her electricity and Castor's tail-flame. Mira nodded and veered her course, "Okay, let's stop in the bushes over there."

As Mira watched the others settle down, Dale looked over at her, "Aren't you going to sleep?"

She shook her head, "Not yet. Rule number one of traveling, always have someone on watch while the others sleep. I'll take the first turn, Castor, will you take second watch when I come get you?"

Castor blinked and nodded slowly, "Uh, okay."

Dale raised a paw, "I'll take third watch if you like."

Mira nodded at him, "Sounds good, Dale. Now, all of you need to get some sleep."

Sekani looked up from where he was sprawled on top of Ahanu, "One question. Since when did you become the leader of our group?"

Cora weakly smacked Sekani on the ear, "Because she has the most experience, thats 'since when' you goof! Now shut up, go to sleep, and if you snore I swear I'll use WaterGun on you." Sekani squeaked and made a huge show of curling up and breathing silently. Cora rolled her eyes, "Good night everyone. Call me if I need to take a watch." She retracted into her shell and fell silent.

One by one the other Pokemon curled up in a tight group and fell asleep. Dale was the last one to drift off, his big brown eyes on Mira until his eyes slid shut and his breathing evened out so that she knew he had truly fallen asleep. Mira turned away from her new companions and looked up at the moon.

Just like every night, she stared right at the moon and whispered softly, "Goodnight Jack, I hope you're enjoying the path you chose to walk." She studied the moon for a few more seconds before turning her gaze alertly to the surrounding desert. Because I'm not too sure about the one I'm walking.