FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Hey there! Thanks for visiting this story. Not sure how the titles work out. I'm new to posting on SF. I'll figure it out eventually, though. It'll just take time. And I'm a bit spent up on that right now... I hate to say, but the writing in this first chapter is a bit poor. I apologize for this beofrehand. It may seem cheap, but from what I hear, it's a good story. A few errors as well, and if you wouldn't mind pointing them out to me so I could fix them, that would be helpful. The writing style gets better as the story progresses. Or at least, I'm sure it does. Either or, I hope you enjoy it. This is the first story I've ever decided to start writing... yeah. Enjoy the read!

Disclaimer: I'm only going to say it once, so here we go. I do not own Pokemon in any way, shape, or form. All copyrights belong respectfully to their own companies (Gamefreak, Nintendo, etc.) Please do not sue me.

C hapter 1: Life

The bright sunlight streamed into my den and landed on my silent form.

I stirred, now coming into consciousness, and slowly rose onto all fours only to sit back down.

Raising a paw to rub the sleep out of my eyes, I looked around and saw Mother, an Umbreon, sitting by a leaf piled with an assortment of berries.

She smiled at me warmly. "Good morning my little warrior. Hungry?"

I returned the gesture. I loved when Mom called me a warrior. It made me feel strong, like Dad. Speaking of which...

I looked over to the back of the cave we lived in and saw that Father, who is also an Umbreon, was still asleep. His rings glowed with a golden aura that seemed to be peaceful.

I made my way to the leaf with berries and randomly picked one out. Taking a bite out of it, I tasted the bitter-sweet blend that rushed over my tongue. Just how I like it.

"Thank you Mommy," I barked, my voice a little squeakier than usual this morning. I noticed her eyes drooping as she gave me a heart-filled chuckle.

I then remembered that she hadn't been able to get any sleep waiting for me to wake up. Mom and Dad, being the Umbreon evolution, are nocturnal- which means that they stay up all night and go to sleep in the mornings. Nocturnal is a big word. Mom taught me what it meant. She is so smart. Anyways, because they are nocturnal, I have to go all day alone by myself. I don't have any friends. The others hate me. So it gets really lonely. The only times I ever get to spend time with Mom and Dad are during noon when they are fully awake, or at night, when I'm going to sleep.

Mom says we have a "Non-existent family bond" but I don't understand what she means by that. We love each other very much. I sometimes think she's crazy. But right now, she's tired. And tired people need sleep.

"Mom, you can go to sleep now. I can get to school by myself," I said with a complete, child-like innocence.

She seemed to consider what I said, giving a little yawn, but her eyes lit up and she looked at me and said, "Your fur is looking a little un-tidy this morning."

I didn't register what she said until I was in-between her forelegs and she had her tongue running over my fur.

Each one of the barbs on her tongue tugged at the knots, un-tangling them in the process while causing me a great amount of discomfort. She managed to cover any part of me she could manage: my ears, my head, in-between my eyes, my neck, my back, and my tail. As much as it hurt, I didn't complain... much.

"Aww, come on Mom, I don't need to be groomed this early do I?"

"Yes, you do. I want my son to look presentable."

"For who?"

"Anyone. You shouldn't go running around with knots in your fur. It gets very uncomfortable."

"Mom, I'm not a baby anymore. I can groom myself."

"You'll always be a baby in my eyes."

"Could you please let me go? I'll be late."

"Hold on, I'm almost done."

I growled.

"Stop moving around or I'll have to start all over."

"Mom!"

"Okay... finished."

Mother let me go from her impossibly strong grip and, because I was struggling, I was sent rolling forward a good couple of feet.

I heard a giggle from behind me. "Mooom." Turning, I saw Mother trying to stifle a laugh with her paw.

"I love you Ren," she said, giving me an affectionate lick on the cheek and pushing me towards the entrance to our cave. "Now get going or you'll be late for school."

"Love you too Ma," I purred before running out of our den into the clearing surrounded by miles of trees.

I live in a pack, and that pack lives in a small 'o' in a huge mass of trees that we call Star Forest. And by 'we' I mean all of the residents of said forest, the majority of them being Eevee and their 7 'Eon evolutions. My mom once told me a story of how all Eevee came to Star Forest for some reason or other, but I can't seem to remember what exactly she said. It's not important though. It was just a story.

The ground underneath me shifted from bare, rocky soil, to bare, sandy dirt. I heard my mother cry out something along the lines of "Be careful" and "Have a nice day".

I made my way to the edge of the clearing, saying hi to some of the 'Eons that I knew. Most of them were nice, but the others tend to stay away from me for obvious reasons. They hated me because of what I was... because of what my parents were... but enough of that! I need to get to class.

I eventually came onto a path that led into the forest and followed it. I wonder what the topic will be for today. I hope we will be talking about evolution, Mister Yin did mention it yesterday. Man, I can't wait 'till evolution day comes!

I gave a happy yip and jumped a ways into the air. I already know what Eeveeloution I want to be. I want to be an Umbreon like Mom and Dad. I want to be big and strong like Father, yet kind and compassionate like mother. but...

But Umbreon are the least liked Eeveeloution. Everyone says they are evil. Mom and Dad are not evil. They are Mom and Dad. The kindest parents in the world. But the things they say are not true. Not true at all.

"'Umbreon are Hell spawns' they say. 'Don't go out at night, the Umbreon will get you' they say. Bah! I'll show them. I'm going to be the nicest Umbreon ever!" And with that, I quickened my pace.

After a minute or so of walking, I finally made it to a break in the woods. This clearing was different than the others. It was smaller... way smaller. The lighting here was also dim, with very few strands of sunlight streaming down from the canopy of leaves above.

There was a small tree in the center surrounded by many Eevees, They were facing a lone Espeon who sat with his back against the trunk.

The Espeon looked up from his group of students to direct his gaze at me. "Ahh, Ren, You're late... again." He spoke in a monotone voice that showed no emotion, yet it was obvious that he was annoyed... somehow. I can't really explain it... it's like, when you do something very, very, very bad, and you know it is bad because your dad is giving you a death look, but then your mom smiles at you and says that everything is okay while she cleans up the mess that you may or may have not made by accidentally stepping all over the berries that have been stocked up for the winter... you know, just an example...

Upon hearing my name, every Eevee in the group turned to look at me. As I made my way to take a seat, I heard various whispers of things like "There he is" or "the cursed one" and "I hope he takes his demon parents with him to burn in hell."... you know... the usual.

As I took my seat, the other Eevee scooted away from me, giving me at least a foot of space in each direction. Again, the usual. Just because my parents are Umbreon. Nobody likes me. I don't let them get to me. Mom says I should always be happy. "Because happy people are good people". So I try to be happy whenever they do things like this... I try so hard...

"Sorry Mister Yin, I was delayed," I mumble to my Espeon teacher.

The pinkish- purple furred 'Eon sighs. "Anyways, back to our topic at hand. You all do know that evolution day is merely a year away." at this, all the Eevee burst into a spontaneous chorus of chatter. Every one except me, that is. I have no one to talk to. I wish I had friends, someone I could tell all my secrets to. Someone I can laugh with. But no one likes me. They hate me. They fear me. "Happy people are good people" I try so hard...

The Espeon silences everyone by holding up a paw. "Now, I know that a year seems too long for such a thing, but believe me, it is just enough time to get your bodies ready for the evolution process. Now then, I want you all to think over your choice of evolution very carefully, once you have made your decision, come see me. I will then tell you what you must do in order to become what you desire."

Almost at once every Eevee in the grove stood up and rushed at the teacher. I sat back and watched in amusement as poor Mister Yin disappeared in flashes of brown and cream colored fur. I already knew what I wanted to be, but just to keep up appearances, I put on a thoughtful look on my face as Mister Yin tried to organize everyone. He likes things to be neat and tidy, especially his students. Good thing Mom is a great groomer.

"All right, I need all Flareon over here. Could every Leafeon stand over by that bush? What, no one wants to be an Espeon? Oh, thank you girls. Vaporeon, Right here next to me..."

I sat there and waited until he informed the Eevee groups and sent them away, each one scampering off in different directions until I was the only one left.

The Espeon sighed, thankful that everything was finally over, then he saw me. "Oh, Ren, you're still here. Have you already decided what evolution you wish to be?"

I puffed out my chest, trying to look as determined as possible. "Umbreon," I stated.

He sighed again, and I noticed that he likes sighing a lot. I think maybe that all adults do. It looks like fun. Maybe I should try it.

I sigh, and I was right. It was fun. I should probably do it more often. The Espeon looks at me tiredly. "How did I know that's what you were going to say? Are you sure you don't want to be something else? We could use a couple more Jolte-"

"Umbreon, please Mister Yin."

He looks me straight in the eye and says, "Now why would you want to go and do a darned thing like that?"

I stare him back in the eyes. I'm really good at this game. I always beat Dad. But sometimes Dad doesn't like to play this game. Sometimes he takes me out to hunt and I take down a Pidgey and he congratulates me. I like those games better. But right now I'm playing with Mister Yin, and I think I'm losing. I then remember what we were talking about before the teacher decided to play Staring Contest with me, because he blinks and I win.

I speak up, loud and clearly so that the Espeon can hear my reasons for wanting to be like Mom and Dad. "Well... no one likes me, and I think they won't like me either way I go. If I'm a Leafeon, then they still won't like me. If I'm a Flareon, then they will still hate me. Even if I turn into an Espeon like you sir, I won't gain a single friend, and nobody's opinion on me will change. I also have other reasons, but I shouldn't say right now. Please Mister Yin, I want to be an Umbreon. And it is your job to lead us to the evolution path we choose..."

He sighed and stared off into the distance for a while. He muttered under his breath and shook his head, "To be young and foolish." After that he looked back at me and said, "Fine... but if it makes you feel any better, then to me, you were just another one of my students. Not a monster. Not a curse. A normal Eevee cub, just like any other." What he said did make me feel better. What he was about to say would make me feel even more better. He then hesitated, looking as if he would regret telling me the information I wanted to know. But he had to. It was his job.

"If you want to be an Umbreon, then train yourself under the moon every night. Enhance your skills, be as silent as the shadows, become the night itself. If you ever get confused, the moon will guide you, and if you ever get lost, the shadows are your sanctuary."

I hate when Mister Yin Talks in riddle. It is hard to figure out what he is trying to say. But I nod just to show I understand at least a little bit. "Thank you, Mister Yin."

He turns around and calls over his shoulder at me, "Good luck" before disappearing into the bushes.

I look up at the sky and see that the sun is still way up there. Train under the moon... it seems that I will have to wait a while before I can get started.

---

Running.

Arceus, they are going to be so mad.

Running.

I hope I'm not in too much trouble.

Running.

Almost there...

I burst into the den and cry out, "Mom! Dad! I'm sorry I'm late, I really am. Please don't... be... mad?"

Nobody is in the den, the cave is completely empty. I start to get scared as I walk deeper into the cave, looking around. "Mom? Dad?"

Something tackles me from the side and I think that It is a monster and that it was going to eat me because Mom and Dad were so tasty that it thought that I would be even tastier. I didn't even get a chance to scream out as it started to grind me against the cave floor. It was squishing me, trying to get me all tender before it could eat me up.

But then I smell the monster, and the scent seems way too familiar. I realize who it is a few seconds afterwards. I now know that it is not pulverizing me into the ground, it is nuzzling me into the ground.

"Oh my baby! you're finally home," Mother cries. "Where were you? Why were you out so late? It's dark out! What were you doing? Are you okay? Are you hurt? Oh, Arceus, this is all my fault. I'm such a horrible mother. I thought you ran away and wouldn't come back. Your father and I were so worried. I thought that you were... that someone... I-I don't know what I would have done if... if you... I can't... just... can't"

Mother broke down in tears while nuzzling me into the ground. Arceus, she's crying. I hate seeing Mom cry, 'cause then it makes me want to cry too, and I hate crying. It feels bad to have that icky feeling you get when you're that sad... and when... when you... when you cry.

I try to make Mom feel better by telling her I was okay and she didn't have anything to worry about. She is real protective, even for a mother. When Mom cries, she usually doesn't stop until she does. "Come on Dawn, let the boy breathe." Or until Dad makes her feel better.

Dad led Mother off of me to the center of the cave where he lay her down. Now being able to move freely, I sat up and awaited the scolding I was sure to receive.

Mother tried to gain her composure. I could see how hard she tried. "I-I'm sorry Dusk... i-it's just that I... and he is... and we were-"

He shushed her by placing a paw on her muzzle. "It's okay Dawn, you have nothing to be sorry for. I'll go talk to the boy. You get yourself sorted out."

She bit her lip and nodded, then curled into herself on the floor. I watched as she closed her eyes and took deep, calming breaths. In... out... in... out... in...

"Ren, come." I looked over to see that Dad was sitting by the entrance to the cave. This can't be good. Walking slowly towards Father, I had my eyes glued to the ground and ears flat against my head. With a frown upon my face, I stopped next to his ebony black body.

"Ren... I'm not mad."

My ears perked up. "What?"

"I just want to know why. What was going through your mind when you decided to stay out after you were due to be home?"

I looked up at Father. His black fur seemed to shine and even his rings shone brighter than ever before, a luminescent yellow under the moonlight. But it was his eyes that I looked at, dark red eyes. I could always tell what mood Dad was in just by looking into his eyes. And it was true, he wasn't mad, but there was something else there... I couldn't place my paw on it at the moment. Maybe it was just curiosity, or hope. Maybe both?

I spoke with complete sincerity in my voice as I looked up into Dad's dark red eyes. "I didn't mean to worry anyone, honest. And I didn't think that Mom would have been this concerned." I turned to look at Mother. She was lying on her side, watching us with love in her eyes, which were a lighter shade of red than Dad's. Her's were more of a ruby red.

She smiled as our gazes met. "Of course I would be this concerned. You and your father are the only things I hold dear in this world. If anything were to happen to either of you... I don't know what I would do..." She bit her lip again and looked away, blinking tears out of her eyes.

I gave her a smile and turned back to Dad, puffing out my chest like I did earlier with Mister Yin. "I've decided to increase my training hours, Father. I want to be strong like you. 'Cause what if a mean pokémon is attacking us and you are away or something? Who's going to protect Mom? Me, that's who. I want- no, I need to be stronger... for you. For us."

He smiled. Dad actually smiled. Only Mom could make him smile, let alone laugh. He gave me a chuckle. "Atta boy, that's my son." There was a sense of pride in his voice and... happiness. "Now, go apologize to your mother."

I had a huge grin on my face. "Yes, sir," I nodded, before bouncing back to Mother, who was still lying on her side. She seemed to have gotten over her initial shock now that I was home. I nuzzled her chest and murred out my apology. "I'm sorry Ma, you know I didn't mean to worry you, right?"

"I know, my sweet cub. Are you tired?" She asked.

"Very."

"Well then, let's put you to sleep," She whispered, pulling me in closer to her chest with her forepaw, curling her body around mine and moved her tail so that it covered my entire form.

I lay there in Mom's embrace, the safest place in the world, listening to her heartbeat. It was soothing to have her so close. To know that she was here for me. The thought of soothing noises brought back an old memory.

"Hey, Mom?" I whispered

"Yes?"

"How come you stopped singing me our lullaby?"

She unfurled herself and gave me a confused look. "Lullaby? What lullaby?"

"You know, the one you made for me several months back... you stopped singing it after a while. My favorite line was 'I love you'..."

She closed her eyes for a few seconds and then something seemed to dawn on her. "Ah, yes, now I remember. The one with the moon and all that?"

"Mm-hm," I confirmed.

"Don't you think you're a little too old for lullabies?"

"Oh yeah," I sarcastically put in. "Just like I'm old enough to stay out for a couple of extra hours without my mother worrying her head off about me."

She flinched at what I said, and I only just realized what came out of my mouth. I was about to apologize when she hugged me tight, nearly cutting off my supply of oxygen.

"Well I'm sorry if I love you so much, Ren. I'd do anything to protect you... anything."

I was sure she'd burst into another fit of tears until she loosened up her grip on me, thankfully, and smiled. "But I guess you are right. I'll sing you to sleep tonight, but know that no matter how old you are... you'll always be my baby boy."

By now, Father was making his way towards us from his position at the mouth of the cave where he guards us from danger every night. "Come off it, Dawn," he said lovingly while nuzzling Mom's cheek. "He's going to evolve someday and have a developed mind of his own. He may even move out and find a nice girl to settle down with."

"Oooh, I just can't bear the thought of some woman taking my little Ren away from me," Mother growled, locking me in another death grip.

"Speaking of which," Father mumbled, then looked down at me, still trapped in the confines of Mother's paws. "Which evolution will you choose? There are so many and each as its own perks and disadvantages."

"Promise me that whatever you do, you won't choose to be a Leafeon," Mom growled at me. "You'll be surrounded by females 24/7 and you wont have any time for dear old me."

I chuckled, not intending to spend any time with any girls, mostly because none of them have an interest in me, but also because they're icky, and I heard some of the boys at class talking about something called "Cooties".

"Don't worry Ma, I promise. And I can't tell you what I choose because I want it to be a surprise."

"Very well then." Dad gave me a loving lick on the forehead and went back to guarding us for the night.

I turned to Mom with a smile on my face. "So... about that lullaby..."

She laughed. "Of course sweetie. Now get yourself comfortable."

I settled myself into Mother's black form as she started singing. Her voice was beautiful and melodic. I already felt a little more tired just hearing it.

The sun has set beyond the horizon and so the day has come to an end

The shadows have come the darkness draws closer twilight has gone and the night takes over

But do not fear the moon is here to shine her light all throughout the night

Rest in peace fall asleep o the words of a lullaby

When I'm not here Mother Moon will always be near to protect you

You are safe you are loved so close your eyes and dream of

The brightest nights the warmest days a white moonlight and a golden sunray

All is well yes, so far dream a dream of twinkling stars

In the sky tonight I see our moon and she shines so bright as I sing to you

Rest in peace fall asleep to the words of a lullaby

You are safe you are loved so close your eyes and dream of

An angel's kiss a child's wish a mother's embrace elegance and grace

Wherever you go my heart will follow wherever you are is never too far

In time I see my baby grows from a seed to a beautiful rose

You are safe you are loved so close your eyes and dream of

A mother of moon a father of sun the morning of noon and the Dusk of Dawn

A mother sings a child sleeps a father shines his golden rings

Rest in peace fall asleep to the words of a lullaby

You are safe you are loved fall asleep to the words of

A lullaby I made for you in my eyes you know it's true

It's never too late for one to say three simple words ...

Huh, she stopped. But why? Oh, yeah. It's my turn. My favorite part... I'm tired, but I have to finish the lullaby. I always do. Giving a particularly long yawn, I mumbled the last few words of the lullaby to Mom in a drowsy voice. "I... love... you..."

I always hated how easy it was for me to fall asleep. But when I'm an Umbreon, I won't need to sleep at night. Until then... I need to rest.

"He's such an amazing child, isn't he, Dusk?"

"He sure is Dawn."

"Goodnight, Ren, we love you."

I blinked slowly, my eyes getting heavier every second. "Night Mom... night Dad. Love you both... too." Then everything went dark as I fell into a peaceful sleep.

---

I awoke to the sounds of blood-curling screams.

Blinking my eyes open, I looked around. Dad was closer to us, He was in his defensive position. I had no idea why, until I remembered the screams. Looking outside the cave entrance, I saw shadows darting left and right underneath the moonlight. "Mom? What's happening?"

I looked up to Mother as she looked down at me. I will never forget the fear in her eyes and how hard her voice shook as she spoke to me. "It's okay baby. I-it's all right. We're going to be okay. W-we're going to make it. It's all going to be okay... it's all going to be okay." She seemed to be talking more to herself than to me. And that was what scared me.

I took into account the screams in the night and the fact that Mom was scared and the fact that Dad took up a defensive position in front of us and pieced together the situation. We were being attacked. And people were dying outside. And we could be next.

"Mommy..." Mother seemed to notice the fear in my voice. She looked down at me. Her eyes penetrating my fear and reassuring me.

"Ren, promise me that you will do everything I say, no matter what."

I nodded my head and spoke in a shaky voice. "I promise, Mom." And I did. I promised with all my heart that I would listen to her. "Never break a promise," Mom once told me_. "It could lead to very bad things."_ Everything is going to be okay... everything is going to be okay.

Just then, one of the shadows outside burst into the cave and tackled Dad.

"Father!"

The two rolled around and fought each other, Fangs and claws extended and dealing lethal blows. Some blood fell off of the two and landed on the cave floor. I hoped it wasn't dad's.

The thing then wrapped itself around Dad and squeezed hard. I heard the hiss of the beast that had Father in its grip. "You're all going to die here tonight."

"The hell we are," Dad managed to say. He started to charge a Shadow ball and launched the dark mass into the creature's face. The monster flew to the wall and hit it with a crash as Dad fell to the floor, coughing and sucking in some much needed oxygen.

"Dusk!"

"Run, Dawn. Get out of here!"

Mother grabbed me by the scruff and ran out the cave entrance into the night. Battle was all around us. Flashes of fire, bolts of lighting, the whistling of razor-sharp leaves, torrents of water, ice-cold winds, psychic blasts. There were dead bodies everywhere. Others were fighting for their lives. Most were being slaughtered on the spot. The screams of warriors, the cries of the dying, the hissing of the very beasts that caused all hell to break loose.

Dangling helplessly from Mother's jaw as she ran, I noticed all of these things.

I looked over to a nearby scream and saw a Vaporeon, his eyes were wide and he fell to the ground, blood streaming out from a gash in his-

I looked away and closed my eyes.

I felt the ground underneath us explode and we were sent flying into the air along with bits of earth. Mom let go of her grip on me to cry out in pain. I hoped to the gods that she was alright.

At first, I felt nothing. Then the emptiness was replaced by a cold, rough forest floor. And I hit the ground...hard.

I went rolling across the dirt for a while before coming to a stop. Slowly standing up, I felt an aching pain in my right side. It seemed to be bruised, but it wasn't anything serious.

I looked around and tried to find Mother in the midst of the battle. Noticing the faint glow of her rings, I ran towards it.

I found Mom on her side with a little bit of blood coming out of the corner of her mouth. I was scared and didn't know what to do. I walked over to her, slowly and cautiously. "Mommy?" I prodded her face with a limp paw. "Mom... please wake up."

Her eyes fluttered open and she looked at me with a weak smile. "Hey, Baby..." her voice was quiet. "Do you remember the promise you made to me back at the den?" I nodded my head. How could I forget? It was only a few seconds ago.

She took in a deep breath, and I could see how much it hurt her. "Good, now Ren, listen to me very carefully. I want you to run... run as fast as you can away from here. Find somewhere safe to stay the night. After that... find someone to take care of you in my place... and always remember, Sweetie, Mommy loves you."

I felt the tears star to build up. "No Mom, don't say that. We can make it out of here together, with Dad. Please Mom, please."

A sharp sound resonated from behind me and sent a chill up my spine. "Whatever is the matter little one?" Turning around, my eyes went wide and mouth agape in horror at what I saw.

A purple colored snake towered over me. There were strange markings on his chest that took on an appearance of a wicked smile. Over these very markings was a white 'X' mark that I took to be a battle scar. There were splashes of blood along his body.

"Are you enjoying yourself tonight? Are you having... fun." There was a tinge of amusement in his voice. It made me sick. "Do you like what me and my companions have put together?"

I somehow managed to find my voice, however weak it was. "C-companions? S-so the other shadows are Arbok and S-Seviper too?"

I gulped as he smiled evilly. "Yes, and we are having so much fun cleaning out our little home. You know, simple things really. Pick up the leaves, Move some rocks out of the way," His smile grew wider. "Kill a few innocent souls."

My legs were shaking. I want to run, but my body won't allow it. Paralyzed by fear, I couldn't do much but cower under the gaze of the snake. He seemed to be the leader of the group. He radiated power, from the way he held himself to the way he spoke. His hiss was frightening. "Ahh, you're scared... good. That will make this next part all the more enjoyable, won't it?"

A shadow ball came from out of nowhere and smashed into the side of the snake's face. The Arbok slithered away from me and hissed at the oncoming threat.

Mother managed to get to her feet and take up a defensive position in front of me. She seemed to have a limp from the way she favored one side over the other. She growled at the Snake pokemon. "Stay away from my child."

The serpent sneered at us. His tail glowed a brilliant white before taking on the form of a steel like substance. He swung the Iron tail around to strike mother on her side and sent her flying into a nearby tree. I heard a sickening crunch as she crashed into the trunk and fell onto the floor. She didn't move afterwards.

"Mommy!" I tried to get to her, tried to see if she was okay, but he wouldn't let me. The Arbok slithered between me and Mother. He grinned and lashed out at me with silver fangs. I closed my eyes and awaited the pain of death... the pain that wouldn't come.

Slowly opening my eyes, I saw a certain Espeon standing in front of me. Several cuts and gashes adorned his body, one of them bleeding heavily, turning his fur into a sick shade of purple that glistened under the moonlight. Looking around , I saw a translucent pink barrier was formed around us two. He was using Protect.

The Espeon looked over his shoulder at me and shouted, his voice shaking with fear and rage and authority. "Ren, Run! Get the hell out of here!"

"M-Mister Yin?"

The Arbok was hissing furiously outside the psychic wall. His tail started to glow a deep purple color this time. I watched in horror as he brought his tail up and lunged it at the kindly Espeon. The purple appendage smashed through the protective shield and buried itself in the neck of my teacher. Blood sprayed everywhere like a beautiful fountain, but this one was a horrible shade of red and was in no ways beautiful at all. It was a fatal strike.

I'm not sure what made me run. Maybe it was because the very sight I witnessed pushed me over the edge. Maybe because if I didn't, then two very kind pokemon would have given their lives up in vain trying to protect me. Maybe it was because my Mother's final wish was for me to be safe. Maybe it was becuase I was weak. Becuase I was a coward.

I ran as fast as I could away from the scene. The bushes and twigs scraped my face, leaving little cuts on my skin, my fur getting caught in the briars and being tugged on painfully. My bruise flared in pain, begging me to rest, begging me to stop. But this pain was nothing compared to what happened back there.

After a while, I realized that I needed to find somewhere to hide out for the night. My gaze landed on a hollowed out tree with a hole near the bottom and I slowed to a stop. Climbing into the makeshift shelter, I notice the scent of any other pokemon was stale, which meant a safe enough night.

I curled into a ball and tried to fall asleep, but the emotional turmoil kept me awake. First sorrow, then anger, regret, confusion, exhaustion, and then... nothing

---

I'm walking back home now... home. I don't want to see what's there, but I have to. It will make me stronger... I need to get stronger, and to do that, I have to accept the truth. To take death and laugh in its face.

I'm here now. I nearly puke at the sight and the smell. The usual sandy floor was now a muddy, crimson color. Corpses littered the ground. Some were gutted open, others just had fatal cuts on them. I saw a thick, purple colored liquid drip out of a gash on the corpse of a young Eevee and the word Poison instantly pops into my mind.

I try to look for Mom amongst the dead, but I can't find her. I even look near the tree I saw her by last. She wasn't there either. I rush into our den, looking for Father's body next. I see a shape and instantly rush over to it. It's not Dad, but the Alpha of the pack, A Jolteon. He had many wounds, but the one that seemed to take him down was a wide hole in his chest, that was still dripping with poison and blood. I try not to look inside, but the image of a heart with a hole in it was burned into my memory and I empty my stomach on the floor.

I walk out of the cave, feeling weak. If the Alpha didn't survive, then there was no way anyone else could have.

... but I did. I then realize that there was a chance that Mom and Dad could still be alive. If I escaped, then surely they did also. But, no, I'm just kidding myself. I saw Mister Yin get speared in the neck right before my very eyes and I can't find his body anywhere. They probably ate some of the corpses. Just the thought of it makes me want to puke again.

I see the body of a Seviper and an Arbok laying close together, obviously partners that died in the battle. I feel a sudden rush of hatred and fear for the pokemon species. I will never forget this day no matter how hard I try. Someone as young as me should never have to experience this.

Then reality hits me hard. My parents are dead. They are dead because they tried to protect me. But it was all my fault. I couldn't protect myself. I couldn't protect them. They died because of me.

I didn't cry last night, but now I couldn't help it. My throat tightened, my breathing grew irregular, and my chest started heaving. The tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. "Mom? Dad? No..." I started whispering to myself.

"No... I'm sorry... no, no, no, no. I-I'll get stronger. For you... for both of you. I-I promise. Just p-please don't go." But I knew it was too late for that. They were gone, and it was all my fault.

My whispers turned into wails of despair as I collapsed onto the bloody ground. "NO! N-NO! MOTHER! FATHER! NOOOOOOOOOOO!"

And that's my first chapter in this story. T.T Again, I apologize for my horrible writing. It will only get better from here on out though, I promise. And just in case you're wondering, yes, Ren's lullaby was completely original. Made up by me over the span of about three months. I hoped you liked it, and the next chapter will come soon. I got tons of things going on right now. It's amazing I even found time to do this. And just before I forget, I want to give a special thanks to 502nickstar for being my first watcher; considering I hadn't posted any stories by then. I wish I could check out your stories dude, but I'm busy. Maybe when I find the time, I'll pay a visit. For the others, please comment however you choose to do so. Chapter two is coming whenever I can get around to it. Until next time, see ya!

-Dusk