In the autumn, leaves were falling,
When I found a sight appalling,
Sight an Absol trodding closely, and I feared what it would bring,
Through the market I was walking,
Shiv'ring at its steady stalking,
Stalking close, and then I realized it was here the day before,
It would be there many more.
-Excerpt from Absolute and Nevermore by BunnyWings
Keldeo the Critic
Season 4 Episode 20- A Dark Night by DDD-DarkDarkDark
tinyurl: gva82f3
"It's me! Keldeo the Critic! I review it so you don't have to. And this time, I'm gonna review a GOOD story for Absol Month!" Keldeo cheered.
Keldeo composed himself and said, "But first, we need to address a few things. First, to follow the whole disaster theme we've go going here, it being Absol Month, let's talk about dead fanfics. Dead fanfics are stories that have a 99% chance of never being finished. These are the fanfics where you've read up to the most recent chapter and you wanna see what happens next, then you see that the most recent update was 3 years ago."
WAH-WAH-WAH-WAAAAAAAAH!
Keldeo smiled a goofy smile and shrugged in an exaggerated manner.
Keldeo then became serious and said, "Yeah, yeah, that's a disaster more often than not. But the second thing I want to address is. . . well. . . sometimes a fanfic being dead may be a good thing. Case in point: A Dark Night by DDD-DarkDarkDark."
A Dark Night
By: DDD-DarkDarkDark
An Absol saves a girl and forms a close bond with her. They go through a lot together, but what happens when a worldwide phenomenon forces them to face new challenges they never thought possible? AbsolxOC HumanxPokemon Please READ & REVIEW
Rated: Fiction T - English - Romance/Supernatural - Absol - Chapters: 5 - Words: 8,737 - Reviews: 23 - Favs: 20 - Follows: 28 - Updated: Jun 30, 2014 - Published: Jul 10, 2013 - id: 9479211
Keldeo sighed and called out over his shoulder, "Yeah, I know you're there!"
The Shinny Donphan frowned at Keldeo, staring grumpily at him.
"Victini, can you show our friend the way out of here?" Keldeo called out.
Victini flew over to the Donphan and said, "Sure thing, Keldeo! Now, sir, let's discuss our feelings on Water-types. . ."
As Victini led the Donphan away, Keldeo continued, "So yeah, technically this is a kind of a. . . you know what story. Although, technically there's some kind of transformation thing going on. Whether the Absol turns completely into a human or if he just turns into some kind of weird anthro, I'm not sure." Keldeo grinned and said, "But here's the thing. The story stops before we get into the actual transformation thing, or even before we actually see any romance. What we do see is a completely normal and healthy friendship between a human and a Pokemon. It actually kinda reminds me of Kevin and Buizel, Jordan and Ryan, Jack Storm and Lucy, or even Matthais' own Jayron and Krystal. So, with that in mind, I'd say that this fanfic is better off dead. So, let's jump right into A Dark Night."
"So, our story begins in Chapter I: A Dark Night, with an Absol rushing to a disaster he's sensing."
A tingling sensation creeps through my fur; something I can't explain.
A feeling of longing and desire and just pure, instinctual protectiveness flourishes in my mind; something I can't explain.
I need to go now. I need to be where I need to be… It's something I just can't explain.
"That's very interesting," Keldeo remarked, "Technically, it's the Absol's horn that senses disasters, but here there seems to be a larger emphasis on his fur. Well, anyway, we then change to the point of the human girl. We know this because the author writes the Absol's point of view in italics. Nice job DDD."
I can't help but walk a little faster tonight. Not only was it much colder than usual, but it was much later than usual. It was my first night closing at work tonight.
Bubsy: "What could possibly go wrong?!"
Okay… Admittedly, it is a little spooky to walk around the city this late at night. Sure, there's cars passing every now and then, and the street lights keep me from being completely blind, but it's just so… empty…?
I gave up on my shortcuts through the alleyways just to avoid any possibility of getting into trouble. I offered one glance into the alley that saved me three blocks of a walk, only to see some Houndour scouring through the trash. Nope. Looks like I'm walking the long way around tonight.
The name's Amy. I'm fifteen and got my first job only two weeks ago. I got to learn the ropes pretty quick (working fulltime and all). The job pays well and they gave me two weeks before making me close the place, so I guess I'm okay with it.
My parents have always been on my case about getting a job… Now look where that got me. I heard one of the pokémon howl from the alley I saw. Pfft. I couldn't help but laugh at the situation my parents put me in.
"Hey, with Walmart closing all those stores, you should consider yourself lucky to have a job at all!" Keldeo warned.
The sensation is growing stronger. Time is running out.
I will find you. I promise!
I refuse to let you down, Stranger.
Keldeo looked excited, "Oh man, the suspense is killing me! What's gonna happen to our realistic, likable human protagonist?"
I turned the next corner, expecting to see the bus stop down the long path. That's when I saw a dark figure staring straight at me.
"So Amy ends up running right into the Absol, but she ends up getting scared by it and runs away."
You must stop! Please!
My sixth sense was causing me to go numb as I pinned the girl to the ground, feeling relief as the sense released me for just a moment.
If you run… If you run, I think you will die! Not by me!
There was not a doubt in my mind… This girl's fate was determined to kill her one way or another.
"Whoa! You really throw yourself into your work, don't you?" Keldeo said with a grin.
A rimshot can be heard as the shot cuts to show the other pups staring at him in disapproval.
Marshall: "Uh, next time, I'll spare you the wipeout."
Another rimshot is heard. The pups continue to stare, unimpressed with his puns.
Marshall: "{Defeated} Okay, okay, let's go."
"He also seems to kinda stink at his job because Amy somehow gets away from him and run into the path of a bus."
"Help!" I yelled as it pressed more weight onto my back. I saw lights turning on in the apartments above. Someone's coming. But maybe it will be too late. I pushed with all my might and managed to roll the Pokémon off my back.
It quickly bit down onto the strap of my bag, which I let roll off my shoulder without hesitation.
I took off. Yes! I'm gunna make it! I ran out of the alley and across the street. I looked back to see if the Pokémon caught up, but my eyes landed on the blinding light.
A horn echoed throughout the city. It was so loud, I could feel it in my bones. It was a bus horn. I had enough time to look, and just stare at the bus that was throttling towards me.
It's funny how time seems to slow like this. You can't move, but you are able to register everything that happens in moments like this. I felt my scarf come loose.
It is such a weird thing for me to notice right now. I'm about to get hit by a bus, and I'm paying attention to the cool, evening air flow across my neck. It was a strangely welcome cold.
No, my life isn't flashing before my eyes. My mind was thankfully pre-occupied with simple things, still trying to escape.
I closed my eyes in defeat. I guess it's over.
I felt the cold air become warm from the headlights and then a painful sensation hit my hip.
The moment was a blur. I heard voices yelling while I simply stared at the white light above me. My vision came back into focus as I found myself staring into the bright streetlight.
"I- I'm alive…" I tried to lift my hand up to my face as if to check, but felt something heavy pinning my arm to my side.
I sat up, feeling a dull ache in my side. I lifted my head and found the white Pokémon laying on my chest, breathing awkwardly and softly. Before the fear could even register, I saw its twisted back legs. "Absol…" it groaned and huffed out.
Blood seeped from it's legs onto my pants but I didn't pay any mind to it. "You… You saved me…" I stared at the Pokémon in complete shock.
The only response I received was a slow turn of the head, and it stared into my eyes. Those eyes… I remember now… Absol. They said you have a special sense… it was all over the news when I was a kid.
I sat up further. There were people all around us, whispering.
"It saved her…"
"It pushed her out of the way…"
"Did someone call for an ambulance?"
"It's on the way."
"And here we have a good example how how suspension of disbelief is connected to the quality of the story," Keldeo said, "We all know that an Absol couldn't predict someone getting hit by a bus because that's not a natural disaster. But, since this story is expertly written with good characters, great characterization, good setting, and amazing details, we can accept in. Now, in a bad fanfic like Visions, an Absol predicting something stupid like Team Rocket mowing people down with machine is just another stupid thing to complain about."
Keldeo took a deep breath and smiled, "But I digress! Back to this expertly written, detail rich story!"
Emotions brewed in my head.
I don't know what it was… tears filled my eyes as I looked back down to the Absol. It only stared into my eyes.
I wrapped my arms around its neck as it whimpered in pain. "I'm- I'm so sorry." I sobbed. "I didn't know." I pet the white fur on it's head and pushed my head into its white mane, crying into it.
"Forgive me, please." I whimpered back to it.
I felt it turn its head towards me. If you want to bite me, do it. I deserve it. I screamed in my head as tears streamed down my face.
I stared at it, as it slowly brought it's face to mine, and licked the tears away.
It stopped and looked at me once again and softly purred, "Absol…".
I simply hugged him around the white, furry mane as his eyes fell into the back of his head.
"Well, yeah, this is sweet and all, but wasn't the reason Amy almost got hit by the bus because the Absol scared her?" Keldeo asked in confusion, "But I guess he did sense that something was going to happen, so I suppose something would have still happened if he hadn't come there. Gosh, I wouldn't expect an Absol of all creatures to be trapped by a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy!"
"So in Chapter II: Worry and Despair, the wounded Absol is brought in for medical care at a Pokemon Center, which also gives him time to think about the details of the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy he brought upon himself."
The image of her sad face engraved itself in my mind. Such a wonderful… yet terrible thing to have to watch as I wait to come back up… I heard the voices.
I can hear people. What are they saying…?
"Make sure he stays under throughout the-…"
Throughout what?
"-You need to… … Miss, you need to wait out-…"
I examined the sad face of the girl. Her brown eyes are filled with tears.
Why is such an innocent person so sad…? I looked at the image longer. She was crying. Hovering over me…
Her hair fell from the sides of her head, almost touching my mane.
Do not worry about me, stranger. It is what I do… It is what I must do.
Even if I was biased against you… my nature is to help those whose fate is ill. Please do not cry.
The image remained.
It made my mind stir with emotions. Please… Just don't worry about me…
"Well, he's devoted to his job, I'll give him that. Another reason why I like Absols," Keldeo said with approval.
A Pokémon saved my life- Was the only thought I could use to fight the overwhelming realization.
The doctors said I was lucky. 'Not many people have a fate that an Absol could- or would- bother to interfere with.'
Mom might be here soon. I glanced to the door that led to the operating room. If you can hear me, I worded in my head (thinking the Absol might pick up on my thoughts and whereabouts), I will be back in a bit. I promise.
I began walking down the hallways, wiping my eyes of any tears or smeared makeup. I spent the time, straightening the wrinkles in my jacket, trying to look as "together" for my mom as I could.
It didn't last long because she started crying right when she saw me in the waiting room.
"Amy, oh my lord." She rushed up to me and hugged me tightly, wrapping a firm hand behind my back and my head. "Never scare me like this again." My mom struggled to say before breaking down into tears.
I couldn't hold back. Maybe I'm just a dramatic teenager, but I have never felt so fragile and scared in my entire life. I pulled away from the embrace and motioned for her to follow me towards the Absol's room.
"They said he'll live, but won't be able to walk for a while." I gestured towards the door, and mom immediately peeked through the small, glass window on the door. I already tried to watch from the window, but the surgeons did a good job of blocking the view. Admittedly, it would have driven me mad if I could have watched them work. Thankfully, the only thing I could see was a bit of white fur and the black sickle protruding from his head.
"Wait, the operating room door has a window? Why?" Keldeo asked incredulously
"Now I don't blame you for running." She said quietly, after seeing his form.
"I'm so stupid." I said as I plopped down on the chair.
Mom sat down next to me and stroked my back, "No one is blaming you, Amy."
"If it weren't for me, he wouldn't be in there." I yelled frantically.
"Well, he's the one who made you run into the street," Keldeo argued, "I know his ability brought him there, so I assume something was going to happen regardless. But you didn't know that."
"If it weren't for him, you wouldn't be here." She point out, calming me down. "It was his choice, Amy. I can't say I would have known about his… 'Sense'." She took her hand from my back. "You just need to be thankful and think about what is happening rather than what could have happened."
Keldeo looked very impressed by that line. "That's. . . actually a very smart bit of insight. The circumstances don't really matter. The fact is that he saved her, Self-Fulfilling Prophecy or not. He put his life on the line, and now he won't be able to walk. This was a selfless action that should definitely be honored, not criticized."
I took the time to look him over. His fur was a shaggy mess, swooping sideways just above his eyes. The sewed-up scar was hard to look at. Despite his condition, he breathed softly and lay still with a serene expression on his dark-skinned face.
I couldn't help but notice the black claws twitching every now and again on his forearms. He's dreaming. The whole thing made me realize just how magnificent he was. I haven't dealt with Pokémon much, living in a big city and all, but I felt as if he were very… magnificent…? I guess he reminds me of the pictures of those rarer species' like Entei and the other two. Just a little more modest in his appearance. I smiled at the thought.
"The reaction of every Absol fan ever. Also, he's a million times better than those three, I'll tell you that. You know, cause he actually does something when someone nearby is gonna die," Keldeo complained.
Time passed as I ran the doctor (and technically mom) through the events of the night. They interrupted to ask questions a few times, but the whole conversation left me with a question.
"What's going to happen to him?" I looked back to the doctor.
"Well… We'll have to contact some people about the policy on 'Heroic, Wild Absols'… But most likely will be allowed to recover, and then maybe sent over to the safari preserve." He looked down to the Absol.
Keldeo then put on a deadpanned expression and said flatly, "Oh gee. I wonder what's going to happen to the Absol now?"
They would just send him there… to be captured by some trainer…? He would literally have to fight for his survival. The idea was appalling, and I could see it in mom's expression too.
That's when she said something I never expected, "What if we take him in?"
"So the Absol wakes up, and then. . . the. . . author decides to change the format of the POV swtiches?" Keldeo said in confusion.
Typographical shift. Note: Same Character POV… just removing the italics… Unless I am typing out thought or L- ….I mean… Absol's speech ;)
Keldeo appeared utterly confused as he said, "Well, okay, fine. If that's the way you want it, I'm okay with it, I guess. Thanks for telling us."
"So we get to see our main characters' first moment of bonding, and I'd say it really benefits from being from the Absol's point of view, seeing as he's the one behind that annoying one way language barrier."
"Hey." I felt a soft touch on my cheek, which immediately got my attention.
You… You stayed with me. I left my eyes open and watched as my vision fully returned to me. Sure enough, it was the girl…
Something in me jumped, as if I had finally eaten for the first time in days. I felt my distress over her sadness fade away while I took in the new image of her smiling.
Sunlight gleamed into the building through the shades, which made me wonder how long it must have been. I shifted, only to feel a stab of pain in my legs. A growl and a flinch was my reply.
"Shh, just relax." Her soft voice rang like a melody. "It will take some time before you can walk again." She pet the fur on my head.
Confusion. A million questions must have entered my head. I glanced from her, over to the window.
She noticed and explained my situation.
So it has been a whole night. My legs are broken. I brought my head up to look at my legs, weighed down in the casts. And I have been sewn up. I noticed the stitches on my right, hind leg.
Despair… I think that is the word for how I feel. I looked at my legs again and sadness overwhelmed me. I cannot live with these. I-… There is no way to catch food or run with legs like… I whimpered as the realization took hold of me.
The same, soft hand brought my head back down to the pillow and stroked the fur from out of my eyes. She ran her hand up and down my mane, comfortingly.
"Everything's going to be alright." She said.
She must have seen my doubt, because she spoke again, "My name is Amora Lindengale. Everyone calls me 'Amy', though."
Amora… What a name. I thought to myself.
"I know you're confused and hurt and probably scared," She continued to run her hand through my thick, white fur. "But I can help you… okay?" She pulled something out onto the bed.
I understand now. My eyes could have burnt as hole through the Pokéball, I was staring at it that coldly.
"You don't have to…" She said. "I don't want to force you into anything you don't want to do… But I am worried about what will happen to you otherwise…" She looked away.
Amora… We both know what would become of me… I looked to see her face.
She is sincere. I can see it. She looked to me with genuine sympathy.
"I just can't let you do something like that for me and watch the worst of luck toss you around in the open air." She spoke softly.
I looked to her, and then to the Pokéball. The door opened, and the man left the room, leaving just the two of us.
"Just know that you owe me nothing, Amora." I tried to say.
I brought my head closer to the device she held in her hand. No sensation of dread or fear came over me. My sixth sense had nothing to say as I pushed my nose against the Pokéball.
"So then in Chapter III: Leo. . . so is that his name? I dunno. So in the third chapter we get. . . really well flavored exposition," Keldeo said honestly, "That's really all it is. But unlike other kinds of exposition that Munna and I like to sing about, this exposition is more substantial and entertaining in a 'huh, that's interesting kind of way.' It's basically just like chewing really good gum."
Days, weeks, and months all seemed to meld into a blur. Sure, I remember the day I agreed to go with her. And sure, I remember the day I came home from the Pokémon Center… But my day-to-day life consisted of waking up, eating, and just being part of the family.
It's hard to look back at the life I had before… The stress of finding food each morning: no longer an issue. The distrust of others: no longer a problem of mine.
I am not bored. Sure, there are slow days… but the feeling I get from just being with my family… that feeling of belonging… I cannot express the happiness it brings me.
"And the whole chapter is basically an exploration of that. and it really is funny compelling, and even touching at times."
Of course things were slow when I first came home (because I was still unable to walk). I just had to be patient and rest. The "television" made the days go by quickly. Before my legs healed, I would stay home and watch whatever program was showing (of course, I needed some explanation as to what the device was and how it worked).
"Oh, who am I kidding. You all just wanna see the heartwarming moments between him and Amy," Keldeo said in resignation.
I still remember a night when Amy was watching a movie on the TV in her room and I watched with her on her bed. I do not remember the movie exactly… because I fell asleep. It was the first full night of sleep I had gotten since I came home. I felt guilty, but her bed was much more comfortable than the stiff cushion in the living room.
It surprised me that she didn't wake me and ask me to move to my bed. Instead, she insisted that I sleep there if it was more comfortable. I was hesitant to take her up on the offer… mainly because it came off as inappropriate at first… but I got past the thought and just went for it. I curled up next to her one night and she simply pet my head and said good night.
The closeness was nice…
I guess it proved to me that they finally trusted me. I've never had close family or friends… The idea of finally having someone… it makes me feel… happy…?
Every Pokémon I've ever come across has always been frightened by me. I don't blame them and I never got worked up over it… but I think I always longed for this friendship- this kinship-.
I soon found myself walking Amy to school each day. She would put me in the Pokéball during school, and some days we would go to the park afterwards. Her friends had that same, distanced and cautious attitude around me at first. I think Amy found it amusing too, and even told them a story about "the time I attacked the mailman" (which never happened, but it was still entertaining to see them go pale).
Keldeo stared down at a clipboard as he casually remarked, "Oh, don't mind me, I'm just going through the Pokemon and Human Bonding Cliche Checklist. Let's see, risking one's life for the other, check. Being captured in a Pokeball of their own free will, check. Sleeping in the same bed, check. Always staying out with the human every second he/she is not in school, check."
She seemed to be one of the smarter humans for her age. At least from what she was telling me, she always seemed interested in learning and was known as a "good student". It made me… proud…? Yes. I think she made me feel proud of her. It was a warm, empowering feeling that I don't think I've felt before.
It made me look up to her over the years. Amy never seemed to get into trouble except for the night we met. Sure, there were a few times I would get anxious for her well-being (specifically when she would go off to one of those "dances").
The Animaniacs: "HELLOOOOOOOOOO NURSE!"
"Well, Amy's safe from any punks who think they can bother her, because I could fill a whole Fridge Horror page on TVTropes on what an Absol can do to the human body with those claws and that horn, ugh!" Keldeo said, shuddering fearfully.
She ended up quitting the job she had in downtown (for obvious reasons) and found a new job at a human daycare center just outside of our neighborhood. I walked with her, but we learned that I had to be inside the Pokéball before coming to the door… A memorable mishap with a frightened child left me feeling terrible one day, even though Amy said it wasn't my fault.
"It wasn't Fredbear's fault either. . ." Keldeo remarked quietly.
It was a reminder to what I am and how others see me. She hugged me close around the mane and told me that 'I am perfect, no matter what anyone else thinks.'
"Obligatory hug, check. Unconditional love in the face of adversity, check," Keldeo said as he checked off two more items.
I couldn't help myself from doubting her words, but they- along with her warm embrace- comforted me more than she could imagine. There were times I would have to do the same for her as well, mainly before big exams or with drama at school. After long nights of studying, she would sit at the edge of the bed, stare off into space, and it seemed she was recapping everything she just studied. I stood up from my spot at the end of the bed and made my way over to her, offering whatever comfort I could.
"Pokemon reciprocates love through non-verbal means, check!" Keldeo exclaimed as he checked off the final item, "That's all seven mandatory points! Look out Kevin and Buizel, sounds like you've got competition!"
"So, this chapter takes us through a long stretch of years. It's hard to boil such a long stretch of time in a montage, but I'd say that this story does a good job of it. Not everyone has a life filled with action and adventure. Remember, Amy isn't a Pokemon Trainer. However the key moments in this time that are mentioned do a good job in getting across how life was for these two characters." Keldeo smiled fondly and said, "It actually reminds of the beginning of Pixar's Up, just not sad. . . well. . . not as sad. . ."
Our friendship grew closer over the years with small things like that. Amy was accepted into a college, which marked a big change to her life.
I could feel the whole family's attitude shifting. The parents became more sentimental and emotional, while Amy seemed a little dazed. She explained what college was to me, and it all began to make sense.
For a few days now, I've been wondering what the plan for me is. Amy is going to college within the week and I haven't heard any mentions of if I am to stay here or…
No. Why would I go with her…? I would just be a burden and a distraction. I brought my head down to my forearms. Life will be very different without her. A feeling of dread came over me. It felt as if someone were pressing hard against my chest.
I watched Amy pack clothes into cases and bags and couldn't help spacing out in thought, not realizing she was talking to me. Maybe I could find Pokémon in the area to make friends with…? My heart continued to sink as my thoughts raged like a maelstrom.
I can't believe it's finally time for me to go. Even though I'm really nervous for college, I honestly am a bit excited. Mom and dad are excited too, but I can already tell they are reluctant to let me go. It's just a part of life… a really tough part of life…
Of course it's emotionally tough, but I also find it to be physically tough too (just because of all the crap I've been taking out to the garage, to load into the car). It's times like these that I wish I were a guy. They have absolutely nothing to worry about compared to girls.
I lifted the bag full of shoes over my shoulder. This is ridiculous.
"That's sexist!" Munna said angrily.
"Munna, what are you doing?" Keldeo asked.
"We couldn't do our Foreshadowing meme earlier, so what else am I supposed to do!" Munna argued before she promptly left.
"Thanks for breaking up a very emotional moment of the story!" Keldeo shouted after he.
Portal 2 Announcer: "Sarcasm Self-Test Complete."
Dad helped me load all my things into the car. It took us a while, but we finally fit it all in. We made sure to leave some room in the back for a few other things…
I ran into the kitchen, grabbed the water bowl and emptied it out. Next, I picked up the food bowl. He hasn't been eating as much recently. Something's up… I set it back down and looked around for him. Maybe in my room…? It's a weird time of day for him to be napping.
I walked down the hall and into my bedroom to see a white ball of fur curled up on my bed. "Hey bud." I said as I came over to sit down next to him. "You alright?" I ran a hand up and down his back.
He isn't making eye contact… He's never done this before.
"What's wrong…?" he slowly turned his head towards me and that's when I saw the tears running down his face. The realization might as well have been a slap to the face, He thinks I'm leaving him!? I cupped his face in my hands, "Oh my… I never did tell you… did I?" It was hard not to cry just looking at him.
He gave me a questioning look underneath the sad eyes. I couldn't help but laugh as I said it, "Did you really think I'd go on without you, Leo?"
"And, just like the beginning of Up, you could easily put 'The End' after that, and you'd have a very satisfying story," Keldeo said with a smile, "The snapshots the story gives us of their Leo and Amy's life together are very satisfying."
Keldeo then frowned and said, "Wait a minute, apart from the chapter title, this is the very first time we actually hear the Absol's name. The story doesn't give us a scene of Amy or someone giving the Absol the name Leo. Being named is a pretty big deal, so it's really quite a waste to not include a scene of Leo getting his name. That's a black mark on a really good chapter."
"Well, we move on to Chapter IV: Nightmares, where we see Amy wandering around. . . Luigi's Mansion?"
I walked down the corridor with a book in hand. It was a lengthy hallway filled with rich décor. Elegant chandeliers overhead lit the scarlet, patterned carpeting with a dim, gold tint. The golden floral patterns of the embroidered wallpaper gave off the same warmth, only to be interrupted by the occasional door to another room.
"You must be so lost…" The voice whispered. "But you only know the half of it…" It hissed.
The warm, golden light dimmed down to complete darkness.
I could feel my heart rate picking up and distress settling in. I put a hand to the wall and slowly shuffled towards the next door. Everything felt wrong. My fear sent an unnerving chill up my back as I pressed my hands to the wall and continued to make careful steps in the dark.
The fear became hysteria as the realization dawned on me. Where did the door go…? I should have found it by now. As my vision adjusted, I quickly realized that the door had vanished. No… this… this can't be happening!
I gave up on finding the door and simply stopped for a moment to take a deep breath. A low growl echoed in the darkness. I turned around, complete horror filling me as I saw two red eyes glowing from further down the hallway. What… What the hell is that?!
Before I knew what was happening, I noticed that the eyes, now engulfed in flames, were coming nearer and nearer, pushing my mind away from fear and filling my heart with terror.
I screamed as I ran as fast as I could, the only response was a screeching howl as the harsh warmth of the flames wrapped around my neck.
GAME OVER
"Just kidding! Turns out it's just a nightmare," Keldeo said.
"NO SHIP, SHERLOCK!" the Intoxiquer shouted as he flew by.
I whipped my head up and hit it hard against something, receiving a loud, Yelp! Pain came immediately after, and I struggled to see what had happened. My heart was racing, but my nerves came back down as I realized that it was just a dream. "What the hell…" I put a hand to my nose and checked to see if it was bleeding.
That's when I noticed Leo laying on top of me, holding his snout under a paw.
It took some time, but I finally got the lights on and figured out that he was trying to wake me up from the nightmare. He must have been licking me, which would explain the very realistic part with the fire that woke me up. I thought.
I came back into the room and sat down next to Leo, "I'm so sorry, bud." I pressed a small ice pack onto his nose, not knowing how else to help. He sat up to make it easier for me.
His crimson eyes glanced from the ice pack on his nose, and then up to my forehead, "I think I'll be okay." I couldn't help but smile at his concern for me.
"So it turns out that Amy has been having nightmares for past few weeks." Keldeo winced and said, "Ooh man, that doesn't sound very good for her grades. . ."
As the pain in my head became just a dull throb, I brought my head back down to my pillow and willed myself to go back to sleep. Leo settled down at my side, pressing his back against me as if to tell me he was there for me.
I sighed deeply. I've got an eight o'clock lecture to get to in 5 hours... I yawned and snuggled closer to Leo. That'll suck
"I feel you, Amy. I still remember that time when I had to do some hard training after nightmares from reviewing Zuma's Fear kept me up all night. . ." Keldeo reminisced, not looking pleased in the slightest.
The two of them standing in the middle of the canyon, Terrakion nodded at Keldeo and said, "Alright, kid. Let's see your jump-kick."
Keldeo nodded, looking a little sleepy, and he jumped, propelling himself into the air using Hydro Pump from his hooves. Keldeo let out a Goofy yell, and Terrakion watched as Keldeo was sent flying out of the canyon and landed far off into the distance with a small puff of dust and dirt.
Terrakion blinked in shock, then said, "Oh. . . um. . . okay. . . Take five then, kid. . ."
"So in Chapter V: Voices, we actually skip a few weeks back where we are treated to a very cryptic conversation."
A few weeks back...
An echo rang through the darkness. It was an echo of a soft, deep voice; male. Shortly after the first echo faded, another voice came in response. This one was soft and harmonious; female. The back and forth between the two beings grew louder ever so slowly. Finally, a silence broke through.
"Either way, something must be done." the male sounded exasperated. The voice was clearer now, echoing less.
"And what do you suppose I do?" the female responded, "My past mistakes cannot be undone."
"Although your interferences are small, we must conceal them for now. Else they will know." the male reminded her.
She thought of a number of solutions at that moment, "What do you suggest then?"
"Those who's fates you altered must be hidden. The magic you used after the Brass Tower fell, perhaps?" He offered.
"Wait, the magic she used after the Brass Tower fell?" Keldeo echoed, "As in the magic that brought the Legendary Beasts back to life? Aw, come on, why do those three keep showing up in the stuff I review? Well, anyway, that would make the owner of the female voice Ho-Oh. Is Ho-Oh a girl? I don't know, and people get the genders of Legendaries wrong so much I think I'm beginning to not care anymore. So I guess the male voice wants Ho-Oh to hide something, which also seems to involve slowly turning something into something else."
"That took me a whole day, and only for three!
"Yep. It's Ho-Oh," Keldeo said with a confident smile.
There are over a hundred-"
"Then take your time," he soothed her, "gather your energy and work as slow as you need to." He was about to turn away when she interrupted him.
"There's no telling whether or not I will be able to change them back, you know?" she gave him a worried look.
He chuckled, "If they find out, then the transformation will be the least of these people's worries." And with that, he faded away.
"So, as you can obviously tell, Leo is one of the Pokemon who is going to be transformed. And we get to see the beginnings of that transformation as we skip back to the present."
Unlike many weeks ago, I think I'm used to these dreams by now. I don't wake up in a panic like before. The gentle nudge like always, the soft voice of Leo growling something or other, and someone telling me it's just a dream... My eyes shot open. I didn't imagine that, did I? Someone said something. Careful not to hit Leo, I quickly sat up and scanned the room. "Is someone there...?" I asked quietly.
Leo seemed confused as he slowly scanned the room as well. "I do not see anyone." I jumped as the voice came again, but seemed like it was coming from right next to me. I quickly checked the floor at my bedside to see if anyone was hiding and got up to turn the lights on.
It's almost like it came from Leo... There's no way I'm hearing things. I searched the closet and underneath the bed.
After checking underneath the bed, I sat up. From right behind me, "Amy, are you feeling alright?". I yelped and spun around to attack the person but Leo simply sat there staring at me.
I couldn't help but take a step back, "...Leo?" I squinted at him. "Did you just... talk...?"
"And we've got a bonus point for the Pokemon and Human Bonding Cliche Checklist!" Keldeo cheered.
He tilted his head and gave me a confused look. I focused on him and it seemed to happen in slow motion. I watched his mouth open, growling and forming the same variations of 'Absol', but for some reason, actual words were forming in my ears. "What do you mean?"
Keldeo's jaw dropped, "Oh my gosh, I don't believe it! I was wrong! Leo isn't transforming! Amy is! Leo isn't speaking English, Amy's brain has changed so that she can understand Pokemon Speak! That must mean that she's going to turn into a Pokemon!. . . Wow! How did I miss that! That's. . . wow. . ." Keldeo composed himself, cleared his throat, and said, "Sorry about that. Proceed."
My heart started racing, "No way. There's no way this is happening." My head started spinning with confusion. I mean, I get that I haven't been getting much sleep and my dreams have been... but this? I can't be imagining this!
The voice came again, smooth, soft, and masculine, "Amy, what's wrong?" Leo took a step towards me.
"I- I can understand you, Leo." I shuddered and looked up in time to see him stop. I watched as the gears turned in his head.
"...What...?" he questioned.
"Everything you're saying, I'm hearing it in a human, English voice." I gathered my thoughts finally. This has to be some weird dream. I tested myself mentally, and it all seemed real. There was no sign that I was dreaming.
Leo seemed skeptical. "Amy, you must not be feeling well, maybe you need a glass of water-" He motioned towards the door, as if I didn't understand him.
"I feel fine-" After standing up, I felt a little light-headed from the whole ordeal, "Actually... Yeah, a glass of water might be good." he looked back to me, shock on his face.
I sat down on the kitchen floor with my glass of water and looked at Leo, who seemed to be quietly observing me from a distance. I took a sip before the stare finally got the better of me, "Stop staring, you're creeping me out! If you don't believe me, then... ... What's a good way for me to prove it?" I thought about it for a moment. "Ask me something specific- something random. Umm... ask me something that I would never be able to guess what you were going to say." I looked at the concerned absol. He seemed to be thinking now.
After a moment, he spoke, "I don't really want you to have to prove anything to me..." he looked away for a moment, "but how did we meet? I think that is a random enough question." he turned back to me.
I smiled, "You saved me from getting hit by a bus, that's how we met."
His eyes widened, "You really can understand me then?" he was in awe.
"I told you!" I laughed, "And there I was, thinking there was some robber in my room whispering to me!"
As I laughed, I caught an unfamiliar sound: Leo laughing. Although I would see him smile and silently laugh, now there was a voice to it, making him seem more... happy?
"What I find strange is the voice I'm hearing isn't what I thought you would sound like." I joked with him.
"Oh?" he looked at me,"What does it sound like?" he sounded genuinely interested.
I tried to think of words to describe it, "You sound masculine and... cool, I guess? Really smooth. I thought you would sound edgy. I guess I put too much emphasis on the fact that you're dark type."
Leo laughed again, "Well, I am glad I do not sound like a female, I suppose." he joked.
I couldn't help but smile as I pointed it out, "But you say things strangely. Rather than saying, 'don't', you say, 'do not'."
"So he sounds like After Earth?" Keldeo remarked.
There was the sound of loud booing for a few seconds, but Keldeo waited it out with a frown on his face.
"Well, I do not practice my English too often. You know, because I never really thought I would be able to talk to you like this, or anyone in this case." although it was a joke, he seemed somewhat serious.
I took another sip of my water, "What do you want to talk about?" I patted the floor next to me, because he was still keeping his distance.
He looked up to me, "I have no idea where to start." Leo rose to all fours and sat closer to me as I leaned back against the cabinets.
"I think I do: How does your sixth sense thing work?" I asked.
"I am not sure, myself." he laid his head down on my lap as we talked.
"What do you mean you aren't sure?" I looked down at him.
He glanced up at me and seemed to be thinking of a way to describe it. "Do you ever get a feeling when you are rushing to get to work? It is as if your body responds to your brain telling it that it needs to be somewhere?" I nodded in response, "Imagine that feeling, but you know you do not have to be anywhere. That is the easiest way for me to explain it." he looked up at me again, "I don't know why it works, or how it works, but it does."
I began to run my hand through his mane, "I guess I can imagine the feeling. How often does it happen?"
"Not too often, actually. Usually, the feeling comes around when there's bad weather... But it has never been as strong a feeling as the night we met, strangely enough."
"Really?" I thought about it for a moment. "I mean, I was just one person. Tons of people die in car accidents, get killed, but it's never been that strong of a feeling?" He nodded.
"It was a really strange night when we met." he added.
"No disagreement there." I said.
We talked throughout the night. I reluctantly went back to sleep, wishing to talk more. It was interesting to hear Leo's thoughts for once. Despite being a pokemon, he seems incredibly insightful. My only hope is that when I wake up tomorrow, our conversation can continue on.
"And that's all folks!" Keldeo said with a smile, "And boy am I glad that this fanfic died, because there'd be no way I'd be able to stand reading this when it go to that creepy romance part! Ugh. But, with what we have right now, I'd say that this was quite a pleasure to read! We got a really good and noble Absol with some emotional weight to him. A sympathetic, likable, realistic, and relatable human character. And the way their lives and relationship is set up is extremely well done and makes you want more. . . albeit in a different direction than the author had planned. There are so many ways this story could go. You could change the circumstances or context of that scene with Ho-Oh and have Amy's transformation go differently, or you could have her stay a Pokemon and go on adventures with Leo, or maybe she could be able to change forms or something, oh man, it's all so endless! Personally, I'd rather have Amy and Leo stay as a human and an Absol, but it isn't my story. All I want is to not have to witness a creepy romance."
Keldeo shrugged and said, "Eh, but the fact is that DDD has written a very nice and touching story that doesn't need any romance whatsoever. These five chapters are great, and you probably could get away with putting a 'The End' at the end of them if you tweaked the Ho-Oh scene a little, made it provide more info. Anyway, I have to admit that having your story being inspired by songs adds a really nice personal touch. DDD gave credit to each song at the beginning of the chapter it influenced. I chose not to listen to the songs, but feel free to do so if you ever give this story a read. All in all, this was a good fanfiction so far, and I really hope it's never taken into those. . ." Keldeo shuddered, ". . .creepy waters it was intended for. . ."
Keldeo smiled and said as he left, "I'm Keldeo the Critic, I review it so you don't have to!"
The End
Credits
PAW Patrol
Absolute and Nevermore by BunnyWings
The Animaniacs
Portal 2
Bubsy
Nostalgia Critic: Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie
Nostalgia Critic: After Earth
Special Thanks
Bulbapedia
HavocHound
TV Tropes