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Luna and Thief Chapter Twenty-Nine: When Voices Sing

“He'll be fine." The voice mentioned to him. “My husband may specialize in eggs… but he knows what he's doing with the center. Even though it's closed, we still have all we need here." The elderly woman came into frame as Griffin looked up at her courteously. He spent so much of his time just glancing down at his dry, dusty hands in anxious patience.

“Heh… I should have gone with Nidoqueen. I can't believe your Growlithe tied with my Vaporeon." Janine commented, finally showing off her face after it all as she leaned partially against the drywall and then looked over to Melody. “The young woman, there." Janine pointed and that left Melody to flinch unexpectedly “She's the one that helped Nurse Joy… and Griffin here."

“Thank you. It means more to us then you'll ever know." The elderly woman expressed as her husband took off his stethoscope. Thief was resting on this little white table; one that was cushioned and clothed. Griffin only had to look at him, stare at him with endless questions that scoured his mind and scorched every single thought that didn't involve blaming himself.

“Your Growlithe isn't in rough shape, aside from the previous injuries." He'd express gently, as though aware that Griffin felt and looked that way “That said, he needs a lot… and I do mean A LOT of rest." Griffin nodded politely back after lifting his head in this near fright. Worried that he'd get scolded once more.

“He wouldn't back down." Griffin mentioned, but it sounded more like a question.

“Stubborn, makes me wonder how he relates to you." Janine commented idly as Melody nervously bounced her leg like before. It made Griffin look curiously, she did that before; he knew that for a fact. Eventually he found the strength to say

“Are you okay, Melody?"

“I'm fine, I just don't like doctors." She'd reply with a stutter and continued to bounce her leg as her Houndoom curiously patted his chin on her bouncing leg. It's like Smokey tried to stop her leg from its involuntary jolt. “I know Smokey, I know…"

“There's a lot to do with your Growlithe." The elderly man commented and that took Griffin's attention once more “If you're lucky… it'll evolve. All its problems will leave when it does. IF it does."

“That's up to him." Griffin replied softly and only after a stoic pause. “That's all up to him. I can't force him to change." Griffin mentioned and sighed. It made the elderly man look at him skeptically and then he'd adjust his stethoscope and put it down onto the cushioned table.

“Most injuries in Pokemon Battles are tame. Light… a competitive sport except in rare cases. Even wild types don't go this far if they aren't hunting; injuries like this are nearly alien to me now, I haven't personally seen them in years." The elderly man expressed “Burns like this… on a fire type? Unbelievably, they take longer to heal; and don't even get me started on his ribcage."

“What?" Griffin jolted after his eyes contracted in fear; his whole back went through an array of chills and frigid shocks.

“Yes… I can see minor fracturing on the scan. There's a chance that mending; or scanner-based mending, might work. For something this extensive… the only hospital I know of that does is in Viridian City."

“You mean… like where Luna had to go before." Griffin brought up idly as Brad gave him a nod. “That was in Saffron City."

“Your closest bet is going to be Viridian." The doctor expressed as Griffin sighed.

“Wait… I never took on the Viridian City Gym." Griffin took out his badge case, it made Janine look over.

“You have the Hoenn… league case?"

“Huh? Yeah. I already finished Hoenn… except for the league."

“That's a bit of a finger to your brother." Janine replied after giving this questionable and sharp look with her eyes.

“Well he gave it back to his friend so… whatever." Griffin commented. “It's the Magnet Train all over again…"

“I don't think it's THAT bad Griff." Brad brought up “I mean, comparing Luna back then and Thief now, Luna had fully fractured bones. She's… lucky she's alive. I still don't get it myself."

“Your Growlithe is more… cracked all over. Multiple micro-fractures" the doctor tried to put it as lightly as he could, tone and all. “One wrong move… That's why I recommend laser-based mending. But a scan that extensive; well you need a proper trainer card, a proper Pokemon Hospital… granted, unlike the center; that is going to cost you…"

“Huh?" Griffin swallowed after a second and the elderly man smirked ever so softly.

“Well, yeah; it's Japan not Canada." He replied and sighed “There's a chance I could refer you…"

“Wait, Griff; what about that… Joe guy?" Natasha brought up idly “He gave you that grant right?"

“Joe…? Wait you mean Ward? You think he'd actually take Thief?" The elderly man blinked

“You know Joseph Ward?" Griffin nodded in reply to the elderly man's question

“I have the Tri Research Grant." Griffin scratched his head “I just haven't been catching Pokemon all over the place." Brad slapped him upside the head, it made Natasha and Melody laugh… Hunter and Sam chortled – even Janine giggled “Hey! Brad!"

“Well, it's official; the biggest fake trainer has the most important research card." Brad laughed as Melody tilted her head.

“You have a bracelet?" Brad look down before he tucked it away.

“Gift from a friend."

“… You… said sister, actually yeah; you told me you had a sis Brad." Griffin commented as Brad went nervous.

“Well it's my sister so she's clearly a friend too." Natasha huffed and rolled her eyes from what he said.

“lying idiot; it's a Mega Stone." Brad went still as all the color rushed from his body. “Lucarionite right? They're common in Russia, Kalos, they might be rare but they're more common in some places then others."

“W – well I don't HAVE the stone… it's just the trainers… one."

“Also, you don't have a sister." Natasha remarked as Griffin furrowed his brow and tilted an eye at Brad whom suddenly looked, stiff; relaxed and focused. “I know the REAL brother-sister types. You don't have that style at all." Natasha expressed and sighed “So you're Growlithe is messed up… now we need to what? Skip a gym?" Griffin shook his head no.

“Hell no, we let Thief rest; bandage him up – take a ferry to Cinnabar and finish the fire gym… then we loop to Viridian City; get the last gym badge AND stop by the hospital. I'll see if I can talk to Ward…"

“Too bad you can't just use a restore, like a max restore." Natasha commented

“That could be very deadly young lady." The elderly man expressed “Max Restores are incredibly risky, especially when overused. That's why you can't just buy them. Not without a license like mine." Griffin cleared his throat lightly as the room went silent from it.

“I… Is it worth using one on him?" Griffin sighed after the doctor hummed and haw'd for a moment.

“I use it on him, he can't really move or fight at all for a while. It might also hurt too." He'd express “That said, it will help him recover more quickly and better. In some sense it could help stabilize your Growlithe if there are any other issues. Things I can't see from what's in front of me." The elderly man mentioned “If I do, do NOT use ANY sprays on him. Nothing. Don't even give him a Pecha Berry. I'd also suggest a diet consisting of only Oran Berries too." Griffin calmly cleared his throat again, he felt like there was fog in it.

“But it will help… right?"

“It very much can, your Growlithe according to my scans and what I have from the center, not only has a common enough blood type; a higher then average blood count, especially with white blood cells although he isn't fighting off any infection that I can see. Your Growlithe could very much benefit from it, as well as the trip to that hospital in Viridian."

“What? Is his blood type A?" Brad commented

“He has DEA one-point-one, one-point-two, and DEA three and four on his blood palettes."

“…What?"

“Exactly" The doctor mentioned and softly chuckled to himself. “He has a very common blood type for canines, could even take blood from a universal donor with very little issue." The elderly man expressed and gently nodded “It'll take me a moment to apply the spray."

“Please… do." Griffin mentioned

“My darling wife can look over the rest of your Pokemon."

It was outside, after all that… where Griffin had to hold one of his Pokeballs. The black, glossy sheen looked back at him; the single large strip of ruby that ran from top to bottom and that striking little line of gold which divided the two… made him look at it closely; intensely. His warbled and distracted reflection came in on the gloss. Luna looked up at him.

_He… just wouldn't quit. I just don't get where the lightning came from...? Was that from Yuny? Her fur got all puffy out of nowhere and then the clap happened. I've never seen… anything like that.

It… was terrifying…_

Luna nimbly dug her paws against the concrete as she'd stare at his trainer push the poke ball against his forehead, right there on the road… distracted – alone. The start of the afternoon sun was over them as he'd just stand in silence, in wonder. Of what, that little Vulpix couldn't figure it out, no matter what she did or how drastically she tilted her head. Let her ears dangle. Griffin made one little look down before he made this little scoff.

“Maybe you have a little angel look too huh?" He'd comment as Luna just narrowed her eyes. “He'll… be okay." Griffin expressed to her once more, “I'm just worrying like always. I've never seen him fight that hard. I… never knew he could." He'd swallow as Luna just held her stance. This weird, lazy… inquisitive and cute stance; one that left him to smile and softly chuckle to himself. “You know… I wouldn't mind it if you stole food from us again. If it were all different… I know I wouldn't mind that." He'd just bop his head back against the wall and looked up at the clouds… the burning sunshine – the bright blue sky. A gentle warm sigh came from his lips as he held that Pokeball up high. “You all just… don't know when to back down… do you?" Luna's ear twitched gently from the sound of his voice, the huff of his breath. “I think all of you are rubbing off on me…"

“that's not a bad thing"

“GAH Jesus…" Griffin went silent; Janine stood beside him out of nowhere; it left Luna in complete and utter shock.

“Seems like déjà vu to me." Janine commented and laughed “The look on your face… Too bad you wanted to break mine, right?" Griffin cleared his throat

“W – well I mean…"

“It's what you do right, holding that Pokeball up high." Janine expressed and nodded. “You won't talk, just like your brother. You're both stubborn." She'd gently sigh and leaned against the side of the building. “My advice… Griff." Janine began to say. “Even though you want to become… whatever you want to become… never forget that being a trainer was what brought you there. I certainly don't forget that." Janine reached in her pocket. “That said… a deal is a deal."

“You weren't being serious…?"

“I was." Janine replied, “In fact, I saved yours for last." She'd pull out this small, perfectly cut stone; laminated perhaps? Griffin just blankly looked at it. A small pink heart, nothing more… nothing less. “It felt fitting to give yours last." Janine mentioned

“thanks for finding a doctor…"

“Edna and Jonathan are the best Pokemon caretakers the city has to offer." Janine mentioned and nodded “I wouldn't have challenged you if there wasn't a good Pokemon doctor in town." She'd say, bluntly but full-heartedly. “That said… keep that in mind when dealing with… whatever or… whoever that was the other night."

“You saw that?" Janine nodded

“Ariados even got worried and panicked the second it saw that… that thing. My Ariados even went against Suicune. I've been training with him forever. I trust what he does too… Griff." Janine mentioned before she tossed up a wave of her hand and began to walk off “This better not be that masked man bullcrap again… I've had more than my fill of Team Rocket." She'd express and sighed as she walked off. “Later… Fletching. And, good luck."

Griffin just looked at her, then partially checked the badge… by the time – hardly taking his eyes from her – that he looked back, she was gone. It left him alone, just staring down the road o some older city; a rustic soft city with warm bright sunlight. One that left him to catch his breath.

I think… it's more then luck that we need. It softly crossed Luna's mind as she'd tenderly sit on the pavement beside him. I don't even know… how or… what came over him. Why didn't you back down? Why wouldn't you? That look in your eyes… I've never seen it before… have I? Luna felt the singe of her fur as the wind rustled over her pelt. A small flinch from the wind and a huff of her breath left her without it. You were… sure. That was the look in your eyes. Just… sure… just… Griffin stirred and stood from the wall he leaned against and then checked that funny little deice; his phone. He checked it studiously for only a moment… then that magical little box was back into his pocket. It made her look at the device; that strange alien thing before her eyes looked over his leg… his jeans bundled softly around the right ankle. What did you want to prove…? It made her huff and snort out clear smoke You… idiot. Going that far for a stupid gym battle… I did, but I didn't do it like you did. I wasn't injured already, I wasn't… Why would you make me worry like that…? Have I ever seen that look in your eyes before… Thief? Can you answer that for me?

Can you tell me… why it terrified and… left me awestruck?

“Luna?" Griffin began to say, and she looked up at him with wide eyes, dilated eyes. Natural… feral. It made him blink in reply. “You're worried…?" Griffin began to blink more, a rapid close of his eyes as though something irritated them; then he rubbed them and made a small, insignificant smile. “You don't need to worry… I'm here. I can help too" His sincerity… a soft quiet voice that left her ear to twitch as she starkly flicked her six rampant tails against the warm sunshine. “I might not know everything but… I can try; that beats not trying." A gentle sigh… a small, nervous tap of his shoe touched the pavement as she only glanced at her trainers' leg closely. “I feel like it's going to rain." He'd mention “It's too warm out; at least when I was home, whenever it got too warm one day it would just downpour the next… usually around this time too." Griffin continued to say with a soft and quietly tender tone. “It shouldn't take too long for everyone to be done."

Why… do you talk to us? At all, I mean? You don't understand what we say to you even though we understand you clearly. If you could understand…. Any of us what exactly would you say then… Griffin? What would you tell us? How would you…? You don't understand…

Is that what you were trying to say… Thief? Or is it just my thoughts?

Luna kept herself lost to her thoughts and quietly followed him the moment they all started moving again.

Cinnibar Island… that was their next stop and as the city changed into soft trees o emerald green and skies as blue and vibrant as they had been all morning; Luna just hugged close to Griffin until his pokeball cracked open, he barely flinched… barely sighed or seemed annoyed. All he did was talk to Brad curiously… Sam and Hunter mentioned that they were going ahead; rather than to Cinnabar Island – they both had the badge already… they were headed to Viridian. All Luna did was stare and look and curiously study Griffin's Pokeball Belt the entire time they walked… until….

“Don't worry so much." Moonlight began to say as Luna snorted back at him. She just silently looked and stared at Griffin's oddly colored Pokeball. “…" Luna rolled her eyes, flicked out her tails and got up closer to Griffin. “I know I said…" Moonlight trailed off; it wasn't like him at all.

“You do care about him, Moonlight." Luna remarked and that left the Espeon flick his ears; swish his forked tail. “Don't just sell him off… Moonlight." She'd mention again as he went silent. “I don't know what happened to you… I don't know why… That thing has brought the bad out in you. I understand… why…? He hurt your owner. He hurt you." Moonlight simply dropped his tail.

“… It."

“Sorry?" Luna made this puzzled and confused stare; her left ear twitched as her tail turned to dead weight.

“ It hurt my owner… my trainer. It changed everything." Moonlight firmly expressed “And I'll be damned if it does it again, Luna." Moonlight went a little quiet. “I'm selling… him short." Moonlight expressed “Because kind words and showing him doesn't help. I'm being firm to help him. Do you understand that? I'm being firm because he can't rely on me." Moonlight told, firmly… boldly – harshly. “He can't" Luna stilled her tails and flicked her ears in reply

“He can… and you can too." Luna expressed and softly swallowed. That's when Moonlight tilted his head.

“The look in his eyes was no different than the one at the Magnet Train." Moonlight mentioned idly. “That's the second time I've ever seen it." His voice began to trail off at the end. “He had the type advantage, twice. With injuries like his, I would have backed down… because I know that if I didn't; then I wouldn't have the slightest chance in all of hell to rip apart that thing." He'd express and sighed after a moment. “Luna…"

“What?" She'd say after a moment.

“Just… be careful. I know that… Just be careful." The Espeon mentioned softly and looked towards the trail below him. The dirt… the way how his paws pushed against it, his muzzle open in a soft lull of a sound… then a smile. One that made Luna's eyes dilate. “Careful… Don't be… rash." It was all he said with a hint of delicateness within his tone; the soft tender mewls and the gentle drop of his fluff. She'd just look at his nose… eyes. Ears… the richer pink fluff that she hadn't seen since Pewter.

“Same goes for you." She'd softly comment and swallowed “I don't know the… the extent of that Pokemon but… I don't know." Moonlight tsked in reply and sighed.

“I can protect you; I told you that in Pewter…" Luna nodded shyly.

“You did…" Moonlight sighed softly in reply and pushed his paw against the soil, kneaded it into the soil and then one paw over the other.

“Yet… I can't… protect him." Moonlight began to say

“I don't…?" Luna replied

“Thief can't rely on me… anymore. He's not going to get stronger like that." The soft huff from his breath and the flick of his tail left Luna to flinch. It was that look in his eyes that left her haunches to perk; still… her breath gently and slowly froze in place.

Just a simple look, one that spoke somber words and phrases. A look as soulless as it was emotional, truthful…

_ Pained. Hurt._

Luna only found the strength to swallow, to keep her mouth open from his half casted gaze which drew all the life out of her; made her limp and her stomach flooded with lead and steel.

Like guilt hung over her; an anvil… a guillotine of emotion and fractional hope… rain.

“That's… not…" Luna bit her tongue “That's not fair, Moonlight. If you don't want anyone to worry about you why would you give that look!? Why is that… How is that the only thing you can show?" Luna firmly dug her paws into the soil as Moonlight took a small step; a half-curled arch of a pose. Like something unknown threatened him… “When can you trust all of us!?"

“Trust…?" Luna narrowed her eyes

“… Who… can you start with you… You stupid idiot!?" She'd snap her jaws down in a flurry of emotion and heat; her fur perked out as though to make herself look large… but she knew she only looked foolish. “Now I have to… I've always had to worry! That's not fair to me… that's not fair to anyone! So just… just trust us… Moonlight."

“I do…" He said after a short little pause. “I just… don't trust what I'll do." Moonlight continued to say as Luna found herself with a grimace and a growl that hung in her throat. “What… I need… want. None of you can give… I've always been the reason for that, I need you to understand that. So, don't worry about me." He'd reply, the last thing he said with a sharp but short snarl in reply “I'm not the one you need to worry about."

“Well you're the one that I do." Luna replied with blurry vision “You're the one I worry about…"

“And what about Thief… Luna?" She lost her voice, her sound… her words. She just stayed silent as his pink-purple eyes looked her over, and then he turned to leave… to wander ahead of her as though to leave her behind. “He's…" Her found voice made him stop, but he didn't look behind him. “He's like that scarf you have around your neck. He's… just someone by my side for reasons I don't even understand." Moonlight just stayed in place, he didn't move… barely breathed before he finally wandered ahead and left Luna in a spark of stifling air and heat. A singe ran over her body as her heart raced against her chest; pounded mercilessly…

Why… do I feel… like this? It took her a moment to register a pair of warm eyes that studied her; the snowy and grey fur that looked her down…

Absol looked at her courteously and made a notion for Luna to keep up before that Absol clung Griffin's side as they continued to walk. It was only the three of them and after what felt like eon's in silence; hardly a thought in her mind and her eyes studying the blue skies around her… the tall brown and emerald laden trees… She'd find herself as a blank slate lost in the sights and sounds which enveloped her. A backdrop of pointless noise, even the silence and the drowned out sounds around her. The nestle and the beautiful bushes crowded around her as she wandered ahead.

“I mean it's not like you can just… disappear!" Lumine's voice came to her mind “What kind of adventure did you two have without me!? Tell me… It's like… like totally not fair!" Lumine brought up as Luna aimlessly walked through the forest with her trainer _“You both always get the best ones, so you better bring me on the next one!"

I don't think… this would be an adventure you'd want to be on, Lumine… but if you were here what would you do?

You always knew what to do, right?_ Luna just continued to wander down until they finally touched Route Twenty; where the sea exploded before them after a clearing through the woods. Luna gently pushed her paw against the sand below her. The warmth and heat rushed from her claws to her tails. Just this natural hint of warmth that left them all to look out at the water.

“I thought you said there was a ferry… Griffin." It left him to nervously laugh in reply to Brad

“I… thought there would be…" Griffin replied and swallowed lightly “So what's the plan?" Natasha sat down on the sand with a sigh

“I guess wait for Ho-oh to pick us up…" Natasha commented bluntly

“Huh?" Griffin replied

“In other words, we rot on THIS side of the beach, because none of our Pokemon know surf… or are even large enough TO surf."

“We could swim…" Melody mentioned and swallowed “A – Although I don't really want to… at all."

“I'm not a big fan of that idea either." Griffin replied as Brad stretched

“It'll be fine! Check out the rocks; we could skip across."

“HELL NO." Natasha commented in reply and it got into this huge debate about how they would make it across the water Moonlight just curiously looked at all of them as Luna tilted her head at him. He'd just listen to all the people bicker and argue; then Griffin looked down at Moonlight after a moment… the Espeon tilted its head.

“Natasha… Natasha!"

“What!?" She'd nearly bark back at him

“How far away are those islands? There?" Griffin pointed towards the twin pair of smaller islands in the distance as Natasha rolled her shoulders.

“Do I look like a mathematician to you? I don't know!" She'd remark as Melody perked up.

“A few kilometers at least; maybe more." Melody expressed “Why?"

“Why don't we fly over?" It left them blank

“Unless you got like… a… a Charizard in that pack of yours; you're not making it across." Griffin nodded

“I mean… What about Moonlight?" Griffin brought up as the Espeon dryly coughed. “Psychic can work just as good as flying." Moonlight shook his head wildly at him.

“That's a no…?" Griffin sighed and looked out at the water; then his Pokeball cracked open with a glorious sleek, black and grey fur. The monstrous size and the playful little yeen like sound left Luna to flinch. Bandit…

“Hey, Gemstone; Abby, Runt! Get back in your Pokeballs; Now." Bandit remarked firmly “I know how to get him across easily." Luna flinched

“What?"

“Do it now; I'm the size of an Arcanine, I can take a little weight and frankly… I like Brad's idea" She'd say gleefully and playfully “It's been a while since I had a good training regimen; anyways… I'd love to practice agility and Aerial Ace." She'd comment idly and stretched out her back and shoulders. “So, return yourselves now; or stay here." Bandit mentioned; gleefully and gave a playful laugh as Moonlight shrugged a little and gave her this firm stare. “I can make it across myself, Bandit… anyways you could use a net – just in case you fall of that high horse of yours." Bandit snickered at him

“And you still owe me a conversation; so, the same goes for you… Espeon. Try not to drown and keep up!" She'd remark as Absol tilted her head; and then picked Luna up by the scruff.

“H – Hey!"

“Don't give me that little one." Absol mentioned quietly “I know what they're going to do." Absol mentioned and sighed “A little extreme…" She'd comment as Luna squirmed and kicked

“I'll swim!" She'd remark and that left them quiet. “I'm going to swim! It'll take nothing for me to do that!" Bandit gleefully yipped after she showed off a white fanged grin; the kind she'd see back in Saffron… Luna had to follow her eyes down the Mightyena's belt. Bandit still had stained blood in her fur; like some lust or desire to see more in her eyes and this was the only way to curb it.

“Alright, Runt! Show me the same fire you had during Cerulean!" She'd comment and licked her lips at her. Moonlight just tilted his head at her

“You're kidding… right? This isn't a river!" Moonlight appeared to squeak, but it was a firm sound that made her grin in some way.

“Don't worry about me… Moonlight." She'd remark back and took a playful stance at the water… Absol sighed after a moment of silence and returned herself. Then… Bandit simply bolted around the sand and swung right underneath Griffin's legs; between them as though to make him tumble and land on her back… She took the weight of him with ease and that left the little Vulpix entirely shocked.

“H -HEY HEY HEY!" Griffin freaked and nearly flipped before he wrapped his arms around her… then Bandit jumped, it made Luna flinch as everyone stayed silent.

How can she jump like that!?

---

---

Then it was landing on the first rock, which made them all teeter on the edge… the anticipation that she'd slide off the slippery stone surface and land in the water while Griffin just held on for dear life. His hands gripped her fur frantically as he'd dip forward, towards the sea.

“Bandit! What the… why!?" He'd make any noise he could and that's when his massive Mightyena made the next jump; a little hop to the narrow and sharp rock in front of her. Her paws clung to the surface and dug in as she'd place her paws down and suddenly, she'd jump once more, Griffin frantically wailed; squeaked.

“She's insane!" Moonlight mentioned and began to laugh as Natasha called out at Griffin

“Hey hey! What the hell! What about me!?" She'd remark and adjusted her beret… then it was Leafeon and his flurry of leaves, flowers of all shapes and sizes that surrounded her waist and hoisted her up into the air after a vicious little hurricane hung around her legs. “W -Whoa whoa!" She'd remark “Leafeon!" The Leafeon only smiled and then shot a look over at Moonlight whom watched the spectacle.

“You're staring… Moonlight." He'd mention and Luna watched his muzzle turn red. “Didn't think I was strong, Pretty Bean?"

“Shut up…" Moonlight remarked back as Leafeon made a playful giggle and then, hopped over to the rock in front of him after gently placing Natasha down; it made Yuny squeak and make all sorts of frightful, but excited chitters. Aura piggy backed Brad, whom told her not to… but she'd make a jump too. If anything, she was the fastest of all of them. and… Smokey?

He offered Melody a ride in this wonderfully regal way. How he'd gently bow and then lowered his body towards the sand. Melody would gently pet his back… buried her noes into his haunches and then softly put her open palms against the fur on his shoulders. That huge Houndoom simply snorted at Luna after.

“Do I need to carry you too?" He'd snap at her and that made her huff smoke at his nostrils.

“Stop treating me like some object or a… crippled thing." Luna replied with a firm, but nervous, voice. All he did was stare her down.

“You basically are to me." Smokey replied and then gently got into the sea paw after paw, sinking into the water to adjust for the drop-in temperature… his whole body steamed up.

“You can't swim! Your temperature is going to drop!" Luna remarked, but Smokey was already dog paddling, a nice slow and steady pattern as Moonlight only let his gemstone glow and took a paw to the water. She flinched lightly as she saw the rivets and circles spin around his paw as he walked on the surface after taking a wobbly bearing.

“It's fine, just takes me a second to adjust the weight." Moonlight replied as Luna tilted her head and stared at his paw curiously.

“How do you do that?" Luna expressed in this breathless tone, astonished and awestruck.

“I can't fly, that's nearly impossible to hold for a while… but I can do this." Moonlight replied, “What can you do… Luna?" The Vulpix flicked out her tails and dove into the sea; nose first. The frozen water surrounded her… the frost and starkly cold and grainy water ran through her pelt. A soothing… wonderful feeling where the surface was warm from both the sunlight and Smokey.

She only paddled like he did, partially. She was faster but slowed herself… as though trying to help him stay warm in the water.

“Either get on my back or don't" Smokey replied and plumed flame as Melody reached down to pet him.

“I think she's only trying to help, stay calm." Melody replied softly as the Houndoom flicked fire towards Luna, it dissipated right before her eyes, as though intent on not burning her. As though that Houndoom knew he had to hold back.

“I don't need some cowardly species running around me, get lost… Vulpix." Smokey commented back as Luna huffed and scowled at him.

“What is your problem? I'm trying to keep you warm!" Luna replied and flicked on her flame, a cool blue white- like Will-o-Wisp but from her muzzle came forth.

“I don't need your help, Vulpix." The Houndoom replied firmly and surely. “You're like that Growlithe… you both aren't any different, and then there's that Mightyena… Weak." Smokey replied and snorted “Leave Melody and I alone. She doesn't need you reminding her of all your cowardice." Smokey mentioned with this low bitter growl that left Luna to perk her ears at him before giving him this little snort in reply and fluttering down the water… she took in a breath and dug it into the salty abyss below her. Her fur became wiry and unfurled to the point that all the heat in her body slowly dropped down. Then she'd shot her head out from under the water and used her tails like this odd little fin; curling them and pushing forward with her hind legs and forepaws… arch and wriggle naturally through the water as though there were no other way to. Then she'd see Moonlight; whom shockingly parted his legs to brace himself against a soft wave… She'd give a grin, and then flop her tails downward at him to make another small and insignificant curl of cold salt water.

“Luna!" Moonlight called out, it sounded like his voice even cracked and she shot herself into the depths… to stop herself from the giggling fit that came to her throat. She'd never heard Moonlight squeak like that before; his yowl cut short in this odd, crackly way. It made her laugh to herself; holding her breath before she came up for air after swimming by him.

I've… never felt water like this, or if I have…? This is wonderful! Amazing. It slowly treaded into her mind, a slow aspiring feeling surrounded her very pelt and soul.

Like a small pointless freedom, one lost behind a glass, transparent mirror. An image, a voice… one she couldn't put her tongue on; flick her ears to. An answer to a question… or a worthless desperate plea. It made her stall in the water, to the point that two suspicious shadows shot into the depths and pulled her up to the surface. She broke out of the water with this curious stare at the clouds, confused as this wonderful flurry of light lily's hovered around her head like a playful woodland crown.

“You shouldn't keep your head down for so long… Luna." Leafeon expressed softly… gently; he left Natasha without any support for a second and that left her to flinch and hold the rock by crouching downward.

“Uncoil me Leafeon!" She'd squirm as he'd instantly let his tightly knitted and clung held petals unwrap her, it left her to tread water. The Leafeon solely tilted it's head, and then lifted his 'trainer' from one rock to another; she'd squirm and kick out her legs before taking the rock with her open palms.

“I swear to god… if I fall in, I'm drowning Griffin here…" Natasha softly muttered “This is his fault, somehow…" It made Luna pin her ears down upon hearing that; watching a Leafeon casually pick up a human made her partially tilt her head…. Leafeon only glanced back at her in reply.

“You swim very well." Leafeon seemed to compliment “I never knew they taught you how to." Luna felt herself partially snarl back, her eyes softly contrasted and narrowed…

“They never taught us anything." Luna retorted softly, diligently as though worried he'd do the same thing to her; worried he'd force her back… The thought sent a chill down her spine; one that made her fur spike and fluff out in the frozen tide surrounding her. Then it was the warm sunlight that beat down… a small courteous smile that made her skitter off in a small flurry of water… then it was looking over to her left; Bandit was already ahead of them… but stopped at a specific rock. Lucario, Aura, didn't need to stop or worry; she could carry Brad easily.

Bandit began to watch Luna as she swam by, slowing to a stall as Moonlight wobbly wandered up to her.

“Stop splashing so much…" He'd huff “I don't want to be soaked by the end of this crap…" Moonlight expressed and gave Bandit a look as she went to judge the jump ahead. “I could make you lighter; for even just the jump you know." Moonlight called to her

“Shut it, Gem." Bandit remarked “I could make the jump easily… it's this fat ass." She'd comment bluntly as Luna just treaded water, silently splashed against the gentle waves that softly pushed against her fur. She'd see wingulls that curiously lowered themselves to see what was going on. Luna just continued to tread water as Griffin flinched desperately as Bandit teetered slightly as though trying to judge the jump.

“Put me down, Bandit!" Griffin mentioned even though all she did was yeen in reply and happily obliged that order and by rotating her body harshly to the right and leaving Griffin to hit the water with this huge splash that made everyone stop and stare… the wave nearly made Luna pin her ears and she shot under the water to stop herself from getting drowned out entirely. The sunlight flickered above her with this beautiful sporadic light; hovering gently, happily with a brimming lullaby of the sea. Then she jolted and nearly sucked in water when Moonlight shot under the surface of the water…

In the least, he looked very unamused by it. The second she broke the surface; she'd hear Griffin coughing and clinging to the rock and then he'd aimlessly watch Bandit make the jump with this wonderful yipping laugh.

“R – Really…?" Griffin commented and sighed as Moonlight desperately paddled beside Luna.

“I don't swim… well." He'd express as Luna gave him a blank look, and then snorted “Don't laugh at me about that!" He'd comment and huffed before using his gemstone to help him find a surface to push his paws onto. He'd step out of the water as Luna giggled and shot her way to the shoreline, knowing that Moonlight could handle Griffin himself even though she did catch onto Bandit's eyes looking behind her after the second jump.

Natasha didn't stop laughing about it, even as they made it to the shoreline. Luna had to roll her tongue out of her muzzle and pant, yet Griffin had the worst of it; unpacking his bag in panic. Checking all his clothes and everything else. Everyone was bone dry, even Bandit didn't have a drop on her and watching Griffin finally waddle onto the shore, covered in water.

It made Luna giggle almost as much as Bandit and Natasha did; watching his hands in the sand and a firm little cold sigh as something skinny, frail-looking and covered in salt water came behind him.

It made Luna actually laugh; harder then she thought she would; Moonlight followed him out of the water.

“Thanks…" Moonlight replied with a little hiss, then a huff and his tail puffed up with plenty of sass and dripping sea water. “Hey… I mean it…" He'd huff and shook his head in a way that made Moonlight step away and then annoyingly shake out his fur and try to fruitlessly get the sand out of his pelt. Bandit was simply sitting further inland, yipping loudly, laughing with Natasha.

“You're totally soaked!" She'd express and Griffin heard Brad swallow down his own laughter. “You should see your hair!" she'd comment again as Griffin gave a long, hard sigh.

“That's not what I meant Bandit." He'd starkly state with an annoyed voice. “Pooch…" it made her flick out her tail when hearing that and then she stuck out her tongue playfully.

She didn't make that special face though. The one that Shadow talked about… the one she did during lunch. Griffin only coughed and softly laughed “Yeah, yeah… it was kind of funny…" Griffin mentioned idly. Melody was the last one to come onto land “So… where are we?"

“Seafoam Islands" Melody mentioned as Smokey shook out his pelt while it made Luna laugh out louder…

That Houndoom drenched Moonlight; soaked that Espeon to the bone and it left him to give Smokey this dirty look. All Smokey did was stretch out and kick his hind legs; it knocked sand everywhere when he did. Griffin just huffed and looked around the beachside.

“So I guess we… rest for a minute and go again?" Griffin mentioned as Brad sat on the beach.

“Well, yeah; I guess."

“There is a huge network of caves." Natasha commented as she looked at her Pokedex and her phone. “Wow…"

“What?"

“Well, I just looked online. According to like… ten pages it says that the Seafoam Islands has seen an Articuno; a lot." Natasha commented “But it looks like someone captured it." She'd comment and narrowed her eyes before blinking. “Wow…"

“What!?" Griffin began again as Natasha shot him a look

“Don't like… do that" Natasha commented after his sharp sound “That… whatever that is." She'd express and sighed “According to this page, all the research was forwarded to Professor Oak by… Blaine."

“Blaine? Wait, like Gym Leader Blaine?" Brad commented “You mean the gym leader we're literally going to see?"

“It says right here; it was much, much earlier; like nearly two years." Griffin had a look at her phone screen.

“That's before I even started!" Griffin commented idly “What in the world? That's insane, we're going against a gym leader with a… a legendary?" He'd swallow a little. “He's a researcher too…?"

“Apparently" Natasha commented “The article is about his Articuno, Pokemon Human relationships; that might be why Professor Oak has the information…" Natasha continued to say “This gym isn't going to be easy." Melody looked over at her phone for a moment before she went quiet… Natasha picked up on it right away.

“Something wrong?" She'd softly blink

“My… Sister was travelling at that point." Melody mentioned and cleared her throat. It made Griffin look her way closely… studiously.

“Are you both… on such bad terms that…?"

“Well, I mean... She… may not really know… exactly. My dad, he's… he's not bad just…" Melody shook her head “I don't really want to talk about it." She'd mention in this near apologetic voice “I'm sorry for bringing it up, I shouldn't have said anything…"

“What do you mean that she doesn't even know?" Natasha began after staring at Melody closely; firmly. “How could she not?"

“She… sort of went missing a long time ago." Melody brought up and hid her eyes away from Natasha. “I mean… dad lives in the Sevii Islands… my mom lives in Johto, like I mentioned before." She'd softly express and sighed gently “I really don't want to talk about it… I'm sorry."

“You don't need to be sorry, Melody." Griffin brought up at once, confidently “There's no need to be sorry about that." He'd express as Natasha kept fluttering through her phone while something caught his eye.

“What the hell? Wait Natasha; go back up. The photograph."

“Huh? What it says he studied at… What this picture?" She'd show her phone as Luna looked up at it and froze. “I don't know who's beside him."

“That's…"

Ayumu!? He knows Blaine? They… studied at the same place? No…? Yes? What? Luna just looked at the photograph; an old… old photograph.

“Akiyama? That's my Professor… How old is that picture?"

“Well I mean… it's basically like a trainers Wikipedia sort of, so I have no clue; it's from one of the yearbook pictures apparently. This must be an old, old picture. They look younger! Doesn't help that there isn't any date you know?"

“Well, it has to say what they studied!"

“It says Pokemon Genetics Studies. They were looking into some… well one says medicine, diseases. There's no name online at all. I just don't know the other ones…"

“What site is that?"

“Huh? Oh, it's more of a blog then a site? Sort of? If anything, power of social media, thank you." Natasha commented and made this curious face “We still need to make you an account!" Luna looked at the picture closely.

There were five of them, Blaine and Ayumu… one with curious black hair… another with this pale, short and spiked hair and the last… the last was well dressed; blonde-brown. There was no name for her to see, but it clearly told that they worked with fossils… but they all said that.

“So your sister is nearly… twelve, right?" Griffin brought up as Melody gave him a look

“Well… I mean I think so… she might be fourteen by now for all I know." Melody mentioned as Smokey snorted plumes at Griffin, it made him lightly jolt.

“Alright, alright Smokey, I'll stop asking." He'd bring up as that Houndoom gave off another little huff, one that left Bandit to growl in return; they both stared each other down.

“It's weird that only Blaine's name is on here though…" She'd comment idly and sighed

“So much for the power of social media." She'd start to type something else into her phone…

“I can't even find your professor online." She mentioned after a moment and that left Griffin's spine to crawl; Luna could see that “kind of weird… oh… wait. It says right here…" She began. “Wow… he's studied all over! Holy crap…"

“What!?"

“He INVENTED the Full Restore."

“What!?"

“Yeah… he worked with the company that made it; it says he's the head inventor." Melody brought up “That's insane! Wait… isn't this Joseph too?" Natasha showed her phone again as Brad sighed lengthily

“Are we ready to go?" Griffin looked at the screen, nodded and then looked at Brad.

“I… don't know if I'm ready to tread water again…" Griffin brought up and panted before he checked his small pointless boxes of food; it made Bandit's eyes narrow. “Luckily it's all water…" He trailed off. “Proof… Bandit, no. When we get to Cinnabar; okay?" She'd tilt her head at him with this hunter's gaze and that left him to flinch “N – NOT YET!" All she did was huff and flicked her tail as Brad looked back at Griffin.

“That's the… thing you made during Lunch." Brad brought up as Natasha nodded and grimaced

“Yeah… that thing… is it going to move?"

“It's her special kibble, alright?" Griffin commented “There's NOTHING wrong with it."

“I think it's going to move…" Natasha mentioned as Griffin hit his forehead with his palm

“Look, you liked the food I cooked right? So, I make one thing that DOESN'T look amazing, but I guarantee you that it tastes TOTALLY fine, better then fine even!" Griffin boldly said as Houndoom gave the small labeled case a look. “I'm just lucky I used the inserts… I would have lost ALL the food if I didn't." Griffin commented.

“When did you get those anyways?"

“YOU KEPT BADGERING ME TO PACK LESS!" Griffin recoiled at Natasha and shook his head “Never mind… never mind…." He'd softly huff and shook his head as Natasha reached into a pocket of her little bag and pulled out this strange Pokeball.

“I cheat" Natasha mentioned and stuck out her tongue. This Pokeball was white, pure white like snow with a black line dividing the middle. “These aren't designed for Pokemon, these transfer items. I labeled all of them. I have my clothes in one small sleeve, that little oven in another, currently. I have everything I need in them."

“I've… never heard of that." Brad mentioned and blinked with this newfound jealousy.

“Well they're used for industry, so I understand why you haven't" Natasha mentioned cheekily “I mean… god, these are expensive compared to a normal Pokeball. Imagine… packing an item in a box with Styrofoam. In this case the ball is the box, and the software inside is the Styrofoam. It ensures that what's inside NEVER moves." Natasha expressed “My father is looking into designing the software to move vehicles… but that's a little more complex… He's still scratching his head on that one." Natasha commented and then laughed a little “Imagine if your brother had the chance to look over it, Griffin" She stuck out her tongue as Griffin flinched

“Don't tell me you suddenly want my brother…"

“PHRASING" Natasha recoiled back at him “Phrasing, for the love of god…"

“The only way she'd get your brother is through the KGB…" Brad mentioned cheekily as Natasha crossed her arms at him and sneered.

“And the only way your country stops fascism is through us..." Natasha remarked back as Brad gave her a stern look… Griffin came between them almost instantly

“Cold shoulder… cold war… can we stop?"

“Hardly, at least I'm not making racist remarks…" Natasha mentioned and stuck her hands in her pockets

“Racist!?" Brad brought up as Griffin held his head down low and coughed idly.

“I have like… twenty comments for both of you but for the sake of my own head, I'm just going to tell you both to stop… please? This is getting awkward…" Griffin commented and tapped his shoe against the sand. It felt wrong to just poke at history like that, for Griffin at least… All it did was confuse Luna.

“Pleading is a weird tactic…" Natasha commented at Griffin as he'd stare back… then the air above them erupted into flames.

Luna interrupted all of them in a way that left Melody to laugh and Smokey to stare. She'd simply giggle and cover her mouth. It made them all flinch equally as Moonlight pulled his head up from the sand, Leafeon laid down with him; they were idly talking… Bandit was busy pacing, waiting to leave. In the least, Luna finally shut them all up and then they had another look at the map with Luna staring and eying them curiously. Houndoom simply tilted his head and stared at her firmly… as though he were curious about her Flamethrower. Griffin simply pointed out the island

“Well… it says there is a small town on the opposite side; we should be able to… walk around the island." Natasha gave Brad a look as he tilted his head.

“What?"

“I just had a comment, if you were French."

“For god sake…" Griffin brought up and sighed “Are you both just… like this?" He'd comment idly as Brad gently scoffed and kept his mouth shut.

“What?" Natasha brought up “What? God you should hear a fraction of what my mother says." She'd comment “I just get some of the timing from my dad, that's all. Granted he's a little weird…"

“What could possibly be weird about your dad?" Brad brought up.

“Totally part of the KGB"

“See now she's doing it."

“Let's focus…" Griffin went to look at the map as Brad looked over his shoulder.

“I mean at least you won your wars… we lost in Nam" Griffin closed the map on his Pokenav and looked at Brad as Natasha gently held her sides from the laughter.

“Can I trigger you by showing you a picture?" Natasha quipped

“Only of a field…" Griffin shook his head no after a moment and scoffed gently as Brad began to giggle along with her.

“Jesus, you're both perfect for each other…" Natasha gave him a push and that made Griffin chuckle

“Ew, no!" Natasha remarked

“Hardly, I might get frostbite." Brad mentioned back and that made her stare at him. Luna made a little yip at them and that made Griffin look down at her.

“Yeah I know, you're not the only one that needs training." Griffin jested and shook his head before taking in a rough breath of air and letting out a sharp sigh. “Alright; better plan. We find this town… Bin'nu? That's all I have… Is it trying to say Vinness? Binesu right?" Griffin looked at them as they gave a shrug.

“Maybe it's a name? Someone that found the town?" Brad mentioned

“Probably." Natasha mentioned as Melody nodded back

“Let's go, if we're lucky there might just be a boat or a ferry or something. We can get from Vinetown to Cinnabar that way." Melody commented as Griffin softly hit his head

“Right… I misread the Katakana…"

The beachside, although rocky… treacherous in some places beat swimming, or at least for everyone else but Luna. She longed to jump back into the water, but as they walked… the cliffside became much more rigid and high.

Sharp rocks at the bottom didn't really scream anything positive for her; so Luna hugged closer to the mountain-like mound which from time to time made her tilt her head in thought.

It makes me think of… well it is like a big round nest or hovel. A little cozy hovel… but the cave felt cold. Too cold for me, I think. Luna gently stalled and looked for a good way around as Griffin tediously climbed over a steep rock and found a footing.

“Anyone need help?" He'd mention and ensured his foot was well planted by looking down at it.

“I got it… just need to keep my bag out of the way." Natasha commented, Yuny stuck her head out afraid to look down as Leafeon had already made it to the top… alongside Bandit, but she went on down already. Then there was Moonlight whom sat nearby. The two of them watched carefully as though ready to jump into action at any second. Aura offered Brad another lift, but he was more then up for the challenge.

“Griff watch out!" Brad called as he'd duck and covered his head. “I think it's slate… or something like it; some edges are brittle." Griffin had covered himself with his bag and smaller stones hit against it and bounced off.

A shell; how smart. Luna pulled herself up after finding something that didn't look like it would slice her belly open like jelly. Houndoom helped Melody by pushing her up and constantly staying nearby her rear end…

“You'd… take the fall? Act like a cushion?" Luna mentioned worryingly to him as the Houndoom stared at her, just partially.

“If I needed to drop dead for her, then I'd do it without any hesitation." Houndoom expressed stoically, coldly… even as Luna's haunches lifted. “But I won't die until I know she'll keep on without me." Smokey stated firmly “Why else do you think I'm stronger than your Mightyena friend? If I needed to, I'd rip apart everyone here. I'm more of a challenge for any of you or all of you. Keep that in mind." Luna huffed lightly and growled

“Keeping her from everyone… that would make her…" Luna snarled “What kind of possessive and disgusting thing is that?"

“Excuse me?" The Houndoom challengingly narrowed his eyes as Moonlight looked at the back of Luna's head. Leafeon took a curious glance too.

“You heard me kindling." Luna sharply growled back as Smokey tilted his massive skull at her. “If she has no one but you and you… stupidly do that then you're only hurting her." The Houndoom went quiet and pushed his paws into the stone “Just stop and look at your own damn reflection. You're strangling her with overprotection."

“She needs it, you don't understand." Luna growled again and then huffed

“You're not her mate, you're her Pokemon." She'd remark and that made her feel like a pair of fiery and violent eyes were on her. “She's not some… pack mentality thing either." Luna firmly snarled back at him “I think what you're doing is more cowardly then anything I've seen yet." The Houndoom's upper lip curled as though he was holding back a vicious growl.

“Melody is my life." Houndoom said back to her after exhausting small flames downward, away from them. “I don't see her like that; disgusting. Melody is my owner, my human and my reason." Luna scoffed a little and looked back down at him “I'd never hurt her like that. What even makes you think that?" Luna felt her maw hold for a moment. “Are you just speaking out of turn? Just speaking emotions? Use your head, Vulpix."

“I'm telling you exactly how I see it."

“Humans and Pokemon can't do that." Smokey snapped back “Melody needs me to see, I've been with her all my life. I will protect her."

“Then let her have some freedom!"

“I already have, can't you forget that I was sitting in my Pokeball, waiting? I was hardly out in Fuchsia until we started to leave." Smokey pulled himself upward to the next rock. “I am doing what I was trained to do."

“Trained?" Luna brought up in confusion

“I'm a Medi-Pokemon, I work with medically inept humans."

“She's not blind now!" Luna mentioned in reply

“And I am still here, if I don't need to deal with what ails her, then I still have a job to protect her from others. That is what I do." Smokey replied, “Understand that!" He'd mentioned and plumed flames behind him once more. It made Luna's ear twitch after a moment; her fur still on ends.

“Are you okay?" Luna felt the desperation in her voice, the sudden fright… “I'll stop talking just… are you okay? That doesn't look normal."

“…" The Houndoom took in air and pushed his skull against the rock softly. “I'm fine, Vulpix. You should worry more about your friend. I simply get too hot sometimes, it's a minor side affect of training like I do." Luna swallowed

“Are you in pain?" She began to say as Smokey simply flicked his ears.

“No. I'm not in pain, not physical." Smokey expressed after a moment “But, perhaps, you were right about swimming." Houndoom stated and nodded “That's all it's from, my temperature is coming back rapidly. That's all. So, don't worry about me, I gave you my reasoning. Now, how about we get over these rocks and find some flat ground?" He'd express and softly help to push Melody upwards again.

Luna only looked back at him with folded ears before she pushed herself against the stones before she lifted to the top; her heart raced against her chest as she'd blink firmly. Her mind lost to her own thoughts for just a moment.

Why… did I even…? Am I angry still? Worried?

It was the beachside on the other end, after climbing down which felt more perilous then before. A steep, jagged way down was what met that smaller Vulpix and she had to hold her breath until she finally touched the ground; let the sands part by her paws. The heat only left her to gently quiver and pulse against the hot grains, then she looked behind her and watched everyone climb back down.

“Don't stall, Luna…" Moonlight brought up as she gave him a firm glance back. He was back to this, stoic; studious and firm look. One that screeched sincerity, yet it was his eyes Luna had to catch onto, something that stole her breath before she even had the chance to catch it.

Have his eyes always… looked like the whole world just... How does he view it? I don't… want that for you, Moonlight. Something gently nudged her side, it left Luna to jolt as Leafeon passed by her

“You look much too firm! That Liepard causing you trouble, Bean?" Moonlight only went quiet and went to open his maw “I mean you should catch it." It left Moonlight to huff and turn his head to the crevice nearby him, Luna only tilted her head as Leafeon tossed her a gaze.

“May I have your time?" Leafeon mentioned, calmly and that made her glare back.

“Fat chance…"

“It's concerning Thief." The name left Moonlight's ear to twitch; Luna noticed that, and it left her to only narrow her eyes

“Anything you can tell me, you can tell me here." Luna returned to him “So, tell me what worries you. Leafeon."

“Hm… Your friend is empathetic, right?" Leafeon began to express as Luna flicked her ears back; they walked in a small group of three and followed everyone from behind. “I find it… curious, contradicting nearly." Leafeon continued “Considering what he did earlier today."

“He was just… angry, I think. Everyone has been teasing and pushing him too much." Luna mentioned

“That's dangerous." Leafeon mentioned lightly. “It's okay to get angry, but to vent it out in a Pokemon battle…? Even my home tries not to do that."

“Tsk, well my home certainly does." Luna mentioned and that left the Leafeon to soften his eyes.

“Your home, was the most beautiful place to be." Leafeon began to say as Luna rolled her eyes. They just walked and wandered across the sand, Moonlight stayed silent. A curious tilt of his head from time to time. “I should have expected Thief to do something like this, but not this soon." Leafeon continued to say as Luna flicked her tail.

“…" She kept herself quiet, bit her tongue for just a moment.

“I understand he's a friend… but if you're not careful, Luna. That little Growlithe could bring you down just as easy as anyone else."

“He's not a burden." Luna recoiled with a little growl. “He. Is. Not." She'd express firmly after that.

“…" Leafeon gently snorted “It's not that he is, it's that he could be." Leafeon mentioned “He's no different then any of us, but he's the one I worry about." Luna tilted her head as Moonlight gave him a curious glance. “Let me worry about him. I know his type… I know it too well." Leafeon expressed and gave a little somber nod. “We all can't just focus on him. Worry about yourself, too." Moonlight only tilted his head and gently huffed before darting his eyes away from them both. He muttered something that Luna couldn't catch onto.

When the town finally came into view… more of a small private resort on the warmer side of the large island, Griffin, Melody, Natasha and Brad ended up pointing out all sorts of little shops and many other things. She'd only follow them around nearly pointlessly, Brad watched the beach mentioned about surfers and swimmers.

Natasha frantically showed off her Eevee's towards these three trainers that were down at the beach.

All of them with an Eeveelution of their own, Yuny particularly liked the Jolteon... But Luna ended up staring at their Flareon…

And Akamaru.

“Hm? Are you okay?" Akamaru began to mention and Luna found herself flushed and red from it.

“Y – yes I'm fine!" She'd remark and tugged her paws from the sand “Completely fine!" Yuny just gave a sour look

“You like Aka's fluff too!" She'd comment idly and innocently. It left Luna to nervously laugh afterwards

“What… no!" She'd express back, frantically as Akamaru gave a sheepish smile in return before he'd nod

“Well I don't blame her!" Akamaru noted to both her and Yuny “If I could I'd be jealous of my own fur!" He'd jest as the other Flareon rolled their eyes and snorted back at him. Luna only… desperately blinked.

He looks glossy in sunlight…

It left her to wildly shake her head left and right He's also… taller. Broader. No, get this out of my head… out of my head now. Luna just looked at him as Yuny playfully jumped on his back, the Flareon only laughed, smiled. He'd playfully twitch and fold his ears as Yuny went to swipe at them. It left those three peculiar trainers to laugh and chuckle.

“It looks like you're Eevee imprinted very well on your Flareon!" Natasha smiled and nodded in reply

“Akamaru is like a big brother to her!" Natasha noted to them

“So think she'll be a Flareon" A red headed trainer asked as Natasha nodded no

“Nope, she's going to be my first Jolteon!" The yellow haired one made this sound, like a near victorious cheer.

“You owe me! I won the bet!" He'd comment to the other two as they sighed, and both hit their heads.

“What?" Griffin brought up as they gave him a look and chuckled

“Oh, we're all locals, our younger bro is somewhere around here." The one with blue-black hair mentioned and had this dramatic look around them, before he shot up his hand. “Hey Mikey! Mikey!!" He'd call out as everyone took a little glance at a younger boy with brown hair and a curious, lovely and wide-eyed Eevee on his scalp. It made Griffin still, stall… look. Luna just looked up at him.

What are you thinking of…? He looks like your brother, right? But with… shorter hair. Younger.

“Hey Rainer!" Mikey commented back to him and caught his breath “Eevee ran off and found something neat!" He'd comment and showed off his Eevee.

It was holding something, like a bone. Natasha gave a look at it

“That's a quick claw!" She'd express after a second, Mikey gave her a curious look.

“You have an Eevee too?" Mikey said and she nodded before giving this sly and knowledgeable smirk

“I'm an Eevee trainer! I want to discover new Eeveelutions!" Natasha mentioned broadly and happily “Have you ever seen a-"

“Whoa! What's that!?" Mikey commented and pointed at Moonlight and Leafeon.

“Well that's an Espeon and a Leafeon." Natasha commented “Leafeon, come over!" Natasha commented as the Leafeon only nodded, as though to play along. Then Natasha bundled her Pokeballs, enlarged them with the primer click and tossed them in the air to show off everyone.

Rainer and his two brothers had a close look.

“Is that a Sylveon!?" Natasha nodded

“Yes! I'm from Kalos, or at least I live there…" Natasha expressed as Brad and Griffin looked at her.

“She is!" Griffin mentioned “She utterly surprised me when I battled her!" Griffin stated happily and chuckled. He didn't comment that he won that battle. Mikey only went wide eyed, his Eevee looked at all of them, hopped down and took a close look. “Go on Moonlight, say hi!"

“Jolteon!"

“Vaporeon!"

“Flareon!"

The three of them called out and Flareon popped beside of Eevee and sat… then a wild and spiked gold-yellow Jolteon hopped out of a red beam.

Yuny went ballistic and bolted right up to him with all sorts of insane sounds. Chitters, enough that the Jolteon had to pull its head back. Tsurara… partially sized, half wandered around the three of them and then playfully plumed ice at the Vaporeon. Luna noticed Akamaru twitch his ear from that. Natasha chuckled lightly as they all just looked over each other, with Moonlight only really letting Mikey's Eevee inspect him.

“So Mikey! What is your Eevee going to become?" It made him make a noise

“Well… I don't want him to." Mikey commented back as his three brothers nodded

“Eevee doesn't need to!" The blond mentioned “If he does, it's whatever he wants to become." Natasha happily nodded and chuckled

“You're already one of the best Eevee trainers out there then!" Natasha mentioned to the younger boy “I've trained nothing but Eevee's, when they evolve, it's whatever they want to become. Always." Griffin only tossed Natasha a curious glance. It made Mikey smile and nod as he'd make a playful… near Eevee like chirp it left his Eevee to jump right onto his pant leg and scamper up to his shoulders.

“You really think so?" Griffin chuckled

“You kidding? Of course!" Griffin commented “I won't ever have my Pokemon evolve if they don't want to." Brad nodded

“There's always a time for it, for all of them." Brad mentioned as the red-haired trainer tossed up a playful fist.

“Yeah my little bro is the best! So… How about a quick one on one?" Natasha tilted her head “Your Eevee, Yuny right? Against my bro's Eevee?" Mikey partially and nervously tossed his hands up Natasha gave a small laugh in reply.

“If Mikey want's to, then of course I'll battle him!" Natasha mentioned and smiled before nudging Yuny's side, it took her a while to catch her attention… after all, Yuny was wide eyed and studiously looking at the Jolteon it was sure to become. Griffin nodded, alongside with Brad as Melody only gave a huff in reply and rolled her eyes.

“Here I thought we'd relax a little." Melody mentioned and took in a breath. It made Griffin look her way.

“Are you okay?"

“I might need water… I think that climb and the walk took more out of me then I thought…" Brad was the one whom opened his bag first, amid her talking and pulled out a water bottle.

“Are you sure you're okay? For a moment you looked a little… pale." Melody nodded and smiled

“I'm okay, thank you." She'd take the water bottle from him “I'm also a little dizzy, sorry."

“It might be the glasses, you've been wearing them for nearly two days; it takes a few weeks for your eyes to get used to them." Brad commented “I mean, it may since you've never worn them before, right?" Melody nodded and took them off, placed them in her case and put the case in her small rucksack. Smokey instantly noticed it and clung close by her, sat. She'd only kneel and pet him before drinking some water; and then letting him have some too. Natasha gave a grin and nodded

“Are you ready Mikey? I think you're Eevee is!" Melody expressed happily and adjusted her beret. Mikey seemed to nervously fumble his fingers as his Eevee jumped down to the beachside. Yuny went to face it off and Luna listened to her frantically say hi… her name, her favorite color. All sorts of things. Mikey gave a giggle

“She's excited!"

“Ye… wait you know it's a girl?" Mikey nodded in reply and chuckled

“Of course!" Mikey mentioned back to her as Natasha gave a smirk in reply. There was enough distance, but Rainer and his brothers got behind Mikey and stood with a little more space. Then the red headed trainer narrowed his eyes and crossed over; his Flareon with him.

“This is a one on one! Show me some fire out there!" He'd comment as his Flareon happily spewed fire into the air; its tail wagged frantically.

“Do your best Yuny!" Akamaru mentioned and laughed.

“Don't get hurt…" Sephiran commented

“Whatever." Tsurara said and then went to look somewhere else as Leafeon butted towards the shoreline, Luna watched that closely.

Sometimes… I feel like, even though the humans can't hear what we say… they just… know. Not all the time but… it's weird.

“Let's start!" The red head mentioned as Natasha took a stance and Yuny happily flicked her tail

“Alright, it's you're Spotlight Yuny!" The Eevee yipped or barked and spoke its name to her while letting her fur lightly sparkle and shock. She got all puffy and statically. It made Luna giggle and her ear twitched at the sound of a crackle. A pokeball? Then it was his paws… the eyes that gave him a look as he'd curiously, slowly trudge across the golden wavy sand below her paws. Griffin only gave a blink and a cough as the other three, the redhead, blonde and the one with dyed blue hair only stared. Luna nearly jolted and ran up to him when he stumbled in his step.

“T – Thief!? Why are you up?" The Growlithe flicked his tail, smiled idly and nodded to her with a small, pained chuckle.

“I'm feeling a… little better. I wanted to watch… I heard Natasha call out." Thief commented hoarsely but calmly “You got this Yuny!" He'd call out playfully but coarsely. It made Luna's fur rise softly, puff out. Her haunches high as she'd partially open her muzzle.

Your eyes are always… bright… or… but why are they… brighter? Why do they look like a little ember around kindling? You should rest… rest more. Rest… you don't need to fight.

“Lets show her some support, Luna!" Thief mentioned and she pulled her head back as he'd smile. Warmly smile in the bright sunshine. Luna just stalled with her mouth open as Mikey mentioned, with a swallow

“Do your best Eevee!" He'd mention and his Eevee took a stance too. A more playful one like Yuny's as Luna felt warmth swirl around her fur before she'd nudge her paws into the sand, beat it like a drum that made Thief look down at them in wonder.

“Both of you do you're best!" She'd call out with a wonderful laugh, a tender laugh. It made Aura look at her and soon that's what it became.

That they both, or they all should do their best; become their greatest.

“Yuny Quick Attack!"

“Eevee use Sand Attack!"

Yuny won that fight; even if it was by the inch of the furs on her scalp. It was a playful, wonderful and kind little duel one that almost ended up as though the two Eevee's only fought out of fun. Luna only stared in astonishment from time to time, that quick fang, the weird little object that Mikey's Eevee had with them just made it move faster. Not all the time, she noticed that, but it astonished her, nonetheless. Mikey didn't care that he lost, won. He just had fun and Natasha commented that he would be one of the best Eevee trainers out there because of just that alone.

“So why do you train Eevee's?" Mikey asked, his Eevee and Yuny ended up playing after; it left Leafeon to tilt his head, twitch his ears and then finally meet Luna's gaze. They just stared at one another for a moment.

Then there's you. You have this sharper look, this firmer look. It's like Moonlights but… it's different. It's like you're just anxiously waiting until we have a real fight… but why?

Why are you around him? Why… choose him, Leafeon?

“Me? Well I'm going to be the one trainer that finds an Eeveelution that nobody has seen. A type like no other." Natasha commented broadly, confidently. “And I'm going to make plenty of friends along the way!" Yuny ran back over to them.

“You see me win!?" She'd yap loudly with her tail wiggling “That Eevee is the best!" It made Thief tilt his head and chuckle, before he'd wince.

Luna didn't know what owned her to hold so close to that Growlithe. With the noise he made, she'd nearly push her shoulder softly against is chest and held her head right under his chin; as though to protect his throat.

“Are you okay!?" Luna softly yapped and Thief nodded

“You don't need to worry." He'd reply and smiled “We did see you win Yuny! You did great!"

“The Eevee let me win!" She replied with this little giggle “He even tried to show me a new move!" That made Thief laugh after a moment of silence, and it left Luna to just stare at him closely; intensely.

Rest…

“You need to rest, Thief." It made him twitch his ears as Yuny tilted her head and flicked her tails at him. Luna just stared at him. She couldn't avert her eyes from that chubby Growlithe. “Please…?"

“You do have a hurt…" Yuny mentioned shortly after “You look really tired too!" She'd express and then pinned down her ears, it made Thief's haunches crawl and stick up for just a moment before he bared his teeth and turned around. All he could see was a leg… a powerful, firm black and sleet grey fuzzy foreleg.

“Chew toy." Bandit mentioned and then sat down; nearly butting Luna out of the way. She'd reply with a 'hey…' as Bandit did. Thief just stared in reply as Bandit curiously tilted her head. “You're in pain, right?" Thief only blinked and that's when she lightly pushed her paw against his chest; it made him wince and jolt… whine. “I'll take that as a yes."

“Bandit!" Griffin suddenly, and firmly snapped at her. It made the Mightyena stall… stop… and then look his way. All she did was give him a particular look, a very particular look… passed Thief a lick on the scalp which made him flinch… Luna could catch onto her breath from where she sat.

“Go back to Griffin and rest. Now." Bandit replied to that smaller Growlithe. “I want to see you fight like that again… Little mutt; so, the more you rest, the better you'll get. Anyways, Shadow won't be too happy with you." She then looked over at Griffin, whom was already making his way over to her. “You're a damned fool, Thief. But it's always fun watching fools run around. Sleep, now." She'd comment firmly, growl a little before she wandered towards Griffin. Luna just looked at her as Thief casually stumble with his shaking legs; it left Luna to brace against him.

“I can stand, Luna."

“I can help."

“Don't worry."

“Well you made me worry." Luna commented back and just breathed “No… no it's not worth getting into a… a fight right now." It made Thief look at her and oddly chuckle. “What?"

“I don't get you…"

“Well you're weird!" Luna recoiled back.

“Are you being a pooch again? Stop that…" Griffin mentioned and sighed before he dropped to a knee, lowered his open palm to Bandit. It only left her to sniff his hand, snort plumes at it and then flick her tail across his forearm rudely. Griffin only nervously laughed in reply as that massive Mightyena casually kicked sand his way and went to wander towards Leafeon; Luna had to look at the Leafeon with all studiousness. He just stared out to the sea, as though to focus towards the horizon with a stiff and firm back. Then something partially stirred and moved against her.

“T – Thief?" He'd softly slump against her, and that left Luna to brace her legs against the sand. “Thief!?"

“Yeah…?" He'd reply sluggishly. “Huh? Oh, oh sorry…"

“Did you just…?"

“I think I did." Thief mentioned and giggled for half a moment “… you're… warm."

“…" Luna stayed silent, breathless for just a moment as Thief nudged his nose into her side, gently breathed although it sounded gruff. “You should sleep." Thief softly stirred. “Just sleep for now… okay? I'll be okay, so if you're worrying about me… I'm okay. I'm, here right?"

“You're acting funny…" Thief mentioned with a giggle, a drowsy giggle. “Really… weird…?" She had to focus towards the bright golden sunlight which gently hovered over them both, the rolling clouds… the sand at her paws. The scent of salt water enveloped her nostrils as everything was a gentle glowing hue of colors.

She couldn't feel her heartbeat… but that wasn't a dreadful thing. There was the jean leg, the shoe… she'd see his hair come into frame after a moment and then Griffin knelt and gently pressed the primer on Thief's Pokeball to return him. The small flickers of red and white licked across the air around her as though they were small pockets of foil paper which curled in the wind. All the weight fell off her side… It took her a moment of stillness to leave her back to crawl and shiver.

He… can bring me down. The thought shocked her. _Moonlight is… he's only doing what he can, so he won't. Leafeon is taking the blunt of worry but what do I do then?

Why aren't I in the equation? Do I need to be?

… Do… I want to be?_

Moonlight gave her a close, curious and skeptical look as he sat there, looking towards the sea before he blinked and looked away from it. Luna just watched in reply before finally making her way over to that Espeon, everyone else was distracted. Talking, laughing yet she hardly made a peep and only found herself close to him, looking at him. Something that left him to eventually stare back at her.

“S – so… what do you both talk about?"

“Hm? Well usually we talk about flowers." It made Luna awkwardly chuckle, a single laugh that parted her lips

“Flowers?" Moonlight nodded after a moment

“Appreciating them was something I learned when I was young." Moonlight mentioned back to her as Luna looked over him.

“And the… the scarf?"

“…" He didn't reply, not a word, not a sound. Moonlight only looked back at her until he finally opened his mouth. “It's where home is… what home is. I nearly feel like it's that seashell that's stuck in Thief's tail. I don't know if you noticed it." Luna softly nodded after a moment.

“I have."

“It's odd, for him I mean. Whenever Thief finds something, like a rock or whatever he gives it to Griffin. Yet he almost tries to hide that seashell, I see him nudge it into his fur."

“You… why do you watch?" Luna began and cleared her throat “I mean… I don't know. I don't want all of us to become…" She trailed off after a moment and that left Moonlight to sigh softly.

“You remind me of someone."

“Huh?"

“Thief does too." Was what Moonlight expressed after a moment and Luna swallowed

“Who?" All that Espeon did was smile softly, somberly before it slowly faded away.

“People beyond perfect. All of it was. I want Thief to be stronger, well… I think you misunderstand." Moonlight began to express “I just want that mutt to be what he needs to be."

“What is that?" Luna started again and Moonlight looked away before he gave this sigh.

“Something I never was, or if I were… something I was never good at. Something that only now… with that damned Leafeon… Only now I'm starting to realize a little more. Leafeon doesn't want me to coddle him. I can worry all I want, but Thief can't be coddled, he's not that kind of cub."

“He's not a cub."

“For now he's no different than Yuny, Luna. For just one moment, I saw that look in his eyes and nearly understood him. I just hope he understands that if it were a real fight, he wouldn't be taking down three opponents that are holding back." Luna only narrowed her eyes and lowered her muzzle slowly, glanced at him; looked him over.

“Why would we need to fight like that? It sounds… it's… pointless, aimless."

“Without direction, guidance or reason… everything is. Wearing this scarf is."

“You said that you don't have a home to go back to." Luna began to explain “So… so why is that"

“…" Moonlight blinked gently in reply and looked down at the grains below his feet. “It was the most… worthless and pointless thing… Luna. Let me just say that it was thing that was there every single day. It's… think how Akamaru is like with Yuny. He's always there, even though he likes his space sometimes, he's always there. It's the same premise." He expressed and nodded to himself. “We all may have differences… but… like the look Bandit gave Griffin. I have a feeling Griffin once saw that every day too. In fact, I know he did. I'm only getting bitter and angry for very… very special reasons." Luna simply shook her head in this tender way of denial and stared him down.

“What could those be?" Moonlight seemed to crack a little smile.

“Every reason is something you don't need to worry about… but before I go home, I'll make sure every one of you is strong and can get past what haunts you. I said I can protect you… I never really explained everything I can protect you from." Moonlight continued to say and gently sighed “I'm getting all…"

“All what?" Luna softly barked back as Moonlight only stared at her with these dilated eyes; they had been the whole time.

“It's just the trick of the light. You should go play, have fun or… or maybe talk to Leafeon… I won't let him take you away and I don't believe Bandit will either. I've heard Shadow talk a lot about how Bandit was when she was younger… I think you remind her of herself. Although I don't think you realize it." Moonlight chuckled and somberly lifted his head up; looked over the clouds and the sunlight. “You remind a lot of people here… of a lot of things. Even more so then Thief ever has. I'm… simply planning on going home, at some point I will."

“W – we want to send you home." Luna began and replied back in all innocence. “Y – you mentioned… well I don't want to say the name, you got angry. You have a friend back, home, right? S – So we want to let you go home and see them; see your owner too." Luna replied as Moonlight didn't look back down at her, instead all he did was scoff… laugh.

“Have… you ever listened to music?"

“What?"

“Yeah… Griffin listens to all sorts of weird music… there's a song by a popular artist here called 'Heartache.' He only played that song once, he was feeling upset after leaving Hoenn. It's the reason why I started sleeping on him; using dream eater. His… nightmares are like mine." Luna just stayed quiet although she had every single question in her mind

She felt like she could change a path or a direction just with words, but she couldn't even begin to think. She couldn't even find a word until Moonlight was looking at her. Looking at her closely.

What… did I say?

“Yeah… they're the most wonderful dreams, and all they do is hurt. They always do." Moonlight continued to say and just looked up at the clouds above them. “It's going to rain." Luna just looked at him, then pushed her head against his side – something that made him jolt.

“It can be black and white… but I think… having the world filled with color is better." Luna started to say. “I don't want you to be… be black and white, I think I just want moments like this; real ones. Can… can you be that? Moonlight?" Moonlight just stared up at the clouds. “Can we… have our friend back? The one we had in Pewter?" All he did was stare, glance… watch. Yet Moonlight never looked down at her.

“Moonlight?" She began to say. “You understand that… you're still our friend, right? I want you to understand that, somehow. I'll find a way to show you."

“I'm fine…" Something nudged at her and that made her flinch softly.

“I didn't know you felt like this." Leafeon was the one that came up to him; he was the one that got in close, closer then Luna. All he did was gently brush his nose against Moonlight cheek; nudge against him tenderly or reassuringly. “It is going to rain, Moonlight. I just want you to know that it always clears… now let's go find somewhere a little more private for now."

“L – Leafeon?" Moonlight nearly snapped his jaw, crossed this look that made Luna's fur stand on the edge.

“Don't act like that." He'd reply quietly “After all… I thought you could use the smell of Poppy and African flowers." Leafeon mentioned softly and just as he did, even as Moonlight protested his fur became this gentle swirl of nutty, sweet smells that made Luna's nose twitch. “I didn't even see it, I'm sorry for that… Moonlight."

“W – why are you acting like this?" Moonlight retorted, as though bitterly angry suddenly and all Leafeon did was push his paw to his muzzle.

“Because it's the only thing your sure about. It's the only thing I know about the real you, the one Luna desires to know about." Leafeon mentioned and turned his head to her for just a moment. “You have too much love to give, you know that?" Luna just snorted back

“T – that's ridiculous…"

“Hardly." Leafeon replied and that left her in silence as he'd gently push his paw; push against Moonlight. It left him this oddly bitter and flustered mess. “This time, instead of biting so hard…"

“I won't bite you." Leafeon laughed to his reply

“You will… let it happen. Let it out… Moonlight. You're falling apart."

“I can help."

“You have, Luna. Without you… I may have never seen it here…" Leafeon expressed and softly huffed as he looked at Moonlight “So just… if not now, do it soon." Luna just glanced at them both until she took a glance towards the sea… Griffin had wandered back over to Bandit; tossed her this little stick that all she did was stare at. Luna made her way over after that; in her mind…

Those two needed some space; one more so than the other. Luna didn't have a word to say yet all that rang through her head in everlasting question was if she said something wrong; if she crossed a line. Although she didn't have any words to say… except she felt and knew the look on his face; one that she was scared to become accustomed with.

**_Like all he had was three little words and one simple name that always hung on his tongue, that dared to part his lips and yet he couldn't be too quick to say them. They were words that she barely understood…

Words that she showed so flawlessly in the smallest of things._**

All that came the moment she talked to Bandit was training, it was something like skipping a rock across water but with fire. Bandit showed the trick, she could bounce little ambers down the sea with this flick of flare and tongue. Luna went on and on until her lips were dry and cracked even though she had to stop from time to time to search for that troublesome Espeon. Eventually Bandit only sighed and gave her a glance.

“He used to talk that way to Shadow, until he learned that Shadow was mine." Bandit expressed firmly. “He never got like that again around him, not until Thief came around but that was more like a brotherly relationship… not like that Espeon is much of one." Luna snorted softly as Bandit looked at her. “Sass, I'm loving it… Are you honestly that worried?"

“Yes, I am, Bandit. I'm worried about him… Thief. Absol… hell even Scarf makes me worry sometimes, Marill too. I worry about you." It made her yip and laugh

“Worry about me? That's a new one." Bandit expressed “The only one that ever worried was Logan."

“That's a lie." Luna's voice made Bandit's ear twitch.

“You're right." It left Luna's muzzle to shut softly as she only blinked and huffed

“I just can't… keep my mind off of any of them." Bandit softly laughed

“Herding them, are you?"

“Pardon?" Bandit softly nodded

“An archer. You watch every little detail, you stay in the back and study them. You want to be fast enough to stop any threat. You want to save something and not for some foolish selfish reason. Not like Moonlight… Thief judging by the look in his eyes. You want to see and face what's real and around us. Same as I. I can move beyond the past, I have. Griffin is no different then when he was as a kid. Confused, lost… yet you're right, Luna. Griffin worries about me endlessly. He has every single day he was waiting by the phone, he'd talk to me more than his brother."

“I… don't know what an archer is…" Bandit laughed a little

“Some of the things Griffin talked about were these stories and adventures he'd make up with his friends. They played with dice – it was later in his schooling. They fought imaginary monsters. I found the stories delightful. I even began to appoint positions for the team, I was young back then." Luna tilted her head and softly huffed

“Kind of weird…"

“Griffin has the look I give him, I have the stories he told me… and an incredibly special spot on his shoulders and head. So, I hope that makes you worry less about me; I get tired about talking about myself." Bandit huffed and gave her a firm look. “Use ExtraSensory and Firespin."

“Huh?"

“Over the water, I'm going to teach you to control your fire, whether we cheat or not. We'll see exactly how good of an archer you can become."

They didn't stay long in Vinetown after all of that, in fact Griffin only began to return some of them; Moonlight came back with this sorrowful yet nearly dilated and bright eye'd look. The kind that left Luna to stare closely at every curve of his muzzle, his whiskers that flicked outward. Griffin returned everyone, Melody was doing much better; finally, on her feet with her glasses off and Smokey close to her front. Brad stuck his hands in his pockets as Natasha simply petted and prodded Yuny with her fingers in this playful manner. Luna only watched them all, as for Mikey and his brothers they only talked with them for a while before going to watch the rest of the beach, mentioned about some shops where they could pick up supplies… and lastly a small ferry line that stopped at Cinnabar Island. That small Vulpix only followed Griffin closely, and as per usual he offered her the chance to return.

And as always, she refused whenever he gave that choice. There was this wonderful breeze and the flutter of soft trees nestled gently in her fuzzy ears with that peaceful sound, the kind that left her nose to twitch while her paws stretched and flexed into the warm golden sands. The sunlight beat down against her red-wood ember like fur, left it to shimmer from the sunlight and showed off that dark-oakwood like finish. Her fur did appear slightly… darker but glistened in this sunlight. It was as though soft sparkles of ice gently hid themselves in the swirl of light and dark red. A wonderful, starry sight as she took a moment to glance to the clouds that rolled over the sun in silence.

Moonlight was right, it was going to rain soon. Griffin even called it before he did; Luna was intent that there was only an hour or two of sunshine left and she followed her trainer from sand to pavement… to linoleum floor and tile.

A quick stop at a Pokemon Center there; this small tiny building that checked over them. There wasn't much to express that Griffin hadn't known already. In fact, Griffin only chatted with Brad for a bit, sighed over pointless things and then talked some more… then to Melody to check and Natasha butted into the conversation as though left out of it. Luna just listened to the aimless chatter of things she had never heard of before, twitched her ears and looked over at Aura; that Lucario kept giving her a look back from time to time.

“They talk about all of this plenty."

“I don't know what a movie is…"

“Hm? Oh, it's like what you see on a Television, like the ones at the Pokemon Center but it tells a story. Some can be made up stories, others can be real."

“I don't get how they put them… like ON the box?" Luna twitched her head wildly, that sentence sounded… off to her; her words just became jumbled when trying to describe it. That left Aura to laugh.

“They use a camera" She mentioned softly “Well, there's more to it, but they use a camera, and someone acts."

“Act?"

“Yes, they read something someone wrote; memorize it and then act. They act… emotionful or emotionless, they can be evil or good or kind or misguided. A movie. Humans enjoy them, same thing as music."

“I know music, I can make music." Luna quipped and stalled

“You also dance, you should listen to… wait… actually." Aura gave this little grin and suddenly grabbed Griffin's bag. It was… politely but it nearly hoisted Griffin upward

“H -Hey! I'm straight backed SEE!? Straight back! It's straight!" It left Luna completely awestruck and concerned. She used one arm and paw to lift him UP… His feet even dangled.

“W – W- Wha?" Luna just went blank as Aura pointed towards Griffin's jacket pocket.

“Huh!?" Brad only blinked and laughed for a minute, Natasha simply stared with Melody next to her, the two of them were wide-eyed and confused.

“She wants your phone, Griffin."

“What!? Why?"

“I don't know"

“She can't even use it!"

“She can call the police on mine…" Brad commented and cleared his throat. “You know you won't win on this one; hand it over." Brad snickered and suddenly went for Griffin's pocket.

“H – Hey hey! No! Low touch!"

“Hardly!" Brad remarked back as Natasha went red. It took a moment of squirming; near wrestling… but Brad got a hold of Griffin's phone eventually and clicked on the screen. It made him go blank. Griffin only went red. Then Brad showed the screen back to Griffin.

“Is this Bandit… and Logan?"

“Wait really? Let me see!" Natasha commented and nearly jumped over Griffin to have a look. “Oh… My GOD you were like thin, tiny! How old were you then!?"

“Maybe like… nine? Eight? I can't remember!" Griffin remarked, still burning red “It was a picture we took when he came back for a while."

“Awwwwe Bandit's on your head!" Melody commented “That's so cute! I guess she can't do that now."

“She'd flatten me probably… I mean she'd like my height on her hind legs." Griffin mentioned “N – Now give me back my phone, Brad!"

“Ha! No way Griff… I want to check out your internet history"

“DON'T DO THAT!" Griffin remarked sharply as Natasha ended up howling with laughter. Aura only shook her head and held a paw out to Brad.

“Alright alright… you could use mine you know." Aura flicked her ears in this curious and playful way, something that made Brad tilt his head; not much but a subtle tilt. “Ooooooh…. Music."

“Huh?"

“She wants to show Luna music, right?" Aura nodded

“What!?"

“Yeah, Aura loves music; I don't have any apps, we ran into a situation like this. She twitches her ears like that when she hears music and after a while, I got used to knowing what it meant. Pokemon do all sorts of weird little things to tell you what they want Griff. You should know that already. They might do things you've never even seen before to tell you what they want." Brad expressed with a laugh “Hell, Jacket did the same thing; he'd buzz and hover around me when he wanted to listen to noises. Like white noise actually. He liked the hum of it. It sounded like another Beedrill." Brad mentioned once more and lightly scratched his bleached hair, something that made Aura just huff in reply and turn her head away. That made Luna giggle a little

It's like she's pouting at him… Every time she notices his hair…

“Well give me back my phone, I can play music…" Griffin brought up and as he did… something crackled at him, something that made Luna tilt her head drastically

“Ba-“

“Shush." The Mightyena mentioned back to her “Not a word." Griffin only blinked back at her as that massive Mightyena gave him this firm eyed look, she refused to look away; just to stare deeply into his eyes as Aura finally put him down… and gave him back his cracked up smartphone. All he did was look back at her closely, intensely and then flipped through his phone for a moment. He stalled at some point

“Hm? That's a lot of English artists…" Natasha began to say “I can't even read English…"

“I don't even know English… or Russian… or Spanish, so I feel left out from time to time." Melody quipped back and gently touched Smokey's back; petted him. All Griffin did was frown softly and stared down at Bandit.

“I don't have… well THAT song anymore." Bandit snorted “But I still have this one, if you… if that's what you wanted." Griffin went softly red as he'd anxiously look at his phone. Stared at the screen and it's dim light; something Luna barely caught onto in the sunshine.

_Why hesitate? It's just… whatever that thing is right? Music. Why stall? Shouldn't you just let it be? Let it sing?

Do I sing? No… I dance right?_

Griffin only swallowed and played one song, a song that left Bandit to suddenly cling to his side like some playful little puppy, just another pointless thing that left Luna to stop and stare with all sorts of intent.

He only played a song that told the story of your life. A pointless little song, where she'd only watch and stare closely at Griffin… watch a young boy wander some old and forgotten highway on his way to school in the morning. A song where a Poochyena would hold his head down and keep it on tight.

The rest of it was just a walk… a sauntering soft walk that left Luna to listen; to hear things beyond her understanding. Just a soft little voice that came to her… a tiny one; a troublesome one.

“I don't get it, but lil bro actually stayed this morning… I'm actually happy about that. He even ate breakfast for once, in act I've never seen him eat so much before! He… didn't even look scared with daddy around… We're going to play today, right? We're can play? No…? Why? Oh it's THAT day? So you're going to stay with mommy today right? Okay… well if you feel sad you can talk to me! I'm always a pebble away!"

She only made sense of where she was in this drift of endless empty thought when Luna stepped too far down the beach.

“You're zoning out…" Aura brought up “Are you okay? While Bandit and Griffin felt connected… you just… disconnected entirely."

“What?"

“Your aura's. They connect and flourish, especially when things connect. When Bandit and Griffin do… it doesn't happen often… or for long, but yours just hides inside in a sense. Moonlight does that too. You're not sad, but you have strong affliction to something." Luna blinked in reply

“What about Moonlight's?" It left Aura to tilt her head.

“When he get's emotional… his Aura is passionate… overflowing with love and… it's hard to express. Sometimes it's like there's more then one. Griffin has that too… yet I almost never see them at least not openly. It's an astonishing thing."

“W – What about me?" Luna asked “I – I mean what do you see?" She stalled her steps and stopped for just a moment; Griffin was talking to someone at this till, checking the times for a ferry to Cinnabar Island.

It was going to arrive very, very shortly. “What do you see?" Aura only tenderly smiled in reply and nodded

“I see someone that's perhaps confused, overpowering. Someone that loves too much, something that I think they all try to do. Like Moonlight when he gets emotional; Griffin when he's staring out at the world. You always have that, maybe in the background perhaps."

“Okay… W – What about-"

“Thief. His is strange, sporadic. Bitter or angry when he's like that but it dissipates quickly, it feels as though something reminds him; drives him.. at least now. I saw that in the fight, I saw that when he stepped out earlier. It feels like Moonlight gave him more of a friendly push then he understands. You shouldn't worry about all of it Luna, I think we've all already begun to care about one another… just begun." That Lucario simply sighed at her and scratched her scalp softly; until Brad replaced her paw with his hand; he simply asked if she was feeling okay in which the Lucario responded with a simple nod and a fidget of her paws which left Luna to glance at her, pass a happy smile. Something made her flinch however, a brush of a tail… perhaps a huff from a muzzle. Bandit prodded Luna's side; even though her tail was easily enough to cover her body.

“What was that song?" Bandit huffed and rolled her eyes at her

“It was a song. That's it."

“Is… it like your song?" Bandit smiled a little

“Something like that. Sometimes I feel like it talks more about Logan then Griffin… but it was just a song; part of a routine I guess you could say." Bandit mentioned and laughed a little, yet her smile faded suddenly, abruptly. “I have… a favor."

“A favor?" Luna blinked a little “Y – Yeah? I mean I don't know what to… or what I even CAN help you with… really?"

“It's like the gym battle at Cerulean." Bandit mentioned and suddenly clamped around Griffin's leg as he was talking to the man at the till, buying tickets. He was asking him all sorts of pointless questions, but friendly pointless questions. The moment she bit his leg; Griffin tensed up and froze before looking down at her. Her entire jaw was around his ankle and all he did was stare in reply.

“You'll get the treat in Cinnabar." He commented idly and awkwardly as she let go… and reluctantly gave him that look. It made him smile and laugh before kneeling down to her “You're acting like such a Pooch today, what's up? Are you feeling okay?" He began to say, worried “Is it your leg?" Then Bandit picked up Luna by the scruff; something that made her nearly yelp from surprise

“B- Bandit!" She'd whine and then found herself plopped on top of Griffins hair; her stomach in his nose and face.

It made everyone there laugh

“Hey Griff! Be thankful we're not on some alien ship, you'd be the first one gone!" Brad commented idly; something that made him scoff, even though his face was filled with vulpine fur and fluff. Luna just pinned her ears and flattened her tails instantly and then she squirmed around to move off of him.

“Stand on his shoulders!" Bandit commented with a huff “Hold his head down, before it flies away on him again."

“What?" Luna remarked back

“Like in Vermillion! He ran off for a bit; the idiot… Keep his head down tight, it loves to fly away from him!" Bandit commented back and delightfully yipped as Luna scurried around Griffins scalp, something that left the old teen to wonderfully laugh and break out into an array of giggles. It looked like a kid giving a piggy back ride to a sibling and Luna only, obediently plopped her forepaws against his head and her hind paws on his shoulders. She was hardly large enough to keep his head in place; in fact her jaw nearly rested on the back of his skull. Aura only giggled

“I think you're not large enough to hold on tight!" Luna only held on for dear life when Griffin stood back up and looked at Bandit, confused… delighted.

“Jeaz, talk about brightening up the room." Natasha quipped after and it left Melody to ask her what happened. “Oh his crazy Mightyena put his Vulpix on his head. It's like looking at a furry hat. Are you feeling better?" Melody only nodded in reply and giggled

“What brightens up the room?"

“Hm? Oh he's smiling like some goof." Natasha replied and it left Griffin to give her a rolling eyed look.

“Frankly I like the smile" Brad commented “Makes you look good Griffin! Maybe you should piggy back ride all of your Pokemon"

“W – well it's a spot just for Bandit… so I don't get why she'd…" Griffin started to say and went to scratch his head; but all he got a hold of was Luna's coarse fur; her scalp… then a nip at his hand.

“Hey hey!" Luna remarked in a way that made Bandit laugh and yip more and then this sound of a horn made Luna jolt and Griffin attentive.

“And that's the Ferry, let's go!" Griffin mentioned and took a glance at his hand, Luna glanced over too…

Didn't I… bite him harder then that? There's no mark…? I could've sworn I… Just like in Vermillion.

It was the wind, the sea and this near endless horizon that left her breathless as she stared curiously and deeply towards this small speckle of an island in the distance. It wasn't a large ferry or a luxurious one, if anything it felt more like a normal boat with an inside lounge, something much like a tourist attraction… one that stopped at Cinnabar Island. Luna only looked nearly through a fuzzy haze of untamed hair; golden nearly, like rich thick wheat. All she could do was stare at the glimmering sea from there, how it flicked up small waves and splashed tenderly against the shoreline in the distance. Cinnabar only appeared like a tiny town in the distance; a small wonderful town on an island in the sea yet as Luna watched through his hair.

_It's… like if a Ninetails could have darker fur… but he's more like an… He's kind of like Yuny at times… Bandit at others. Moonlight… Thief. I just don't know how all of them do. Can… Can I not… bite him anymore?

Am… I ever going to need to again?_

“Excuse me, this is a protected ecosystem; I'll need to ask you to put out your cigarette." A voice came up and Griffin ended up turning around.

“I've spent quite a lot of money coming down here." The voice replied, “A lot, so if you happen to have an ashtray, I'm more then fine with properly disposing it."

“Sir this isn't negotiable." Someone brought up “You can't smoke here." The voice sighed and Griffin watched some well dressed man through the crowd, one that took out this small cigar cutter; cut the burning edge of the smoke in this straight and narrow way and put back the rolled up paper into a carton.

“Alright alright, you win." They replied in this calm voice and huffed “Hm? Wait a moment, if you'll excuse me. Laurent?" Natasha perked up her head

“Huh?"

“Yes, Natasha Laurent; what in the world are you doing in Kanto? I thought you were living in Kalos?" They expressed curiously. This light blond-brown haired old man in a nice suit; this color of either tan or light burgundy that Griffin couldn't put his finger on.

“I'm… sorry I don't recognize…"

“Oh of course! I work with your father; the company that ships your vehicles worldwide."

“Hm? I'm still confused…" She brought up as Griffin walked over to her, Brad turned his head to them as Melody had finally gotten her glasses back on and was busy looking out to the sea.

“Hmm, you really don't recognize me; well that's not so surprising since I only met you when you were a young child! I haven't seen you in years; but your father talks quite highly of you." They mentioned once more and gave Griffin this curious look; one that made Luna swallow. “Taylor Clarke" He expressed; an older man who's age couldn't be discerned by his face; even though he looked only in his late thirties; Griffin suspected the man was older.

“Oh, you work with…" Natasha began to say “It's surprising to meet you here, I would have thought you'd be in Galar or Almia."

“I haven't been back to Britain or Greece in a long while." They replied back “In fact I've been traveling; I just had a curious venture to Unova and Alola; then I heard of some business issues down here in relation to a few ships – the harbor at Vermillion went down…. A few ships got delayed" Griffin gently cleared his throat and they only gave him a glance.

“You're a friend of Natasha's?" They began to say, “Where are my manners, as I mentioned my name is Taylor, but please, call me Mr. Clarke." They held out their hand and Griffin shook it. Their grip was surprisingly firm and rough; hands were calloused in ways that he didn't expect for an office worker.

“Fletching, Griffin Fletching."

“Really?" The man replied as Luna felt her ear's pin down against her scalp.

How long have I been reading lips? It left her skin and pelt to crawl as her ears softly rang against her scalp. She had been staring intensely against their lips when they talked the entire time. “I've heard quite a lot about your brother… Fletching… Fletching…" He tapped his fingers against the railing.

He's wearing leather gloves? Like driving gloves? Luna swallowed again as he'd nod.

“Your fathers name was Takeda, correct? I remember him, he worked with the border patrol in the states, did he not?" Griffin partially shrugged

“He didn't talk much about his old work."

“Where is he?" The man asked and Luna felt Griffin's hair rise; all she did was push his hair down with her head.

“He left when I was younger. Just walked out." Griffin explained as the older man made a sound

“Hmm…" He began and smiled “Seems a little unlike him, but I must admit he was always a bit of a free bird. I remember him through an investigation of my shipping plant nearby Unova years ago. Turns out one of my workers wasn't doing something 'up to code' so to speak. Hell he may have saved my company with that. So although I can't thank him, I'll thank you for your fathers work." The man mentioned and bow'd lightly. “Thank you, Mr Fletching."

“Yeah…" Griffin replied back, Luna knew that's all Griffin replied.

“Your brother studies… what was it…?"

“Hereditary diseases in Pokemon."

“Right, right! And evolutionary theory correct? Fascinating stuff, I'd have to compare notes…"

“Hm?"

“Oh, I thoroughly study a rare disease, I remember your brother releasing a paper alongside… Akiyama Ayumu right? I haven't seen him in years."

“He has like a lab in Johto or Kanto; on the border." Griffin brought up “I don't really ever see him."

“That's a shame, I'd love to review that paper on Aspen-Ward Disease."

“Aspen-Ward?" Natasha began to say and the man nodded

“Oh, it's a fascinating disease; less then a percentage of all Pokemon worldwide have it. It's… It's like the ALL, for Pokemon almost. Except it's not quite cancer; nothing like leukemia. It comes from an unstable direction of Evolution. Eevee's can't seem to get it; in fact it's rumored they evolved to counteract it, I mean the scientific theory of evolution; generations of time."

“Well it's not really Leukemia, sir…" Griffin mentioned “In fact the comparison is way off… it's more like Charcot-Marie-Disease. Except it targets the immune system at once at birth, then the nervous system after. My brother talked about it all the time. He's intent on finding a cure it takes up most of his time; along with fossil research… a bunch of things like that."

“And that it has a guaranteed lethality rate and any family that has cubs with it; all of them do. Always. It's permanent regardless of partner or so it appears to be." The man replied and nodded “I used to do quite a lot of studies on it, in fact I got curious about a family of Vulpix's."

“Vulpix's?"

“Yes, it's prevalent with them. This one family I purchased a long time ago and investigated the disease told me just that." Luna tilted her head while reading the man's lips. “I worked as a Pokemon Breeder. In fact, I believed it possible to take a unique, exotic Pokemon for the program, I believed the genetics could knock the disease out… it didn't work as planned." He continued to say.

“An… exotic?"

“The closest I ever got was an attempt to capture a Suicune; Raikou interrupted the research. Shame. It could have been a cure. Currently I'm on the hunt for a Mew or Latios, Latias." Griffin flinched a little

“That's crazy!"

“Not really, I even had a specialist try to get a hold of Moltres, Zapdos and Articuno. Even Lugia." He replied and nodded. “Curious that fellow, just… dropped off the map after he tried; a shame. I'm intent on finding that cure, it means a lot."

“That's… a little too much, I mean…"

“The man that does will have his name go down in history. Who knows what kind of human diseases it could cure just by a simple altercation? It could spark all knew forms of medical study!" Clarke continued to say “Money is irrelevant when it comes to that. It was something my dear wife would say. 'Money will always be irrelevant when it comes to life.' She'd even say, 'if one life is worth hundreds; then the greatest virtue will truly be sacrifice.' Although in my voice, even my tone it sounds… off. She spoke in such a way that something like that; grim and dark. It was wonderful to listen to, it was… like having it painted black and white. Simple. Straight Forward. Anything else is quite shameful." He held his head low for a moment before the older man lifted it up and smiled “It would be fascinating indeed. I study all sorts of things; like one tale of a Pokemon that could change the very fabric of reality; like opening… I don't know how to explain it myself. I'm curious about that legend too."

“My brother always said that 'everything in nature contradicts itself' he meant that if there's an illness, there's a cure. If there's a past, there's a future. Yin and Yang essentially." The strange man only glared softly at Griffin before he smiled.

“Logan must be smarter then I take him for, please give him my number. I'd love to get a hold of him."

“Sure thing, sir. If I ever even get a hold of him, he's always busy." Griffin expressed as the man delicately held out a small plastic card; one which told a company name that he quickly overlooked while he slid the card into the safety of his Pokenav's case.

“Oh, I know, we researcher types and business types always are." He'd mention and suddenly took a glance to his phone “Hmm? Oh sorry; this is a business call; like I said." The man laughed “It was nice to see you Ms. Laurent and you, Fletching."

“It was nice meeting you too, Mister Clarke." All he did was show off his leather gloved hand and waved gently to him

“Best of luck! I… heard from Ward that you were given the Tri Research Certificate. I'd suggest catching some more Pokemon; you'll need to represent what you find and how those… what was it…?" Griffin showed off the Pokeball.

“My brother designed this."

“May I?"

“Hm…? Oh… I guess so?" Griffin mentioned with all hints of hesitation in his voice and softly handed the Pokeball over.

Marill's Pokeball. The man held the small, deflated capsule in his hand and curiously held it to the sunlight; or at least whatever was left of it thanks to the clouds which slowly grew in number above them.

“Perforation? All along the strip down the middle; wonderful. It takes in moisture and air, even circulates it I bet."

“He wanted to make a 'living ecosystem' for Pokemon, something that connected to the PC box wirelessly so that trainers could quickly and easily interact with all of their Pokemon just with the push of a button."

“How many Pokemon does your brother even have?"

“Well… he's filled out most of the Hoenn Pokedex and… quite a lot from Sinnoh."

“Fascinating, that's a lot of Pokemon to care for. He wanted to do that? All of that?"

“Y – yeah…" Griffin replied

“On top of a fundraiser that he built using his award money. Absolutely amazing… your brother is quite the young man!" Griffin softly scoffed as the man returned the Pokeball and answered his phone promptly with a smile on his face.

“Yes, yes! Hm? Oh, right that is a special order indeed…" He trailed off as he spoke in a casual, business like tone and wandered to another part of the ship as Griffin scrunched up his nose and looked at Marill's Pokeball intensely.

“Not even here…" It made Luna's head tilt as her paws gently kneaded into Griffin's hair. She could feel the way his hair would softly stick out on their ends and all she did was everything she could to keep them down and flat. It felt strange for her that all she could see and believe, was where she began on that boat; another glance out to sea that endlessly swallowed her eyes and gaze; one which sprawled out this wide and unbelievable world before her and left Luna in a drifted wonder of imagination. The kind that showed colors; places of impossible beauty, lushness. A little diamond somewhere beyond her, somewhere beyond it all.

A place that was pointless, impossible to ever exist. _ To her, it was a place as void of color as it was filled with it, somewhere so dreamlike, heavenly… wonderful. _

All she could do was manage to stare out at the sea with Griffins hair underneath her paws, a flick of her tail and a glance backward towards Bandit whom simply had her head turned away and curled underneath her paws so that her muzzle directly touched this small seat that she stole from some human being. All she did was stay her eyes from the two; it was something that left her to question all she did. Luna just felt her heart beat and throb against her chest as she stared at that curled up Mightyena.

_It… doesn't matter how fierce you look; you can't hide that look Bandit. I know…

**I know you want to be the one here and now, in my place… but I also now you can be; you have a look that only you can make. You have an attitude that only he understands. So please… don't have a look so somber painted on your lips.

Don't… Don't imagine that your home is anywhere but here.**_

I won't take that away from you… Bandit…

The Pokemon Center was one of the first things they noticed on the shoreline; along with scores of tourists whom wandered around the beachside. Luna just flicked her tail wildly as the crowd wandered all around; looking at all sorts of different things. This beautiful and rustic town, one that looked even more so then Fuchsia looked over them; loomed in the distance as though nestled along the base of the volcano. The large sprawling tower of stone and rock nearly blocked out the sun as Luna intensely watched the mountain with sparkles in her eyes.

I've never seen a mountain that high or barren. It's amazing! The wonder and excitement made her tails flick against Griffin's shoulders and he partially looked up

“Bandit relax…" He'd mention idly, oddly… and that left the Mightyena to perk her head up and huff. It made Luna freeze, snort… and then jump down from his scalp. And of course, the moment is ruined thanks to him… She felt the waves underneath the wood below her; the crashing and ocean breeze swung through her tightly knit fur; Bandit's eyes on her suspiciously as she gave her a look in return.

“It's your spot. A special place for you. I can't do that, I can't take that." Bandit tsked and put her head back down on the cushions and waited in this awkward silence until they touched down on Cinnabar Island. The sand underneath her feet was warm, even hot from the mixture of sunlight and she swore from the volcano nearby. All there was would be the rush of Griffin and Natasha.

“Hey I'm on the gym first bozo!" Natasha commented as Griffin laughed back

“Hardly!" He replied and Luna looked up to Smokey, the Houndoom only gave her a sharp look and stopped for Melody. Aura had already made a wonderfully nimble jump down from the side of the boat; something that stunned the staff as Brad walked down the catwalk to the ground alongside Melody.

“Can you walk down?" Luna watched Brad help out.

“Gosh I'm fine…"

“I know, I know that." Brad laughed nervously “It's not really that different from my uncle, his eyes aren't that good without his glasses. I had to help him around the office when I was a kid… so it's alright with me if I need to slow down the pace a bit." Brad mentioned “Anyways, Griffin and Natasha might tire out Blaine's Pokemon." He reasoned and laughed as he tossed his arms casually behind his head. Luna only stared at that strange little bracelet with the stone around his wrist.

It… looked like a childrens made friendship bracelet. The keystone was in the middle, sitting on his wrist in a way that made it look like it rubbed down the skin uncomfortably and then there was two other stones… both looked like marble or quartz. It was hard to tell for her.

Pink… Blue and swirled and Purple in that order from left to right. It made Luna tilt her head with all regality as Smokey looked down at her once more.

“Are you worrying now too?" The Houndoom replied

“Am I not allowed to?" Luna commented back “You told me you help her all the time, right? Well you must've seen how we try to help one another… and trying beats not trying." Luna brought up and flicked out her tails while she stretched her hind leg.

“You're tiny." Smokey commented back. “How do you propose to carry her…"

“Huh?"

“Nevermind. Maybe… having another pair of eyes won't be too bad." Smokey mentioned and took a paw pad forward “Let's go find your trainer… Vulpix." The Houndoom mentioned and softly licked flames from his maw as he'd clamp his muzzle shut as though to stop the pyre from escaping it. All Luna could do was watch the flames flick around with a sudden jolt of her fur as the Houndoom looked her over.

“I get why your little friend got so riled up." The Houndoom commented as he pushed the sand apart with his large, massive paw. “I hate that look on your face."

“What… look?" Luna mentioned afterwards, this heavy stillness in her paws left her to push herself to catch up to him. As the sand gradually changed to pavement, these traditional buildings around her as she'd watch Griffin, Natasha and Bandit far ahead of them, all the Houndoom did was speak.

“It simply implies that we're incapable of taking care of ourselves, and to foolishly give that look when you can barely help yourself?" Smokey continued to say in his gruff tone; his muzzle sizzled and flicked up white plumes like little clouds as Luna partially looked upwards at him “That… is nearly suicide. I'll tell you to give that look sparsely, because if even a second of what's in your eyes tells me of the things, you'll try to do… then I know that you'll die." Luna blinked softly as she stilled and stared back at him “Unlike your Espeon, I really don't give a shit… but you don't seem bad; just a house pet in the wrong part of town. That's my warning to you." The Houndoom mentioned and as they wandered down the first little space of pavement or stone…? Luna couldn't really tell right off the bat, but she knew walking on whatever was below her felt more comfortable then an average road. It felt natural and smooth. Like gentle polish that rolled softly against her paw pads and left her to stare at the sparse rock-like ground below her.

“Hey we gotta check out the Pokemon Center first!" Natasha brought up “Anyways, your Growlithe should have a checkup, right?" Griffin scratched his hair

“Yes, you're right about that… again…" Griffin mentioned and Natasha rolled her eyes

“I'm ALWAYS right, I figured you would have learned that by now…" Griffin simply scoffed and put his hands into his pockets as Bandit wandered next to him, then he looked down at her for a moment. “You aren't growling as much as you used to…" And just to spite him, Bandit snarled at him in a way that made him chuckle. “I shoulda guessed…" Griffin brought up as Bandit softly stuck out her tongue “I didn't forget about that treat…"

Luna only stared at Bandit voraciously devour that weird bread-like thing filled with all sorts of different berries; she didn't get close to it with the fright that it might move and attack her. Yet… Bandit scarfed it down; chewed and ripped apart the thick soft dough in bunches and swallowed it down in a way that made the Vulpix nervously looked towards the window. Stare at all of the buildings beyond the center; one that really wasn't any different then any other except for a change of scent and the view beyond the glass. Most were all the same it seemed; some had beds and a kitchen… even a place to battle or be active out back but in this case, it was a smaller center, something reminiscent of nearly the foyer of the hospital in Fuchsia City. Just a front glass sliding door, a desk and a waiting room with a little table. A counter with what looked like a machine for food or drinks of some sort.

Canned coffee was one of the things Natasha went for, Yuny just stuck her head out of Natasha's bag and huffed

“Did she kill a Pidgey!? Is she the bad guy!?"

“I don't think it's a Pidgey… I hope…" Bandit rolled her eyes and growled back

“I'm having a moment, quiet down." She'd retort and went back to eating “You can try the scraps if I leave any!" The large Mightyena commented back and stayed in this half lay half sit position while viciously tearing apart the fabric of the loaf in front of her. Luna just watched her tear it apart and gulp it down in moments, arguably it was the noisiest thing in the room.

“Just a scan, no potions added; my Growlithe had a full restore used on him back in Fuchsia." Luna didn't pay attention to the voices.

“A full restore…?" Nurse joy responded and went remotely pale by the sight of Thief. “Oh my god…"

“He got into a fight with a wild Pokemon at my professors lab. He's… He's a paraplegic; it's understandable that he couldn't just help as… expected."

“Your Professors name?"

“Akiyama Ayumu."

“Oh… N – no that's… understandable I'll have a look with him. Has he been like this all day?"

“He was moving around; popped out of the Pokeball. I was in a little bit of shock… I couldn't return him right away." Griffin expressed again as Luna just heard their voices as background noise and curiously eyed Bandit.

“What Runt?" The Mightyena looked up at her firmly.

“You're… getting defensive over… that?" Luna began to say as Bandit broke off another chunk and swallowed it down.

“It's the first thing Griffin ever made me, I think I already said that; Runt."

“I didn't mean it like that… it's just… you're…"

“It's the little things." Bandit expressed back to her. “Think about it." She mentioned again and went back to eating… Luna couldn't bring up any other topic of conversation.

Except for Aura that interrupted them.

“So if you had your own cubs, would you speak to them like that?" Aura softly brought up.

“Excuse me!?"

“Well, if you had a little one as you about it."

“I'd give them some, naturally." Bandit recoiled “When the time comes, it does." She enunciated 'when' her articulation was sharp with it and made Luna's ears fold. “All because I get a little gleeful with some blood doesn't mean I'd treat my cubs wrong, and I dare you to try and bring that up again, Sparkle Mutt."

“I think your choice of nicknames…"

“I could swear all I want but that's not going to teach me to censor what comes out of my maw. Understand!?" Bandit retorted as Luna tilted her head.

“You… used to"

“All the time, whenever I got angry, upset… everything. Shadow brought it up with me before I left with Griffin. He wants to work with me in toning it down…"

“It's not like Pokemon… just have a swear jar…" Thief commented and huffed from the counter. It left everyone silent for a second before they began to laugh. Even Bandit seemed to with them.

“Well timed… Thief… Well timed." Bandit mentioned “You should be high and loopy more often!"

“No thanks…" Thief gruffly replied as Luna intensely stared at the counter next, or perhaps behind it as a Chancy made a little noise. Luna flicked her ears to the sound and looked over as they wheeled Thief away.

“What do you mean by high?" Luna commented idly as Bandit just made this playful little Yeen like sound.

“Try eating some berries you aren't supposed to… or mushrooms – bad idea… but try that" She'd mention and laughed “Even though I won't be too happy about it." Aura rolled her eyes gently and huffed in reply

“It's great to know that's the first thing you comment on." Aura mentioned softly as Bandit growled back

“Oh what the hell do you know Sparkles!?" Aura softly scoffed and flicked her tail

“Not enough, but I know that can't be the first thing you tell them."

“I'm not a cub…"

“Hush, the adults are talking… well 'adults'" Aura commented as Bandit twitched her ear.

“You think because you're a fighting type that you can take me down? Last time I checked I know a few fighting moves myself." Aura giggled

“Imagine having you hop on your hind legs and throw punches…"

“I damn well will if I need to."

“I think it'll look more like a bap, Bandit." Aura expressed and softly shrugged “Although I must admit that your Fury… you used poison with it? How?"

“Let's say I like to eat some 'bad berries'" Bandit mentioned “How else do you think I usually have so much saliva; especially when I talk."

“You hold poisonous be-" Luna began

“I take them in my mouth sometimes and hide them under my tongue." Bandit commented “In fact; letting out some of those flames cook them just enough. It takes time to get used to, but I doubt that even a Seviper could bring me down… or even poison me."

“What is your weakness!?" Luna huffed back at her and frowned moments later from her outburst.

“Hmmm… I'd say not resting properly. But that just makes me annoyed and agitated." Bandit commented once more, and Smokey huffed in reply to it from the background.

“Finally something we have in common…" Smokey idly stated and laid his scalp on Melody's knee. It left Luna to fix her attention on him and then drop his tails.

What do you look at… so intensely? Are you looking at her? Why?

Luna just stayed quiet after that and flicked out her tails; scratched her side and before she even knew it… Absol came out to talk to… embarrassingly made Luna sit as she groomed her in a way that made everyone giggle about it, yet Luna couldn't deny that seeing so many faces smile around her…

It made her feel as happy as it did lonely.

There was the sunshine again afterwards, nothing had changed with Thief that wasn't expected for Joy and all that did was prove to Luna that she couldn't keep her mind from it.

Why didn't I jump in the fight…? It was poison… and I couldn't jump into… Luna slowly treaded her paws against the ground that she walked on, her red-fuzzy paws touched the hot stone and she tenderly flicked out her tails. It wasn't like Absol's work in cleaning her did much at all, but Luna knew that the Absol felt happier, brighter. She could see that in the way she hung around Griffin even with Bandit there idly talking her ear off.

The older Absol seemed to know how to talk to that Mightyena, in fact, she even made Bandit laugh from time to time. Luna just clung to the end of the crowd and watched them walk further and further ahead. _I'm… a coward, right? That's why… That's why I worry right? I don't even know anymore. It's always been scary, being in a fight. Even at Cerulean… it was there.

I'm just a coward that could barely find a berry in the middle of the woods…_

The earth below them partially rumbled and that left Griffin to stall.

“What was that?"

“Probably just the volcano going to blow; another Pompeii." Brad mentioned back and laughed lightly, it left Griffin to frown and stare at him “What? What!? It's nothing; I bet there's some kind of event going on, look at all these tourists."

“Seems a little… empty for this time of year though." Natasha commented as she looked through her phone “Apparently this while island is covered in hot springs – the resort here is nearly world famous." Natasha mentioned again “Maybe it's just empties because of it?" Griffin lightly shrugged

“Felt kind of weird… this thing better not detonate."

“Don't feel bad, we'd be dead before we felt it" Brad commented again as Natasha gave him a look

“You're oddly dark today…"

“Yeah… well I think Aura might be upset with something." Luna twitched an ear. “In fact, she's… somewhere around here."

“God, remind me never to dye your hair again" Natasha mentioned, and Melody went to make a noise and point to something.

“I think Smokey found her already. He huffs constantly when he finds something." Luna twitched her ear and sniffed the air around them

Something… smells off.

“Whatever, the rumor is that the gym is on top of the volcano" Natasha blankly said as she flipped through her phone some more “That's what these blogs say, apparently getting this badge is a pain…"

“Hard fight?"

“For some… it's more about finding Blaine. Apparently, he hides all over or something." Natasha commented and drastically looked around the rustic and traditional looking town. “Granted with all the tourists it'll be impossible to-"

“Hey I found a Pokemon Lab!" Griffin pointed out as Brad was busy looking around with Melody, Luna nearly had to sidestep out of peoples way, nothing but tall stands filled the walk way towards the front doors of the Pokemon lab, a white and recently repaired building with glass front windows as though they were large panes stood in front of her after Luna nimbly fought to keep up with Griffin, Bandit, Absol and Natasha. Eventually she'd hop through the crowd and found herself sitting in between the two larger beasts. Absol tenderly tossed her light gaze down to Luna; she could see the old and grizzled mix-mash of fur; lashes down her body as though the Absol was constantly cut or slashed open in the past. Luna could see that in her pelt, her form from head to tail. It just made Luna's ears twitch as the Absol tiredly looked down at her and smiled warmly.

“My fur is a mess, I know." Absol whispered softly and nodded her head low.

“Not at all…" Luna found her voice after a moment of silence from her own throat. “It's… It's…"

“Luna?" Bandit snorted and huffed

“I think she finds it a totem, like a symbol of strength that you'd proudly wear every nick and slash on your pelt. You show it proudly… I think that's why she's looking all teary eyed and small." Absol courteously showed her wonderfully tired smile and nodded.

“I know that already, it's hard not to… yet she has a few scars of her own and I don't see that stopping her either." Absol continued to mention and only tenderly lowered her scalp, direct her nose to her. “So if she has the strength to cry for me, then all I can do is thank her." She mentioned once more with her wonderfully soft yet aged tone. Luna just confusingly stared at her in return

You… don't need to.

“Why would you feel…. Like you need to do that?" Luna commented as Absol only looked down at her studiously but calmly. Smiled.

“Because seeing a look on your face… one just like that…" Absol trailed off as though she rambled endlessly, yet Luna held onto every single little word until she sighed. “It's just a look that I used to give too. A look that I used to see all the time." Bandit made a little scoff

“It's bad enough that all the sap and gunk has even gotten to me…" Bandit huffed and rolled her eyes as she followed Griffin closely “I don't need all this connection, just add that to the log, why don't I?" Bandit snuffed the air pointlessly as Absol gently snickered and Luna just tilted her head, a partial fade of reality left her to stumble upon the realization that she was being left behind. So she scampered her little legs to follow up with them.

To keep close.

There wasn't anything special about the Pokemon Lab. There was hardly a coat or two that seemed to walk around – something that made Natasha comment about how it looked more like an exhibit then anything. It made them all walk out after asking the head of the lab.

They said Blaine, but mentioned they hadn't seen him in days; but that was common enough. Yet Griffin and Natasha could only feel as though they both hit a dead end.

“What kind of gym leader just ups and disappears!?" Natasha huffed and crossed her arms as she walked beside Griffin; Yuny curiously shot her head out of Natasha's little bag and stuck her tongue out at Bandit. It made the Vulpix jolt, yet Bandit only laughed in reply.

“You don't want to leave that hanging out, you might get sand in your mouth!" Yuny just showed of her cheeks, as though to puff them up

“I'm way way WAY up here! I can't get sands in my mouth!" She'd remark back and that left Bandit to softly laugh. It was something that confused Luna entirely, the extremes that spun that Mightyena around.

“And what if a big sandstorm came through?" Bandit asked and snickered

“I'll be totally AWESOME and find ALL of us in it, and then I'll find a way out with everyone's help!" Yuny mentioned and flicked her tail like mad. It just left Luna to chuckle dryly and puff out her tails.

It was like a little warm heat flushed through her pelt and made her look no different then a certain Flareon; granted he was much more fluffy then her.

It was then that Luna had to realize that her mind was suddenly transfixed on him and she shook her head wildly to try and get the image out of her head.

“Hey.. I thought Brad and Melody were right behind us" Griffin brought up as Natasha shrugged.

“Who knows where they went… but they have Smokey and Aura with them, it would take like a hunter to drop that Houndoom." Griffin just hummed after a moment

“What about a fire…?"

“Why do you ask?" Natasha expressed after a moment as Griffin pointed out towards a tree line.

“That's smoke right?" Natasha looked over to where he pointed

“Yeah, but it's not like… black bellows of smoke, it looks like a campsite." Griffin sighed a little

“Think Aura got hungry?" Griffin said after his soft sigh as Natasha shrugged again

“What do I look like? A Pokemon Psychic? Let's go check it out!" Luna just hugged close to Griffin's leg after they began to walk to the edge of the small town; Griffin took note of a Pokemon Market they passed by as they wandered along the beachside towards the small bellow of smoke before them.

“Is that a Talonflame?" Griffin remarked after a moment and pulled out his Pokedex. “No… a Staraptor? I can't tell." He'd comment after a moment and shook his head until the sparkle of flames erupted along the air. “Is it a Pokemon battle?"

“Looks pretty intense for a Pokemon Battle." Natasha commented after a moment and they began to wander closer. The Talonflame, or it must've been from the top of Griffin's head had darted in this swerving motion as an eruption of flare's shot nearby it in return. All Griffin could do was stare at the black dot which swiftly curved across the sky. Luna stared at it too and flinched as she looked up at it.

“Bandit… it's pitch black…" Bandit softly yeened, almost in delight.

“I noticed…" She'd reply and gave a toothy grin “My bet's on the Lucario."

“Huh?"

“Being hurt or dead." Bandit commented back and stretched her shoulders “The fire is from Smokey, the one going upward." Luna shook her head wildly

“What would they be doing here though!? There's nothing on Cinnabar for them; it's some stupid fancy resort… if anything it should be a shrine…" Bandit tilted her head drastically and shook it

“Who care's about that? I'm more up for having Talonflame for lunch." Bandit commented back and flicked her tail as Luna tilted her head at the Mightyena

“Why aren't y-"

“Worried? Smokey's down there, he's fine." Bandit commented as they made this little walk forward; that was until Griffin finally noticed and booked it. That was the cue Bandit was waiting for and Luna had to shield her eyes from the sand as Yuny protested loudly

“It got in my mouth…" She'd remark as the Eevee paw'd at her tongue frantically.

“Wait what!? You're kidding…" Natasha commented and rolled her eyes “Enough with this…."

“Just go!" Griffin remarked back and was already trying to keep up with his Mightyena. Luna followed behind her.

Two seconds away from them and… we just dealt with this in Fuchsia! Why are they here too!? Luna felt her legs pound against the sand as she pushed herself to catch up behind Bandit. No matter how she looked at that Mightyena – it's feral haunches and arguably shorter tail; the splotches of dots all along her pelt. She looked starkly different from Shadow and here it was like watching an entire herd of them target one massive beast…

Bandit only charged head first into the fray the moment Smokey scorched the sky and something else went for him.

A Vibrava!? “Bandit!" Luna remarked sharply as the Mightyena slammed the little vibrating thing to the ground and snarled maliciously. “It's terrified! Like Lycanroc, look at it!"

“I don't need your cover, Yen." Bandit scoffed and laughed as she parted her paws and looked down a strange and peculiarly dressed teen in front of them. Luna just looked around and flinched after a moment.

There's humans…? No that's Team Rocket!? One kid took down… four? Five? Melody just whistled softly and narrowed her eyes a little as Brad clenched a fist.

“Give. Her. Back." The stranger exhaled sharply, sharp enough that there was smoke on their breath, heat? Luna had to blink more to cut them more clearly into frame. “I don't give a shit if you're silent, you're handing back my Lucario." Griffin stretched out his neck and Luna heard the audible 'pop' of a sound. All the stranger did was gesture and their Talonflame strafed again, high in the air before scorching the ground before them. It left Luna to cover her eyes and muzzle.

It's like a Charizard on a frenzy?

“Bandit." Griffin called out and nodded “You can handle this right?" All the Mightyena did to reply was lick her lips and that left Griffin's skin to crawl. That stranger wore a mask with a filter on it… a trench coat – long and tight fitting; black jeans. In fact they looked suspiciously like their Talonflame in all sense of shades. Pitch smoky black; like a silhouette.

“Griffin! There's someone else!" Natasha commented “Look!" He had to swallow as Luna did too.

They attacked an…

“Who the hell assaults some old guy?" Griffin said again as the stranger tossed up a Pokeball; a suspicious screen of jet shade; glossy like a mirror, looked back at Luna – she could see herself in it's reflection. Then Luna pounced down on the Vibrava, realizing that it just got over it's shock.

“LET ME GO!"

“No!" Luna recoiled and held it down to the sand “You're terrified right!? Why would you go back!?" She'd huff sharply and kept the little thing in place.

“SCORCHER ISN'T THE PROBLEM!" It yelled frantically and squirmed underneath her in absolute fear. It left Luna to swallow softly.

“Then we'll take you away and bring you somewhere safe!" She'd commented back as the trainer let his Pokeball flash open and gestured once more to their Talonflame. It promptly erupted the ground in flames, something that left her to nearly 'plop' overtop of the Vibrava. Smokey took the pyre without a single flinch and simply flinted his muzzle so that it sparked and exploded as though the Houndoom physically bit down on the torrent of flames that shot down at him. It let his body steam and his ears to flick religiously. The flash and sparkles left Luna to flinch once more as she held the Vibrava down and begged it to stop squirming… it was a Kommo-o; one that stood only about half a foot shorter then Griffin did which suddenly charged the field. Luna just watched it at first as Bandit shot for it; snapping this vicious bite down against it's tail… and then dragged it back – the Kommo-o was strong and heavy enough to partially drag the massive Mightyena across the sand, but before Smokey could intervene; the Talonflame struck down with FlameCharge and hit him clean against the muzzle. Another gesture and the Kommo-o spun it's body; it's tail and swung Bandit around wildly…

But she had a deathly, icy grip on it's tail and dug her paws clean into the sand; then it went for a sudden focus of a blow; one which Bandit dodged by letting go of it's tail and using a powerful wild and feral Giga Impact; one that struck the Kommo-o square in the chest.

But the sand barely let it move back; on top of it's weight as though it were held down by massive stone tablets which lay all over it's body. Bandit only skidded off and charged flames…

Kommo-o struck her in the cheek with Aqua-Tail; the blow just whipped right against her face and sizzled her jaw.

“Bandit!" Luna remarked yet the Kommo-o charged right for her in a way that made her ears pin against her scalp.

“Luna move!" Bandit roared in reply while she went for the Kommo-o's tail again… surprisingly it was fast enough to thump and shake the ground wildly; Luna went to move but couldn't. The Vibrava didn't…

It's just going to crush its ally!? Luna took its wing in her jaw as it frantically squirmed and threw it.

“Hey hey hey!" It yelled in fright and protest as Luna timed for a nimble jump; it was all she could do, yet its paw wasn't what she should have been worried about. Not when its skull shot up as it jumped to strike her, and Luna took the blow full force. It knocked the wind out of her instantly as its skull cracked against her chest and stomach.

It… knows Iron Head!? Luna felt her vision blur; everything became this wavy – soaked and out of focus world as she flung back through the air. It's… fast…? This shadow loomed over her or under her… the numbing shock of hitting the sand left her to yelp frantically as the blow tossed her upward no different then a ball.

“Luna!" Griffin called out and sharply exhaled before tossing out a Pokeball. Absol already focused on interrupting the Kommo-o's wild charge. Natasha stalled but in seconds Leafeon jolted out of his capsule

“Leafeon!?"

“Moonlight!" The Leafeon called out as the Espeon nodded back to him. Absol simply crossed the sandy line and skidded in front of Luna; she was in the middle of pushing to her feet.

My vision is… red? No… I'm bleeding somewhere… where? Did I hit my head? I wanna throw up already… Luna felt her paws claw against the hot sand below her as the Kommo-o slashed a massive paw downward at Absol. Luna struggled to hold her balance after the single blow and huffed frantically “Ab-" Her voice was cut off from the violent cough that shocked her lungs and throat as her heart began to slam against her chest Why… does steel…? Why does it hurt so much? Luna only felt her eyes flicker and brighten as the Kommo-o charged in with this wild kick from it's heavy, scaled legs. All she did was hold her ground as the long blade alongside her cheek began to glow sharply and bitterly. I need to help… Please… Move… Luna just stumbled against the sand as she cursed herself endlessly yet the flash before her eyes stunned and shocked her equally. Absol struck and connected her large, talon-like blade on her cheek against the Kommo-o's wild kick… and then its tail spun around. Her heart dropped as the sharp glowing and jaggedly scaled tail whipped viciously across the air

The only thing she didn't expect was a particularly adorable, and nearly smaller then she, was Pikachu.

“S…" Luna tried to struggle out through a sudden vicious cough that racked her lungs. He just stood up on his hind legs, slid against the sand after connecting his Iron-tail against the Kommo-o's.

They matched no different than how Absol's blade did.

“Hey hey! Going against the injured and older?" The Pikachu quipped and rolled his shoulders, stretched out his little claws and fingers. “I'm not much into that." The Kommo-o simply flicked his tail and poised it as though it were some venomous stinger; no different than how a Scorpion would set itself to strike.

Bandit… where's Bandit? Under the frigid sight of the world spinning around her in a vial of red, blurry liquid Luna caught sight of a shadow.

“Damn this guy…" Griffin nearly snarled as he stared down the gas mask laden young man. That one child was around Griffin's age… “Absol! Use Psycho Slash! Scarf! Hidden Power! Bandit, Toxic!" Griffin called out as Luna's vision faded in and out constantly. Something glowed and flashed in front of her as she focused to her paws.

I need to help. It pushed against the very front of her mind even though her body wouldn't listen to her.

“Damnit… Leafeon! Use Energy Ball! Try to distract… any of them!" Natasha called out in this frightful voice, as though she knew she was at a disadvantage and her hands went to tuck Yuny into her bag further. Brad only clenched his jaw and gave a firm fist that he kept at his side as he watched Melody and Houndoom focus on that troublesome Talonflame.

It scorched the ground where Kommo-o was and flicked fire off of its scales to force Scarf and Absol to move mid combat. It succeeded naturally and the Kommo-o bolted straight for Luna once more.

It's targeting me!? Why!? Luna pushed against the sand as Absol crossed around with her tail sparkling white and Scarf collected energy from everything around him. The Kommo-o blocked her Psycho Slash; the cross from her jawline with it's scaled gauntlet-like arms… it even took Scarf's Hidden Power… and icy cold move that shocked the air and struck against the Kommo-o.

It charged right for her without even feigning from either blow.

“Luna!" Bandit snapped back but was cut off instantly by a Granbull “Move the FUCK out of my way!" She roared at it and charged head first; even though the Granbull struck for her with Focus Blast – something that was bound to hurt.

**_Before she cut out of frame thanks to the Kommo-o… Luna watched Bandit take the blow as though it grinded rampantly against her fur… her fangs glowed sharply and with nothing more but murderous intent.

Hyperfang._**

“Bandit!" Griffin yelled out and yelled for Luna's name. Luna went deep into the sand and ducked her head in defense

I can't move… She shut her eyes as the ground below her slammed and shook from the sheer weight of the Kommo-o. I can't even summon… I can't breathe. I can't use fire because I can't breathe.

…

… “You know it can be scary. I mean…"

_…

“that spooky mirror. Sometimes you just see fighting and hear yelling. Daddy screaming at others. If it were up to me, I'd want them to leave something so distorted and terrifying…. If it were up to me… Luna… I'd want to meet my younger brother's siblings. I'd want to be in a place where we all can just be… us. It sounds dumb, being the head maiden's daughter, I should be all… happy all the time but I'm not. I'm the popular one and I hate it. I hate it because it's not me… I don't want to live like this anymore, I want to see the 'lighthouse' across the sea and learn about all those floating lights in the sky like you do.

We… We can all go see them, learn about them… Right? Even with mommy and daddy too? I think we can, one day. If we're going to have a team… we need a name, so let's… let's go to that special place – our hideout, we'll come up with the bestest name… so meet me there tonight Luna, I'll sneak away with that little Thief of ours..."_

_…

… “We'll always be friends, all of us. No matter where we go… Lumine we'll always be together right? I know we will, when the day comes just… just find a special place and make the sky light up. Like a big sun in the night… That's how we'll find each other. I'll try and do it every single morning."_

….

….

…

There was no impact that shocked her into the ground…

Put her six feet under. It left her just to open her eyes, dilated and terrified. Horrified and mortified at the sounds of voices as something audible cracked and creaked before her. It felt like hours passed but it was only seconds. Only seconds passed by and this strange purple veil glowed in front of her. His head… bleeding, fur wild with…

“Moonlight?" Luna fought to open her eyes as he stood in front of her, his legs parted – this shield in a sense stood before them, and he simply turned his head and nodded through the silence. What creaked and crippled in the air was nothing more then simply roots… leaves and flowers that fluttered around and pressed against the veil of bright purple. A void…

A shield, the Kommo-o was stiff, solid; its whole body seemed wrapped up in tightly gnarled roots which grew small petals and leaves.

“I told you that I can protect you." Moonlight commented “I already fucked it up once… I'm not making the same mistake again."

“The train wa"

“…. …. …" Moonlight replied as Luna's hearing went out as he sharpened his firm, vicious eyes before it became something that softened; left his fur to rise. “Just… shield your eyes, look away… please." Luna blinked cautiously Look at my tail even. You don't need to see any of this… not what she did." Something partially fell back, hit the ground. Griffin only looked and stared in shock, turning white as a ghost.

“Bandit… let go of it…" Griffin almost muttered before he cleared his throat viciously “Bandit! Let go! Hey, don't you even give a shit!? You're just standing there with this non-challan fuckery, Say something you punk!" The person in the gas mask shuffled, tapped a heavy boot against the sand and adjusted their gloves lightly before making another sharp gesture; one that left the Talonflame to dart clean downward with a flame charge. The Kommo-o couldn't move, and Bandit finally dropped the Granbull from the throat.

She tore through its neck and crushed in its trachea instantly, even though she looked feral and ragged from it. Injured and in some way frightened of herself.

Luna's eyes dilated in sudden fright

“The Pokemon League were arguing for me to be euthanized after that match… I'll show you, Luna, exactly what made the Pokemon League call me Daisho and why… since that day, Luna, you peculiar little Vulpix; I sheathed my Daisho, hid my fangs… To protect those I consider as family, no matter the cause." Bandit's voice came to Luna's mind and that Vulpix simply watched that Mightyena snarl and roar after that. When Luna finally noticed, and everything came back into sound and frame – the squiggly lines of her peripheral vision were hazy but cleared as that TalonFlame shot straight for Griffin. Moonlight snapped his eyes over to him and made this yowl of a sound while Luna shut hers tight.

_Is… that what you really mean… Bandit? It's not Hyperbeam that's your strongest move… it's not Frenzy or Toxic.

It's exactly what a Mightyena is, a Pokemon that bites; strikes quickly and swiftly. Hyper Fang. You shouldered… this to try and make your way to me._ Luna huffed and sharply exhaled right after and pictured the world through a mind's eye and in seconds; before that TalonFlame could really even touch near Griffin this force; like a strong hand or fist knocked it diagonally out of the air, enough that it took more then just the wind out of it and left it to squawk in fright as it struck the water with a clap of a sound.

Luna used Extra Sensory, and the TalonFlame didn't even know what hit it. It left Bandit's paws to stutter towards a little trot and then turn towards the Granbull. The person in the gasmask did nothing more but toss up and down a Pokeball and tilt their head. The Kommo-o simply tried to force its skull over and then it bit down on a root of a branch and snapped through it. One rotate of it's body; a quick jolt and every root just snapped off from the heavy-weight Pokemon; much to Leafeon's surprise. Absol jolted and shot over for an immediate Psycho Cut, something that the Kommo-o physically caught with it's massive scaled paws… gripped her sword-like appendage and tossed the Absol away.

It used Outrage; something that felt short lived when it was one against four, or so it seemed before they all got knocked away. Houndoom only snarled and growled to anything that came near Melody as she went for the Granbull.

It's possible… right? Get it to a center; it's not far away. Luna couldn't take her eyes away from it and as that strange, silhouette of a trainer tossed out yet another Pokeball; a voice cut everything in half.

“Mienshao, counter, jump kick and force palm." This Pokemon darted and lunged overtop of Luna as the Kommo-o's massive and heavy leg slammed nearby her; it was enough to kick sand in her face and muzzle. It got her entirely off guard and left her to shut her eyes in pain; water them frantically with sudden hot tears that shot down her cheeks. Then something left her fur to jolt and go frigid, a loud endless crash and crackle from a tree to her front – where the gas masked trainer was. “Global Police, Freeze!" A voice yelled out and something moved her in a way that made her yelp.

“Let her go!" Moonlight remarked and targeted the stranger.

“Focus on the threat." A voice came to her ears, something that left her fur to spike upward. Luna could only picture it in her mind.

The Zoroark? Luna felt her fur crawl as she'd feel fur and all sorts of other strange things over her and before Luna even knew it her entire world transfixed and changed around her to a place so wonderful and gone that she had to blink in confusion.

“Let us deal with this one… we'll get your friend back quickly and easily, little Fox." The Zoroark's voice came to her ears “Some fights aren't meant for you."

“Wait… it wasn't her fault!"

“I know." The voice replied to her and Luna ended up in this strange illusionary meadow, where the wind just softly parted sounds and everything went silent.

Just wind and little dandelions out of nowhere for minutes… until she was back on the beach. Luna only blinked for a moment as this one intriguingly well-dressed man stepped down the beachside towards the Granbull and suddenly returned it.

“H – hey… what just happened?" Griffin began and watched the man toss Brad a Pokeball. Aura flicked out of it with her eyes shut and the light hurting her gaze.

“Aura!?" Brad commented as the Lucario simply smiled and suddenly wrapped him up in this clingy style hug that left Luna to tilt her head drastically.

“He got away…" A man in a trench coat mentioned, he held a curled-up newspaper underneath his arm and gently huffed while adjusting these small round glasses – much like sunglasses it seemed covered his eyes. He was a large-ish man or at least a fit one from what Luna could tell.

“Who…" Griffin just looked at him “You were in… Vermillion and…"

“I've actually been following you since the incident at the Magnet Train." The trench coat laden man said. “I just felt it more needed to show up more openly after a while." He'd express and sighed “No matter where I look, I run into you kids."

“Don't ask me why…" Griffin mentioned softly and swallowed “Wherever WE go, WE run into THEM" Griffin commented defensively “What about the Granbull? What did you do with that?"

“No need to get defensive; you'll be astonished at what tools police officers are issued."

“I don't understand…" Griffin began to say.

“Heal ball. It's an emergency type. EMS." The officer said. “I'm simply doing my job, what that is don't matter to you. Now, I'd say that these… Team Rocket… Members need a hand; there's a clinic in town." Something flickered and Luna went to her feet in her sluggish manner.

“Hey!" She'd call out to something in a bush.

“What… what!?" The Vibrava stuck it's head out. “I'm getting the hell out of here."

“Come with us!" Luna commented as Moonlight flicked his tail her way as though to protest. The Vibrava just hummed and sang this weird sound through the air that she couldn't understand.

“Your Trainer isn't up for that, I'm done with humans already." The Vibrava mentioned as Luna growled.

“That sounds a little too familiar…" She said after a moment as the Vibrava narrowed it's eyes and looked at her more closely.

“Yeah… You look… sort of familiar. The Absol too." It began to say.

“Just… fly to him endearingly. He'll get it." Luna began to say. “It's just something he gets, it's like he does with all of us. We even have a Lycanroc and a Blaziken that Absol knows." The Vibrava twitched its wings.

“You have…." It blinked idly “From Arcanine, right?"

“Yes." Luna mentioned as the Vibrava fluttered it's wings and flicked them.

“Is she okay?"

“Very. In fact, the humans my trainer knows want to help her." Luna continued to say “So… come with us too."

It didn't take all too long, an hour in fact with Aura's help and that one strange trench coat laden fellow that followed them, carried another member of Team Rocket outward. Griffin did nothing more but help this elderly looking fellow to his feet, someone that gave him a curious look and coughed gently. As for the Vibrava…

It decided, perhaps against its better judgment, to come along. So, Griffin caught it with one of the twelve Software Balls that Logan gave to him which now meant that he only had four left and dozens upon dozens of regular Pokeballs. Luna remembered that Blaziken and Lycanroc had the normal ones, for now at least.

“I wonder how that Haxorus is doing with Logan." Moonlight commented as Luna focused her eyes on him. “The one from Maiden's Peak, it caught itself." Luna just hummed and nodded before she tossed a gaze over to Bandit. Moonlight stared at her studiously “I wasn't expecting her to do that, but… I think the Granbull is going to be okay too. Those Heal Balls are… they're no different then a Pokemon Center, they can help even stabilize it in the least." Luna just stayed quiet as she walked beside Moonlight and after a moment, she finally opened her mouth

“C – can… it help… Thief?"

“Of course." Moonlight mentioned again and stalled “There's no need to be worried about that… did you… have your mind on that the entire time?" Luna just stayed quiet.

“I think there's something I need to do… I think there's a lot I need to do." Moonlight blinked softly “Things I forgot… forgot about."

“Let's deal with this first, focus on what's in front of us."

“You said something back there, but my ears were ringing."

'…" Moonlight softly inhaled. “Don't worry about that."

“Blaine!?" A voice commented as Griffin stalled and looked towards a man in a suit and tie.

“Clarke?" Griffin began to say

“Taylor?" Blaine mentioned “By… Arceus I haven't seen you in… in years."

“I think you could look better." Clarke commented back to him and moved over to Griffin's other side. “What the hell happened?" The man in the trench coat backed up a little as his Mienshao stood beside him along with his Zoroark. It's as though he listened in on the conversation immediately.

“Well… it started with these Team rocket grunts…" Blaine began to explain that the members were looking for his gym after they couldn't find it on top of the Volcano and explained about how these two crazy members destroyed his actual gym months ago, since then he had to move the gym from place to place to keep it away from tourists. When they approached him, demanded for not only access to the lab but also for his gym, mentioning about that darned Articuno he caught much further back, they attacked him.

Blaine was the one that dealt with Team Rocket, easily. Yet he mentioned that this one young boy approached him, the one that Griffin dealt with.

“So a Lucario, of all things, a Lucario in Kanto! It jumped into the fray to help me, but the young teen threw a Pokeball at her, one that I've never seen before. After that… well I'm happy my lungs are where they're at." Blaine commented and coughed “I'm getting too old to be hit by a Pokemon." Blaine chuckled. “Still up for riddles Clarke?" The suit and tie worn man laughed and held him up. “In fact… I need to give a riddle to these younger ones, especially since it looks like you all helped me out." Griffin blinked idly.

“Alone I am twenty-fourth. With a Friend I am twenty, another friend and I am unclean." Blaine mentioned and chuckled. “Try to get that one… If you can find… what you are looking for with that… then many have heard me, but no one has seen me, and I will not speak back until spoken to." Luna immediately made a face and buried it into the sand. Natasha, Brad and Melody scratched their heads.

“Well the second one is an echo." Melody mentioned and Blaine nodded “But to find something that echo's…"

“Which is the largest, Triangle, Circle, Square or Rectangle?" Blaine mentioned as Clarke and Griffin carried him down the road. Moonlight rolled his eyes; that one was beyond easy for him to get.

“Rectangle, it's the largest word." Natasha commented as Brad chuckled

“I was, like totally about to get that too." Brad mentioned.

“I guess I'm just quicker." Natasha quipped back at him. Griffin just continued to think on that first riddle.

“Ten… ten ten…" He began to count on his fingers. “It's a dirty joke." Blaine tilted his head

“The first riddle is an X. It comes down to Roman numerals."

“You're right." Blaine mentioned

“But it's not what we're looking for. We're looking for the numbers, ten, twenty and thirty. And a rectangle has four sides… and the only thing that can echo in a town is a clock. Two forty… It's a time." Blaine laughed out loud and coughed.

“Analytical!" Clarke commented “It be a shame not to be."

“My brother loves dumb things like this, no offense! I've never liked riddles." Griffin commented “But he's given me the wrap around in making up two or three to connect to one thing or give directions before. He usually has something that points, something that marks and something that is…"

“Of interest." Blaine mentioned again and smirked “I have a feeling he's read some of my riddles somewhere." Blaine expressed and chuckled as Clarke gave him this playful look.

“You mean the ones you've read. That one is from long, long ago. A shame Blaine, I thought you'd have new material." Clarke mentioned and smiled “Quite the reunion old friend."

“Ah… yes. Wait wait, watch my hip. I landed on that…"

“Are you okay?" Griffin began to say.

“I'm quite alright, I just wasn't expecting a Pokemon of all things to attack me…"

“What… even attacked you?" Blaine softly shrugged.

“I'm uncertain, with most of his Pokemon painted the way they were, it could have been anything, but I know it made a very frightening sound." Blaine mentioned and smiled a little “Why did the chess player offer a draw?" Griffin chuckled

“Well, because he was an Artist, right?" Blaine smiled

“Yes, not bad at all Griffin! You're nearly as good as Misty!" Griffin turned his head lightly

“You know her?"

“She traveled all around Kanto with some friends of hers, in fact, from time to time I email her new riddles and she almost always solves them. She asked to be before she left."

After they stopped by the clinic; leaving the entire place to go into a frenzy with that strange police officer filling in the details for them… that one officer strangely let Griffin, Melody, Brad and Natasha go, all they did was write things down and call information back and forth in private. Immediately everyone went to the clock, Brad only hung close to Aura as though to give her this stern talking to but… it didn't feel anything like that at all.

In fact he seemed more terrified that it happened and relieved she was okay. Griffin only looked around the rustic town with long rooftops which left Luna to stare amongst them and the clouds behind it. The town just as busy, if not busier, then before left Luna to fight through the crowd of wandering strangers.

“It's no different then Griffin's school, all the humans around." Bandit opened her mouth “That's why I sat on his head most days too. I was scared I'd get stepped on, either purposely or not." Luna stalled and looked at her as she cleared her throat, licked her maw and swallowed. The Vulpix's haunches lifted as her ears pinned down on her scalp. “Don't… give me that look, alright. I've seen enough of it, Luna. I simply did the only thing I could when it came down to it, it doesn't mean that I wanted to. Keep that in mind." Bandit spoke, softer then Luna expected. “I can be as rowdy, wild and riley as I want, but when it comes down to it; nobody wants to… no matter what. They don't really want to, there's always something in the back of their mind, no matter how small. Just… a grace perhaps. So, don't give me that look, don't be as scared as all of them were."

Luna couldn't find a word to say back to her and instead stuck close to Griffin's leg as they made it towards this one building, a large rectangular building, much like an inn with a clock at the tip of it. In many ways it reminded her oddly of a church. The lights were off as the sun burned aimlessly in the sky while Griffin looked at the clock, checked the hands that told her it was already past noon, if not further into the afternoon.

“Alright… uhh… there's only the sea further out where the hands would be." Griffin expressed and sighed as Natasha looked around.

“It's like a painting."

“Huh?"

“The view." Natasha mentioned and sighed “You can see the mainland, the buildings in the distance – some mountains even and the sea. It looks like something someone would try to paint." Griffin hummed and haw'd.

“So at two forty in the afternoon… the sun would be… pointed behind us."

“We'd see the town." Melody mentioned after a moment “It would be the entire town." Griffin turned from the view and met gazes with Melody for a moment; Smokey puffed and plumed fumes and huffed at Griffin before turning to show off his rear end in a way that made Griffin cringe nearly.

Smokey clearly didn't like him.

“Yeah the town, so the sun would be right down on the town…" Griffin mentioned and stared out towards all of the buildings before them. The town, save for one or two rare buildings, truly looked and appeared like something right out of Feudal Japan. It left them all breathless from the view of the glimmering sunset sea and all the strong, rustic structures in the distance before them. “I don't get it though; the view is amazing but what are we looking for?"

“Try tilting it?" Brad commented as Melody made her head tilt

“I still don't get it…"

“Perspective!" Natasha commented “A chess player offers a draw because he's an artist. If you take a Rectangle, right? And look at a chess board… it's like here... I mean it's a panoramic two-point perspective." Natasha commented and frowned lightly “Great… those art classes are actually helping me…" She shook her head “So, an artist might tilt the image, say if you're at twelve-o-clock and tilt it to two, you'd have a more eye-catching painting. A slight tilt." Griffin held out his palms and leveled his thumbs before tilting the image, even though it wouldn't do much to help him.

“Alright… I mean I see a pocket of buildings, roads… trees. The sea, right? If the sun is…" Griffin blinked again and pointed. “That building, down there in the middle?"

“You mean near the vanishing point in the middle?"

“Yes…?" Griffin said but it sounded more like a question as Natasha nodded.

“It looks like an old art gallery."

“That has to be it!" Melody mentioned again as Brad took out his phone.

“It's also right next to the Pokemon Center. We can get everyone checked there and figure it out."

The trip to the center was nothing long or important, especially for Luna whom sat in her Pokeball as the scan went through. That was an odd, strange feeling… and she spent the entire time looking at Thief as the Pokeball became this light little layer of hazy pink.

Like this wonderful and lovely potion seeped in and left her to breathe softly.

The pain's gone already. It came to her mind Did the… Did the Kommo-o hesitate? It must've. One blow and I was nearly fainting but… but it held back. I'm good to go. Luna just looked at the edge of the meadow where she was, looked over at Bandit and everyone else in silence. Thief was half plopped on the grass near the end of it. Just… wish us luck. If you can fight with all that, I can too.

A flash, no different then a blinding flare ran through her eyes as she found herself in the strong burning sunset where they'd cross down a few roads. Luna walked quietly as Absol looked back at her.

“That Pikachu is stronger then I took him for." Absol commented after a moment of odd and awkward silence.

“Huh?"

“He made a quip about him attacking the elderly… but he's nearly my age. Albeit younger sure. It's refreshing to see someone like that." Luna just flicked her whiskers.

“You made me worry…"

“I can hold my own in a fight. I can take a few hits too, but it's warming to know you care. I think everyone feels that way." Absol mentioned and nodded. “You didn't move."

“Huh?"

“For the Vibrava, you didn't move."

“I didn't think either." Luna mentioned afterwards and gently sighed. “This is a lot of work just to challenge a gym, I don't get why anyone would make it so hard."

“It's just a fate found in hell." The Absol commented idly. “They say that a lot, you've heard them say it right?" Luna nodded gently.

“Those humans do, not the one in the mask though." Luna continued to say.

“That is strange" Absol mentioned “It makes me wonder if all of them just think… just think that living is hell." Luna softly blinked at Absol as she let out a gentle sigh. “Nothing gets to that point unless it can't see something better before it." The elderly Absol continued to say “I think it's just what we… how we actually act towards others that changes things. Especially when one is willing to forsaken themselves. It could be for the benefit of others; to explain to others. It could be out of fear or just… just doing everything they can to see something… better." Absol continued to say. “That's sort of the look I saw in my cub. A human cub." Absol mentioned softly and gently sighed.

“Blaine is going to be okay… right?" Brad started to say.

“I think that police officer or whomever that was is taking his statement, I don't understand how we haven't been arrested yet." Griffin brought up “I mean with everything going on…" Melody nodded in reply as Natasha gently huffed.

“An investigation. Think about it. If you just arrest the first person you see, everything you work on is for… for nothing right? All the elements behind it, so to say, they run off and disappear. It's like watching Ratatta's scurry away by the dozens" Natasha mentioned again and huffed. “Its nearly better when they decide to stand and fight, at least for my country."

“Why?"

“Because we don't give a shit about terrorists." Natasha commented idly. “You really don't believe Russia is going to spend their time with that bullcrap? Do you?" Natasha continued but spoke respectfully and softly. “It's just what happens, when people don't just get it." Griffin shook his head after looking worried or spooked. “That said they're not killers, murderers. All they do is their jobs, and if their jobs involve doing… that to people or Pokemon, in my opinion? Good on them, less tax money goes to them. They don't ever have the chance of hurting respectful, honest people again."

“That's quite… hateful Natasha." Brad commented dryly and cleared his throat.

“There's only so much anyone can do when it comes to violent and disobedient people and Pokemon. I already learned that… even though in the way I did wasn't a prime example of how it should really work." Natasha continued to say. “I just get tired of hearing, reading and seeing people do bad things and get a slap on the wrist for it. So, if an investigation, regardless of how long it takes, has the chance of taking all those people in AND ensures they don't see the light of day ever again, then frankly that might just be a better alternative to what we do. Granted, what's really the difference?" Natasha sighed and petted Yuny idly for a moment. “If it were entirely up to me, I'd want to have a better way where everyone can get their problems out into the open and people would just understand each other, be taught properly. Taught manners. Like here, they have etiquette lessons in school here. They're taught at young ages to be respectful and caring. They don't just develop or be told “don't do this, don't do that" They're shown properly. That's why I like Japan and all this 'weeb'" She glared at Griffin whom laughed nervously “stuff." Natasha mentioned again “So if the Japanese police want to take me in, or Global. I'm fine with that. I'll just be honest." Griffin coughed softly and swallowed.

“I would be too." Brad mentioned “I really got nothing to hide, hell what I do, they'll know that everyone has done something like it. It's part of being human." Melody idly swallowed

“Honesty is good…" Griffin just went quiet and stayed that way for a long enough time that Luna began to worry. Then they cracked open the door to that one building they saw when they were by the edge of the town. Luna just slowly treaded behind Griffin as Absol looked his way.

“They say it like it's easy. Yet being unsure and scared… It's what causes some people to be bad. To do bad things when they think it benefits others. Griffin is one of those types, he'll unknowingly let people fall apart around him and be confused with what to do or say. He's too naïve and scared to take a step forward and whenever he gains a little bit of ground he falls back down again." Absol mentioned “That's what I see in him, Luna. He only needs anyone to be by his side, to make him feel less lonely in a place where there's everyone." Absol mentioned and sighed as they wandered into the building with some distressed employee asking Griffin to return his Pokemon. “I think he's looking for something beyond even family. Or perhaps… he's looking to learn what the word is all over again." Absol continued to say and gently huffed. “I know I am."

It was the picture that caught Griffin's eye, some old painting that rested in one of the rooms at the back of the wall. The mention or note stated it came from a very old painting contest in town – the first one in fact. The sort of painting which people would have noticed and walked by it without any second glance. It left Griffin to stall and take a look at this rough… but well textured painting of the sea, tilted with the mainland behind it. It was drawn during the afternoon – that much he could tell.

“I found it." Griffin brought up and got closer to the label on it before he stalled. There was a little note on it.

“In memory of Eichi Kobayashi and Montgomery Aspen, with love from Blaine and Samuel. We'll always see each other through our travels, to wherever you are."

“Wow" Griffin commented “Blaine and… Samuel?"

“Professor Oak?"

“Wait you really think so?" Griffin looked over at Natasha as Brad hummed

“While I was in Pallet Town before making it to Pewter, I remember talking to Oak about his time travelling. He mentioned that he became quick friends with Blaine and some other fellow for a little bit. He then met another one during their studies. They all studied the same things." Brad commented and sighed softly. “Apparently one of them drowned during travel and the other was killed overseas. Decades ago. That's what Professor Oak explained to me. Apparently his two friends were one of the major pushes for him getting into Pokemon Human relations." Brad softly pushed at the frame “It's crooked though… but it looks like it's been taken care of – there's no dust. I can't straighten it."

“Tilt the picture. The other way." Griffin mentioned and Brad looked at him and lightly tilted it. Something, much like a latch clicked behind the wall.

“It's a door?" Natasha brought up as Griffin gently pushed against the wall and looked for a way to open it.

It was like a door without a handle, and he had to fight to get his finger enough space to drag it back. Then he'd fumble his hand around and slid the smaller section of the wall open.

“I guess we have to crawl… Reminds me of a hidden base Logan and I made as a kid. Or at least we tried to." Griffin mentioned again “Maybe there used to be a large tree or a cavern or something here."

“It would make sense for a gym, I mean it looks like it goes to a section near the volcano." Melody commented idly as Griffin nodded

“One way to find out… Anyone got a light? And I mean something that isn't fire? If there's gas we're all dead the moment, we light a torch."

It took them longer then Luna wanted; having her nose nearly snuffling around for a sense of fresh air. It was strange to smell this mixture of heat and salt as they crawled further and further in; at one-point Griffin began to slide and got himself as they went downward.

“Hey, it's getting sort of weak… in the ground or whatever I mean; stay there." Griffin commented back as Luna lightly yipped and thanked her smaller structure and size for once as she squirmed past Griffin's bag. It was surprisingly spacious and eventually she'd fall about eight feet and landed softly on the ground with a thud. After a moment of calls Griffin came down with her. “It's like a cave. I smell the ocean but it's way too hot…" Griffin said and unzipped his jacket. “Alright come on down one by one!" Luna just looked at the rock below her.

It's stone, like a boulder. We're inside a part of the Volcano. Luna thought to herself as she looked around the darkness of the cavern; Griffin nearly bumped into a wall. I guess humans can't see very well in the dark. I can see nearly fine, in fact the daylight sometimes looks fuzzy to me. Luna gently tugged at Griffin's leg.

“Huh? Luna? I'm hoping that's you or I'm screaming; the last thing I need is a dungeon boss…" Griffin commented idly as Luna scrunched up her nose and wiggled her whiskers

What does that even mean!? She remarked and gently exhaled steam from her mouth Thief would hate it in here… but it's cozy for me. Luna thought to herself and flicked out her long-outreached tails as steam slipped through it. I'm amazed there's even air in here, this far in I mean. She was the only one out of her Pokeball and as everyone came on down, Melody took out a little flashlight.

“It's metal… so it might get hot quickly."

“I don't think we really want to use that…" Griffin commented “If the battery…"

“Huh what?"

“My phone…"

“Mine too…." Natasha huffed “Glaceon could help cool it down but I'm worried about the walls."

“Huh? Why?"

“Well I mean under enough heat and then sudden cold, they can crack. What happens if this is just some layer of obsidian or something that we're in and there's magma around us?"

“Natasha" Brad mentioned and sighed as he undid his jacket and checked Aura's Pokeball “I think we'd all be dead long ago, literally melted." Luna just looked around until something sparked and she immediately took a nervous defensive and made this near yowl-yip of a sound. It left Griffin to look over frantically.

“Hey look, it's a fire ball? It's blue." Luna nearly charged over at it as it sputtered and shot around the walls and then lightly began to go down the pathway. “You think it's something Blaine set up?"

“I got no clue, maybe it's a riddle." Natasha commented.

“Yeah, if I'm hot and melt, but not hot enough to boil; what am I?"

“Us?" Brad nodded as Griffin smirked

“I think we're all able to be boiled up into a soup; let's just get out of here before we do." Luna stuck her eyes on the flame as they continued to walk and partially undressed themselves, the temperature would have been insane for humans, but not for Luna. Yet she knew it was dangerous for them just in the way they already panted – the scent of sweat. She'd nervously stare back at them constantly.

“How do you propose to carry her…" Smokey's voice flicked in her mind as Luna stopped and stared. Yuny was panting like crazy and Melody nearly clung onto Brad.

“Are you okay?"

“I feel pale…"

“Hey, do you need water? I have water." Brad commented and went for a bottle as Smokey flicked out of his pokeball.

“Is she okay?"

“She's a little sensitive." The Houndoom replied and gently bow'd as though to let Melody on.

“Thanks Brad… and thank you, little prince!" She'd mention with delight and laughed playfully. Smokey carried Melody the rest of the way through the tunnel as Luna finally felt this sudden drop in temperature; one that rustled her fur and left her to stall. Quick little mewls came from her throat, and she had bolted out into the open.

It was like being in a red-hot offset of the volcano; one where the magma that she could see below her would crack and pop thanks to salt water. Steam shot up endlessly below her feet – something that made her jolt and flinch as Luna glared at the large cracks in the ground. As Griffin and everyone came out in order to breathe in some fresh air; Luna flinched and paused.

“Hey the badge!" Griffin commented and pointed at the Volcano badge in the center of the arena. “There's only one…? Who are we facing?" Griffin mentioned and swallowed “What are the rules?" They were all interrupted by this glorious glimmer of golden fur, one that left Luna to nervously stare and idly glance at.

A Ninetales hopped from this one elevated platform and landed on the ground below them, but what horrified her the most was the large… massive creature that stood next to it. All it did was stare, much like this insanely large Lion or wolf… a maned dog of some sort with paws that could easily crush her body into the ground. The Ninetales simply pressed against it and rolled her fur around its chest.

“Holy… shit…" Griffin went silent as the fiery beast tilted its head, as though curious for a moment. Natasha, Brad and Melody went dead silent as Smokey stared the huge beast down. Luna just stared at the fluffy grey cloud on it's back, the huge thick furred paws and it's stoic yet surprisingly warm face looked her down. It made her flinch instinctively and the Ninetales tilted its head at her.

“… Luna?" She jolted again as everyone fixated on the Entei before them. Its regal gold crown glistened with her reflection in it as she'd nervously stay her legs and now stared at the Ninetales before her.

“L – Lumine?" The Ninetales laughed softly, tenderly.

“No, no! It's me. Crescent. Cres, remember?" The Ninetales replied and lazily stretched her body while pushing against Entei. “I left the island with Lucius. Remember him? When did you get here? … are you here to… bring me back?" Luna frantically shook her head no.

“I don't… even know you." Luna commented and coughed as the Ninetales glanced at her somberly. “I just… where? Who? The… The Growlithe right? The one that looked out to sea all the time."

“Yes, that one. He lost his parents and family thanks to the whole…" It yawned and stretched tenderly; flicked up it's nine tails as though endearingly to the Entei; something which made Luna snuffle her nose and cringe it. “Altercation between the insupia's and the like." She'd mention with another lazy yawn. “I was caught by that human… Blaine, a long time ago. Gosh nearly years now! It's nice to see you!"

“L – Likewise… Blaine was attacked."

“What?" The Entei softly shuffled as Griffin just stared at it dumbly.

“T – T -That's an Entei…"

“I know idiot…"

“Don't move it might eat us." Entei's ear twitched as Brad went colorless. Smokey just kept on the defensive.

“Where is he!?" The Ninetales pushed to her feet.

“In town… what are you doing here?" Luna asked again and shook her head wildly.

“Well, this is the Cinnabar Island Gym, it hasn't gotten a lot of… attention. I'm simply spending some delectable time with a certain… Pokemon." Crescent mentioned and giggled lightly “In fact, I've been able to be a little… lazy as of late. Entei happened by with a need to rest, so I kept him warm." It expressed once more and smiled “It's nice to see you without any baggage."

“Huh?" Luna's tails flicked out.

“Well the little parasite from home."

“Thief?"

“Well he was one, yeah." Luna took a defensive stance.

“What the fuck did you say?" She'd comment as the Ninetales tilted her head and lightly scoffed.

“Oh my god… he's with you, isn't he?" The Ninetales went to her feet. “How is he doing?"

“Injured but stable. He had a run in with your friend. He muttered it at times."

“Lucius is alive? Where?"

“Thief mentioned it earlier, Alola. I don't know where, but Lucius is half the world away. He takes care of stray Growlithes now." The Ninetales flicked her tails elegantly. “He hurt him badly."

“Good." The Ninetales replied casually as Luna bared her little fangs, that made Crescent laugh. “Oh, come on now, you must've learned something by now. You even have a human trainer, right?" The Ninetales replied “Luminescence… Right? Where is the head maiden anyways? We all sort of ran away after the humans invaded."

“How should I know that?"

“And yet the parasite is with you!"

“Watch your damned tongue before I burn it out!" Luna remarked as Cres narrowed her eyes.

“No need to get so defensive, we're simply chatting." She then whispered something to the Entei with her, in which it seemed to nod; gruffly huffed and then pushed out of the entrance to the top of the cavern in a single jump. “I mean… really, he should be dead by now."

“He lost everything and you know that!"

“So did Lucius." Crescent replied “But he wasn't the reason"

“Neither was Thief!" Luna firmly growled and took a spot as Crescent giggled.

“Oh come on now…"

“You know where the badges are right?"

“Badges? You actually care-"

“TELL ME!" Crescent brought her head back.

“Wow, you got feral. How… disgusting." Crescent replied, “Well the sooner I deal with you, the sooner I get to 'deal' with an Entei." It left Luna to huffle her nose. “Really, a REAL male." Luna's paw twitched lightly.

“So… how about you give me the little brat if I win? One on one. This is a no rules battle." Luna hissed softly and growled to herself as something cracked and flickered gently. It made her ears twitch.

“I have a better idea." The Ninetales tilted her head gently as a paw shot beside Luna. A grey and black furred paw sat next to her. Something that made her look up. “Because frankly… I'm still pissed about today; how about I show you exactly what a yeen can do to a female?" The Mightyena gently cackled. “You should see it, really. It's questionable, but it can break you in if that's all you're good for." The Ninetales twitched her ear.

“You have a hot mouth." Bandit replied by flinting her muzzle and sparking it up.

“You're damn right I do, so how about you be a good little bitch and show Luna you're place, I know it involves your muzzle down and tail up." The Ninetales flicked her ears. “Since it's a no rules gym battle, right? You're nearly protecting the badge out of sport after all… it means I get to have a little bit of fun." Bandit remarked and licked her maw viciously. “You want to see exactly how a 'yena puts a 'sly fox' in her place?"

“You're atrocious…"

“And your mouth is only good for one thing." Bandit remarked as the Ninetales snarled back at her.

“Bandit I can-"

“Not now… I'm royally pissed that she insulted the little runt." She'd comment with a smile and looked down at Luna “Because I know that little Thief could probably break her in too." The Ninetales fur went high as she shot down to the platform

“Like hell I'd let that freak ins-"

“Let's have a deal then; since we're trading Thief around so much." Bandit remarked. “You win you get to have or do whatever you want to him. I win, you're being traded off for his whim, no matter what that is… and I don't give a damn if I have to hold your throat down and let that happen." Luna swallowed and coughed

“What the hell are you talking about?"

“I'm just pissing her off." Bandit replied in pure silence, in fact Luna had to read her lips. “So, what about it, pretty tails? Think you can take on something 'wild' and 'feral?'"

The Ninetales scoffed and tsked her lips.

“Take the badge." She'd comment “Without my trainer here I'm not all too up for a disgusting deal with some 'dark' type." The Ninetales commented as Bandit whipped her ears back and showed off her fangs, all thanks to her snooty comment. “Your little parasite of a friend can have me when I'm dead, he might just be into that. The cold and clammy types."

“Screw you!" Luna recoiled and poised her tails at the Ninetales that simply replied with laughter. Mocking laughter.

“It was nice seeing you Luna, too bad you haven't actually changed. Unlike you, I have a REAL male to attend to." Crescent replied as Bandit scoffed and stepped out onto this rectangular platform in the middle of the cavern.

“Are we… fighting the Ninetales?" Brad brought up.

“I got no clue…" Bandit just picked up the badge from off the ground and brought it back to Griffin. “I guess we just… go back and show it to Blaine?" Luna rolled her eyes and went for the exit of the geyser of a cavern.

“Oh and Luna"

“What!?" She snapped back as the Ninetales laughed

“I heard a funny riddle. In a game of chess, where there is no king or queen, who wins?" Crescent asked as Luna flicked her ears in return. “You're not playing Chess; you're playing Go." The Ninetales stalled. “If you have no king or queen, then you control the board." The Ninetales softly chuckled to herself

“That's an interesting way to look at it." Crescent commented “So how many stones will you lose?" Luna's fur flicked and stood on its edges. “Perhaps if you learned more, you could have had a better stone beside yours."

“You actually beat my Magmar?" Blaine looked over the boulder badge intensively while he adjusted his glasses. He rested in a bed at this small clinic that just got it all under control. Griffin held it up to him as they stood around the clinic idly, those Team Rocket grunts were half looking at them, half sighing. One even had a broken arm – placed in a cast and mumbling about money. Natasha shot Griffin a look, a 'keep cool' sort of look.

“Yeah…."

“Astonishing! What Pokemon did you use!?" Blaine commented again as Griffin smiled nervously

“My Vulpix, Luna. She took down Misty's Gyarados, one on one." Blaine adjusted his glasses as Clarke looked Griffin over, and then walked up and nearly loomed over him. It made Griffin even more nervous.

“That is exceptional work young man. It's a shame that I missed such a spectacular battle."

“The riddles were tough enough and everyone helped out, but there's only one badge." Griffin mentioned and idly chuckled “The battle was intense; I had to use a potion in the middle of the match – I've never done that." Luna playfully and convincingly made a wobble as though she were dizzy or even high from it.

Anything to get the hell out of here, lie through your teeth Griffin.

“That is true there's only one badge… I wonder if my Ninetales ran off with them again. She is obsessed with playing with them. It makes no sense to me…" Blaine commented “However…" He'd pull out a case from his top right jacket; something that made Griffin blink “I noticed; strangely enough, that young man didn't steal any of my badges."

“You just… carry them with you?"

“If a trainer beats me out of gym, technically, unless stated otherwise, they do win the volcano badge. Since I cannot be there to battle you all, but I know you all got my riddles right; the proof is in front of me… I'm forced to forfeit. Especially considering how I'd be holding you all back from the international events." Blaine mentioned and calmly coughed. “It's just how it is, I hope you didn't do too much damage to my Magmar."

“Of course not." Griffin expressed “We'd be sure to bring it to a Pokemon Center if that had happened." Griffin reassured him as Blaine nodded.

“Well it looks as though I am no longer in condition to battle… and like I stated I can't leave you all here, and you helped me. I will award you all the badges you're looking for." Blaine commented “With Clarke as a witness, and the towns clinic workers here; thank you for keeping me."

“Of course professor." A passing nurse mentioned and walked behind Griffin.

“I award all of you the Volcano Badge, considering the situation but it's on a condition that we battle again one day. Deal?" Griffin nodded

“I can accept that."

“Me too."

“I wanted to battle… but I can too." Melody commented

“I can agree, just email me where and when" Brad expressed as Blaine laughed a little.

“Wonderful. Now how about you head back to a place where it's face is always aged but time is eternal for it."

“The clock?"

“You are quick…" Blaine mentioned to Griffin. “Please, spend the night there and come see me again in the morning. You too if you wish Clarke." The suited man nodded and lightly bowed.

“Of course, Blaine." He mentioned and smiled softly “It'll be nice to spend some time around the resort."

“Yes, the hot springs! Be my guest, I have a private spring there." Blaine expressed as Griffin looked down at Luna.

Hot springs? Warm water? Luna's eyes glowed gently at the sound and offer as her tails went wild. _ I want to go there, definitely! Come on Griffin, say yes! It's late…_ Griffin was partially looking down at Luna.

“The… hot springs… do they help with injuries?"

“Of course, it's wonderful for aged and injured Pokemon." Blaine mentioned and laughed “Go go, leave this old man to rest for now." Blaine commented and smiled “After the fact, good luck catching up!" Griffin and Melody giggled softly to that and waved him goodbye.

It wasn't until after they spent their time distracted with the town, buying food even at vendors where Luna ended up nibbling on all sorts of strange human food – something she wasn't up for initially, but fell in love with afterwards. By that point, seeing the resort and all the things it had to offer around Cinnabar Island, Luna would find herself in the back of this old, near nostalgic building. Her fur first touched the water – the hairs on her front paw before she nearly sunk into it.

“Oh my god…"

“Feels good?" Absol mentioned and smiled and then looked up at the sky above them. “It's already nighttime. Look at the stars." Griffin and Brad had both went for a shower before coming out, all Luna did was look at Thief. By now he looked like a mess. Pale… shaking… cold. Moonlight kept an eye on him closely and refused to step into the water; unlike Bandit whom respectfully climbed inside after frantically licking herself clean.

“I've only been in a hotspring once before." Bandit mentioned “It was perfect…" Luna barely looked up at her and sank back against the water. Steam gently flicked and swirled in the air between them.

“It feels very… very good. Thief, come in!" Luna mentioned and smiled a little as he tiredly looked over and panted.

“I feel weird… I don't want to throw up…" Thief replied after a while.

“Hungry?"

“Maybe?" He mentioned as Griffin stepped out into the open, Bandit simply yeaned and laughed rapaciously but quietly to herself.

“Griffin has berries!" Bandit commented after a minute “Hairy ones…"

“What are you talking about?"

“Bandit…" Griffin commented after a second “It's bad enough that…" Griffin partially leaned down after walking towards Thief, something that left Luna stunned. He carried a small bowl of berries – all Oran for him and a good amount too but…

H – H… He's naked?

“I didn't realize he got so hairy." Bandit commented “Head to toe…"

“Don't say that!" Luna recoiled as Bandit laughed in reply.

“Even when seeing a human, you're sheepish. It's entertaining." Bandit mentioned with a laugh as Moonlight just glanced at Thief. The Growlithe ate slowly the moment he noticed the berries in front of him. Moonlight didn't have a single word to say to him and Thief barely looked up to meet his gaze.

“Thief you should come in, it'll help with your burns… or it should." Luna commented.

“It appears to have a natural salt content, minerals… it should help, but it will hurt." Thief coughed slightly.

“I'm fine."

“Don't act tough." Moonlight commented back “Just…" Luna half expected Moonlight to tell him to do what he was told, but instead he asked Thief politely, something that left her half stunned and confused. She just softly exhaled and gently nudged her chin over the rocks beside her; looked at him as her little paws pushed down against a rock as though to lift her up a bit.

“Please come in the water?" Thief raggedly looked at her for a moment. “It'll help you heal… so… join us. We don't want you to just… be alone on the sidelines." Luna mentioned and smiled softly. “I'll even help you into the water."

“Why…?" Thief began to spark up after a moment.

“Why wouldn't I?" Luna replied and gave a gentle laugh. “Anyways… if we're lucky we can see a spark in the sky."

“A... spark?" Thief began to say as Luna laughed a little more

“Yeah… we can always find each other with a little flare light, right?" Luna mentioned and smiled again as Thief finished eating; she watched him eat slowly and tediously… chew through the fiber of every single Oran berry until there was only one left.

“Do… you want it?" Thief asked and nudged the bowl over, Luna only snickered.

“You need it more than I do… Thief."

All Luna could say about that night, where the sky had exploded in colors of light purple and glowing white stars that dimly lit up the air like tender little fireflies or nightlights, was the fact that Thief had nudged against her fur; buried himself against her smaller chest as they watched the stars together. Leafeon had eventually joined Moonlight against a warm, tender rock which softly steamed and would have felt nothing unlike a perfect massage against his fur and skin… against both of them. Even though Moonlight and Leafeon had laid together in a way no different then two young cubs watching the starry heavens on a camping trip… Luna and Thief sat together in a way no different then two young cubs that watched the sky and the air in wonder, wonder of the color and lanterns that hovered above them… and curiously pictured one simple thing.

Wherever a pointless little promise… when… a pointless little promise would mark a spot beyond the styx of endless space above them and glow as brightly as the morning sun; light up the cold dark night no different than the splendid and calm waxing moon that sent itself heaven-bound. Luna only pictured a place where they could learn the answer to a question long lost to them both, to put aside a difference beyond their comprehension…

And find a place that felt nothing different then something out of a perfect fairy tale. A place where saying three little words and one simple name was never a pointless and empty promise. Just a simple place where it was all black and white.

…

…

…

“Hey Griff… you know this isn't a hotspring to be… naked in, right?" Brad commented and pulled their attention away from the starry sky above them.

“Eh?" Griffin made a frantic whine-like noise.

“There's even a sign there." Brad pointed to it as Griffin looked at it soullessly.

“WHAT!?" He squeaked out frantically, enough that Natasha and Melody heard on the opposite side and in seconds the entire hot spring exploded into wonderful, gentle laughter and comments that just left Luna to stare up again with Thief nestled against her… it was enough that the Growlithe nearly fell asleep on her.

I think a place like that can wait… because right now, the place I want to be is here; and there's nothing wrong with that to me. Here is a place full of colors… good and bad... and I don't want to be anywhere else.