Forum Thread

My name is Fel. My life story isn’t a happy one.
Chapter One:
I opened my eyes. Where was I?
I was lying on the cold damp ground in the middle of nowhere, trees everywhere I looked. It was raining hard, pounding on my head, draping the fur flat.
It seemed to be night, but I couldn’t be sure because the black clouds shielded the sky from my vision. It was gloomy, and I felt gloomy too.
Still, where was I and how did I get here?
Then I remembered.
I groaned, and lay down again. My fur was soaked, but this isn’t anything compared to what I’ve been through.
Last night Mother and I had a large argument. It did not end well. I ended up fleeing from the base and into the woods, where I came into hiding from her and her thugs. I knew they were hunting me down right this moment. They could probably burst out of the bushes in the next second.
Mother had trained them to be unpredictable, sly and foul players. I had no match to them. My training was incomplete. If they hauled me back now, Mother would be very, very furious.
I staggered to my paws. I didn’t want to go back there again. I looked around, searching for anything that could shelter me through the rain.
I wasn’t glad for the rain. It was cold and wet, and didn’t give me any protection whatsoever. The Hunters wouldn’t stop for rain. Even if my scent was washed away, they would find me. Decades of experience of doing this gave them an upper hand. I didn’t even know the first thing about covering my tracks, so I just did what I felt was right.
I tracked mud into the underground den I found. Probably some burrow of a wild Pokemon.
But I was glad for the dryness. I was still exhausted, although I had already slept for an hour or so. I had been running all night.
A stab of pain pierced my paw when I sat down. I cringed, remembering that I had injured my left front paw while fighting my way to escape. I sat down to clean the wound, not wanting it to become infected.
Bother, if I had tracked blood all over the floor the Hunters would find me easily.

“Fel!” A voice blared.
I jumped, hitting the cave ceiling, and cursed loudly.
An eevee was standing in front of me. He had a nick in his left ear and a pendant swinging from his neck.
Fel’s shocked expression turned into an irritated look.
“Joshua, what are you doing here?” He asked, then corrected himself. “Technically, you aren’t actually here. Who’s helping you? Mom? Obviously a physic type to transmit like this.”
Joshua, of course, was just an image of him, similar to a hologram. Strong Physic types can do this move.
“Fel, you must come home now. Mother says she won’t be so mad if you turn yourself in. Besides, they’ll find you anyway.”
It was true. This wasn’t the first time I’d fled from my home.
“Tell Mother she can forget about it.”
“Brother…” He was indeed my litter-mate. “Please, come back. I miss you.”
“Then why don’t you run away too?” I asked haughtily. “Scared?”
“Yes, and so should you be!” He said, patience slipping. “The connection isn’t withstanding well. Where are you?”
I was scared, but I didn’t want to let him know.
“My location is none of your concern.”
Joshua sighed, into a raspy sound muffled by the distance.
“I bed you, Fel.”
I shook my head. “I’m sorry, brother, but this is my path.” I said, and sliced the air. Joshua’s image evaporated.
“I’m never coming back.” I whispered. “Not even for you, Joshua. I don’t want to be contained anymore. This is my path.”

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Chapter 2
The rain had stopped completely, and I had rested enough to continue on my long journey. Where was I going, exactly? I didn’t know.
I walked a while in the woods, keeping a cautious eye for the Hunters. You never know when they could show up and what they’d do.
I’ll explain a little about the Hunters. They work for Mother, having a job of hunting down escapees from their association. There are about 10 Hunters in total, the last I counted. The Alpha of the Hunters commands the group and reports back to my mom. The Trackers are skilled in finding clues and trails leading to the whereabouts of the Prey, which in this case, is me. I really hope the Trackers get clonked on the head and forget their training. The Swifts chase the Prey down until the corner the target. If the target struggles, or fights, the Dealers will go “deal” with the Prey, until he submits or is terminated.
So far that is all I’ve worked out at that moment.
I came to a small village ahead, pretty far away from the base. I needed some decent food and water. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was. The smell of fresh baked bread was almost unnerving.
I knew going into communities were risky at the time, because Mother had probably sent out lookouts of spies. I wasn’t getting away that easily.
But I was hungry, and if I didn’t get food now, I would probably die of hunger anyway.
I ambled towards the village.
It was quite a busy little town, marketing and hustling about. I had smoothed out my damp dry fur so I didn’t stand out too much, and dipped my paws into wild berries so they were blue. Hopefully it would throw them off my trail for a second.
I merged into the crowd effortlessly, considering I did have some decent training back at the base. I kept my head down and acted like I belonged.
I grabbed a basket on the road and put it on my head, right-side-up, like most farmers bringing their crops to market. I could see juicy Oran Berries, Pecha Berries, Cherri Berries and more, and my mouth watered from looking at the lot.
Still, I didn’t let my guard down. They could be anywhere, spies.
I thought about stealing. I had a little experience in that, but I wasn’t sure if I could get away with it now. If I got caught, I would bring too much attention to myself.
I wished I had brought Pokedollars with me, but unfortunately I had to move out fast, so there wasn’t any time to grab anything.
I glanced around. Was anyone following me?
But I saw nothing out of the ordinary, and it scared me. Better having your enemies where you could see them.
I reached an unguarded stand at the far corner of the market. The stand was bursting with deliciousness. Honey, nuts, bread loafs, cake, berries and more. One little cake wouldn’t hurt anyone, would it?
My stomach rumbled. All of my guilt washed out of my paws. I was hungry. It was survival here.
I glanced around again to make sure I wasn’t being watched, and casually inched near the empty stall. No one even looked my way. So far, so good. I neared the stall, pretending to look at something opposite to me. I leaned on the stall corner, examining my paws and stealing a look around. Nothing.
I bent down to examine the food, pretending to look picky like most customers did. My gaze swept the area one last time.
I picked up a small measly bun, sniffed it, then put it down again, faking a look of distaste in case anyone was watching. My tail fur prickled with anxiety. Not yet, be patient, I told myself.
I picked up a couple of Oran Berries and tested their weight, then set the back down again.
Then, I grabbed a few buns. I’d take the smallest one no one would miss, I decided. I pretended to feel them in my paws, sliding one across my dew claws, like one would a coin. I had been taught that move at a really young age, rolling the button across my knuckles as a handy trick a thief would use. Trick of the paw.
I set all of them down, sneakily sliding the stolen bun into my other paw, and shoved it into my chest fur. All eevees had really bushy chest fur, allowing them to hide one or two items in there.
My tail prickled again. What was it now? I smoothed my tail fur down irritably, and walked away from the stand calmly.
My tail fur bristled urgently, and I clamped it down angrily. What was the matter?
Someone grabbed my shoulder.
I yelped and stumbled back as they pulled.
“Hey, what’s this for?” I asked, being dragged back. I started to kick and flail. “Let me go, or I’ll scream!”
A cold voice whispered into my ear: “Oh, I don’t think you would,” It said, paused, then added, “thief.”

Chapter 3:
I should have trusted my tail fur. It had an instinct none other had.
I was being hauled back to somewhere, and I didn’t struggle, because now there was a knife at my throat. I could barely breath.
We came to an alley, and whoever had me shunted my against the wall, turning me around so I could face them.
It was a girl eevee. She was hardly taller than me, but had a fierce look in her face.
“Give back what you’ve stolen, thief!” She demanded.
“I-I didn’t steal anything! You must have mistaken.” I protested.
She pressed her blade closer to my throat, pushing through the chest fur.
“I’m not afraid to use this.” She threatened.
I stared at the knife, but I was determined not to let her over-throw me. There was still a chance I could escape this unscathed. That was something I had been taught.
“I’m no thief. Your eyes must be playing tricks on you, girl.” I said levelly. “I was just seeing if the stand had what I needed, and it didn’t, so I left.” I had to sound confident.
The girl pressed the blade, and I gasped.
“I saw you, no mistaken. You’re not the first thief that has come across here, you know? There are others better than you, boy.” She spat.
I opened my mouth to deny it, but she continued.
“I saw you take that bun and put it in your chest fur. I’m going to ask you one more time: give back what you’ve stolen.”
I knew I was beaten. If I denied it, she would search me and find it anyway, and if I fessed up now, maybe the punishment wouldn’t be so bad.
“Fine.” I muttered, and ruffled through my chest fur, bringing out the tiny bun. I looked longingly at it, for I was starving. I reluctantly handing it over to her.
She stared at the bun. “Are you sure you didn’t steal anymore? This isn’t even enough for a mouthful.” She asked coldly.
I shook my head. “Look, trust me, I won’t lie to you when I say that’s the only one.”
She took the blade away from my throat, and I gulped down fresh air. But her blade was still trained on me.
“Why did you steal this?” She asked. “Are you some kind of raider? My uncle has many rivals. Are you a spy?” She eyed me.
I swallowed. “No, of course not. I was just…hungry.”
“You sure?”
“I swear. If I’m lying you could stick that knife through my chest.”
She didn’t lower her knife. I kept one eye on her forepaw in case she made any sudden movements.
“I’m not sure what to do with you.” She finally said. “Maybe I should turn you over to authorities.”
“No! Please don’t!” I pleaded her. The last thing I need was for me to be captured. Even if I went to jail, the Hunters would still come for me. They’d get me for sure, no doubt.
“I’ll bring you to my uncle.” She decided. “You go first. If you make a run for it, be prepared to feel a stab in your back. I’m not a bad aimer.”
I sagged with relief and walked ahead.
My stomach suddenly growled again. I tried to ignore the stinging pangs of hunger.
The girl looked at me. I shrugged apologetically.
Then she threw me the bun I’d stolen.
“What’s this for?” I asked.
“Eat it.” She replied.
“Why would you give this to me? I don’t have any money…”
“You were telling the truth. You look very skinny, probably starved yourself for a couple of days. I’m sure we could spare a bun.”
“Thank you.” I mumbled, and ate it up greedily. It seemed like the best food I’d ever eaten. The butter melted into my tongue, and bread and jam became one mush. I swallowed the heavenly cake down.
“Thank you.” I said again.
“No problem. Now keep walking.”

---

(What happens next?)

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CHAPTER 4
When we reached her house, my stomach was already filled with dread. Was I going to be beaten?
The girl pushed open the door and pushed me in. I protested that I could walk just fine.
Her house wasn’t a big one, but it was cozy and warm. We came into the living room, where she ordered me to sit and stay. What was I, some dog?
“If you run away, I’ll find you.” She said, before going to retrieve her uncle.
“As if.” I muttered. She was just a village girl. I was a half-trained crook. The chances were that if I ran away, she’d never see my again. But also if I did, then they’d put me on the ‘Wanted’ board and I’d be screwed.
It was funny, because I smelled Vulpix scent on her instead of Eevee. Maybe she hung around with vulpixs a lot?
No, that wasn’t it. I thought about it before she returned, but came up with nothing.
The door opened. I looked up and tried to make my face blank. If they believed I was just an innocent orphan, maybe they’d let me go.
A Vulpix walked in, followed by an adult one wearing a straw hat.
At first I was surprised. Then I realized: The Vulpix had the girl’s scent. It all added up. She must have used a disguise of some sort to make her look like an Eevee. But why? To fool me, of course. In case I remembered her. But now I was a prisoner.
“Here he is.” She said, pointed to me.
“Ah.” The uncle said, walking over to sit in the opposite side of me. “What is your name, lad?”
“Icore.” I said, using the first name that popped into my mind.
The Vulpix didn’t look surprised. “Are you hungry?” He asked.
“Yes.” I admitted.
“Would you like an apple?” He asked, offering my one.
I eyed it. I had just attempted to steal from his stall, and he was giving me food?
“What’s the catch?” I asked.
“Uncle! You can’t just give him food!” The Vulpix girl complained.
“Sprite, go tend to the stall, please.”
“But-” Sprite began.
“No buts, just go.”
Sprite muttered darkly and headed outside. She glared at me, shooting an obvious warning.
When she was gone, her uncle continued:
“Sprite’s quite nice once you get to know her.”
I didn’t point out that I probably wouldn’t be staying long enough to actually ‘get to know’ anybody. “What’s your name, sir?” I asked politely.
“My name is Lev. Would you like an apple?”
I was still suspicious, but my hunger was great, so I snatched the apple out of his paws and wolfed it down, not caring if I was being rude.
Lev regarded me with kind eyes, but I didn’t trust him just yet. It was kinda my motto: Never trust anyone. You never knew when they could turn on you.
“Are you full?”
I nodded, swallowing the last bit of savoring fruit.
“Why are you being so kind? Is there some sort of catch?” I asked.
“Oh, no. You aren’t a real thief, aren’t you?”
I shook my head. I didn’t want to be a thief.
“I thought so. Do you have any parents?”
I bit my lip. I didn’t want Mother to be my parent. I hated her. “No.” I said.
“Do you have family?”
“I have some friends, but not that many.”
“Do you have a place to stay?”
“No, sir.” I said.
“You’re welcome to stay here, Icore.”
That took me by surprise. “Me? Here? Are you sure?”
The Vulpix nodded. “You are an unfortunate soul, full of misery. I want to help. Please, accept my offer.”
I thought about it. A new family, a new home. But if I stayed here I would endanger the occupants. The Hunters would find me, and slay all the witnesses.
Slowly, I shook my head.
“You are really kind, sir, but I cannot accept your offer.”
The Vulpix seemed to understand, and he did not ask any more questions.
“Very well. At least stay for tonight. You look exhausted.”
That I could not refuse. A warm bed and food.
Lev led me up to my room, where I crashed down onto the bed and was instantly asleep.
(working on stuff)

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(More Eevee. Cool. By the way, do you know who this is based off of? Imao, of course you do But, I do like the proper grammar and spelling, making it easy to read :) )

Chapter 5:
I woke expecting to be in chains.
I wasn’t.
But that still didn’t mean that I trusted them.
I walked downstairs. I needed to leave now. Right this moment.
Then I saw Lev offering me a seat at the table.
I’ll go riiiight after breakfast.
I sat down at the table, receiving a hostile glare from Sprite. I nodded at her, keeping my cool. I didn’t need any trouble. I just needed to get going.
“How are you, Icore?” Lev asked.
“I’m okay.” I said. “Thanks for letting me stay for the night.
“My pleasure.” He said. “Icorn, I’ve been meaning to ask yo-”
Then suddenly there was a crash.

I stood up, my ears ringing. Lev glanced, alarmed, at the fallen door. Sprite stood up and closed the dining room door, bolting the locks. Then she leaned a wooden chair against the knob.
I knew what was happening.
“They’re after me.” I whispered, loud enough for the two Vulpixs to hear.
I felt they’re eyes turned on me questioningly.
“Who’s after you?” Sprite asked, and suddenly there was a bang on the door.
“Quick, upstairs.” Lev said, and we ran to the second floor.
Sprite turned on me. “Who were they? Why are they after you?” She asked angrily.
“I-uh…” The words were stuck in my throat. How could I explain?
We heard a loud crash and shouting.
I fell silent, and stared in horror at the bed room door.
Because now flames were licking at the outline.

“They set the house on fire!” Sprite yelled.
“Come, quick.” Lev beckoned us, kicking open the window then climbing out.
“Uncle! What are you -” Sprite began.
“Shh, just follow him.” I interrupted, and climbed out after him. I could feel the Vulpix girl staring daggers into my back, but I didn’t care right now.
Lev had climbed up to the roof, leaping nimbly to the slated surface.
I followed him, heaving myself up. I took a look down.
A crowd was gathering, trying to put out the flames, but their buckets of water did no use.
I looked closely at the fire, and noticed something. This was no ordinary fire. It was magic. I had been trained to recognize this. It wouldn’t calm until it took at least one life.
This was my fault. I had lead them to doom.
Sprite struggled to gain footing, and I offered a paw.
“I can do it myself.” She snapped, finally climbing to the roof. She sniffed, and walked away from me.
“Vain.” I muttered, then followed them to the highest place.
“What now?” I asked, looking at the pandemonium I had caused below. I bit back my guilt and saved it for later. This was no time for emotions. I needed to concentrate. If not, everyone would die.
What would cool magical fire? Nothing. A death would. But I didn’t want anyone to die.
The flames licked at my feet. It burned, blackening the fur on my paws.
I backed up, and bumped into Sprite. She didn’t even get mad at me, too busy being occupied by her own thoughts. Looks of terror and grief seized her face.
I looked down and almost immediately saw our escape.
“Lev, Sprite!!!” I called, and they hurried over.
“What is it, Icore?” Lev asked.
“We need to jump!”
Sprite stared at me dubiously. “Are you mad?” She yelled over the roar of the fire.
I smiled wryly. “Yes, dear, we’re all mad here.” I replied, then jumped.
The world seemed to slow as my paws left the roof. I heard Sprite scream behind me. I heard a window shatter and the roar of flames getting bigger.
I twisted and was falling like a rock to the ground. I needed to slow my fall. Now. Or it was all over.
I passed a high laundry string, and grappled for a grip, but I was falling too fast.
I passed a second laundry string, and I grabbed a pair of underwear, which was useless to me. They weren’t even my color.
The third time was a charm. I grabbed blindly, and tore down a sheet. I used it to parachute my way down, managing to slowly but not enough. I was still falling too fast.
I kicked desperately, but it didn’t help. I didn’t want to become a pancake.
I heard the flames singe my sheet, and spotted a fountain below. I steered towards it, floofing up so the wind collected in my fur to slow my fall a bit.
I let out a scream as I hit the cold water. Hard. It hurt.
I sank, and abandoned the sheet to swim back up.
My body ached with bruises as I climbed out of the fountain, dripping wet.
I tried to look okay. But I wasn’t. Every bit of my body was numb with shock and pain, but I didn’t fall. I had been trained to withstand this. I needed to be strong. For others sake.
I looked up. Sprite and Lev were staring at me. I waved at them to say that I was okay. The fire was almost at the roof now. They needed to get down, and fast. My troubles weren’t over yet.
I looked around, but nothing soft was in sight, so I couldn’t use anything to break their fall, except…
“Jump!” I yelled at Sprite. “I’ll catch you!”
She looked uncertain.
“Jump now! Or you’re never going to make it!” I shouted, and she took a deep breath, squeezing her eyes shut and leaped.
I broke her fall.
But not without a price.
As she landed in me, she was cushioned and safe, but I heard a huge, sickening “CRACK!”
I groaned. Something was broken.
No one had noticed us yet, and that was good. I didn’t need attention.
Whatever had broken I didn’t care. First was the shock, then numbness, then the pain. I was entering shock, but I shook myself and stood up. In a few minutes I’d be in agony, but right now my body was too numb to feel a thing.
I limped over to the house, Sprite right behind me.
The fire had died down. Someone had died. A villager. I tried not to look at the burned body.
Lev ran down the steps. Half of his face was terribly burnt. Sprite gasped, but Lev waved her off, insisting he was okay.
The villagers had somehow cleared off, probably searching for more help. We stood alone.
Suddenly there was a loud thump, and footsteps.
The thugs that had come after me were going into the house. They wouldn’t be happy once they found no bodies. We wouldn’t have enough time to escape.
Lev knelt down to me.
“I’ll distract them. You two run.” He said.
“No…” I said. “No, you can’t! They’ll kill you!”
Sprite was still too shocked to say anything.
“I’m doing this for you. Please take care, son. Now hurry!” He said, before disappearing into the house, yelling.
I stared in after him. No one had ever call me son like they meant it before.
Then suddenly, the house collapsed.

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CHAPTER 6
“NOO!” Sprite screamed, lunging forward.
I grabbed her, wrenching her back. She struggled and fought.
“No, there’s nothing we can do now.” I said, trying to sound level, but in truth, I felt miserable. My heart was already cracking as I held the Vulpix back.
Tears were running down Sprite’s cheeks. She fell to her knees, sobbing. I understand how she felt.
Lev had taken me in, gave me food and shelter. It was my fault he had died. My fault…
I dragged Sprite away, vowing I wouldn’t let her Uncle die in vain. My eyes stung with hot tears.
She didn’t struggle as I pulled her away from her village and into the dark woods.
The pain set in, but it was nothing compared to the grief I was facing. I hated myself. I took away Sprite’s Uncle, and endangered them.
Sprite had stopped sobbing. She seemed to be clinging on to his memories, the only place where he could be alive.
My forepaw was broken. I seemed to have twisted it the wrong way. I slumped, exhausted, at the base on a tree.

I don’t know how long I was out cold, but when I woke up the sky was dark and the moon was already up.
Sprite was bandaging my forepaw.
I nearly jerked it back. But I knew if I moved it, it would be very painful.
Sprite glanced at me. “Oh, so you’re awake.” She said coldly.
At least she was speaking.
“Sorry about your uncle.” I said.
She froze, then continued to treat my broken paw. She didn’t say anything to me.
“It was my fault he died.” I muttered.
Sprite sighed. “It’s not your fault. He chose to sacrifice himself for us. But I want to know everything about you. Who was hunting you and why?”
I winced as she applied something to my paw.
“I don’t really know.” I drew my legs to me. “I’m not supposed to say anything…”
“How come?” Clearly she didn’t take no for an answer.
“They’d kill me if they find out.” I said.
“Who are “they”?” She asked.
“Okay, I’ll tell you, since you won’t stop asking until I do.” I said, hiding a grin. I looked around to make sure no one was watching us, then began.

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CHAPTER 7:
“I was born on a dark and stormy night…”
“Seriously?” Sprite interrupted. “That’s really cheesy.”
I smiled dryly. “You have to build up the tension when it comes to storytelling, right?”
“Just get to the point.” She snapped.
“Okay, okay.” I grumbled. “I hatched from my egg shortly after my brother Joshua. He’s my twin, and currently is still living with our mother. What I didn’t know was that I was born to the leader of an assassin band. My mother commanded them. I mustn’t speak their name here, but I shall tell you that they are a highly dangerous group and will stop at nothing to hunt down their target. The tribe began pretty long ago, but they’ve become better, with more modern weapons and skills.
“My mother began to train my brother and I to became assassins since we were very young. I remember I could basically use a knife for defense at around a month after I was born. They trained us very hard, you see, and we hardly got any rest at all. Sometimes Mother would make us train nocturnally, in the cold, hot, anything that would prepare us. It was hard work, and we got hurt very often.
“Joshua wanted desperately to please her, because we know what she’d do to us if we didn’t become what she wanted us to. She’s very strict, and she’s punished us and others before, when we aren’t following her orders.
“But I didn’t like it. It was hard, painful, and just down-right wrong. I didn’t want to see anymore slaughter. When I brought this up to my mother, she wasn’t pleased. She punished me and told me to go back to training.
“Of course, I didn’t stop there. Mother and I got into arguments very often, and she’d always win out. But I’d stay with her, fearing of what she might do if I did otherwise. She expected much of me and Joshua. We were her children.
“That was, until my half-term assessment. I had gone through drills, but this was real. Mother sent me on a mission with a few professionals, her personal henchmen, so they could report on how I’d done. I didn’t see Joshua that day, because he was going through his assessment too. When I left, Mother gave me no encouragement, no ‘good-luck’ or anything like a normal mother should. She just waved me off and told me I had to succeed. I had no idea what the test was about, so I wasn’t worried. It was probably some sort of obstacle course or a skill-tester.
“But I was wrong. The others brought me to a small cottage in the middle of the woods. At first I had no idea what they wanted me to do, but then it all became clear once they started to explain. I was horrified, but I had to do it anyway. Mother wouldn’t take a failure for an answer. So with my assessors watching me like a hawk, I approached the cabin.
“In the cabin lived an old Arbok, who had no family or friends. He just lived a loner in his little cottage. I snuck into the cottage with ease, for he was sleeping. I approached his bed. I had trained for very high security, so this was like falling off a log compared to anything else. But the test was yet to come…
“The Arbok was sleeping peacefully on his bed as I came close, sticking to the shadows. I drew out my knife and stared at it for a moment. My reflection was a troubled face, hesitating to do what I needed to do: kill an innocent.
“I looked at him. Sure, no one would miss him, but…could I really do it? He hadn’t done anything to deserve this fate. I knew I must make the decision quickly, because they were watching. Should I, or should I not?”
Sprite interrupted his story again. “You didn’t kill him, am I right?”
I gazed at the sky. “Yes, yes I did.” I said, barely above a whisper. “I regretted it since the time I brought down the blade to his chest. I succeeded. Mother was very pleased. But guilt gnawed at my heart, something an assassin shouldn’t experience. Joshua passed too. Later that night I went up to my mother and told her I did not want to be an assassin anymore, not after what I’d done.
“She was very angry, and her temper took over, and she yelled words the pierced me like knives. I argued, and she told me that I wasn’t her son anymore, and started beating me up. She locked me in my room for a weak without food, forcing me to eat anything I could scavenge. But that wasn’t the worse of it. Anytime they killed someone at the base, Mother would order them to be tortured, so that I could hear their blood-curling screams. It haunted me, keeping me awake at night, hearing the crying and pleading of others, sometimes even children. Sometimes I would find a dead body in front of my door, covered with blood, so horrible I can’t even bare to think of it now.
“She thought I would get used to it. But it only made me worse. I finally ran away from home, running as fast as my paws could carry me. I made it to the woods before I sensed that Mother had found out that I was missing. She sent the Hunters after me.
“They caught me, and dragged me back kicking and screaming. Mother punished me, then made me sit and watch as they killed and tortured countless innocents. The images still come back to me.
“Each day, I would run for it, run until they caught up with me. The punishments were more brutal and unbearable, and my mother and brother looked at me with disappointment.
“Until one day, I called on my brother to help. I told him everything, of my assessment, the punishments, everything. He took sympathy on me, and helped me escape. I made it without being caught, but my brother refused to come with me. He was still loyal to Mother. Joshua hasn’t been found out yet, but if he does he’ll be in serious trouble. So I’ve now made it here.” I finished the story solemnly.
Sprite was silent for a long while, I was afraid that she’d hit me. I cast my gaze down. I waited for the slap, or the blow.
But it didn’t come. Instead, she put her paw on my shoulder.
“I’m sorry.” She whispered. “But you’re not alone anymore.”
I looked up, and she was smiling sadly.
“Thank you.” I said, and I meant it. I finally had a real friend.

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CHAPTER 8
Sprite and I built a small temporary shelter in the strange woods for the night. It was raining, and we huddled up around the fire she had created. Being a fire type had its advantages.
The fire was the only source of light and warmth in the strange place. We couldn’t see the village anymore. It was all darkness and trees.
Sprite urged me to sleep while she took first watch, promising she’d wake me up if something happened. I protested for a moment, just to show her I wasn’t a weakling, then gave up and fell asleep.
My dreams, for once, was undisturbed by the screams of victims. I slept well. At first, I was confused, but then, it became apparent that it was because I wasn’t lonely anymore.
I woke up at nearly dawn, Sprite still wide awake.
“Hey, isn’t it past my turn to keep watch?” I asked.
Sprite turned to me, smiling. “Well, well, you’re up already? You looked like you needed the rest.”
The sky was a brilliant crimson red, tinged with a golden hue.
I stretched and stood up. My forepaw was much better now, but it still hurt a bit.
“We should go find food.” Sprite said.
“Yeah, but first we have to destroy all the evidence that we were here.” I said, beginning to kick the shelter apart.
“Wait, let me.” She said, pushing me aside. She stood in front of the shelter and used Flame Burst on the Shelter. It broke into ashes.
The wind then swept the ashes away, carrying it far.
“We need to wash out our scent from here.” I said, and Sprite nodded.
“But how?” She asked.
“We could…” I trailed off. “Do you hear that?”
We both fell silent, listening. Soft pawsteps.
“Run.” I hissed.
Sprite nodded, and took off soundlessly. We raced across the forest out into a grassy field. The bushes rustled, indicating there was still someone following us. Sprite posed herself in the middle of the field, crouching down.
I was going to walk after her, but she shook her head, flicking me back with her tails. I was weak, so I obeyed and dropped down into the tall grass. Hopefully there were no wild Pokemon around.
We were pretty well hidden from sight.
“I know you’re there, you two. So come out.” Said a voice.
So much for pretty well hidden.
Sprite stood up, her body tensed, as if ready to attack. I moved my head so I could have a clear view of what was happening.
A Lucario stood poised at the edge of the field. He growled.
He must have sensed our auras, and tracked us through that.
“Hand him over.” He demanded.
“I don’t know about who you’re talking about.” Sprite said, but I knew he had sensed my aura already.
“Cooperate, village girl, and you won’t get hurt.” The Lucario said coldly. “Turn him in.”
Sprite growled. “Over. My. Dead. Body.” She said through gritted teeth.
“As you wish.” The Lucario said with a faint smile, and lunged.

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CHAPTER 9
Sprite dodged, only barely missing the blow.
The Lucario skidding a few paces then rolled, shooting a column of fire at Sprite. Sprite was consumed in red hot flames.
She stumbled back in shock, then her face twisted into a grin.
“Too bad, idiot! Inferno doesn’t burn fire types!” She said, using the moment to attack.
I frowned. Since when did a Lucario know Inferno?
Sprite did a Fire Sping, the flames whirling around her like ribbons, and blasted it at the Lucario. She took a second to catch her breath.
The Lucario used Iron Defense, then used Water Pulse to extinguish most of the flames. Sprite was still dazed by the force of Fire and Water, and she stumbled around like she was drunk. The Lucario took the opportunity and did a few graceful dance moves.
What was he playing at?
At the final spin, it began to rain.
Sprite looked horrified. Rain Dance. And she was the Fire Type.
She staggered to her paws and used a weak Hex on the Lucario, who didn’t flinch as it hit him.
He continued to twirl, and the rain pounded harder.
How was he doing this? I wondered as the rain dug into my fur, wetting my body.
Sprite couldn’t do a fire move properly, leaving her more vulnerable to the Lucario’s attacks. He used Aura sphere at her, sending her flying. She rolled to her paws, blood dripping from a cut on her forehead.
She then used Zen Head-butt, ramming her head into the Lucario’s gut with a pink glow. He staggered back, the breath knocked out of him. She repeated the move, not letting him get a rest.
The Lucario fell back, and Sprite continued to Zen Head-butt him, making his HP fall.
When she stopped to catch a quick rest, the Lucario struck.
He did Counter, his face smug.
I looked on, terrified. Sprite had used a Physic move at least half a dozen times. Counter was a move that some could use after being struck with a Physic move. It would counter the attack with a x2 strength.
And because Sprite had used the Physic move more than once, the Counter move would be very, very powerful.
It hit her, sending her flying, then crashing into the ground.
I looked away.
The Lucario grinned and advanced on her quickly, using Swift to run to the place where she had fallen.
He then used Power-Up Punch on her, straight into the chest.
Sprite gasped, then used Spite quickly. The attack took less damage, but it still hurt.
Sprite Body Slammed the Lucario hard, sending him reeling back. She was strong. With that, she summoned Ominous Wind, and her fur swayed around her. The Wind rose to her bidding, aiding her next move.
She slammed her forepaws in his face, the wind copying her move and hurling itself at the Lucario, who used a defense move to block most of the force. The rain stopped.
Using that as a distraction, Sprite used Heat Wave at his back. It was effective.
The Lucario was breathing heavily, kneeling on the grass.
Sprite advanced on him, ready to make another move.
The Lucario sat up abruptly with a nasty smile, using a special move on her that sent her skidding again, but with more damage. How did he do that? He smiled, and it became clear to me: He used Nasty Plot. It would increase the Special attack.
Sprite lay on the ground, bruised and battered. She was in no shape to get up again.
I wished dearly I could help, but I knew I mustn’t interfere. It was the death law.
The Lucario advanced, grinning triumphantely. His fists were raised.
“Any last words, Vulpix?” He asked.
“Yes.” Sprite croaked, coughing out blood faintly. “As a last wish before I die, can you bring me to the grass? I wish to die in the nature, where I can see the sky and the blades of soft grass.”
The Lucario nodded. “I will grant you that, girl. And a quick death.” He said, dragging her over to the Tall Grass.
I shut my eyes tight, just as the Lucario brought his blades down on her chest. Blood spurted everywhere, and I knew she was gone.
My only friend. Dead.

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CHAPTER 10
I felt grief stricken, and sick as the blood splattered everywhere.
The Lucario breathed heavily, standing up slowly. He smiled triumphantly, then turned away from Sprite. He slowly came towards me, blades glinting in the light.
I felt paralyzed, and I couldn’t react.
This was the end. I closed my eyes. I’d be brought back to Mother, and then it would be all over.
Thud.
I opened my eyes slowly.
The Lucario lay sprawled on the ground, his chest rising and falling steadily. His eyes were closed, and a few snores could be heard. Was he…asleep?
I stood up hesitantly, making an arc around him. Would he wake up and grab my paws?
I was almost sure he would, but he didn’t as I inched slowly to where Sprite lay. Where was she? I looked around. She had fallen in a bunch of grass, right?
I approached the grass slowly, afraid of what I might find.
There it was, the body…
Then Spirte sat up.
I stumbled back in shock.
She looked at me with a smirk, her face and body all red.
“How are you still alive?” I spluttered.
She laughed at my expression. “Don’t think I go down that easily, Icore.” She said.
Icore? Right, she didn’t know my real name yet.
“Still, HOW in the infurnum are you alive?”
“Infurnum?”
“Sorry, I was studying another language before I ran away. Still, how are you alive?”
“Okay, okay, I’ll tell you my secret.”
“What about all that…blood?”
She looked down, then looked up at him and grinned.
“This?” She asked. “Ah, this isn’t blood. Just something to make the Lucario dude THINK it was blood. So he could let his guard down.”
I was still confused.
“Okay, so when I lay there, I was on bare ground, right? I was also too weak to move, and right now I’m still pretty bummed out. So I asked the Lucario to get me to the grasslands.”
I was still confused.
She continued. “I’ve learned quite a few moves, even though I’m not some assassin gang member. A girl’s gotta have self-defense, right? Anyway, so when he dragged me over to the grass, it shielded me a little, so I snuck out a Tamato Berry I had put in my six tails earlier to cusion the attack.
“Fortunately, the Berry took most of the impact, so I only suffered from a scratch and a hard slam to the ground. The Tamato Berry is red, as you can see, and pretty juicy, so it could be passed by as blood and guts at first glance. Gross, I know. I just played dead until the Lucario triumphed and turned away.” She grinned smartly.
I was impressed. And that was saying something. I don’t impress easily.
“Nice thinking. What about the Sleeping Lucario? How did you do that?”
“Natural Gift.” She said, and it all made sense.
Natural Gift was a move that Vulpixes can learn to do. The effects depend on the terrain. She had asked the Lucario to bring her to the Grass not only for shieling her Berry protection, but to use that move on him.
When in Grass, the Pokemon who is hit will fall asleep.
The Lucario had thought Sprite had been defeated, so he didn’t pay attention.
“Awesome!” I punched the air. “You’re awesome!”
She smiled. “I know I am.”
“You had me worried for a moment there.”
“Wow, were you really sad that I died?”
“Of course. You’re my one friend!”
“Heh, that makes two of us.” She said with a small grin. “Now, I gotta go wash off.”
“You’re Epic.” I said. “Also, can I tell you something?”
“Yeah?”
“My name isn’t Icore. It’s Fel.” I said.
“Oh, okay then. Fel. I like that better.” She said, grinning.

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CHAPTER 11:
Me and Sprite washed up and I helped her clean her bruises. She was hurt pretty bad, considering she just had a really big battle.
She was mostly tired, though, so I let her sleep for a long while.
Meanwhile I was cleaning all the evidence and tied up the Lucario.
Wait, that wouldn’t do. He has his moves.
I double and then triple tied him with vines and gagged him with leaves while he was still unconscious.
Hopefully he would be too weak to get away, or fight us again.
I sat in front of him, watching. I held a big branch in case he started fidgeting. Sprite had ordered me to give him the whack if he struggled.
I wanted my knife back, but I had left that back at the base. And I had no intention of returning. Besides, the knife brought back too many bad memories.
Didn’t Sprite have a butter knife that she used to threaten me? Maybe she brought it with her. But I doubted that she would let me have it.
Sprite woke up before the Lucario, thank goodness. Not that I couldn’t handle the Lucario, just saying.
“So, should we question him, or leave?” I asked her. “And are you all healed up?”
“Yeah, I used Power Sleep. I’m good now. Just a bit sore.”
“That’s good.”
“Anyway, I think we should question him! I wanna beat that moron up for trying to kill me!”
“That’s not a very good idea.” I chuckled nervously. Sprite had raging blood. “I think we shouldn’t really stay here. They might find that the Lucario they sent didn’t come back and come find us. Who knows, they might have gotten a tracking bug in him.”
“Never mind that, we have a hostage! They won’t risk such a good fighter.” She said. “We don’t even know whether it’s actually your Mom’s band, anyway.”
“It’s totally her style.” I said. “And they won’t care if we kill him. It’s a ‘sacrifice’ to be made to them.”
“Man, that’s harsh.” She said. “How about just a few questions then we can run?”
“But he’ll see where we’re going.” I argued.
She sighed loudly, expressing her exasperation.
“Okay, Captain Obvious and Worrying Too Much, we can knock him out before we run. Good enough for you?”
“Okay.” I said, annoyed. Who was she to talk to me like that?
The Lucario woke up a moment later.
I took off the leaf gag.
“Who are you? You work for my mom, right?” I yelled, trying to sound mean and serious. I think I did a pretty good job.
The Lucario didn’t seem to break. He spat at my face.
“You kids are so naïve.” He growled with a sneer.
I wiped my face. “Sprite, maybe you can convince the idiot.” I said.
“My pleasure.” She said, and stepped forward.
The Lucario’s eyes widened.
“How are you still alive?” He said, trying but failing to hide his shock.
“Yeah, I came back from the dead, and I’ve experienced hell.” She hissed. “I’ve seen things no other has seen. Magic brought me back to finish my business. So cooperate, or I’ll drag you to hell and never let go.”
She was very convincing. I even almost believed her, except that I knew how she survived.
The Lucario shuddered, but didn’t reveal anything.
“You can threaten me, undead, but I refuse to say anything.” He growled.
“Okay, so brace yourself.” She growled.
I stepped in and whacked him on the head hard, and he slumped.
“Hey!” Sprite protested. “I wasn’t done intimidating him yet!”
“We’ll get nothing out of him anyway. Like I said, Mother trained them so they could withstand almost everything. Come on, let’s go before someone else comes.” I said.
Sprite hesitated, then admit defeat and followed me away from the unconscious Lucario.

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CHAPTER 12
I let out a growl as I trudged through the sickening swamp. I was now dirty, stinky, dizzy, tired and irritated all at once.
I hated Mother. I hated the assassin organization.
Hate, hate, hate!
Well, at least I have Sprite with me. The fiery look in her eyes hinted that she felt the same agitation as I was.
Apparently, we were ambushed again, but we managed to get away, and we had to run for hours and plow straight into the putrid swamp.
All around was green muck and slime. A few unknown Pokemon wallowed in the deeps, and I often felt more than one pair of eyes watching me. It gave me the chills down my spine.
I snuck a look at Sprite, and saw that the Vulpix was glancing around, probably checking if anything was following us. You really never knew if something in the dark swamp could jump out at you.
I sat down heavily when we reached dry-but still swampy-land. My legs and fur was soaking wet and heavy, because swamp water is a lot heavier than normal water. My fur was really clogged.
I shook myself like a dog, accidentally spraying Sprite with the stuff.
“Argh!” She said, jumping back. “Fel! I’m filthy enough already!!”
Fel. She used my name quite often these days.
“Sorry!” I smirked.
We plunked on the shore.
“I think we’ve lost them for a few moments.” I said, quietly, just in case.
“Yeah. We should rest now and continue to travel later.” Sprite said, sighing.
“Do you have any other family?” I asked, trying to start a conversation. I had never any friends before, save for Joshua, who didn’t really count. Therefore, I didn’t really know what to do.
“No, it was always just my Uncle and me.”
“Sorry about your uncle.” I said.
“It’s not your fault.” She said, smiling weakly.
“But it kinda is.”
“You didn’t ask to be born.” Sprite said, looking over to the swamp.
“Maybe…” I said softly. “I never asked to be here. But I am kinda glad I have you.”
She smiled. “That’s cheesy, but really sweet too.”
I grinned. “Cheesy for you!”
“So, you really haven’t been in any contact with other people, ehem, save for the people you…uh…you know?” Sprite asked.
“No, not really. I never talked to anyone much, not even my brother. I was pretty isolated there.”
“Hmm.” Sprite said solemnly. “I can’t imagine a world like that.”
“I hope you never have to.” I said, patting her on the back.
“Do you think we’ll ever get any peace from this?” She asked after a moment.
“Maybe. If we escape. Though I can’t see that on my to-do list.” I said.
Sprite laughed. “I know, right?”
I stood up.
“We should start going again. I have a feeling that something is coming.”
“Yeah.” Sprite agreed, getting to her paws.
My tail fur bristled.
That could only mean one thing…
“Sprite! Watch ou-!”
I never finished my sentence.

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