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Make Peace with the Enemy; Progressive
Topic Started: 4 Jul 2016, 01:20 AM (576 Views)
Posted Image Bones
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Nooope

Posted Image
" You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars "Posted Image
Pokemon Declaration
NPC Encounter

The sun pierced the morning clouds, still buoyant and striated, traveling downwards through the tall trees, silhouettes stretched in a canvas of amber and jade. Sodden leaves left musty odors - distinct and rich - permeating between the low hung fog. A misty terrain flowed out from open crevices that made it somewhat hard to walk over, which earned a grunt of annoyance from a particular man when his foot sunk further into the damp soil.

There was an echo in the distance, both bright and chipper. Meshed together in a symphony of voices, the forest seemed to awaken with each step the two travelers took. Birds cajoled upon their perch as the gentle river ran their course under and over moss covered rocks; it tickled the nose hairs of those near. In the distance, bug Pokemon twittered around the arching trunks before ducking behind large vines, only appearing when elongated shadows strode passed their range. Their curious eyes widened as they gazed curiously at Skytouch's recent visitors.

Sonak closed his tired chocolate orbs as he took in a deep breath and exhaled out his nose. He skipped over a piece of wood that had been stuck on the side of the river for quite some time now - this he noticed, but there were a lot of things familiar to the man. Take for instance the distinctly drooped vine that stood out like a sore thumb against a sapling not too far from his left. One would only have known this if they came here often. The doctor had, in fact, visited many times. It was a cryptic statement within itself, but that was a different story.

He turned to look over his shoulders, hesitating upon the next leap to the other side. Sonak smiled, albeit a small one. His eyes glimmered in amusement for the disheveled adult meters behind him who, after much attention, was doing fairly well considering Kova never once traveled into the wild.

The wanderer glanced up just in time to catch Sonak's gaze and returned the grin, except his was rather goofy and genuine. It was nothing like what the medic managed. Sonak turned away and frowned, taking in the mesmerizing trickling the tranquil creek offered instead. The whole shebang was rather memorable, the trainer had to admit. He remembered waltzing into the deepest parts of Skytouch Forest with his trusty ally, one that... well, he didn't want to speak of again. It was his mistake; his fault.

The constant pang in Sonak's heart failed to dwindle down with time. He effectively pushed it into a little ball - or so his psychologist preached. However, the second he stepped foot in Kotoba or Mew forbid, this forest, the muscle threatened to jump out of his throat. Sonak inwardly grimaced.

Silence was a welcome friend, especially when the time was an ungodly hour. Bed hair swept to the side the two men ignored their unsightly appearances and left Acrelea Valley at the crack of dawn. No words were exchanged, except for the momentary glances and gestures. Kova understood the younger all the same. Sonak assumed it was due to their supposed decade of ghosting by each other day in and day out. 'Pfft.' The notion came out bitter on his tongue, although he swore he had a good excuse.

Sonak surveyed around and sighed, the sharp click of his tongue accidentally capturing the attention of his trusty Infernape. The ape and first in command - Filum - stayed a few feet behind to assist Kova in crossing the stream, knowing full well their human could handle himself. Granted, while the possibility of the medic's hesitant aura for the other solidified their resolve, Sonak knew them to be the two best Pokemon anyone could hope for. Mew knew just how pathetic the black haired adult would be if he didn't have Tibs and Fils. It would be a cold day in Hell if Sonak lost them. Luckily that morbid concept was hidden in the back of his darkest mind. So, he shook his head. 'That'd be the day.'

There was no way he could live a moment without them.

He hopped over another rock, landing gracefully on a pile of mushed dirt towards the corner of the stream. A little ways away, the river appeared to run faster over the edge, suddenly turning into a torrent of rapids. The trickling tone was mixed with the sound of rushing water. Thunderous noises replaced the once serene peace. The healer cocked his head as he observed their approaching destination, his fingers tapping impatiently along his thighs. He scanned around, making sure to keep Kova and his crew in his line of sight.

With his chest puffed out, the good doctor considered his current position, noticing a surplus of surrounding trees that didn't budge since their incline. Also, the sun was still barely peaking out of the moving clouds. It was a good thing its rays were still warm to the touch and not overly blinding, he supposed. They were making good time.

Another skip to his right, the man held his core steady and pressed the heel of his foot atop a moss covered boulder. It was a bit more wet than usual, but nothing the medic couldn't handle.

"We're almost there!" he called out breathlessly and pointed to a wilted tree, "See that tree? Just one kilometer more and we can finally eat." Sonak closed his eyes once more, relishing in the damp, humid dew that tickled his nostrils. The aroma of it all mixed in with the idea of lunch on their grumbling stomachs did well to ignite a sense of motivation. And to go with it, the sweetest tasting water served fresh from the open stream? Well, Sonak couldn't wait. 'Home. This is home.' he reflected. His heart fluttered in his chest.

Except when it wasn't.

To Kova, all the vegetation looked the same, but to Sonak, the small patch ahead was a perfect place to stop for their mid-day meal. The wanderer twisted on his toes, trying to see exactly what "tree" his companion meant. When he didn't see anything, Kova pouted and grumbled, the words not reaching Sonak's ears.

Suay, who was currently resting in the crook of the fire type's hairy arms, squirmed at the sudden conversation as she issued a small wail from her petite form. This earned a glance from the two men. Kova and Sonak chuckled, though the latter made no move to calm the egglet.

Filum leaned closer to his baby sister, his long antennas descending for her to play with. His perfectly smooth head glistened in the light - no scars, no abrasions, nothing. In response, Suay let out a gleeful squeal and battled the appendage, her distraction well placed.

"Well, that solved it." Kova smiled, eyes twinkling like reflected light off the water.

The physician nodded as he tore his longing gaze away from the domestic scene. There were so many people he could name that would have appreciated that - deserved it even. Not Sonak though. Not him. However, for some odd reason, his mind wandered to a different part of his memory bank, plucking a conversation he had with his photographer friend. Benjamin's outburst two days ago was correct. Sonak needed to shut his "angst hole" as the boy so kindly put it.

Sonak carefully lifted one foot off the rock, preparing to place it onto the next. His eyes flickered away from the slab as he huffed and spun around to face Kova, a grin stretched from ear to ear. He paused to look at Filum, taking notice of a lack of a certain scar on his friend's forehead. "If you think my Butterfree solves things quickly just wa - "

A shocked inhale replaced what was left of his retort before the pull of gravity captured Sonak's legs, sweeping them from underneath. Jolting forward - alas to no avail - the trainer's foot slipped across the sheen of precipitation. The movement forced him backwards, his balance nullified into a helpless drop. He fell.

"Sonak!"

Kova's voice was faint, panicked. Three blurs rushed forward.

White, velvet strings hurried to his rescue, but his arms failed to reach them.

Intense cold erupted around his body, the roar of irregular spluttering filled his drowned eardrums. Sonak flailed as he felt his body being dragged around like a rag doll. His mouth dropped open in a silent, broken cry thinking to the times of his mistakes - every single one of them. Eyes wide and bloodshot, only to have the water further blur his visage in mixed layers, the solvent drove into his throat muting him completely.

What happened next, Sonak barely recognized, save for a hollow thump. Sharp pain exploded at a section of his cranium, instant throbbing making its lap down his spine, needle-like pricks pinched his nerves. Something hard and rough collided against his thrashing form - the last assessment ran rampant across his brain, pinpointing its exact location.

He couldn't breathe.

'Help.'

An image emerged in his mind, though it was muddled and vague. Its outline held a circular shape, two large wings flapped slowly in its wake, antennas long and healthy. Mind sluggish, Sonak could still pick up a nostalgic, fond trill despite the numbness that flooded his frame. Clear as day, the mirage solidified to showcase a deep scar running down the creature's forehead.

There was no way.

'Filum...?'

Then, it all went black.

-----
Word Count: 1,570

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Kian Conrad
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Nooope

Beneath satin sheets, two obsidian eyes peeked out, large and curious, the nose wiggling hesitantly. Much more lively than the days before, the creature shifted as it squirmed to remove the fabric from its smooth hide. There was a blur in front of it, but the elongated muscles worked their way up and up until the animal came face to face with a lively smile.

"You're awake!" exclaimed a friendly voice.

Blinking, the critter in question tilted his head and read the vibrant aura surrounding a young boy. From the outline alone, the small mammal appeared much less threatening than the larger human days before - one that held excitement and curiosity that rivaled the creature's own. All it could remember was being picked away from his litter, a bug that not even his mother wanted, and carried to a new place. Throat constricted, it cleared its chords once before issuing out a weary, but healthy peep as if to greet the human in return. Who was this manboy, and why was the critter here?

Chubby hands instantly reached out to cup the animal's olive hued suction cups. "I'm Sonak, do you remember me?!"

Words sounded like a mess of syllables to the creature's ears; it came out in murmurs despite the animated tone. What was this human saying? Nevertheless, long red antennas responded in kind, the rich velvet fading into a pale, confusing answer.

"It's okay!" the boy let out a loud laugh as he hoisted the worm onto his warm, comforting bed, "From now on, you'll be my partner! No one in my family has started with a Caterpie before, and you'll be the bestest in Kobota! We'll show dad together that we're something more than the underdogs! I promise! But, I need to give you a name though..." Manboy turned away to further emphasize his concentration, brown orbs scanning what appeared to be parchments.

Whatever Sonak was saying, the Caterpie wasn't sure, but as aura would have it, the caterpillar rather liked it. Such enigmatic colours floated around his new handler's being - they were inviting and casted no ill will. Just naive promises. But that was okay. The worm checked his tail, finding it more mobile than before. No longer did he feel groggy, except for the subtle pains in his back - this boy must have nursed him to health! Ah, then... he'd give the new human his life.

"How does Filum sound?!"


A keen prick of pain joked Sonak awake and the first thing the man issued was an obnoxious groan, however when seconds passed, it turned into a strained moan. Vaguely aware of his surroundings, which was the last of his worries, the good doctor folded into a ball, finding himself still on the floor, dirt clung to his pants and shirt.

Hands cradling a sore and most likely bruised part of his head, Sonak carefully bent his neck to assess the damages - something that had been installed into him since day one of Medical School. First, was he confused? Sonak blinked, the events returning to his mind in a vivid flash. One moment they were hopping on rocks in order to reach the picnic area, then the next Sonak stupidly slipped and ended up in the middle of Mew knew where.

'So no. Not confused.' There went one tick on the check list.

Did he feel nauseous? The trainer opened his eyes to stare upwards at the towering trees, listening on to the songs the inhabitant avians played. Their notes were a lovely tune and it filled him with calm instead of panic. Tame rays caught glimpses of whispy shadows from a clearing above, the heat didn't seem to be too bad, save for the humid and stuffiness to be expected deep in a forest. There was no way the healer was close to a city. It was afternoon, he noticed, but not early - somewhere towards the late afternoon, that was for sure. Testing the waters a bit more, he nodded his head side to side, ignoring the slight shock of pain that crept up his neck. It wasn't too bad either.

'Not nauseous nor am I sensitive to the sounds and lights. And nothing seems blurry either...' he squinted for good measure, his weary orbs trailing what appeared to be drag marks from the sound of running water. Unlike what happened hours before, the thunderous noises quieted down to a simple trickle, but that was to be expected seeing how now there were cliffs surrounding him. Had someone rescued him? Mew knew he was not a lightweight. He was almost one hundred sixty pounds.

Sonak wasn't sure why he asked that question to no one in particular. Evident drag marks were still there; they didn't budge, and it was clear that the mud caked at the lower portion of his legs was carried from the ground. But, who was the one to rescue him? The last Sonak recalled was Filum and Tiberius being too far out of reach to save him. Knowing them, he trusted his two best comrades not to blindly go jumping in after him, lest they deserved severe scolding later. So, who -

"Kyuuu!"

Gusts of winds ran passed the man's shoulder, sinking into the nape of his neck as he quickly snapped his head up to witness an incoming shadow. Startled, but ultimately sore, Sonak braced himself for the attack, his eyes wide to get one last look at the culprit. There was nothing he could do.

However, with lady luck on his side, the figure stopped midway, bright yellow orbs blinking in happiness at the human. "Kyuu-uuu!" his visitor cried, soft wings embracing his handler's entire face.

"Eggsy!" shouted Sonak in absolute relief. Taking a moment to compose himself, the man released a big breath he didn't know he was holding and cradled the Noibat against his chest. Someone made it after all!

Even though the Noibat had been a brand new addition to Sonak's team, the dual type found a spot in their family almost immediately over night back in Acrelea Valley. The miniature dragon was kind to everyone, including a distant Pikachu who had yet to get used to his new brother - Tiberius. In the end, the Infernape kept up his serious, stoic facade, only making eye contact to those that interested him most. Yet, the Noibat didn't mind and continued to clutch its wings onto the ape's feet. Unable to keep a straight face, the fighter embraced the young bat as he did with Suay.

That night, Sonak watched his team quietly, trying to push down the growing worries that came when he interacted with any small Pokemon. During his travels with Benjamin, the medic was so sure of the hurt he brought to smaller critters. Big Pokemon, the man could easily handle, but when it came to caring for the little ones - well, Burmy gave him that answer. Nevertheless, the Pokemon bled loneliness - a trait the healer couldn't seem to cast aside - and perhaps it was the doctor within him that made Sonak want to help the bat. Because, in the end, the Pokemon refused to say cooped up in its ball and discretely followed the two humans, making Sonak name the dragon, Eggsy. Hopefully, the Noibat would be the exception to all his wrongdoings.

Hopefully.

"Were you the one to save me tough guy?" he tickled the creature's stomach before a hand subtly brushed against his belt. One, two, three, and four. Only four balls remained. Kova had the other three. 'Dammit. In hindsight, Sonak knew he shouldn't have left the balls with Nam's friend. Even though the two didn't know each other well enough - or okay, at least on Sonak's side - the medic believed he could trust Kova. So, with that action, he gave his bloody capsules to the guy, and bam, this happened.

The Noibat squealed happily in his human's grasp, causing Sonak to lift a corner of his lips in a smile, morbid thoughts fading away into oblivion. Okay. Fine, maybe his situation wasn't so bad after all. Regardless, he still had Eggsy, Maai, and Sana. Chekov - the newly named Pikachu - was entirely out of the question. Sonak was positive the last thing that creature saw was the trainer's panicked face and then an enraged Infernape punching the life out of it. Obviously, there was no way the mouse could help them, unless Sonak asked for a death wish.

The black haired man shook his head. On the bright side, this was Skytouch Forest of all things. Sonak knew the place like the back of his hand. He came here so many times to the point where the three of them made a shelter out of nothing for years and years. Well, until Filum...

Sonak squeezed his eyes shut as he fought back the tears welling up.

'No.' he exhaled an aggravated sigh, 'I won't think of that. Not right now.'

Slowly coming to his senses, the Noibat wiggled out of the man's strong hold and hovered inches above the man's head, a wing stretched out to point at a tree. "Kyuu!" Eggsy declared as he did one loop in the air.

"Kyuu-uu!"

Whisking his head back and forth at the vague direction his avian was gesturing towards, the man saw nothing. Startled for the sanity of the young creature, Sonak raised an eyebrow, concerned, and plucked the Noibat from the air. "Okay, that's enough excitment for today Eggsy." he scolded, a tsk sounding more like an annoyed huff.

Alas, Eggsy wasn't having it. The lavender animal pushed his handler's hand with his snout, apparently rather keen on the particular location high in the trees. Still adamant on the direction, he shoved the healer into a trunk and looked up, feet kicking at the man's torso.

With a sigh, Sonak humoured the scene, hazlenut orbs scanning the dark green and brown specs of the adjacent foliage. Not surprisingly, there was nothing, and knowing time, that wouldn't change either. Still, sad eyes wandered around the long branches, capturing every noteworthy leaf and leaves, memories flooding him in torrents of sadness and happiness all mingled into one desperate longing.

Sonak recalled the times when he and Filum used to stand in the midst of no where, in a path where the sun's omniscient rays couldn't find them and stare for hours at the beauty the forest had to offer. They would listen to the playful burbling of the many rivers, dips of waterfall in the distance, and the beautiful array of fireflies that slunk out of the tunnels once evening struck. There was one time the Caterpie wriggled out of the boy's grasp and danced alongside the glowing buttbugs, capturing one on his antennae. The firefly would then get bored of its stay and land on the nearest tree, illuminating the leaf like it was on fire. The boy laughed then, his laughter full of life, holding not a single drop of weight on his young shoulders.

That was then. This was now.

The doctor heaved a pensive sigh as he felt a familiar warmth flow up his chest, the daft of evening air crawling through his damp hair. It was almost as if Filum was still here with him today, scars and all - but he wasn't, and that sobered up Sonak the most.

"Uuuu!"

Noibat's cry tearing the adult out of his remorseful thoughts, his attention captured a distinct rustling just in time, before a shadow leaped from the side. A heavy, but chunky tail lagged behind a lithe body, rounded paws tapping a series of trunk with each jump until the creature landed on a thick vine meters away. Its yellow eyes pierced through the shade revealing a judgmental stare at the trainer and his Pokemon.

Posted Image
Encounter #1 - Treecko
(Click Image for Encounter)

"Oh, so it was you!" Sonak yelled. He didn't want to move from his spot, his back slightly hunched and arms dipped low. For a boy who came to Skytouch often, it wasn't a common occurrence to burrow one's pride for a moment in order to set up walls of caution. Animals and were animals, and if his teachers had taught him anything of value, then instincts ruled the living kingdoms, even man itself. There was no telling the dangers that lurked in all the Pokemon - wild or not.

The Treecko's eyes narrowed before nodding once and rocketed elsewhere, the only evidence of its existence by a single leaf that fluttered down the trunk.

"Well, thank you anyways!" Sonak gave a parting wave with his free hand, the movement sending a burst of wind onto the bat. When the man believed the gecko to have disappeared entirely, he peered down to his Pokemon, earning an adorable grin from Eggsy. Then, using his hand to root through his pockets and backpack, the man pulled out his holocaster, though his smile was quickly turned upside down at the soaked equipment.

"Of course..." breathed the male. How was he going to communicate now? Not only that, but judging from the mushed pieces falling out of the sides, his Town Map turned into a lump of uselessness. Crestfallen, Sonak stuffed the damaged Holocaster and mapp pieces back into the depth of his backpack and shouldered the package against his shoulder. He winced, his back still aching from their fall. Despite the occurrence, the last thing Sonak felt was disappointment - maybe a tad bit - but he couldn't say he was surprised either. Was it bad he expected something of that caliber to happen? He shrugged, snapping his fingers to alert Eggsy. The bat glided through the air with ease and landed on the human's left shoulder.

"Welp Eggsy. I guess we got no choice. Wanna explore Skytouch with me? I doubt you've come here, seeing how you're from the Valley and all." The avian released a hearty guffaw.

Sonak glanced at the horizon, sun setting near the hills a far. They had a few more hours at best before the moon would soon cast her nightly tendrils across the woodlands. 'Best make use of that time wisely.' He rolled his eyes, the afterthought adding a tinge of bitterness to his musings. His father used to lecture about things similar; Sonak didn't know why he suddenly remembered that of all things. 'Ugh.'

Regardless, first thing they needed to find was some sort of indication that Kova and his two Pokemon were near. It was a pathetically hopeful idea, but it was one that wrapped around Sonak's pinky finger in hope. Not to say the man couldn't survive a day or two in the wilderness, but it was the notion of being alone that terrified Sonak the most. Indeed he had a Noibat and three other Pokemon around his waist, but Pokemon were nothing like the companionship of humans... and the Butterfree and Infernape to boot.


The sweating physician grumbled as he ripped a loose vine in solemn concentration, his eyes never failing to wander through every single suspicious patch near and far. He carefully tallied the different kind of shadows and figures that hopped from one area to another. Three playful Panchams, sixteen Cherubi, a flock of Pidoves, and a hive of Combees were passed, not too far behind. Hell, he could still hear their cautious buzzing around their territory as the duo stalked through. Despite the homely creatures, the sights and smells that echoed around the river bend, and down the base of the trees somewhat calmed his anxious nerves. At first Sonak couldn't help but twitch at even the tiniest snap of twigs, but after an hour or so that too fading into the forest's music. Of course, they were all familiar, and the chirping of the birds told the man that everything was well - for them at least, not him.

Eggsy had long decided to take a deserved nap upon his trainer's head, adding extra weight during their trek upstream. Sonak didn't mind though. Instead, the good doctor secured the flier's loose wing around the curvature of his ears so she didn't fall down during the steeper climbs. He had to give him some credit. In actuality, the dragon was the one that gave Sonak the hint that perhaps following the river upwards was the better idea. Moments later, the young man found himself doing just that.

Evening soon faded into a deepening dusk, for the shadows that once gave crisp depth to matter, gradually blurred into a singular cover of obscurity and the traveler found himself dragging his feet through thick mud and sodden foliage. Sonak squinted through the darkness, his footing becoming weighed the more he veered off to the side. There was no more point in going straight, lest he deserved to fall into quicksand. Stopping from the path, the man wandered under and through some bushes, popping out into a drier clearing, the moon hovering pleasantly above. Her rays casted a nice view and within the clearing stood a small cave, akin to all the others he observed throughout his childhood. Joyous tweeting then turned into heavier cackles as the birds settled in for the night while the scarier folks came out to play.

Or something like that.

Sonak remembered reading that line to Filum before. The book's title was silly too. There used to be a fire in the middle of said cave, illuminating the delighted faces of just him and Filum. It kept them snug and safe - the touch of smokiness reminding them of home. His then Caterpie always coiled around his thin legs in an attempt to further warm Sonak's fragile body. They'd listen to the cicadas and their scratchy rattling and hum their own broken tunes. While others were annoyed at the bug's songs, the child and his caterpillar found them quite pleasant in the midst all things. Sometimes the duo heard a fight break out between three or more territorial Pokemon. They'd identify the animals but giggle afterwards, mingling in the singular thought that the trainer and his starter would never fight. And when the moon finally rose high in the velvet sky sparkling with tiny diamonds called 'stars', the two would fall asleep snuggled, protected and together.

Upon reaching the entrance, Sonak would have smiled and let the memory carry him inside, but unfortunately the only problem was - it wasn't his cave.

With a haggard sigh and a quick check on his snoozing friend on top, the glasses wearing man thew a pebble inside, listening to the hollow thumps. He waited a few seconds more, heels tense in case something of fright sped out. He was ready to run if need be; he saved enough energy just in case.

However, when nothing but the ear ringing sound of silence emerged, the man wearily shuffled inside, his heavy boots lagging at the edge. Dropping to the ground, dry and away from the wind, rain or whatever Skytouch entailed, Sonak allowed exhaustion to finally succumb him for some much needed sleep. He shut his tired orbs, eyelids fluttering onto crusty filled eyes. His limbs heavy and not of his own, the man's bruised head gently resting against solid dirt walls, the smell of chalk caressing his noise. He wanted to sneeze, but he didn't.

Carefully, Sonak reached up to pull Eggsy out from his tangled hair and laid the bat across his lap. The avian stirred just a little, but otherwise did not awaken, his breathing pittering out to normal. Sonak mumbled out a 'good night' and draped a thin blanket over them both, too tired to pull out a pillow.

They'd try again tomorrow.

-----
Word Count: 3,262
Not Yet Proofread*

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Edited by Bones, 19 Dec 2016, 01:02 AM.
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Sonak Paetdee
Kian Conrad
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Nooope

Kova sat down with a noisy thud, causing grimaces to mar the faces of Filum and Tiberius. Unlike their substitute trainer, the two Pokemon smoothly lowered themselves on to the dusty floor, wings folded neatly behind the Butterfree's back, while the Infernape's tail tucked itself around a sleeping Togepi, holding her still.

For the past four hours, the trio had been wandering aimlessly searching for their fellow comrade. They ventured high and low, up cliff sides, and down stream in an effort to locate the missing trainer. Alas, to no avail, their party ended up empty handed as Kova and his temporary crew hiked upwards to find shelter. Granted, the adventurer could practically feel the oozing of distressed aura bleeding from Sonak's Pokemon. He understood the butterfly and ape were worried for the man, and they stayed much pass appropriate hours looking for him. Yes, Kova did the same, but who wouldn't? Because of that, the man ended up sweaty beyond belief, his breaths ragged and he swore that the concealed mucus in his throat had turned to stone.

Along the way, Filum, Sonak's Butterfree, decided to play captain and steer them towards some twists and turns until they finally stumbled upon a lesser clearing. Hidden behind obvious man torn branches, humongous banana leaves, and a leaning tree, they unearthed a concealed cave. The two Pokemon didn't hesitate as they cleared the junk, forcing Kova to watch in the back, a surprise look to his features. 'A storm must have caused this.' he concluded, no questions asked.

It didn't take a genius to figure out that the two animals knew this particular location well, especially for the fact that they stacked up the debris in careful columns - as if they had been trained to do so for years. There was only one person Kova could think of that would teach something so insignificant.

'Sonak.' the wanderer thought. He pursed his lips once all the vegetation was removed. Before he could ask the two, the Pokemon disappeared without signaling the awaiting male. It wasn't like they could understand him, but Kova had a knack of Pokemon, and he'd most likely gesture out the inquiry. They'd understand each other... Eventually.

Not surprisingly, when the two didn't return, he assumed it was safe to crawl in.

Once inside, Kova had to give the stature some credit. It was rather large for its size, according from outside appearances. Unfortunately it wasn't as big as the cave Kova found, but for the night, he assumed it would be perfect. There was something about the interior that sparked a few red flags for the traveler, but having been so spent from finding a lost fighter, Kova couldn't bring himself to care. If anything, he mentally noted two pairs of layered leaves woven together into some sort of patch, separate from each other but lined at the base of the walls. So far, that was what he saw, and if he had enough energy he would have checked the entire room... just not right now.

"Raaa." voiced Tibs.

About to respond, the wanderer opened his mouth, but snapped it shut as he turned to look at the fire monkey who directed the sudden noise to Filum, and not the trainer.

"Breee." replied the bug type. Taking a moment to lift himself off the ground, the creature wobbled over to the nearest corner and tore another hidden leaf from the floor. Caked with dirt and dust from Mew knew how long ago, the Butterfree lugged the blade with his stubby arms and tossed it near Kova.

Immediately a cloud of dust sprang up as it collided against Kova's body, but to his surprise, the man found the leaf quite, soft? Wide eyes blinking, the man grabbed what he thought was a leaf as his fingers squished the plush cushion.

'A pillow?' he quirked his eyes at Sonak's Pokemon to find that both of them had distinct pillows of their own. Seated underneath the fighting type, a fist shaped padding engulfed his bottom, and on the Butterfree, Filum hovered above a circular lady-bug like mattress. Not uttering another word, the two laid comfortably on their objects like they had been there all along. To make it even more suspicious, his chocolate orbs squinted at the small cursive stitching reading across the sides, "Fils" and "Tibs".

"Huh." Kova huffed as he took the thrown cushion up to his face. In the same lettering, it read, "Sonak".

"Well I'll be," came the satisfied mumble. So it wasn't some random cave they stumbled on. It wasn't a storm that hid the entrance either. Whenever the shelter was made - or found - the boy and his two companions disguised a home out of it, in the middle of bloody Skytouch Forest. "What else is in here?"

If Kova didn't admit the cleverness of young Sonak, then he might not be able to do it again. Silently applauding the past child, Kova carefully bent down to inspect the front portion of the cave with the light glowing from Tiberius' streaming hair. Attached from one corner to another, four streams of lantern cased lights gave the cave a homely vibe, held together by nylon strings. While the man couldn't find any switch or indication of electricity, Kova peered closer at the objects noticing a used wick in the middle. 'How quaint.' he smiled. His gaze flitted onto the next decoration, noting a miniature table stand encased with a stack of weathered papers, the corners yellow and long eroded.

In the end, tthere wasn't much he could see, regardless of the fire, and there was only so much he could find without breaking an unspoken law about being a "guest". All in all, Kova didn't feel comfortable enough to intrude on something personal to the Pokemon. After all, Filum led them here safely, and for him to be able to stay? Well, Kova counted his lucky stars.

"What's this?"

Eyes zooming into a thick leather book, the man retrieved his findings in one motion, careful not to startle his wary hosts. A low guttural growl left the lips of Tibs, causing Kova to almost place the book back where he found it. His stare twitched over to Fils who gave him a nod, signaling that it was probably okay.

Crawling back to his space, the adult tucked the book gently in the crook of his arms, curiosity almost blowing his mind out of a metaphorical lake. Just what in the world caused Sonak to come to the forest, especially as a child? And to find a book of all things? Judging by the texture alone, it wasn't a children's book. Not only that but why was the place so uninhabited for so long? If the three had taken so much time to hide and decorate the cave, then there had to be a good reason to why they left.

Kova's gaze returned to the two Pokemon, and their own stares held steady at the human. Tiberius continued to judge Kova with cold glances while Filum's was more inviting. Regardless, Kova ignored them both as he decided to flip through the pages aimlessly. He called Sonak on his Holocaster earlier, but thanks to the weak signal, the call didn't go through. Tomorrow he'd request that the group trek higher or at least til Kova gained an extra bar or two. For now, they were tucked in for the night and with a small cave with three grown beings inside, the warmth caressed their soft skins.

"I guess I can read myself a bed time story." the man said to no one in particular, attention still set on the leather bound book. He smirked as he witnessed the shaky handwriting of what appeared to be a boy's no more than six years of age. "Let's see how well you wrote back then Sonak." Nosiness taking the better of him, Kova flipped to a random page towards the beginning of the dairy. Then, swiping his thumb across his lips with his saliva, the wanderer hunkered down and began reading.

"Septimber 18, 175. Dear dary. Today is my Birdday!" Kova read out loud, much to the Infernape's chagrin. He grinned madly, laughter threatening to overcome him. However, for the time being, the male gave an extra wink for his audience, focus rushing back to continue the entry.

Septimber 18, 181. 23:33 -

Dear dary,

Today is my Birdday! How are yu today?
I am fine. Thank you vary much!

I am 6 today. SIX !!

Happy Birdday to me! today was a brite day. nam talked today! The sun was loud and shiny and filum also sed Happy Birdday to me today! he was the 1ST!!!!
I waited all day for mom and Dad to say it to! but they said today is beesy and for me to study.
I think mom and Dad forgot. That is ok! nam is importent!

He turned the page with a quick swish of his thumb, a smile adorning his face. This was perfect blackmail material once they met up again. Clearly, Sonak was a much better speaker than he was a writer at this age - which was honestly quite surprising from what Nam told him. Kova chuckled. Blackmail material indeed.

Noon time and Uncle come today! he sed happy birdday to me. I am so happy! now I just wait for mom and Dad. but they still sed they was beesy. so we wait!
maybe if filum and I go to skytouch mom and Dad follow and say happy birdday to me to.

Dear dary,
I am at skytouch. filum to! it is nite time. why are no one here? ??
it is close to midnite. filum and I is still here. We will wait! mom and Dad will say happy birdday to me soon! nam talk today! she will to! I must be happy! it is called happy birdday. I must be happy!

Though the writing was scratchy, laced with excitement, Kova couldn't help the slow crawl of dread pooling into his gut. There was a twinge of familiarity about the written day. One he never experienced - of course - but a nagging voice in the back of his head told the wanderer that Sonak's father voiced a similar story.

Kova read on, his index finger hesitant to pull back the weathered page. From the binding alone, the next page was crumpled against his palm. Grainy bumps filled the surface - tiny tears at the edges - and this was even before Kova turned the page. Holding his breath, the man flipped the corner, dark pupils tracing the sloppy handwriting written in deep, dark strokes than those before it.


Rite now it is midnite. my Birdday is end.
no one came here. mom and Dad did not call filum and me.
How come? what did filum and me do wrong?
Dad say weak peeple are not good. maybe we are Weak?

We must get strongur.

maybe when we are strongur, mom and Dad will tell me happy Birdday.

Kova blinked at the abrupt ending as the man's smile disappeared and his heart plummeted to the pit of his stomach. It was an odd sensation - the feeling of when something struggled to worm its way through his veins, thick and uncomfortable, yet anxious anticipation told him that he had stumbled upon the answers to questions the wanderer didn't know he had.

-----
Word Count: 1,866
Not Yet Proofread*

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Edited by Bones, 19 Dec 2016, 01:03 AM.
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Sudden rustling jolted the man out of his slumber, his eyes focusing blearily at the spots fading around his cornea. No matter where he flickered his eyes - left or right - the translucent blobs followed each direction. He sighed through his nose, gaze fixated on the empty wall in front, mind having yet wrap around his current dilemma.

"Damn floaters." Sonak grumbled, hazel orbs still narrowed due to sleep. Hands automatically reached over to pet a figure cuddled nearest to his thigh, his nerve endings expecting to brush up against his scaly comrade. However, when his fingertips caressed coarse fur, the trainer looked down to see a certain dragon peering up expectantly at him.

Golden irises glittering against the warm rays from the entrance, Sonak stifled a chuckle as the Noibat clawed at his jeans, the soft click click of nails upon cotton playful to the man's hearing. Instead of allowing disappointment to sully his features, the man pushed it back down his throat and instead replaced it with a heartfelt rub behind Eggsy's concave ears.

"And a good morning to you too, Eggsy." a wide smile painting his expression, his tone was inviting and spirited, full of affection for his new Pokemon. It swelled his heart with joy. This, the avian noticed and proceeded to hop onto Sonak's shoulders, the presence of a foot and a half creature weighing heavily on his handler's mind.

'See Sonak? That's not so bad.' Oh, how Sonak could almost hear all his classmates' voices at the moment. Their taunts, their pitiful stares - every time the class had to do some kind of mock check-up or experiment with Pokemon on the smaller end of the spectrum, the physician remembered himself shaking in his boots, literally, heart palpitating and seizing uncontrollably. He couldn't do it then, but somehow today was different.

Had it always been that different?

Fingers lifted off Eggsy's mane, earning a grunt of displeasure from the little one, before Sonak placed his hand on the other side. The corners of his mouth twitched and a familiar shape swam around the doctor's imagination, one of a floating butterfly whose particular spot had always been to his right - his right hand man. Just... not anymore. Not since then. Sonak had a "replacement" - the word itself sunk on his tongue like a rock - but even he had to admit it wasn't the same.

Releasing a wistful sigh at the memories long past, Sonak looked to the ceiling, finding nothing but dirtied roots and burrowing bugs, and wondered, for the first time in a month if that certain Butterfree was having the time of his life, fifteen years later. How was Filum? What was he doing? Was he well? How was the bugger away from the healer himself? Despite their great distance, the butterfly's essence still filled Sonak with an unconditional warmth on many occasions. Maybe not as of lately, but right now? 'Yeah...' And Mew, if Sonak didn't miss his starter more than ever.

The same rustling ensued, snapping the medic away from his thoughts. Already startled awake minutes earlier, the good doctor groaned as the pop in his neck loosened to amplify the static tingling run down his sternocleidomastoid like little gnats swarming amok in no particular fashion only to piss him off.

Eggsy lifted his large head and stared straight at the mouth of their shelter, his steady clicks cautious and low.

"Kyuuu-uu..." he growled warningly. Wingspan enveloping his trainer's shoulders in comfort, the bat urged Sonak out the cave and into the open.

Immediately, sunshine penetrated Sonak's eyes, shrinking his pupils to mere dots as his visage sharped to his surroundings. Trees and grass stetched in a sea of different greens; some deep and dark, while others dry and dead. Morning dew hung fresh in the humid air around them, instantly dampening Sonak's skin, hydrating it in a silky sheen. It felt great, but the red flag waving around wildly in Sonak's mind didn't allow him to rejoice in the environment. At least, not yet. He let out a strained grimace only to spin around to find the origin of noise.

'Treecko?' Curious thoughts wandered to yesterday when the black haired man was rescued by the grass type. Yesterday, the gecko raced off without a word, leaving Sonak unable to voice his thank yous. Naturally, the man yelled after it, but that was the best he could do. The thing was rather quick.

More rustling came from ahead, and the man's attention snapped forward.

Back hunched, Sonak lightened his steps and drifted towards the bush in question.

It rustled again.

'Huh.' Would an elusive Pokemon such as the Treeko really draw that much attention to itself?

No. Probably not. Only one way to find out.

Sonak took a hesitant step, fingers slick with sweat as he reached open to pull away the mass of twigs. Before the man could blink, a cylindrical shadow burst out from the spot, jumping on top of the man's face and scurried ahead in a mad dash. Something was in its mouth, evident by a handful of bright blue berries that gleamed in the restricted sunlight. One somehow plopped out of its grasp and rolled behind, though it was quickly forgotten, for whatever was on the creature's mind narrowed its perception in haste.

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Encounter #2 - Wurmple
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The healer staggered backwards, followed by a surprised shout. Though he had half a mind to pivot around and grab the brute in anger, dragging its slimy little hide back, Sonak couldn't miss the desperate, almost pleading, expressions. Mind whirling to identify the creature - his shell shocked brain concluded that the mystery guest was in fact a Wurmple who while quick, appeared slow in the large open plain. What with its pink butt bouncing up and down and horn bobbing just above the ground, the worm appeared comical. Admittedly, he should have recognized it earlier. Sticky webbing hung at every nook and cranny, now that Sonak took the time to look around. Hell there was even a tiny, but evident trail still attached to the Wrumple's two prong tipped horn-tail.

Blinking rapidly, the healer turned his head to stare at Eggsy, wide chocolate orbs landing on golden ones. Should he or shouldn't he go after the bugger? Sonak bit the insides of his cheek. 'Filum would've gone wouldn't he?' Hesitation ran its course before the man sighed, picked himself off the floor, and sprinted after the panicked Wurmple with his Noibat swerving carefully behind.

It didn't take long for the human's long strides to catch up to the stubby bobbing worm. In fact, the good doctor was forced to quiet his heavy steps when the bug type paused, wary eyes searching for the sound of tramples. The same cycle repeated itself perhaps four to five times, causing Eggsy and Sonak to make themselves scarce behind large bushes. Luckily, Wurmple didn't look behind it and continued its mad dash forward until both parties were met with a clearing. Admittedly, said clearing was like any patch of open grass not completely covered by the long banana leaves Skytouch offered - so it wasn't anything new, but Sonak could tell the difference. They were a long way from home.

Curled up in the middle, looking worse for wear, an elongated creature at least six times Wurmple's size laid horribly still, its shuddered breathing wracking its entire frame. Sonak squinted through his useless glasses, chin jutted outwards from a tree trunk. He could barely make out some shades of brown and tan that coloured the Pokemon's fur. Some kind of striped design also decorated its tail, but it was limp and covered the mammal's face. However, it didn't matter what species the creature was. It was sick.

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Encounter #3 - Furret
(Click Image for Encounter)

Sonak watched, swallowing the lump in his throat, as the Wurmple from earlier made his way around his friend, to the back, and the sound of berries being piled filled the silence. There was another sound of shuffling, and then, a yellow horn popped out from the mass of berries, sad eyes pointed at the Furret's direction. The pink body flopped forward, rolling the fruit at his friend in an attempt for the mammal to consume it, but to no avail. The Furret only gave a weak chitter in return.

"Puul...?" The worm pushed two more bright coloured berries closer, almost pressing the food into Furret's face.

"It doesn't need food," Sonak concluded. He shook his head, a shrug given to Eggsy. "It needs medicine... and rest." Ironic wasn't it? Karma always came back to haunt him, no matter where he was. He'd seen it all before - the pale features and lethargic body - and that started with good ol' Burmy. He sure gave the bagworm a lot of rest didn't he?

The physician blinked and for a moment the Furret was a green blur, red antennae and all. Breath hitched, Sonak brought up his hands to quickly rub at his wide eyes, clearing the strange vision in hopes that it wasn't what he just saw. Anything but that. Hesitant, but willing, Sonak blinked again. Alas, the illusion was gone. A sigh of melancholy relief escaped his lips as he shook his head, one hand running over his head and down his neck. 'I'm going crazy...'

Forcing the guilty pang in his heart off to the side, Sonak fiddled with the two vials brought forth from his pockets. They were antibiotic tablets, one he made sure to stock up on in Kotoba City, despite it already being close to Spring back then. One couldn't be too sure, he mused. Now, the man needed the Furret to consume it, rest for a day and she'd be right as rain.

But that was easier said than done.

The medic couldn't just go waltzing in like he owned the place, especially due to the tension that was currently brewing between the two. If the Wurmple hardly noticed using Sonak's face as a diving board and also didn't know the human was following him, it was clear the poor git wasn't in his right mind.

But if he didn't go in, the Wurmple would get too desperate and get himself hurt.

But if he did, then what if they attack, making the entire situation worse?

But... if Sonak didn't do it now, the Furret might end up like another Burmy - or Mairi.

If Sonak didn't do it now, the doctor would be making the same mistake he did with Filum.

Hands clenched, the trainer steeled himself and stepped forward, instantly capturing the attention of the two Pokemon. Eggsy, hovering behind Sonak's shoulder, released a pathetic growl in warning. Even the bat knew there was little he could do.

"H-Hey guys," he started, voice shaky and hesitant, the two best combinations in the world. He directed his attention to the Wurmple that was now narrowing its eyes in startled anger.

"I-I know your b-buddy there is sick right?" Sonak took a careful step, his fingers unraveling the hidden vials from earlier. The glass chambers clicked against one another, only causing the Wurmple to bristle even more. In hindsight, Sonak should have seen that - should have seen the red flag pop up. But he didn't.

Never did anyways.

"Well, I have s-something for her. It'll make her b-better." Mew Sonak wished the two read his aura properly. Deep down, the trainer hoped he was sending good vibes. Too bad Filum wasn't at his side like how it always was; the Butterfree was with Kova. Fantastic. And the other Filum? Up there, where Sonak should've been. Not the Caterpie. His jaws tightened.

Willing a shuddering breath and a gulp, Sonak took another step, but alas an almighty pebble blocked his path. Hazel orbs completely missing the mark, the doctor's ankle veered to the left causing the man's entire stature to stumble forward with a loud yell.

In that moment, chaos erupted.

The Furret leapt out of the way, her body stiff, depleting the last of her energy evident by her less than wispy tail. On the other hand, Wurmple nimbly dipped away, and rammed his head against Sonak's side, sending him off course. Unfortunately, this earned a roar of fury from Eggsy and the bat swooped down to swipe at his human's attacker.

"St-op Egg-sy!" Sonak managed, an arm flailed in the air. 'Don't hurt them!' Whether or not his Noibat followed his instructions, the man's focus was far from that as a sharp pain found itself onto his stomach.

He felt his diaphragm cave in, knocking the wind out of him in a flurry of huffs. It happened again and the medic's heart lurched into his throat, the air around him bleak and shallow as he struggled to capture the last bits of air. Still, he clutched the precious vials close to his chest. He wrapped his knees around the containers as the assault continued. Dark spots began to float up in his visage, and the man's eyes twitched.

'I can't even do this right!'

However, before Sonak could lose consciousness, an emerald green blur jumped in front of him.

'...Filum?'

-----
Word Count: 2,200

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Kova sneezed. The movement jerked his entire body, sending a certain leather bound book crashing into a wall.

Both sudden sounds started the other two inhabitants and moments later Tiberius leapt towards the middle of the small cave, hands balled into a fist. With a look of bewilderment, fire type growled, his eyes searching for a possible intruder, feet raking in the cold dirt underneath. When nothing could be found, Tibs turned to bare his fangs at the wanderer. Kova could have sworn he saw a look of exasperation cross the monkey's face.

The adult gave a sheepish smile, his cheeks revealed his embarrassment. "Sorry Tiberius." He murmured. Tibs lowered his fists. Though the man was still wrapped in a groggy state of mind, Kova forced himself up to retrieve the book. Hand dusting the cover with care as he placed it back at his side, the trainer searched for the page he left off last night before dozing off. He remembered something unsettling, but whatever it was, he couldn't recall it now. Best to get a move on. Kova was sure it'd come to him when he least expected it. That's how he rolled anyways.

Stretching his muscles, the young man snuck a peek at Sonak's two Pokemon who had long returned to their cozy nests. Not surprisingly, Tiberius paid no attention to the other human while Filum simply looked around the cave in curiosity - or nostalgia. Whichever came first. A smile tugged at his lips. Thankfully Suay was recalled into her rightful pokeball last night. Maybe he could call her out later. They were lucky the sun was out. Its warm rays lingered just shy of the opening outside, but enough to illuminate their cave in a golden glow.

'Geez, what a beautiful day.' thought Kova, regret resting on his tongue. Too bad he ruined it earlier. Thankfully that was in the past, and it would seem the human was forgiven. According to his watch, the trio had been knocked out for much too long, considering the beeping noise of 5:45pm flashed on his screen. Clearly they slept through morning, and if neither of Sonak's Pokemon bothered to wake up Kova, and the fact that evening was just around the corner, their search had to be delayed for another day.

But the question was, why? Did Tibs and Fils not want to find their trainer as soon as possible? Kova tapped at his bag impatiently, gentle eyes turning into a cold glare at the two oblivious animals. However, that annoyed feeling from earlier vanished as his gaze settled on Filum who pulled, from Mew knew where, out a plushie of some sort and began to cuddle it. He emitted in a soft, but saddened coo when a button eye popped out.

Upon closer inspection, the stuffed animal was completely flaccid - weathered green and a red stem thing. Stuffing seemed to pool out from broken stitches at the seams, and whatever colour it started out with was now brown and muddied as a whole. Yet, the Butterfree held onto it like it was new.

'Aww.' Using the light to his advantage, Kova scanned the perimeter of the room, taking in the shapes and items that were unnoticeable last night. A few pots and pans - all rusted - hung around little indentations in the wall. Cracked linings filtered all the way above towards the ceiling and the floor, but had crude eroded drawings covering them up. In the far corner, there was a box. Though Kova made no effort to check the contents, from the propped up pencils and ripped papers flooding the top, the trainer was sure he could afford to make an assumption. There was an unmistakable hint of red at the papers, but then again it could've been anything.

"Oh." Kova sniffed in the musty scent of dirty and wood, an idea hitting him like a ton of bricks. Maybe that's why the two Pokemon didn't want to leave yet. In a way, the cave was home. Not to him, but to them at least. And judging by the dust gathered to kingdom come, they probably never came here for many years. Kova gave a sharp nod. Sure. Okay. He could live with that. Why not?

The adult propped himself back against the wall and began to shuffle around for something to eat followed by a heavy sigh. It annoyed him, in a way, that nothing productive had been accomplished today. They literally spent the entire day unconscious while Sonak was doing who knows what - probably lost and angsting as per usual. Kova chuckled to himself.

"Typical Sonak." he shook his head fondly.

With a low hum, the trainer glanced at the entrance, a frown tugging at his lips. The way the flecks of sunlight descended and danced across the walls, the three inhabitants knew nightfall would soon be upon them. Kova could literally see the sun dropping in the background, the glowing yellow slowly fading to a dull orange. The sound of endless screeching from the cicadas were something the three also took note of, but to their ears, it was already numbing to say the least. Not even Filum or Tiberius seemed to mind. Kova didn't know how the hell Sonak had ever slept through those noises.

The man smiled as he reached over to gratefully grab at a pair of dry logs sitting by their lonesome in the corner. There were even a couple of matches, old but fresh, next to the firewood, to which Kova also grabbed for use. Flicking his wrist, he drew out a gentle flame, igniting the dead grass and crumbled newspaper in the middle of the cave. Instantly, the campfire lit up in a roar of warmth and the man leaned back to stare at his work. He had to hand it to six year old Sonak at that time. The boy was sure prepared - Kova's eyes narrowed at the thought - which was oddly strange considering the boy was exactly what he was: a boy.

'Huh.' Curiosity getting the better out of him, Kova quickly deposited four cupfuls of soup into a metal pot, ignoring the spills that splashed out of the sides. Tibs growled at the display, but he too was also ignored.

"What else happened?" mumbled Kova to no one in particular. Flipping to the bookmarked page, the wanderer leaned back and draped last night's blanket over his legs. 'One must be comfy to enjoy a good book.' He had time.

January 10, 184. 14:15 -

Dear Diary,

We are in Skytouch Forest. I know it has been a while. Sorry. I am 9 y/o now. How are you?

I got stronger.

I studied hard for 3 years. We are sure. Spelling and Grammar was hard and I am still struggling. But I think I am getting used to them. I have a dictionary right now. Dad has not said much to me. He said there are more people better than me. He also said I am barely average.

It hurt to hear.

Filum and me got stronger. But...

Bad news. We failed the pre-test today. Dad was not happy. I was not happy. Mom looked sad. They told me to get out. So here I am Diary. I feel a little bit better. But I am sad.

Filum got sick today. That is why we failed. He fell. He hit his head on Track 1.

Doctors say it will give a skar (?) on Filum forehead. Down past his eyes. He is sleeping right now. He is fine.

"Scar?" Kova turned to stare at the certain Butterfree, who stared back, almost mimicking the wanderer's expression. Squinting his eyes, the male was positive there was nothing but a smooth shine on the bug type's lavender head. There was no scar. Unless Godai had yhe technology to suddenly rid scars, Kova was sure not even skin grafts could perform such a feat.

Confused, the trainer shook his head, dispelling any notions that perhaps he might have gone crazy. Instead, with alert eyes boring into the pages, he continued reading.

Dad said we are weak. Why? I tried very hard. I studied very hard. We did not sleep or eat for a day. Dad said we will never amountain (?) to anything. What does that mean? His voice was not happy. I do not feel happy. I am sad.

Filum and I need to get stronger. How? I do not understand. No one will help me. Mom does not help. Nam can not help. Dad does not talk to us. He talks to Nam.

I feel...

Invisible.

Dad said we can not do anything right. I do not believe that. Maybe if Filum and me keep trying. How do we become stronger? We need to become stronger faster. We need to improve more. How?

Filum and me will spend 3 days here. Today we will prepare. We will train and become stronger. I will keep writing for you Diary.

See you soon!

-----
Word Count: 1,502
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"Ko! Koo ko!"

Sharp, aggressive shouts rattled around his ears, followed by bouts of silence, and then the noise started up again. Even if the physician couldn't see, he could still sense a large presence hovering just above his head. He felt the brushes of wind across his cheeks and one could only assume the figure was moving in one spot. Who was it?

Sonak slowly opened his eyes, his body still huddled in a fetal position. Though the constant blows from earlier ceased, that didn't stop the spasm of pain that traveled through his abdomen. Allowing a muted groan to pass his lips, Sonak gave a wary shift of his arms. The shouting of the particular creature didn't stop either. So, the male pushed a bit more.

Propping himself up with his full weight on his hands, Sonak looked ahead at the animated figure only to be mildly surprised at his savior. The Treecko from earlier stood proudly in front of Sonak, shielding the human from the rampaging Wurmple. Alongside him, Eggsy with his large wingspan, backed up their new found friend and appeared to be supporting the animated grass type as well.

The Wurmple slithered an inch forward, yellow eyes narrowed. Sonak flinched.

"KO!" The Treecko retaliated with his own stamp. Eggsy followed suit.

"Ko, ko!"

"Kyu-uu!"

A clank of glass alerted the party. Wurmple was the first to pull his attention to the human, the beginning of silky tendrils already frothing in its mouth. When the others turned to face the trainer, Sonak smiled sheepishly, his hands frozen in their spot, the vials pressed together. 'Whoops.'

"Sorry..." Sonak mumbled. He averted his eyes to the Furret as he tried his best to make no sound whatsoever. Inside his chest, however, the physician could hear the frantic hammering of his heart against his sore ribcage.

With a crackled growl Treecko gestured to the human then at the sick ferret, further emphasizing a point. Eggsy waved his little claws in the air and twitched his ears, communicating high pitched squeaks. After a terse moment, Sonak watched as the worm begrudgingly relented and slowly inched its elongated body backward.

The male released his breath through his nose, the stream of hot air stinging his nostrils. If that wasn't his cue to move forward, then nothing was. Carefully, cautiously, Sonak rose to settle on his knees and crawled towards the Pokemon in question. In the midst of his mind, he swore he would give some extra treats to the grass type and his dragon after this was all over.

Keeping the Wrumple in his peripheral, the doctor began to examine his new patient by first taking out his trusty stethoscope. It had been years since Sonak felt the need to pull it out. The cold metal bell hovered over the furry body, but the twitch in the Wurmple's expression ignited a sense of alarm in the medic's thoughts. Immediately, Sonak hunched away from the normal type.

"Just gonna check hi-" chocolate orbs flickered to underneath Furret's tail "-ahem, her breathing and lung capacity. No pain. Just harmless checking okay? Okay." he said outloud, hoping to Mew his aura showed no murderous intent. And if it did, then he wasn't fit to be healer, right? Sonak gulped. He was a doctor of human kinds; not a veterinarian! The last time he took Pokemon Biology was when he was still in Medical School for Mew's sake. One wrong move and Sonak was sure his stomach would face another round of headbutts.

As if hearing his silent plea, the long body Pokemon rolled over, just enough so that her belly showed. In short breaths, she stammered a labored moan, her muzzle pressed down on soft soil. Sonak paused before placing the headset in his ears. 'Easy. Easy. Breathe. Relax.' The male wasn't sure to whom he was addressing his little chant to, but it worked for both parties nonetheless.

'How hard can it be? Furret's have similar anatomical stuctures to humans right? Just like Rattatas and... stuff.' Granted the creature was bigger than he expected - full size even. Still, he had a job to do.

Resting the diaphragm on the Furret's breastbone, Sonak listened carefully to the gentle thumps of each beat. Twelve inches down, and rapid gurgles ensued. It was hollow, empty even, as if a certain rhythm was absent. He stole a quick glance at the mounds of food resting near the body. Obviously there was a lack of appetite too. 'Digestive track seems to be working. It's likely she hasn't eaten anything yet. Now, what about the lungs?' The medic brought the stem to the mid-region.

She shivered violently at his touch, convulsing in long patterns throughout her body. Sonak paused momentarily, gaze zooming onto different areas - then her nose. Using his palm, he placed the appendage against her muzzle, only to pull back in shock.

How stupid was he?! She was freezing!

An abrupt flash sparked across his eyes, followed by a sharp throb against his temples.

'Warmth! Warmth! Warmth! I need to keep her warm! This can't happen again! It can't!' Broken words echoed and pulsated in the young man's head. It became louder and louder like a ball thrown inside an empty, hollow room.

A mixture of horror and panic flooded Sonak's entire system. His hands moved around in fluid motions as if they had a mind of their own. In and out they weaved. From the bag to the Furret; under her belly and around her tail. The entire experience was surreal, but not much thinking went through Sonak the more he watched in complete fascination by his body's own will power.

By the time the doctor snapped back to reality, his arms had returned to his side, and Sonak was forced to look at the outcome of his work.

But instead of finding the full view of his patient, a sapling no larger than an inch tall took its position on top of the Furret.

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Encounter #4 - Budew
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It was if she hadn't noticed the human looming above her, and one would have thought the shadow cast upon the furret's body would have been an indicator. Apparently not.

"Hello there." the trainer spoke softly over her chirps as if the wrong tone might send her away.

The grass type tensed for a quick second before turning her head to give one glance at the strange manchild. Their eyes connected, though not for long. Black orbs shifted into the bushes beside them, then back forward.

"Dew!" she chirped. In one swift motion, she unraveled the small bud on her head and a ripe, blue berry of some sorts plopped onto Sonak's lap. Without hesitation, she turned back to her fluffy companion, and if the Wurmple had no qualms, then their new guest must have been a friend. Oh, the amount of conclusions that came to the healer's head - where were they earlier?

A sense of mirth enveloped Sonak's once frustrated senses, and the man found himself with a hand over his mouth, stifling a giggle. This wasn't so bad. Why had it all been exaggerated before? Oddly enough, the more he observed the pottering Budew, the more he felt at ease. It was almost therapeutic - in a way. The trainer could feel the once ignited nerves fade away into a dull thrum that tugged at the strings inside his heart, like a plucked harp during a cold winter's day.

Sonak sighed, his hand reaching over to pinched the berry until it turned into a congealed mush. Whatever the berry was, for he was no botanist, Sonak assumed it to be the drier sorts. With another sigh, this time louder than the last, he shifted over to the Furret's face and gently pried open her muzzle. As if on command, an arid tongue stuck out to accept it. Within seconds and an added grimace, the Pokemon swallowed the food whole, ripples of her stomach churning at the odd sensation.

"There there," the medic cooed as he rubbed circles along her underside. Cautious eyes trailed over to the Wurmple, who continued to glare at the human and Eggsy. Sonak shrugged and uncapped the waiting container he had earlier. He mumbled inaudible complaints to no one in particular before the gentle sound of a spray relished and soothed the jagged parts of his mind.

Once the bottle was empty and the glass vials pushed aside, Sonak slumped onto the forest floor, fingers tracing the wet blades of grass. He missed this. He really did. Taking care of others was within his job description, but never had it been in a quiet setting as this.

A soft purr resonated in their area, which forced Sonak to perk up at the noise. Much to his veiled delight, their patient seemed to be recuperating rather well. Colour appeared to return to her elongated body, and the twitch in her tail was quite excitable. It also didn't go over their heads that a small smile had formed under closed eyes. Whether it was the Potion he just applied or the help of the Budew, even Sonak had to admit it was the work of both.

'Ah! That's right!' The doctor whipped around, intent on thanking their guest. Neither he nor his Noibat considered the possibility of food to go with rest and warmth. Duh! Perhaps he could give her a cookie or two - he was sure Tiberius would understand. Alas, after a few seconds of searching the sapling was no where to be found. Instead, in her wake laid a pile of small berries, fresh and for the picking.

"Heh, now if that's not a sign, I don't know what is." the mumbled words were bittersweet at best as he picked up the individual fruits with a shake of his head. Best he could do for the time being was continue to feed their furry patient. It wasn't as if there was anything else to do.

Now, if only he knew the importance of food years ago. Then things would've been better. But things weren't, and that sucked. It really did.

-----
Word Count: 1,693
Not Yet Proofread*

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Kova shifted at a particularly loud hoot, a page between his fingers slipping out of his grip. Where the sound came from, the wanderer didn't have a clue. Sonak's Infernape and Butterfree must have heard it too, for they turned their heads towards the opening of the cavern.

Wordlessly, Kova gave the two Pokemon a blank stare, hoping they could decipher his unsaid question. When all he was rewarded with was an equally blank look, curiosity grabbed the male by his metaphorical horns and he couldn't help but open his ears to listen. By doing so, he tore his inquisitive eyes from the bookmarked page, however, his hold tightened upon the leather bind.

Aside from the forest's nighttime symphony, the sight was something to behold even if one looked from the inside out. Beams of faint lights showed their way into the mouth of their shelter; it was fairly faint and almost velvet as it illuminated the inside. Pots and pans, though dull hours ago, gleamed in a gentle glow that only the moon could offer her guests. That explained for the lack of electronics within the cave despite the dust speaking of its lack of inhabitants for Arceus knew how long. Yes, Kova was a tad bit bitter. He was growing impatient. He was a person of productivity for God's sake! Granted Sonak's diary stimulated his inquiring neurons, but that only did so much with such juvenile writing. The further he read, the more restless he became. Pages and pages did nothing more than raise a multitude of questions than it did answer them, and it simply did not sit well for him.

Who the hell was Filum if not for the Butterfree in front of them? Scar? What scar? Frustrated, Kova tore his gaze away from the outside and planted them back into the weathered text, fingers drumming against the corners.

Patches of black and indigo crawled up the walls and stationed themselves in the deepest of corners, waiting, watching. Yet, in the center of the cave, the three creatures sat silently with their empty bowls growing cold and dark. Their only heat source was Tiberius' long flaming crown, but even then with someone as fickle as the ape, it served as an amusement for the Pokemon than comfort.

"Day two," the man read outloud, delicate puffs of breaths blurring his vision - though for a split second. An involuntary shiver ran down his spine as he pulled his jacket closer to his waist, the air around them growing damp and musky, "training."

January 11, 184. 21:37 -

Dear Diary,

Yesterday we prepared. Today we trained. Filum and me are very tired.

I did some math homework one hour ago. It was easy. Sorry that we are late, Diary.

Filum and me have not eaten yet. But we ate a lot of water! It has been 3 days without food. Our stomachs will be stronger. Filum and me are not hungry but we must presevere (?).

We must get stronger. Filum is still sick from the pre-test. But that is okay. I have been sick before too. Dad and Mom did not do anything and I was not sick 3 days later. Filum will be the same way in 2 days. I believe in him.

After the sick is gone, Filum will be stronger. I know because I was stronger. He will be okay.

Filum is sleeping. He deserves it but we will wake up early tomorrow! We ran from Kotoba to here 3 times today. We also practiced Tackles for 6 horus. That is a lot of running and Tackles. Our cave is warm. It is raining and a little bit of cold. Filum sneeze a lot. But that is okay. I sneezed too. We will be okay. If we do not keep warm then our skin will get used to the cold. That is what teacher said.

I will take away the blankets and not build a fire tonight.

We need to get stronger. This seems the fastest way.

I can not wait to show Dad how strong we are soon!

See you soon Diary.

Narrowed eyes lingering at the end of the sentence, Kova released a frustrated sigh. He ran his fingers over his hair, the follicles prodding at his annoyance. 'What does any of this mean?'

Each word was juvenile at best, and despite the wanderer's understanding, there was still some words he could hardly make out. Luckily - thank heavens for context clues - Kova was able to pinpoint a few pieces here and there. One in particular was a cave the boy spoke off. And what was this about taking away firewood and blankets? Surely he must have read that part wrong.

Kova shook his head in disbelief and added a huff of exasperation. No sane person would rob themselves nor their Pokemon of warmth in such cold weather.

However... speaking of Sonak - Kova whipped out his phone, intent on checking their signal. When no bars showed up under the younger trainer's name, the wanderer opted for the next best option and began texting. Though numb fingertips pressed on even colder screen, the clicks were enough to zone into. Much to his relief, a reply was immediate.

KovaCentric (01:51am): whenever you can get to this, can you contact your bro?

NomNam (01:51am): Why?

KovaCentric (01:51am): oh woah youre awake?

NomNam (01:52am): Quite fascinating how I need to be awake to reply huh?

KovaCentric (01:52am): yep missed your sass

NomNam (01:52am): Cut the crap. What happened? Why do I have to contact that thing?

KovaCentric (01:53am): weeeeellll we kinda got separated.............

KovaCentric (01:53am): and now tibs fils and i are stuck in this really weird cave

NomNam (01:53am): And?

KovaCentric (01:54am): and im afraid your bro might be hurt somewhere. i can't contact him or even reach him. its already weird enough i can reach you

NomNam (01:55am): That cave wouldn't happen to have cushions and stuff with his Pokemons' name would it?

Eyes darted to the weathered pads underneath Sonak's companions. On top of them, the Butterfree had long fallen asleep, antennas dangling off on his side. On the other hand, Tiberius was fighting between continuing to stare at the trainer or fall asleep. Evident by the ape's drooping head, sleep was winning.

"Huh." So, Nam had known about this abandoned cave of Sonak's? Since when? Well, only one way to find out.

KovaCentric (01:57am): ....yeah...... howd you know?

NomNam (01:57am): As much as I don't want to say it, I'm his sister. Why wouldn't I know? That idiot thinks he's slick but he's eons below the rest of the family.

NomNam (01:58am): Anyways, don't worry about it. If it's that cave, Sonak will find you guys eventually. He knows Skytouch well enough to get by.

KovaCentric (01:58am): wat? how can you be so sure? its almost been what? two days or something? doesn't matter its been over 24 hours since we split

NomNam (01:58am): Look Kova.

KovaCentric (01:59am): i'm looking

KovaCentric (01:59am): or listening you know how it is lol

NomNam (01:59am): Cheeky. Anyways.

NomNam (02:00am): Sonak doesn't change. He tries to, but it never works. He'll always come back to where he started. It's his own curse because he makes it out to be.

NomNam (02:00am): That's why Sonak is going to come back to that dumb cave of his. So hang tight and wait. He'll return eventually.

NomNam (02:01am): Okay. I've gotta bounce. Don't bother me with something as trivial as this again.

NomNam signed out at 02:02am

Kova frowned as the screen gradually dulled to black, the once warm device now cold as stone in his hands.

The older trainer didn't know how long he sat in darkness, staring at nothing but the somber walls of the cave. Mild snoring emitted easily from his side, coupled with silence - not even a peep from the crickets amiss. Contrast to the uncomfortable quietness, Nam's words resonated loudly within his mind. 'Sonak... doesn't change?' For all the years the man had known the physician's sister, deep down he could admit the young woman was right on plenty of occassions, especially the major ones.

Alas - this time, this one time, what if she was wrong?

"Everyone changes Nam," said Kova, quite confidently. His chest puffed forward, the end of his lips tugged into a frown, "for better or for worse. I'd like to believe your brother is trying his damndest." the man scoffed and shook his head, disappointment blossoming across his chest. "But, what would you know? You never bothered to stick by his side either."

'But I will. No matter what.'

Solidifying a silent vow, Kova reached out to grab the diary once again and flipped to the last bookmarked page. This time, however, his brown orbs glistened with renewed vigor and his back straightened. Until Sonak returned to the cave, the psychologist was determined to find out what went wrong. He had seen such sorrowful eyes before - every damned day when he looked in the mirror. The last thing Kova wanted was to see it again on another human being... even if said human led his little brother to an untimely death. He quickly shook that thought of his head.

"Day three," he mumbled, fingers retracing a corroded corner, "trouble."

-----
Word Count: 1,560
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Frantic orbs wide and dilated, the physician twisted to the side, dodging a shadow that leapt across his shoulder and past his neck. Pain immediately shot up his arm, and the sensation of static to numbness surrounded both appendages, traveling down to his knee caps. It creaked and ached, but hardly reached the forefront of his mind.

Accumulating into a thick mass, the gargantuan shadow leaped again, this time at this heart, and with a hard head to his rib cage, it knocked the man further into the back. The trainer swerved around looking left and right for an escape route, but all he saw were rows and rows of greying rede. Fear broke through him like a massive tidal wave. It rendered him paralyzed for all he could do was stare at the figure prior, twitching, waiting.

He was trapped.

'N-No!' Sonak opened his mouth - a silent plea - though no words came out. He couldn't flee, he couldn't call for help. Ever the pacifist, Sonak knew he couldn't fight, but what choice did he have? His hand shot forward, the only protection he held against the mysterious being, to try and push at his attacker, but suddenly phalanges clenched cold air and the man found himself fumbling forward into nothingness.

There was laughter behind him - a boisterous, disdained... sad chortle. 'I know that sound...' Where had he heard it before? Then it sighed. And Sonak sighed back. It sniffed. Sonak sniffed back. It blinked. He blinked back. Why did it feel familiar? The male longed to reach out - to touch the strange abyss, but his limbs felt like lead and his eyes were droopy.

Alas, warmth! But... in a not so good way. A trap of warmth, bright like the sun, surrounded by endless thorns around its cage, striking at anything close. The adult was no where near; he felt its deadly slashes anyways. He knew this. He knew this thing. What it was. Who it became. Who it was.

'Run.'

'No. It can't. I-I can't. This is -'

'Breeee.' A soft echo. Nothing more. The sound of slow fluttering filled the silence, and instantly the man was taken back, anxious ridden orbs darting every which way to avoid that peculiar line that amplified a certain man's guilt.

The medic felt his pained, parched throat constrict as if every nerve ending screamed in danger. Sonak wanted out. He didn't want this! He had to call for help; yet, his useless larynx failed to vibrate as the walls closed around him to lead the poor soul into -

Daylight.

Instead of his eyes flying open, the man blinked once. Then twice, his rousing allow him to delve back into the land of the living. A burst of a sigh passed through his lips and the man found himself slowly reaching forward to clasp his legs in self-comfort. His chest was a mess, as if he could still feel the shadow's impact. However, it wasn't the only parts that held the same symptoms.

Willing himself to breathe slowly - in and out - Sonak once again found his rhythm, much thanks to his father's constant nagging for meditation those years ago. For once, it did some good. Minutes passed, yet it felt like an eternity. Nothing new, the man mused, his eyes squinting to accommodate the streaming lights. Numb legs were hardly felt, but the weight of it hanging off his midregion did well to capture the healer's attention. With constant rubbing to further its pitiful circulation, Sonak looked around. Much to his relief, shades of greens and browns replaced the once asylum-like walls.

"Just a d-dream," he mumbled, though in between he choked, "just a dream." His eyes twitched as he said this; an indicator, no doubt.

Sonak took a glance down to his watch - thanking all that was holy his prized possession was working. In between two ticking hands, a groan grabbed the man by his pipes before pressing against his sore muscles. 'I freakin' would sleep that long.' For a quick second, the young man closed his eyes, savouring the gentle strokes of the sun's rays that barely poked in between large leaves. The shadows of dancing trees were buoyant in the air, shifting in an array of rich gradients, painting the ground in a sea of sparkling emerald. Hung in the sky, homely chirps of the inhabitant avians pulled Sonak away from reality. And even if it was for a second, the man was grateful.

'But.' Sonak looked up, the bag under his eyes alleviated somewhat, though still contained purple blemishes. 'There's still work to do.' He stared at his surroundings, not yet taking in the pieces strewed about, then crossed his arm in a long-suffering way that spoke of resignation to things beyond his control.

"Mornings..." he growled out.

When had it been morning anyways? Better yet, when had it been the afternoon? Had he slept on the forest floor that long? Shaking his head, Sonak swallowed an uneasy lump before reaching over to check his bag. Thankfully, the remembrance of their Furret friend didn't leave the man's mind, and like all good doctors, Sonak's first priority to check up upon the furry creature. Then, finally he could be on his way to find Kova and the rest of his Pokemon.

On second thought, how many days had it been since their separation? Why didn't he call the guy again? The man scratched his chin, eyes hesitant on the dumped contents. In the center laid the water clogged holocaster - much to his disappointment. 'Oh... yeah that happened.'

Sonak sighed. Just his luck.

Turning around to tend to his patient, an amused snort escaped his nose as he noticed a larger pile of berries than the night before in the exact same area. Its shape resembled a toppling mountain of some sorts, and judging by a line of what looked like seeds, the human's curious eyes followed the path a few meters to the East and found - to no one's surprise - a familiar sight.

...Well more like a familiar sight behind another familiar sight.

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Encounter #4 - Roselia
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"Welcome back Budew," said the physician, large orbs zooming onto the sprout's peeking head. While the sapling's figure was obscured behind another Pokemon, it wasn't too hard to recognize the cowering creature. It too was making it fairly obvious that she wanted to interact with the trainer, but alas was missing an element or two. Sonak chuckled. Poor thing reminded him painfully of himself, "and to you as well Roselia."

A forced smile slowly faltered into a tight frown, and his heart gave a pang of regret. Man, what Sonak wouldn't give to see Benjamin's face again. The last thing they ever did interact together with was a Roselia. Albeit not the same one, but still. What if they came from the same family kilometers from here? Of all the things right? He shook his head. Good memories he supposed, despite their falling out.

With a small 'eek', the grass type retracted her head shoving it behind her brother and shook, the lithe body rattling even the rose's frame. Meanwhile, standing not too far from the duo, Eggsy and the Treecko watched from afar, tiny stomachs growling in a distance.

'Well then. I take it they're hungry. Does that mean they all are?'

Sonak looked to the stack beside him, the recuperating ferret and back to their small group of Pokemon. 'I guess so. Better safe than... sorry.' Chuckling again, the healer reached out to grab a few berries, the fruits light and vibrant in his palms. He rolled them around his fingers for a few beats before gently tossing the seeds towards each individuals, careful not to make any sudden movements. Though he could hear the Wurmple clicking its mandibles warningly behind him, and an odd rippling - almost miniature earthquake - rumbling beneath them, Sonak shrugged it off. Granted he had yet to make any sort of eye contact with the worm, but aura. Always aura. Yes, that was a perfect excuse.

Yet, speaking of odd, Sonak brought an available hand to his own stomach, nails digging into his tough skin, poking and prodding around for something. If the good doctor didn't know much about animal biology, there was one thing he knew and it was the workings of the human body. His esophagus churned, yes, but it wasn't out of hunger nor did he develop some kind of weird cyst overnight. Though he felt his own pulse quicken, there was something more pooling in his gut. It made his heartbeat quicken and his tendons tighten. For the life of him, Sonak couldn't identify the damn thing. It was an odd feeling. A sensation of sorts. An... Ominous feeling? Familiar even.

Something glittery caught his eyes. Sonak dropped his gaze onto a dual coloured berry in between his fingers as he absentmindedly rolled it up and down.

'Berries...' he thought before squinting at the fruits. Yesterday the sapling had given him an Oran Berry, but today it was different. Much, much different - more so quantity than quality. Sonak paused.

'I - I don't recall seeing half of these berries on the way here.' The trainer tilted his head, ignoring another spasm beneath the ground. It was probably his mind playing tricks on him again. Probably. Possibly. Hopefully. Chocolate orbs ran back down to the pile, the cool breeze around them coming to a halt.

Instead of blue fruits, this time there was an assortment of berries ranging from the colour of grass to shades rivaling the night sky. Some of them were even foreign to Sonak and the man couldn't help but curiously pick another one up to examine. The texture was rough, unlike his Oran Berry, but it was firm and anyone one would know it'd do well for hunger. Though the man's stomach growled, the nightmare from earlier did well to ease Sonak's appetite to a slight aversion for anything solid. So in obvious conclusion - he wasn't hungry. Duh. So what the hell was it?

Unfortunately, that was quickly answered as the area in front of Sonak dimmed to an impossible overcast. What were once bright and colourful berries, were now grey and ashened. An all too familiar feeling of nervousness caused Sonak's veins to turn to ice, heart racing at impractical speeds. He had forgotten yet again, the dangers of Skytouch Forest.

Immediately, the ex-fighter sprang up from his position and whipped around only to be met face to face with the embodiment of fear itself. His breath hitched, stuck in his throat.

-----
Word Count: 1,767
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The soothing hum of Skytouch's morning gradually stirred Kova from his sleep, bleary eyelids blinking rapidly to clear away the drunken feel of drowsiness. Cracking the annoying crick in his neck, the wanderer slurped back in a drop of drool, slightly disgusted by his body's weird functions. Guilty orbs shifted around for a few moments, cheeks heated in embarrassment. When he took note that he was alone, save for a clearly awake ape and butterfly, the man sighed in relief.

Lazily, the human slouched forward, his pants shifting against the hardened dirt floors. His head lulled in a manner that could only be described as relaxed before a smile adorned Kova's face. He closed his eyes for a quick second or two to further take in the soft melodies. It was all the same - really - just like the day before, and the day before that. His chest felt light, shoulders holding no burden, and best of all, it was probably his rousing was rather refreshing.

The slip of a binded book drew the trainer back into reality, eliciting a startled gasp to rip through Kova's throat. Though his thigh felt a slight prick from the diary's edge, to his dismay, the gentleman realized a loss of something significant.

"Crap!" Kova cursed, fingers sliding through weathered pages, back to... whatever page he last left off on, "I didn't read that entry."

Mild disappointment ran rapidly across three shades of red; Kova's furrowed eyebrows and a genuine frown signified the complete overturn of his once calm demeanor. It was fairly obvious, judging by now tense shoulders and a sore lower back, that Kova had fallen asleep sometime in the early morning - words he read last time lost into the night.

Kova grunted. 'No matter.' he thought as he flipped to a particular page that stood out above the rest. It was crumpled almost; wavy in odd places that the man suspected to have acquired water damage of some sorts. Whatever it was, the trainer was dying to know the story it contained since his pinky first ran over it. 'I'll read this section first. Maybe I can come back to the last entry at a later time.'

Satisfied with his reason, he early flipped to the page, nose nearly buried into the dusty binding.

"Day four," read a dry, cracked voice. This surprised Kova a bit, but it wasn't his morning voice. "...Monster?" Rather, hefty and scratchy scrawls marred the page, almost as if it was written by claws instead of pencil.

january 13, 184. 11:11 -

dear diary...

filum is not breathing. how come? why is he so cold? i am cold too but i am breathing.

i do not

understand...

he is not moving. i have tried.

i do not understand. how come he will not move? i tried everything. what happen?

i...

am sad. Why am I sad diary? where did filum go to?

i am... alone. why do i have to be alone again?!

i did everything right! we practice our body. no food, no rest. it is shortcut. we are suppose get stronger! Why do I feel no different? what did we do wrong? i do not understand.

what will happen to i and filum now? what do we do? he is not with me.

TELL ME DIARY. WHAT DO I DO.

Bold - nearly desperate cries littered the pale parchment. Such calligraphy was like none other he expected compared to the entries prior, and Kova couldn't help but sense an ominous presence from the diary alone. Overwhelming sadness broke pass his prying barriers, rendering the man powerless to assist the child. His eyes began to sting and water, a sniffle pushing in an unwanted dam of pity. Kova didn't want to read anymore, but something told him he had to as if Sonak's diary contained a crash that couldn't be looked away from.

Taking a minute to compose himself, the trainer steeled his will and continued reading. The last sentence held almost everything with each letter - a distraught, despairing, cry of emotion that even the wanderer knew gave no answer. Alas, if a child no more than nine could write with such fervor, then a grown adult read it with ease - despite the broken sentences.

I feel bad diary. why do i feel bad?

dad and mom... no dad say bad people are monsters.

dad say Monsters are evil. what does that mean? Dad also say Monsters make people go away. is that where filum go to? away? dad say... Monsters are to die.

I am a Monster.

Kova blinked, stare lingering at the dark blotch of a period upon the page. The toner, while old, had long stained the sheet, tiny spider webs of ink threading out to seize the words around it.

Kova didn't understand. Monster? What monster? How could a barely pubescent child come to the conclusion or connection that death equated to him being a monster? Fingers dug into the trainer's palm, white knucles making ridges upon his skin. Damn Sonak's father. Dammit all! Why would a man that Kova had a lot of respect for tell his son that? The older man shook his head, eyes never leaving the estranged words. 'No. There has to be more.'

Wide eyes dropped below to read the last sentence -

But there was nothing there, except for a ripped portion of the sheet revealing the next page.

Immediately, Kova flipped over the leaflet, only to be met with another blank sheet.

'What the fuck?!'

A frustrated growl echoed throughout the cavern walls while Kova bestially flipped from page to page, thumb pressed heavily against the weathered sheets in rapid movements, searching for nothing, yet everything. White and yellow flew across his visage, painted with only dirt and dust. It couldn't be it! It couldn't end like that! It simply couldn't end with a child blaming himself for a mere accident!

Breathing heavily, the man twisting the binding all the way to the last section before hurling the book into the walls. With a loud snap, Sonak's diary crumpled into corners - forgotten. At the noise and threatening display of antics from the human, Tiberius leaped up, steady on his knees as he shouted a warning to the wild human, flaming crown ablaze with alertness.

Frantic, though not because the fighting type, Kova's stormy eyes flitted around their perimeter, selfishly searching for an ending. He thrusted his body foreward, arms stretched out to capture his own fall before feverish hands dug into makeshift drawers and firewoord. Kova looked under pots and pans, but when he found nothing, the man hurriedly made his way over to the two Pokemon's cushions with Tibs refusing to move from his spot.

With very little care, the dark haired man ignored the stubborn ape and reached out to the bug type. However, the look of something foreign from the Butterfree's own eyes caused Kova to stop dead in his tracks. Somehow, the insect held a gaze of sadness that rivaled Sonak's first expression when the two met back in Kotoba City. It was almost pleading - so pleading in fact that Kova felt as if he was staring into a pool of turmoil, waves crashing onto a helpless abyss. But, whose was it? His or Sonak's? Or, Filum's?

"You're..." he breathed, fingertips lowering under the cushions, "You're not Filum... the one little Sonak was talking about... are you?"

As if the Butterfree could understand his human words, Filum issued a defeated, yet low coo, pennons meeting out to embrace Kova's stiff shoulders. Fiilum looked down, causing Kova to follow suit. Below both of them, a corner of a sheet resembling paper reeled back in the human's curiosity.

'What this?' he mused as he pulled out the parchment. Taking a glance, Kova's tired orbs noticed markings of green and stretched lines of brown. Towards the left, etched in chalky red was an "X" with a circle.

"Map?" Confused, he turned said map sideways, studying the indentations. Surely enough it was a map. However, Nam said for them to stay in the cave.

But.

Map.

A distant, yet oddly familiar coo turned the three individual's heads to the entrance of the cave where the winds shook the wispy branches of bushes outside, and the long winding trees billowed like arms gesturing for them to come forth. Kova hesitated, his head turning back to the look at the Butterfree in question. Obviously. the cry came from the same species, but physics ruled out that it was the Filum directly beside him.

Yet, something willed Kova to leave. To follow the sound like an unknown force nudging him towards the light. Dare he?

Kova took a step forward, map in hand.

-----
Word Count: 1,453
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Nooope

"Leonard..." the voice held a slight chiding sound. It revolved around an exasperated tone, while at the same time pity lingered half-way into the user's throat.

The child in question flinched. Arms crossed tightly behind his back, fingers intertwined together, he couldn't help but fidget at the obvious attention that was now cast onto him. He didn't even need to look up either to see the disappointment that would soon linger in his mentor's seasoned gaze. Everyone else had the same expression too. No matter what Sonak did, he was met with judgmental scrutiny. Always. Dad. Mom. Grandpa. Grandma. Everyone.

Calloused fingers gripped the end of a sanitized thread, pulling it backwards until the stitch tightened. The movement repeated itself - down, through, around, up - followed by the soft 'shhhh' that came out in shallow whispers in a quiet abode.

Below expert hands, Filum squirmed at the sensation of thread against skin as well as the trickle of blood oozing from the wound. His forehead ached, and it was clear that was going to be a long, permanent scar. Still, the Caterpie remained pliant, his tiny stomach heaving in gulps of air. Though it had been a while since he had eaten, whatever his trainer thought was best, then he would be okay! It wasn't his first time, and it surely wasn't going to be his last. His trainer, sitting adjacent in a humongous chair, seemed almost pained to have brought him here again. Filum was going to behave. If the human could do it, Filum could do it too! Again and again, for as long as it took.

"You can't keep doing this you know. You both need to go back home eventually." his mentor's rich baritone voice seemed to calm the sulking kid as if it were a cool summer stream flowing on top of a barren dryland. "Filum doesn't look so well. He can't run in thi-"

However, in this instance, it ignited a sense of rebellion in Sonak and he sharply turned away, lower lip quivering. 'Shut up shut up shut up!' The boy crossed his arms with a foolish huff, eyes shut with a tinge of moisture at the corners. 'Don't tell me what to do!'

"I'm NOT running away!!" Sonak screeched out just as a wave of thunder slammed into the metal antenna outside. The entire house rumbled and quaked in the aftermath, flashes of light and cries riling up the emotions inside. Shocked at his outburst, the child sunk into his much too big a chair and quietly whimpered to himself in the much too big a house that wasn't his.

"S-Sorry, I mean..." the trainer reeled his knees to his chest and lowered his small head into the gap, trying his best to mute his sniffling.

The muscular man rose from the bench, eyebrows raised, though not before severing the end of a tied knot. Despite the crackling and roar of lightning outside, the sound of the older gentleman's shuffling to the tortured child was even louder. As gently as he could, Sonak's mentor laid a strong hand on the child's shoulders.

"Hey Leon... Sonak? Shhh," he began, trying to get through to the stubborn trainer whose head turned away as the words left his mouth. Luckily, it wasn't the older man's first time dealing with his apprentice in such a manner either. He cracked a smile and continued on anyways. "I never said you were running away, but hypothetically - you know what hypothetically means? Big word, I know."

There was a pregnant pause. Then, Sonak nodded. Thunder roared on.

The mentor chuckled before stealing a glance to check up on the Caterpie. "So, hypothetically, if you were to run away, that's okay. Okay? It's okay to run away... Hypothetically." he smiled as he switched his hand from Sonak's shoulder onto the boy's head, rubbing it for good measure. When he could feel the trainer relax, he continued, "But if you run, run with purpose. Run with a reason. When you run, you have time. Time to plan. Because those problems will catch up to you no matter what. And by then, you should know what to do. 'Cause if you don't know why or what you're running from, sooner or later you'll run out of places to run to.

"That said, Sonak. It's okay if you want to run, but you have to know why you're running. Then, face those problems head on."
The mentor pat Sonak's back, earning a grunt from the younger male. "Okay?"



Posted Image
Encounter #7 - Pangoro
(Click Image for Encounter)

Aside from Sonak's locked gaze trailing the Pangoro's own down to their stack of berries, a click seemed to echo in the depths of the trainer's mind. It was as if a floodgate of channels opened up and clarity washed over the fog that once took hostage his senses - sweet, terrible, heinous clarity.

One glance to the monstrous creature's paws caked in layers upon layers of grime and dried blood sent a shiver down Sonak's spine. Such a sight rendered everyone in the vicinity mute; not even a peep or a growl emitted from the inhabitants. He stood there, paralyzed, imobile, unable to even shake in his worn boots. Like sheets of ice, his blood tore through his skin and into his heart where for a moment - it stopped.

Seconds felt like hours and nothing could be heard save for the deep rasping pushed from the bear's muzzle. Its nose flared to life as its opaque eyes flashed in realization to the pile of fruits just feets away. Sonak watched as its massive fists clenched tighter, veins bursting from its leathery hide.

The healer felt his jaw pop open, a command at the tip of his tongue,

"Egg-"

An object whizzed passed his head, nearly missing the man's ears, and the next thing Sonak heard was a horrendous, awful crack from behind.

Speechless, the trainer felt his tired orbs sink further into his sockets, though not before his eyes darted to the ground towards a missing spot that was once occupied by a tenacious worm. Instead, lying inches from him curled up in complete terror, the Furret spewed high pitched cries, its mouth shaking uncontrollably at the broken remains of his friend.

Sonak didn't dare turn around. Frozen feet planted in front of the attacker, the doctor's head snapped up to come face to face with the ferocious creature. For whatever reason, in sickened amusement, the Pangoro snickered at the results of his strike before unleashing a dominant bellow deep from the pits of its stomach.

That was the wake up call everyone needed.

Wasting no time, Eggsy accelerated to his trainer, wingspan nearly enough to scrap his human's forehead to snap the man out of his stupor. The adult's face twisted in horror, eyes nearly bulging from their sockets as he bared witness to the chaotic commotion around him.

Not wanting a death wish, the Heracross scooped up the remainder of his meal and escaped to the nearest trunk, climbing all the way to the top. Part of its horn stuck out like a sore thumb from the leaves above, but its adrenaline filled excitement held anticipation for what was to come. He snorted at the disturbance. While he loved nature, he sure didn't want to be part of the end cycle. It was shame too. He wanted to know the strange Noibat better; after all, it belonged to the trainer, why was it out of its shell?




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