Dawn of the Shadows (Drakonnas / Grey) [M]

[Drakonnas]

Rated M for possible romance, violence, and other adult scenarios.


Zoey (http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy14/randomgijinka3/zoroark.jpg) sat up, watching the stars on her front porch. The night was quiet and peaceful, she could hear Krikitunes singing in the background. Zoey had always loved the night, it was the most peaceful time of the day, the quietest, and the time when she didn't have to be bothered by her elder sister, Kayla. Kayla was twenty seven, and overly protective. She promised to be, and for seven long years, Kayla had looked after her. Zoey was now seventeen, it had been ten years since the day her parents had died in that horrible accident.

She sat, curled in a ball, knees hugged to her chest on her beanbag chair, her Vulpix resting calmly beside her. It was the only time of day in which Kayla wasn't bugging her about something. Personal appearance, schoolwork, social connections, just things in general. Zoey liked time alone, it gave her time to recuperate from all the daily activities she participated in. It had been seven years since that fatal accident. It had been seven years since her sister had sworn to protect her. She did a good job, Zoey had to admit, to support them both. She loved her sister with all her heart, and even though they squabbled at times, they got along really well.

Zoey was only bothered by the fact that Kayla was overly protective, and oftentimes wouldn't let her do things. Zoey was, admittedly, a very innocent girl, yet she was smart, very smart. She was socially adept, full of good morals, and a joy to be around. She was always optimistic, even though some things were rather difficult to be optimistic about.

Part of the reason that her sister was so overly protective was that Zoey wasn't as well as it might seem. She had contracted a really bad disease when she was about twelve or so, and had been confined to the hospital for over two months. She had nearly died, but miraculously, with a Blissey's care, she had survived, though with a handicap. Every so often, she would have "attacks", where she endured a tremendous amount of pain, incapacitating her for awhile. Kayla hated to see her go through these attacks, and tried to protect her sister as best as she could, by being as protective as she could...

Anyone who met her would say that she had a pure and beautiful heart, even if she did tend to dress a little oddly sometimes. It was just one of her quirks, she enjoyed dressing differently than most other people. She didn't know why, she just did.

Zoey stroked her vulpix gently, he was purring. There wasn't much she loved more than to curl up with her vulpix, perhaps a video game, and just listen to the cries of the pokemon at night. It was peaceful, and she loved listening to it. She knew that her parents had as well, it was a trait she picked up from both them and Kayla. When she was young, and had a bedtime, Zoey would watch Kayla sit outside with a little bit of jealousy, not knowing that that was when her sister, always stalwart and strong, would cry. Zoey never saw her sister cry, or even falter. She was the strongest person she knew.

Zoey was dozing off a little bit, unaware of the shadow that was waiting in the dark... A ghostly pokemon glared at her, eyes full of hatred and malice. The banette had come to seek revenge... It glared at the girl that it thought had thrown it away... Banette were born when a child threw away a doll, and the doll's feelings of abandonment and hatred brought it back to life, with the sole purpose of getting revenge against child whom had thrown it out. It had sought revenge so much, that it had went to see Jirachi, and made a wish, made a wish that its former owner would suffer a miserable and painful fate... It had come to see that wish come true.

Zoey got up, to stretch out and head back inside, when one of her attacks hit. They didn't come often, usually about once every few weeks or so... There was nothing that the doctors could do, as far as she knew. It wouldn't kill her, it never would, but it just caused a lot of pain. She cried out as her body writhed about uncontrollably, this particular attack was pretty bad... Back in the shadows, the Banette laughed evilly. It enjoyed seeing her in pain.

Kayla came running, and picked her sister up, and carried her to the bed, her eyes were full of pity, not sure how to help her sister, other than wait it out. Zoey eventually lost consciousness, and fell into the deep dark abyss of sleep.

---

When Zoey woke, she shook her head a little bit, something felt very, very wrong. Her entire body felt weird and unusual... She was laying in the middle of a forest, the sound of water lapping gently by her. She looked... and saw something that made no sense. Instead of having her normal arms, she saw black paws... Furry black paws. "What the hell is going on?" she asked herself, getting up, she was somehow a quadruped now... She stumbled, not used to this strange body... She looked in the water, and saw the reflection of a Zorua looking back at her.

"What...? I must be dreaming..." She told herself, the zorua's mouth moving in the reflection. "What the heck? Why am I a zorua?" she asked, turning around, but no one was there to hear her. Except for a lone Rattata, who was watching her warily.

"Excuse me..." She spoke, knowing it was odd to talk to a pokemon, but if she was one, maybe it could understand her. "Where am I?"

The ratata spoke to her. "You're finally awake... good, I was worried, you've been unconscious for several days... I thought you were dead... But you were breathing..." It said, head tilted to one side, as if trying to get a better look at her. It was rather cute, she thought. But why was she here? And why was she a Zorua? "You're in the Hailaway Forest..." the Ratata said with a smile. "It's a quiet and mellow forest, its a good thing you're here, and not in some big scary place with big and powerful pokemon! They can be mean..." He said, tail wagging happily. "But... uh... strange things have been happening, miss... The past few days... pokemon have been pretty mean, as if... they've lost their heads or something..."

"...As if they've lost their heads? I'm sorry, but I just... woke up... I have no idea where I am, or who I am..." She just realized that she had no memory of who she was, or how she had gotten here. She was completely lost, and didn't know what was going on..."

"Well... be careful, missy, because there are lots of strange things going on... Pokemon that were nice, but are now being really big meanies..." The young pokemon said, worried. "I've been attacked by my friend tailow yesterday, something was wrong... I don't know what it was, but she was really scary, and didn't seem to know who I was..."

Zoey frowned a little bit. "I... don't know what to say, I've... I don't know who I am, or how I came to be here..." she couldn't just ask for help, that would be imposing on someone else, and she couldn't do that.

"You better get home..." the Ratata said, scurrying off into the shadows. "I think I hear some meanies coming..." Sure enough, two pokemon stomped out of the bush, and Zoey immediately saw what he was talking about. The machop's eyes were glowing red, and it had an evil aura about it.

"What've we got here? A new pokemon? You're in our turf, missy, and we don't allow such nonesense..." A Marill waddled out behind the Machop, and laughed. It had the same glowing red eyes, but they were less intense, they seemed to sort of fade in and out, and the Marill seemed to be a little bit off guard...

Zoey watched in anticipation, trying to decide if she needed to flee... "Please, I don't know who I am, or how I came to be here...I have no memory at all, I just woke up here... Don't hurt me, please..." She said softly, if she had to defend herself, she had no knowledge of how to do so...

"Haha... seems like you got the short end of the stick..." The marill said with a laugh. "We'll teach you some manners then... Haha..."

Zoey had no choice but to flee as the Marill shot a jet of water at her. She dashed past the bushes, thorns scraping against her fur as she ran, burrs getting stuck as well. It was annoying, and a little painful. Behind her, she could hear the steps of the two pokemon chasing her. What was going on? What had she done to deserve this? Why couldn't she remember anything of her past?

As hard as she tried, Zoey just couldn't remember. And even if she could, she had to focus on escaping these two pokemon first... She dived into a little fox-den, and cowered there, hoping she could make a hideaway in here for the time being. Luckily for her, the two pokemon lost her, and went rambling about in the woods in search of their prey.

Zoey waited there for a little while, not sure what to do, or if it was even safe to come out yet... Would they still be looking for her? Or did they just want to give her a scare? She knew she had to get more information, she couldn't just stay here and cower away, she had to find someone to talk to, someone who wasn't influenced by this weird aura of darkness or whatever... Poking her head out of the little den, she noticed that the two pokemon were gone. She hesitantly looked around, the coast was clear.

[Ashen]

"Joka, come battle with me?"
"Not right now, Tobi, I'm busy."
"But Joka, you're not doing anything."
"I'm training."
"Training for what? You won't evolve."
The Charmander looked at his little brother with piercing eyes. "I've no reason to," he spat back. "Besides, I don't like battling with you."
"Why not?" The Gible looked at his brother with a questioning look.
"Because you're a ground type."
"So?"
"I'm a fire type. That's not fair."
"You're just a party pooper," Tobi whined. "If you weren't such a baby and actually evolved you'd be a flying type and would resist my moves."
"I'm not a baby, thank you." Joka turned away from his brother. "Why don't you go play with your other friends?"
"Because I wanted to spend time with my family," Tobi replied.
"Then go battle with your parents. Leave me alone."

Joka watched the Gible head off. He let out a sigh and turned to the grass, enjoying the breeze that touched his skin. He did appreciate his family, but he appreciated being alone even more.
He didn't like being in other Pokemon's company. Joka was a loner, and according to his mother, always had been. He was different, and often was the butt of a lot of jokes. For one, he didn't want to evolve. He was still a Charmander, and didn't find the need in becoming a Charmeleon. He liked the way he was, and didn't understand why everyone thought he should change.
For another thing, he was adopted. His mother was a Garchomp and his father a Hydreigon, which meant he had to have been. His family didn't address it much, unless he was alone with Tobi.
Tobias was his brother, only older by a few weeks. He was a Gible, anxiously awaiting his evolution. The two got along, but only just.
Tobi couldn't understand why Joka didn't want to evolve. It didn't make sense to him, and he constantly questioned him about the matter. Joka was tired of all the questions, and often found ways to avoid his brother.
It wasn't an easy task, but Joka managed.

This was his life, in a nutshell. He was often training himself, or exploring new areas, always alone. He felt like the outcast of the family, being the one that was real. That bothered him, but he couldn't tell his parents that.
His mother had found him ages ago, in a dark cave, all alone. He had had horrible amnesia and didn't remember a thing. His mother had said he was crying, and decided to take him in and raise him with her own son. Joka became a part of the family then.
Partially.
Joka didn't consider himself part of the family, really. He was just living under their roof, eating their food, and sharing their sympathies. They were more friends than blood.
He wanted to consider them family. He really did.
But he just couldn't.

After a few hours of walking around, Joka started the long walk home. When he arrived, he went straight to his room.
He shared a room with Tobi, naturally. Their room was small and packed with a bunch of Tobi's things. All of Joka's prized possessions were intangible. They were memories he had collections, feelings he wouldn't let show, things no one knew about.
Except one small trinket that he liked to keep around his neck.
Joka always had a rope around his neck, a thin one, with a Sharpedo tooth hanging from it. Joka had had it for as long as he could remember; his mother said it was around his neck when she found him. He liked to say it held some clues about his life before he was found, but he didn't know how to uncover them.

"Joka, Tobi, come and eat!"
Joka made his way to the main room of the house where the rest of the family was ready for supper. He silently took a bowl of what they were having, a colorful array of different berries. Joka offered a half-smile as thanks and took his bowl to his room. His mother stopped him before he could enter.
"Why don't you eat with us today, dear?" she suggested.
Joka reluctantly sat down beside his mother. He didn't mutter a word.
"Why don't you open up a little, Joka?" his father suggested, nudging him slightly.
"I am open," Joka said.
"Yeah right," Tobi muttered.
Joka glanced over at him but said nothing. "Really guys, I'm fine. Thank you." He took his bowl back to his room and ate in total solitude.

That night, Joka sat on his bed and gazed out of his window, reflecting. Tobi was asleep on the other side of the room, snoring lightly.
Joka wanted a change.
He wanted to go on some kind of adventure. He wanted something new. As long as he had remembered he hadn't done anything exciting in his life.
He wanted excitement.
Joka just wished that something would happen.

--

Joka had never wished for this.
It had been days since the darkness started eating away at the world. Mere days since this chaos had started. But it needed to end. It had to.
The darkness was consuming the innocent, turning them vile. It didn't seem contagious; no, the darkness seemed to attack at random. It was never like this.
And Joka couldn't help but think it was his fault.
You wished for this.

The darkness, as Pokemon had called it, was just that. It was a strange darkness that seemed to manipulate Pokemon. Once it found a victim, it took them over, completely. The nicest Pokemon had turned evil with this strange disease, and no onw knew where it came from. No one knew how to stop it. They just knew that eventually, it would take over the world.
Eventually, they'd all be consumed, or get killed by the ones who were.

If he wasn't before, Joka had become a ghost in his own home.
Tobi had been affected by the darkness, and his parents kept watch on him twenty-four/seven. At times, Tobi seemed to be in quite a bit of pain. His eyes grew a glowing red and grew distant. They flashed between different hues of red, the darkest just when he was about to lash out.
His parents were scared. Tobi had evolved the day before the darkness overcame him, making his episodes even more painful. It was harder to restrain him, a job that had been given to his parents. Tobi had lashed out at Joka while the darkness plagued him, and Joka had nearly died.
Everyone was terrified of Tobi now, but no one knew what to do. They kept him locked in his room, waiting for the darkness to fade.
Joka wondered if it ever would.

His parents had been neglecting him, but he didn't blame them. Tobi needed the watch. He just felt lonlier than ever, now.
Joka had even evolved, to make himself stronger in case he did have to face a victim of the darkness. He told no one, just came home one day in a new skin. His parents had glanced over him, with a simple, "Oh."
But Joka wouldn't let that bother him. He couldn't.
So he left.
He would be back, of course. But there was no use staying in such a house, where his own brother could kill him.
This was an adventure, wasn't it? And that's what he had been praying for.

With nothing but the trinket around his neck, Joka found himself in the outskirts of his hometown. He didn't know where he was going. It probably wasn't the smartest idea, heading out alone with so many infected, but that was how Joka lived. Alone.
And he had no one to go with.
Maybe that would change, though. Maybe he would meet someone.
Joka laughed out loud at his own silly thoughts. He didn't need anyone.

[Drakonnas]

As Zoey tried to find her way around, her stomach growled in hunger, she needed to find something to eat. Something, anything. But what was edible here? She didn't know where she was, nor what kinds of food there was available. But if she did, how would she reach some? She couldn't climb trees, and she was a pretty small pokemon. How would she get up into the trees to get possible fruits that were there? She hadn't eaten in who knows how long? She was pretty thirsty too, and a little bit bloodied from the thorns, her fur was gnarled and messy, and she just felt nasty. She wished she could clean herself, but how? She should have known how by now, right? But what had happened to her? How come she had no memory?

Zoey heard a rustling noise, her head jerked over to where the bushes were rustling. It was a mankey, its eyes were glowing red. "You dare use my nest? How dare you... I'll kill you... Kill... Augh!" the pokemon cried. They were on the edge of the forest apparently, near what looked like a town of some sort. Zoey panicked, not knowing what to do. The mankey was trying to Karate Chop her, and instinctively, she knew that wasn't a good thing to get hit by. Still, the mankey was fast, and rather powerful too. One karate chop weakened her so much that she wasn't sure she was going to be able to get up. Why were these pokemon so hostile? They were usually kind and friendly...

Wait. That was a memory. She remembered not fearing pokemon, like she did now. Everyone she had met had tried to attack her. With the exception of that Ratata... Why? Why did pokemon hate her so much? What did she do to them? "You filthy Zorua... you're a dark pokemon... you've gotta be behind this Darkness.... that's... taking... over... my mind... and... greeeaahahh...." The mankey kept attacking. Zoey wasn't sure how much more abuse she could take, she was already hurting like hell, and was close to losing consciousness. She didn't know how to fight back... The only thing she knew how to do was swipe at the Mankey, and she got in a few hits, but he was too enraged to care, going berserk.

It was then she saw a pokemon standing not too far away. "H...help... help me..." She begged the Charmeleon, she didn't want to die here, and the Mankey was hell bent on achieving that goal, it seemed. "Please..."

[Ashen]

Joka was enjoying some Leppa berries that he had stumbled upon when he heard something in the distance. Allowing his curiosity to lead him, he ventured to a clearing behind some bushes. There he saw a Mankey, obviously infected. It looked so angered, so pained, that Joka felt bad for it.
It was chasing a Zorua, who obviously didn't know what she was doing.
Amateur, Joka thought. He turned his attention back to the Mankey. "Hey," he called to it. "Why pick on her? Don't you want a challenge?"
He turned around and showed the Mankey his tail, which was swaying slightly. He didn't know what he was doing, taunting one of the infected, when his intent was so obviously to kill.
But at this point, did it really matter if Joka died?

Joka was trying to think of a strategy to attack the Mankey. The darkness seemed to make Pokemon more aggressive, more difficult to stop. He had watched it in his own brother.
So he needed to be careful.
He knew that a Mankey wouldn't be able to attack him if he stayed far enough, which was fine with him. His flamethrower had quite the range, after he had spent so long perfecting it. Also, fighting-types were defenseless against aeriel attacks. Maybe if he could get some elevation...
He slowly approached the Zorua, not daring to look away from the Mankey. "We can work as a team here," he said. "I can distract him. You can swoop down on him. He won't be able to hit you if you're in the air. Climb that tree. You'd do that better than I could. I'll keep him distracted." Joka nodded, more to himself than to the Pokemon beside him. He could give orders like a lieutenant.
He walked away from the Zorua, still maintaining eye contact with the Mankey.

"I'm real sorry," Joka said. "For what you're going through. I've seen what it does to a Pokemon. It's not pretty. I hope they can find a cure for this soon."
He kept a safe distance while he spoke. He was trying to keep his cool, which wasn't a huge problem for him. It was hard to excite him.
"I'm real sorry I have to do this," he continued. "But you're a real danger, and we can't have you attacking innocent Pokemon just because you feel like it." He offered a sympathetic smile and sent a flamethrower his way. "It's a real shame, all of it," Joka mumbled, ranting more to distract the Mankey than anything else. "And sad to say, this is probably how the world is going to end."
Joka stopped and tried another flamethrower, this one stronger than the first. He kept an eye on the Zorua, watching what she would do.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey looked around as the Charmeleon took the Mankey's attention away from her for a split second. He was telling her to climb the trees? And attack from above? But how would she do that? She hurt almost too much to move. But still, that was better than the alternative, sitting here, and taking the blows. Silently, she nodded. As the Charmeleon worked on distracting the Mankey, she got up, and limped over to one of the bushes nearby. Looking around analytically, she thought she saw a path... It was dangerous, and she certainly could fall, but maybe that was the best thing. She climbed up the bushes somehow, and jumped to the lowest branch of the pine, slowly making her way up inside the tree, watching her positioning, and the battle below.

"You...have no... CLUE!" The Mankey roared, rushing the Charmeleon, but taking a flamethrower straight to the face. That was a deterrent, and it looked more wary now, was it worth the pain of fighting to simply vent his anger out on these pokemon? He turned to look for the Zorua, but she was gone. Dammit. He wanted to kill her, maybe that would have gotten rid of the darkness infecting him. The Charmeleon would have to die instead.

Dodging the second flamethrower, but getting a little bit scorched in the process, the Mankey ran at Charmeleon, weakened significantly by the burn, and by the flamethrower before, he tried to fury swipes the Charmeleon. Zoey watched this fight, not sure what to do, but something inside her told her that now was the time to attack. The two had been fighting for awhile, and the Mankey looked weakened. Something inside her just told her what to do. She launched herself from the tree, at a supersonic speed, and slashed at the Mankey as she jumped from the tree, an Aerial Ace.

The Mankey fell to the ground, stunned and defeated. "Fine..." It whimpered, some of the red in its eyes had vanished. "I'll go.... but please... don't use my nest without asking me... Owowow...." It got up, and scurried off. Zoey collapsed with the effort it took to keep herself up at this point. She didn't complain, she had never been one to complain. By this point, pain wasn't something that she wasn't used to, she experienced it often enough that it was never enough to complain about. But she was too weak to get up. Hoping the Charmeleon would at least offer some sort of help, she looked up at him. "There... how was that?" Her voice was pained, but she tried to hide that part, she didn't like others seeing her injured. "Thank you... you saved me..."

[Ashen]

Joka saw the Mankey looking for the Zorua, but he couldn't have him attack her. She looked weak enough, and was at a disadvantage for type already. He shot an ember at the Mankey, keeping it focused on him instead.
The Mankey was sure focused on him, and started attacking Joka with a fury swipe. He didn't find any difficulty in enduring the attack, but it might leave a mark later. The darkness made it so much stronger than it should have been, but that's what had been scaring everyone all along. The strength of the infected.

The Charmeleon looked for the Zorua, scanning the clearing until he spotted her ready to land on the Mankey. She did, less than gracefully, but her move was effective nonetheless.
The rapid primate fell, weakened too much to continue. He admitted defeat before running away.
Joka looked back to the small dark type. She asked him how she did, and Joka had to snicker. "You did fine," he said, turning to leave. But as the little Zorua thanked him, he stopped, his back turned.
"You saved me."
He had, hadn't he? But he just did what anyone would have done. The darkness might have been turning a lot of Pokemon sour, but it was also bringing the healthy ones together, fortified by a need to protect each other.
Joka turned to face the Zorua. "Kid, you look a mess," he pointed, not knowing what else there was to do. "You can't be running around alone. Especially not a Pokemon with such low defenses by default." He turned his eyes to the sky, where a Fearow was flying overhead. "The darkness is taking over the world. Unless you want to be infected, you'd better scram."

Joka turned away from the Zorua once more, but the values his mother had taught him drummed at him. He couldn't just leave her there, could he? What kind of Pokemon would that make him?
"You know," he said softly, talking to the Pokemon behind him without looking at her. "There are some Oran bushes not too far from here. I saw them while walking. They could probably strengthen you a little."
There. His kind deed of the day.
Joka started away then, going straight to the Oran bushes. The Zorua could follow him, or she could go get killed. He didn't care.

[Drakonnas]

As the Charmeleon spoke, he seemed to be quite cold, but he had helped her, hadn't he? Zoey wasn't sure what to say. If she didn't want to be infected. What was the infected? Was it those pokemon who seemed to be corrupted by something? Was that it? Zoey didn't know what to think. She had never heard of anything like this before. But then again, there was a ton that she didn't remember.

As he said she shouldn't be running around alone, Zoey looked a little afraid. "I don't know who I am, I don't know where I am, I don't know how I got here..." She said quietly, not wanting to make excuses for herself, but then again, not wanting to seem like a fool, she told the truth. "I don't have any memories, I just... kinda woke up, and here I was... the first thing I know, I was being attacked by a Machop and a Marill, so I found a hiding spot, but then that Mankey got furious with me... Can you at least give me some information?"

She felt really vulnerable, and as he pointed out were the Oran berries were, she tried to get up to follow him. She limped along, without complaints, occasionally her front right paw gave way, and she collapsed, but she made no noise, and got up and continued behind the Charmeleon. "I... I think my name is Zoey, but I'm not sure..." She said, at an attempt to create a conversation with the pokemon who had saved her, who seemed not to really care about her other than the fact that she had needed the help. She didn't expect him to care. They were strangers after all... "What's yours?"

She followed him to where the Oran berries were, and she picked one, and hesitantly ate it, slightly nervous. To her surprise, her hunger abated somewhat, and she felt a little stronger. Eating a few more, she no longer hurt, and no longer felt tired. She was feeling more normal. "Thank you for your help. I do appreciate it. Where are we?" She asked him, turning to look at him.

[Ashen]

Joka took a seat on a rock beside the bush and watched the new Pokemon. She was going on about having no memory of who she was, where she was, or how she got here. She asked him for information.
He turned away from her. "Amnesia, huh?" he said. "Usually that just ups your defenses, should wear off soon." He didn't laugh at his own joke, just gave an imperceptible smirk. He had remembered reading about a move called amnesia. In the faraway land, where the humans were, amnesia was used in competitve battles to raise the special defense stat by a level or two.
Whatever that meant.
Joka didn't like humans, the ones who put Pokemon together to battle for those little shining badges. The Pokemon did all the work, after all. Why did the human get the reward?
Battling seemed to be different with the humans. The people considered stats and things, and used their manmade items to up certain stats, but it was all just too much. Training was supposed to be all natural. If you wanted stronger endurance, you worked on it. You didn't eat some weird vitamin to raise your hit points. You trained yourself to up your attack, and defense, and speed. You didn't take steroids.

Joka had always had ill feelings towards humans. From how he saw it, they used Pokemon as battling machines, shoveling in steroids and vitamins and using them to get what they wanted. Pokemon shouldn't live like that.
That's why he was grateful he lived in a land with no humans. The people were far from him, and as far as he knew, he never did and never would have any connections to one of those homo sapiens.

The reptile was jerked out of his thoughts as the Zorua started talking again. She was limping around, mumbling her uncertainty about her own name.
How did you forget your own name?
Your name was your identity-what had happened to this Pokemon to make her forget?
As she asked of his name, he picked an Oran berry and held it between his claws. Should he tell her? What was she trying to do, make friends? Joka didn't need partners. He didn't want to befriend this thing.
"Joka," he answered, surprising himself. He glanced up at her for a brief second before returning his gaze to the berry in his claws. He downed it in one gulp. He then turned his attention back to the Zorua, making sure she couldn't see he was looking at him.
She tested the Oran berry as if she had never had one before, even if it was one of the most common berries. She ate a few more, which should have given her the health she had lost. When she looked back at him Joka immediately looked away, pretending to be interested in the texture of the rock he was sitting on.
"Don't mention it," he replied, serious. There was nothing worse than being thanked, Joka thought. He was just doing what any normal Pokemon would do, after all. Why did she have to keep thanking him? He hadn't done anything.
"Where are we?" Joka repeated, looking up. "Beats me," he answered with a shrug, pushing away from his rock and picking another berry before starting away. As he walked, he grilled his berry with a fiery breath. He didn't know what the Zorua would do.
But a very small part of him was hoping she would follow.

[Drakonnas]

As the Charmeleon spoke to her again, Zoey could sense that he really didn't want her around. His cold attitude, his anger or whatever it was, prevented her from asking any more questions. When he told he he didn't know where they were, that kinda was the hint, that she should probably leave him alone, and go on her own way. But she had no one to turn to. She'd just have to find a way, find someone who could explain to her what was going on. She had no idea what to expect, and that was dangerous. How did one become "infected"? How did one make a living here? She had no home, no place to stay.

A clap of thunder echoed overhead, and Zoey felt a few raindrops start to fall. She could tell it was gonna downpour pretty soon. Joka had shelter, but she'd have to find something. "Alright... If you don't want me around, I'll leave." She said, turning her back on the pokemon, and looking for an adequate shelter from the rain. "Thank you for your help." She wandered off, looking for anything that could help shelter her. The best she found was a large tree. Zoey sat down under it, and watched the rain begin to pour harder and harder.

How had she come to be here? Why couldn't she remember anything? As the rain poured down, Zoey shivered a little bit. She was soaking, but at the least, she was probably safe from any infected pokemon. Why were these things happening? At this rate, she'd probably die within a few days. She had to train and grow stronger, but that wouldn't help her memory. If she was stronger, that would be good. But what would happen if she never got her memory back? Then she'd just have to make new memories, probably.

She wondered where Joka went, but tried to shake him from her mind, he clearly didn't want a strange pokemon around. He had helped, sure, but any good pokemon would have. She couldn't go back to him. No, she had to find some way to make her way in the world, and to find out why she lost her memory. But first she'd have to wait out the storm. Thunder roared, and lightning flashed, illuminating the forest around her. No pokemon were to be found, they were all in shelters of some sort. Except her.

[Ashen]

Zoey's words made Joka perk up and follow after her. Being a fire type, he had a natural hatred for the rain. It slowed him, but the Zorua wasn't moving fast.
He observed her as she walked, seemingly unsure on her own four feet. It was almost amusing to watch her approach a tree that was gigantic in comparison to the little Pokemon.
"Hey now," Joka said curtly, walking up to Zoey. "Don't you put words in my mouth. I never said I didn't want you around."
What was he doing?
Joka enjoyed the solitude. He had spent his entire life living in it. So why was he seeking this Pokemon out?

Joka leaned himself against the tree, making sure his flaming tail dodged the raindrops. "And quit thanking me," he continued. "It's bad enough I had to save you. I don't need to hear about it." He let out a light yawn. "No, I don't know where we are. That's honest. But I do know that if you keep walking that way-" he pointed with a sharp claw-"you'll wind up in Limbre Falls."
The Charmeleon's thoughts were beating at him, questing his motives. What are you doing? You don't want to be around her. You can't just invite yourself to the presence of others.
He shrugged his thoughts off. "So you don't remember anything?" he asked her, doing something he hadn't done in years.
He was trying to start a conversation.

Joka didn't know why he was still by the Zorua. He had helped her enough. She would be fine on her own.
Or not. It didn't matter. It wasn't his problem.
But maybe, just maybe, Joka really wanted social interaction. Maybe he often avoided it because everyone before had judged him. Had made him feel uncomfortable.
Maybe Joka sought Zoey out because she was helpless. Because she wouldn't run away from him, knowing that would mean instant death.
Maybe Joka was really looking forward to making a friend in the little Zorua.
The Charmeleon stopped, and he laughed out loud. He was being ridiculous.

[Drakonnas]

Zorua watched as the Charmeleon, Joka, made his way over to her, wondering what he wanted. He spoke, and Zoey's eyes widened just a bit, she had misread him. "I'm sorry, I guess I misunderstood you." She said, smiling. His next comment surprised her again, he apparently didn't like being thanked. He was an odd pokemon, to be sure. "Why don't you sit down?" She asked him, gesturing to the ground next to her. "It's probably more comfortable than standing." He asked her about her memory, and Zoey closed her eyes, trying to think. But he started laughing out loud a few moments later, and she had no idea why. Was he laughing at her? Or something completely different?

Deciding to cast it off as something that wasn't her, Zoey spoke, hesitantly. "It's all a big blank... I can't remember much. All I recall is that... My name is Zoey, and that I... I don't know... Ugh, this hurts..." She said, shaking her head a little bit as the rain continued to fall. "I think... the number seventeen comes up, though I don't know why... Just bits and pieces of information, as significant as grains of sand in a snowstorm..." She said sighing.

"Why can't I remember? What happened to me to cause me to lose my memory? Wouldn't someone know me, or have seen me before? But no one knows me, no one has ever seen me before. So... who was my family? Did I have a family? Who was I? Who am I?" She was talking more to herself at this point, but then realized that Joka was still there. She had no idea how to reply to him, or talk with him. He didn't seem like he wanted to talk. But maybe something he said would spark some sort of a conversation. "Do you have a family?" She asked him, head tilted a little to the side in curiosity.

"And... do you know of any place I can stay while I try to regain my memory? I'm not asking for you to shelter me, I just wanted to know if you knew of a place where I could stay... I'm willing to work if needed, but I can't just stay out here in the open... Not if there are pokemon who want to kill me out here..." She said, frowning.

[Ashen]

Joka didn't seem to be paying attention to the Pokemon speak, but he was. He was looking out at the grey sky, watching the clouds pour out their sorrows onto the world.
"Seventeen?" Joka repeated under his breath. "Maybe it's your number. Like a Spiritomb's number is one-oh-eight."
As she continued on, the Charmeleon started pacing. He hadn't taken a seat like Zoey had suggest, he was quite comfortable with standing. He seemed to be thinking, but not of her.
"Not necessarily," he answered after a while. "Maybe you were a loner, like me. No one knows me." At her question, Joka stopped pacing and made direct eye contact with her, unable to give her an answer.

He kept eye contact for a few seconds before turning to the tree. She went on, giving him time to think on the question.
She needed a place to stay. So did he. And maybe...
No.
"The inns are all closed. They're scared of an infected getting a room and raising hell. So you better find a place." He straightened his spine before using ember on the tree, burning the bark.
His small fire cackled in the rain, eating away at the tree until the rain put it out. It had made a niche in the tree just big enough for a small Pokemon to fit in. They would be safe, too; no predator would be able to fit in such a crevice.
"Try that," Joka said, turning away from it. He stretched his claws and let out a yawn.
And he thought of Zoey's question.

Did he have a family?
Well, what was a family? Your blood, right? In that case, no, he didn't. Or maybe he did. Joka didn't know, either. He didn't know anything about his life before his mom had found him. In this way, he was kind of like Zoey. But that was ages ago, he had been raised by his adoptive family.
Did they count?
They weren't a family to him, just Pokemon who had raised him and cared for him. But they probably hadn't even noticed he was gone.
Joka sat next to the tree, keeping his glowing tail beside him to protect it from the rain. He looked down to the rope around his neck, the little trinket from a life he didn't know.
Do you have a family?
Joka just shrugged his shoulders and lost himself in the memories attached to his little tooth, the memories he could not remember.

[Drakonnas]

As Joka told her that he was a loner, Zoey nodded. She had no idea what her personality was like. Was she a loner? Was that why she was alone in the world? Or had something happened to her, so terrible that she had forgotten it? He seemed unable to answer her question about family, and she watched respectfully and quietly as he seemed to contemplate what to say. Instead, he turned his attention to her shelter issue, and seemingly burned a hole in the tree that she could fit into. The tree was gigantic, and a hole to fit her comfortably wasn't going to be an issue for it.

Zoey climbed up into the indent in the tree, it was surprisingly cozy and comfortable, she wouldn't have expected it to be. It was just big enough for her, and she lay down, still dripping from the rain. "Do you have a safe place to stay?" She asked, concerned for Joka's wellfare. Why? She didn't honestly know. He had helped her, she just wanted to make sure that he had a safe place to go as well. She had assumed that he would have had a family to go back to, or a home to go to, but now, she wasn't quite so sure.

The lightning flashed brilliantly, illuminating the world in a vibrant, luminescent glow for a fraction of a second, before the thunder boomed like cannonshots, growing louder and more frequent. If that wasn't enough, the wind was really picking up pace now, and was howling through the trees rather voraciously. It was difficult to hear her own voice over the din, and she wasn't sure if Joka could hear anything she was saying... She could only hope that this storm would pass soon...

[Ashen]

Do you have a safe place to stay?
The Zorua was asking too many questions, and they were hard questions to answer. Joka straightened, thinking of the answer.
He thought of the house by Limbre Falls, the house he had grown up in, the house that was the closest thing he had to a home. It was his place to stay, his place to eat and sleep and think.
But now...it couldn't be.
With Tobi needing so much attention, Joka felt uncomfortable in that house. In that house of dragons, he felt like an outcast now more than ever. And no, there were no reported cases of the darkness being contagious, but the sadness was.
Every time his mother stepped out of Tobi's room, Joka didn't want to see her expression. Every time his father flew out of Tobi's chambers, Joka didn't want to see the pain in his eyes. No, Joka wasn't scared of the darkness.
He was scared of what it did. Not to the infected, but to the ones around them.

The obvious answer to Zoey's question was no, he did not have a place to stay.
Tobi could kill him if he went home, like he had already tried to do. The saddened air would suffocate him, choking out any vitality Joka had left. His parents, though understandably, neglected him, which meant anything could happen when he wasn't under their wings.
That was why he was exploring, wasn't it? So they wouldn't have to feed another Pokemon?
So they could concentrate on Tobi getting better, if Tobi ever got better.

"No," Joka answered at the exact moment thunder boomed overhead, drowning his voice in the storm. He cleared his throat and repeated the syllable, louder.
No, he didn't.
He lay down on the ground in front of the tree and curled into a ball. This is how he'd be sleeping tonight, prone to any nocturnal creature that wanted him dead.
But he had no choice. And in the end, did it even matter?
You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become a villain. And Joka did not want to live to see the day the darkness claimed him, too.
Because with Tobi, Tobias still had people who cared about him. He had people fighting with him.
But with Joka, they'd kill him off in a heartbeat, no chance for a cure.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey eventually fell asleep, she wasn't able to hear Joka's words over the din, heck, she could hardly hear herself. It made all attempts at conversation obsolete. She sighed, and closed her eyes, and drifted off to sleep. Weird dreams plagued her sleep. They didn't make sense, some of them were scary, some of them just were, and some were plain weird, her mind simply running rampant.

The storm eventually abated, the rain let up, and the sky cleared a little bit, so that the moon was gently shining down on the drenched world below, creating a sort of iridescent, gentle glow about the world. Rainwater occasionally dripped form the leaves of trees, and an occasional Hoothoot was heard serenading. Even though Joka was asleep, as was Zoey, the gentle and mysterious world around them seemed somehow less threatening.

When Zoey woke the next morning, she felt quite relaxed, oddly peaceful. She opened her eyes, and saw a thick mist all around them. The fog was deep and rather difficult to see through, it had a very interesting effect on the landscape. The previous night, it had seemed scary and intimidating, now it was mysterious and haunting. But at the same time, comforting. There was no noise to be heard at all, which was discomforting, but at the same time, peaceful. She wondered if Joka was still there.

Zoey spent some time trying to think, trying to remember anything form her past. The only thing she could remember was a pair of blood-red eyes, and a glowing yellow smile... She tried to shake that memory out, it terrified her for some reason. Had something bad happened to her?

Zoey wanted to blend in with the tree for a moment, wishing she could hide herself from those evil eyes, and to her surprise, the air around her shifted, and formed some sort of an illusion, it was as if the hole in the tree had never happened, as if she wasn't there... The illusion startled her, and made her wonder how it had happened... Did she have some sort of ability that let her create illusions?

[Ashen]

The sound of Zoey's soft snores joined the orchestra of nature around Joka. The rain was falling in a rhythmic pattern, the wind was whistling through the trees, the Hoothoot were humming, the Kricketune were singing. The world seemed so at peace.
Joka wished that were true.
He was sitting by the tree, looking out at the dark world ahead. He couldn't sleep; if a predator came he'd be done for. He needed to stay awake, and stay alert. He also had a lot on his mind.
Joka was thinking of the darkness, just like he had every night since it overcome his world. He was wondering what had caused it, and how it would be stopped, if it would be stopped. He wondered if he'd be taken over before the darkness's spread was put to an end.
There was too much to think about for Joka to even begin counting Mareep.

Joka was awake all night.
Nothing had happened, except an Absol had wandered up to him, wordlessly looked him over, and walked away. The rain had let up during the night, and by morning it wasn't even drizzling. Joka considered that a good thing, one of few that came his way.

By the time the sun began riding over the horizon, Joka was entirely exhausted. But then, he had barely gotten any sleep in the past four days, and by now was used to it.
He peered into the tree to see if Zoey was still asleep, but she was gone.
And so was the hole.
It didn't make sense. Joka had been awake all night. He would have seen her wander off. And the niche in the tree, that couldn't just fade, could it?
Joka paused. Zoey was a Zorua, and they could do illusions of sorts. Right? Joka had never met a Zorua and wasn't entirely positive.
"Zo?" he called in a quiet, low tone. He didn't know if she would hear; he didn't even know if she was there. "I ought to get moving," he said to Zoey and to himself. He nodded to himself and started walking, wondering where he should go today.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey hopped out of the little hole in the tree, and landed with a little sploosh in a small puddle. Sighing, she looked around. "What's up, Joka? Did you sleep ok during the storm?" She asked him, walking over to where he was standing. She could easily make out his form in the thick fog, the embers burning on his tail were a clear beacon to her, she could see it fairly easily.

She shook off some of the extra water that was clinging to her fur, when suddenly, out of the blue, something smashed into her. A large stinger pierced her side, and she could feel some sort of venom enter her system. A large beedrill was attacking her. It's eyes glowed red, and it hummed and hissed in fury.

"You... grahaahaa... Ever since.... asaagghhh... That... you die..." Zoey yelped a little bit in pain as the venom entered her bloodstream, she felt like she was burning up from the inside... She fought back, and managed to throw the Beedrill off of her. She attacked despite her injuries, trying to get the Beedrill to leave her alone.

"Joka!" She managed to cry as the bug pokemon hit her with a twinneedle. That hurt, a lot, and she needed to finish this fight now, or she might actually faint, or worse, die. The poison was really taking its toll on her, and she had to find some of those oran berries, or whatnot before she took any more damage. But... despite that need, the Beedrill was relentless.

What had caused the spread of this infection? Why had it suddenly appeared? Was it only in this area? Or was it everywhere? At this rate, Zoey was afraid for her life. She hadn't seen the Beedrill coming, the fog had hidden him. And yet, he had no problems seeing her... As another poison sting hit, she tried to get up, or call for help, or something to get Joka's attention. She couldn't keep relying on his help... She had to grow stronger, more battle ready. She had to, or she would perish.

- - - Updated - - -

Zoey hopped out of the little hole in the tree, and landed with a little sploosh in a small puddle. Sighing, she looked around. "What's up, Joka? Did you sleep ok during the storm?" She asked him, walking over to where he was standing. She could easily make out his form in the thick fog, the embers burning on his tail were a clear beacon to her, she could see it fairly easily.

She shook off some of the extra water that was clinging to her fur, when suddenly, out of the blue, something smashed into her. A large stinger pierced her side, and she could feel some sort of venom enter her system. A large beedrill was attacking her. It's eyes glowed red, and it hummed and hissed in fury.

"You... grahaahaa... Ever since.... asaagghhh... That... you die..." Zoey yelped a little bit in pain as the venom entered her bloodstream, she felt like she was burning up from the inside... She fought back, and managed to throw the Beedrill off of her. She attacked despite her injuries, trying to get the Beedrill to leave her alone.

"Joka!" She managed to cry as the bug pokemon hit her with a twinneedle. That hurt, a lot, and she needed to finish this fight now, or she might actually faint, or worse, die. The poison was really taking its toll on her, and she had to find some of those oran berries, or whatnot before she took any more damage. But... despite that need, the Beedrill was relentless.

What had caused the spread of this infection? Why had it suddenly appeared? Was it only in this area? Or was it everywhere? At this rate, Zoey was afraid for her life. She hadn't seen the Beedrill coming, the fog had hidden him. And yet, he had no problems seeing her... As another poison sting hit, she tried to get up, or call for help, or something to get Joka's attention. She couldn't keep relying on his help... She had to grow stronger, more battle ready. She had to, or she would perish.

[Ashen]

Zoey hopped out of the tree, proving that she was still there. She asked him if he had slept well, but Joka wasn't paying attention to her. He heard someone approaching. The beating of the wings were silent, but he felt them. There was a bug-type near them.
Joka's thoughts were confirmed when Zoey cried out in pain. Joka sighed. They were all going after the weak one, knowing she couldn't help herself.
So why did he keep helping her?

Joka approached the Beedrill and glared at it. "You had better leave her alone," he growled. But obviously the wild Pokemon wasn't going to listen to him. So he sent a fire spin over to the Beedrill, trapping it in a fiery whirlpool. The Beedrill would undoubtedly be done after that; bugs didn't stand a chance against Joka.
He turned back to Zoey. She was suffering from poison, which was another reason Beedrill were so annoying. Their buzzing and their stingers apparently weren't bad enough; the stingers needed to be dipped with poison, too. The poison would cripple her even more, and Joka couldn't afford that. She already looked incredibly weak.
Joka gave a large sigh. He looked back at the Beedrill, making sure it wouldn't get out of his vortex, and he slipped his claws under the Zorua.
Zoey wasn't heavy. Zorua usually weren't. Joka was surprised at how soft she was, but he tried not to think about it.
"Let's get you some Pecha berries," he mumbled, walking back to Limbre Falls.

He hated this.
This darkness, this dreariness that watched over the world. Why hadn't anyone found a cure? It had been days, but that should have been enough time.
Joka was tired of waiting on Pokemon to find a cure. He'd find one himself if he had to.
Besides, no one would miss him if he failed.

Joka set Zoey down in the middle of a path. "Here," he said. "Pechas. Eat some. It'll cure that pain that's seeping through your veins."
He sat down beside the bushes. Joka looked to the sky, but the haze was too thick to see the sun.
"You don't know who you are," he said to Zoey. "You have no idea." He looked at her. "What if I told you there was a way to regain your memory. Would you want to have it back?" He stood, becoming more confident in his idea. "What if I told you I was willing to take you to a Pokemon who could help you with your memory? Would you come with me?"

What was he doing?
Joka didn't know. But he was liking the sound of it.

Mew was a legendary Pokemon that knew everything. As much was rumored, anyway.
So maybe if Joka got to her, he could ask her what was going on. Why the darkness was taking over. How to stop it.
But no one had even seen Mew. Did she even exist anywhere other than in fairy tales?
Joka believed he had to find out.
He had to try.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey's vision was fading in and out, her hearing was rather fuzzy, and she was having a difficult time staying awake. She knew she had to fight it, or she would risk death. She was only somewhat aware of Joka picking her up, and carrying her somewhere. She had felt the heat from his fire attacks, and knew he had been there to help her. She felt badly that she had to have his help so often, this was the second time within a day he had saved her.

A little while later, he gently set her down, and got her some pecha berries. Zoey somehow managed to eat one, and almost instantly, the pain coursing through her was cured. How did he know his herbal medicines so well? She no longer was poisoned, but she was still fighting for consciousness, she needed some oran berries. Luckily, she had stored one of them from yesterday, and ate it, she had enough strength to keep going, but would need to get more.

"Train me." She said, her voice shaking somewhat. "I cannot stay weak like this... Please train me, so I can get stronger... I don't want to be weak..." She said quietly, standing. she didn't thank him for his help, remembering how he had reacted to that the previous times.

And then Joka told her that there might be a way to regain her memories, and to figure out what was going on. Zoey looked at him interestedly. She needed to know. Even if it was a very bad background, she wanted to know what had happened, why she couldn't remember anything.

"I would definitely come." She said with a firm nod. "I may be weak, and not very useful... But I can do my best... I'm smart, that much I'm sure of." She said, stifling a yawn. "But... first, would you train me? I can't keep holding you back..." She said, not looking at him. "We need to find some more oran berries... Maybe it'd be a good idea to take some along with us just in case..."

[Ashen]

The poor Zorua's voice was so small, so weak, that Joka almost felt bad for her. Almost.
He had been steeled to apathy by now, and didn't need to feel sorry for anyone. Joka admired that about himself; small emotions just got in the way, anyway.
He didn't need puny feelings weighing him down.

So concentrated on her tone, he wasn't paying much attention to Zoey's words. He glared at her, at her plea.
Train her?
She wanted him to train her?
He turned away. Training was something you did alone, he believed. That's how he had done his training. That's why he was so strong now. He could have been a Charizard ages ago, he just didn't want to evolve.
Joka was a strong Pokemon.
But sharing that with this pathetic little Zorua? Zorua were weak by default. Their fur wasn't the best form of defense. They didn't have powerful jaws or claws.
How was he supposed to train her?

Joka wore a very small smile at Zoey's response to his question. Finding Mew would be easier with two, and if he failed he could always say Zoey had slowed him down, just to justify failure to himself.
He started walking, expecting the small Pokemon to follow. "By this rate, the town will be out of Orans because you keep needing them." He stopped and sniffed the air, trying to get a whiff of Oran berries. "Actually," he said, more to himself than to the Pokemon beside him. "There's a bunch of Sitrus berries near the cave..." He started again, heading for a cave that he had frequented to train himself, so many times before. Fire-types were naturally weak to natives to caves, rock-types. He had trained against his weakness until he could beat them without too much difficulty.
Yes, Joka had a lot of memories of training himself.
But what had the training been for? He had never known the answer to that question.
But perhaps it was this. He had trained so long to go find Mew, and save the world.
Joka scoffed. Yeah right.

Once they arrived at the cave's entrance, Joka approached a small garden. The last time he had been here the garden had more berries than this. Some of the bushes were dying.
He picked a Sitrus berry off of one of the branches and looked it over. He thought to what Zoey had suggested, earlier.
"You want to bring some berries with us?" he said in an oddly enthusiastic voice. "Oh, sure! Why don't I just put them in my pouch here-oh wait. I must have forgotten." Sarcasm gone, he said, "I'm not a Kangaskhan."
His tone was as bitter as the Aguav berries that were growing next to the Sitrus. Joka knew that, he just didn't care. He didn't use sarcasm to be mean. His intentions weren't to be a cruel Pokemon; he didn't want that at all.
His tone of voice naturally appeared rude. Only those who cared to get to know him knew that it wasn't.
So, no one.

Joka looked to the entrance of the cave. "If you want to get strong," he said to Zoey, "you're going to want to go against what you're weak against." He turned to her, eyeing her. "What are you? Just a dark-type? They're weak against fighting and bug, right?" He brought his claws to his chin, thinking. "There are a lot of bugs in the forest north of here. I have no problems with bugs, so I can just save you. Because we know you're going to fail. No one could succeed on their first try."
Joka's claws dropped to his side. Was he helping her? He smiled to himself. So he was. For once he wasn't being selfish. He wondered if Zoey would bail on him. If they'd ever make it to Mew.
What would he say?
He shook his thoughts away. "I think Zorua can use incinerate, can't they? Fire-type move, you'll be fine."
Joka walked up to Zoey. He came inches from her face and looked down on her. "You asked me to train you," he said. "I've spent years training myself to perfection. It wasn't easy to do. I've wanted to give up more times than I can count. You understand my training isn't easy. But before we start, before we go to the forest..."
Joka took a few steps away. His eyes locked on Zoey's. "Battle me," he commanded.

[Drakonnas]

Joka glared at her as she asked him to help train her. She recoiled away, hurt by his reactions. She had wanted to get better so that she wouldn't be in as much danger, as well as so she would be capable of defending herself. She didn't want to have to make Joka keep saving her. It just wasn't fair. She had to do her best. And her best right now wasn't good enough. She didn't even know how to fight. All it was right now was instinct... "You think I'm weak... Not worth your time and effort..." She said, frowning a little bit. "You don't want to bother to take the time... I mean nothing to you. I mean, I don't expect that I would, but... We can't go on a long journey together without at least a little bit of trust..." She said, turning away a little bit.

As his sarcastic and acidic comment about the Oran berries, Zoey seriously considered leaving. She didn't need to put up with this abuse, she didn't need to put up with his attitude. If he wanted to go it alone, he could. She didn't need him. She could always find someone else. Or so she thought. Pokemon appeared to be really hesitant to trust these days, with the darkness spreading around. And she was small, helpless, and weak. But she had one ability that she was learning to control. Her illusion ability. No one else had that strength. No one else. That made her unique, and that made her able to hold her own against anyone, if she learned to control it...

Zoey ate two sitrus berries, and was feeling back to her normal self. "I can make a pouch." Zoey said, her voice more acidic than she had hoped it would be. "It's not that difficult to do. I'll do it myself if you don't believe me. Then we'll have an emergency supply." She said, angry and hurt. "If you don't want me around, I can leave, you know..." But where would she go? She had been abandoned and helpless one time, she could go back there again, and find some way to survive...

But at the next comment, Zoey wasn't sure what to think. Was he trying to help her? Or did he just want to see her get beaten up? She didn't know, and wasn't sure she wanted to. "Yeah, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to become stronger." She turned to go towards the forest, "So what if I fail? Yeah, I might fail, but you don't have to sound excited about that..." She said, frowning.

As he asked her to battle him, she looked shocked. "Alright..." She said, turning to face him. She concentrated, and cast an illusion over herself, she now appeared to be a large Blastoise. But that was an illusion. Blastoise was a much larger target than she was, and she would be much more difficult to hit... She used double team, and suddenly there were ten copies of the Blastoise, all surrounding Joka. But only one of them was real. All were illusions. How would he deal with this?

Zoey was, when prepared, great with defense. But her offense needed some work.

[Ashen]

Joka was really starting to dislike this Pokemon from all the assumptions she made and voiced.
You think I'm weak. You think I'm not worth your time. I'm nothing to you.
Her assumptions only added to Joka's rage. He watched her with an unwavering gaze.
She was right, though. He did think she was weak. She wasn't worth his time. She was nothing to him.
But Joka wasn't going to let her tell him what he thought.

Joka was prepared to release all of his stored power on Zoey, but he would definitely kill her. He had to go easy on her, just until she was a decent strength.
He let some of his anger fade, weakening his drive for victory. This wasn't a battle about winning. It was a battle to test the Pokemon's power. Zoey had potential. She just needed to learn how to use it.

He watched her every move, judging her. He would judge critically, perhaps a tad harshly, but the end results would be worth it.
He watched the small quadruped transform into a large tortoise. It was like a Ditto, copying everything about the real form of its desired transformation. Except, Joka knew better. Zorua may be able to disguise themselves, but they could not copy their illusion's moves. Joka had nothing to worry about. The Blastoise wouldn't hit him with a hydro pump; this Blastoise didn't know hydro pump.
They didn't copy their illusion's type, either, so Joka could use all the fire he wanted.
Zoey may have looked bigger and badder, but she was still the same wimpy Zorua she had been.

The Blastoise suddenly had multiple copies of itself, a double team. Joka was surprised at Zoey's choice of moves. She'd be harder to hit, now. It was a wise play, raising her evasiveness so it would be difficult to hurt her. Joka would need a strategy to take out the real Zoey.
But, he didn't need a very good one.
He could tell the girl wasn't used to double team. Her illusions were less than flawless; one even faltered completely. He'd be able to find the real one. They were all illusions, but only one illusion would be better than the rest.

Joka turned to face all of the Blastoise, thinking. Zorua, he realized, was a visual Pokemon. Without visual hints, she couldn't do much.
So, Joka closed his eyes, and he listened.
He could pinpoint the location where Zoey was standing, and once he had that his eyes opened once more. He locked his gaze on the real Blastoise and used a weak ember, seeing just how great her actual evasiveness was.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey noted that he hesitated a bit, she smiled, that was what she was going for here. She needed a good defense, then maybe she could figure out how to attack. Zoey sighed, and jumped foreword, each of the Blastoises making different movements. She wondered if he could sense her approach. She knew her illusions weren't the best, or the most solid, but for pete's sake, this was the second time she had ever used the ability...

He was actually able to target her with not too much trouble, though he did seem to have to work a minute. He attacked her with an ember, which hit the Blastoise, but missed her, due to the illusion of the Blastoise being bigger than she was. She needed to be more careful. Zoey suddenly sped up, trying to use an Aerial Ace, she hoped the super speed would be enough to let the attack hit, it was almost certain to. But how much defense would Joka have? He was sure to be able to destroy her if he was so inclined. Still, she didn't hold back. Giving it her all, she attacked.

"I'm not holding back!" She thought as she attacked. She wondered how she would fare against him, and how he would test her. She knew he would be testing her, there was no way she could actually beat him. Would he start out easy, and gradually get tougher until she fell? How would he go about this?

Instinctively, she knew that she knew a few different attacks. Faint Attack and Aerial Ace, which were both almost certain to hit. She knew Incinerate, a very weak fire attack, Fury Swipes, a normal attack that hit many times, Double Team, and U-turn, a move that would let her attack, and get away quickly. But did she know anything else? She wasn't sure...

[Ashen]

Zoey's strength and tact surprised Joka in a pleasant way. He had underestimated her.
As the Blastoise illusion faded on impact, Joka's eyes locked onto the Zorua's. She was coming for him at a swift speed, an aerial ace that she was executing very well. Joka thought of a way to avoid the oncoming Zorua and in a split second he made his decision. Suddenly his claws started attacking the ground, moving a mile a minute to dig a passageway just under the earth.
Zoey wouldn't be able to attack him from underground unless she followed him into his tunnel. But she wouldn't do that; his fiery tail swayed as he worked away, surely prepared to burn any attacker from behind.

After he had burrowed a safe distance, Joka stopped to listen. He tried to pinpoint Zoey's location once more and attack her from underneath, to see how she would dodge him. After a few seconds, he found her. He dug up, trying to hit Zoey right in her stomach. His accuracy was flawless, but he was not going full force. It was the weakest dig he had ever preformed, perfect for the little Zorua.
He wondered how tough he should go on her. How badly he could destroy her, just so she knew who the alpha male was. Just so she knew her true power, or lack thereof.

Joka liked knowing about his opponents.
He had spent a lot of time reading about different types of Pokemon, different abilities, different matchups. Unfortunately, he wasn't remembering much about Zorua.
Joka didn't know all of their attacks. He didn't know if he had a type disadvantage to any of her moves. He was analyzing the match, taking the strategic route instead of the offensive.
And as he watched her move, trying her best, he realized he could up his offense. He could give the girl a challenge.
Who didn't love a challenge?

[Drakonnas]

Zoey saw him digging quickly, she couldn't follow him down there... So, she stopped, trying to figure out where he would be hiding down there. She heard him coming up towards her, and tried to jump up out of the way. He still hit her, but the impact was lessened by the fact that she jumped. She feigned injury, and fell to the ground, seeming hurt. She lay there for a few seconds, wondering what he would do. And then she loosed a Faint Attack, taking the enemy by surprise, and launching herself at Joka.

She didn't know if he would be able to avoid this one too, both Aerial Ace and Faint Attack were pretty much guaranteed to hit. She knew he might try digging again, but if he did, she was ready for him. She had a few things she could attempt, and several other things she could try. But she knew he was going to fight her without visual cues, so her illusions would not be as much help as they could be.

She was hoping he wasn't toying with her, that he wasn't trying to simply crush her to kill her confidence. She hoped he was genuinely trying to help her. But for all she knew, he could simply be trying to destroy her confidence so she would leave him alone... But she was going to give him a run for his money if she could.

[Ashen]

Joka wasn't surprised that his attack had landed on his target. She had jumped though, weakening his already weak attack.
She rolled over, seeming to be in pain. Was she really bummed out from that? No, that was impossible.
There was no way Zoey could have been done for from his dig. He hadn't put strength in it, and it hadn't hit her full force because of her dodge. She was faking. She had to be.
The illusion Pokemon.
She was planning her next attack.

Though Joka did see the faint attack coming, he didn't move out of the way. It wouldn't have been easy anyway; Zoey was coming right for him at a swift pace. He knew it wouldn't hurt too much, so there was no real point in trying.
Zoey's attack landed right on Joka. It wasn't strong, but that's what they would work on.
They would have to work on a lot if they were going to go all the way to the World Tree and meet Mew.

Joka had had enough of this battle. He knew Zoey's power now. He knew her strength, her defense, accuracy, her evasiveness. He had a nice idea of her power, and now knew what to push her towards.
Now it was time to serve her on a silver platter.
Joka smiled. His eyes locked on Zoey, who looked relieved to have landed an attack.
He wouldn't kill her, but he would defeat her. He'd bruise her up pretty bad, and test her endurance.
Joka would win. But then, that was expected.

Joka closed his eyes, keeping Zoey's location in his mind. He didn't need to see. He knew exactly where she was.
He prepped an ember from his throat and it grew in size. The flame blazed until Joka unleashed it, a fire blast, on Zoey. His accuracy was flawless, his execution was perfect. Joka's chest puffed out a little and his smile grew. "You did well," he said to the scorched Zoey. No doubt she would be in pain. He walked past her, as if ignorant to this fact. "You might want to get a hold of the Miltank in town. Her milk will heal you. As for those burns, Rawst berries are best for that." He shrugged his shoulders. "Not that I would know. I don't really get burned." He kept an eye on her, watching. He had needed to defeat her, of course.
But, Joka thought, perhaps he had gone a little overboard in his finale.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey landed the Faint Attack, but she could tell it hadn't really done a whole lot of damage, she was waiting for his next attack, ready. But this time, she had another plan up her sleeve. This time, without using the illusion, she attempted another double team, creating more copies of herself, switching places with one of her illusions, the fire blast slammed into the illusion, missing her completely. He thought he had hit her, the illusion was much better this time, because of one reason, and one reason alone. She had set up a substitute to take the hit for her. When she knew she was fighting, she could be pretty tricky. But her offense wasn't the best thing ever. And she needed to work on that.

She prepared another attack, jumped, and silently sailed through the air, directly at Joka. She didn't give up, no matter what happened. There was no giving up. She had never been a quitter, and would not start today. Though, most of her tricks and resources had already been used up... She had a feeling that the same trick wouldn't work on Joka twice... He'd probably be more careful, wondering what she'd do, and waiting for it, before attacking again.

Still, she did her best. Because that was the only way she could improve. She put everything she had into this last attack. As the substitute faded, she struck out at Joka with an Aerial Ace, hoping this would do something. Maybe she would impress him. Maybe not. SHe didn't know for sure. But she did know she was putting everything she had behind this attack. Maybe it would connect, and startle Joka with the power. Maybe he'd simply shrug it off like he did with her other attacks, and counter attack. But she wasn't going down yet, not just yet...

[Ashen]

Zoey wasn't done for yet.
Joka didn't realize this until after he had been struck, after the Zorua had caught him off guard. He was taken completely by surprise. Like any Pokemon caught off-guard, he attacked in defense, full-force.
Joka cloaked himself in flames and lashed at his foe, a flare blitz. He wasn't paying attention to where he was going, and therefore managed to hurt himself with his own flames.
A few moments later, Joka firmly back on his feet, he looked to see who or what he had hit. The Charmeleon's expression dropped as he realized it wasn't a rabid infected Pokemon, but the Zorua he thought he had hit spot-on moments before.

How had he failed?
He knew exactly where Zoey had been. He listened for her, concentrated on her location. He was sure he had scorched her.
Unless...
She couldn't have formed a substitute, could she?
Joka flexed his claws, mad. He didn't like being tricked, especially not by a little rat that he could murder with a single focused breath.

Flare Blitz was one of the strongest fire-type attacks. Joka hadn't anticipated using it against his pupil, and therefore didn't try to weaken it.
Now, Zoey would really hurt.
"I dismissed you," he hissed. "You do not attack me like that. Not after I dismissed you." The reptile was steaming, his anger tinting his voice. He was showing his anger because it was easier than showing his worry.
Joka was worried. He was trying to train Zoey, not kill her. He hadn't meant to hit her so hard. Such a small, weak Pokemon couldn't take such a hit.
He started pacing, wondering what he could do. Where was the nearest hospital? It had to have been a few miles away, not an easy distance to tackle with an injured Pokemon. He could ask his dad to fly Zoey to the hos-
No.
No, he could not.

Joka walked over to the Pokemon. "Zo?" he called, gently prodding her with a long claw. "Hey, Zo, talk to me, huh? Zoey, come on."

[Drakonnas]

Zoey's attack worked, for the most part. She had tricked him, he hadn't been expecting this turn of events. What she didn't expect was for him to be scared, and attack her with full force. She was not prepared for the attack that hit her. The flare blitz hit her like a truck, and she flew backwards, hit a tree, and almost lost consciousness. She was in too much pain to move. She couldn't think, her vision was blurry, and she couldn't hear anything. She lay there for who knows how long, unable to move. She hurt like hell.

Zoey couldn't hear Joka's words of anger. She hadn't heard him say they should stop the battle, she hadn't heard any of that in her concentration of their battle. As she lay there, in too much pain to even think straight, she saw Joka approach her, and prod her with a claw. But whatever he was saying was lost to her, she couldn't hear right, and she couldn't even respond to what Joka was saying.

The only thing she could concentrate on was how much pain she was in. She was saved by the little yellow and red ribbon around her neck, the focus band. She would have been killed by the attack had she not worn the focus band, but as it is, she was as close to death as it was possible to be. She tried to talk to him, she honestly did, but all that came out was a little moan. She focused on resisting the tempting sleep that was easing slowly up on her, she had to. She wouldn't succumb to that. Not now. She was too strong. Besides, she had to find out what had happened to her. She couldn't give up now.

[Ashen]

The Pokemon didn't answer him.
She had really been hurt. Joka thought of the pain she must have felt, but he shook his head, dismissing the idea. There was no use in thinking of that. He needed to do something.
He could always leave her here to die.
The idea crossed Joka's mind slowly. What kind of Pokemon would he be if he did that? What kind of heartless monster would that make him?
He wasn't going to do that. He wasn't going to leave Zoey to die. Not here, not ever.
He vowed it.

Once again Joka picked up the soft bundle of black. He started running, not entirely sure where he was going. He wished he had evolved sooner; being a Charizard would have given him the ability to fly to his location. Instead, he had to run, stumbling from his own pain from his flare blitz.
He kept running, not looking at anyone that raised an eyebrow at him. He couldn't stop; Zoey's breaths were too shallow. She didn't have time.
A Pokemon he had sworn to train and he had nearly killed her.
Joka couldn't believe himself. His grip tightened, until any tighter and his claws would penetrate her skin.

It seemed like he had been running for days.
The sun was starting to sink in the sky, which meant he had actually only been running for an hour or so. His legs hurt, and Zoey had grown so much heavier. He was about to collapse, but he couldn't stop. He'd never live it down if Zoey died.
Never.

Joka couldn't carry on.
He set Zoey down and collapsed next to her. He couldn't take it. He had failed.
He rested his snout on his arms. He didn't fail Zoey. Not as much as he failed himself.
And that's what Joka hated. He hated coming up short by his own standards. He wasn't a loser.
But here he was next to a Pokemon who couldn't even breathe thanks to him. And he couldn't even save her.
He was a total failure.

"Are you okay?"
Joka slowly lifted his head. His gentle eyes rested on the Pokemon in front of him. Shaking his thoughts clear, he stood up and looked at Zoey.
"What did you do to her?"
Joka looked back at the Rapidash. "She needs to get to the hospital. I can't take her."
The Pokemon seemed to consider something. Then, finally, she said, "I'll take you."
Joka didn't say thank you. He didn't care about manners. He just put Zoey on the Rapidash's back and settled himself behind Zoey. He kept her in place with shaking claws.
"Why are you helping me?" he asked the Rapidash who had already started running.
"Why not?" she replied and let out a whinny.

They arrived at the hospital in about another hour. Joka jumped off of the Rapidash and then gently took Zoey down. He didn't cast another glance at the Rapidash.
He found the strength to run inside the Pokemon Center and set Zoey on the counter. "Fix her," he snarled at the Chansey behind the counter.
Joka hadn't even noticed the Rapidash follow him inside. "Is she going to be okay?" she asked the Chansey.
The Charmeleon wanted the Rapidash to leave. He was appreciative of her help, but her job was done.
And he didn't want anyone here when the nurses said he had killed her.

Joka was sitting in the waiting area, keeping his crystal eyes on the door to the back. The door Zoey had disappeared behind. The Rapidash was standing next to him, keeping her eyes on the Charmeleon.
"Sir, you really don't look well-"
"Shut up," Joka barked. In a gentler tone, he said, "I'm fine."
"You look pretty beat up," the Rapidash said. "Why did you deny their help?"
He turned to her, his face emotionless. "Look," he said. "I really appreciate you getting us here. But we really don't need you anymore. I can handle this now. I am fine. I do not need to be treated. I. Am. Fine. You don't have to stay here."
"I know I don't," she replied. "But I'd like to see if the poor girl is okay."
"She's fine," Joka said, straining to keep his voice calm. "Go away."
"You're really rude," the Rapidash said, taking a few steps away.
"I'm rude?" Joka repeated. He motioned a sharp claw towards the door to the back of the Center. "And in a few minutes they're going to tell me I'm a murderer, too. Now." He looked at her, into her. "Do you really want to cross me?"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey could tell that she was being carried, but not more than that. She faded out of consciousness in about fifteen minutes, not able to stay awake any longer. She physically couldn't keep herself awake, the pain was too overwhelming, and the alluring call of eternal sleep was growing stronger and stronger. She wasn't dead yet. Her spirit kept fighting off the elusive hand of death, the dark and creeping shadow that was coming for her. She had to fight. It was almost as if there were someone she couldn't die for. A name popped into her head. Kayla. She had no idea what it meant. The name was there, but it meant nothing to her other than that...

As Joka carried the Zorua into the Pokemon Center, the Chansey looked over at them with concern. The Charmeleon looked injured somewhat, and the Zorua looked dead. She locked eyes with Rapidash, one of her good friends. She turned back to Charmeleon. "Welcome to the poke-" She was cut off by the Charmeleon's abrupt command. "Fix her." Chansey was already on it, taking the Zorua in the back room.

She looked over at Blissey and Audino, two of the other pokemon who worked here. "I need you to take care of this Zorua, STAT. I'm going for details." She said, and went back into the main room, where she looked at Rapidash, and Charmeleon. "You look hurt yourself, do you need help?" She asked him, stunned by his rude reply.

"I don't know if she'll be ok or not. It'd be a miracle if she lives." Chansey said, looking at Charmeleon with a little bit of dislike in her eyes. "What happened?" She asked. "I need answers, Mister Charmeleon." As the Rapidash and Charmeleon fought, Chansey went over to stand by her friend, ready to use Protect if need be. She wouldn't let the Charmeleon injure anyone else. It seemed clear enough to her that he was the one responsible for the Zorua's injuries.

Back in the Emergency Room, Blissey and Audino were doing everything they could to save the life of the little Zorua. Audino fed the girl a reviver seed, and a few Sitrus berries, in the hopes that she would recover. A few Rawst berries were smashed, and rubbed gently over the burn marks, in the hopes they would heal, and become less and less painful for the girl. She hadn't even responded yet, but she was still breathing. But only just.

"There, I think she might have a chance now..." The Blissey said, wiping his brow. "That mixture of Softboiled, Orran berries, revival herb, and Fresh Water should to the trick... She may be already too far gone, but I have hopes she'll make a recovery. She'll have to talk to us so we can be sure that nothing else is wrong, she'll have to stay here the night..." Audino added. "I'll go talk to them."

As Audino came out from behind the closed doors, he saw the little confrontation that was happening. "I have some news for you... We think Zorua will live. There's a chance she won't, but the evidence thus far points to the probability that she will survive. But she'll have to stay in intensive care overnight, just in case."

[Ashen]

The Chansey was looming over him, blaming him with those black eyes. Everyone in the Pokemon Center was blaming him, he could see that. He could feel that.
"What happened?"
The question made Joka wince. What happened? He had been scared and in turn reacted. No one could be trusted in a world where the darkness was taking over. As far as he knew, he had been protecting himself.
He shook his head. He didn't have to answer to this Chansey, did he? What were they going to do, send him to jail? What about the countless infected Pokemon that were killing by the dozens?
No, Joka wouldn't go to jail. Not when so many other were worse than him.
But that didn't matter. He didn't care about being sent to a correctional center.
He knew that if that Zorua never came out of those doors, he wouldn't forgive himself.
She had trusted him. And he had killed her.

The Rapidash, the Chansey, the Butterfree that was waiting for someone like he was, the Happiny nurse; they were all watching him.
Joka felt their stares. They were waiting for his answer.
What happened?
"I used flare blitz," he said with a shrug. "Whatever. I didn't mean to hit her. But she's going to be okay."
He was trying to convince himself more than anyone in the room.

Joka's thoughts of Zoey faded, and he found himself instead thinking of his family. That is, the Hydreigon, Garchomp, and Gabite he had lived with. What would they think if he came home to tell them he had killed someone? What would they do?
Joka didn't want to imagine the look of pure disappointment and pain in Garchomp's eyes.
He wouldn't have to.
No.
Because he wouldn't go back.

The doors opened up and Joka was on his feet imediately. The sudden action made his body hurt, but he'd get over it. His pain was nothing compared to Zoey's.
"We think Zorua will live."
That was all Joka heard; it was all he had to hear. His expression lit up for a split second before fading. He regained his indifferent look and cleared his throat.
"Let me see her," she demanded, though his eyes did plea.

[Drakonnas]

The Chansey frowned. It wasn't necessarily what she thought it might be, he obviously wasn't trying to hurt her if he had rushed her here... And he was demanding to see her, after all. No, this pokemon cared about the Zorua. Maybe it was an accident. Her gaze softened, and she waddled back to the counter, where she was filling out some paperwork. "No, you can't see her right now. But maybe later tonight if she awakens, then maybe you can." She said, smiling gently.

An hour passed with no sign of movement from the Zorua. But Zoey began to stir, not in very much pain anymore, but groggy from the medications given to her. She opened her eyes, and rustled a little bit, causing both Audino and Blissey to hurry over to her.

The next thing she knew, she was being taken care of for this and that, having her temperature taken, and a thorough examination done. She remembered being scared of the Flare Blitz before it hit her, but nothing really after that. "Where am... I?" She asked, her words sort of slurred together.

"Don't worry yourself, dearie, you're in a hospital. You're gonna be fine." The Happiny said happily, running around, doing various things. "I'll go let Charmeleon know you're up." Zoey wasn't too sure what she felt about that, after all that had happened, did she trust him? She wasn't sure. The answer wasn't yes, but it wasn't no either.

They had been training, and she had accidentally startled him in her attempts to impress him, to show him what she really could do. But was it her fault that he had attacked her, full force, trying to defend himself? Did she have any role to play in the guilt? She didn't know, and wasn't sure she really cared. She just wanted out, she wanted out of this mess. She wanted to figure out what had happened to her, and she wanted to get back to her other life.

But then an awful thought struck her. What if her life now was better than the one she had left behind in the first place? She would have nowhere to go, no-one to help her. She would be all alone. She wasn't sure if sticking around Joka was a good idea or not, he seemed to be really resistant to companionship, but he had saved her, right? Or had it been someone else who had come to her aid? She didn't know.

The HAppiny went out to the waiting room. "Mister Charmeleon, if you'll follow me please, Zorua has awakened."

[Ashen]

Joka didn't move a single muscle. He sat in the hard chair completely still, watching the door and the clock on the wall. He watched the minutes tick by, wondering when Zoey would be okay, if she would be okay.
He didn't move until a Happiny emerged from that door, calling for him.
Zorua has awakened.

Joka allowed himself to be led down a corridor to a small room in the back. Zoey was conscious. That was a good thing.
He rested his eyes on her, searching her body for new scars. She had quite a few thanks to him. She looked really hurt.
The Charmeleon cleared his throat. What was he to say?
"How you feeling?" he settled on, because there was no way he'd apologize. It was her fault after all. If she hadn't caught him by surprise he wouldn't have attacked her. He wouldn't have nearly killed her.

After being still for so long, Joka was finding it hard to remain in the same place. He started pacing the tiny room, not letting silence fill the space.
"You can't die on me, Zoey," he said. "We need to go see Mew, and I don't want to do it alone. I could go alone, but I don't want to. Okay? We need to figure out who you are, and why the darkness is spilling over the world."
He didn't look at her as he paced and spoke.
"Give up on me-die on me-and I'll be done. Done with you, done with every chance at a friend. Just done."
His tail swayed lightly as he walked. The fire was dimmer than it usually was. Joka didn't notice; otherwise he would have tried to hide his tail's flame. He looked up, though not at Zoey. He looked past her, because he couldn't make eye contact with her now.
"Now get better," he said. "We have a mission."

[Drakonnas]

Zoey didn't look at Joka, she felt a rather strong dislike for the pokemon arise in her suddenly as she saw him. She had trusted him to keep her safe, and look what he had done to her. She wasn't sure she even wanted him around. Maybe it would be better for them to go their separate ways. She didn't want to be around him. She didn't even want him in the same room. He was a jerk, a total asshole. He didn't even apologize for what had happened. He should have known better, he should have been able to control himself. He was the stronger pokemon, by far. It was his responsibility to make sure she wasn't hurt. And he had failed her. Badly. That failure shook her, and she didn't know how to respond.

"I'm feel horrible." Was all Zoey said. She didn't want to talk to him. She didn't even want to see him. She wanted to be left alone. Maybe someone else would be able to help her. She didn't want his help. And then he spoke again. At first, she had a glimmer of hope, but it was mitigated by the fact that he didn't even look at her. The thought that he felt guilty never entered Zoey's mind, she was too frustrated with him and his attitude to contemplate that he might feel guilty about what he had done.

"Please leave me alone..." She said, anger showing up slightly in her voice. "Don't try to guilt me into doing things. I might have gone with you had you not tried to back me into a corner... So, according to you, it's my damn fault if you choose never to have another friend? Get away from me..." She said, emotion and pain speaking for her, not reason. "You need to learn to control your own life... Don't let the actions of others dictate what you do... Look what you did to me. I trusted you, and you betrayed that trust. So what if I surprised you? It was still your responsibility not to... not kill me. And you very nearly achieved that." She said, a tear falling down her shout.

"I turned to you, I had no one else to turn to, Joka... I don't know if I want to go with you... I don't know if I want to find out what happened to me..." She sighed a little bit. "But I have no one else to turn to..." She was quiet for a minute, wondering if he'd actually attack her, and finish her off. Part of her was hoping he would. What did she have in this world? Nothing. She had nothing. But... No. There was one thing she had to do. Find out why the darkness was spreading. And put a stop to that.

She wanted to make the world a better place. And to that, she needed to pair up with Joka. She sighed. "I'm sorry, I let my emotions run away... But Joka, you need to know you really hurt me. And I'm seriously considering leaving... But I have a mission. And I'll do it alone, or with you. And I guess it would be easier on the both of us to go together." She said, sadly. "Just... we need to work on things, and we need to sit down and have a long talk, you and I, if we're to get along..."

[Ashen]

Joka found that his hands were shaking. He looked down at them in surprise. He was trying hard to keep the rest of his body from shaking, as well.
Please leave me alone.
Zoey was speaking with such malice in her voice, but Joka couldn't help but feel he deserved it. He had almost killed someone. Maybe it wouldn't have been so bad if it was an infected Pokemon trying to destroy everyone and everything in its path, but Zoey wasn't infected. She was an innocent little Zorua that was only trying to learn about her purpose. She was trying to find out who she was, something Joka still didn't know about himself.
If she felt horrible, he felt worse.
He would never let it show, but Joka was torturing himself on the inside.
Friendly competition was healthy, it was fun, and it was beneficial.
But murder?
And the Charmeleon had been inches away from committing the crime.

No one could be trusted, anymore.
Not when there was so much negativity lurking in every corner. Not when a Pokemon you once called your brother tried to take the life from your eyes.
Zoey didn't know the hatred that had been born into this world days before. She didn't know what it was like, seeing the only Pokemon you had a tiny bit of trust in turn against you and shake the ground beneath your feet in an earthquake that felt suffocating. An earthquake that sent him running away from home, vowing to never trust again.
No, she didn't know what it was like, constantly having to be on your toes, ready for combat at all times just for survival.
Joka had believed he was protecting himself, and even protecting Zoey. He didn't know who had attacked him, and assuming the worst, he reacted. The past days had quickly turned him even more bitter. But Zoey didn't understand that. She couldn't; she didn't even know what the darkness was.
So he could never explain his actions to her.
And why would she listen to him? She hated him now, anyway.

Each word the little Pokemon uttered felt like ice digging through his spine.
I don't know if I want to go with you.
At those icicles, Joka walked to the window and gazed at the world outside. It was getting dark, and in the distance the trees in the forest swayed lightly. The world seemed peaceful, for once.
But upon closer inspection, darkness loomed in the forest. The sky was dark not because it was late at night, but because the darkness had become a perpetual blanket over the world, suffocating it. Somewhere, a Pokemon was dying from the evil eating their soul. Somewhere, a Pokemon was watching someone they loved turn heartless.
Somewhere, a lone Charmeleon was wishing he was anywhere but where he was.

Joka had never had friends.
But, why was that?
Was it because Tobi was so much better at socializing than he was, and so he stole every possible friend Joka could get? Was it because three was a crowd that Joka couldn't take, and often distanced himself from his brother's friends?
Or perhaps it wasn't because of the dragon-type at home at all. Perhaps it was Joka's own fault.
He never sought anyone out. He expected everyone to approach him, and no one ever did. He often slouched when surrounded by other Pokemon. He could fake his pride well enough, but other Pokemon made him extremely uncomfortable, and it would show. He didn't carry himself right at all.
Or maybe Joka didn't have friends because he was such a rude bastard.
He concentrated his eyes on a dim star in the sky. He wasn't that rude, was he? But, could anyone blame him? His life was anything but pleasant. He didn't even know who his parents were. What he had been born for. Who he was.
Joka swallowed a lump in his throat.
He was a rude bastard. And just because his life wasn't the best, no, that wasn't any excuse.

He was used to Pokemon not trusting him.
But Zoey had. And he had ruined that.
Was it even worth trying again? Was it worth regaining her trust? Now she knew he could kill her, but then, she had known that before, hadn't she? And yet she still agreed to battle him, so he could test her. So he could help her. She had put so much trust in him, and he had failed her.
Like she had said, Zoey had no one else to turn to. Joka didn't think her leaving alone would be the wisest decision. She was injured, and she wasn't strong. If she were to be attacked by an infected Pokemon, she'd be done for.
How could he leave her, knowing that was her fate?
But she didn't want him. Joka might have been terrible at reading Pokemon, but he could tell when he wasn't wanted. It was the one social cue he had seen the most, and he knew when to recognize it.
Zoey didn't want him around.
So he couldn't stay. He wouldn't stay.

Zoey started speaking again, so Joka turned away from the window and looked right at her. He stared into her eyes, maintaining perfect eye contact. She was apologizing. Why was she apologizing? Joka would have been, if he weren't too full of himself.
The Zorua wanted to complete her mission, but it wouldn't have taken an Alakazam to see that she wouldn't succeed. Joka wasn't trying to be mean; there was no way a Zorua who didn't know how to fight would last long in this dark world. She'd need lots of training, and she may not complete her mission for years. She may never complete it at all. Joka had to accompany her. He wanted to get to Mew as well. He wanted to stop this darkness.
For once, he wanted to be a hero.

Joka didn't like the idea of a long talk. Socializing had never been his strongpoint. A long conversation seemed a chore to him, but he took a seat on the floor and looked up at Zoey.
"I understand your distrust in me," he said softly. "I get that. I lost all trust in my brother after he tried to kill me. Except, he attacked me with every intention to kill me. He wanted me dead. I don't want you dead." He looked away from Zoey. "I'm going to find Mew," he said. "And I will make the world a better place. You could benefit from this journey. You'd get a lot stronger on the way. And Mew might have your answers, too." If she's real.
But Joka couldn't think that the tales were false. This was his one hope, and he couldn't let it die.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey knew her words hurt, and she tried not to feel badly. But she couldn't seem to not care. "Joka..." She said quietly, as he looked her straight in the eyes, after finishing. "I... I forgive you." She said, looking deep into his eyes, wanting him to know that she meant it. "I know you didn't mean to kill me. I didn't know I would be capable of surprising you like that..." She took a deep breath, and continued. "I have no one else to turn to. I've only been here for about a day, and you saved my life, a few times. I'm helpless, Joka. And I want to get better, I want to be strong. I don't want to have to worry about being killed by any and every pokemon who wants to use me as a stepping stone..." She said, closing her eyes, and laying her head back down on the table.

"I'm sorry for what I said, Joka... But you do need to learn to be more sociable." She said softly, so only he could hear her. "If you keep trying to push people away, no one will have the chance to befriend you." She smiled a tiny bit. She could see that he was uncomfortable around others. Why? She didn't know. But she had a gut feeling that he wanted a friend, wanted to not be so rude. Maybe he didn't know how?

Zoey was feeling groggy again, the medication was sedating her again. She'd make a full recovery, of that, she was certain. "I'm gonna come with you. I want to help... Not knowing who I am, or anything about me makes me uncomfortable... I guess I just have to find out who I want to be and become my own person, hmm? Even if it is different than who I was before... I dunno if I'm making sense, I'm feeling kinda drowsy... I'm gonna make the world a better place... For you, for me, for... her..." She started dozing off a little bit, but shook herself awake again.

Zoey was feeling really peculiar, she had just felt intense dislike for the pokemon before her, but now she felt some sort of affection. Was there pity? She didn't know. She wished he could have an easier life. No pokemon deserved to hurt like that. But what could she do? She was just a weak, little, helpless Zorua.

"I need to sleep, Joka..." She was already drifting off to sleep. And in her semi-conscious mind, she spoke a few words she wasn't aware of speaking. "Please stay by my side..."

[Ashen]

The way she spoke his name, those two syllables made Joka turn his eyes back to her. She was so small on the hospital bed. She was so small in the world.
I forgive you.
Joka couldn't look at her anymore.
When was the last time he had heard that?
He swallowed the lump in his throat and blinked away tears, surprised to be showing so much emotion. He wasn't an emotional Pokemon at all. He had kept all his emotions bottled inside of him. And he would continue doing the same.
Joka's glossy eyes were dried before the Zorua could catch sight of any sparkling tear.

The Charmeleon agreed with what Zoey was saying. He did need to be more sociable. He was just tired of trying, tired of failing.
He didn't answer her, just gave a small shrug.
How could he get to know others if he didn't even know himself?
Joka turned his gaze to the floor, studying the pattern of the tiles.
Maybe Zoey wouldn't be the only one finding herself on this journey. Maybe he would, too.
He could sure hope.

The little Pokemon on the hospital bed seemed to be having a hard time staying awake. Joka watched her from the corner of his eye. She was smiling and then fading. She needed the rest. She needed to heal.
Joka was about to leave her to get some sleep when her last words stopped him.
Had someone asked him to stay with them?
Joka turned to look at the Zorua, but it looked like she was already asleep. He opened his mouth to speak but there were no more words. There was no question; he would stay with her tonight. It was the least he could do.
He didn't have anywhere to spend the night, anyway.
Joka sat down on the floor and leaned his back against the wall. From where he was sitting he could see Zoey's face. He gave a small smile to her. "Night, Zo," he murmured quietly.
He hadn't realized just how exhausted he was. Only moments after he had closed his eyes was Joka sleeping. Though naturally a light sleeper, he was in a deep sleep in a place far from home.
Wherever his home was.

[Drakonnas]

Morning came, and Zoey woke up, sore, but not in as much pain as she had been the day before, not nearly as much. She yawned, and looked around. It was still dark outside, though the first signs of daylight were beginning to show themselves. The sun was just starting to rise, and the dark blue night sky was starting to fade away. She looked around, listening. The hospital was very quiet, the only pokemon up and moving around was Audino, who was taking care of various things.

As she moved about a little bit, the Audino noticed her, and walked her way, smiling. Whispering, as to not wake the other sleeping pokemon, he spoke to her. "Good morning, Zorua. Are you feeling any better? Are you still in any pain?" Zoey responded to him, she was feeling much better, but still in a little bit of pain. It wasn't anything she couldn't handle, a little bit of discomfort she could take quite easily.

The Audino nodded, and turned to get a little bit of medication. "This may sting a bit, but it'll help you. Trust me." He said. And with Zoey's permission, he sprayed the medication on the little black pokemon. Zoey squirmed a little bit, it did sting. But after a few minutes, the pain was gone. Completely, totally gone. She sighed in relief, and lay back down, resting. "There you go, sweetie." He said, putting the medication away. "Now, feel free to get up, just be quiet, ok?"

Zoey nodded, and hopped lightly off the table. It felt wonderful to not be in pain anymore. At that thought, another memory flashed back into her mind. Memories of writhing in agony, not after Joka's attack, but at the most random times. She didn't know why, but she remembered being attacked by seemingly nothing, and having to spend the next day or so resting. But what did that mean? She didn't know, and frankly, didn't care. She was in a good mood, no longer held back by the suffering.

She needed Joka to wake up now, but he seemed to be sleeping peacefully. She didn't want to wake him up.

- - - Updated - - -

Morning came, and Zoey woke up, sore, but not in as much pain as she had been the day before, not nearly as much. She yawned, and looked around. It was still dark outside, though the first signs of daylight were beginning to show themselves. The sun was just starting to rise, and the dark blue night sky was starting to fade away. She looked around, listening. The hospital was very quiet, the only pokemon up and moving around was Audino, who was taking care of various things.

As she moved about a little bit, the Audino noticed her, and walked her way, smiling. Whispering, as to not wake the other sleeping pokemon, he spoke to her. "Good morning, Zorua. Are you feeling any better? Are you still in any pain?" Zoey responded to him, she was feeling much better, but still in a little bit of pain. It wasn't anything she couldn't handle, a little bit of discomfort she could take quite easily.

The Audino nodded, and turned to get a little bit of medication. "This may sting a bit, but it'll help you. Trust me." He said. And with Zoey's permission, he sprayed the medication on the little black pokemon. Zoey squirmed a little bit, it did sting. But after a few minutes, the pain was gone. Completely, totally gone. She sighed in relief, and lay back down, resting. "There you go, sweetie." He said, putting the medication away. "Now, feel free to get up, just be quiet, ok?"

Zoey nodded, and hopped lightly off the table. It felt wonderful to not be in pain anymore. At that thought, another memory flashed back into her mind. Memories of writhing in agony, not after Joka's attack, but at the most random times. She didn't know why, but she remembered being attacked by seemingly nothing, and having to spend the next day or so resting. But what did that mean? She didn't know, and frankly, didn't care. She was in a good mood, no longer held back by the suffering.

She needed Joka to wake up now, but he seemed to be sleeping peacefully. She didn't want to wake him up.

[Ashen]

He dreamt he was running, like he had when taking Zoey to the hospital, but this time he was running away from something. Joka wasn't sure what he was running from. He just knew he had to get away.
It seemed fruitless, running and running with no destination in mind. Joka was exhausted. He didn't want to run anymore.
So he stopped. He looked around, but he was alone.
And, he realized, that's how he always had been.
That was what he was running from.

Joka woke up just in time to see Zoey leap from her hospital bed, looking much better than she had yesterday. He let out a sigh of relief and got up himself, stretching his muscles. He felt better, too, although he was still exhausted. His legs were burning, as if his dream was real.
But Zoey was okay, and that's what mattered.

Joka looked over at the little Pokemon. "Mornin'," he called to her. A yawn erupted from the Charmeleon's mouth, sending small flames in the air around him. He looked back at her.
"I hope you're feeling better. You certainly look better. We can probably leave today, huh?"
He hated the hospital. He hated the smell, a fragrance of death mixed with disinfectant. He wanted to be out there, getting to Mew. This hospital trip, though vital, was only slowing him down.

"Zo?"
Joka looked at her with soft eyes. He hesitated before opening his mouth again, but when he did he snapped it shut. He couldn't.
"I hope that I can make this up to you by helping you get the answers you need."
There, his apology. It was the closest he would ever to get to apologizing. He was admitting his wrong, something he never did.
Joka would get to Mew. And he would stop the darkness. He would find Zoey's answers.
But he wondered, what would happen after all that? Would Zoey leave, finding his purpose now gone?
He couldn't think of that now. Priority one was getting the answers.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey jumped a little bit, startled by the sudden call. She thought that he had been sleeping! "Good morning, Joka!" She said happily, seeming to forget that he had been the one to attack her in the first place. None of that mattered anymore. She had already forgiven him for that, and she was fully recovered now. There was no use crying over every mistake, she had to just keep on trying 'till she ran out of cake. (hehe, I just had to make that reference, sorry if it didn't make sense!)

"I'm feeling so much better!" the little black pokemon said with a smile. "I really am. Thank you for helping me out there. Again." She seemed to trail off a little bit on the word "again", she seemed to feel a little guilty by having him saver her again. But then she remembered he didn't like being thanked, and hastily moved on.

She listened to his words, not quite sure if they were meant to be an apology, or something else entirely. "We have a lot of work cut out for us. Let's not waste any time, and start getting stuff done, right away!" She said firmly. "So what if I fail once? Twice? Twenty times? I'll keep at it until I succeed." She said firmly. There was no option for failure. It simply wasn't an option to her. She wouldn't fail. It would not happen.

"What are you waiting for, slowpoke? Come on, let's get goin'! I'm gonna train with or without you, so hurry that flaming tail of yours out the door, and let's get started!" She was feeling unusually peppy and cheerful today. Why was that? She didn't know. But she felt like she had a boundless amount of energy that she could release, and it almost felt like she was hyperactive. "Come on, come on, hurry up! We don't have all day!"

[Ashen]

Joka was glad to hear Zoey was feeling better but his smile faded when she thanked him for saving her. He had been the one to nearly kill her, after all. And he hated being thanked.
He shrugged it off and saw that she did the same, dismissing her show of gratitude completely.

He noticed that the girl was hyper today. Perhaps the medicines they gave her went straight to her head.
"I'm coming," he muttered. "And I am not a Slowpoke, thanks."
He stretched again and started out the door right after Zoey. They did need to train, and Joka had gotten enough from yesterday's battle to know her faults. He'd take her to the forest first, to see how she would manage a few bugs crawling around her. But, Joka realized, he was at the hospital. He was miles away from familiar land.
He had no idea where he was.

"We're going to have to go on a bit of an adventure just finding a place to train," he said to the small Pokemon. He wouldn't admit they were lost. He would just act like he knew exactly where they were.
After stopping at the reception desk, Joka caught a glimpse of a map. He tried memorizing it before the two of them headed off.

The rain had started again.
Joka watched the raindrops fall, waving his tail behind him to dodge the water. "You'd think Kyogre was in the area, with all the rain that's been coming our way." He sighed and turned to Zoey. "Alright, squirt. It's raining out, which means fire won't do all that much and water is even more powerful. But then, you knew that. Maybe we should start you against some water-types. I'm sure if we follow that river we'd find some."
Joka didn't mind that his attacks would be weakened in the rain. He had steeled himself against water types before, and a little rain wouldn't kill him.

[Drakonnas]

"Slowpoke, slowpoke, you are a slowpoke!" Zoey sang in a singsong voice, running circles around Joka. "Come on, Joka, it's a beautiful day, we're gonna go do some training, and we're gonna succeed!" She couldn't explain her cheeriness, her amnesia seemed to have gotten worse, she seemed to have a harder time remembering things other than what was extremely important. AKA, Joka, the pokemon who would train her, and her ultimate goal of finding Mew. She might have come across to some others as possibly a little bit queer. Some might have said she had some sort of head injury or whatnot. But she felt fine, and dandy.

"Come on, Joka. Hurry up!" She was a very morning-savvy person, having lots of energy in the earlier parts of the day. But she was also aware that Joka wasn't a very happy pokemon, and would probably get annoyed, maybe so much so to the point of actually abandoning her. And Zoey couldn't handle being abandoned again. She had no one else. She knew no one else. And she was pretty sure that she would be killed by the infected pokemon if she was by herself before she could find anyone else who would even put up with her. She tried to calm herself up a little bit, and followed Joka silently.

It was raining rather heavily, and her fur was dripping with water, making her seem much smaller than she really was. It made it harder to move, and harder to see as well. They were walking by a rushing river, it was rather raucous and noisy, but not so much so that Joka would be hard to hear, if he said anything. She stopped after a little bit, looking around them with an interested look into the water, she thought she saw a glimmer of red...

[Ashen]

The little Zorua's peppiness was indeed starting to bother him.
Joka watched Zoey bounce about. She was in a really good mood, which was fine for her, but it might distract their training. Joka knew it was certainly distracing him already. Between the rain and the bouncing ball of fur beside him, the Charmeleon could not concentrate. He stopped walking and glared at the Zorua.
"Are you always this excitable?" he mumbled, catching her glance and following it. "What are you looking at?"
In the river, gently floating by, was a Goldeen. "That?" he mumbled. "Not worth your time." A small smirk crawled across the Pokemon's face as an idea struck. He sent a flamethrower towards the Goldeen. His fire extinguished as soon as it his the surface of the river. Joka hadn't been trying to attack the Goldeen; he only wanted its attention.
The Goldeen noticed the two. It was clearly a baby. There was no real point in battling it.
"You could practice your attacks on it. It won't hit back. Like a punching bag. Just don't kill it. Watch." Joka gathered rocks and hurled them at the Goldeen, placing them around the small fish Pokemon in a Rock Tomb. The Goldeen, realizing it was trapped, tried to break the stones.
Joka turned away from the river and looked at Zoey. "It's not much of a challenge, I know. But I figure your moves could use a little buffing-"
The Charmeleon's sentence was interrupted as he felt a water gun hit his back. Panicked, he turned to see that the Goldeen had help. Joka was staring into the eyes of a Seaking.
It's eyes were blazing red.

Joka backed away. The Goldeen was gone. The three of them were the only ones around. "Zoey," he said sternly. "I'm going to need your full concentration for this."
Going against a Seaking in the rain was something no Charmeleon would have liked to do, but this wasn't just any Seaking. It was infected. It was enraged.
It wanted to kill.
Knowing he didn't have much to attack a water-type, he had to turn to Zoey for help. He thought of all of the moves a Zorua could know. There wasn't too much Zoey could do, either. Joka wouldn't let himself panic. Everything was under control.

Another water gun came straight for Joka, but knowing that if he moved Zoey would take the hit, he didn't budge. The water rushed over his skin like a waterfall. "Move," he told Zoey. "Distract it." But the Seaking had its eyes locked on him. "On second thought..." he thought aloud.
They could run.
The Seaking was trapped in the river. A fish out of water wouldn't get far, and they could easily outrun it. But Joka didn't like running from a challenge. Had he been alone, he would have been far riskier in his attacks. But he could not let Zoey slip from his grasp once more.
"Calm down," Joka said to the Seaking, keeping his voice level. "I'm really sorry I have to do this."
Suddenly Joka was gone, appearing a few moments later right beside the river. His claws raked against the Pokemon in a Shadow Claw. Being so close to the water was dangerous for him, but anything with range would be put out by the rain.
They would need a strategy, and Joka was drawing a complete blank.

Thunder roared in the distance, followed by another attack from the Seaking. It tried a horn drill on Joka, missing him by centimeters.
"Attack him now," he called to Zoey. "You can do more to him than I can."

[Drakonnas]

As Joka attacked the goldeen, using a rock tomb, Zoey watched, with interest. But before she could really have a chance to do anything at all, Joka was hit in the back by a seaking, who was clearly pretty pissed off. This wasn't a great way to start their morning, but Zoey was ready to prove to herself and Joka that she could, in fact, handle a simple seaking.

Their situation was pretty bad, Zoey noted, knowing that Joka couldn't really do a whole lot against their enemy. It was infected, which made it ten times more dangerous. It wanted to kill them, not just defend its terratory. It would be much more aggressive. Zoey felt a strange power come over her, and her illusion activated. She was now another copy of Joka. She closed her eyes, and let loose a loud snarl, the sound waves slamming into the Seaking, lowering its special attack stat. That would make things easier on them if they wanted to use ranged moves, which she had a few of.

"Joka, are you ok?" She asked, shivering as a cold wind started to blow as well. The goldeen behind them was apparently trying to use icy wind, and it was working. Zoey felt herself slow down somewhat, it was harder to move when she was this cold. The rain wasn't helping things much either, but she knew that they could, in fact, overcome this. All the energy she had was still there, it was just a little more difficult to access.

The seaking turned to face her as her attack hit, blazing red eyes signifying it's bloodlust. It attacked her with a water gun, but because of the difference in size between her illusion and her actual self, the attack missed her. She kept attacking, using ranged Snarls, and eventually, the seaking fainted, collapsing in the water. "There ya go, Jokie!" She said happily, even though she was tired, and soaking wet.

[Ashen]

Joka couldn't do much more than spectate Zoey's battle between the Seaking. She kept unleashing snarls, but they were working and so Joka could not protest.
The cold wind, the rain, the thunder in the distance-the weather was distracting the Charmeleon. He was freezing, depsite the fire inside him. He needed to get them out of here. But how?
Zoey seemed fine, so Joka decided to concentrate on the Goldeen. It was slowing them down and freezing them. He sent a fire blast towards it, but because of the advantage Joka held in strength the Goldeen fainted immediately, despite the type disadvantage, the rain, and the river. Satisfied, Joka turned to the bigger problem, only to find that the bigger problem was gone.

The Charmeleon's mouth was agape as he stared at Zoey. "You finished it?" he muttered, turning his gaze to where the Seaking had been. "Well."
He was very impressed, but he quickly hid his emotion. "Your illusion was a nice one," he commented. "That was a pretty handsome Charmeleon you copied, wasn't it?" His words weren't at all conceited; Joka was trying to make a joke. An honest joke. When was the last time...

The little Zorua had more power than he thought. Perhaps he should giver her more responsibility.
Joka considered this as he started walking, expecting Zoey to follow. "We're soaked, and I don't know about you, but that's very bad for a fire-type. How about we wait out this storm until-" The rest of Joka's sentence was cut off as a loud boom of thunder drowned out his voice. He looked to the sky in time for a flash of lightning to rip the sky, followed by another boom of thunder seconds later. "That storm is pretty nasty," he said. A small smile crossed his lips. "See that house over there?" he asked Zoey, pointing with a claw. "Race you."

As the Pokemon set off for the house, he had to notice how different he was acting. He was smiling. Actually smiling. He was making jokes and games. This was so unlike him. Was it a good thing that he was suddenly changed?
And Zoey had called him Jokie. Tobi had called him that before, and his mother a long time ago. He hated that name. But coming from Zoey, he didn't really mind.
He looked behind him at the Zorua. "You're going slow, Zo!" he yelled so he could be heard over the storm. Turning back towards the house, he pressed on, knowing that the Zorua's four legs could easily get Zoey farther and faster than his two. That could be a good thing; after all, Joka didn't even know whose house he was running to. If it was the house of an infected, they'd need to run. Charmeleon's speed wasn't the best, he knew, but maybe if Zoey could run away for help.
But they wouldn't need help. Because they made a pretty good team.
Even Joka had to admit that.

[Drakonnas]

As Zoey looked around her, after defeating the Seaking, she noted that Joka had taken down the Goldeen. They were doing pretty well, but Zoey did feel pretty drained. It was a good thing that she had brought along some Leftovers from the hospital, she slowly was feeling rejuvenated. The rain was not letting up, and if anything, it was raining harder. Zoey wondered how Joka was doing, he was a fire type, after all, and fire types didn't really like the rain that much. Zoey decided that she would suggest they look for shelter when the Charmeleon started speaking.

Zoey chuckled at his joke about her Charmeleon vision. "Thank you. Sure, it was handsome, if you liked it." she winked, and turned back to the roaring river. She shivered a little bit, hating to think what might happen if either of them fell in it. They'd certainly be rushed away by the swift current, neither of them were probably good enough swimmers. But at the thought of swimming, something else popped into her mind. There was this queer sensation that there was something else, someone else, that she was trying to remember... But what was it?

She listened to the next words that Charmeleon spoke, smiling. It was the very idea that she was going to suggest. She was still cold from the Goldeen's attacks, and the rain that was falling on them now wasn't helping things much. At the idea of a race, she nodded enthusiastically. It would be fun, though the mud that would get splattered on her fur would be no fun to clean off. "Sure, I'll race you!" She replied, and began running towards the cottage.

But that's when it happened. As she was about halfway to the cottage, it happened. It felt like every cell in her body was exploding. Extreme pain shot through her, and she collapsed, all use of her limbs gone. She flailed helplessly about, crying in what was very clearly intense agony. Her vision faded, her hearing faded, all of her senses faded, all that existed was pain. The torturous pain. And another vision came. She was laying on the ground, her sister was picking her up, and sitting on the bed next to her, applying a wet washcloth to her burning forehead. But... she was human. What was going on? It was as if she was both human and pokemon... She knew she was a zorua, but at the same time, instinctively knew that the human on the bed was her. And memory came back to her. Not much, but memory...

[Ashen]

Zoey wasn't catching up to him. Joka slowed to a walk before turning to find out what was going on.
"What's wrong, Zo? Goldeen's wind didn't slow you that much, did-"
He stopped as he saw the little Zorua fall. Her cries pierced Joka's ears. "Zo?" he yelled, running towards her. "Zoey, hey, stop it. Get up..." But she wasn't faking it. That was obvious. No Pokémon could ever fake those awful cries of pain.

Joka did not know what to do. Zoey's twists in pain reminded him of his brother. This very thing had happened to Tobi.
Tobi had been so normal. He had been a normal kid, and a normal, rebellious teen. But once that darkness overcame him, everything had changed. Joka flinched as he remembered the way Tobi's arms stiffened in pain, until they swung at him in a Dragon Claw that was far too powerful. Was that what was happening to Zoey? But how? She hadn't gotten the darkness from that Seaking, had she? Joka would have noticed that.
But, if she wasn't being transformed, what was going on?

A sense of panic washed over the Charmeleon, heavier than the rain washing his dry skin. He couldn't decide what to do. If Zoey was becoming infected, would it be better to finish her off now? Or should he let her suffer in the hopes of a future cure? His parents were doing the latter for Tobi, but was it really worth it? Zoey was in so much pain...
Shaking his head, Joka ran towards the Zorua. He slipped his sharp claws under her body and ran the rest of the way to the cottage. Joka wasn't thinking of reason anymore; he was thinking that he needed to save the Zorua in his arms, no matter what.

Joka pounded on the door of the cottage, hoping that someone-anyone-was home. After a moment, he sent a fire blast at the door, burning it down. He'd worry about expenses later. "Hello?" he called. No one answered.
Sighing, Joka laid Zoey on the couch and started pacing. No one was home. Just his luck.
"Zoey?" he tried. "Zoey, please, speak to me."

[Drakonnas]

The pain began to ebb away, and Zoey fell slowly back into consciousness. She was vaguely aware of someone standing over her. "Kayla...? Is that you...?" She murmured quietly, not really aware of herself yet. "I'm sorry, Kay... It happened again..." She was slowly waking, and saw that it was not her sister, but Joka standing in front of her, looking more than a little bit worried. She wasn't sure exactly what had happened, was she a pokemon or a human? She couldn't be both, could she?

"Joka..." she sighed after a few more minutes. "What... happened...?" She asked herself, trying to remember what was going on. It was all a big blur to her. Things were slowly coming back, and after she spoke, she remembered. They had been having a race to get to some shack, when she had had another one of her attacks. "Ugh... how long was I out?" She asked, worried. They tended to range from a minute, to five minutes at a time, with recovery times of ten minutes to an hour. She had no idea how long she had been unconscious...

Zoey knew that Joka was concerned about her based on the expression on his face, and the fact that they were now in a cabin. "Joka... I didn't remember that this happened, but the pain brought back a memory... I was a human at some point. And I have no idea who I was, or how I was transformed into a pokemon, but I know I had a sister named Kayla... and I would get these attacks every so often... I don't understand it any better than that right now..." The news was probably shocking to him, and he'd probably scoff at her, and perhaps say she needed to be put in an insane asylum or something.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine, this won't stop our mission."

[Ashen]

Joka started when Zoey spoke. He wasn't concerned with what she was saying as much as the fact that she was saying something. She was okay, for the most part.
He didn't have to correct her. She realized he wasn't a Kayla soon enough. Joka wondered who Kayla was, and why Zoey was calling to her as she slipped from semi-consciousness.
At the mention of a memory, Joka's expression faded. He stood taller. His breaths became more shallow. A memory could mean anything.
The Charmeleon nodded and he listened.

Joka let the girl finish her tale out of respect. It was a preposterous tale-Pokemon didn't just become humans, and humans couldn't become Pokemon. That idea was just barbaric, and Joka didn't believe a word of it.
"Right," he said finally. "You were a human. Well. I guess it's good that you aren't one of those nasty beings, now."
He turned away from her and walked into an adjacent room. Now that Zoey was better, his expression was back to normal. He no longer looked panicked, though he didn't like the idea of being in a stranger's house while the stranger was not home. Anyone could live here, and since he had barged in, they probably would be less than hospitable. He was too drained to fight anyone else, but if he absolutely had to, he would.

The house was a quaint one, with large windows in the single bedroom. Joka didn't mean to snoop around, but he wanted to find some sort of clue as to what the purpose of this cabin was. He found nothing and so he returned to Zoey. It had been a few minutes since she had awoken. "Feeling any better?" he asked. "Have any idea what came over you?"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey looked around her, a little bit uncomfortable, she could tell that Joka didn't believe her. She was really on edge now, he clearly hated humans, and that made her a little bit uncomfortable. She knew she was a human, but she was also a pokemon. So what was she really? Where did her true loyalties lie? She didn't remember much of anything about her life as a human, the only thing she remembered was that she had attacks sometime, and that she had a sister names Kayla.

Joka left the room, and Zoey looked around. She hated feeling so weak. Not only was she a young, helpless pokemon, but she was also a cripple. How could she possibly survive this? She wanted nothing more than to be strong, that to be reliable, reliably strong. She wanted to know that she could survive, she wanted to survive this apocalypse. She wanted to prove to herself, and to Joka, that she wasn't a weakling.

Joka came back in the room, and spoke to her. "I... I'm sorry, Joka. When I was really young, I had a very bad illness that almost killed me. A Blissey was able to cure me after a few months, and ever since then, I've been scarred by these attacks. I randomly get them, it's pain beyond explanation, it's... I have no words to describe how painful these attacks are... It blots out every sense. I cannot see anything but pain. I cannot hear anything but the sound of my own screams. I can't taste anything but the metallic taste of blood. You get the point..."

But she was interrupted as an old pokemon hobbled in. It was a torkoal. "Eh... excuse me, young' uns, but what are you doing in my humble cottage?" He asked, slowly walking towards the injured zorua on the couch.

[Ashen]

Joka managed to hide a wince at Zoey's explanation. Having to live with such attacks of pain? How could she do that? And yet, there she was, still surviving. Maybe Zoey was stronger. Maybe she was a lot stronger than anyone could guess upon first glance. Even so, Joka could not imagine living with such physical pain, such darkness and horror. He knew pain, but most of his was inside of him. Most of his pain was in his heart. He had seen pain; Tobi, and then Zoey, writhing as something took over their bodies. But he could not imagine what went through that poor Zorua's mind as such tremors overtook her.

He decided not to think about it. It was over now, and she was okay. Zoey was okay, save for the fact she thought she was a human. That was insane, but that idea would soon fade, he imagined. Unless she was a human.
Was that really so farfetched? A human turning into a Pokemon... That's what Phantump was, after all. The spirit of a dead human child... But Zoey was not a Phantump. She was a Zorua. Zorua could not be humans. It wasn't possible.
There were a lot of mysteries in this world, though. Joka knew that. He knew there were a lot of things he didn't know. He didn't know why darkness was taking over the world. He didn't know where he had come from, or what the tooth around his neck meant. He didn't know where Zoey had come from, and why she was claiming to be a homo sapien. It was certainly possible that Zoey was telling the truth. But it was also possible-and far more likely-that she was crazy.
Joka didn't know what to believe.

The Charmeleon was pulled from his thoughts at the sound of the door opening. In walked a confused Torkoal, and he had every right to be. Joka stepped up to the task of explaining.
"Hello, sir," he said politely. "I'm so sorry to just barge in on your home, but my friend here was in a lot of pain and I needed to get her out of the rain. I'm afraid I don't have much to compensate you, but if you need a favor I'm sure we could oblige. I hope you don't mind us waiting the storm out in here?" Thunder boomed outside, which startled Joka. He turned to the window. "It sure is coming down," he murmured, a slight pang of worry tinting his words.

[Drakonnas]

The Torkoal listened sagely to Joka speak, an air of calm impassiveness surrounding him. The white smoke coming from his shell was very warm, and it heated up the place considerably, until it was nice and toasty, a welcome change from the rain outside. "Of course you may stay here while the storm subsides." He said gently, walking over to Zorua, and examining the small pokemon. "Please, make yourselves at home, it's not often I get visitors, ho ho ho..." He chuckled to himself, and sat down on the floor.

"You need not worry about the door, my young man. It is easy enough to fix." The torkoal said with a smile. He closed his eyes, and the earth below them began to rumble gently, until some stones from underneath the ground pushed the door back up and in place. His ancientpower had placed the door back where it should be.

"There. All's well again." The Torkoal was an old gentle pokemon, who loved to chat, it seemed. He waited patiently for Joka to make himself comfortable, Zoey still lay immobile on the couch. She could move, but she just didn't feel like it at the moment. "Yes, there has been a large downpour of rain. I think the Politoed are passing through, they tend to move around, and when they do, rain tends to follow them. I highly doubt it's a Kyogre, those legendary pokemon are almost never even seen. It could also be a few Bronzong, they do have a tendency to summon the rain."

Torkoal smiled wisely, and looked upon Joka. "Young man, something ails you. I do not expect you to talk to me, it seems you are the strong and silent type. I do not pretend to know what ails you, but if you should need some advice, I am more than capable of giving it. Also, young man? Your friend over there needs you, more than you know. And you need her, more than either of you know. If you want to succeed on this quest of yours, you must work together." He smiled, and closed his eyes. "Now. If you wish to chat, young man, feel free to do so. Otherwise, my little lady over there, you can feel free to speak as well. We have awhile until the rain stops."

[Ashen]

Joka was enjoying the homey feel of the cottage. It was a lot more comfortable with the Torkoal in it; without him, it was just any other building. It was so much more, now. It was a home.
Joka was impressed at the old Pokemon's repair. The door looked even nicer now, the stones providing a nice pattern for the door. It was almost magical, what the Torkoal was doing. It made Joka want to stay in this little cottage, where everything was peaceful and the darkness did not exist.

The Pokemon's question startled the Charmeleon. He turned his head a bit to the side and let a short breath out of his nostrils. "I'm fine, thank you," he insisted. He looked to Zoey, limp on the couch. He hoped she was okay. He wouldn't speak, not in front of her. That would be showing weakness, and he needed her to think he was strong. He couldn't have her thinking he was weak. What if she left? As much as he tried denying it, Joka didn't want her to leave. They were a team now. They had a mission, and they would accomplish that goal. They'd find Mew. And they'd be deemed heroes.
He hoped.

Joka turned to watch the rain again. How did the Torkoal know something was bugging him? Torkoal were wise Pokemon, he knew, but was his facade that flawed? He needed to remain perfectly free of emotion.
"Thank you for the concern, sir," Joka said. "But I assure you, I am fine." He took a seat across from the Torkoal on the floor. "How do you feel, Zo Zo?" he asked Zoey, trying to change the subject.

[Drakonnas]

The cottage was starting to feel warm, and actually very comfortable. The smoke from Torkoal's body was warming the house up considerably, it was now warm and dry. Zoey felt much more comfortable now, it was an actual home, no longer just a shelter. She watched as the old pokemon spoke to Joka, wondering what it was that he saw between them. What else did the pokemon know, but not tell them? What else was it that he could see? She knew they were very wise, and wondered what else he had to say. Ignoring advice from a torkoal was about as wise as grabbing a Ninetails' tail.

Joka seemed a bit surprised by the words Torkoal spoke as well, but he shrugged them off, apparently. Zoey wondered what he was thinking, she could never quite tell. She had ideas, of course, but as to what was going through his mind? She never really knew. It was frustrating sometimes, as well. He didn't want to talk, and turned the conversation over to her. Zoey thought for a few moments.

"Mr. Torkoal, do you know why pokemon are becoming infected?" She asked him, looking intently into his eyes. "And what can be done to stop this? HAs anything like this ever happened before? Is it possible to recover if you've been infected?"

The Torkoal listened to the questions, and was silent for several minutes, thinking. He spoke again, after a long pause. "...No." He said after a while. "No, I don't know what is going on, or how to stop it. I do, however, think that it might be possible to recover from. How? I don't know. I just get the feeling that it is all down to the individual. It is all down to you. I don't know exactly. I suggest going to see Mew, locate her. Or him. Mew should be able to give you answers." The pokemon said, finally smiling.

"Mr. Torkoal, what do you know by looking at me?" Zoey asked, intrigued by his intuition.

The Torkoal hummed, and turned to face her, thinking. After another, longer pause, he began to speak again. "I think you're a kind young individual with many more troubles than I can see." He said. "It is clear to me that you need friendship, companionship. You haven't socialized that much. I can't really tell why, I'm not psychic, you know. But I think that you're a polite young individual, with much to offer." He turned away, chuckling. "Young 'uns these days."

Zoey was a little confused, that wasn't what she was expecting. But it was accurate. She was about to speak when the elderly pokemon spoke once more. "One other thing. You have a heart of gold, a good heart. Keep your heart strong and pure, lass." He looked over at Joka with a meaningful look, and then back at Zoey. He smiled. She could take that however she wanted to.

Zoey was more confused now. "What do you mean by that?"

Torkoal wouldn't say another word.

[Ashen]

Joka's eyes darted from Zorua to Torkoal, watching the way the elder Pokemon's demeanor changed at the smaller Pokemon's question. She was asking about the darkness. Could the Torkoal possibly know anything about this?
His answer disappointed Joka. He was expecting an answer, and not receiving one upset him more than he'd care to admit. He turned away. It might be possible to recover. Even if the Joka didn't give the old Torkoal a whole lot of credibility, he liked the hope of his answer. There was a chance. There was a chance that Pokemon like Tobi wouldn't be gone forever.
At that, he had to smile.

He watched the rest of the conversation like a fly on the wall. He didn't speak up until the Torkoal stopped replying to Zoey after giving her some strange answer. Heart of Gold? Perhaps the Pokemon was battier than a trip through Dark Cave. Maybe he really didn't know what he was talking about. Maybe Torkoal weren't as wise as everyone thought.
Or maybe his words did hold some meaning. But Joka didn't like what he didn't understand, and so he dismissed the subject entirely.

"Torkoal," the Charmeleon called. "Do you know the way to the Tree of Life? Maybe a shortcut you can give us or something? I'd like to get us there and ask Mew about this darkness before it eats all of our innocent alive. What will we do if the infected outnumber the healthy? The innocent won't stand a chance. We'd soon all fall victim to this. And then what's to become of the world? We cannot let that happen." His expression had grown more solemn. "We really do need to get there quickly, but with so many...obstacles in the way, it won't really be easy."

[Drakonnas]

Torkoal looked over at Charmeleon with a somewhat more curious eye. "There are many pokemon who want to find the Tree of Life. Not all who try to find it have good hearts. Your heart is not pure enough to find the Tree, Charmeleon. You lack certain qualities that are needed. And you, Zorua, you cannot find the tree either. You lack the strength to overcome the challenges ahead. You will perish and die if you attempt this. Your attacks will come, and they will be your death."

Zoey turned to look at the Torkoal, hurt, and angry. But before she could say anything, he continued speaking. "Bite your tongue, young one." He said, still looking at them curiously, a hint of a frown on his face... or was it a smile? "Charmeleon, this Zorua has the qualities needed to find and access the Tree of Life. You need her if you want to succeed. But she cannot get there without you. She needs you. You both need my help. But I need to know if your worthy or not." Torkoal said, looking serious.

"What do you want out of this trip? Why are you going there? To inquire about this disease, no? Why? What are your goals? What do you want to accomplish by going on this long and dangerous trip?" He asked, frowning. "And before you answer that, there is one other thing you must know. You cannot gain access to the Tree of Life without permission. No, not my permission. You must seek permission from the legendary muskateers. Terrakion, Verizion, and Cobalion. You must gain their approval before you can think about going to the Tree of Life."

Zoey was quiet, she didn't know what to think now.

[Ashen]

Joka was angered at the Torkoal's words. He wasn't worthy enough to journey to the Tree of Life? And who did this old Pokemon think he was, anyway? How was he to know who was worthy and who wasn't?
He managed to remain silent at the turtle went on, rambling about how they'd die if they set off for the Tree of Life alone. Joka didn't like the idea of being dependent on anyone, especially not some Torkoal he had just met, or some Zorua he could easily defeat in battle. He didn't believe he needed them, wouldn't believe he needed anyone. He had been independent all his life, and while the added fighters would help, they certainly weren't required. Not to Joka.

The Charmeleon pondered Torkoal's questions. He wanted to ask about the darkness so he could stop it. He didn't want it tearing homes apart like it had done to his. He didn't want it putting former friends against each other in a battle to the death. Plus, he wanted to do something with his life. He wasn't known for anything, and with his attitude, he never would be. But if he could save the world, people would sure appreciate him then.
Joka also wanted to visit Mew in the hopes that she would know something about his past. It plagued him, not knowing where his roots were, where he came from, what he was before his mother found him. He was dying to know, but he had had no one to ask. But if Mew knew so much about the world, she had to know about him, right?

"Terrakion, Verizion, and Cobalion?" Joka let out a sigh. He knew next to nothing about the legendary trio of the Unova region. He didn't know how to approach them, or even where to go.
"Why do we need their permission?" he asked. "Where can we find them? How do we win their trust?" He was eager to show everyone he was capable of completing any challenge they gave him. And besides, Joka was on a mission. You never interrupted a man on a mission.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey was frustrated at the old Torkoal, but at the same time, she could see the truth in his words about her. She would not survive in dangerous situations. She was weak, could not take many hits, and her attacks didn't do a whole lot of damage. And in addition to that, she was worried that her attacks would come at a bad time, and one of the infected pokemon would kill her. She knew she couldn't do this alone. And could she even ask Joka to let her accompany him?

She glanced a look over at Joka, and was scared by what she saw. His look was not one that was friendly. She could tell that he didn't like what the Torkoal had said either. He didn't like being told that he couldn't do something, that he was dependent on another. She could see it in his eyes that he wanted to prove Torkoal wrong. And suddenly, her trust in him seemed to vanish.

She was the weak link in their team, she would be a nuisance, not a help. Or so Joka seemed to believe. If it fit his purposes, Zoey felt like he would simply leave her out to die. The look in his eyes was not one that led her to want to go on this journey. Why was she doing this in the first place? She had no one to trust, and Joka was the first pokemon she had met. She wanted to find out more about her past. But what else could she do? Go home and give up? Zoey wasn't one to give up.

Zoey turned away from Joka, clearly bothered. She didn't say anything, but resolved to train every minute she wasn't busy. She was going to surprise him one day, one day she would defeat him in battle. Then he'd respect her. Then he'd want her around. But right now? He clearly didn't want her. And she didn't blame him. She was a pathetic weakling, who was always in danger. She hated that.

Torkoal listened to Joka speak. "I cannot help you with that. That is something you must do for yourself. However, I can give you a hint about where to start looking. Why do you need their permission? Each of the sacred muskateers has part of the key to open the path to the Tree of Life. You must obtain each part to make the key whole. Only then will the path be open. As to where the three muskateers lie..."

Torkoal closed his eyes, and started humming an old and ancient tune.

"Bye the fyreside whar no oran growes
In the muntain whar the heate wind doth blowes.

Inn the old crypt whar evile spirits flowe,
Whar no sane pokemon dareth to go.

In a sacrede forrest that grass types know
A peacefull place whar you will finde no foe.

Go to these three places without much strife,
and you will have access to the Tree of Life"


'

Zoey listened, spellbound by the music. It entranced her, and she froze. There was something about it that was haunting, and yet beautiful, peaceful, yet filled with anxiety, relaxed, yet filled with tension. Zoey wanted to keep listening. It felt like an eternity, and yet only a second.

What did it mean though? She had a hunch that the lyrics were telling them the location of the three muskateers. But she didn't know for sure...

As Torkoal finished, Zoey listened, and thought for a minute. "Joka." She said, her voice strangely strong. "I'm going to train. You can follow me or not. I don't care. I'm gonna get strong. I'm gonna be the strongest ever. I'm gonna beat you in battle one day. Then you'll see. Then you'll see I'm not a weakling like you think I am. I'll prove that I can overcome my own weaknesses. I'm going to find Mew to prove that I can. And I'm going to fix this infection problem. No one thinks the runt can do anything. I'll prove you all wrong."

She left the Torkoal's house, it had stopped raining. She was determined to get stronger. She didn't care how hurt she got, she would overcome.

As both pokemon left the old Torkoal's house, the old pokemon watched them from the window. And something strange happened. The Torkoal seemed to change color. It turned a light pink, and shrunk. A small, pink, catlike pokemon was now watching them go. It smiled. Maybe they would be the ones she needed. She let out a small, gentle "mew!" and vanished.

[Ashen]

Joka was still trying to make sense of the Torkoal's song when Zoey started talking about going off without him. He hadn't noticed the way her demeanor changed and was extremely confused. She was putting words in his mouth, and he surely didn't like that.
He left the Torkoal's cottage with a gruff thank you and stared after the Zorua. If he followed her, she would think he was dependent on her. He didn't want that. He'd rather die than admit to anyone he was dependent upon them. But if he didn't follow after her, he may never see her again.
Joka didn't know what to do.

He started walking after her, slowly at first. He busied himself with the thought of getting to the three Pokemon he needed to see instead of thinking of this Zorua. He couldn't understand that darn song.
A fireside mountain, a dark crypt, and a sacred forest? Joka had a feeling he couldn't just plug those places into a GPS. He wondered where such places lay, and if he would ever be able to find them. They were just so vague. After all, how many forests were there in the world? Hundreds?
He sighed. The Torkoal hadn't helped him. He hadn't helped him at all. The old brute had only enraged him, and Joka just about discarded everything he had said.

The Charmeleon was far enough from the Zorua now that she wouldn't notice him slink away. He had been walking at a slowed place. She was probably expecting him to follow her like a puppy, but he wouldn't. That would be giving control to her; he wasn't going to do that.
If she thought she could single-handedly fix this infection problem she was dead wrong, and Joka wanted to laugh. She'd never succeed, not alone.
But then, if that were true, how could he?

He stopped walking and looked around, wondering what his next course of action would be. He didn't want to wait for things anymore; he wanted to get a move on. If he really did need help from the muskateer Pokemon, he'd need to find them. The first place he thought to look was a library, but he didn't know where he was. He couldn't set off in search for one; Zoey would never be able to find him again. So the reptile started aimlessly walking, trying to think. It was getting pretty dark out from the clouds overhead, which made it hard to see. Joka didn't mind much, just hoped he'd be safe from whatever was to attack him.

After a while of walking, Joka stopped and looked out at the world before him. Far in the distance was a mountain, or perhaps a volcano, surrounded by dark clouds. In the muntain whar the heate wind doth blow.
Could it possibly be related? Joka wanted to head out, he wanted to go to this mountain in the hopes of finding one of the three he needed to find, but as much as he didn't want to leave Zoey, he didn't want to stick around waiting. He figured they'd cross paths again eventually, and Joka went his own way. He started for the faraway mountain, hoping one of the musketeers would be there, hoping he'd find Zoey again, hoping he was doing something right for this world.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey walked, looking around for a good place to train. Joka hadn't said a word since she told him she was gonna train, get better. She simply assumed he would be following her. After all, they were going to find Mew and the Tree of Life, and save the world. He was one of the only pokemon who had been kind to her, and who had something in common with her. She never imagined for a second that he would leave. She had told him that she was going to train until he was ready to go. She would train while he was resting. And then they would continue on together. It was a simple message. There was no way he could misinterpret that, was there?

She found a spot to train that wasn't too far off, and looked around, for something to practice her moves on. She didn't expect Joka to be following her, she expected him to be still at the Torkoal's place, talking to the old pokemon. Or just chilling. He needed some relaxation time, that was for sure. Zoey saw a huge tree that looked like it could easily shrug off all her attacks. But she needed to make sure it would be okay, so she looked around for a grass type pokemon. It took her about a minute to see an old Victrebell hanging in the tree.

"Excuse me, sir..." She said, cocking her head to one side, to get a better look. "Do you mind if I practice some of my moves on this tree? I don't wanna damage it, and wondered if you could use synthesis to heal the tree when I'm done? It's a beautiful one, and I don't wanna leave it any less beautiful." She said, looking rather cheerful.

"Eh? What's that, young'un?" The old Victrebell asked, and after Zoey repeated herself, he replied. "Eh, sure thing, lassie. Go all out if ya want, just don't use any fire attacks." He told her, turning away. Zoey thanked him, and started attacking the tree. She practiced all her attacks, not only using all of her strength, but making sure that she was attacking accurately as well. Accuracy was very important, you could not only land hits better, but make critical hits easier to get.

She used her fury swipes, faint attack, and all of her other attacks on the tree, and she could already feel an improvement. But Joka sure was taking a long time, and Zoey thought she better go check on him, to make sure that he was okay. "Joka?" She asked, approaching the house. No one replied. Not even the torkoal was there. "Hello? Joka? Torkoal?"

It was as if everyone had vanished. No one answered her. No one was there. What had happened to them? Had they been attacked by something? Should she have been there to help? Zoey was starting to feel afraid now. What was she going to do alone? "Come out guys, this isn't funny." She said, a little bit more worried now. "If this is a joke, stop it! It's not funny!"

But no one was there to answer her. No reply came. Zoey seemed to deflate a little bit. If Joka was gone, she'd have to be extra careful... She had to find out what happened to her. It wasn't something she just wanted, but she needed it. She needed to know what had happened. And without Joka, she would have a hard time.

Zoey debated about what she should do. The thought that Joka had willingly left her never occurred to her. He wouldn't do that. Would he? But then her thoughts from back in the cabin came back to her. What if he did leave her? Was she too much of a burden?

Distracted by her own thoughts, Zoey never noticed the pair of glowing red eyes from behind one of the bushes. She never noticed the scyther, until after his X-scissor had sliced into her. And by then, it was too late. Zoey flew around tenfeet, slammed into a tree, and fell to the ground, unconscious.

[Ashen]

This volcano was a lot farther than he had originally thought.
Joka looked on to the steaming mountain and sighed. The more he walked, the farther away it seemed to grow. He debated going back to the cottage, but he wouldn't give up. Not now, when he had been walking for so long.
This path seemed like the route for ghosts. He didn't see a soul about, which made him extra wary. Anything could just jump out at him, and he wouldn't be surprised. While Joka was most comfortable in solitude, he'd have preferred someone on this road with him. Someone like Zoey.
But she was training herself, and he thought, from her tone, that she had wanted to do that alone. He wished she had just gone straight to this volcano with him, but it was no time to think on that. He needed to persevere. That meant not thinking about the past. That meant not worrying about a Zorua that wasn't slowing him down anymore.

As he walked, he thought he heard someone following him. There was no one there, but the more he shrugged it off the more the sounds came. It sounded like someone laughing, a cruel, faraway laugh. After a few minutes, a voice spoke.
"What are you going all alone, Charmeleon?"
Joka jumped and turned around, ready to blast a flamethrower at whoever was speaking to him. It was a Haunter that appeared to be sane. His eyes were glowing red and he didn't look rabid, at least. He placed a big hand on Joka's shoulder. "Were are you headed?"
Joka backed away. "None of your business," he snapped.
"True," the Haunted said coolly. "But I thought you might like an escort."
"No, thanks," Joka replied. "Please leave me alone."
"I think I'll follow you anyway. Are you headed for the treasure in this volcano?"
"What? No."
"I am. I could use a fire-type like you to help me get there. How about we split the prizes, 50-50?"
"I told you I'm not going for treasure." Joka had begun walking again, trying to shake off the Haunter.
"You just don't want to share." The Hunater slunk away, only to return a few minutes later. "I heard there are a lot of infected in this volcano."
"Thanks for the tip," Joka said.
"You'll die."
"What a shame."
"Come on, why are you so cold?"
Joka shrugged and started running. The Haunter was easily the faster of the two, and caught up quickly.
"Trying to get away?" it said and started laughing. "But I want to battle."

Joka found himself face-to-face with a Pokemon he had no real intentions of battling but was going to be forced to, anyway. If he didn't, the thing wouldn't go away, so he had no choice. He started off with a Shadow Claw which seemed to make the Haunter uncomfortable. It was clear it had underestimated Joka's strength. It hit Joka with a sludge bomb and fled, leaving him poisoned and in pain.
The Charmelon vowed he wouldn't give up. He kept going, hoping that maybe he could find a pecha berry somewhere to heal his poisoning. But he was in the middle of a volcano, and the chances of finding a pink Magcargo were better.
With an aggravated sigh, Joka realized this would be a lot harder alone than he thought.

Finally, he reached the volcano. Joka was still poisoned and it was sweltering even to him, but he wouldn't give up now. This had to be what the old Torkoal had been singing about. This had to be the place.
He turned back and wondered how Zoey's training was going, if she was okay. If anything were to happen to her, who would be there to rescue her? Joka felt bad about leaving, but he couldn't do anything about that now. And besides, training alone was very effective. It had been for him, at least.
Joka swore to himself that, after he found the muskateer that was in this cave, he'd go look for Zoey. That way he didn't have to do the other two alone.
And even if he did believe she held him back, he liked her company. Her peppy attitude was good for him, and, as Joka proceeded to enter the volcano, he realized he really did miss her.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey came to, and the first thing that she was aware of was the extreme pain she was in. She couldn't move without hurting like hell. She lay there, whimpering. This was why shy had to get stronger. This was why she had to get better. So things like this didn't happen. Zoey tried to get to her feet, and cried out in pain, collapsing again. She looked down, and saw she was lying in a pool of red, her black fur was matted in blood, she was cut very deep. But even this pain, it wasn't as bad as what she felt when her attacks came. This was much more bearable. So, she forced herself up, and trudged forward. It hurt like hell, but she knew she couldn't just stay here, that would be nearly asking for death. She needed to find someplace to rest, someplace to heal up. In the distance, she saw a large mountain. Could that be what the Old Torkoal mentioned?

She struggled foreword, using her strong willpower to keep going. That's all that was keeping her going at the moment. Willpower. If she could, she would have just laid down there in the road, and slept, or something, hoping someone would come along to help her. But she was alone now, and had to rely on herself. She passed by a bunch of berries. She wasn't sure what they were, and picked about five of them, putting them in the pouch over her neck. The Lum berries smelled delicious, so she tried eating one, it had no effect. It tasted good, so she kept the berries. Disappointed that they had no other effect, Zoey trudged onward. She knew she had to clean herself up, she didn't want to get an infection or something.

Zoey pushed onwards, she already felt stronger thanks to her efforts on the tree. She didn't know how she was still going. She had to focus on putting one foot in front of the other, and just keep on taking one step at a time. Every time she moved, pain shot through her. The "X" shaped slices in her side kept flaring up, and she had to use all her effort to ignore them. It was more bearable than the other pain that coursed through her, she could handle this.

There were no other pokemon on the road. She was entirely alone. No one to help her. No one to attack her. The mountain was just ahead, and she was going to make it there, and she was going to find one of the legendary pokemon. She was going to make Joka proud. But she really wanted to find a pool or something to wash off in, she didn't want Joka to see her like this.

"Where do you think you're going?" A voice asked, making Zoey jump. A pokemon was standing there, arms folded, a Makuhita. "You 'aint goin' nowhere, unless you pay the toll." It said, menacingly, cracking it's knuckles. "Oh? You don't have any money? That's too bad. Guess I'm gonna have to beat ya up then." It started towards her, and Zoey sighed. She couldn't fight like this. Why was everyone ganging up on her?

"Please, I don't want to fight." Zoey said, trying her best to get out of the situation without fighting, that would not be very good for her, not very good at all. "I can't fight you right now. Would you really beat up an innocent and helpless pokemon?"

The Makuhita seemed to be a little off guard. "I... I don't... Stop that. You're messing with me head. Stop it. They killed me girl. Them dark pokemon. You're a dark pokemon. This means you die. You beat up me girl, she couldn't defend herself neither. You caused this, and you're gon' pay one way or 'nother. And you don't have no money. So therefore, you're gon' pay with your life."

Zoey thought she saw a glimpse of red in his eyes, but it was gone, probably a trick of the light. She really didn't want to fight him, but it looked like it was inevitable. She was fighting for her very life here. She only had one shot at this, she had to make it count. IF she could get a critical hit with an Aerial Ace, she might scare the Makuhita into leaving her alone. He wasn't expecting her to fight back, which was why he was bullying her. If he could simply be scared, she might be able to live, and get away.

And thus, Zoey lashed out, with all her focus, and all her power, she landed a critical hit on the unsuspecting Makuhita. It did more damage than she was expecting, and the Makuhita looked scared, and quite hurt, ran off. It was a good thing too, because Zoey lay on the ground, panting. Her strength seemed gone. But she was still alive.

After about ten minutes of laying there, she forced herself to get up, and keep going. About three hours passed, and she was now nearly at the foot of the volcano. It was time to see if she could enter it somehow. But she was so tired, so exhausted, in so much pain that she'd have to stop. Her wounds were starting to heal, but they still looked nasty. She had found an oran berry bush, and eaten all three berries, which had given her strength. She'd need to rest a bit before she could ascend the volcano.

[Ashen]

After what seemed to be hours of looking, Joka was starting to lose hope in finding an entrance to the volcano. He had found a cave that he had been in for far too long. Pokemon were ganging up on him and he had to take them all down. He was still weak and poisoned, and now frustrated and exhausted as well. He was an impatient Pokemon, and not getting anywhere was killing him.

"Dead end. Damn."
Joka turned around and started retracing his steps, wondering if there were any other routes he hadn't taken. This cave just lef to a bunch of dead ends, but on the plus side, he had found a shiny dusk stone that he supposed he could sell later for things that could help him. That is, if he ever managed to get out of this blasted cave.
Another Pokemon was walking about, a Roselia. "Hey!" Joka called. "Roselia, please, do you know Aromatherapy?"
But the Roselia startled and started running. Joka ran after it, trying to convince her he wasn't going to kill her.
"It's a Charmeleon!" she screeched. "He'll burn me I have to get away help!"
"I will not burn you," Joka assured, trying to keep up. "Stop running, you're going to trap us."
"I don't want to heal you!" the Roselia yelled. "Go away!" She led them right to a dead end and jumped around, terrified. "You won't get me," she said. And before Joka could protest, a soft powder was falling over his skin and he was getting awfully drowsy...

There was a dark cave. The walls were lined with blue and green crystals. It was a pretty sight, but something was off. There was a dark air about this cave, as if a Spiritomb were hiding in the walls.
Joka shuddered. He was alone, and he needed to find one of those musketeers. He needed to get a move on. But he was missing someone. Zoey. She was nearby. He could feel it. He needed to find her.
He started running through the cave, dodging the colorful crystals as they grew larger and larger. The dark haze grew thicker and thicker, until Joka made it to a clearing. The clearing was bare of crystals and a haze. There was clear air, but only in this room.
The Charmeleon stepped forward slowly. "Zoey?" he called, but there was no answer. Suddenly, crystal spikes shot up from the walls and the ground, hurting Joka. A haze appeared, so thick Joka started choking. He had to struggle to see, but what he saw was a terrifying sight.
Bright red eyes were staring at him. Bright red eyes that should have been blue.
"You left me," Zoey said in an angry whisper. "You left me." She attacked Joka with all of her might, launching him into crystal spikes.

Joka woke suddenly, his heart beating hard. He looked around and remembered he was still in the cave. He remembered the Roselia, and his dream, and he sighed.
The Charmeleon got up and started walking again. The rest made him feel better, and he was no longer poisoned. He wasn't enthralled about having wasted time on a little nap, but at least he felt better. Now he could get another start on getting out of this endless cave.

Joka exited the cave right where he started. He looked around and sighed. He started looking for another entrance when he saw a black and red ball of fur. He was wary in approaching it, but when he saw familiar blue eyes, Joka started running. "Zoey?" he yelled. "Zoey, what the hell?"
He fell next to her and looked at her wounds. "Are you okay? What happened? You look awful, Zo, are you okay? You said you would go training, not try to kill yourself!"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey was asleep, but was woken up as yells met her ears. Could it be Joka? No, that was too good to be true. She shrugged it off as a dream, but the yelling kept up. "I'm getting up, I'm getting up..." She mumbled, opening her eyes. But it was Joka. Joka was standing there, kneeling beside her. "I'm not okay. No. But I will be. This? This is nothing, I've been through so much more than just this." She said shrugging. "It hurts, yeah. But it's nothing I can't handle." She sighed, and thought about what to say.

"What happened to you, Joka? I went to train while you and Torkoal talked. I was gonna train until you were ready to go. I told ya that I was gonna redouble my efforts to train, so I wouldn't be a burden to you. But when I get back, both you and Torkoal were gone. I worried that something had happened to you, like an infected pokemon or something. I'm glad you're okay." She said, resting her head on Joka's knee.

"Do I make you mad?" She asked him, looking up into his eyes. "Am I a bother? Do I hold you back? 'Cause I don't want to, Joka. You're a good pokemon, you have a good heart. I know that. And I don't want you mad at me. We're a team, Joka. A team." She was quiet for a minute, wondering what he was thinking.

"You're probably wondering what happened... I went and trained with a Victrebell for awhile, and I got stronger. But after I realized you and Torkoal were gone, I was attacked by an infected scyther, who used X-scissor and Fury Cutter on me. I woke up, and started looking around for a pool to wash myself off in, and some orran or sitrus berries. I found three orans, but nothing else. I was resting here, and you found me. I really didn't want you to see me like this..." She said, a little bit bothered. She knew she looked awful. And it did hurt. But she could handle this.

"Oh, I was also attacked by a Makuhita on the way here, who seemed to think that because I was a dark type, I was responsible for all of this. All of this infected mess. But even wounded like this, I beat him with a critical hit Aerial Ace. He fled, and I continued here. What about you Joka? What happened to you?"

[Ashen]

We're a team, Joka. A team.

Zoey's words had petrified him for a moment, but Joka shook his head and snapped back to full alterness.
So the Torkoal had gone, too. Joka hadn't anticipated that, but he supposed that was none of his business. He did feel bad that Zoey was alone to deal with such brutal Pokemon, but she had wanted to train alone, hadn't she?

He let her speak, not daring to interrupt. When she finished, he supposed he had to explain.
"Well," he said. "I got the feeling you wanted to train alone, and I wasn't going to wait around while the world crumbled. So I set off for the volcano. Bye the fyreside whar no oran growes in the muntain whar the heate wind doth blowes. It has to be the volcano. So I set off, but this volcano's cave has too many dead ends and twists and turns. I ran into a Roselia, too, who thought I'd kill her so she put me to sleep..." Joka was a bit ashamed to admit he'd fallen asleep. He was supposed to be better than that. He was supposed to be staying awake and pressing on.

Joka was thinking of the way Zoey's eyes lit up as she spoke of the Makuhita. She had single-handedly defeated it, and he knew she should have been proud of herself.
The word team crawled into his head again. As a team, they'd work together and they'd fall together. They'd be proud together.
"You don't hold me back," he said softly, though his thoughts only moments ago did contradict that statement. He shook his head. "If...if we're a team, we go our own pace. We aren't held back by each other. We go together." Joka was struggling to keep his words straight. These words were so unlike him, but Zoey seemed to have struck a soft spot. Maybe it was seeing her so beat up like this, or maybe it was his way of saying sorry I left. He offered her a small smile. "I'm proud of you for making it this far," he said. "Now, let's get going. I've a hunch we're off to meet Terrakion. We don't want to appear weak in front of him, do we? So you'd better pick yourself up and keep going."

[Drakonnas]

"Thanks, Joka." Zoey said, standing up. A little bit of pain wasn't gonna stop her from reaching her goal. No, she would press on. Even like this. "I'm glad to know that you think I'm okay. But I'm still gonna work hard, and be better than you one day." She told him. "But yeah. Let's go see Terrakion." She was up, and already walking towards the volcano's entrance. If there was one remarkable thing about her, it was her inner strength and steely determination. Once she set her eyes on something, she didn't give up until she had not only reached her goal, but surpassed it. She would surprise, and exceed, Joka's expectations of her. She knew she would.

"Do you know anything about Terrakion?" Zoey asked Joka, looking over at her partner, who seemed to be following along behind her. "I haven't heard the name before. It seems to ring a bell, but I really don't remember much of anything..." She sighed, before taking a step into the sweltering heat ahead of her. It didn't faze her. She was hot. But in comparison to her injuries, and those in comparison to her attacks, this heat was nothing. She had remarkable endurance.

There were fire pokemon all around them, most of them looking at home and unafraid of them. It didn't appear that there were any infected pokemon around here. That didn't mean that they were safe from attack, some pokemon might have been territorial, or afraid of strangers. Zoey knew they still needed to be careful, but at the same time, they weren't in as much danger as tehy would be if attacked by the infected.

[Ashen]

Joka exhaled a quick breath when Zoey said she'd be better than him one day. He smirked at that. Joka had absolutely no intention of being bested by a Zorua, or perhaps a Zoroark if Zoey decided to evolve. Could she evolve? Joka had to wonder. If she really was a human in a Pokemon's body, was she capable of evolution? She wouldn't be a Zorua forever, would she? He supposed that was just another question for Mew. Or, perhaps a question they could find the answer to together some day.

Joka didn't know much about Terrakion. "He's a rock-fighting type," he said, though he wasn't sure of that. If that were the case, though, both of them would be at a disadvantage. The fighting side of the beast could easily destroy Zoey, and the rock side would rip Joka apart. He hoped they wouldn't have to go against him. His metal claws were really the only thing he could do.
"I really do not know much about the three of them," he admitted. "Terrakion doesn't look like the nicest Pokemon around, I know that, but looks can deceive. We can hope he's nice. I really don't want to go up against a rock fighter that's ten times my size." He gave a mindless smile. "We can find out more when we get to him. Come on."

The heat wasn't bothering him, but Joka wondered just hot steamed Zoey must have been. He tried not to worry about it. Worry was an awful thing when a goal was in mind. It slowed you far too much, and he couldn't afford that.
Though the place was filled with fire types, Joka didn't feel as though he would be at home here. He didn't feel he'd be at home in a lot of places. But here, the Pokemon were giving them suspicious looks. Who are these two? their eyes seemed to say. Why do they enter upon my domain? He didn't like being watched like that. He was getting uncomfortable, so he told himself to ignore it all and press on. He figured talking to Zoey would at least sway his mind from all of the stares. "So," he said. "You aren't hot? I'm sure if I weren't a Charmeleon I would be sweating hard. Or...panting, I guess."

[Drakonnas]

Zoey was fighting with every step. She hurt, and the extreme heat made it even harder for her to continue on. Every ounce of her wanted to turn tail and run, to get the heck out of this place. The heat was sapping her strength even faster than the pain was, she just wanted to lie down, and attempt to cool off some. But that couldn't happen. It was only going to get hotter.

But despite all this, she did not complain. Zoey had an iron will, and once she had her mind on something, there was no way in hell she was going to let go if that. She fought on with every step, eyes steely and determined. She wasn't going to give up. Not even if they were attacked. She did not give up. And that determination would see her through most things.

Their path winded up and down the mountain, forking too many times to count. Zoey had a feeling that they weren't going to get anywhere this way. Was it possible that they had simply been walking in large circles this entire time? It was about half an hour later that she stopped, asking Joka to pause for a minute. "I think we've been walking in convoluted circles." She closed her eyes, and slashed a mark onto one of the rocks on a splitting path. "There." She said, and they followed one of the paths. Each time they came to a new fork, she added a slash. One slash. Two slashes. Three. Four. Five. It was after the thirteenth slash that they came back to a fork that had only one. They had indeed been walking in big circles.

Zoey frowned, collapsing. She was exhausted, but that wasn't going to help at all. But that's when the idea came to her. Down. Perhaps they needed to go down. They had seen cliffs overlooking large magma pools, and that's when it hit her. Perhaps they needed to go /down/ more, instead of up. Sure, the volcano stretched higher, but maybe there was a chance it went lower, as well. They had been trying to climb the mountain.

"Joka? Perhaps we need to go down farther into the volcano, instead of up." She said, looking up at him from where she lay on the ground. "What if Terrakion is down there, instead of up on top of the volcano?" She smiled a little bit, around marker number five, there had been an alternate pathway that led downwards. They had ignored it on the presumption that Terrakion would be at the top of the volcano...

[Ashen]

Joka was getting more and more exhausted as they pressed on as well, but he his all that very well. They were getting absolutely nowhere, as if the further they climbed the farther away the summit seemed. They were just exhausting themselves; he was convinced, at this rate, they would never make it to Terrakion.
He looked up as Zoey suggested what he had been thinking. He was irritated to find they were indeed walking in circles, but he didn't know where else to go. They'd be climbing all night before...
Down.
The Charmeleon didn't know why he hadn't thought of it before. Terrakion weighed a ton, and heavy creatures tended to stay firmly on the ground. The beast wouldn't be on the top of the mountain. He'd be at the base, as far down as possible.

He followed Zoey's gaze to the path below them. "We need to get down there," he said quietly. He let out a light sigh and walked to the edge of the path they'd been walking on. He wasn't about to walk all the way back down. So he turned to face Zoey and put an uneasy foot against the wall. He lowered himself slowly, until he just hung by his claws. "Coming?" he asked Zoey, and he started climbing down the wall. It wasn't hard; the uneven wall had plenty of spaces for him to step on. He did wonder about Zoey, though. Would her paws be able to grip like his claws did? "I can catch you if you'd like," he called up to her. "The fall might cool you down some, too."

It only took him a few minutes to be on solid ground again. He wasn't quite at the foot of the volcano, but the wall ended there and he'd need to walk the rest of the way. He looked up to where he had left Zoey and he squinted against the light fog. "Well?" he called to her. "Are you coming? I'm ready to catch you!"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey looked around as Joka walked to the edge of the cliff. Wondering if he was crazy or a genius, she watched as he climbed down, out of sight. The fog from the volcano seemed to get more and more dense the farther down he went. Zoey could still see him though. Could he see her? How was she going to get down there? Her paws wouldn't allow her to hold onto the surface like that. She needed another way down. Could Joka catch her? When they were both exhausted? And wouldn't going down make things get even hotter? She already felt like her fur might catch fire any moment. She wasn't sure she could stand any more heat. She didn't want to deal with a heat stroke on top of her current injuries.

And what happened if Terrakion wanted to fight them? She didn't think she could even gather enough power to launch a fury swipes, let alone defeat a legendary pokemon. But she wouldn't complain, she would gather up enough courage and strength, somehow, to move on. "I'm jumping, Joka. You ready?" She called down, peering over the edge of the cliff. Below her, magma was bubbling slowly, like a thick batter almost at boiling point. She knew that if Joka missed her, she would plummet to her death in the magma. There wasn't enough room for her to land. She had to trust Joka, once again, with her life.

She hesitated, worried. The magma down there was very real, and she was suddenly aware of how solid the ground beneath her was. But she couldn't get scared now, they had a world to save. She locked eyes with Joka, begging him to not miss the catch. And slowly, she put her paw over the ledge, and...

She was falling, falling faster than she would have liked. Zoey tried to spread out as much as she could to slow her descent, but it really didn't make that much of a difference. She hoped he would catch her. She would be boiled Zorua stew if he didn't...

[Ashen]

Joka could see a black silhouette falling but he couldn't make out features until she was nearly in his arms. He caught her, stumbling backwards a bit with her weight. He recovered quickly and set her on the ground. "How was that?" he asked. "Congratulations, you flew. A dark type, and you flew. You aren't even a Honchcrow." He didn't laugh at his own joke, just turned away and scanned the area. Joka didn't think of what Zoey had just done. He didn't realize right away that she had just trusted him with her life. Was she that naive, or did she really trust him? When Joka thought about this, he watched her from the corner of his eye. Someone trusted him with their life.
Wasn't that an interesting concept.

He looked back to the magma. Joka knelt beside it and stuck a claw into the magma, testing it. It was burning hot. Zoey would burn to a crisp if she were to touch it. He could probably endure a few seconds of so in the magma, but even these temperatures were too hot for him.
"Well," he said slowly. "We ought to continue, then." He started down the path, walking over pebbles as he went. The entire path seemed completely deserted. Joka wondered if anyone lived in this volcano. Maybe they'd come here for nothing; maybe it really was empty. But then, he had run into Pokemon, and so had Zoey. They'd find someone, they had to.

After a few minutes of walking around, Joka stopped in front of a large boulder. It seemed to be blocking an entrance of sorts. He turned to Zoey. "What do you think is behind here?" he asked. He didn't know how far down they were, but it was so hot. Joka wanted to get out, moreso because he knew Zoey was uncomfortable. He didn't want her collapsing; what would he do then? A cave might be a little cooler, he hoped. "Want to try breaking this stone?" he suggested, looking down at his steely claws.

[Drakonnas]

Her eyes closed, Zoey fell, hoping, preying that she would be caught. And finally, she felt his arms grab her. It seemed like he struggled for a moment, but then, she found her four paws touching the ground again. Immediately, she knew this was not a good place for her to be. The ground was so hot it hurt her paws. Her fur was even starting to smoke, just a little bit. She was so hot she felt she might keel over any second. It was too hot. She couldn't handle this. But she had to. She had to. Hopping from foot to foot to avoid staying on the ground any longer than was necessary, Zoey tried to focus on what Joka was saying. "Ow.. ow.. ow.." She muttered under her breath, her breathing coming in very fast, short pants.

She knew they had to get out of here. They had to. Or at least, she did. Her body could not handle this level of heat. And then they were heading towards some kind of cave. Zoey's paws were now hurting, the ground was too hot for her. "Ow.. oww..." She had been burned, simply by the area around her. "Great." She thought. "Not only am I sliced open, battered and bruised, not only am I bloody and hurt, but now I'm burned? If I survive this, I'll have war stories to tell..." She thought, looking desperately for any way out of this damned hellhole.

Then, Joka spotted a rock blocking their way. Maybe it would be cooler behind the rock. "Anything is better than here..." She said, panicking slightly. She began to use Rock Smash, in the hopes it would break. She didn't see if Joka joined in or not, she was so focused on the task at hand. Finally, after several minutes, the rock shattered. It was quiet here, too quiet. The room behind was only slightly cooler. But slight was better than not at all. They were now in a large antichamber. It was a dead-end. There was no one here.

Zoey sighed, she was at the point of exhaustion. Even with her insane amounts of stamina and strength, she had reached her limit. The disappointment that they had failed was the straw that broke the camel's back. Zoey gave a small "oh...", and collapsed on the searing floor, fur smoking. Most pokemon wouldn't have made it half as far as she did. She had shown incredible amounts of inner strength to get this far. It was just too much.

Several minutes passed, as Terrakion made his way back into the volcano. He had been doing his rounds, making sure that everything was as it should be. The rumors of the Infected troubled him, but none had invaded his realm yet. It was too hostile of an environment, one that he loved. It kept evil out. Terrakion, despite his size and weight, was a gentle pokemon most of the time, but a dangerous pokemon to be on the the wrong side of. The heat didn't bother him at all, he thought it helped train him, hone his skills. To survive in such an extreme environment made anywhere else seem tame.

As he reached the ground floor, he noted something unusual. The rock that held his chamber safe had been broken. Was someone here? And then he saw the Charmeleon, and the Zorua. The charmeleon looked... Terrakion wasn't sure how to describe it. But the Zorua looked dead, worse than dead. "Explain." He said sternly, frowning at the Charmeleon.

[Ashen]

It couldn't have been a dead end. They had nowhere else to go.
Joka's blue eyes scanned the cave over and over, hoping an entrance would suddenly reveal itself. Should they go back? Zoey looked about ready to collapse. He heard her moaning under her breath, but what could he do? A bread of sweat dripped down his face. They needed to get out of this cave before Zoey passed out.

Too late.
Joka turned on a dime when he heard the Zorua drop. She was too hot; she would die in here if he didn't do something. Panicked, Joka picked up Zoey and looked around. He couldn't scale the wall he had climbed down. He would need to to get to the exit, but he couldn't climb and support Zoey at the same time. He was at a loss.

The Charmeleon started out of the cave in time to see a great beast standing in the rubble he and Zoey had created from the boulder. He startled and took a few steps back. Was this Terrakion? It has to have been.
The great Pokemon was demanding an explanation. What could he say?
Joka cleared his throat. "She passed out from the heat," he said. "We came to have a word with you. But if we do not get out of here I fear she will die. Help me get her out of here." Joka hesitated before adding, "Please."

[Drakonnas]

Terrakion watched as the Charmeleon tried to explain what was going on. "You should have known that a volcano would be hot." He told them sternly. "Don't go someplace you're not prepared to be if you don't have an escape plan." He told Charmeleon, in a somewhat condescending tone, and at the same time, a gentle fatherly tone. "Of course I shall help you. Get her on my back, and climb on as well. I'll get you out of here." For Terrakion, the extra weight was nothing, he could easily get out of here.

"The heat doesn't explain her other injuries." Terrakion commented, looking at the body of the unconscious Zorua. "But I suppose that doesn't really matter right now, does it? Let's get outside. I want to know what is so important that you had to risk your lives to come talk to me." The time it took them to get outside the volcano seemed very short compared to the time it took to actually reach their destination. Terrakion was hurrying along, and before they knew it, they were back outside in the cool air. Terrakion stopped, but didn't let them get off.

"Hold on, don't disembark just yet." Terrakion told them. "I'm going to take you to a sacred lake that will heal your and her wounds." He started running, and as he did, they seemed to fly through the surrounding area. Trees became blurs of color as he ran. Finally, after several more minutes of running, he stopped. There was a beautiful crescent lake just ahead of them. "You may get off here." Terrakion told them, not unkindly. "Let her rest in the water for a few minutes, it will heal her wounds. And then when she wakes, we will talk."

[Ashen]

Joka didn't like the way Terrakion was talking down to him. He hadn't just gone into the volcano for no reason; he had a very good purpose. And he could handle the heat, it was Zoey that was holding him back so much. Joka had done nothing wrong. He already didn't like Terrakion very much.
He reluctantly climbed onto the Pokemon and let him carry the two of them outside. Terrakion seemed to know exactly where he was going. Joka wondered how long he had lived here.
He perked up when Terrakion mentioned Zoey's other injuries. He didn't think he had given them to her, surely. But then, Joka didn't look like the nicest Pokemon around. Terrakion had found them in his cave alone. He had every right to believe Joka had hurt her. Would the Charmeleon be trying so hard to save her if he had?
He said nothing, just let Terrakion believe what he wanted to believe.

Joka slid off Terrakion's back and dragged Zoey with him. He gently carried her over to the lake and let her down in it. He felt better as the water touched his skin, but he had been a lot better off than she. He just hoped she would be okay.
The lake itself was beautiful. Joka noted this as he went deeper into the lake. The water was sparkling and looked so pure. How could places like this exist still, while other places were being terrorized in wars with the infected? How was it possible that two completely opposite places could exist at the same time?
He shrugged and walked back to where Zoey was laying. He nudged her a bit with his claw. "Hey," he said softly. "Zo, you okay? Time to get up."

[Drakonnas]

Terrakion smiled as Joka got off him, and slid Zoey into the water. The effects of the water was instantaneous. Immediately, Zoey's wounds began to close, it was as if time were reversing to before she had ever gotten them. Her fur lost the red tint that was the bloodstains. Her burns disappeared. The bruises were gone. There were no scorched fur patches anymore. She looked glowing with health now, except for the fact that she was sleeping. But soon, even that stopped.

Zoey opened her eyes, and immediately felt better than she had in a very long time. There was no pain at all. Even the remnants of the last attack were gone. She felt completely renewed, and full of energy and life. "Joka? Where are we? I feel amazing! What happened? The last thing I remember was the volcano. How did we get here? Did you find Terrakion? Did we get any information from him? Why am I in water?" She laughed, splashing about. This sacred lake felt so serene, so peaceful, that it was difficult to imagine anything wrong at all.

And then Zoey noticed Terrakion standing there, still and silent. "Oh, hello sir! I don't think I know you. I'm Zoey the Zorua!" She said, jumping about in the water, full of life and energy. "It's nice to meet you!"

Terrakion smiled down at them. "I'm glad to see you're both feeling better." He said, his deep voice was rough and gravelly, but comforting at the same time. "My name is Terrakion. And this Charmeleon said you wanted a word. Might I ask you why you have come? Not many seek me out."

Zoey sombered up a little bit, and spoke. "Well, Mr. Terrakion, I woke up here with no memory. I was attacked by one of the infected, and Joka here saved me. We're looking for the cause of the infection to stop it. I also want my memory back. So, we were going to look for Mew, and the World Tree, to see if we can get some answers. But we were told we can't find it without permission from you, Cobalion, and Virizion. I wanna remember who I was, and I wanna save pokemon from the infection."

Terrakion stared at her for a long while, and turned to Joka. "What say you?"

[Ashen]

Zoey's rapid questions made Joka heave a sigh of discontent, but he didn't say a word. He let her finish speaking and then raised an eyebrow when she noticed Terrakion standing there. He was surprised as she greeted him with a cheery tone. The Pokemon was too full of energy for just having been inches from death. He didn't know how she did it.

He let the two Pokemon talk, remaining to be a fly on the wall. He listened to Zoey talk about their purpose. She seemed to speak in one rushed run-on. Joka was almost jealous of her vitality. It really seemed nothing could get the little Zorua down. Her perseverence would make her a good companion, even if her strength did lack. Perhaps that would make them a good team. Zoey was eager to go on, hard to knock down, and good with mind tricks. Joka had great endurance too, but he was better with actual attacking rather than illusions. He was quick to give up hope, and it seemed Zoey never did. They would compliment each other. They would make a great team.

Joka was shaken from his thoughts when he noticed Terrakion looking at him. He had zoned out for a minute and was only half-paying attention. He straightened. Was Terrakion asking for his word?
"Right," he said. "We would like your permission, as well as Virizion's and Cobalion's, if you would, sir." He tried his best to look kind. "I'd like to see Mew. I think she could tell me how to stop this darkness. I've seen what it's done to Pokemon. My own brother has been infected, and it's been a complete transformation. We were raised together, and just days ago he tried to kill me. I don't want to see more Pokemon fall victim to this. Please, sir, if you would help us."

[Drakonnas]

Terrakion looked over at Joka as he spoke. He let the charmeleon finish talking before he began again. "I see... This is a most complicated matter." He said, frowning. "Not just anyone can see Mew, you know. Not just anyone has what it takes, or has the right intentions. But mew is a funny little fellow. She is playful, and even though we are her guardians, she does as she sees fit. So even if I say no, there is always a chance you shall see her." Terrakion said firmly. "She has been known to go about, masquerading as other pokemon. Anyway. This infestation... I do not know why it began, but I do know it plagues the land. It has not yet entered my domain, it is too harsh of a territory for most pokemon. And that is why I shall grant you my permission. I believe you have the strength it will take to succeed. You managed to find and enter my lair, despite injuries. Yes, I do believe you have what it takes to see mew. Charmeleon... Watch yourself. See that you do not lose sight of what is at stake. Zorua. Never give up. No matter how much it hurts, stay strong, do not give up."

With that, the Terrakion lowered his head a little bit, and bellowed. The power from the cry shook Zoey to her bone, yet she was unafraid. His power impressed her, and she was certain that if he hadn't been willing to help them, he could have easily defeated the both of them. Her tail was wagging happily through the air as little bits of light began to form around him. They eventually formed into a large sphere of light, which vanished, leaving an oddly shaped piece of stone. It looked an ancient puzzle piece.

Zoey caught it, and looked up to thank Terrakion, but he had gone... Mysteriously vanished. She turned to Charmeleon, confused. Had he run off already? "Well... It looks like we got the permission we needed from Terrakion!" She said, excitedly. "Look at this, Joka! We're one third of the way done! Only two more to go before we can actually visit Mew! Come on, Joka! We can't stop now!" She was very excited, she didn't think they'd actually get this far. But then something came back to her. "I'm sorry about your brother, Joka." She said quietly. "That's gotta hurt a lot. I promise ya, I'll help fix him." She smiled, hoping he would feel better.

[Ashen]

Joka listened intently to Terrakion's words. He wondered if, maybe, he had seen Mew before, just hadn't noticed. If she liked to go around looking like other Pokemon, he would never know the difference. How would they find Mew if she liked to appear as different Pokemon? He supposed they couldn't really see her unless she wanted to be seen.

He stayed firm at Terrakion's enormous roar. Joka admired the beast's power. He wished he could be as strong as the great Pokemon, and vowed one day to be. He cocked his head a bit when light washed over the area, leaving behind a stone and the absence of Terrakion. How did a great big Pokemon like him just vanish like that?
He walked up to the stone in Zoey's paws and examined it. What was it? Was it a show of his permission? Did Virizion and Cobalion have similar stones? Joka didn't know, but he imagined they would soon find out.

Joka nodded at Zoey. There was a smile on his face, a small one. They had endured that volcano. They did it. And they had the stone to prove it. He was trying to remember the rest of the Torkoal's rhyme when Zoey stopped him.
Tobi.
Joka shifted uncomfortably. He didn't like talking about Tobi for this reason. He didn't want the pity. "He'll be alright," he said. "I appreciate your eagerness to help, Zoey, but it'll be a while before this darkness can be subsided." And he might not last that long, Joka added to himself. He didn't want to think that Tobi could die, that the irritating brat he had grown up with would soon fall victim to a force greater than his greed for victory. The truth was, Tobi was already dead. The Gabite was no longer the Pokemon Joka had known. That Pokemon was gone, replaced by a vile, bloodthirsty creature. Tobi was gone, and Joka wondered if it was even possible to get him back.

Inn the old crypt whar evile spirits flowe,
Whar no sane pokemon dareth to go.

In a sacrede forrest that grass types know
A peacefull place whar you will finde no foe.
Joka was remembering the Torkoal's rhyme, trying to change the subject. "A crypt where evil spirits go or a sacred forest where grass types go," he said. "I don't know where either of those are exactly, but I say we look for a forest first. I can easily take on grass types, and it seems easier to find than a crypt. Do you have any ideas?"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey noted that Joka seemed to be pretty uncomfortable, and she did not press the matter. Why would she? There was no reason for her to press on the matter, there was nothing she could do at the moment, there was nothing she could do to help. So talking about it would do nothing but make them uncomfortable. Zoey remembered the Torkoal's words, and tried to think. She couldn't really know any better than him where to look for the next Legendary Pokemon, she had lost her memory. But as he spoke of a field, an image appeared in her mind. "Hang on..." She said quietly.

Zoey closed her eyes, and thought. There was something on her mind, it was on the tip of her tongue... She knew instinctively, something that might possibly be related. She didn't remember it exactly, and her head was suddenly a little bit pained, as if there was something she knew, but didn't understand. "Ugh... I know this..." She muttered under her breath. "So why can't I remember?" She sighed, and shook her head. "It's no use. I can't remember." Zoey was fairly disappointed in herself, and she wished that she could remember. It was painful, not remembering.

"Maybe we can go find someone to ask..." She suggested. The only problem was that she had no idea where they were. There were no maps, they just kinda had to blindly sort it out. Now... if they could fly, things would be so much easier. But neither of them could fly. And Zoey's memory was so bad that she didn't even remember that Joka could evolve, that pokemon could evolve. If she had known, she would have asked if Joka could evolve, because flight would make traveling so much simpler.

"If we could fly, things would be easier... But neither of us can." Zoey said, as she started walking. "Yeah, I don't know where I'm going. But going is better than just sitting here, right? Come on, Joka! Let's go." They started walking northbound, the temperature had rapidly dropped, becoming much more comfortable. It was no longer blistering out. They had both been quiet for a while. It was not an uncomfortable silence, at least to Zoey. It was a comfortable one, she thought. The scenery had changed, the trees had thinned out, and had become a lot more rocky. It seemed like they were approaching a mountain range of sorts.

It wasn't too tall, but it was rocky. And suddenly, a clear picture came into Zoey's mind, she had been contemplating this for over an hour now, and it had finally came to her. "Shaymin." She said quietly. "Shaymin. Joka, do you know who or what Shaymin is?" She asked, turning to face him. Their path was rocky now, and rugged. But it was easily passable. "I've been trying to remember for an hour now, and that's all that's come to mind."

[Ashen]

Joka noticed the way Zoey seemed to be concentrating on something, but he didn't ask what. It seemed she had a lead once, but it was gone now. He just shrugged and they started walking, hoping to run into someone that would know where they could go.
But then Zoey made that comment about not being able to fly. Joka stopped walking for a minute. "Yeah," he said to himself. "It's a shame."

They continued on until Zoey stopped spoke suddenly about Shaymin. "Yes, I know of Shaymin," Joka said slowly, confused. He didn't know what Shaymin had to do with anything. "What about Shaymin?" He stopped to try and gather what he could remember about this little legendary Pokemon. She was a very small legendary Pokemon, and was a grass type.
In a sacrede forrest that grass types know
A peacefull place whar you will finde no foe.
"You may be onto something," Joka said. Shaymin could live in a sacred forest; he didn't know. Celebi was also a famous grass legend; could he be related?
"Shaymin is a grass-type legendary Pokemon. She can change forme with a flower of sorts, I think it's a Gracidea. I don't know much about her. She's not a very popular Pokemon. Do you think she would know where our sacred forest is?" Joka stopped and looked to the sky, half expecting to find Shaymin flying overhead. "For having your memory completely gone, you sure do remember odd things."

[Drakonnas]

"Be onto something?" Zoey asked Joka, trying to understand. "I don't know anything... That name just popped up into my mind. I don't know why. I don't know anything about what that word means." She frowned, not remembering was painful. "I... I think I knew once... But I can't remember." Joka told her more about what he knew. So, Shaymin was a legendary pokemon... Great. That probably meant that it would be incredibly difficult to find. Why were they seeking out so many legendary pokemon? She wasn't sure, would this really lead them somewhere?

"I don't know." Zoey said, she sounded very frustrated with herself. "I don't know much of anything about this world. I don't know how anything works, I don't know the landscape, what exists and what doesn't... I hate it." She said quietly. "I hate not knowing. I'm gonna get my memory back. As for this, I suppose it's something we can look for. If she is truly a grass type legendary pokemon, then perhaps she would know something about a sacred forest. But finding her would be a task, just as finding the sacred forest would be.

"Maybe we should split up for a little while, to gather..." But before she could continue her idea that they split up, they were suddenly attacked by three infected. Two Geodude, and a Graveller. Zoey yelped as she was hit in the back of the head with a rock blast, but she wasn't down, she wasn't close yet. She wasn't fainting that easily. Suddenly, her Illusion ability kicked in, and she appeared to be a Golem. The three pokemon did not hesitate when they saw their elder standing there, they continued the assault. Zoey felt a power build up inside her, and she let out a loud, terrifying, bone-rattling roar. Terrified, the three pokemon fled.

She dropped her illusion, and looked at Joka. "We need to hurry." She said softly.

[Ashen]

Joka was trying not to feel bad for Zoey, but her situation did suck. He knew; he'd been in the same situation ages ago. Zoey woke with the memory of being a human, he woke with a trinket of a life he didn't know. He had never gotten his memory back. He wondered if Zoey would have to say the same.
He didn't think splitting up was such a great idea but he'd have gone for it if not for the sudden assault. Joka turned swiftly when he heard Zoey yelp. More infected. It always had to be more infected. And rock types, too.
Joka prepped a metal claw but before he unleashed it he watched Zoey. She was putting up a disguise, an illusion, and it was flawless. The Golem scared the band of three away effectively enough, and as they fled, Joka let out a long sigh.

He nodded and started walking a little faster. "Are you okay?" he asked her. "They sure do seem to target you." Joka found that a little odd. Why were the infected after her so much? Was it just coincidence? Maybe they could sense how weak she was. But Zoey wasn't all that weak; there were Pokemon far inferior to her. Maybe the infected knew something he didn't.
That's ridiculous, Joka told himself. She's just a really lost little Zorua.

"Zoey, I'm afraid I don't know where to find Shaymin. I'm trying hard to remember. But it is just a hunch we're going on. We could be just wasting our time if we choose to pursue her. But then, it is the best lead we have so far." He stopped walking and looked around. "Look, there's civilization off in the distance. I see houses. Maybe they'll have a library or something with a book on Shaymin. You... You really know nothing more?"

[Drakonnas]

As Joka turned back to her, Zoey nodded. "I'm fine. Do you think, after what I just survived, that a measly little Rock Blast would knock me down and out?" She asked with a small grin. "Nah, I'm great! I'm not even hurting right now! It's wonderful!" She was truly happy to not be in pain for once, and her grin said it all. But the smile faded as Joka spoke to her about the infected seemingly targeting her.

"Now that you mention it... they do..." Zoey said, frowning. "Why do they always target me? I may look weaker than you, sure... I dunno..." She frowned, it didn't make sense. If the infected were as rage-stricken as they seemed to be, wouldn't their mindless berserking make them attack Joka as well? But no, almost all of the infected attacks were against her... And now that he mentioned it, Zoey couldn't explain it. She had no idea why.

"Well, it seems we have a lead then. I suggest we follow it, and see where it takes us." Zoey said, with a firm nod. As Joka pointed out the civilization in the mountainous distance, Zoey's eyes followed, and she saw it. "Well, it's the best we've got right now. I say we follow it, and see what we can dig up." She started off in the direction of the village, or whatever it was.

But it wasn't too long until they came to a very large chasm... "We can't cross here, Joka." Zoey said, looking down into the deep void which no end could be seen. "I don't wanna fall down there, and we need to get to the other side, that's where the town is... But how do we get across? We could find a pokemon to fly us across... Or perhaps look for another way around? Perhaps there's a bridge somewhere..."

[Ashen]

Joka was still thinking of the infected's thirst for Zoey's blood during their walk towards the faraway town. He had seen the infected attack Pokemon other than her, of course; he had been the target of a number of attacks. But they sure did seem to go after her.
A random Pokemon with a shrouded past and a sliver of a memory of being a human. It was all suspicious. She...she couldn't be involved in the darkness, could she?
And surely she couldn't be the cause of it.

When they reached the chasm, Joka stopped just before walking right into the bottomless pit. He hadn't been paying attention to where he had been walking. He let out a small grunt and took a step back, his heartbeat accelerating. He needed to keep a closer eye on things.
He looked to the other end of the chasm. It was too wide for either of them to jump. If only he were a Charizard. Maybe he could evolve. Maybe he could evolve right there and fly Zoey to the town and everything would be so much simpler. But Joka didn't want to evolve. He didn't want to give up this form that he never actually wanted to take. Why did he need to evolve to be strong? He was strong enough, and he was tired of Pokemon thinking he wasn't. But flying would give them such an advantage...
Joka closed his eyes. He was strong enough to evolve. He could do it whenever he wanted to.
No. He wasn't ready. Not yet.

"There don't seem to be any flying-type Pokemon around," he said sadly, dismissing the idea that he could be that flying type. "We could follow the chasm and see if there's a bridge. I don't see any other way, unless you plan on..." He walked towards the edge and looked down. There was complete darkness down the chasm and he couldn't even tell how deep it was. It was too deep. "Actually," he said. "I wouldn't suggest that." He looked back at her. "Can't you use an illusion?" he asked, hoping a Zorua's illusion was like a Ditto's transformation. "Could you put up an illusion of a Staraptor or something and just fly us across. I can't see a bridge at all, and we could be walking a while." He followed the chasm with his eyes. "We could be walking for days with no avail. Can we risk that?"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey shook her head. "No. My illusions are just that. Illusions. They don't actually exist. But they look like they do." She told him, frowning. "I wish I could just transform, like you said. I can't do that though. It's an illusion, not a physical thing." She said, with a uneasy sigh. "So if that doesn't work, we have no choice but to go walking, looking for a bridge. There's no other way across." With that decided, they did the only thing they could. Walk. It turned out that they were much luckier than they could have hoped for. After about two hours of walking, climbing and descending steep hills, Zoey let out a cry. "Look! Look!" She jumped up and down, grinning. "Look, Joka! There! In the distance! A bridge!" And without further ado, she sped up her walking pace.

Zoey had boundless amounts of energy, and wasn't the least bit tired after another half an hour of walking. She was amazed by this renewal of her energy, she felt like an entirely new pokemon. Finally, they arrived at the bridge. It was a rope bridge, or rather, upon closer inspection, a spiderweb bridge. Zoey stared at it, amazed. "Joka! Get a load of this!" She said, amazed, and rather impressed by this work. "We can use this to get to the other side! Just be careful not to burn it by accident, or we're in trouble." She said, grinning.

But then a red pair of eyes stared out at them from in a crag. "Uh oh." Zoey said, pointing at them. And before she knew it, they were being swarmed. What seemed like dozens of Apinarak and Ariados, Joltik and Galvantula, were scuttling up from over the edge of the cliff, out from rocks, and from every nook and cranny. "Hey!" Zoey said, just a hint of nervousness in her voice. "May we have permission to pass over your bridge? We're sorry to come into your territory, but we didn't know. We're from a faraway land, and we need to cross, and then we'll be out of your terratory." She said, trying to be a diplomat.

"Get out of here before you bring the infected with you..." Said the largest Galvantula, who seemed to be in charge. "Leave this place at once, intruders, or do we have to make you?"

Zoey knew that this situation was not a good one. She was weak to bug attacks, but Joka would be helpful here. But... If he went all out, he might risk burning their way across the gap... And that would be a bad thing.

[Ashen]

Joka was getting tired of walking and walking. They weren't finding anything, and it was just wearing them out, looking for a bridge that probably didn't exist. Joka was losing hope all too quickly.
But then Zoey started jumping, and Joka rested his eyes on a bridge. A small smile crept upon his lips. They did it. They found a bridge.

When they got there, Joka was mesmorized by the handiwork of the bug Pokemon that had made the bridge. It looked very sturdy despite being made of webs. He ran a claw over the fortified web and it didn't break, even as the sharpest point ran over it. He was impressed, but more importantly, he was more determined to get to that town.

Just as Joka was about to try his weight on the bridge, he saw them. Those glowing eyes. A swarm of bug-type Pokemon were upon them, and they needed to deal with them quick.
"Here we go," he said in a low tone to Zoey. "Ready?" But then he realized Zoey would be little help here. She was weak to these Pokemon. Her offensive would be of little use. It was all up to his fire.
Joka watched the bridge. He could easily set all of these Pokemon on fire, but he was concerned about the bridge. He'd need to handle his fire carefully.
No problem. He had precise accuracy even in his sleep.

Joka sent a flamethrower towards the Pokemon, careful not to shoot his flames close to the bridge. He followed that with a weaker ember, and a fire spin. The bug types were retreating as the fire hit each of them. There were only a few bugs left when Joka felt a needle in his shoulder. He stood petrified for a minute. When he regained his posture, he turned sharply and dealt a fire punch to the Ariados that had attacked him. He felt the poison seeping into him. It was painful, but Joka wouldn't give up. He wouldn't dare.

He sent a final fire spin towards the last of the bug-types and stood satisfied. They were gone. He'd done it.
He turned to Zoey. "You okay?" he asked, making sure she hadn't been attacked. His shoulder was hurting him more by the minute. He needed an antidote, soon. "I think we can cross safely now," he said. He let the flame on his tail flicker a bit until it lowered. He'd need to make sure it didn't touch the walls of the bridge. "Come on," he called to her. "We don't want to be around when they come back."

[Drakonnas]

As the Joka initiated the fight, Zoey did the only thing she could do. Her attacks weren't that effective, but she fought anyway. Joka was clearing the bugs out easily, and she was struggling to take on one of the Galvantulas. It tried to Bug Bite her, but she jumped out of the way, smashing it with a fury swipes. The electric spider, pissed off and hurt, shot a signal beam at her, but she dodged it, and it flew into an Ariados. It soon became apparent that in the chaos, they had an advantage, the bugs weren't that well organized.

Finally, they had been driven off, and Zoey hadn't suffered so much as a scratch. "We did it, Joka! Well, okay, it was mostly you... But I helped! Really!" She said, grinning. "That was awesome! Did you see how I dodged that signal beam, and it hit the other pokemon? That was so cool! And your flamethrower was wicked too!"

She was dancing across the bridge, in high spirits. They were actually making progress. They had gotten a stone from Terrakion, and only needed to find Cobalion and Virizion before they could go look for Mew to figure out what was going on. She hadn't had an attack in a good amount of time, and all was well. Zoey had even put her misery of not knowing things in the back of her mind, because, she was learning, even if she had forgotten. She was still learning. And she was making memories every moment. So, what was the point of being down about not remembering anything? She could just learn again.

Finally, they were over the bridge. No more attacks, nothing. They were safely across the chasm, and it was time to move onto the city. Zoey wasn't sure what to expect. But she felt a strange power coursing through her. She wasn't sure exactly what it was, but she felt strangely confident, strangely powerful. She knew she could do this. If there was any doubt in her mind now, it was all gone. She would do this, she would find Mew. They would succeed. She knew it.

As they made their way into the city, Zoey was amazed. It was bigger than she could have ever dreamed. Buildings towered up into the sky, and she could see pokemon everywhere. It was pretty crowded as well... that made her a little bit nervous, but even that couldn't keep her down. She was cheery even when most pokemon would have given up. There was no getting her down. Not at all.

"Well, Joka? What now? Do we split up and look for clues, meeting back here later? Or do we go together?" She asked him, bouncing back and forth, full of energy and life. "I think it'll be an interesting place to look! I don't know if I like all the pokemon, but I don't care, we'll find out some information! Just to be clear, we're looking for where Cobalion and Virizion are, right? And Shaymin, if we happen to find out? What else? Anything?" She asked, eyes eager.

[Ashen]

When the city came into view, Joka's eyes were almost sparkling. The city was a lot bigger than he originally thought. It reminded him of Jubilife, a city he'd heard of in a book once upon a time. At least, that's where he'd assumed he'd heard of it.
Pokemon were shuffling about, shopping and chatting and scurrying to the places they needed to be. There were types of Pokemon Joka had never even seen before. How far were they from home, anyway? He didn't care. He liked it.

His shoulder was aching badly, but he hid it well. "We can split up," he said, thinking it the perfect oppurtunity to find a Pokemon Center. "Try to gather as much information you can about Virizion, Cobalion, and Shaymin. Check a library, or maybe a town elder. They have to have a town elder, here, don't they?" Joka looked around. Did cities have town elders? He wasn't from the city, and as far as he knew, he had never been to a city long enough to know. He shrugged his shoulders. "Whatever you find," he said, "bring it back here. We can meet at...one. That's probably a few hours off. Capisce?"

After making necessary arrangements, Joka headed off in search of a Pokemon Center. Stubborn male he was, he refused to ask for directions. In such a big city, Joka was having a hard time not getting lost.
Finally, he found the Pokemon Center. Joka stumbled in, drunk on toxic. He nearly collapsed at the reception counter. A Chansey took him to the back immediately, and before he knew it he was sound asleep.

When Joka awoke it took him all of three conscious seconds to jump out of the bed and head for the front of the Pokemon Center. 12:38. He had twenty-two minutes to gather something on any of the three Pokemon he was supposed to find out about.
He hoped Zoey was doing better than he was.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey nodded. "Okay!" She didn't notice that he had been poisoned, or that he was not letting it show. She was focused on the task at hand, a little intimidated by the big city and everything in it. "I'll be back here by one!" She was confident in that, she was never late. She had a very good internal clock, and could keep track of time fairly well. As she looked around, Zoey wondered where to begin. She didn't know where to start looking for any information. So, she trotted off, the little Zorua, all alone in a big city. She asked a few pokemon for help, and to her surprise they were all very kind to her. Had the infection not spread this far? She was proved wrong though, as she took a wrong turn, and ended up in an alleyway. There were two infected pokemon, a Garbodor and a Muk.

They cornered her, their eyes red and evil. They were bloodthirsty, and they were muttering something under their breath that Zoey couldn't make out. "You... kill you... be free..." The Muk said, sludging it's way nearer to her. Zoey was too busy trying not to gag to hear them speak. "You... caused... this..." the Garbodor said, it's eyes full of malice and hatred. Zoey still couldn't hear. "Kill... kill... the evil one... You die... You die..."

Zoey couldn't take it anymore, and actually used her claws to climb up the brick wall, just enough so that she could jump over the two infected. She ran, knowing that these two infected would kill her if she fought them. She would live to fight another day. As she ran, she toppled right into a Hitmonchan, who jumped back angrily. "Watch where you're goin', kid." She said, before hurrying off. Zoey looked frightened, and hurried off, but luckily, she got away.

She was wandering the streets, asking people if they knew anything, when one of them told her that he did know something. A meganium. "Yes, I do know that sacred field. It's about a week's travel to the east of here." He said kindly. "They, that is, the shaymin, live in a large sacred field. It connects to Virizion's forest as well, but I don't know how. Perhaps a shaymin can tell you." He said. "Good luck, little one."

Zoey, elated by what she had found, hurried off to wait for Joka. She had directions and everything.

[Ashen]

In those twenty-two minutes Joka managed to find absolutely nothing.
He'd headed to the library and scanned the books they had on forests. The forests they had documented were not ones he wanted, though Joka didn't know so many forests existed. He looked through the book about Viridian Forest, then tried the one of Shroomish Forest. Both were apparently forests from the human world, neither of which he needed. He tried other books, too, but he found nothing. Less than half an hour was certainly not enough time, because he'd found nothing and there was still so much more to check. Would a library even have anything about a sacred forest? Sacred meant it hadn't been polluted with Pokemon tourists, right? So maybe the records on it weren't public?
With a resigned sigh, Joka set off for the spot he'd told Zoey he'd be at one.

Joka was stopped by a Mightyena before he could get back to Zoey. "Joka?" it called to him, and, surprised to hear his name, the Charmeleon stopped. He turned to the Mightyena and raised an eyebrow. She didn't seem familiar.
"Joka, it's been so long! How are you? How's Tobi?"
"Beg pardon, who are you?" Joka was wary of the stranger. He didn't want to keep Zoey waiting.
The Mightyena seemed unfazed. "It's me," she said. "It's Ora."
Ora. The name rang a bell, but Joka couldn't place the Pokemon. After a moment he stopped. "One of Tobi's friends," he said. "You've evolved."
Ora nodded excitedly. "How is he?" I haven't seen you guys since I went off on my own. I sure do miss you."
Joka doubted that. Like most of Tobi's friends, Ora had ignored him when she lived close. "He's well," he lied.
"What are you up to all the way out here? You're awfully far from home."
"Looking for Virizion and Cobalion," Joka replied.
"Cobalion?" Ora perked up. "Cobalion is in the next town over."
Joka was surprised. "What?"
"Yeah," Ora said, nodding her head excitedly. "He was needed to remove a stone from some path not far from here. It was a really really big stone; even a Conkeldurr couldn't break it! So the town called Cobalion because he's really really strong and he actually came down. Can you believe it? A legendary Pokemon came down to help! That's the kind of legendary I can look up to! If you want him you'd better hurry, quick. He's going back to his cave-crypt-wherever."
Joka raised an eyebrow. What luck. "You're certain?"
"Certainly certain!" Ora said. She was practically bouncing. "I have a meeting with a friend today, but I hope I helped. Send Tobi my best, and tell him I'll visit next time I get the chance okay? Bye Joka! Nice seeing you again!" Ora bounced off without letting Joka said a goodbye. He shrugged his shoulders and a small smile played on his lips. Maybe he wasn't as useless as he'd thought.

By the time he made it to the square it was nearly 1:30. He scanned the Pokemon walking about for a little black fox. This was great. They could go to Cobalion as soon as possible and then they were down to only Virizion. They'd be at the World Tree in no time.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey had been waiting for Joka for quite some time, she wasn't sure just how long, but she was eager, very eager to tell him what she had found out. She hoped that he would be pleased with her efforts and results, she was still trying to prove that she could, indeed, be useful. She waited, wondering where he was. Had he decided to just go off on his own again, and abandon her? Somehow she didn't think so. But then again, she was more naive than most, so perhaps he had. She wasn't sure.

She spoke to several other pokemon who came through the square as well, trying to get some information. She overheard two pokemon talking about Cobalion, and that's when she darted right up to them to join the conversation. One was a a Scrafty, and the other was a Krokorok. They were talking, telling people that Cobalion had been down to visit the next town over. She was super ecstatic, not only had she found out where Virizion was, and how to approach her, she had also found out where Cobalion was, and if they hurried, they might be able to reach him as well! She was hyper, and super eager for Joka to get back.

More time passed, and she was growing impatient. "Come on, come on..." she muttered to herself. "Hurry up, Joka. I hope you didn't get lost or hurt." But about five minutes later, she saw the Charmeleon walking up the road towards her. She ran up to him, grinning widely. "Joka! Joka! You'll never guess what I found!" She said greeting him warmly as he returned. "I not only found out that Cobalion is in the next town over, but I also know how to get to Virizion now!" She said, beaming at him. "Know what this means, Joka? We can now go and get Cobalion's approval here and now, then hurry over to where Virizion is! Then we'll have all the permission we need to go to the World Tree, and stop this!" She said, dancing around happily. "Isn't it awesome?! I can't believe I got all this information!" She was grinning happily now.

"We're gonna save the world, Joka!" Of course, it probably wouldn't be as simple as that. They had been lucky that Terrakion was so easygoing and willing to grant his permission. They had no reason to believe that the other two would be as gracious about giving their permission. And then, even getting to the world tree might be a challenge. They still had a lot of road to cover, but it didn't seem nearly as much tao Zoey now, because they knew what steps they needed to take to get there, and were actually able to get there.

[Ashen]

Joka wondered if the Zorua had even noticed he was late. She seemed so happy to see him that he couldn't be sure. He let her go off about her information, a little too disappointed with what she'd found. She'd found both of them. What did she even need him for?
Joka shook that thought away. He kept her alive. He was the strength of the team, and he would make sure of that.

When Zoey finished speaking, Joka smiled. "That's an excellent plan," he said. "I was thinking of doing the same. We go after Cobalion first, and hope he is a nice Pokemon. I don't suppose a mean Pokemon would be helping out so many others, though." His voice seemed to fade as he lost himself in thought. What what they do if Cobalion wasn't so easygoing? Joka doubted he'd be as hard as a rock/fighting type, but fighting and steel was a tough combo, too. Luckily, they had the power of fire on their sides, which was proving to be very useful. That could help them with Virizion, too, if need be. Hopefully, though, it wouldn't come to that.

Joka was thinking of Zoey's words. We're gonna save the world, Joka! It was a romantic way of looking at things, he thought. Joka didn't see himself a hero. He saw himself a Pokemon with a mission. And he was going to accomplish it. It seemed certain, now.

"Well," Joka said. "Should we make our way to Cobalion?" He started walking, wondering if Cobalion would still be on the road when they got to him. Hopefully they wouldn't miss him. "Zo?" he called to her. "We don't know what to expect with Cobalion. Terrakion was kind to us, but we cannot assume Cobalion and Virizion will be the same." While walking, he looked over at her. "They're both fighting types. I know you can handle a lot, Zoey, but the second you can't you tell me, okay? Do not push yourself too hard." Joka was a little surprised by his advice. He was scared of seeing her hurt again. Not that he would admit that. "I know I don't have to tell you, but let's just be civil with both and hope for the best. And don't forget your mission. We're...we're saving the world here." A small smile crept onto his lips. "Imagine that," he breathed. Then, to her, "Come on."

[Drakonnas]

"Yes!" Zoey said happily. It was time to make their way to where Cobalion was, and get his permission as well. Perhaps it would be as simple as getting Terrakion to help them. Granted, GETTING to Terrakion had been a real challenge, a real struggle, but they had done it. This time, getting to Cobalion would be simple and quick, and hopefully getting him or her to help would be simple as well. Zoey looked around, wondering if any of these pokemon were bothered by the infected. They really hadn't seen too many of the infected on their journey, most of them had been out in the middle of nowhere.

Zoey started walking quickly on the path that would lead them to the next city when Joka called out to her. "What's up?" She asked, turning sharply around. Joka spoke to her about being careful. He knew that she could take a lot, and that made her smile. "You betcha!" She said, nodding. "I need to find a line, I can be too stubborn sometimes, and sometimes I don't know when too much is too much." She told him. "But I'll do my best. Promise." She smiled, and listened to him talk again.

"That's right! We're gonna save the world!" Zoey was insufferably cheerful. She was always positive and cheerful no matter what the situation was. Even when she was literally struggling with excruciating pain, she was optimistic. "It will end" was one of the ways she thought. "It will end, and it will go away." Not "I can't deal with it." She was always positive, in a good mood. "Yup! I'm good at being kind and civil." She told him, turning around, and heading down the path that lead to the next town over.

But once again, their progress was halted about fifteen minutes down the road. There was a large river in their way. But, now that Zoey looked carefully, it didn't look too terribly deep, and there was almost no current. But Joka, how would he cross? Zoey looked around the river carefully before turning to Joka. "So, yet again, our progress is impeded." she said simply. "I can cross the river rather easily, I don't care about getting wet. But what about you, Joka? I don't imagine that you like water too much, and I don't want your tail to be extinguished, or for you to have to cross... Any ideas?

[Ashen]

As the two reached the river, Joka peered over the edge with a look of unease. The river wasn't shallow, but it wasn't deep, either. The two could cross easily without their heads going under.
The two could cross easily. That is, if Joka didn't have a flame at the end of his tail to worry about.
Joka took his tail in his hand. His tail wasn't long enough that it would be above the water. He couldn't make it across that river without a bridge.
Or wings.
The thought of evolution came up again. If he could just evolve, he would fly over the river. There would be no problem. He could fly right up to Cobalion, and Virizion, and the World Tree. This entire journey would be so much simpler if he would just evolve.
So why wouldn't he?
Joka held the Sharpedo tooth in his claws. The Pokemon was terrified of change. It was one of his only fears. Sure, he could deal with a change of opponent, a stronger challenger. Joka liked that type of change. But all these other changes-going to places he didn't know, being a part of a team, begging for permission to voyage to a place alive only in rumors from Pokemon he didn't know- these were changes Joka wasn't comfortable with. Most of all, he was terrfieid at the thought of evolving. He didn't want to. He wanted to be stronger, but he didn't want to change.
He was not going to evolve. Not today.

The Charmeleon started pacing, trying to think up a plan. It was such a simple task-crossing a river-but it was a task that was preventing them from reaching their destination. It was preventing them from saving the world.
"We could look for a bridge," Joka suggested, though that could take hours. They didn't have hours. Cobalion could be gone by then. "Or," he continued, "we can go back to the city and look for a water type, or a flying type." Joka wasn't excited about having to ask for help. "Or maybe I can just take it. It'll only be for a little bit."
Joka lay down by the river and scooped water with his claws. He washed it over his arm.
Joka didn't like the feel of water. Too much of it hurt his dry skin, and it brought his body temperature down far too quickly. If his body temperature grew too low, his internal fire would extinguish. If his internal fire extinguished, he would die. Crossing this river was a simple task, sure, but it was a task that could cost him his life.

"The river is not wide," Joka assured, more to himself than to Zoey. "I can cross it. It won't be a problem." He hesitated for a moment. Was he really going to submerge himself in water?
Before he could question himself any more and before Zoey could protest Joka lowered himself into the water and started walking across. His tail was completely submerged and the flame was gone. Water was up to his elbows. It was slowing him far too much. Joka wasn't going fast enough; he couldn't go fast enough. He felt like he was dying.
When he finally got to the other side he pulled himself up and tried wiping off all the water from his skin. He was panting.
He sat on the grass on the other side of the river and grabbed his tail. There was no flame for a few seconds, but after a while a very tiny, nearly imperceptible spark lighted. Flames tried to dance around but there was too much water.
"It'll be fine," he said. He sounded tired. The water had obviously taken a toll on him. "It'll pick up again. I don't think I'll be able to give a flamethrower any time soon, though.
If you had evolved, this wouldn't have been a problem.
Joka shook his head and silenced his own silent voice. "Come on," he called to Zoey. "We can't stop now."

[Drakonnas]

Zoey protested as Joka entered the water. She knew that this would be bad for him, and she knew she would need to help him in any way she possibly could. She'd have no problems getting across of course, it would only mean that she would be getting wet. "Joka! No, wait! There's gotta be another way!" Zoey tried to talk him out of just going across, but he didn't listen. she watched, it was painful, and she couldn't stand seeing him suffer under the water like that. "Hurry up! Hurry up!" she thought to herself. She'd cross as well, but for now, she wanted to make absolutely sure that Joka would be alright, that he'd get to the other side of the river alright. As he stepped out, exhausted and drenched, Zoey could breathe a sigh of relief.

It was now her turn to cross the river. She was eager to get to the other side, because she wanted to check up on Joka, to make sure he was alright. She was about halfway across, when it happened. She let out a yelp of pain as something grabbed her tail, and tried to drag her underwater. She fought, whipping and thrashing around in the water, but the pincers grabbing her tail were too strong. Panicking, she fought to keep her head abovewater, but the pincers were dragging her under...

Zoey took as big a breath as she could before her head was totally submerged, already, the air she was using to thrash around was taking a toll on her, and her lungs wanted air. She wanted to breathe. Her tail was hurting quite a lot now as she fought the Kingler, whose bloodred eyes were glaring at her with a deep menace in them. It wanted to kill her. She knew that. It was trying to drown her.

Zoey tried using several attacks, but she just couldn't do it, not with those pincers grabbing her. Her lungs felt ready to burst, and she was beginning to lose consciousness. Zoey just couldn't keep this up. Finally, the infected were going to succeed in killing her. She was not going to survive this. She was panicking, she knew she only had a few seconds left before she would drown...

In desperation to get air, her body inhaled... but it inhaled water. Her body was wracked with pain, as her vision went blank. She was going to die.

But then, something happened. The Kingler let go of the unconscious black fox as a mighty jet of darkness slammed into it. A mysterious black blur swooped in, grabbed the drowning pokemon, and, as fast as lightning, dropped her on the opposite shore. A Zoroark stood, dripping, his eyes steely.

The Zoroark looked at Joka, some sort of twinkle in its eye. And without another word, vanished into thin air.

[Ashen]

Joka wasn't paying much attention to Zoey. He was trying hard to regain his own breath. After a moment, though, he noticed she wasn't getting to the other side. He looked up and saw her completely submerged in the water.
Joka panicked. "Zoey!" he called, the fear rushing through him. He couldn't go back in that water, not if he wanted to stay alive. That water could permanently damage him; what was he supposed to do?

It was clear Zoey was being pulled under the water, but by what? Joka didn't know. He knew he needed to help her. He made it to the edge of the river and peered down. He couldn't see anything. Joka let out a very weak dragon pulse, careful not to hit the Zorua, hoping it would hit whatever was preventing her from surfacing. His attack was so weak, however, Joka would be surprised if it even made it through the water and to Zoey's attacker. He tried again, concentrating harder and sending a slightly stronger dragon dulse under the water. He was too weak, though. He wouldn't hurt even a Caterpie with that dragon pulse. He couldn't save her.

In an effort to at least dislodge whatever was attached to Zoey, Joka dove back into the water. He swam slowly towards her, but he wasn't strong enough to fight the river's weak current. He swam harder and harder, but before he could make it to Zoey he started floating facedown. A disruption made waves in the water, waves strong enough to knock him back onto the land, gasping for air.

When the Charmeleon came to, he looked frantically for Zoey. He caught a glimpse of whatever had saved her, something black. How many black Pokemon were there in the world? Who could have possibly saved her?
He shook it off and made his way towards Zoey. "Zo?" he breathed.
Why on earth was he so winded? It was just water, just some stupid liquid. He should not have been so out of breath. Joka was getting angry with himself. He wasn't allowed to be so fatigued over something so stupid. Zoey was counting on him. The world might have been counting on him.
Trying to shake away his exhaustion, he sat down next to her. "Are you okay?" he asked, though he seemed to be the more battered of the two.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey woke, coughing up water. She was dizzy, and not quite sure what had happened. The last thing she remembered was giving in to utter despair and terror as she realized that she was going to drown. Shaking, she curled up next to Joka. She didn't reply to his inquiries, she didn't feel well enough to talk at the moment. But it was only a minute or two until she was feeling better. Recovering from the shock of what had happened wasn't too bad. It was still a traumatic experience, and she knew how lucky she was to be living, but she knew she needed to help Joka as well. He was suffering, and she would help him.

Zoey focused all of her energy, she had been trying to learn this move for awhile, but had never really succeeded. Knowing that Joka was depending on her, she knew that she had to succeed. She knew she had to. It would be up to her right now. Still not saying anything, she focused all of her energy. Taking a deep breath full of pure, clean air, she gently blew out. Controlled flames spewed from her mouth, the beginnings of a flamethrower. Sure, it wasn't strong enough to actually be called an attack yet, but she was working on it.

In addition to that, she didn't want to hurt Joka, simply to dry him off, return his heat, and reignite his tail. She knew he'd feel better afterwords. Maybe not completely better, but at least somewhat recharged. The flames from her mouth covered Joka's tail, evaporating any water that was there. Her flames also reignited his tail, which started to burn with a more healthy looking flame. She then moved on to bathe his entire body with the flames, evaporating any water that was on him, and warming him up considerably.

Afterwords, she curled up in a ball next to him, and lay there. "There you go, Joka." she said quietly. "I hope you're feeling better..." She didn't know that he had saved her, she assumed he had. She was humbled, again, by that near death experience. How much longer was she going to escape death's maw by the skin of her teeth? How often was she going to nearly die, but be saved last minute? It shouldn't be Joka's job to make sure she lived. That was her job. Sure, he was there to help, but it was her job to make sure she lived. And as careful as she was, how come she kept failing?

She felt weak, almost useless. Zoey knew that wasn't quite true, or the case, but she couldn't help feeling that way. Joka wouldn't be able to keep saving her. She had to take care of that herself. And to do that, she needed to get stronger. Even stronger.

Zoey hoped that Joka could feel the emotion she felt. Gratitude. Sorrow. Gratefulness. And... for the first time, was there something else there? Was there another emotion she was feeling? She wasn't quite sure what it could possibly be. She had never felt anything like it before... She cared about Joka, she had for awhile. So what could this new feeling possibly be? She felt attracted to him, but she had admired his strength for awhile. So what was this new feeling? She couldn't quite make it out. It was strange, foreign. But she liked it. She liked it a lot.

[Ashen]

Joka was near passing out when he felt an ember touch his skin. He opened his eyes and found that Zoey was breathing fire on him, probably trying to warm him up again. He watched her small flames and smiled. He didn't know Zorua could use fire attacks, but he was grateful she could. The fire was hot on his skin and he loved it. It wasn't enough to really warm him, but it was enough to at least ease the worry of passing out.
After a minute he stood and took his tail in his hands. His fire was burning again. Dimly, but it was burning.
He had survived, and he would survive. And that was thanks to Zoey.

Joka shook his head. "Thank you," he said softly. "I can't believe I was foolish enough to dive in--twice." He had a small smile on his lips. If it meant saving Zoey, he'd do it again.
"I'm not quite sure what that creature was," Joka pondered aloud. He was looking off to where the black Pokemon had disappeared. "It could have at least given a name." He had assumed Zoey had seen it. "Do you know who they were?" he asked her. "Or perhaps we shouldn't be pondering that. We do need to get back to Cobalion."

Joka wasn't exactly strong enough to take on any opponents, but he was strong enough to press on. As long as they weren't attacked again, he would be fine. He knew, however, that they were extremely vulnerable with his energy so low. He needed a rest, but if he stopped for one now, Cobalion could be long gone when he awoke. He needed to carry on. He needed to be like Zoey. Persevere. If she could do it, so could he.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey stood as Joka did, at least he was feeling a little bit better, better enough to the point that they could keep on travelling. She wanted Joka to know that he didn't have to push himself, that they could get there. But there was a time constraint, they had to get to town before Cobalion left. Otherwise they'd be in the dark again, and they'd have to re-locate him. Zoey didn't know how much time they had, but she did hope that they would get there. After all, if they did, then they'd be only one short of being able to visit the world tree.

"I thought you saved me." Zoey said, frowning. The news that Joka hadn't been the one to save her, even if he had tried, was startling to her. So, someone was there to help them, but didn't show themselves? Zoey found that most mysterious. She didn't know why they would save her, and then disappear without making sure she was okay. It was weird. But she was thankful. She was still living, and that moment where she had been dragged under the water was still too clear, too fresh in her mind. It was not a good thing. Not a good thing at all.

"Thank you, Joka. I'm sorry you had to go in the water, I hope we don't have to do that again..." She sighed, and looked up at him. "I've been working on flamethrower. It's not very good... But I hope it warmed you up, at least." She was glad to be able to do something for him this time, glad that she was able to help him. That way it wasn't just Joka saving her life everytime it was in danger. Now at least, she could say she helped. Now, she could say she was a helpful part of the team. Because she was.

"Don't go too fast." She warned Joka. There was a possibility that they might have to fight Cobalion, that would not be a good matchup for her. If Joka was weakened, there wouldn't be a whole lot of chance for them to succeed. She was quiet, and walked at Joka's speed. If he wanted to go faster, she'd speed up. If he wanted to go slower, she'd slow down. She would follow his lead.

Still wondering what the mysterious feeling she felt was, Zoey wasn't as concentrated as she normally would have been. Her eyes were looking off into space, and she felt her mind wandering. But that couldn't happen. Not now. "Joka?" She finally asked him, looking up. "I've been thinking. Even if I did lose my memory... I've come to the conclusion that it's okay. I might not have those memories anymore. But I'm making new ones. Here. With you. And I guess I'm free to be whoever I want, without the prior knowledge of who I was before. And I like who I am. I don't know who I was before. What if I don't like that person? I mean, I'm happy, or, kinda... Kinda happy with this life. I like being a Zorua. I think that when this Infection is cured, it could be a really good life here." She was quiet, wondering what Joka thought.

"The village isn't too far ahead." She said after several more minutes. "I can see lights in the distance."

[Ashen]

Joka was stunned at Zoey's words. She thought he'd saved her? But why?
He supposed it wasn't too farfeteched an assumption. He'd saved her many times before, after all, and she was probably more concentrated on what was pulling her down to realize who was pulling her up. The more Joka thought of it, though, the more he realized whoever had saved her looked a little like her. He had seen black, and it was fur, undoubtedly. Had he seen blue eyes, or was that just his imagination? He didn't know. But he figured there was no use contemplating something like that. It was over.
For now.

He shrugged off her thanks and even heeded her advice. He was walking at a slowed pace, trying not to overexert himself. He was a little worried they wouldn't reach Cobalion on time, but he couldn't risk collapsing at the poor Pokemon's feet, could he? How was that showing his worth in going to the World Tree? No, he needed to be strong, and manage his energy right. They would make it to Cobalion. Of course they would.

Joka was kind of knocked out of his own thoughts when Zoey started reflecting on her life in this Pokemon world. He chewed her words slowly, wondering what she was getting at.
He thought it would be a good life here, for her. Zoey seemed she could fit right in with the Pokemon, before the infected started running rampant. She was so cheery and would easily make friends here. It was different for Joka, though. He was anti-social and wasn't much cut out for this world. He often imagined what it would be like to live among the humans, where people weren't so nice to each other and it wasn't so uncommon to be a lone wolf. That was how it was rumored, anyway. He knew nothing about the human world. As far as he knew, he'd never stepped foot in it.
But still. The Charmeleon dreamed.

"I think you'd like it," he said softly. "This world without the infected. It's a beautiful place. You can walk outside at any time of day and not worry about being attacked or anything. I mean, sure, there was your occasional Sneasal or Meowth, but usually it was such a peaceful place. Everyone was kind to everyone. Peace existed, everywhere. Everyone cared about everyone. It truly was a beautiful place. But then..." Joka gave a sad smile and looked away. "But then the darkness settled, and now no one knows if we'll ever get anything like that again." He let out a sigh, remembering Tobi. Oh, how the darkness ruined things. Joka hated it. He hated this darkness so much. It was ruining a beautiful world.
Determined to stop it in its tracks, Joka nodded and continued onward. He had a new determination for stopping this disease.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey listened as Joka began describing things to her. It sounded so amazing. A near perfect world, with beauty around every corner. A world where pokemon could get along in harmony. Pleasant people. A peaceful world. It sounded too good to be true. Zoey wondered if the world had really been like that. "I wanna see that world, Joka." She told him quietly. "I want to be a part of that world. I'd do anything. Anything to cure this illness." She was quiet as she thought about it. The more she thought, the more she wanted it. And the more she was determined to get it. "I don't care what it takes. I'm not done until this world is more beautiful than when the darkness started." She said firmly. "I will not fail. I cannot." She was absolutely determined. Nothing could, or would, dissuade her.

As the city came into view, she looked around, wondering where Cobalion could be found. They were not yet there, but in about five minutes, they would be. "Cobalion will probably be around a crowd of people..." Zoey thought out loud. "If he's truly a kind legendary pokemon, lots of other pokemon will probably want to be around him." It was a solid idea, but it was also possible that pokemon wouldn't want to bother Cobalion. She didn't know what to expect.

The town was a town vastly different than Zoey could have imagined. It was creepy. Creepy, and yet... beautiful. Serene. Elegant. It was like a cross between a ghost town, and an ancient Japanese castle. Many ghost pokemon were floating around. But it was not as one might expect from a ghost town. All the pokemon were cheerful and upbeat. No one seemed anxious or worried about a thing. And that was the most different thing of all. Orange and purple flames were lit all around the place, it had a very mysterious appeal to it. Zoey wasn't quite sure what to think. A light fog was hovering over the city, adding to the mystique

In addition, many stone statues of various pokemon were everywere. Dozens of statues. All the pokemon looked good. Strong, nice, and elegant. This was a place that Zoey would have loved to spent some time in, and possibly even a place she would like to live. "Good evening, visitors." A Dusclops said to them kindly. "How can we be of assistance today? If it is lodging you require, please feel free to make yourself at home in any one of our three luxurious hotels. If you require food, we have a cafe and a berry farm you may visit. Water? There are water wells all over the city. If it is conversation you desire, anyone here would be happy." He told them.

Zoey grinned. "Thank you, Ms. Dusclops, ma'am.! But we're looking for Cobalion. Do you possibly know where we might find him?"

The Dusclops laughed. "Why of course, deerie. He just left, about five minutes ago. He said he would be back in a few hours though, he had some business to attend to, as well as a special part he needed to fix something here." She said with a smile. "Please, sit down, relax, and enjoy the wondrous beauty we are all so lucky to share." She walked off.

Zoey grinned at Joka. "What an awesome place!" She said heatedly. "I admit, I thought it'd be gloomy. It kinda is, but it's also cheerful at the same time. I really like it. And oooh, look over there! Is that..." She hurried over to a fountain in the middle of the plaza. A Kyogre statue was spouting water, and down in the pool, lotad were lazing around without a care. A goldeen or two swam there as well. This dark city, though illuminated, was beautiful, eerie, and relaxing at the same time. It had an ancient charm to it, an old mystique. It was a place that held many secrets and history, Zoey thought. "Looks like we have some time before Cobalion makes it back here. What do you want to do in the meantime?"

[Ashen]

Joka was thinking of Zoey's determination the whole walk to the town. Where did she harvest that determination from? He wished he could find some perseverence like that.
He wanted that beautiful world to return, too. But, what would happen after? If Joka and Zoey were successful in getting to the World Tree, if they did save the world from this darkness...what would happen? Would things return to normal? Would they go back to how things were before all of this darkness settled in?
Joka didn't want that. He didn't want to go back to the way things were. He was lonely and bored and lost before. He didn't want that again.
In a way, Joka was a little grateful to the darkness. This journey with Zoey was giving his life a purpose. It was giving him a companion. And he was finding his way--to the World Tree, to life, he didn't know.
So if the darkness was gone... What would be left? Joka didn't want to return to his shell. But, he figured, that was what would happen. And as long as he saved the world, he could endure it.

When they arrived in the town, a small shiver ran down Joka's spine. The place was giving him the creeps. All of the ghosts and darkness and eerie air... It was so odd. But, all of the ghosts were friendly. They all looked happy to be here.
He startled when the Dusclops started speaking to them but recovered quickly. So they had time to spare. What were they going to do?

He walked over to one of the flames and took it down from its post. He warmed his claws in it and then put it back. The fire warmed him better than Zoey could have, but he still wasn't 100%. He would get there, he figured. He just needed to rest a bit.
He turned back to Zoey and shrugged. "Would you like to go try some of the dining here?" Joka suggested. He was hungry, and he figured a good meal would help his fatigue, too. "I don't have money, but maybe we can work for the meal? We have a few hours, don't we?"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey watched as Joka handled the fire, and she kinda looked away, she knew what he was doing. It kinda hurt to see Joka prefer to make himself feel better that way, but she shook that off, as she knew that feeling wasn't quite right. Because he wasn't making fun of her, or how pathetic her flamethrower was, but simply trying to feel better himself. Zoey knew that, and thus, tried not to let it bother her. All of the ghost pokemon seemed right at home, and happy to have visitors. She was quiet, and looked around, watching them all.

Joka spoke to her about trying to find a place to eat, and nodded. She was hungry as well. "Well follow me then!" She smiled, trotting off to the place where the Dusclops had pointed them out to. The building was not large, but it was very nice, very simple, but also very well decorated. "Wow..." Zoey said as they entered. A large Jellicent was floating behind the bar. "Welcome!" He said in a thick English accent. "Good day to you, sir and madam! What can I serve you today?" He asked, showing them a place to sit down, as well as a menu.

The first thing that Zoey noticed was the lack of a price for anything. "What does it cost...?" She asked confusedly. "Cost?" The Jellicent asked, confused. "No, no! There is no cost, not at all! I just need you to bring me the ingredients that you want used, as well as what you want~ And then I'd be happy to make you anything you want." He said with a smile. "It's sort of a game, you see? You go out in the back, and hunt for the materials you want to use! But if you pick a berry, make sure you plant one in its place, so that we can keep this system going! Food is free here, as we all help! We grow it, and the cycle never ends~! Just find me the ingredients, and I'll cook you up something fantastic." He said, a grin on his huge face.

Zoey was stunned. She had never heard of anything like this before. "Wow! That's really kind of you!" She said, looking over to Joka. "I think I want... the OranPie, please. And I'd also like... a Razz juice, and a Kelpsy shake!" She couldn't help grinning, there were so many wonderful choices!

"Alright, young lady!" The Jellicent said, opening a door behind him. "Back here, you'll find our berry forest. Just bring me back whatever you want! If you want me to make a surprise, just bring me back a variety of berries, and I'll see what I can do!"

After Joka had made his choices as well, Zoey led Joka out to the back. There were more berry trees here than she had seen in one place before. It was so pretty, as well. Very beautifully arranged. "Good luck, Joka! I'll race you!" She said happily. She needed to find three oran berries, two razz berries, and two kelpsy berries.

- - - Updated - - -

Zoey watched as Joka handled the fire, and she kinda looked away, she knew what he was doing. It kinda hurt to see Joka prefer to make himself feel better that way, but she shook that off, as she knew that feeling wasn't quite right. Because he wasn't making fun of her, or how pathetic her flamethrower was, but simply trying to feel better himself. Zoey knew that, and thus, tried not to let it bother her. All of the ghost pokemon seemed right at home, and happy to have visitors. She was quiet, and looked around, watching them all.

Joka spoke to her about trying to find a place to eat, and nodded. She was hungry as well. "Well follow me then!" She smiled, trotting off to the place where the Dusclops had pointed them out to. The building was not large, but it was very nice, very simple, but also very well decorated. "Wow..." Zoey said as they entered. A large Jellicent was floating behind the bar. "Welcome!" He said in a thick English accent. "Good day to you, sir and madam! What can I serve you today?" He asked, showing them a place to sit down, as well as a menu.

The first thing that Zoey noticed was the lack of a price for anything. "What does it cost...?" She asked confusedly. "Cost?" The Jellicent asked, confused. "No, no! There is no cost, not at all! I just need you to bring me the ingredients that you want used, as well as what you want~ And then I'd be happy to make you anything you want." He said with a smile. "It's sort of a game, you see? You go out in the back, and hunt for the materials you want to use! But if you pick a berry, make sure you plant one in its place, so that we can keep this system going! Food is free here, as we all help! We grow it, and the cycle never ends~! Just find me the ingredients, and I'll cook you up something fantastic." He said, a grin on his huge face.

Zoey was stunned. She had never heard of anything like this before. "Wow! That's really kind of you!" She said, looking over to Joka. "I think I want... the OranPie, please. And I'd also like... a Razz juice, and a Kelpsy shake!" She couldn't help grinning, there were so many wonderful choices!

"Alright, young lady!" The Jellicent said, opening a door behind him. "Back here, you'll find our berry forest. Just bring me back whatever you want! If you want me to make a surprise, just bring me back a variety of berries, and I'll see what I can do!"

After Joka had made his choices as well, Zoey led Joka out to the back. There were more berry trees here than she had seen in one place before. It was so pretty, as well. Very beautifully arranged. "Good luck, Joka! I'll race you!" She said happily. She needed to find three oran berries, two razz berries, and two kelpsy berries.

- - - Updated - - -

Zoey watched as Joka handled the fire, and she kinda looked away, she knew what he was doing. It kinda hurt to see Joka prefer to make himself feel better that way, but she shook that off, as she knew that feeling wasn't quite right. Because he wasn't making fun of her, or how pathetic her flamethrower was, but simply trying to feel better himself. Zoey knew that, and thus, tried not to let it bother her. All of the ghost pokemon seemed right at home, and happy to have visitors. She was quiet, and looked around, watching them all.

Joka spoke to her about trying to find a place to eat, and nodded. She was hungry as well. "Well follow me then!" She smiled, trotting off to the place where the Dusclops had pointed them out to. The building was not large, but it was very nice, very simple, but also very well decorated. "Wow..." Zoey said as they entered. A large Jellicent was floating behind the bar. "Welcome!" He said in a thick English accent. "Good day to you, sir and madam! What can I serve you today?" He asked, showing them a place to sit down, as well as a menu.

The first thing that Zoey noticed was the lack of a price for anything. "What does it cost...?" She asked confusedly. "Cost?" The Jellicent asked, confused. "No, no! There is no cost, not at all! I just need you to bring me the ingredients that you want used, as well as what you want~ And then I'd be happy to make you anything you want." He said with a smile. "It's sort of a game, you see? You go out in the back, and hunt for the materials you want to use! But if you pick a berry, make sure you plant one in its place, so that we can keep this system going! Food is free here, as we all help! We grow it, and the cycle never ends~! Just find me the ingredients, and I'll cook you up something fantastic." He said, a grin on his huge face.

Zoey was stunned. She had never heard of anything like this before. "Wow! That's really kind of you!" She said, looking over to Joka. "I think I want... the OranPie, please. And I'd also like... a Razz juice, and a Kelpsy shake!" She couldn't help grinning, there were so many wonderful choices!

"Alright, young lady!" The Jellicent said, opening a door behind him. "Back here, you'll find our berry forest. Just bring me back whatever you want! If you want me to make a surprise, just bring me back a variety of berries, and I'll see what I can do!"

After Joka had made his choices as well, Zoey led Joka out to the back. There were more berry trees here than she had seen in one place before. It was so pretty, as well. Very beautifully arranged. "Good luck, Joka! I'll race you!" She said happily. She needed to find three oran berries, two razz berries, and two kelpsy berries.

[Ashen]

Joka was stunned at the Jellicent's words. All they had to do was find their ingredients? He could do that, easy.
He himself ordered a Passho berry parfait with a Shuca shake. He also ordered a Leppa jam as a topping to his parfait. They both had to find three berries. He could beat her in a race. Sure thing.
"I accept the challenge," he said coolly, and in a moment he was off in search of his three berries.

Joka found the Leppa berry with no problems. The more common berries were towards the front. Joka wondered if he would win, then. Kelpsy, Razz, and Oran. Three relatively common berries. Passho and Shuca were probably hidden well.
Determined to win the race, Joka started walking in a rushed pace. He was still exhausted, but he didn't let that get him down. Joka wasn't about to lose in a little Easter hunt. He would find his berries. He had to.

The Shuca berry was on a tall pink tree in a corner of the field and the Passho he was still looking for. Joka was almost regretting choosing Passho. He didn't know what type of tree the berry grew on. He knew what the berry looked like, but he had no idea what kind of leaves it grew among. This put him at a disadvantage he didn't like. The berry itself was yellow and blue; those were vibrant enough colors, right?
He searched around some more, coming across berries he didn't even know existed. What was a Maranga berry anyway? He ignored them all and finally, on a tree of dark red leaves, he found his Passho berries.
Joka hurried back to the restaurant and looked around for Zoey. His heart was pumping. He was surprised at how enthusiastic he was about a measly children's game. Still, he wanted to win. When Joka was determined, he gave it his all. He hoped it was enough.

[Drakonnas]

As Zoey hurried forward, she immediately found the Oran berries. They were right there, in front of her. She picked several, and planted some more to replace the ones she had taken. She planted them gently and carefully, making sure that everything was perfect. She was excited, she wondered what Joka was doing, or if he had managed to find any of his berries yet. It was a simple game, and yet, she was excited about it. She was having a good time here. And that was something that she thought they needed. Some time to relax and enjoy. Some time to not worry about being attacked by the Infected, some time to not worry about what was coming next, how to go about finding the next destination, not to worry about anything. Simple time to relax, sit back, and enjoy.

And that was one thing that Zoey was looking foreword to doing as well, once the world had been saved. She wanted to enjoy her time. She wanted to have a good life, a fun life. She wanted to laugh because she could. She wanted to smile for no other reason than to smile. And she wanted to know that she had done a good job with her mission, so she could relax. Zoey wanted life to be like this. Where they could focus on pointless, yet fun things. Where there was no other worry than the little stuff.

As she found the Razz berries, she noticed a mysterious berry tree. "Chople Berry" The sign said. Zoey just had a feeling that it would be a good idea to take some of these. She had no idea why, but deciding to listen to that little voice in her mind, she picked a few of them, planting some more to replace.

It was such a beautiful idea. Berry trees would grow, and the pokemon would pick them, and plant more. The berry supply would keep growing the more the pokemon ate and planted. There would soon be a forest of berry trees. And Zoey was amazed by the simplistic beauty of it.

Distracted by this berry, she now needed to find the last ingredient. After a little searching, she found it. Her heart leaping, she dashed back to the building, she saw Joka going towards it. No! She had to get there first! Running with all of her might, she ran...

...and ran straight into Joka. She tried to stop, but skidded a little bit. She didn't bump him too hard, but it was enough to send them both into the building. "Sorry Joka!" She said, gasping slightly, half laughing, half panting. "I tried to stop, but I couldn't!" She was grinning. "Guess it's a tie, huh?"

The Jellicent looked down at them, a big grin on his face. "Yeh've returned, eh? Alright! Time for me to fix up some of the best food you've ever tasted!"

Zoey handed him her berries, but kept the Chople berries to herself for now. The Jellicent took them in one of his many tentacles, and slapped them into a blender. Humming merrily as he worked, he threw a scald at the berries to cook them. And within a few minute, he handed her back her meal. "Your turn!" He said to Joka happily. "Enjoy, you two!"

Zoey began to eat, and it was indeed delicious. She hadn't had anything this good in a long while. "Yumm!" She said enthusiastically. "Thank you so much, Mr. Jellicent! This is delicious!" She then turned back to Joka. "You doing okay? How's your meal?"

[Ashen]

Joka was completely caught off guard when he felt a furry Pokemon smash into him. Instead of attacking, like he would normally do with a surprise attack like that, he stayed his flames. He found the little furry ball to be Zoey, so exicted to beat him in the little race. Joka didn't like being knocked into. She should have been watching where she was going. But, staring down at her with her berries scattered around her, Joka couldn't be mad. He laughed with her, and picked up his own berries. It was a tie. A good thing, too, because Joka didn't take losses lightly. But, he thought, even if he had lost, he didn't think it would have mattered much. It was fun, and that's what mattered.

They went inside the building and waited for the Jellicent to cook their meals. After he had, and Joka tried his parfait, he had to agree with Zoey. It was delicious, and it even made him feel better. He felt that he could move here just to try this cooking regularly.
Maybe he would. Maybe, after all of this darkness stuff was settled, Joka would pick up and move to this strange ghost town. He knew he didn't belong with his foster family and thought he was just an inconveinence to them, so moving would be a good change. Still, it was that, a change. Moving from a town where people knew him-mainly because of Tobi-to a town where no one knew him, that was a little too great a change for him. Joka didn't want to think about that. Besides, he didn't even know if he'd be able to save the world. What if the darkness got him first? Then he wouldn't ever have to worry about changing again.

Shaking his head clear, Joka turned to Zoey. "It is prepared very well," he commented. "Almost surprising, considering the speed at which it was prepared. This is a really nice place, isn't it?"
He finished the rest of his meal and looked around. Joka had no idea how long they'd been in the field, but he didn't see any sign of Cobalion, so they still had time to spare. "Why don't we go explore a little?" he suggested to Zoey. "We could study the architecture or find some new attractions. I'm sure there's something in this town." He got up and bowed a bit to Jellicent. Then he started away from the restaurant. "Even if this town is friendly, I can't help but shudder at all these dark and ghost types..."

[Drakonnas]

"Yeah!" Zoey said enthusiastically."It's such a cool place! I totally wanna live here! This place is fantastic!" She was so enthusiastic about this place, that the Jellicent couldn't help but smile. "It's got history! It's got beautiful architecture! It's got good food! What's not to love?" She asked, laughing. "I wanna spend a lot of time here! The pokemon are friendly, and it's just an awesome place! So mysterious, and yet so simple and beautiful! When we save the world? I'm gonna come back and live here!" She declared happily. "I'm gonna come back and live here!"

The Jellicent laughed heartily. "Someone's having a good time, hm?" He asked, his deep voice kind and cheerful. "Well, we're glad to have you, young one. It is indeed good to have new pokemon here. Many don't like this place, and many don't know of our small town. But everyone here is friendly and kindly, we're all here to support each other. Some may have predisposed dislike for us Ghosts and Darks, but everyone here is kind. You'd have to look long and hard before you find a mean-spirited pokemon!"

"That's right." A Lampent had appeared by their table. "If there's anything we can for for you all, please, let us know. We'd be more than happy to help. I overheard you're looking for attractions?" It asked, hovering in place, the flame glowing brightly. "Well, if I may, I can suggest a few things. There's the library/museum, it houses tons of historical facts and items. There's the lake, it's a beautiful relaxing spot. If you want, there's a marketplace, you can buy, sell, or trade goods. Lots of pokemon there to chat with! Or if that's not your thing, we do have a game area. It's run by a couple of Scrafty and their child, Scraggy. They're good pokemon. Funny, too."

Zoey couldn't help but grin. This town had everything. "I'm gonna be coming back here!" She said certainly. "I'm gonna come back here and live here! But I'm gonna save the world first. Joka and I are going to the World Tree, we're gonna save the world!"

"Ooh, a noble goal, if there's any supplies you need, don't hesitate to ask!" The Jellicent said kindly, placing a tentacle on both of their shoulders. "We'll be happy to help. Luckily, the infection hasn't reached us yet, but that doesn't mean it won't. Please spare us the pain, you two. Save all those who have been infected."

"We'll do our best!" Zoey said happily. "We won't disappoint!" She turned to Joka. "So... what do you wanna do?"

[Ashen]

When we save the world. Joka noted Zoey's use of words. When, not if. She was so confident. Was she wrongly so? Joka hoped not, but he wasn't about to put full faith in anything.
He jumped a bit when the Lampent suddenly joined their conversation. He listened to the Pokemon go on about the different things to do and contemplated what they should engage in first. He didn't know how much time he had left before Cobalion returned, but he really wished he did. Then he could pick something without worrying about it being interrupted.

"Well," he said. "I don't think we should go to the lake at all." He was thinking of his last run-in with a body of water and didn't want to approach another any time soon. He'd have loved to visit the museum and library, but he figured that wasn't a place to go while company was present. He liked reading and learning. It made him feel accomplished, being knowledgeable. It was because he spent so much time reading that he knew so much about different Pokemon or moves or types. He liked that vantage point. It tended to help a lot, especially when training against a new enemy.
Joka really wasn't one for games, so that left just the marketplace. They had no money, but he figured it would be fun to browse the different wares anyway. Maybe he could learn a thing or two, and maybe he could see different relics he'd never seen before.
Then it was decided.
"Let's go to the marketplace," he said to Zoey. Then, turning to the Lampent, he asked, "Where would that be?"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey and Joka headed out of Jellicent's place, and hurried along the misty street, where several ghost pokemon were hovering around, chatting, and going about their business. They were following the directions given to them by the Lampent, the marketplace wasn't too far off. Zoey was interested to see what kinds of things they would have for sale, or for trade. While they didn't have much anything of value, maybe they could find something cheap.

They arrived in a large circular area, where many vendors stood, selling their wares. There were pokemon selling sweets, there were pokemon selling a wide variety of items including a choice band, a choice scarf, choice specs, life orbs, leftovers, expert belts, focus bands. Another was selling evolution items, sun stones, moon stones, thunderstones, firestones, et cetera. Almost anything Zoey could have imagined or seen was there.

One pokemon, a Golurk, was even selling stat increasing potions. Protein, Iron, Carbos, HP Ups, Calciums, Zincs, PP ups, and even a Ginseng! Zoey stared at the items, amazed by their effects. She had nowhere near enough money to buy anything here, even though many of these items would be very beneficial for their journey. Zoey turned to Joka, wondering what he thought. There were so many good things to be sold here...

But before they could really start actually talking to any of the merchants, there was a commotion in the streets. A large quadruped pokemon was walking towards them. "It's Cobalion!" Zoey said excitedly, hurrying over to the large pokemon. But he looked irritated and angry, not kindly and gentle. She realized that too late, and before she could get out of his way, the large pokemon hit her with a Sacred Sword. Thanks to the chople berry she had eaten earlier, the attack did not kill her. But it did injure her.

"Get out of my way." He said, ignoring the protesting ghost pokemon who were now swarming around the unconscious Zorua.

"What was that for?" A Drifblim demanded, floating in front of the Cobalion. The Cobalion looked around at the drifblim, before attacking with a Stone Edge. "Give me all these items. Now." He said, threatening the ghost pokemon who were running the shops. "Step away from the shops. This is a stickup."

This was very weird, as Cobalion was a legendary pokemon. Why was he robbing the place? Something wasn't right here. Something was off. Zoey thought she saw something strange before she had been knocked out, she thought she had seen a little flurry of pink...

[Ashen]

Joka enjoyed gazing at all of the fine wares in the marketplace. There were so many. He wondered where all of those different items came from, how much they were all worth, how old they were. He lingered a moment too long at the evolutionary stones, that voice in his head speaking to him again.
Charmeleon didn't need an evolutionary stone to evolve. No, it was easier for them. They could just evolve when they got strong enough. So why couldn't he?
He busied his mind with another thought. He didn't want to think about evolution. So he thought about the tooth around his neck. He wondered how much it could go for at a place like this. The idea of selling his trinket did not cross his mind; Joka wouldn't give it up for the world. It was the only thing he had left of his former life, and he never wanted to let go of that dormant part of him. He still wondered how much the thing was worth, Poke-wise. Of course, to him, it would be invaluable.

Joka had picked up a small spoon-looking item when he heard the commotion. He looked up at once and laid his eyes upon the great Cobalion. At least, it looked like the great Cobalion. He was acting more like an infected than a respected legendary. Joka was immediately on his guard, standing afar. But then he attacked Zoey. And that's when things changed.

The Charmelon rushed over to Zoey. He turned to Cobalion. Words had no place over anger as Joka fired burning flames from his mouth. He was at an advantage, being able to attack from afar and having a type advantage against the steel-type. Even so, he did need to watch out for any hurled stones or any earthquakes the Pokemon would throw his way. But Joka didn't care about that. He was enraged. The Pokemon had attacked his friend-friend?-and he wasn't just going to spectate.

After a fire blast or two, Joka turned to Zoey. He'd dismissed the Cobalion when he threw his last flame, and now his greater concern was on Zoey. He wasn't even thinking of the fact that he'd now not be able to get permission from the legendary he'd just burned, or that he might have wiped him unconscious with the strength of his flames. He didn't care. He shook Zoey lightly. "Hey Zo?" he said softly. "Zoey? Are you alright?" She was breathing, at least, which let Joka rest a little bit. He sighed and turned back to the Cobalion. He couldn't believe it. This was the legendary Cobalion?

"That isn't Cobalion," he announced in a growl. "It can't be."
It didn't make sense. Of the few stories Joka had heard about Cobalion, he just didn't seem like the kind of Pokemon to do something like this. He seemed like a nice guy. Besides, would Mew trust such a dark Pokemon to guard her World Tree? He didn't think so. So there was only one other option. It wasn't Cobalion.
"Why don't you show us your true form, Cobalion?" Joka snarled. He was readying another fire blast, just waiting for the thief to make another wrong move.

[Drakonnas]

"Owowowowowow!" Cobalion cried as the fire hit him. He immediately began to change forms. No longer standing there was a Cobalion. In fact, where was the pokemon who had so rashly attacked? But down on the ground, a Ditto sat, eyes narrowed in anger as it cooled itself down. "Damn you charmeleon..." It said, before morphing again. Another copy of Charmeleon, exactly the same down to the little necklace on his neck. They were identical in every way. He ran towards Joka, colliding with him. As the dust rose, revealing the two pokemon, the Ditto-Charmeleon was sitting next to Zoey protectively. "It's the imposter! Get him!" The ditto called, in exactly Joka's voice. There was no easy way to tell the two of them apart.

The ditto attacked Joka with a flamethrower that was just as powerful as one of Joka's. "Stay away from her, you fiend. She did nothing to harm you!" The townspeople were staring between the two Charmeleon, unsure of which one to believe. They were both identical in every way, shape and form. How could they tell the real one from the Ditto Bandit? Four Houndoom were suddenly on scene, the police for this place. They all used Roar, and the entire place was quiet.

"No one moves until we find out what's going on." The Houndoom leader spoke firmly. The ditto was one of the two charmeleon, that much was certain. So, in that regard, the Ditto had screwed up. But on the other hand, he didn't have to transform back, and could play the doubt game. Zoey was still out cold, and being cared for by the Jellicent, who was obviously upset that she had gotten hurt. The townsfolk were mad, but no blame could be placed until the real Charmeleon was found innocent, until the Ditto was found. No punishments could be taken for fear of punishing the innocent.

Whatever anyone said, this Ditto was a cunning one. Clever and sly.

[Ashen]

Before Joka could figure out that he suddenly had an identical twin, he was hit with a blazing flamethrower. If he wasn't warmed before he certainly was now. He spun around and was shocked to see he was staring into the eyes of...himself?
He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. What was going on? As he looked around, everyone in town was watching them. What was worse, the imposter was claiming to be him.

Joka took a cautious step away from the Charmeleon. He hadn't seen the Ditto in its unchanged form, but he knew what it had to be. No other Pokemon could transform so flawlessly, unless it was Mew. Mew wouldn't be claiming to be him, so the only logical solution was that a Ditto was trying to trick the town.
Joka didn't know what to do. How was he supposed to get a town of Pokemon to believe he was the real Charmeleon? He was used to not having his voice heard, and now, like an attorney, he needed to prove his case to a bunch of strangers. Ghost strangers no less. He couldn't do that. He'd never succeed. They had no reason to believe a lowly loner trying to save the world.

The Charmeleon wished Zoey were conscious. She'd surely see through the imposter's facade. But since she couldn't, he was left to fend for himself.
"You're the fiend," he bit back, staying his ground. "What pleasure do you get from pretending to be a lowlife like me? What'll you do if I'm taken, and you remain? Do you think Zoey wouldn't know the difference?"
For a brief moment he wondered if she would. She'd recognize him, wouldn't she? Joka didn't actually know, and that hurt him.
He turned to the town. "This Pokemon is an imposter," he said. "A bad one at that. He could have pretended to be any one of you..." He turned back to the Charmeleon. "Why would you transform into me? I have nothing for you." He turned to the Jellicent. "You see through the guise. You've seen me at the restaurant. You must see through the guise."

[Drakonnas]

The false Charmeleon snarled. "Stop impersonating me, you fake. Obviously it's not gonna work. You can tell that your disguise isn't working, impostor. Look at you. Call that a disguise... Your flame isn't even right! It's not burning the right way. When Zoey wakes up, she'll obviously see that you're the impostor. I'm not worried. It's you who should be." He stood protectively between the real Joka and the Zorua, who seemed to be coming to.

"Zoey?" the fake asked, kneeling tenderly by the felled Zorua. "Are you okay?" He touched her gently, and turned back to Joka. "Don't you dare come near my friend again, you... you scum..." He turned to the town and appealed to them as well. "See how desperate he is to get you to believe him? He's the bad guy..." The ditto looked furiously at Joka, before back at the town.

But all noise was stopped as a small cough came from the young Zorua. She got up, pushing herself up, and limped between the two. "I... I think I know... which of you... is fake..." Zoey said softly. "But... there is a way... to prove it." She had an idea. "My illusion ability won't work if my target is already transformed." She could feel every eye upo her as she stood, looking at the two Jokas. "I think I know... who is real, and who isn't. But let me prove it."

She stood before the real Joka, and her illusion ability instantly conjured a real illusion of a Charmeleon. She let everyone see it, before letting it go. She turned to the other one. "Any last words?" She asked, though her voice sounded weak. Her illusion fizzled for a moment, and faded. It didn't work. "You're the fake." She said quietly to the ditto.

"If you don't believe me... just... use foresight." She collapsed again, though still awake. "Ow."

A noctowl flew down, and nodded. "Let me." His eyes were red, and a red beam of light shot from them. As it passed over the Real Joka, nothing happened. But as it passed over the fake Ditto, Ditto's transformation broke, leaving a small pink blob.

Zoey's eyes turned to Joka, and she smiled. "I knew it was you. He played... too well. Acted... too well. I know your... imperfections. And he didn't." She leaned up against Joka, glad this ordeal was over. Meanwhile, the Houndoom were arresting the Ditto...

[Ashen]

Joka was worried. He was worried Zoey wouldn't recognize him, that she'd choose the wrong Charmeleon. Surely she knew him better than that. Surely. But he couldn't still his worry.
He watched her step in front of him and he held his breath, as if the illusion wouldn't work. Her illusion was just fine, and he let out a sight of relief.
After the Houndoom had arrested the Ditto, Joka approached to Zoey. "Thanks," he said. He was thinking of her words, chewing them slowly and carefully. I know your imperfections. He was dying to ask her exactly what those were, but he wouldn't, not in public. What imperfections did she see in him? Was it the way he stood? Was it the way he annunciated? Joka was less than confident and it showed almost imperceptibly in his posture. Was that enough to give his identity away?
He shook his head. No one's perfect, he reminded himself. And perfection was boring anyway. What do you learn from a perfect execution? You take so much more from failure. So it was a good thing he wasn't perfect. But Joka hated that there were imperfections clear to others that he was blind to. The impassive Charmeleon felt extremely self-conscious then, but in fear of anyone seeing that and deeming him weak, he dismissed the emotion.

He turned his attention instead to his savior of the ordeal. She seemed so drained. He wished he could do something to help her, but he couldn't do anything. He offered her a small smile and made sure it was okay before he picked her up. "Let's get you to a Pokemon Center," he said. He then turned to the Jellicent. "This town...does have a Pokemon Center, doesn't it?"
But before the big blue Pokemon could answer, everyone's attention was turned to a great Pokemon walking through the town.

"Cobalion!"
A few Pokemon called the legendary's name. Cobalion walked through the marketplace, confused at the crowd gathered. By then the Ditto had gone off with the Houndoom police, and Pokemon had started to stray from the commotion, but much of the town was still present. Cobalion tilted his head a bit. He locked his gaze with Joka, the obvious odd Pokemon out in the town. Joka approached Cobalion carefully, Zoey still in his arms. He set Zoey down before him and cleared his throat. "Cobalion, sir," he started, but was cut off.
"None of this sir stuff, please," Cobalion said with a smile. "Is that one alright? She looks like she took quite the hit."
Joka nodded. "She'll live," he said. "She's strong. We actually wanted to speak to you. We're looking to get to the World Tree..."

Joka briefly explained their situation to Cobalion, who listened attentively. When he had finished his story, Cobalion was silent for a moment. He turned away and looked to the sky. "Do you think you're worthy for such a task?" he asked. He was asking both of them. Joka hesitated a moment before nodding. He turned to Zoey to see what she had to say about the whole situation. Surely she'd say she was worthy, and she'd believe it, but Joka had trouble believing his own words.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey couldn't help grinning as Joka picked her up. "This seems to happen a lot, doesn't it?" She asked sighing lightly. "I get hurt somehow. Tsk. It's annoying." She looked over to the Jellicent, who nodded, pointing in the direction of the nearest pokemon center, there were two of them in the town, one on either side. Both were nice, and run by sister Blisseys. But before anything else could happen, the real Cobalion arrived. Zoey looked up to see the majestic pokemon walking towards them.

As Charmeleon hailed him down, setting her back on the ground, she looked up at the large pokemon, rather intimidated by his size, but at the same time, in awe and happy about it. Here was the second of the two, the pokemon who would possibly grant them permission to go on to see Mew. As they began conversing, the large legendary pokemon listened to them, and asked about her health. Zoey wasn't sure if telling him would be the best thing in the world or not, but she decided to. "A ditto impersonating you hit me with a sacred sword..." She said, rather timidly. "But I'll survive."

Joka had said she was strong. She had heard him correctly. And that made her feel better, and she felt strength renew inside her, and a greater determination than she had before was found. They would not fail. They would find Mew, this was absolutely certain. There was no way she would allow a failure. She was strong. And even Joka admitted that.

Joka started speaking then, and when he finished, Zoey had her turn to speak. "Yes!" She said very seriously. "We are definitely up to the task. It's not only about us, but everyone else who has been infected by this nasty plague. I wanna save them too. I can see the pain in their eyes even as they attack me, and I want to save them. It's more than just finding out about my past. While it's true that I cannot recall who I was before, I am who I am now. And I'm making memories. If I was someone else before, that person is gone now, and I am here. And I want to stop this plague." Conviction was sincere in her voice as she spoke with heart and determination. "I shall not fail. Not even my disability will stop me."

"I don't care how long or hard it is, we will get there!" She said firmly. "But we need your permission, Cobalion. Please, let us go. Terrakion has already given us his permission. Believe in us. Terrakion does. Please let us go."

[Ashen]

Once again Joka was astounded at the little Pokemon's determination. She was just knocked down, inches from her own death, and here she was, minutes later, speaking about helping Pokemon and saving the world with such conviction it was as if she'd spent her whole life going after this goal. But, in a way, that was true. Not including her life before entering the Pokemon realm, Zoey had spent all of her Pokemon life looking to get to Mew. So in a way, it was her lifelong goal. That gave Joka a sense of comfort. Though her Pokemon life was short yet, it was still a life. And if she was devoting her life to this goal, it couldn't fail. Especially not since he was there. And they were doing so well so far. Of course they'd make it.

Cobalion too was surprised at the Zorua's enthusiasm. He smiled at her and then turned to look at Joka. He gave him a subtle look before turning his attention back to Zoey. "That's mighty wise of you," he told her. "You want to help the Pokemon that hurt you. A normal Pokemon would deem that stupid. They'd much rather see to their assailant's death. But normal isn't always a good thing. I commend you for your unorthodox views, little one." He nodded his head. "You do seem worthy to be in the presence of Mew. It's this one I'm concerned about."

Joka jumped when he realized Cobalion was looking right at him. He opened his mouth to speak but Cobalion spoke before him. "You may be worthy, Charmeleon, but you're not confident in yourself. You're holding back. I can see that. Let go of your past, short stuff. It's keeping you from helping your friend here. It's not about you anymore. It's about the world. So stop being selfish and chase that dream of yours."
After a moment of silence, Cobalion turned away. "You've gotten Terrakion's permission," he said. "I don't doubt your credibility, but I'd like you to prove it, if you may."
He knew Terrakion would have given them an artifact of sorts as proof. Cobalion wanted to make sure the duo was responsible, that they hadn't lost the grail.

Joka wasn't paying much attention anymore. He was feeling self-conscious again. How much was he letting show? How many weaknesses did he have?
He was holding back? Well of course he was. It wasn't like him to be one hundred percent open about anything. And keeping him from helping Zoey? Was the legendary talking about evolution?
Joka didn't know, but suddenly he felt very finite before the great Cobalion.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey was silent, standing still, though her tail was whipping slowly back and forth, and her fur rustled in the light wind. She was staring intently at the large pokemon, and at Joka, she wanted this. She wanted this very much, to prove she could. And part of her knew that Joka would also be benefited from this. He was being forced to interact with others, and even if he didn't want to, get along with others for the ultimate betterification of the world, and themselves.

She looked up at Cobalion again, wondering what he was thinking. She noted that Joka looked uneasy, and she wondered what he was thinking. Were Cobalion's words striking close to home? What was he going to do? Would he resent Cobalion for it? Or would he take his words to heart, and do something to change that? She didn't know. She did know that she cared about him. In what way, she wasn't sure. But she cared about him, and wanted to help him enjoy life. Because he didn't appear to be enjoying it. You only lived once, and she wanted to help him learn to love that life he was given.

"Joka?" She asked quietly. "Are you okay?" She didn't know if he heard her, so she tapped him, and asked again. "Hey Joka? Are you okay?" It was obvious she cared about him. She turned back to Cobalion and nodded. She took out that strange puzzle piece that Terrakion had given them, and presented it to the bigger pokemon. "Physical proof." She said.

"Mr. Cobalion, sir... Please. We need to save these infected..."

[Ashen]

Cobalion looked at the small piece that Zoey took out. He nodded and walked to a nearby wall. The wall seemed to have been broken long ago and now lay in ruins. The legendary used Sacred Sword, shattered a part of the wall. He rolled a small stone back to where Zoey was and presented it to her. The stone was about the size of a ping pong ball with smooth edges. It was a dark blue color. It was like any other stone, except for the perfect slice made by Cobalion. There was a line running down the middle. It split the stone in two, but the stone was still connected, as if Cobalion had intentionally only cut deep enough to make a crack, not shatter the stone. It was a task that an unskilled Pokemon would fail at.
"Here is my piece," he said. "You have permission from two of us now. You must go and find Virizion. Just show him my stone. I'm more or less the leader of the three of us, so he'd be more than willing to give you permission. I warn you, though. Virizion is a rather...flamboyant fellow. Try not to insult him. He takes a lot of offense in that." He nodded at Zoey and then turned to Joka, who was still absent from conversation. "Hey," Cobalion called to him. "Charmeleon."
Joka looked up slowly. He let out a soft, "Hmm?"
"Ease up, Char Char," Cobalion said. "You're too tense. I wouldn't suggest appearing before Mew like that." Cobalion turned away. "I'll be seeing you two," he called over his shoulder. "And good luck! Hopefully I can thank you for clearing the darkness later!"
With that, the great fighter was off.

Joka turned to Zoey once Cobalion had left. He wasn't going to talk about his weaknesses with her, so he dismissed them. It was a hard thing to do, as they were eating at him, but he managed. "I'm fine," he assured her. "Maybe the guy's right. But I like who I am."
He was talking more to himself, then. And he knew what he'd said was a lie. Joka wasn't satisfied with himself. He didn't know who he was. Why he was. He didn't know where he came from. And that all really bothered him. He was sure he wouldn't feel complete until he found out what happened to him that faraway day where his mother had found him, abandoned and alone, clutching his Sharpedo tooth.

"Now," Joka said with a feigned optimistic tone. "Let's head off for Virizion. We can't give up now, can we?" He looked around, at the townsfolk. Most had scattered since Cobalion had gone. They had gotten back to their everyday lives. "Should we get you to a Pokemon Center first?" he asked her. "We can rest up a bit. I don't think we have to worry much about Virizion leaving. A grass-type haven shouldn't give us problems, either. Not like the volcano. We can take our time, but the sooner we stop this darkness the better." He took a step forward and stopped. Joka turned towards the direction of the Pokemon Center and then turned to where they needed to go. "I'll follow your lead," he told her.

[Drakonnas]

After they had both been healed up at the Pokecenter, they were both walking away from the town they were in, Zoey promising to come back after their mission had come to a conclusion. She wanted to stay there, everything about that mysterious town she loved. The pokemon there were nice, and she felt like she actually belonged there. They had even been kind enough to stock them up with a few items in case of emergency. They now had one Max Revive, three Leppa Berries, three Lum Berries, a focus band, and one macho brace.

They were on the road again, once again alone. But this time, unlike the last times, they knew their destination. They knew where they were going to go. They knew where the third Legendary pokemon rested. The sacred forests about a week's journey from that last town. So, they had about two weeks of travel ahead of them before they arrived at the sacred forest. Their first days of travel were relatively uneventful. They were attacked several times by the infected, the number of infected pokemon seemed to be growing. And they all seemed hell bent on killing Zoey.

It was just after another attack by the infected that Zoey found herself starting to doubt. It was a temporary doubt, but it was doubt all the same. They had fended off their attackers, and Zoey was left panting after really putting up a fight. It was very clear how much she had grown since the beginning of their journey, she was no longer helpless in battle, she could actually put up quite a decent fight. She had learned a few new attacks like Night Daze for example, which proved very useful in escaping the infected.

They had been walking along for an hour afterwords, when Zoey spoke. "Joka, These infected seem to keep getting more and more violent... They must be in so much pain, to be suffering so much. I wanna save them..." They were just crossing out of the mountainous area now, into more pasturelike fields. They could see farther ahead, but the town where they could rest wasn't in sight yet. The sun was blaring down on them, and Zoey was actually a little bit hot and bothered by the heat. It made her a little bit irritable, and she was trying her best to keep that in check. "I don't wanna see any more pokemon suffer. I wanna finish this, and quickly." She was quiet, wondering.

She stopped to get a drink of water from a clean pool nearby, and watched as some fearow flew up in the sky. "I don't want to see this beautiful world die." She was taking the time to notice the small things. The budding flowers on the trees. The small little details that many pokemon missed. She was simply in tune with them. "But we're almost done here. We just need one more permission, and we'll be able to go see Mew." She said happily.

But then it happened again. Zoey had another attack. It had been a long time since her last one, she should have been expecting it, as it had been a lot longer than normal between attacks. But a part of her had forgotten that she would have them, a part of her had hoped the spring water had healed her of that trouble.

She suddenly froze in place, not responding to anything around her, and was suddenly thrashing about, screaming at the top of her lungs. It was more painful than she could have possibly remembered. All of her senses were acutely on fire, it felt like every inch of her body was being pierced by thousands of red-hot needles, as if she were being pulled apart inch by inch. As if her body was boiling inside her.

[Ashen]

Joka was also noting how much the infected targeted Zoey. He guessed at why, never trusting his guesses to words. They were all highly unlikely anyway, and Joka didn't give them a second though. He considered her being the mastermind behind the infected, or the creator of the disease, or maybe a direct link to the cause, but those were stupid ideas according to the Charmeleon and he dismissed them with ease.
He knew that he sure didn't like Zoey being targeted so much, but at least she was getting a lot of experience from the Pokemon they had to battle or evade. They were becoming a strong pair together. This kind of training, though lesser in severity than what he was used to, was very invaluable to Joka. This was teamed training, something he certainly wasn't used to, and was proving to be a great lesson for him. Besides, he was enjoying himself. Besides the times where the infected nearly overpowered them, Joka was having a lot of fun in battle alongside his friend. The word had become easier to use for him, though it was another thing he would not trust aloud.

A lot of things were changing about the duo. The Charmeleon had attained an admiration for Zoey. She was his closest friend, which he supposed wasn't saying much but ought've stood for something. She was getting stronger and stronger, and Joka enjoyed watching her grow. He didn't feel the same way about her that she felt about him, but he didn't think he would. He wasn't one to openly trust, and though they were forming a quick bond, it would take more than that to get the loner trusting.

They were walking in silence when Zoey suddenly spoke of not wanting to see the world die. He looked around at the world around them. It was a bright day for once, though clouds were off in the distance. No Pokemon were around, but plenty of vegetation flourished. It was a beautiful sight, the bright blue sky, the shining sun, the green grass and colorful flowers. The wind made a soft song on its own, and along with the calls of farawar bird Pokemon, it sounded like a sort of paradise. Joka didn't want to see it fade, either, but the clouds off in the distance already reminded him that it would be ending.
No, he vowed. Not if he could help it.

He knew what she was talking about when she mentioned the pain the infected must have been in. He'd seen the pain in his own brother's eyes. He didn't want anyone to be in such pain, but then Zoey dropped next to him. He turned sharply to watch her twist and turn in pain, her screams distorting the soft song of nature. He panicked and stood next to her, rubbing her head gently with his hands. "It's okay," he soothed, though he wasn't the best at calming Pokemon down. "It's alright, Zo. Breathe. It'll be over soon." He tugged on her bag and looked inside at what he could possibly give her to ease the pain. A Leppa would help for restoring energy to attack, a Lum would help a status condition, and a max revive would help revive a fainted Pokemon. None would help in a situation like this, he thought. He wished he could do something, but there was nothing he could do but stand there and try to calm her down. Doing that was too insufficient for the Charmeleon. He felt very insignificant, like he'd been feeling often during this journey.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey's attack was a vicious one, and it lasted for the better part of five minutes. By the time it had passed, Zoey lay on the ground whimpering, panting, not really sure what was going on. The pain was driving her senses away, and she feared that she might lose her sanity if they kept up. She already felt numb, already felt like she would rather perish than continue to have these assaults on her mind and body. She wasn't aware of Joka even being there for about ten minutes after the attack had stopped. She couldn't see, couldn't hear. She just lay there unresponsive, as things very slowly started to return to normal.

It took her a while to realize that Joka was indeed standing over her. She tried to speak, but no sound came out. So, she just lay there, an occasional aftershock of pain running through her. All the effects of the healing spring that Terrakion had rested her in seemed to have faded. She felt as defeated as she had before, dread of the next attacking filling her mind most of all. How many more of these was she going to survive? How many more before they killed her? Was there a solution? She was afraid to find out. If she had to deal with these for the rest of her life, did she have the strength to go on?

"J...Joka..." She finally managed to speak, a little while later. She wasn't sure what to say. Once again, she was vulnerable to attack. Once again, he would have to save her ass if any infected attacked. Once again, she felt worthless. It had been so nice not having to deal with these attacks for awhile. But all good things had to come to an end. Not just all good things, she reminded herself. All things. Even the bad. This too, would pass, and she would get back to her life as normal.

"I'm sorry, Joka." She said. "I thought... thought that maybe the spring would have healed me. I guess I was wrong." She didn't know what else to say. What was there to say? "I'll... be okay. Somehow. I just... need to gather my strength, and willpower... Right now, I don't have a lot of either."

[Ashen]

Joka watched helplessly as the Zorua moaned and twisted in pain. There was nothing he could do, and he hated it. She seemed ignorant to all that was around her. Joka could only imagine the amount of pain she must have been in. He wished he could take it from her, forever. He'd take the burden; he deserved it far more than she did.

Joka shook his head when she tried to speak. "Shh," he whispered. "Don't speak. It's okay." He didn't want her to use her energy in a few meaningless words. No words were required, and she needed all the energy she could muster. They needed to get to Virizion, and they were just losing time, but he tried not to think of that. They'd get there. They would make it. This was just an uneasy delay; they would get their permission.

As Zoey seemed to be coming to, Joka let out a short sigh of relief. She still seemed to be in pain, but it seemed more tolerable than minutes ago, and Joka figured anything was an improvement. He was starting to feel confident again when he felt something being hurled at his back. Joka turned sharply and found himself face-to-face with a Rhyperior. Its eyes blazed red. They were locked on Zoey.
Joka gulped. Rhyperior was no easy foe to take on. An earthquake or stone edge or rock tomb or rock slide would deal serious damage to him. A hammer arm would be extremely powerful from the oversized rock Pokemon. And Joka could not let him get to Zoey. A new sense of panic crossed the Charmeleon's face for only a moment. He stepped forward, prepared for battle. He might not have been able to stop Zoey's pain, but he could prevent this Pokemon from dealing any more. So he waited until the Rhyperior charged at him before digging under the ground, his claws working a mile a minute. The Rhyperior tried to guess where the Charmeleon could have gone, but he soon changed his mind and went after Zoey. Having predicted this, Joka had dug towards Zoey and came up just in time to deal an unexpected metal claw to the Rhyperior. Using his claws, he kept the Rhyperior away from Zoey. He was growing tired, but he couldn't rest. The Rhyperior could kill Zoey, and after her attack, she wouldn't be able to fight back.

He kept the infected Pokemon at bay until the both of them grew exhausted. The Rhyperior seemed a bit dazed from the metal claws and shadow claws Joka was dealing in rapid fire. With an earthquake that completely shook both Joka and Zoey, the Rhyperior fled, leaving Joka exhausted and hurt.
The Charmeleon took a great deal of damage from the earthquake, but he stumbled towards Zoey to make sure she was alright. It was just their luck that they'd be attack at that moment, with Zoey rendered useless. It was almost as if it was a sign. Go home. Don't try to save the world. Don't go.

"Zoey?" Joka said softly, trying to mask his own pain. "Are you okay? Please be okay." There was a sort of whimper in his plea. This wasn't like the calloused Pokemon; Joka did not beg. But there he was, begging his only friend to be okay.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey didn't have the strength to move after that attack, small aftershocks still wracked her, leaving her paralyzed. She could not warn Joka of the Rhyperior who had appeared behind him, she could do nothing but lay there in fear as the Infected attacked. This was what she had been afraid of all along. Being overwhelmed by her disability when an infected decided to attack. This was bad. Bad, bad, bad. The Rhyperior had a complete type advantage over Joka, and even his Metal Claw and Dig moves would be weakened thanks to his tough armor. She could feel Joka's fear, it matched her own. She was completely helpless. And hated it.

The battle seemed to loom on for ages, and Zoey still wasn't able to move. And then the earthquake came. It hurt her, very badly. Once again, she was dear the brink of death. Why was this to happen again? Why was she flirting with the grim reaper so much? She had to get even stronger. She had to. There was no denying it. Strength was what she needed. But she wasn't strong enough. Even with the strength she had gained, it wasn't enough.As the quake drained what remaining health she had, the world faded to black, and Zoey stopped breathing.

But luckily, the Rhyperior fled, the quake stopped, and Zoey was left with a sliver of life. Her breathing almost wasn't audible, her pulse almost wasn't readable. It would have been so easy to give up, and die. Had her inner strength not been what it was, she probably would have. But she fought death, even in unconsciousness, with all the strength she possessed. Her mission wasn't finished yet. She would not leave this world. It would not happen. As if she could sense Joka's desperation, she fought on, willing herself to survive.

[Ashen]

When Zoey wouldn't move Joka got scared. When she stopped breathing he grew terrified.
He kept telling himself not to panic as he moved about her body, looking for any scars or wounds that he could somehow remedy. Soon, his thoughts were drowned by the beating voice that told him Zoey was going to die, so he had to say it aloud: "Don't panic, it'll be okay, don't panic." His mantra wasn't working well, and Joka realized he couldn't just lie in wait. He needed to do something. She looked like she was about to die, and his constant don't panic was not going to revive her.

Revive.
All of a sudden Joka remembered the max revive. A max revive healed a fainted Pokemon to full health. Zoey was beyond fainted; surely the max revive would take effect on her. He went for her bag and sifted through the items until he found the spiked remedy. He offered it to Zoey, hoping the small star would bring the vitality back to her.

A million things were running through Joka's mind. He was visibly worried about Zoey. He hoped the max revive would work, because if it didn't, there wasn't much else he could do. He needed Zoey to come back to him.
In his desperation to get Zoey back, he didn't even notice his own agony. The effects of the earthquake were really taking hold on him. He was exhausted and his bones ached. He felt unstable and confused. He still felt the world shaking, even though the earthquake had stopped. But despite his pain, he was more concentrated on the ball of whimpering fur before him. For once, the self-centered Charmeleon was ignoring his own aches for someone else.

[Drakonnas]

As the max revive was placed by her, it sort of dissolved, and was absorbed into her. Her breathing became stronger and more normal, and her eyes opened, and she looked around. She could feel the power of the max revive entering her body, giving her strength. She blinked a couple of times, yawned, and spoke. "Joka?" She asked, looking around for him, until she saw the Charmeleon. He looked pretty beat up himself. It took a minute before the memory of what had transpired previously came into mind, and she cringed when it did. "I'm sorry, Joka." She said quietly, a little bit embarrassed that it had happened to her.

Zoey didn't really know what to say. What was there to say in a situation like this? She tried to relax, tried to calm herself, but it really wasn't working as well as she hoped. She could still feel the aftershocks of her attack running through her body, and that made standing up difficult for her. "Thank you... for... you know." She was quiet for a minute while the shocks increased momentarily, but as they died down again, she was able to speak and concentrate again.

She noticed that Joka was looking pretty beat up, and she was worried about him, in all honesty. "Joka... You look badly hurt... How can I help you?" She asked, a look of concern etched onto her face. "I'm sorry you had to do that alone. If I could have done anything, I would have. I hated feeling useless, it..." She shook her head, there were not words to describe that inexplicable feeling of uselessness that had fallen over her. She was literally a prisoner in her own body, she could do nothing but watch as whatever happened, happened.

She rummaged through her sack, and pulled out something she had stored. Four Sitrus berries. She had picked them when in town, thinking they might be useful. Well, she was right. "Here you go." She gave Joka three, and ate one herself. The berry immediately made her feel a little more energetic, but she wanted Joka to have the other three. It was the selfless part of her that wanted to see Joka feel better. She was feeling somewhat better, and would be able to journey on, but she wanted Joka to not hurt. After all, he had gotten hurt caring for her.

[Ashen]

Joka let out a sigh of relief when Zoey opened her eyes. She was alright. He could breathe easier again.
He immediately shook his head when she thanked him. "Don't," he said. "Don't thank me, not for that." It was different than what usually followed the don't thank me tradition. He usually said it so he wouldn't be reminded of something nice he'd done. Now the Charmeleon was saying it because he meant it; she shouldn't apologize for something out of her control. He didn't think his helping her was something nice, anyway; it was something he had to do. He had to help his friend, and he would help her until death. He vowed it.

He shrugged her off. "I'm not too badly hurt," he assured, pushing the Sitrus berries away. "We'll need those for later. Don't waste them on me when I'm fine." He really could have used them, but his stubborness was going to win out. With Zoey okay again, he turned away and in doing so nearly tripped over his own feet. Rhyperior had really tired him out, more than Joka was willing to admit even to himself. But he quickly recovered and pressed on. "Are you okay enough to head out for Virizion's again?" he asked her. "At least that will be a walk in the park." He hesitated for a minute, then added, "Literally." He smiled lightly and tried to take another step but he stumbled. He landed on his stomach. Joka rolled onto his back and sat up. He would not take a Sitrus berry, and he would not waste time in resting. He needed to get going. "Sorry," he mumbled, picking himself off the ground and dusting himself off. "I'm fine, Zo, really. The sooner we get to Virizion the better. Now let's go."

[Drakonnas]

Zoey stopped when Joka stumbled for the second time. He was not okay, and he was going to eat those sitrus berries even if she had to feed it to him by force. "Joka." She said seriously. "You are going to eat those sitrus berries, or I am going to make you. You will be thankful later, trust me." She said, blocking his way forward. "I'm watching your back, whether you like it or not." She frowned at his inevitable protests. "No more words. Eat, or I'll make you eat." She was dead serious about this, she would not continue on like this. Not only would it slow their progress considerably, but it was also not good for Joka to continue on injured like this. What happened if they encountered more Risen? he needed to be well rested.

"If you keep going injured, you're only gonna hurt yourself more." She reminded him, in case he needed more persuading. "And by doing so, you'll be the one holding us back. And I know you don't want that. Come on, make me the one who's trying to keep up." She poked him lightly. "Eat. the. berries. Joka." She said stubbornly. "Like you said, the Sooner we get to Virizion the better. We'll be going faster if you're feeling better. So eat. Or am I going to have to make you eat?"

[Ashen]

Zoey's stubborness was bothering him. He didn't like that she was offering to force-feed him. He didn't want the berries, and he wasn't about to change his mind. Even if she did have a point, that he'd be slowing them down if he didn't rest a bit, he had a better point: they needed to save those for later. He stood firm and crossed his arms over his chest. "Zoey," he said in a slightly raised monotone. "You're being foolish. I told you that I'm..." A sudden sharp pain came to his back, where the original rock throw had been aimed. It felt as if his back was broken. He sat down to prevent himself from falling again and looked away from the berries she was offering.

Joka subconsciously knew he was going to eat those berries. He didn't have the energy to push Zoey away if she tried to force him to eat. "You're slowing us down, now," he said as he stood again, shaky on his feet. "You're stopping us from going on."
Stop kidding yourself. Joka shook his head, trying to clear his inner voice of reason, but that wasn't working. You cannot go on like this. Eat them. If you need them later, well, you'll find something else. Joka took one berry in his claws. He played around with it a bit before shoving it in his mouth and downing it whole. "There," he said. "I'm eating one. Now come on." His stolid expression told her he absolutely would not touch another berry. The Sitrus berry was slowly starting to take effect on him, but he still felt very weak. He told himself he'd feel better if he kept walking, and he walked past Zoey without another word.

[Drakonnas]

"Stop being so damn stubborn." Zoey muttered as she got up to follow him. "It's gonna get you killed one of these days." She didn't care if he heard her or not. Part of her hoped that he did hear. "Being proud is one thing, and having an ego is fine and all, but don't let it get in the way. You gotta learn that unbending your pride is okay, it won't kill you, Joka. If I had pride as big as yours, and was stubborn like you are, I wouldn't have survived this long."

Still, Zoey followed Joka without another word. She was annoyed at his stubbornness, but by the same token, she could be pretty stubborn sometimes too. A good compromise leaves everyone angry, she thought. No one got what they wanted, though everyone got something. They just would need to trudge onwards until they came to the flower fields.

"Hey, Joka?" She asked awhile later. "What do you think will happen when we meet Virizion? Do you think he, or she, will give us permission like Cobalion and Terrakion did? And what then?" They were currently walking along a mountainous path, one side of the road had a very steep hill that, if they slipped and fell, would probably prove deadly. "Be careful not to slip..." She said, eyeing the deep chasm with a wary eye. It was rather scary, and she edged away from the edge of the cliff. She could only hope that no risen would come to attack them now, that would be disastrous.

Zoey's body was still tingling from the effects of her attack, and she was trying not to show weakness, because Joka didn't want to see or hear it. He wanted to keep going, and if she complained at all, that would hinder their progress. She hurt, but she knew he was too, and thought it was stupid that they were continuing to go in injured as they were....

[Ashen]

Joka caught every word that Zoey said, but he let on that he didn't. He didn't want her to know that her words were taking such a hold on him. If Zoey had pride as big as his... Sure she would have survived. His ego wasn't that big a problem.
...was it?

He trudged on, deciding he'd had too much to think of during this journey. He needed some relaxation time, but he couldn't get that until his mission was done. The more time he wasted on doing stupid things like relaxing in time of danger the more Pokemon would get infected and the harder it would be to reverse the effects of the darkness. And besides, what if Mew couldn't stop this disease? Or, what if she wouldn't? He'd already been told by both of the muskateers he'd visited that he wasn't quite good enough. Would Virizion think the same? Would Mew?
Joka was really regretting taking on such a large task. Zoey was doing just fine. Zoey, the Pokemon who claimed, just days ago, she wasn't a Pokemon at all. Zoey, the weakling that had come face-to-face with death on multiple occasions since entering this Pokemon realm. How was he being bested by her? Maybe not in strength, or defense, or power, but Zoey had more spirit. While Joka was great at battles, fights weren't everything, and Zoey sure seemed better at everything else.

He was snapped from his thoughts at her question. They'd been walking for some time and were currently on a narrow path. The bottom of the cliff seemed miles away. One fall could fatally wound them.
"I can't see the future," Joka said. "I'm no Alakazam. But Cobalion did say Virizion was an easy-going type, right? So we'll just talk to him and hope for the best. And after we get his permission, we find the World Tree. And talk to Mew."
Was it that easy? It couldn't have been. They'd get into some kind of trouble along they way; they already had come close to failure a couple of times. But they recovered every time. And they would keep recovering.
"And then we save the world," Joka concluded. He almost slipped, and surely would have fallen, but luckily he caught himself. That little voice came back.
If you would evolve, you could just fly past this chasm.
He shook it off. "We save the world," he repeated. "And then... We see what happens from there."

[Drakonnas]

Zoey nodded as Joka said they'd save the world. Of course they would. There was no other outcome that could happen. She would not fail. That was for certain. She would. Not. Fail. There was way too much at stake to be. Strangely there seemed to be no other pokemon around here, and that surprised her. Normally there'd be bird pokemon, maybe some ice types, a few bugs, and some rock types, but it was as silent as a void here, no one chirped, no winds blew, nothing. Absolutely nothing. It was just Joka and Zoey.

"Where do you think all the other pokemon went?" she asked. The silence felt oppressive, and it rather scared Zoey. She wasn't used to this, it was as if everything around them was dead, or simply not there. She felt very strongly of the fact that they shouldn't be here. The road was becoming more narrow, more treacherous. She had slipped twice, and nearly plummeted to her demise, but had managed to stop herself both times. The dirt underneath them was not stable, and it was terrifying walking across.

"Come on, Joka... We're nearly there..." Zoey said, not sure if she was right or not, hoping that they would be, indeed, close to the end of this path. It wasn't fun, and every step they took was precarious. As they continued climbing, if it wasn't bad enough that the path was as perilous as it was, things started to get icy. Zoey was having a harder time breathing now, the air was getting thinner as well. She didn't like this, she didn't like this at all.

"Joka..." she said, stopping to shiver a moment. "Can we... please take a minute... to rest?" she asked looking at the icy path ahead of them. They had only gone higher, and seemed to be nearer to the top of this mountain than they had been before. "It's... hard.. to breathe... up here..."

[Ashen]

Joka wasn't too fazed by the lack of Pokemon out. It was a tad unnerving, like a bad omen, but he liked the silence. It was normally calm and relaxing, though now it was also a bit scary. No Pokemon were around. Did they know better than he did that no one should be on this path?
Still he trekked on. "Maybe they all went to see Cobalion," he suggested. "Since the town isn't so far away, and he's a legendary and all. Or maybe they went to Virizion." Or maybe they were scared off. Joka shook his last thought. He was overreacting. They would be fine.

He felt like he was trudging through fresh mud. The dirt underneath his toes didn't seem the safest terrain to be on a walkway bordering a chasm. He could sense Zoey was uneasy, and he was, too. When it started getting icy, Joka was really uncomfortable. Ice, before a grass-type paridse?
Joka didn't like ice. He could burn it easily, sure, but he didn't like how slippery it was. He didn't like how fragile it was, and how sharp it was. He didn't like the cold. This entire adventure was getting to be extremely uncomfortable and Joka didn't like it.

The Charmeleon listened to Zoey with a small frown. They couldn't possibly sit and rest. They needed to keep going. But she had a point; it was getting harder to breathe. It wasn't so hard for Joka, as he could heat his air with a small flame before he inhaled, but he couldn't be wasting his flame. He nodded at her and looked around. They couldn't just rest on a narrow passageway. So Joka motioned towards an area some distance away, higher and wider than where they were now. "Let's rest there," he said, and he continued walking.

By the time they got to the wider clearing Joka was having a really hard time breathing. He started choking for a minute and exhaled small embers with each cough. He recovered quickly. "When does... it get... clear again?" he asked, trying not to use so much breath. "I feel... like we're about... to face... Kyurem." He didn't think this was normal; they shouldn't have been so cold on such a normal route. Joka had never been to this part of the world, but he didn't think this was normal. The freezing air had dropped even more, and his chest was hurting. Surely this wasn't normal. It couldn't have been normal.
But then... what was waiting for them?

[Drakonnas]

Zoey wasn't sure where all the pokemon were, but it disturbed her. What made them all flee? She didn't know...As they got to the clearing, Zoey's vision was sort of flashing before her, fading in and out, she wasn't getting enough oxygen. "Joka... I feel... really weak...." She said struggling to breathe. She couldn't heat the air, and due to their altitude and the freezing air around them, she felt like she was going to pass out.

But no. She needed to stay awake, to stay alert. If she fell asleep here, she would not wake up. She was sure of that. And as soon as she thought that, she noticed a body in the snow. It was snowing now, and she went over to investigate. A dead Fearow was lying there, it was completely frozen. How long had the pokemon been there? How long had it been dead? She shivered. And that's when she realized. The pokemon who had normally lived here? They were all dead. She began to see bodies of pokemon around her. They were at the top of the mountain now, and in the distance, they could see a vast forest, and a grassy plains. That was a very good sign. But would they be able to survive long enough to get there?

"Joka..." She panted, pointing out the bodies of the dead and frozen pokemon around them. She didn't like this. She didn't want to be there, she didn't want to be the next victim of the cold. But then something startling happened. The snow turned to hail. And the hail was sharp and painful. It cut into her as it fell, leaving numerous gashes in her skin. "Ow! OW!" Zoey whimpered, looking for some sort of shelter. This was something new, something scary. Where could they hide from such attacks?

And then Zoey realized what was going on. That's exactly what this was. They were under attack. "Joka..." She warned, trying to stay conscious. "We're under attack... There's an Abomasnow..." As soon as she said these words, the Abomasnow lept out from somewhere, and roared. This pokemon, Zoey could tell, was stronger than any they had faced so far. This would be a real challenge, even with fire on their side. And worst of all... It was infected.

The air, if it was possible, got even colder, and the hail fell harder. And their enemy hadn't even attacked yet.

[Ashen]

Joka jumped when Zoey pointed out the corpses of the Pokemon that used to be around. He looked around, staring at the half-hidden Pokemon with his mouth agape. His eyes were wide. What happened? Joka was shaking now, and he didn't think it was from the cold. He walked up to a frozen Ratatta and reached out a shaking finger to touch its tail. It was frozen solid. The Charmeleon jumped at the touch. It wasn't like Pokemon to just die. They died of old age, or disease, but usually not of much else. Murder was a rarity-was, that is, before the darkness settled over the land. But this? Extreme weather conditions? Joka didn't understand it. What was going on in the world?

He flinched when he felt the first bits of hail pelt him. He looked back to Zoey just in time for her to give her warning and an overgrown Abomasnow leapt out at them. It looked worse than most infected Joka had seen. In fact, it looked different than any Abomasnow he'd seen. There were icicles coming out of its back, it was standing on all fours, and it seemed far more fierce than any regular Abomasnow. But it wasn't a regular Abomasnow. Hanging around its neck was a shining green and white stone. It seemed to be glowing.
No. Not a regular Abomasnow. A mega evolved Abomasnow.

Joka had never seen a mega evolved Pokemon. He'd only heard of the evolution from Tobi, who'd had dreams of becoming a mega Garchomp. He knew little about it, other than it made Pokemon stronger. He didn't even know it made a Pokemon look different, but apparently it did that, too. Joka didn't know how powerful it made a Pokemon, but he really wasn't looking forward to finding out.

"Zo?" he said softly, taking cautious steps away from the assailant. "That thing is extremely powerful, and I need you to be extremely careful." He was shivering hard, thanks to Abomasnow's snow warning. Fire would be plently painful to the Abomasnow, but Joka had a feeling it would take more than a simple flamethrower to take out this foe. Joka let out a fire blast, trying hard to gather all of his energy to focus his flame right on the enemy. The fire blast landed straight on the Abomasnow.
He was left unfazed.
Shocked that his super-effective attack didn't even cause a reaction, Joka started to panic. He didn't know what to do, but he knew he needed to take out this Abomasnow. It was hard to do, considering he was having such a hard time breathing. He and Zoey needed to work together on this. But what were they to do?
"Zoey?" he called again. "We're going to need to work this out together." He flinched as hail hit him. "How can it just withstand fire like that?" he said to himself. "How thick is that ice..?"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey realized what this thing was as Joka's attack didn't seem to do too much damage. She fired her own flamethrower, and it seemed to be just as effective as Joka's. She knew they would need to work together in order to take down this foe, but how would they do that? That was the problem. How. If it could withstand Fire Blasts from Joka and flamethrowers from her, how were they supposed to harm this thing? Zoey was terrified, and that fear kept her alive, it kept her moving, it kept her breathing. That fear that coursed through her veins pumped adrenaline, which was keeping her in this. "Illusion, Activate!" And she started to change. Not physically, she became an illusion, an illusion of Joka. "There!" She called. "It knows you're the stronger of the two of us! We'll use this to our advantage! I'll make it think I'm you, and then it'll overestimate me, and underestimate you! It'll focus on me, giving you a chance to hit it with a surprise attack! We got one shot at this! After you take your shot, it'll be wary of the both of us." She told him. "This has to work!"

She let out a confidant roar, and charged up her most powerful flamethrower, and shot a stream of intense fire from her maw. It scorched the Abomasnow, and it seemed to not like taking the hit, but it didn't really recoil too much. They were doing damage, just not much... The beast was now focused on her. It inhaled, and shot a gigantic Ice Beam at her that she only just dodged. Even still, she felt some of her energy vanish. If she was hit by that thing, it would kill her. She was sure of that. If she was at full health, she could take it. But like so many times recently, they hadn't ever had a chance to recover to full health, this made them more vulnerable... And it bugged her. They needed to take a few days to rest and relax, to restore their health.

Zoey ran up to the monster, the last thing it would expect, and slashed its face with a shadow claw, this infuriated the beast, as well as blinded it for a few seconds. "Can't hit me, you oversized Yeti!" She taunted, succeeding in making it charge at her blindly, a Giga Impact that, too, missed her by a hairs breadth. Zoey was panting hard now, and her lungs seemed to be on fire. They couldn't keep at this for much longer. They needed to end this fight as soon as they possibly could. But all the sudden, she felt a strange warmth flow through her, and she just felt lucky. What was this sense of luck, and where had it come from? She just felt a critical hit coming, but she didn't know when...

[Ashen]

Joka didn't like Zoey's plan in the least. If the beast overestimated her, it would be stronger against her. Maybe Joka could take such a powerful ice beam head-on, but Zoey couldn't. She didn't need more risk, and he really didn't like that she was asking for trouble.
But he didn't have time to protest. They needed to get rid of this thing, and fast.

He, too, felt the lucky air that surrounded them. He didn't know what it was, but he felt like he could land a hit in just the right spot. It was almost like he was focused, extremely focused, and he could focus his energy on a weak spot to deal critical damage.
He watched Zoey attack the Abomasnow with a shadow claw which seemed to do nothing at all. After the attempt at a giga impact, Joka took his turn. He charged at the Abomasnow and dealt a super-effective brick break right in the thing's face. This seemed to strike a weak spot.
The Abomasnow stumbled. It locked eyes on Joka and let out a mighty roar. Joka tried to remain unfazed. He took a step away and turned to Zoey. "I think I got him," he said. "I think that weakened him. We can take him out now." He let out a small ember as he tried to gather his energy once more. His ember seemed to hurt. Whatever had been protecting the Abomasnow from the fire was apparently gone after Joka's brick break, and now the Pokemon was at a severe disadvantage. They were going to succeed.

"Zoey," Joka called. "We can do this, but we need concentration." He was preparing a flaming fire blast for the Abomasnow. "If we both concentrate our flames on him, he won't be able to withstand." Joka was just hoping at this point. He hoped the Abomasnow wouldn't be able to take much more. He didn't know about Zoey, but he was exhausted. His bones were aching from the cold, he still couldn't breathe very well, and he felt he could pass out any minute. But he knew he couldn't pass out; in doing so he would most certainly freeze to death like the corpses littering the battlefield. He had to stay awake and alert.
So, as a flame developed in his mouth, he cast a glance towards Zoey. With his mouth full of fire, his expression asked Zoey, "Are you ready?"

[Drakonnas]

"You bet I am." Came Zoey's focused reply. She had seen the Brick Break, seen some ice shatter, and felt that they could do this. She didn't know why they were so lucky, but something in the air made her feel like that, full of luck. She felt like she could anything. Well, anything that didn't require too much physical effort. She just felt lucky. As Joka prepared his fire attack, she did as well. She counted to three, and on that final count, she released the most powerful flamethrower she had ever used. The powerful flames flew towards the great beast, presumably mixing with Joka's fire attack. She couldn't see Joka from where she was, but she assumed that he had attacked as well. She saw her fire smash into the great ice yeti, and she saw it writhe as the extreme heat toasted it.

The Abomasnow, hurt by all the attacks, fled. It didn't want to deal with this fire. Whatever had happened to the ice protecting it? The thing didn't know, but whatever it was, it didn't want to be here anymore. And unfortunately, that meant that not getting to freeze these two pokemon. The hail slowed, then stopped. Zoey was panting hard, she didn't want to collapse. Not now. She had to be strong, but they had to get to a lower altitude. "Come on." She said, walking towards Joka, and walking beside him in case he needed any sort of help.

"We... we did it..." She laughed, though her laugh sounded weak and wheezy. "Let's go before I become a Zoruasickle." She was having difficulty walking through the thick snow. But no amount of pain would make her complain. She would not whine. She would push on until they were safe. Then she could rest. But not now. Not yet.

The path down to the plains and meadow was much less treacherous, and much easier to climb down. It would take awhile, but they would have no problems descending.

[Ashen]

Joka couldn't see Zoey either, but he knew from the Abomasnow's expression afterwards they they'd both hit the beast very hard with their own flames. He watched the Abomasnow stagger away and looked up to see the hail finally stopping. The sun was behind a few clouds, but when it came out it would melt all of the misplaced snow. It would reveal the bodies of the dead. Joka felt bad for not coming sooner to save these Pokemon, but he couldn't think of that. He and Zoey had stopped the Abomasnow, and he had to be satisfied with that. There was nothing more he could have done, so he had to take what he could get.

After a few minutes, when Zoey had approached him and started to laugh, Joka took in the situation as well. They had defeated the Abomasnow. The Pokemon that seemed completely immune to one of his most powerful attacks had been defeated. It had to have been stupid luck that had helped them, but he certainly wasn't complaining. Joka let out his own, small laugh. He had a real smile on his face, a rare sight. "We did," he said proudly. "We make a pretty good team." He nodded and started pressing through the snow as well. "I don't think you'd taste very good as a Zoruasickle," he said. "Too much fur. And besides, I prefer my foods hot. No offense." He flashed her a smirk as he kept walking. Even though he was drained, he felt at ease with Zoey. They had just taken out such a mighty foe, and they'd come this far on a mission he'd once deemed impossible. He felt a surge of confidence rush through him as he kept going. He was looking forward to getting to Mew. He knew he could do it, so long as Zoey was with him.

As they continued on the mountain path, Joka felt his bones turn to jelly. Far from the summit and he was still shaking from the cold. His tail flame was far too dim and he couldn't get warm enough. He wasn't worried about it; he was too tired to be worried. They both needed a long rest, but after that fiasco, Joka didn't feel too safe resting just anywhere. Especially not on a mountain facade.
"Do you think Virizion will let us rest at his garden?" he asked. "I think we could both use that. I just hope we don't run into anything else like that Abomasnow." He looked up to the sky and gave out a long sigh. The sun was going further behind the lowlying clouds. "You don't suppose it's going to rain soon?" he asked her. He didn't need the rain. On top of his already weakened state, he didn't need to be dodging raindrops, too.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey laughed at Joka telling her she would not make a good Zoruasickle. "Good. Then I know you won't try to take a chomp out of me." She joked back. "I could really use something warm to eat right about now as well." She did agree with him that they made a good team. They hadn't encountered anything that they could not do. Not yet. They had most certainly come close to finding something that they couldn't defeat, or accomplish, but they had succeeded at everything they had attempted so far. And that was a good sign. That was very promising. Especially to the young Zorua who had no recollection of anything except within the past few days.

They continued down the mountain, luckily encountering no infected pokemon. If they had, Zoey wasn't sure that she would be at all able to fight. She was using all of her strength to just keep putting one foot in front of the other. The path was evening out now, they were at the bottom of the mountain, they had successfully climbed over the mountain. That was another big accomplishment. But not too far down, there was a crack in the wall that looked like it would be easy to break down. Zoey just had a strange feeling that they should investigate whatever it was that was here. She just had a feeling, and that was generally something to listen to.

Joka spoke to her, wondering if Virizion would let them rest at the garden. "I think so. Terrakion and Cobalion have both been nice to us, I think that Virizion will be the same way." She too, noticed the sun hiding behind the clouds. A nice beeze was starting to blow, and Zoey enjoyed that. But she didn't think it'd start to rain, the clouds were not grey enough.

"Hey, Joka. Come here, and take a look at this." She said, pointing out the crack in the wall. "I think we should try to break this, and see what's on the other side. I just have a good feeling. Like something's telling me we should go in here." She started attacking the crack with a few attacks, it wasn't terrible effective, but she was making a mark. AFter a little while in which Joka could choose to help or not, they broke through the wall. Steam was coming out of the hole, and it felt wonderful on their cold selves.

"Joka, come in here!" She said eagerly, as soon as she stepped inside, she could feel the steam from a hot spring, which was notorious for healing pokemon. "THere's a hot spring inside here!" She called, dashing into the cave. And sure enough, after a few twists and turns, a hot spring lay waiting for them. This was just like the one that Terrakion had taken them too that had healed Zoey. She jumped right in and could feel the healing powers coursing through her. Even being in the cave would help heal Joka, even if he chose not to go into the healing water.

[Ashen]

Joka stopped suddenly as he saw Zoey head off to explore something. He turned and cocked his head to the side, wondering what she saw in an ordinary wall. He approached it and studied it closely. It was just a crack in the wall. What of it? But then she started trying to destroy it, so he figured he could help. He used a weakened brick break on it, and sure the wall shattered. He was covered in steam that emerged from the wall and it felt really good on his skin. He closed his eyes, embracing the feel of the steam. He didn't even care that there could be something ready to attack them from within the wall. He got a faceful of warm air, and he wasn't going to let anything negate the beauty in that.

After a minute, Joka opened his eyes and followed Zoey into the crevice. He was a little too big for the wall, but the walkway soon widened, and he could walk comfortably. He watched Zoey rush ahead before he saw the pure, sparkling waters. A hot spring.
He stepped forward cautiously, careful to make sure it wasn't a trap. But it wasn't. There was a clear way to the healing waters. In the last few steps towards the water Joka started almost skipping, diving into the water. As a fire chameleon, diving into a body of water probably wasn't the smartest thing to do, but he didn't care. He let the water bathe him and clean his wounds. It felt amazing, to be in good health again. Finally.

Joka wasn't exactly at full health. His tail flame was low, almost nonexistant, when he stepped out of the water. He shook the water off of his skin and let out a sigh. Finally, they could continue on without having to worry about not being healthy enough to take on their attackers. Hopefully, it wouldn't come to that again. Hopefully they wouldn't be attacked again.
Though he hoped, Joka didn't believe the infected were done messing with them.

He saw Zoey frolicking in the springs a little distance away and smirked. He stepped into the water, careful this time to keep his tail away from the water. He crept up behind her and when he was right behind her he gave a huge splash, making water fall all around the Zorua. "Gotcha," he said as he started making his way out of the water. "Be more alert next time!" he called to her. Once again, a shining smile was on his face.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey splashed around in the healing spring, and Joka wasn't too far behind her. She was feeling excellently again, and nothing was going to keep her down. "We did it, Joka! We're going to do it! We're gonna save the world! I just know it!" She danced around in the water, and laughed, having a merry old time. She was back at full health, and feeling great. She felt like, once more, taking on the world. Well, that's really what they were doing. The infection was spreading, and rather rapidly.

Engrossed in her own thoughts, she didn't notice Joka sneaking around, until he splashed her. She yelped in surprise, and turned quickly to see Joka grinning. Joka was grinning. He was smiling brightly. And that, more than anything else, filled Zoey with happiness. And again, this feeling deep inside her, welling up within her. She wasn't sure what it was, she had never felt this before. She really liked being around Joka. Sure, his unpleasant moods weren't much fun, but seeing him smile like this, seeing him enjoy himself... It made her really happy to see. And she wanted to keep seeing it. What was the word for it? Something was coming to mind. She loved her time here so far, even if it was stressful. She had a goal to work towards, and she knew how to get there.

She also loved travelling with Joka. He was the first one who she had met here, and the first to help. He had gone out of his way to help her, and they had embarked on this mission together. Did that mean she liked him? Back home, she had only had a crush once, and it wasn't a very strong one at that. But she thought that this was what it was, a crush. Was she attracted to Joka? He certainly was strong. And tough too. Maybe if she could break through a few more of his barriers, get him to trust her more... Maybe then something could happen. But for now, she accepted that it was possible she was crushing on him. Not certain, but certainly possible.

She refrained from splashing Joka back, seeing how small his tail flame was. "I'll get you sometime when you least expect it!" She called out, as some sort of retort. "Just you watch!" Her tail whipped back and forth, playful, eager.

"We better get going! Virizion is probably waiting for us!" She said eagerly, getting out of the water, and heading for the cave's exit.

[Ashen]

Joka nodded and headed away from the healing springs feeling refreshed and with a new burst of confidence. They were going to make it, no matter what struck them. He was sure of that.

Still, he didn't imagine getting to their goal would be an easy task. Even if getting to Virizion wouldn't cause much trouble, they still had a lot to go after that. How would they find the World Tree? What would be waiting for them there? Would Mew be nice to them? What was she like? The questions circled in his mind. He decided to not dwell on the what ifs-what if Mew attacks us, what if Virizion doesn't grant us permission, what if we're deemed not worthy, what if the darkness cannot be stopped?-and thought instead on their current task. Getting to Virizion.

Joka and Zoey had been walking for a while, mindlessly chatting about their mission, and random things, like what a lovely shade of purple the surrounding flowers were. The terrain was starting to get greener, which he chose to take as a good sign.
Joka was unaware of Zoey's developing feelings for him. He wasn't very used to the idea of love and expected it from no one. He would never imagine that Zoey was starting to feel some type of way. He did have to admit he was really getting along with Zoey, better than anyone in all of his days as a Pokemon. He liked having a companion; it really beat the lonely silence.

"Look at that Altaria," Joka said after they'd passed a large oak tree. He wasn't sure where they were. He could only hope they were close to Virizion. "I always loved the beauty of an Altaria," he said. "They just seem so graceful, you know? That's their speciality, their grace, isn't it?" He pondered for a minute, then looked over to her. "Like your speciality is your determination, I guess. Or maybe attracting infected. You're pretty good at that." He was joking; she could tell from his tone. He wondered what his specialty was. Being stubborn and isolating others weren't exactly talents, and Joka grew uncomfortable as he thought he really didn't have much going for him.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey enjoyed the chats they had, it was more easygoing and more relaxed, more friendly than it had been before. And she enjoyed that. It was a lot of fun to talk about anything and enjoy it, notice small things, and just have a nice conversation. It beat the tension that had been there before. She looked up at the Altaria, and smiled. "Yes, she is pretty." Zoey said, just taking a moment to watch. She enjoyed watching, there was something about noticing the little things that made her feel good.

"Hah. They do seem rather attracted to me." She thought about making a magnet joke, but it felt it wasn't current enough. It was positive though, at least it wasn't negative. "But yeah, my determination is pretty strong! You're pretty good at rescuing me... Haha..." She laughed weakly, before moving on. They were in a more foresty area now, and just ahead of them was a very thick layer of trees that signaled the start of the real forest.

A signpost next to the entrance signaled Zoey's attention, and she went over to read it.

"Welcome to the Lost Woods. Beware, those who do are not worthy. Try as you might, you shall never penetrate the depths of this forest. Be safe, traveler."

Zoey frowned. How did the forest decide who was worthy and who was not? Or was there some sort of test? "Let's go, Jokie!" She said, hurrying towards the entrance of the forest. Instead of being like a normal forest, they found themselves in a small open "room", with paths in four different directions. Another signpost told them that only one way was the correct way, if they went the wrong way, they'd end up at the start again.

"Oooh... It's a maze." Zoey said, with a realization. "We have to find the right path, or we end up at the beginning again... I bet that if we find the right path, we'll have more branching paths to take... and only one of them will let us go on... which means we need to figure out how to find the right path. There are probably hundreds of combinations. But if we can figure out how to tell the right path from the wrong, then we can go on, and hopefully meet Virizion." She said.

"Soo.... any ideas?"

[Ashen]

A forest that could deem its visitors worthy. Joka didn't know how he felt about that. It seemed odd. He'd read about a forest like this somewhere before, but he didn't know how it worked. To his knowledge, no one knew how the thing worked. He figured it couldn't be that hard, though. Besides getting lost, what was the worst that could happen? They'd be fine.

He didn't flinch when Zoey called him Jokie, but he did stop for a minute. It was cute, almost, coming from her. He didn't correct her, just shot her a look and kept walking. When they got to the clearing, he looked down the branching paths. They all looked exactly the same. With hundreds of combinations, how were they ever supposed to figure out where to go?

"Well," Joka said, trying to think strategically. "It'll bring us back to the entrance as soon as we make a wrong move, right? So then we'll know we've made a wrong choice immediately. If the right way doesn't change, we can just memorize each right choice and build on top of it." He seemed to consider something. "That is assuming the right path doesn't change. So if the right way is that way, to our right, we'll have to hope that if we make a mistake in clearing number two, the right passage to clearing two will still be to the right." He looked up at Zoey. "If it changes every time, well, it's all up to chance, and we could be here for hours. If it's completely random... I say we go right. Hopefully we don't get too lost in here."
If you were a Charizard you could probably fly over this forest.
Joka shook his head, trying hard to silence his small inner voice. "So," he said to Zoey. "Let's go. And watch out for those thorns, will you? I wonder if any other Pokemon are in here."

[Drakonnas]

Zoey listened to what Joka had to say, she did agree with him about the potential to simply try and find the correct path via trial and error. "Well then, let's get started." She said, taking a step towards the right. "You watch out for them too! Let's both be careful, and get through this without getting hurt!" It turned out that Zoey had a pretty good feeling for what way they needed to go. She got them through three rooms before they took a wrong choice, and ended up back at the beginning. "Right... Left... Left..." She said, making herself remember the correct paths they had taken. Thankfully, the rooms weren't too big, which meant that it didn't take them too long to get back to where they had been before.

There were not very many pokemon here, or at least, that was obvious, and the ones that were had no interest in attacking them at all, in fact, a few of the younger bug pokemon seemed curious about them. An oddish even came to say hello, and then ran back into hiding. Zoey thought that was a good sign. But as they slowly got deeper and deeper into the woods, things got just a little bit darker. It was almost not noticeable due to the very slow graduation of light, but sure enough, it was getting darker.

Zoey noticed this when they took another wrong turn. "Wow..." She said, surprised. "Is it just me, or is it brighter and more cheerful here than it was before?" She shrugged, and turned back to the woods again. "Well, Joka, let's keep going! I think we're doing pretty well!"

[Ashen]

Joka hadn't noticed it getting dark until she'd said something about it. She was right though, it was a lot brighter at the entrace. Did it mean they were getting closer to the center of the forest, or maybe the way out? He hoped so.
They walked on, trying to remember where they had walked and following the path accordingly. In a few minutes, sure enough, they made it to a clearing with no other exits. The room was dark. There was light slipping in through the treetops and Joka's tail was illuminating the area but other than that they were in darkness. Joka looked around, using his tail as a lantern. "Now where do we go?" he asked, but before much else could happen, there was a blinding light in front of them. When Joka could see again, he saw a little shrub sort of Pokemon. It looked up at him.
"Hiya!" the little Pokemon said. "I'm Shaymin! You two are going to see Virizion, aren't you? Cobalion sent me to help you!" The little Pokemon seemed a bit too cheery. Joka was definitely the odd one out.

Shaymin turned away. "You two actually made it through the Lost Woods, and in record timing! Congrats, you two! You didn't even have a run-in with the Trevanant. They aren't very nice. But anyways, if you just follow me..." Shaymin walked up to a bush and closed her eyes. When she opened them, the bushes had moved away, revealing a hidden path. "I obliged to help because Cobalion said you two were trying to save the world. You're trying to get rid of the darkness that's consuming the innocent, is that it? I cannot thank you enough for trying to help the world like this. You have my deepest gratitude!" She seemed to bounce along happily. She was a loquacious little thing; even if Joka had wanted to he wouldn't have gotten many words in. Her didn't mind. He followed the Shaymin to another winding path in a forest. "Alright, guys!" the Shaymin said happily. "Go down this road. I know it looks scary, but it'll lead you right up to Virizion. I'm sure he'll be happy to see you! Tell him Shaymin says hi, would you? Thank you!" And before either of them could speak, the little hedgehog was gone.

Joka turned to Zoey. "She's...a cheery one," he said. "Never mind. She told us to head down here..." Joka looked up. The road they were to go down looked like something out of a horror film. The forest was dark and it looked old and abandoned, but as eerie as it seemed, it was peacefully beautiful. Hoothoot were making sounds in the distance, and it smelled like a sweet scent from a Combee. If Joka learned something, he knew that, from this forest and the ghost town, looks could definitely be deceiving. So he puffed out his chest. "Are you ready, Zo?" he asked her. "Don't let the dark scare you. I'm sure Virizion is just waiting for us."

[Drakonnas]

As the duo finally made it to the last room, it was quite dark. A mysterious little pokemon popped up, and introduced itself as Shaymin. Zoey was instantly eager, something about this pokemon was very arousing. She looked at it with interest, as it spoke of Cobalion and Virizion. In the back her her head, something was trying to warn her. This pokemon didn't seem entirely trustworthy. But why? Zoey couldn't quite put her finger on it. The sweet scent seemed to be coming from Shaymin itself, and Zoey was interested in it. It reminded her of something... but what? She couldn't quite put her finger on it...

"I wondered if we'd see any pokemon in here." Zoey responded sincerely. "I was rather surprised that none of them attacked us." But the shaymin didn't seem to want to listen, and spoke several words about ignoring the spookyness, and moving on, and then vanished. Zoey didn't move though. "Hey Joka..." She said, frowning somewhat, alarmed by what she saw. "I'm scared. I don't think it's a good idea to go down that path..." She said, worriedly. "I'm not sure what it is, but something is telling me that we should not go down that path. Virizion is supposed to be a sacred forest pokemon right? So why are we going into a haunted forest? Something tells me that Virizion wouldn't make a lair inside of a haunted forest..." She could hear the cackle of ghost pokemon deeper in.

Were they going to go?

Zoey didn't want to. "I really don't think this is a good idea..." She said, whimpering slightly. Her fur was standing on end, and she didn't think it would be a good idea to do this... But Joka was sure that this was the right way to go. "I trust you, Joka... I'll go on because I trust you." She said, ignoring her better judgment. "Yeah. I trust you." She seemed to be trying to talk herself into going on. "I totally trust you. It'll be okay... Nothing will happen, we'll be fine. Virizion is just behind there... and we'll make it okay..." She still looked worried though, and unconvinced as she took a few steps forward.

[Ashen]

Joka noticed Zoey's unease and hesitated before taking another step. She'd gone through situations equally as scary before without being so petrified; why was she so scared now? Was her intuition better than his? Shaymin wouldn't mislead them...right?

He continued on, trying to dismiss the reluctance Zoey's words had put in his mind. Maybe this wasn't the right way. It was so dark. The fabulous Virizion wouldn't have a lair in the middle of a dark forest. He'd have it out where he could be seen and admired, wouldn't he? Wasn't that Virizion's personality? But everything was contradicting that. Maybe this wasn't the right way to go.
No.
He had to dismiss these feelings. They would be fine. They could trust in Shaymin, surely. They would be fine.

After a while of wandering Joka was getting a bit tired. His flames were lighting their path but they were getting dimmer. The sweet scent had never gone away, but the air felt mustier, foggier. Joka convinced himself it was his own imagination. They proceeded until they got to another clearing. "I think this is a dead end," he said to Zoey. "We can't go on any further." So what were they supposed to do? There were no other exits. Joka tried calling out to Virizion, but silence responded. Soon, though, a pair of bright red eyes were staring at him. "Virizion?" he said, but the roar that erupted was not one of any Virizion. The eyes suddenly weren't alone, and Joka and Zoey were surrounded by pairs of gleaming eyes. "Leave," came a whisper, then repeated louder and louder. Soon, the entire room was filled with Pokemon-at least, he assumed they were Pokemon-chanting the word rythymically: "Leave, leave, LEAVE." It was too dark to see anything, but Joka could feel Zoey's fur next to him. What had they just walked into?
"Zoey?" he called. "What... What's going on?"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey was walking along the path, and it was actually quite scary. She wasn't sure why she was feeling this way, but she was trembling pretty badly. All around her, she could feel the presence of other pokemon. She didn't think they were actually infected, because they weren't aggressive. They were more playful. Full of pranks. That sort of thing. And while that didn't necessarily scare her, she was sure that there was something else at play here. But she did trust Joka, and every step she took was full of that. Telling herself that she would be okay.

But a little while down the road, things started to get a little more difficult. The air was harder to breathe, and it just seemed less welcoming. Then there was a pair of red eyes, and a roar. She knew at once that this wasn't Virizion. She didn't know anything about what was going on, but she knew at once that this was bad, very bad. The trees around them were coming to life. The Sudowoodo and the Trevenant were telling them to leave. But that suddenly became very difficult. Zoey could feel roots coming up out of the ground, wrapping around her. She tried to escape them, but they weren't letting go. She couldn't burn them, as she'd burn herself in the process. She struggled with the roots as they continued to coil around her like snakes, slowly crushing her. She cried out in pain as she heard a snap that meant one of her bones breaking. Her leg was suddenly on fire, in agony. "Joka! Run!" She called, still struggling, more futilely with the roots.

The pokemon around them were looking mad, angry, and even a little gleeful. "Yes, yes... You shall corrupt our forest no longer..." The Trevenent spoke. Zoey knew that she had to do something, or else these roots would crush and kill her. She shot out a Night Daze, hoping that she wouldn't accidentally hit Joka. She didn't think she would, because she could see the light from his tail. She felt the vines now wrapping around her neck, crushing her windpipe. She couldn't breathe now. She had to do something, and fast.

[Ashen]

Joka could see that the Pokemon telling them to leave were shaped like trees. A Sudowoodo or Trevenant would occasionally come into view by his flames. Joka was starting to get very uncomfortable very fast. He turned sharply when he heard Zoey's cry.
"Zoey!" he called, then breathed fire to light the area. He saw the roots and vines constricting her. He didn't want to burn her, so he didn't use any fire, but he did try his slash attack. He tried slashing the roots, careful not to hit her. The ropes binding her broke away, leaving her unscathed. Joka's precision was right-on. He looked up at her and swayed his tail by his side to be able to see. That's when he saw the vines around her neck. Joka immediately tried the same tactic, but before he could, he felt vines at his tail. They were pulling him away. He fought against them, trying just to stay close enough to remove the vines that were suffocating her. He just couldn't get close enough. He turned around and send a fiery blast towards his tail, instantly burning the vines. He then ran back to Zoey and, using his claws, sliced the vines at her neck. "Are you okay?" he asked, but before she'd be able to answer Joka was knocked on the floor.

It had been a low kick from a Sudowoodo, and now the Trevenant were pulling him farther and farther away from Zoey. He couldn't see her anymore. Joka was confused. Why had Shaymin led them straight to this? Was it Shaymin at all? He didn't know, but he didn't have the time to ponder that. He dismissed the idea of Shaymin and turned to the darkness. He sent forth a flamethrower, lighting the clearing until the fire hit a Trevanant. There came a mighty roar and soon the eyes were staring at him again. He recognized them; they were in the midst of a forest of Trevenant. He had an advantage with his cache of fire attacks and his aerial ace, but he couldn't see anything. It was too dark. Joka didn't know how they would win this battle. He couldn't even see Zoey, and that scared him.

"Zo," he said coolly, trying to devise a strategy, "we need to find a way to get some light in here. We can't just attack at random. We'll tire faster than they will." Joka stopped as he felt a rock slide slice his back. He winced in pain. When he looked up, he was in the hands of a Trevenant. Its eyes shone red, a tained hue only an infected Pokemon could have. He sent a fire blast straight for its face. The Trevenant disappeared, dropping Joka on the ground. He landed on the flame on his tail, temporarily extinguishing it. They were in total darkness. When Joka got up, his tail light was still dim, and he was starting to really worry. They needed to stay strong. "Are you okay?" he called to Zoey, wherever she might be. He exhaled a whirlpool of fire, letting the fire spin gyrate around for a little while. The fire spin lit its path, giving them a little more light. Joka could count three Trevenant, a Phantump, and a Sudowoodo just from the fire spin. All were infected. He wasn't sure he was ready for such a challenge, even if Zoey was with him. "I think we should try to run for it," he said, but as soon as his last syllable dropped he felt roots holding his feet down. As he burned them, new ones grew even faster. He was wasting his flames and burning himself in the process. "Or not. What're we going to do..?" There was a very small hint of childlike panic tinting his voice. The situation seemed almost hopeless, but, he reminded himself, so had the Abamosnow. They just had to work it out.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey was suddenly freed from the roots, and she inhaled, wonderful air filled her lungs. She was okay, thanks to Joka. She coughed, and looked around, ready to fight. She could sense that three infected were closing in on her, and she took a ready stance, but yelped in pain as her broken leg crumpled beneath her. This pain was almost as great as one of her attacks, except that it was only focused on her leg. She could feel little splinters of bone piercing where they shouldn't be, it felt like her leg was shattered into several clumps. She fought, lying on the ground, not able to move any.

Joka asked if she was okay, and she whimpered out a response. "No, my leg is broken." She said, trying to sound strong. "I can feel my bones, the roots shattered them..." Tears were in her eyes, but she was ignoring them, ignoring the pain, they needed to fight. She was actually afraid she was going to die here. But like so many other times on this perilous journey, they would get through this. She just knew they would. They had to...

But she was taking attacks, and the Trevenent were trying to drag her off. She was losing consciousness, it was simply too much effort. "Joka... I'm... I'm sorry." She said quietly, trying to make him hear her. "I failed you." She was helpless now. There was nothing she could do but let herself be taken away as she started to fade into the unknown.

But then it happened. There was a burst of energy from within her. She didn't know what it was, or where it came from. But she embraced it, let it fill her. So. Much. Energy. She didn't know what this was, but it felt amazing. Zoey began to glow, only slightly at first, but then more brilliantly. Within a minute, the whole room was filled with a brilliant light emanating from Zoey's body. What was going on? She didn't know, but she loved it. It felt amazing, power was growing inside her, and she could feel her body changing...

She could feel her strength returning, could feel power far greater than anything she had ever possessed welling up in her. Her body was changing as well. Her front paws were growing longer, her hind legs were growing... Her broken leg healed completely, all of her wounds seemed to vanish. And suddenly. Zoey was dropped by the pokemon carrying her. She fell to the ground, complete power coursing through her veins.

She roared. It was a roar far greater than anything she had before. A roar that made the three ghost pokemon around her cower in fear. A roar that shook the trees around them. She instinctively lashed out with a Night Slash, and landed a critical hit, defeating the Trevenent. A powerful Flamethrower toasted another one, and the third was instantly felled by a powerful Dark Pulse. She ran back to help Joka, she was so much faster now. And apparently her Illusion ability was even stronger as well, she could now uphold her illusion effortlessly.

"YOU WON'T HARM JOKA!" The newly evolved Zoroark yelled, slashing away rapidly at the pokemon attacking Joka. She was absolutely going to town on these pokemon, berserking, defeating them before they had a chance to attack. They were already getting tired out from the fight, and now with the evolution of Zoey, and at her rage, they simply didn't wan't to fight anymore. They fled for their lives, leaving Zoey standing protectively over Joka. "Are you okay?" She asked, more concerned about him than she was about her own evolution.

[Ashen]

Joka was putting up with his own trials. A lot was being thrown at him, and he was taking a lot of damage. He was getting really hurt really quickly, but he didn't know how to fend off enemies he couldn't see. Besides the darkness, the Trevenant kept using phatom force, and Joka was completely blind in where they were. He was concerned about Zoey, but he didn't know how to help her when he wasn't doing too well himself.

I've failed you.
Joka's eyes widened at Zoey's words. He felt another vine close in around his ankle but before he could react to his assailant he saw a blinding light. He turned to look at the light but it was too bright; he had to close his eyes. He called out Zoey's name, praying she would be okay. He didn't know what was going on, but he was scared. Were the three Trevenant using a joint hyper beam? Neither of them would be able to survive a hit like that. They were done for. They were completely done for.

But the grip on his ankle seemed to loosen, and the light grew even brighter. Maybe the Trevenant didn't know what was going on. That was a good thing, wasn't it?
When the light died down, Joka heard a terrifying scream. He didn't know where it had come from. "Zoey?" he called again, hoping she was alright. He didn't care what might have been coming for him; his first concern was for her.

When things quieted down some and the infected Pokemon started leaving, Joka turned to the new creature that had helped Zoey and him. He exhaled a flame to light the place a bit. A Zoroark was standing before him, asking if he was okay, but Zoey was nowhere to be found.
...unless.
"Zoey?" Joka said in awe. He stared at her new form. So it was evolution. The bright light, the roar, it all made sense. Zoey had evolved. "I... I'm fine," he replied. "What... What about you? You look... great."

[Drakonnas]

Zoey could see that Joka was a little bit uncertain if it was her or not. "Yeah, I'm Zoey!" She said happily. "Thanks, Joka! I feel wonderful!" She spun around once, but now wasn't the time to be dancing. They needed to find a way out before more pokemon came. When he told her she looked great, Zoey seemed to inflate just a bit, and another smile lit her face. "Aww, thanks!" She said happily. "But we'll have plenty of time to talk about this when we're out of danger." She said. "Come on, if you need help, I can probably carry you or something." She was surprised by how big she had gotten. She was now two feet taller than Joka was, and it was so weird being the bigger one now. "I'll protect you." She said, a beautiful smile on her face. "Come on, let's get out of here."

They ran along the path they had taken, Zoey was surprised by how much faster she could go now. The area was starting to let more light in now, and she could see everything around them now. "We're nearly there!" She said, and only a minute later, they were back in the area where they had met Shaymin. And there was another path that hadn't been there before, she instinctively knew this was the right way to go. But first, it was time to rest for a minute, and assess their situation.

The Zoroark turned to look at Joka more carefully. Her black fur seemed to shimmer in the light, creating a glamorous look. She was very elegant, and quite beautiful. Not to mention strong. "Are you hurt?" She asked, looking over him concernedly. She seemed to have grown up some when she had evolved, some of the hyperness had vanished, and was replaced by a mature, classy aura. But she still had that boundless energy inside her. Her top concern right now was Joka's health.

[Ashen]

Joka was a little surprised at Zoey's offer to carry him. He was suddenly aware that he was the smaller of the two, and by quite a bit. He didn't like that. He was also probably the weaker of the two, unless they tied. Joka was pretty strong-he'd spent his life in training-but Zoey was fully evolved, now. Could he compare to a Zoroark?

He followed her back to the clearing wordlessly. When they got there, he took in Zoey's new appearance. She looked really pretty now. The too-cheery attitude was gone now, and she seemed concentrated on him. "I-I'm fine," he stammered. He didn't know why he was feeling uncomfortable. It was the same Zoey, she just looked a little different, and acted a little different, and had more strength. But then, was it the same Zoey at all?
He was very uncomfortable, embarassed even. The little weakling he had been leading was suddenly bigger and stronger than he was. What did that say about him? He needed to train more. He clearly needed to train more. He was falling behind; why else would Zoey be stronger?

Joka turned away from Zoey, a million things in his head. He should have been the stronger one, not her. Was this what evolution was like? Sure he'd evolved before, but would he be really powerful in his final form? Did he want that? Zoey seemed so willing to evolve, and it had really helped them, too. So why didn he hang on so tightly to his current skin?
Why was Zoey going on like nothing had happened? Evolution was a big thing; did she not think so?
Joka started down the other path, trying to concentrate on something else. For one, why had Shaymin mislead them? Was it Shaymin at all? If not, who would be misleading them? They could have died in there-would have died in there if not for Zoey's evolution.
Joka sighed, aggravated that his thoughts kept coming back to that. He shrugged it off and tried to think of nothing. When that failed, he thought instead of what Virizion would be like. He didn't even acknowledge the Zoroark standing beside him.

[Drakonnas]

Joka ignored her completely as he walked by, seemingly very bothered with something. She didn't know what in the world was wrong with him. He seemed uncomfortable, angry, even. She didn't quite know what to make of this situation, it was not one that she was really looking forward to confronting, so maybe she simply wouldn't confront it. She was worried about him, why was he looking so anxious, so tense? Maybe it had to do with the fact that they had just been attacked. Yeah, that was probably it.

She tried to focus on that. Why HAD they been ambushed? Was that Shaymin a bad pokemon, or simply another illusion as well? But they were in the clear now, and they could see the path towards Virizion. They knew which way was the correct way now. But Joka seemed to preoccupied now, and she wasn't really sure what to do about that, other than to leave him to his thoughts. She sat down under a tree, and watched Joka. She wondered if there was anything she could do, but since he wasn't talking to her, there really wasn't anything she could do.

Why was he not talking to her? Did he blame her for what had happened to them back there? Did he blame her for that? It wasn't her fault. But she couldn't get upset about that, because it was only a guess. "Joka?" She asked, but he didn't seem to hear her. "Joka!" She called again, but once again, got no response. Sighing, she sat back against the tree, and examined her body a little more closely. She hadn't gotten a chance to actually look at herself since evolving, now was just as good a time as any.

[Ashen]

Joka was too busy trying to think of something other than Zoey that he didn't even hear her calling him. He continued on, stopping only when he realized she wasn't following. He stopped to look at her. She seemed to be looking at herself, taking in her new form. He'd done the same when he had evolved himself. He had only evolved to take care of himself, to protect against his deranged brother. He hadn't wanted to do it, but afterwards he felt sort of nostalgic. He'd never get his old form back, and he didn't know the strengths of his new one. he hadn't liked that at all. What would he do when he evolved again, taking on a bigger body, bigger strengths, and wings? Would he know how to fly immediately? Would he like the idea of flight? He didn't imagine he would.
Did Zoey like her new form? Joka had to admit, she did look a lot more elegant. She was so agile now, and even if he had been training much longer than she had, she was probably stronger. A part of him wanted to take her on in a 1-vs-1 battle, just to see who would win. The other part of him was too scared he'd lose.
But he didn't have time to think of that now. They had things to do, places to be, and Pokemon to meet. They needed to keep going.

"Are you okay?" Joka asked, walking over to her. "We shouldn't stop too long. Virizion is waiting for us." He looked her over. "Do you... Do you like it?" He hadn't asked her yet if she liked her new skin. Most Pokemon did like their evolved form. The idea of better stats swayed everyone. Everyone, that is, except Joka, who believed he was strong enough already. But apparently not, if Zoey was now the superior one.

"I should probably thank you, for back there," Joka said, motioning back to where the Trevenant were with a claw. "It would have been really hard to make it past that without your newfound strength. I think it'll help you a lot in our journey, too. Maybe you can actually take on the infected without my help, huh?" Joka meant his words as a joke, but he didn't like the idea of Zoey not needing him. If she was so much better than he was, what was her use for him? She could easily leave him behind. He supposed he was ready for that. He'd been abandoned before, by his family before his current, by all of his friends before he lost his memory. He'd been alone and completely in the dark. Zoey wasn't any different. She'd leave him when she saw how useless he was.
And he had to admit, he was a bit hurt by that. But, he figured, he had it coming.
He didn't want to let go of her. Joka actually liked Zoey, and his inability to let things go was taking a toll on him. He was terrified she would leave him, but he wouldn't dare let any of these thoughts turn to words.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey liked how she looked. She liked how elegant and pretty she was, she liked how strong she was. She liked her new look. And hopefully, evolution would cure her sickness that caused her attacks. She was very hopeful for that. Very hopeful indeed. She loved how her skin glistened in the air, sparkled a little bit when she moved. It was all wonderful. She was so glad she had evolved. She wasn't as small, and was just better in every way.

She looked up at Joka, suddenly realizing that he was talking to her. Smiling, she looked up. The feeling she had had inside her before was much strengthened, and she couldn't help grinning. "Yeah, I'm more than okay." She said simply. "I feel fantastic. I love my new body. It's pretty, elegant, and strong. I feel so much better, Joka." She was feeling quite good, even if they had been ambushed by the Trevenent.

"Thank me? Well... you're welcome." She said, still smiling. "Heh, the infected shouldn't prove TOO much of a problem, unless we run into a big group of them! Then that might be a challenge. But together, what can't we overcome? Look at everything we've done so far, Joka. It's amazing, when you really think about it. We've done so much together. And I hope we will continue to." She was quiet for a moment.

She was talking, and somehow, found herself talking more. "I was actually really scared for you back there, Joka." She admitted. "You mean a lot to me, Joka. Right from the start, when I woke up without any memory, you've always been here. Even if accidents happened, you've always been there to support and help. I was terrified that I'd lose the pokemon that I have come to admire, and love...." She trailed off, mortified that she had actually admitted that last part. She flushed a very deep red, though that was difficult to see with her black fur. Instead, she just turned invisible in her embarrassment.

[Ashen]

Joka listened to Zoey talk about their accomplishments, what they'd overcome so far. Sure they were a strong team, but she'd be stronger than their team now that she was evolved. She didn't need a team, not anymore.
Her words of friendship, I hope we will continue to, Joka didn't hear them. He was too concentrated on what he believed to be true that he didn't hear anything to the contrary. Zoey couldn't be different than any of the other Pokemon he'd met, all the Pokemon who, upon finding little use for him, left him all alone at square one.

She continued talking, thought he wasn't sure what it was about for a minute or why she was telling him any of it. She was scared for him? Did she really think him that unable to stand up for himself? But as she kept talking, those thoughts went away, and the more she spoke, the more confused the Charmeleon became. She was talking to him...as an equal, almost.
I was terrified that I'd lose the Pokemon that I have come to admire, and love.
At that, the Charmeleon stopped completely. He turned to Zoey to say something, anything, but he couldn't.
Love? Did she just say love? What??
He didn't notice her turn invisible, nor did he notice any of their surroundings. Joka was beyond bewilderment, and it would be a minute before he came back.

There was a list of words Joka didn't like using and used as little as possible. Among these words were never, forever, perfect, and love.
He didn't like using these words because they just didn't exist. Never was always broken, forever was not guaranteed, perfection was a thing only in books, and love was as real as the perfection in those books. They weren't hard words for him to avoid, as he didn't really talk to enough Pokemon to use them with, anyway. Besides, no one would use those words when referring to him; he was as far from perfect and lovable as a guy could come.
And yet, one of those words, one of those fake words was being used to describe him.
Love.

Joka didn't know how to react. The word felt so foreign to him. His family wasn't one to verbally profess their love often, and no one else cared about him to ever utter those words. Zoey couldn't have loved him. She was better than him, stronger and more dedicated and more attractive and just better. What could she possibly see in him?

As he snapped back from his stupor he realized he'd need to say something. What was an appropriate response to that? Thank you?
He opened his mouth to speak again but once more only silence came from it. He didn't know what to say to her.
I love you too?
He had to stop and think of that. Did he? He hadn't considered it before. Love was definitely not a thing worth considering to him. But here he was. Trying to determine if he loved some lost little Zoroark trying to save the world.
He liked her, at least. He liked her determination-though wouldn't have minded a calmer way of going about it; he liked her ambitions, her energy, and he did like her company. But love? The fire chameleon didn't know the meaning of the word. He'd never loved a thing in his life; he didn't need this sprung on him so suddenly.

Joka cleared his throat and took a deep breath. Should he pretend he didn't catch the last part?
"You don't have to worry about me," he said quietly. "I can stand up for myself, but the concern is...cute. I... I thank you for it."
She'd notice if he ignored the Phanpy in the room. Clearly she was just as embarrassed as he was; she wasn't even present anymore. At least, not visibly so. He knew she had just disappeared; he heard her uneven breaths. Was it a spur of the moment type of thing? Did she not mean to say what she did, or was she just scared of how he'd react? There were too many questions left unanswered, and Joka hated that.
"You really ought to save your...your love for someone who matters, Zoey. Not some lowlife like me. You deserve better than that."
Though he had to admit, the words did feel nice...

[Drakonnas]

Zoey was mortified. Sure, she had feelings for Joka, and sure, she was crushing on him, but she had openly admitted that... How could she have slipped up that badly? She didn't think that Joka would want that. She didn't think that he would be comfortable knowing that. And now she had accidentally had a slip of the tongue, and told him that she liked him. Loved him. She didn't know what to say or do, and apparently Joka was very shocked by this turn of events as well. He looked completely bewildered. Was this going to ruin their team? Was this admission going to harm them? Or what was going to happen? Zoey was scared of his answer. She was scared of rejection, heartbreak. But she was also scared of losing her one and only friend. The pokemon who had been with her, for, as she was concerned, as long as she could remember.

They hadn't spent a lot of time together, but together, they had overcome more things than many pokemon ever would. And that was part of her attraction to the other pokemon. She trusted him. And had, really, from the get go. She had no one else to turn to. And if he left her... She wasn't sure what she'd do. She wanted him to confess that he actually liked her too, she really wanted that. But she knew it wouldn't happen. There was no way that it could. Joka... well, Joka was Joka. Antisocial, and non-emotional. So why? She didn't know. She was having a hard time looking at him even if she was invisible. Her breathing was very rapid and irregular, she felt like she was hyperventilating and hypo-ventilating at the same time.

Joka tried to speak, but he really couldn't say anything, so shocked was he. Zoey still remained invisible, her breaths telling him that she was still there. Joka seemed very deep in thought, somewhat uncomfortable, and unsure at the same time. Was he nervous? She couldn't tell very easily...

And then he spoke. Zoey listened to him thank her for her concern... And then to tell her that she shouldn't love him, that she should save it for a pokemon who she was more deserving of. She began to slowly appear again, and fade out, fading in, fading out, unsure if she should be visible or not.

"Well..." she thought to herself. "I guess, as long as I've spilled the beans, I should explain..." She took a deep breath, still not fully visible. She looked highly uncomfortable. "Well... You see, Joka..." She said softly. "Strength does not equal value. Muscles and strength of attacks don't equate to a better or more desirable pokemon... What's in your heart matters, just as much as who you are, how you think and act... Sure, strength might be a factor in survival... But strength isn't the only thing that matters." She said. "You're really strong, Joka. But... even more than that... You've been so kind to me. I believe I can trust you with my life. I mean, you've saved me several times already... You do matter. You matter more to me than any other pokemon in this world." She said, looking him directly in the eyes. "You might have had a rough start, sure... But that doesn't mean you have to continue having a rough life... I mean... You're handsome, and good looking, strong, and you've always been there for me when I need you." She said, finally. "I've enjoyed our time together immensely, even if it's been filled with danger. It's... it's been like I actually matter. You matter to me. And I think I matter to you... And I don't even know what I'm trying to say anymore." She said, putting her head in her hands, looking embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Joka..."

[Ashen]

Joka was having a very hard time trying to comprehend all that Zoey was saying. Of course strength mattered. Why was she making it out like it didn't? He needed to be strong; without strength he'd never survive in this world.
But as she continued on, he felt his cheeks turn a deeper shade of red. Handsom? Him? He scoffed a bit, not even trying to exercise the idea that someone might ever find him attractive. Now she was just crazy. Crazy to see such strange things in him that simply weren't there. Crazy...in love.

It was like the little Charmeleon had waited his entire life to hear such kind words. You matter. When was the last time he'd heard that? That he mattered to someone? He couldn't recall. Even in his family, he knew he was easily replaceable. Tobi was the real child, the golden child, and he was just an accessory, really. He didn't matter at all.
But now, Tobi wasn't around, and the Gabite may never be around again. Now, it was just Joka. Joka and Zoey. And he mattered.
All the solitude he'd put up with, all the times where he sat watching others socialize with each other and have fun, all the times he wished there was someone to give him a kind word; did all of it chalk up to this? Zoey was telling him all that he'd wanted to hear, all that he'd needed to hear as a Charmander. But...wasn't it a little late for that? Now, it didn't matter. Now the scared, lonely little Charmander was a calloused, bruised Charmeleon. He didn't want those words anymore. He'd given up looking for them.
Every part of him was telling him to ignore them. To not believe them. They weren't true. If they were, why hadn't he heard them when he spent the night alone in the rain, protecting the flame on his tail, just to prove to himself that he could when everyone else said he couldn't. Why hadn't he heard them when he'd went to go train by the waterfall, or the cave, or the desert, surrounded by his weaknesses? Where were those words when they would have mattered? If they were real, he would have heard them before now.
But...he couldn't have heard those words then. Zoey wasn't there, then. And blaming her for not saying them when he'd needed them most was stupid.
Joka knew that. He knew that. But he couldn't just buy her words. He couldn't...
But the way she disappeared, the way she kept watch over him, the way she spoke of him... Of course they were sincere, and he'd be blind to think any other way.

He had never been a kind Pokemon. Zoey was just a weak Pokemon that he needed to help so she wouldn't get herself killed. Anyone would have done what he'd done. It was smarter to try hard things in groups instead of going alone.
He was being called nice for that? He'd had no feelings for her when he took her in and said he'd train her. He didn't care all that much about her.
But now...now things were different. They were a team, sure. They were teammates. To go farther than that was nearly sacrilegious. But he'd done that already. He and Zoey were friends, weren't they? He did care about her. Of course he did.

Joka was getting nowhere with his thoughts. His head was starting to hurt really badly and the more he thought the more it pained him. He shook his head.
"Zoey, we really don't have time to be pondering this right now. We should get going. We can talk about this after we save the world, okay?" But what if they didn't? What if something went wrong and they didn't save the world? Or what if only one of them made it to the end?
Joka was not going to ask himself what if. He shook his head. "Again, Virizion is waiting," he said, starting to walk. He wondered if Zoey could see just how distraught he was now.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey's heart sank as Joka rebuffed her, ignoring her words, and rejecting her. So that was how it was going to be. Feeling like her heart was resting somewhere below her stomach, she nodded, and trudged on, sorry she had even brought this up. She didn't speak as they walked the path forward to where Virizion undoubtedly lay. She tried not to look at Joka, fearful of what she might see. Was he angry at her for admitting this? Was he uncomfortable traveling with her now that this had happened? What was he thinking? She didn't know, and was having a difficult time reading him. She tried to appear calm, cool, and confident, but on the inside, she was a broken mess, trying to pick up the pieces, and put them back together again. It felt as if she was no longer sure of herself.

The path was much more bright and cheerful, shockingly so. Bright, exuberant flowers of every size and color were everywhere. Beautiful smells lingered through the air, and a gentle breeze reminded Zoey surprisingly of the ocean. She sniffed, and... there was something in the air that made her surprisingly lightheaded. Some sort of pheremone, some sort of chemical? She knew it wasn't natural. But it wasn't overpowering at all, it was just a strange lightheadedness that made her feel giddy. "Joka, do you feel... odd... at all?" She asked, thinking. "Is this... Virizion's scent?" She asked, trying to keep a level head. "'Cause if it is, I feel a little bit uncomfortable. I guess we'll see when we..." She stopped dead in her tracks. Standing before them, in the middle of a large field, was the MOST FLAMBOYANT pokemon she had ever seen in her life. Everything about him screamed fabulous and flashy. Virizion stood before them, smiling broadly. "Woah..." Zoey said, kinda stunned.

[Ashen]

Continuing the walk accompanied but alone was torture. Zoey didn't try to talk to him, so Joka was left ultimately to his thoughts. That in itself was hell.
He kept thinking about what she'd said, how he felt-did he even want love anymore?-and just about everything that he could have thought about. He was grateful when she finally spoke, mentioning a scent. Joka took a whiff of the air and grew kind of lightheaded as well. He hadn't smelt it until she'd said something, but now the fragrance was kind of overwhelming him. It was like a hoarde of Combee, all using sweet scent at once. He looked around for said Combee but instead he saw a great, pink, diva of a Pokemon.

"HellOOOOOOOOO~" called Virizion in a very high-pitched voice. "How are you two doing? You must be the two here to save the world~"
Joka shifted a little uncomfortably. He didn't like Zorua Zoey's peppiness. This, this guy was overkill. Still, he nodded. "With your permission," he said, hoping he could get what he came for as quickly as possible.
"Well don't look so saddy waddy!" Virizion said, nudging Joka a little with his head. "You two are supposed to be having fun. You look like you just had your heart broken. Cheer up~"
Joka didn't respond. His downtrodden expression seemed to confirm the Virizion's words.
"I wasn't serious, guys. If you don't cheer up I won't grant you the permission you need." Virizion sat down like a dog, determined to get the two smiling.
"Sir, I don't think-"
"Don't call me that."
"Virizion, I don't think this is the most... That is, we're both fine, and if you'd just grant us-"
"Liar liar pants on fire!" Virizion chanted. He brushed Joka away. "Let's hear from the Zoroark. Maybe she isn't such a liar. Zoey, right?"

Joka was a little offended by this bouncing ball of pink energy. He let it go, though, and wondered what Zoey would tell him. What was Zoey thinking? Did she think he'd broken her heart? But he hadn't done anything at all.
Or maybe that was what he did. That is, maybe his lack of a thing had been worse than any thing he could have done. Joka really wasn't feeling well now. He felt bad for Zoey, aggravated at Virizion, and mad at his raging thoughts that he could not keep straight.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey stared at the great pokemon, who was not at all what she had expected. He was so.... so odd, that she wasn't quite sure how to handle herself around him. He quickly noted their expressions, and told them that they should probably cheer up. Zoey tried to put on a smile, and set aside what had just happened. She listened to Joka speak to the Virizion, attempting to lie his way out of this situation, and that worked about as well as a Pikachu saying it wasn't an electric rodent.

Virizion turned to her next, and having learned her lesson from seeing Joka attempt, she decided to be honest. "Well, Virizion." She said, slowly trying to smile. "We've had a little bit of an interpersonal conflict. Like, five minutes ago. I accidentally said something that I had no intention of saying, and my friend here..." She emphasized the word friend. "...doesn't feel the same way at all. This is the reason I never meant to say anything. I knew he wouldn't want that, or even like that idea. But it accidentally came out. And now there's a bit of something between us." She said simply. "I don't think it'll last long. Because... We have to do this together. We can't succeed without each other on this mission. And I won't let my feelings ruin our chances of succeeding, and saving the world. Even if it does mean putting my happiness and feelings aside, the world is more important than one little Zoroark."

"So you see, Mr. Virizion, we really need your permission. I want to find out how to stop this evil darkness, I want to find out how we can save the world, and actually save it. I want to see this world fixed, mended. I don't want to see it collapse. And all of this is more important than some little problem that I have. We set out on this quest knowing full well the stakes. And we're not stopping now." Her determination was steely, and her willpower unshatterable. She wasn't giving up. Not for anything, or anyone.

She looked at Joka. Discomfort was in her eyes as well as hesitation and hurt, but here she was, declaring that they would go on together, that they would succeed. She wondered what Joka thought. Was he catching on? Or did he simply want nothing to do with her now?

[Ashen]

Joka and Virizion both listened to Zoey talk, though the Charmelon did not look at her. When she finished, Joka visibly squirmed. He was the reason she was so hurt. He was the cause of the tension between them. If she had just kept quiet, if she hadn't brought this up at all, they'd have been fine. But she had to go ruin everything. Typical of a woman, wasn't it? Joka would have smirked at that thought, but he felt it inappropriate in such a situation. She'd poured her heart out. And he'd ignored her.

Virizion seemed to have tears in his eyes for a minute. He glared at Joka. "You meanie-face," he spat.
"Beg pardon?" the Charmeleon said, incredulous.
"You heard me," Virizion said. "You're a meanie-face. You obviously love this girl and you're going to deny both of you the truth?"
"No, sir, I don't love-"
"That's poppycock!" Virizion said, rising to his feet. "Seriously, Jokie, you really should get new pants. They're blazing."
Joka turned away. "Are you going to give us permission to go or not?" he said in a nasty tone.
"Someone is in a nasty mooooood~" Virizion's singsong voice was back. He looked to Zoey. "There there, sweetiepie, he'll come to. Give him time. Guys are a weird species, trust me. He'll come around."

Joka stepped away from the two, his anger getting the better of him. He was really starting to loathe this Pokemon. Who did he think he was, anyway? What did this Virizion know about love? He knew nothing. Nothing. Especially not about Joka's love.
Joka had no love. He had none to give to Zoey or anyone. He was loved out, and no arrogant so-called legendary was going to tell him he was in love with anyone.

Virizion didn't bother to chase after Joka. He turned his full attention to Zoey. "He's the anti-social type, isn't he?" he asked. "Oh those types are soooooo boring. What made you fall for him? I mean, I guess he is kind of cute, but can you imagine when he evolves? He won't be so cute anymore. Oh, darn. Evolution takes all the cute ones away..." Virizion sighed. He seemed to realize he was in Zoey's presence a moment later. "Where were we? Something about permission to go to-oh yes! I can give you permission. Sure thing, sweets." He looked her over. "But first... Two things, actually. For one, your fur is gorgeous, honey. But anyway. That guy over there?" He motioned towards Joka. "He will come around. I can see it in him. I'm sort of a love expert, don't you know. Don't give up on him, but show him you won't wait forever, okay? Now. Permission. I guess you need a sign, don't you?" Virizion looked around and, upon finding something, snapped to life again. He pranced over to a patch of grass and used leaf blade. What resulted was freshly cut grass, one strand in the shape of a heart. He picked it up and handed it to Zoey. "It's perfect. Like you." He smiled at her. "Don't let that douchey face get you down. You're saving the world! Be happy!"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey looked over at Joka, who was obviously pissed off about this whole thing. She felt really badly for slipping up, and causing this chaos, this nonsense. She wasn't comfortable with this. Joka seemed to be very mad at her as well, and that made it all the worse. Maybe she should just give up on him, and find someone else. Sure, they were trying to save the world and all, but that didn't mean he'd ever like her. For all she knew, he was just putting up with her to take advantage of the strengths she had. Would he leave her as soon as they succeeded?

She tried to stay out of things, the tension seemed to be getting rather high. Joka turned away, and that's when Virizion turned back to her. "I dunno..." She admitted. "I woke up, with no memories. He was the first one I met, and we kinda just have been together since." She shrugged. "I don't really know. But no, I don't think cuteness leaves with evolution. It might change, but I don't think I'm no longer cute just because I evolved."

She paced back and forth a little bit. "Thanks, Virizion. I'll see what happens, I guess. Maybe it would be better if I gave up, there are others out there..." She gave Joka a quick glance to see what he was doing, to see if he was looking at her... But then Virizion gave her permission. Zoey smiled, and thanked the large pokemon.

"Thank you so much, Virizion. I am happy. Happy that we have all three permissions to see Mew. But... I have a question." She said slowly. "Where do we go from here? We have all the permission we need. Terrakion's, Cobalion's, and yours. But what now?" She asked, her face showing concern. "We've gotten this far! We just need a little bit more!"

[Ashen]

Virizion bowed a bit to say You're welcome. He was about to turn away when Zoey asked him a question. Where were they to go?
"Well that's easy-peasy!" Virizion said. "You go to see Mew." He looked off in the distance to a cloudy sky. "Mew lives in the World Tree. You can just barely see it off in the distance there. It's a long journey there, but you two made it this far, so you'll probably make it there without problems, too. I do have to warn against that one cliff, though. But your friend here could just fly across that. Aaaaaand... I think you two will be good! Oh, but when you get there... Right.

"I've never actually been to the World Tree before, truth be told, so I can't really tell you what it's like. I've heard it's really dark at first, but once you get into the tree it's really beautiful. Don't be scared. Mew won't let anything happen to you while you're in her tree; I'm sure of that. I think that's all you need to know. So. Head north-ish until you reach that tree. It's taller than any other tree in the world; you literally cannot miss it. Is that all you need? Oh, I'm so excited to see you two succeed. Think, I'd have given my permission to legends. To celebrities. Oh, this is so exciting!"

Joka turned around, calmer than he had been earlier. He faced Zoey. "Are we ready to leave?" He'd been listening to Virizion partially and knew how to get to the World Tree fine. He was eager to go and get as far away from Virizion as he could as soon as possible.

[Drakonnas]

"Thank you, Virizion!" Zoey said quietly. "Thanks a bunch." She turned to leave with Joka, Virizion's words still echoing in her mind. After they were well out of earshot, she turned to Joka, acting as though that episode had never happened. "Did you hear what Virizion said?" She asked. "About the cliff? We're going to have to find a way across... He said you could simply fly us over, but I know how much you don't want to change how you look. I won't ask that of you. In that case, we'll need to find another way over. I guess we'll see what we're dealing with when we get there, hmm?"

She was then quiet, to hear what Joka had to say. Zoey knew that he wasn't feeling particularly good about their encounter with Virizion, and she kinda understood that. But part of it was her fault, and she was sort of trying to apologize, at least a little bit, for making him feel badly, but not directly bringing it up. "Just think, Joka! We have all the permission we need to actually see Mew! I'm so excited! We're actually gonna achieve our goal! We're gonna be able to save the world from this darkness!" She said, happily.

A flock of Pidgey and Pidgeotto were flying up above them, followed by a few spearow. A few Ledyba and Hoppip could be seen floating around a large patch of flowers to their right, and off in the distance, they could see a very, very tall tree. "That must be it!" She said, excitedly, though more quietly than she would have had she not evolved. "We're so close. Just a little bit longer, my friend, and we'll have succeeded. Did you ever think we'd get to this point?" She asked him. "And even if you don't want my love, which is fine, You still mean a lot to me as a friend." She added, just for good measure. "I'll stick with you to the end. We're a team after all. And every team needs a good name. What do you think our team should be called?" She asked him, trying to engage in a conversation of some sort.

[Ashen]

Joka was glad to be heading away from Virizion. He continued forward, still cooling off, when Zoey started speaking. He nodded to show he'd heard him and got uncomfortable when she mentioned the cliff. He would not evolve. He didn't need to evolve to be stronger. He did not.
He was grateful she proposed an alternate route but said nothing on the matter, agreeing to leave its case closed until they got there.

Her excitement did make him feel a little better. They had gotten all the permission they needed. Wasn't that a strange idea? They'd made it this far. "I wonder what would have happen if we had gone straight to Mew. Do you think she'd have turned us away?" He thought back to the Torkoal who had told them they needed permission from Terrakion, Cobalion, and Virizion. "Thank Arceus for that Torkoal then, huh?" It seemed they had met the Torkoal ages ago. Joka felt like he had been on this journey for forever, not just a few days. Time sure flew when you had such a mission to fulfill.

All of the Pokemon going about continuing their lives like usual gave Joka a sense of determination. The darkness hadn't touched this area, it seemed. This is what the entire world would be like, with Pokemon continuing like nothing was wrong, if he and Zoey achieved their goal. Joka wanted that. He wanted to go back to miniscule crime rates and a few deaths a year. He wanted to go back to when everyone was happy.
Everyone except him.
Joka didn't mind. He didn't mind being unhappy, so long as everyone else was okay. That's what he was doing this for, anyway. Not for the fame or fortune. He was doing it for others.
So maybe he wasn't as ruthless as he thought.
And maybe, just maybe, he was capable of love. Maybe.

He turned away from the random Pokemon moving about to look at Zoey. "Thanks," he said meekly, not really wanting to talk about feelings anymore. He turned towards the sky. A name? he thought. He hadn't considered it before. They did need a name, didn't they? But giving something a name was giving it a piece of you. It made you more attatched. Did he want to get attatched to them as a team? He figured he already had, and starting thinking of names for them.
"What about The Darkness Slayers?" Joka said with a smirk. "Or The Vaccinators." He even got a small chuckle out of that one. "Alright, seriously. Zoka is both our names together. I don't know if I like that though. What do you think?
They were talking again, and he was joking around. That was a good sign. They'd be back to normal in no time.
He hoped.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey listened to Joka speak, interested in what he had to say. "I don't know, Joka." Zoey shook her head. "Part of me thinks that she might have turned us away, because we hadn't proved that we were able, or something. I don't know. Perhaps this was the thing that gave us the strength to be able to save the world." She suggested. "I mean... look at how much we've grown on this quest. I've gotten strong. I've evolved. And look at me now." She said. "An actual pokemon with thoughts, feelings, and memories. Not just a hollow shell of a pokemon." She grinned. "Yeah, that old pokemon really helped us out."

She too, noticed the pokemon going about their business. "I want to see this world without all the problems that I've seen so far." She said honestly. "Without all the pain, the infected. I want to see a beautiful world where pokemon can get along together." She looked at these pokemon. Three mankey were throwing a walnut around. A slugma was breathing fire to the pleasure of two squirtle. A baby pichu was riding on top of a Stantler. It was a pretty sight. And she wanted to see more like this.

"As for names... Zoka? I don't really feel that one." She said, shaking her head. "Team Salvation?" She asked, with an interested look. "That has a nice ring to it, I suppose. Or "Team Flaming Illusions?" She had so many corny names that she didn't want to suggest, she wanted something that sounded good. The World Tree was steadily getting closer and closer as they walked. No infected lived here.

[Ashen]

They had grown on this journey, hadn't they? Zoey had sure grown, both physically and mentally. She was mature and strong. But what had Joka done? Maybe he was a bit stronger in physical regards, but mentally? He was still the same cold fire chameleon he had been before he'd met her. At least, that's what he thought. He had changed, as surely as Zoey had. He was more mature now, too. And he was considering love! Of all things, the calloused Charmeleon was considering love. A less mature version of himself would have dismissed the idea from his head entirely. Even if that was what he had tried to do, he hadn't. The word still swam through his mind. So maybe he had changed, if only a little. But it was a change for the better, whether he wanted to admit that or not.

"A world without problems won't ever exist, Zo," Joka said solemnly. "But a world without this darkness will. And we'll see to that. Or I'll die trying." He looked up to the World Tree. "And I don't plan on dying any time soon. Come on, let this inspire you to keep on keeping on."

He considered the names she had given the two of them and thought of them. "Flaming Illusions," he repeated, liking the sound of it. "How about The Flaming Illusions Sent to Save the World from Peril and Doom? But of course, Flaming Illusions for short." He looked up at her, liking the idea. "Like FI. Sci-fi. I kind of like the ring to Flaming Illusions. I say we go with that." He shrugged a bit. "If that's okay with you. I mean, I don't really care too much."

[Drakonnas]

"Yes! I totally like that name." She said, smiling. "Team Flaming Illusions it is!" She nodded, feeling like dancing around, but that seemed a little childish, and so she resisted said feeling. "Yes, I'll totally let this inspire me to do well! We gotta save all the pokemon who are currently suffering from this darkness! So, my friend, what have you enjoyed most on this little endeavor of ours?"

The days passed, and the pair journeyed through rocky terrain, grasslands, swamps, and even more plains. They grew stronger as they went, battling various infected pokemon, and weathing the trip themselves. Finally, after about a week, they had their next big blocking point.

They were talking about the benefits and negatives of training alone, or with a partner. They had been discussing this in quite some level of detail, as they both had experience fighting alone, and fighting as a team.

As their conversation continued, the sky began to darken some, it was afternoon now, and they were very close to the World Tree now. "We're almost there!" Zoey said with audible excitement. But then they rounded a corner, and were met with the biggest chasm Zoey had ever seen. "I can't even see the bottom of this chasm!" She said, astounded. "How are we gonna get across, Joka? There are no bridges this time..." She said, clearly stumped. She didn't bring up anything about Joka flying, she knew how he felt about that...

[Ashen]

As their journey continued, Joka was surprised by how much they were growing together. They were getting stronger with each passing day. Joka had pushed from his mind the thought that Zoey was stronger, at least for the most part. he still felt he should have been able to deliver more, and in each battle they found themselves in, he wished he had more strength. He also was grateful Zoey didn't bring up the predicament at Virizion's. They were continuing on peacefully, and Joka was grateful for that. Sure they still had the occasional run-in with an infected Pokemon, but for the most part, they were doing okay.

They were doing okay, that is, until they got to the chasm. It seemed bottomless, and Joka imagined falling down would be a sure death. He looked around for some way across, but there was nothing.
Joka was getting nervous. He hadn't come all this way to fail. There had to be something they could do. Maybe the chasm wasn't bottomless. Maybe they could climb down and climb back up the other way.
That was a stupid idea. This chasm had no bottom. They'd be climbing for years.
Joka saw a Flygon just above them. He tried calling out to it, hoping it could carry them across. But the Flygon didn't seem to hear, and just kept going, right over the chasm and out of sight. The Pokemon probably wouldn't have been able to carry their combined 221 pounds over the chasm, anyway. They weren't getting over that way. They'd have to find something else, and the situation looked a bit hopeless.

The Charmeleon sat down, wishing there was some way across this thing. He would not evolve-he would not-and there was no other way around. He was looking at the ground, completely defeated, when he heard claws scraping against rock. His gaze shot up to hear Zoey's scream as an infected Scrafty shoved her over the edge of the chasm. Joka shot up and peered over the edge, watching Zoey get smaller and smaller. Their eyes met for a moment. She looked helpless, falling to an inevitavle death.
No. This would not happen. It would not end, not like this.

Joka turned sharply on the Scrafty. He exhaled his strongest flamethrower and dove after Zoey. She was heavier than him, and so he wouldn't catch up to her, not like this. But now they were both falling to their death. They couldn't both fail like this. No, they had to save the world. They had to do something. The bottomless pit's bottom was coming nearer and nearer. Joka had to do something.

Suddenly, a white light engulfed the Charmeleon. It was a blinding light and lit up the entire chasm. The light dimmed and finally died down, all within a minute. When it did, Joka the Charmeleon was gone.
Instead, falling to his death, was Joka the Charizard.
He outstretched his wings and flapped them, creating a mighty wing attack. He learned how to fly in seconds, and started flying forcefully towards Zoey. He caught up to her in no time and went past her to catch her in his arms. When she landed, safely in his grasp, he looked down at her and smirked. "You can't go giving up on me like that," he said softly. His wings were flapping slowly behind him, letting them stay in place. After a moment, Joka looked away, a sad expression on his face. He flew back to the top of the chasm and placed Zoey safely on the other side. He landed a moment later on his huge feet. This body would take getting used to. A lot of getting used to.

[Drakonnas]

There seemed to be now way around this bottomless chasm. So how were they supposed to get across? She tried to gauge how deep the chasm was, but there really wasn't a visible bottom. She heard scraping noises, and turned in time to see a brick break aimed directly at her face. Zoey yelped as she couldn't maneuver in time. She felt herself flying, and then, falling, falling, falling. She screamed as she fell, grasping desperately for something, but only hitting air. Her eyes locked with Joka's, and she saw fear. She knew she was going to die, and there was absolutely nothing she could do about it. Her head slammed against the cliff, and she fell into a half conscious fall, depression overtaking her as she realized that she had failed to save the world. That she had failed to reach Mew.

No longer sure of what was going on, she blinked as a brilliant white light erupted. Did that mean she was dead? Did that mean she had hit the ground, and had died? She wasn't really sure of anything anymore... She saw the Charizard, but she didn't really understand what it had meant. Her head hurt quite badly, and that took up most of her concentration. As Joka set her down back on the chasm cliff, Zoey tried to figure out what on earth was going on. Why was she not dead yet? And had that Charizard saved her? What was going on?

"...Joka?" She asked, disbelivingly, her words a bit slow and slurred together. "Is... is that you?" She asked, trying to sit up, and figure out what happened. But the Scrafty was back. With friends. Several Scrafty, Scraggy, Pawniard, and Bisharp were surrounding them.. And then a Pangoro. They all looked angry, and infected...

Zoey shook herself, trying to wake herself up enough, but wasn't conscious enough to fight. So she cast an illusion over herself, making herself invisible while she tried to regain energy to fight.

[Ashen]

Joka had no problem fighting alone. He turned to the group across the chasm. They wouldn't be able to reach them, but they probably had some ranged attacks. Well, so did he. Joka flew up in the air. All of his fears of flying had left when he'd dove after Zoey. He flew between the two cliffs, right over the chasms, and sent forth a mighty gust from his powerful wings. Even if he did have a type advantage against every one of their enemies, he was surprised at his newfound strength. All of the fighting types staggered and fled, leaving Joka alone to look after Zoey.

He landed next to her with a slight thud and exhaled shakily. "Zoey?" he said softly. He couldn't see her with her illusion still up. "Hey, Zo, they're gone. Are you okay?" He sat down, careful not to trap his too-big tail. In fact, the Pokemon thought all of him was too-big, now. He didn't like it, but that extra strength, that was a bonus.
He exhaled a bit and a puff of smoke came out of his nostril. "I... I evolved," he said slowly, not sure if Zoey would be able to hear him. "I'm a Charizard now." He looked down at his hands. His claws were sharper. He could see his nose. His feet were huge. The wings on his back were awkward, and he wondered what would happen if he had to sit in a chair. Would that hurt? "I had to do it," he continued, his voice shaking a little. "I couldn't lose you. I had to." He looked up, wondering if Zoey could hear him. Shaking his head, Joka got up and sighed. "Come out, come out, wherever you are," he said quietly. "I'll carry you to a Pokemon Center, I just need you to show yourself first."

[Drakonnas]

"I'm... right here." She said, becoming visible again. "Joka... you look... amazing." She said, standing up. "Ow... my head hurts." Feeling dizzy, she stumbled around, as if drunk, seemingly unable to balance correctly. "...I'm sorry for not seeing him coming." She said, feeling like she was somehow responsible for his evolution. "I should have been paying more attention..." She said softly. "Ugh..."

Looking at Joka, she was impressed by how powerful he looked, by his physique. She thought she liked him even more now. Shaking her head, she wondered why that was what she first thought of when looking at him. She knew that something was wrong, but she couldn't place her finger on it... But as she stood there, the dizzyness started to go away, and her head started to clear. "I'm... I'm okay. I don't need a pokemon center." She said. "Let me just eat a sitrus berry, and I'll be fine." She popped one in her mouth and downed it, and immediately felt better. "Alright... Let's move on. The World Tree is just a little further, Joka, and we're so close... Thank you for coming with me, for letting me come with you. Together, we can do this." She said, smiling. "It's just a little farther. Mew is just right up there."

[Ashen]

Joka was taken aback by her compliment. He just stood there for a minute, dumbfounded. When she mentioned that her head hurt, he was at her side at once, ready to fly her to help.
He shushed her, in part because he was trying to let her conserve her energy and in part because he didn't want to hear about what had just happened. He had evolved. He had done the thing that he hadn't wanted to do, ever. He did not want to be reminded.

Joka wasn't sure that he believed that she didn't need a Pokemon Center, but he let he have her way and took a step back. He nodded a bit and listened to her speak, but he was only partially listening.
He was a Charizard.
He was thinking about his new skin, bottling his anger while denying his excitement. Evolution was a mix of emotions, and for the unemotional Pokemon, they were all bad. He didn't like this one bit, but there was nothing he could do, now. He couldn't unevolve. He was stuck with this bulky body of his, and he'd have to get used to it.

They continued on again, but this time Joka didn't want to speak. He wanted a little bit of time to himself, so he turned to Zoey. "Hey," he said. "Why don't you take a rest, on my back? I can fly us in about half the time it'll take for us to walk there. Besides, I think you need the rest." He stopped walking and turned to her. "How's that sound?"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey nodded. "Sure. That would be nice." She admitted. "I'll rest and save my strength in case we need it soon." She said, holding on to Joka. "I'm ready." She informed him, she was holding on tightly enough so that she wouldn't fall, but not too tight. She wasn't used to her body yet, though was growing more accustomed to herself. She could imagine how Joka felt about his body, knowing him, and his reactions to evolution before, and she knew better than to attempt to bring it up.

Flying was something that she was not used to, and wasn't sure that she would ever be used to. She really didn't like being in the air, with every beat of Joka's wings, she was sure that he was somehow going to throw her off, and she would fall again. Looking down, she held on a little bit tighter, but she didn't have to worry, she wasn't thrown off.

Soon, they had crossed the Chasm, but they didn't stop flying there, it was much, much faster than walking, though she had to wonder how much it tired the larger Joka now. She didn't want to ask, she felt like a burden to him now. But now wasn't the time to be thinking of that, because the World Tree was larger than ever before, and now Joka could fly them directly to mew.

At the very top of the tree, they landed. The room was very peculiar, above them, there was a solid roof of leaves, and below them, a canopy layering so thick that it was basically a floor. In essence, literally a room fully made of the tree. She was amazed by the room's construction... And in the center of the room, stood a Torkoal.

"Tokoal...?" She asked, surprised to see the old pokemon who had helped them that one day. "Is that you?"

The old pokemon nodded slowly. "It's wonderful to see you again, children. My, you've grown." He said with a smile at the two. "I take it that you have succeeded in your quest, and obtained permission from Virizion, Terrakion, and Cobalion? Very good, very good." He said, a wise old smile on his face.

"Yessir, we have." Zoey said, presenting the old pokemon with their proof of permission. "Though... how did you get up here, Mr. Torkoal? Wasn't it difficult? And where is Mew?"

The old pokemon smiled gently. "My dear child, I am right here." the voice was quite different now. Very gentle, peaceful, and serene. And... female. The old Torkoal changed shape, and instead of the fire turtle, Mew floated, a blue pansy sitting on her head.

[Ashen]

Joka was glad to be left to his own. Sure Zoey was resting on him, the sound of her breathing disrupting a silence that he didn't mind. But he didn't have to talk, which meant he could think all he want, and he was grateful for that.
He lost track of time as he glided through the air. It got easier the longer he flew, though Zoey's weight, added to his own new weight, did get heavier and heavier. But Joka continued on, in pursuit of the World Tree, and with it, the salvation of the world.

The World Tree grew closer and closer until suddenly they were there, among the branches. There was a very lovely aroma wafting through the air, and Joka couldn't help but feel at peace. As he landed in one of the higher branches, he let Zoey down and looked around. "Hey Zo," he said. "Look. We're here."
It was more beautiful than he could have ever imagined. The room they were in looked like it was made just from the tree. It had a natural elegance to it, one that a Pokemon would be fool to ignore. If nothing else, the very trip would have been worth it for the view. Seeing through the canopy of leaves, Joka could see what looked to be the whole world. He'd never had such a view in his life, and he was a bit captivated by it.
But they didn't come for the view. They came for their mission.

When he spotted the Torkoal, it took him a minute to remember him. The Pokemon that had told them to get permission to find Mew in the first place.
He let Zoey do the talking, taking in all the wise old Pokemon had to say. Joka was a bit confused as to how such a elderly Pokemon could get here so soon. Maybe he'd been teleported here.
But then the Torkoal's facade faded, and replacing it was the body of a bubbly, childish, pale pink Pokemon. She looked like she had been interrupted from playing, but she seemed happy.
"Mew?" Joka said, a whisper.

So here was Mew. The Pokemon that had all the answers for them. The Pokemon that would tell them what they needed to do to stop this darkness. All that they had done had led up to this point.
As determined as Joka was to learn more, he allowed Zoey to take the spotlight. She'd be able to explain it better, in a sympatheitc way Joka could not muster. Besides, of the two of them, Zoey was just better with Pokemon, so he had no problem waiting his turn.

[Drakonnas]

"Yes, I am mew." She said happily, floating in front of the two pokemon. "I've been watching you two." She added in a few seconds later. "Remember me? The old Torkoal who sent you off to get permission from my friends, Terrakion, Virizion, and Cobalion? Well, that's me. Remember who saved you in the river? That was me~" She said, smiling. "I've been watching you two! And I'm happy you made it here!" She said, somersaulting in mid-air. "I already know why you're here." She smiled kindly at the two pokemon.

Zoey was stunned, once again, when Mew told them she had been following them, watching them. Several questions were bursting up inside her, and yet, she felt it would have been inappropriate to ask them. Not now, when they were standing in front of one of the most famous pokemon. "Well... Ms. Mew, it is an honor to meet you at last, face to face. I'm glad we made it. It wasn't easy..." She said, smiling, thinking of all the times they had nearly perished. "We've gotten so much stronger on our quest. And I've learned so much." She said.

Mew just smiled as Zoey kept talking. "So... Thank you for sending us on that quest." She said finally. "I think that, had we not done that, we wouldn't have been as prepared for our true mission as we are now." And then it dawned on her, like a sudden epiphany. ".....You knew, that, didn't you?" She asked, shocked.

"Yes, it's true." Mew said, smiling, and laughing calmly. "You are right on the spot, my beautiful Zoroark. Had you not gone on your journey, you would not be capable of helping to save the world." Mew said, her eyes twinkling brightly. "I'm glad you realize this. It means that you are ready."

Zoey couldn't help but grin. "Joka, you hear that? We've done so well!" She danced momentarily, and then turned back to the pink pokemon, questions still bursting within her. "Ms. Mew... Would you please tell us why the world is being infected?" She asked seriously.

"I'm not sure you want to know." Mew said hesitantly.

"If we don't know the cause, then how can we stop it?" Zoey asked, suddenly concerned. "We have to do this, Mew. We have to save the world!"

Mew floated in silence, considering this. "You want to save a world that you hardly know?" She asked. "You woke up, not too long ago, with no memory of yourself. And yet you would save this world?"

"Yes."

Mew considered this, at length as well. "I warn you, you might not like my answers... Do you really want to ask the question you don't want the answers to? I will not lie to you, I promise."

Zoey was a bit concerned by this, but her stalwart determination rang true. "Yes. I still want to know. Why is this world becoming more corrupted? What caused this?"

Mew sighed. "You did, Zoey."

[Ashen]

Joka was stunned as Mew spoke. So she had been watching over them, protecting them, ensuring their success. He didn't know how to feel about that. He wanted to dislike Mew for that, for doubting them, but he felt sort of...grateful. She had saved them, after all. They wouldn't have made it this far without her. So maybe he didn't have to think of everything as one great competition. Maybe it wasn't about who could handle themselves alone. It was about how far they could go as a team. What Pokemon can accomplish together. That was what they were aiming for, wasn't it? The togetherness of the world? They had set off to destroy this darkness so the world could be one again. It was Pokemon nature to be together.
As these thoughts dawned on him, the Charizard shifted a bit. Zoey hadn't been the only one to grow on this journey. He had learned plenty, but he was still learning more.

He smiled at Zoey's enthusiasm. She was so excited, and she had every right to be. They had made it this far. It couldn't be too much farther to stop the darkness altogether now. Joka believed the hardest part was over. He had done what he hadn't ever wanted to do: he'd gone on a team journey, he'd begged for mercy to celebrities, he had gone far away from the only thing close to a home he'd ever known, and he'd even evolved. What could possibly be worse to him than all that?
And he had to admit... He'd enjoyed it all.
He had come to really like Zoey. She was the only friend he'd ever had, and he didn't want to see her go. He felt a bond with her, one he'd never felt with any living thing before.
He had enjoyed visiting the Muskateer Pokemon, save for Virizion, but it had brought its own excitement. Gaining their permission had been an interesting journey, and getting to them was most of the fun. The struggles they'd faced in the volcano, the ghost town, and the forest, had made them both so much stronger. Heading away from home was an adventure, and he'd seen lots of new Pokemon and places and things that he'd have never seen back home. And evolving... It actually wasn't so bad. Joka quite enjoyed flying. His new brawn could come in handy. It certainly wasn't as bad as he thought it'd have been. He could get used to it, over time.

The Charizard furrowed his brow as Mew seemed reluctant to tell them the cause of the darkness. Why would she not want to tell them? They had to know to stop it, right? He watched Zoey press on and on, ever eager. Mew promised she wouldn't lie, and that they wouldn't like her answer, and that's when Joka got very confused. What was so awful...
But then Mew spoke.
And Joka stopped.

The confusion replaced by a rage, Joka glared at Zoey. She had played him a fool, all along. She was going with him on this long journey, stripping him from all he knew, forcing him into things he didn't, and for what? To make a fool out of him? She knew they'd get to this. She knew they'd come here, and Mew would tell her what she already knew. That she had creatued the disunity in the world. That she had killed countless numbers of Pokemon with her dark disease. How could he not have known? It was all so obvious. A dark-type with no recollection of her past, here to save a world she claimed she didn't even know? It was all a big joke. A huge joke, with-as always-Joka being the butt of it.

Joka's wings extended behind him. He let out a roar that could never be mistaken for anything but anger. "You," he snarled in a voice far from his own. "You killed my brother. You killed hundreds of Pokemon out there. You stripped all they were until they were naught but shells, vicious shells of what they once were. You scarred them, and the entire world, forever. You tricked me. You tricked me, and I thought I loved you." He was too angry to be surprised at the words that fell from his mouth. In a fit of rage he lunged at her, grabbing her forcefully. "I can end you," he said in a low whisper, "but it will never undo what you've done."

[Drakonnas]

"You did, Zoey."

Those words rang out loud and harsh as Mew spoke. Zoey froze, completely stunned. She didn't believe it. How could she? She caused this darkness? How? Why? What? It simply wasn't possible! She couldn't do something like that! Especially not to countless innocent pokemon! This had to be some kind of cruel joke... It had to be! She would never do anything like that. Zoey started panicking. Mew wouldn't lie... Had she really caused all of this? She truly had no memory of anything before she woke up. So maybe it was possible.. But if she really had caused this illness to spread far and wide, how come she didn't remember it? How come she was fighting so hard to save the world?

And if anything could have possibly made things worse, it was Joka's reaction. Zoey looked up, absolutely terrified of the pokemon that was now furious at her. "No..." She whimpered as Joka attacked her. Every word he spoke stabbed at her like a red-hot dagger. Tears began to form in her eyes as she shook her head, begging him to listen to her. "Please, Joka! I swear I...." But she couldn't be sure that she hadn't done this. She had no memory of it.

A sense of complete helplessness overcame her. "Kill me..." She said quietly. "Kill me, then. If I truly did something so horrible..." She choked a little bit, and had to stop talking. "I was being completely honest with you this entire time, Joka... I swear... I have no memory of anything that happened before I woke up... You have to believe me... I can't say anything that happened, or didn't happen, beforehand... But... If that truly happened... I'm a different pokemon, Joka... It's up to me to fix what happened..." She closed her eyes, and was now shaking very badly. She looked simply defeated. "I... I would never do something so horrible..." She waited for the inevitable attack to come.

But then the words came that hurt the most. "I thought I loved you." At those words, Zoey completely broke down. She couldn't handle this anymore. She simply couldn't. "My love for you remains unchanged..." She said softly. "Kill me if you must... but know that I love you, Joka... I beg that you believe me..."

But then something else happened. Mew.

"Stop this at once, Joka." Mew's voice thundered out, magically amplified, making sure she caught his attention. "Zoey is the reason this disease, the shadows, is here. But it is not her fault." Zoey looked up, shocked, at Mew's intervention. Hardly daring to believe her ears, she looked up. "Listen to me before you do anything you will seriously regret." Mew said, a little bit of anger, and a little bit of sorrow in her eyes. "This disease was caused by Zoey. This much is true. But it is entirely not her fault. You see... This Zoroark before you used to be a human. She was cursed by a pokemon named Banette, and that curse turned her into a pokemon. But something went wrong, and this illness has begun to spread because of her transformation into a pokemon. She had no control over that. She is innocent, Joka."

Zoey felt like she was swimming in some kind of dream. First, the declaration that she was the reason this disease was here. Then Joka attacking her. Now this? The revelation that she was actually some kind of human? Was that even possible? She didn't know... It was all so crazy, all so outlandish that she didn't know what to think.

"As a human, Zoey, you were one of the kindest people out there. You suffered from a severe illness, but despite that, managed to be a good person. You were completely innocent."

She turned to Joka. "But Joka here is another story completely. You too, were once a human."

[Ashen]

Zoey seemed to really be clueless about it all, but Joka's pure anger blinded him. He would believe nothing other than his truth: Zoey had been fooling him all along. At her plea for a death, he grunted. "I'd never give you the satisfaction," he snorted. "You deserve far worse than that, you wench."

I'm a different Pokemon, Joka.
I love you, Joka.
I beg that you believe me.
Kill me if you must...
I love you.
All of her words were swimming in his mind at the speed of a sonic boom. He couldn't concentrate on anything. She was still lying to him. Up to the very end, she was still lying to him. He was wondering why Mew had allowed her safe passage if she had known all along that she was the cause of this darkness, these shadows. Why wasn't the legendary killing her on the spot? Surely Mew could do a better job of ending her than Joka could.
But Mew was taking too long. So Joka took it into his own hands.
A flame started in his mouth, and it just kept getting bigger and bigger. Whether it killed her or not, Joka didn't care, but his flame would surely hurt her. It would send her into agony, and he was using all of his energy to make sure of that.

But then Mew called him off. Surprised, Joka turned towards Mew, cooling his flames with a cough. The blast burn he had been charging was swallowed. He was growing angrier. Why was Mew stopping him? This Zoroark deserved to suffer. She deserved to be tortured. She deserved every bit of his flame that she was about to get.
But as Mew went on, Joka's anger dimmed. He didn't want to believe her, now. Even if Mew had said she'd not lie, he couldn't believe her. It all made perfect sense. He was the fool of another joke, just as he had been his whole life. Was Mew in on it now, too?
Was the most legendary Pokemon of all time making fun of him now, too?

He was being irrational. He was letting his anger act before his reason. Joka realized this, so he stilled and tried to assess the situation. Zoey looked terrified. Mew looked calm. He was shaking.
As Mew went on to tell Zoey about her life before this one, Joka watched the Zoroark. She had been a kind human. So why was she playing tricks now? Unless she wasn't. But she had to have been.
Otherwise, he'd have nearly killed the only Pokemon to love him.
No, she had to be against him.

Joka looked away when he heard Mew talking to him. He stared into her huge blue eyes. But as she spoke, his gaze went to Zoey, then back to Mew. "What," he breathed. The pure rage in him had lowered his voice and stripped it of all emotion. "I was not and never will be a human." It was taking all of his energy now to keep himself calm. These Pokemon were crazy. He was crazy. It was just like old times. Everyone was trying to get Joka to believe some story that wasn't true. They were taking advantage of him. They were trying to ruin him.
He would not allow it. He would not allow it from Tobi, or any of Tobi's friends, or Zoey, or Mew, or anyone.

Joka looked away from the other two Pokemon in the room. He looked down at his hands, curled into fists. He saw the necklace that had never moved from around his neck and he stopped. Everything stopped. For a moment, Joka stopped breathing. As he touched the little tooth on his necklace, it started coming back.

Joka was seeing a Sharpedo. It was fighting something... a Liepard. Everything was clouded. The Liepard lunged for the Sharpedo, but he dove under the water, and the Liepard fell straight into it. As the Liepard struggled to get back to land, the Sharpedo crashed into it, knocking it out. A light enveloped the fainted Liepard, and soon the Pokemon was gone. He looked up to where the Liepard had gone to see a Pokeball. A human was holding it.
"Your Sharpedo sure is strong. You two must be really close, huh?" The man extended his hand, as if in a handshake. "That was a great battle. I hope we meet again."
Confused, Joka turned back to the Sharpedo. The Pokemon was beaming. When it saw Joka, though, its expression changed, as if to ask, Why aren't you happy? We won!
Joka looked down. In front of him were two dirty hands, human hands. And they were his.

Joka snapped out of his stupor. Had that really been him? Who was that man he had been battling? Who was the Sharpedo?
He looked down at his neck again to see the Sharpedo tooth. Could it have been..?
He looked up at Mew, clueless. "What is going on," he demanded. "What am I?"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey closed her eyes as she felt the heat start to radiate from Joka's mouth. It was all over, he was going to kill her. Her heart sank, and she knew the worst was coming. But Mew called him off, and she simply listened, trying to understand what was going on. She really didn't know. But Joka didn't believe Mew. In his rage, he was being a pigheaded asshole, who refused to see anyone's side but his own. Zoey knew this wasn't really Joka. It couldn't have been. She knew the pokemon better than this...

But... He was a human at one point too? That was hard to believe, but Zoey believed it. She trusted Mew, even if she didn't like what she was hearing. But she wasn't pigheaded enough to deny anything. So... She had been cursed by a pokemon named Banette. Things were starting to make sense. She still had no memory of being human, but she understood now, why. And that was good enough for her. She knew Mew wouldn't lie to her.

Mew looked at Joka as he turned back to her, confused, and angry. She sighed. "Joka, you were a human. Your name was Hunter, and you were a human. Do you remember your first pokemon? You found a beat-up Carvahna one day, and took it in. That necklace around your neck. It is the tooth of your partner."

Mew watched him closely. "You were a terrible person, Joka. You were cruel. You would challenge kids to battles, knowing full well you would crush them. You attacked people just because you felt like it. You were turned into a pokemon one day because you decided that it would be a good idea to grab one of Ninetails' tails. You were transformed into a charmander, and your memory wiped. You had a chance to start anew." Mew spoke, her voice was growing with power and intensity, if only a little.

"You asked me what you were. I have told you nothing but the truth. You have come to me, seeking the truth. This is what you seek." She said.

Zoey shook her head. She couldn't imagine Joka ever being cruel... Well, actually, she could. But she didn't like to imagine it. The pokemon she loved wouldn't do that. The pokemon she knew cared, even if he didn't like to show that he did... Could it be real? Again, she trusted Mew. And that meant she trusted this story. But she made no sounds, or movements, in the fear that he would attack her again, actually attack her.

[Ashen]

Joka was struggling to breathe. Everything was crashing around him. If Zoey was innocent... If Mew wasn't lying... If he had been a human, too...
It all made sense. It would explain why neither of them had a memory of before they woke up as Pokemon. Zoey was cursed, and he'd been a fool. It all seemed like such a tale. He couldn't have been a human...
But the more Mew spoke, the more he remembered, and with her last word, it all came back.

He was on a bumpy terrain heading up. He might have been climbing a mountain. There was a ball enclosed in his hands, scratched and brown. It was his Sharpedo, the Sharpedo that would easily lay down his life for his trainer.
They progressed on until they got to the top of the mountain. He let his Sharpedo go in a pond. "Well, we made it," he said in a voice that was not Joka's at all. It was... Hunter's.
The Sharpedo seemed very happy that they'd made it. Before them was a sleeping Ninetails, its tails wavering in different patterns. Hunter hesitated for just a moment before walking up to it. Sharpedo's expression had changed to one of worry. He didn't want to lose his only friend, and he was scared the Ninetails would take him away. But he trusted his owner, he trusted Hunter, who'd promised he wouldn't leave.
Swiftly, Hunter grabbed one of Ninetails's tails and yanked as hard as he could. A yelp of pain came from the fox and it turned sharply on Hunter. Its eyes seemed to glow, and the next thing Hunter knew, he was passed out cold.

Joka looked up at Mew, his eyes glossy. "It's all coming back," he whispered. "I've been an awful person... My poor Sharpedo..." He held the tooth in his claws, the memory of the gym battle where the tooth had fallen out now fresh in his mind again. "My poor Sharpedo trusted me, and I treated him like dirt. I... I never even gave him a name." He looked to Zoey, a look of pure disappointment on his face. "I deserve to be tortured," he said quietly. "Why... why was I so fortunate to meet such a caring Pokemon, after all I've done? Why wasn't I infected? Surely I deserve it more than... Than anyone out there..." He met Mew's eye again. "Please," he whispered. "Please, what became of Sharpedo? Is he... Is he alright?"

[Drakonnas]

Mew watched Joka react, and remember. She watched as he turned to Zoey, who was still laying on the floor, petrified. She watched as Joka turned back to her, asking about his Sharpedo. "Do you really care?" She asked. "Do you care, after how you treated that poor pokemon?" She might have sounded a bit harsh, but she wanted to make him realize exactly what the situation was. And more than that, she wanted him to learn. To improve as a person, a pokemon.

"After you grabbed Ninetails' tail, your Sharpedo pleaded with Ninetails, spoke to her. She helped him realize how horrible you were to him. He went out, and started training himself. He wanted to grow strong. You forced him to do cruel things, Joka. You took advantage of a pokemon's love for you. He went, and found another trainer. A young girl, who now loves him more than she loves herself. He is her first pokemon, and they have been together for about two years now." Mew informed him.

Zoey had no idea what to feel. She didn't know what to think. How she felt. She was completely lost, utterly confused. Why was she still feeling this way? As Joka spoke to her, she tried to think, but it was as if two thousand ninjask were buzzing around in her head for all she could think. It was hard to even hear her own voice inside her mind.

Joka was a human. A cruel, evil human. But the pokemon she loved wasn't like that... He couldn't be. He simply couldn't be. She didn't know what to do, how to help. He had just tried to torture her, he had just tried to kill her. And yet, she found herself worrying about him. Maybe he was suffering. Maybe she was here to stop that suffering. She didn't know. She really didn't. How as Joka going to respond to this new memory? How come he remembered who he was, and she didn't? Her mind was still abuzz.

[Ashen]

Mew's words felt like ice. Of course he cared. His Sharpedo would have done anything for him. He'd adored him. And he had never seen him as even a friend. He cared, now. Too little too late, he cared about his Sharpedo.
He didn't understand his human actions. He didn't understand why he had been so awful, and he didn't want to understand, not anymore. It was over. He wasn't a human anymore, and he surely wasn't Hunter anymore. He was changed. He was trying to save the world, a surely selfless deed now. That had to prove he'd changed...right?

He listened attentively to Mew's update about Sharpedo. Joka let out a shaky sigh. He was grateful his Sharpedo was in better hands now, with a better trainer who could take care of him better than he ever could. He was happy for his Sharpedo, for once. He wouldn't be tortured anymore. He would get something Hunter never could have given him: love.

With that cleared and his memory back, Joka still didn't know what to think. He believed Mew, now. He believed Zoey. He couldn't believe himself.
He'd been so foolish, as a human and a Pokemon. He had attacked the only Pokemon that meant something to him, and all for what? Some misunderstanding? Because he let his anger get the better of him?
It was a rare occasion, seeing the cold Pokemon apologize, but he looked Zoey straight in the eye and bowed a bit. "I am so, so sorry," he murmured. "I should have believed you, I just, I couldn't think, and..." He looked back up at her. Where was the use in words, now? His body looked smaller than it was, his neck was craned to let his head be level to Zoey's. As intimidating as Charizard usually were, Joka looked helpless, ashamed, afraid. His blue eyes held tear he would not let fall. He watched Zoey, hoping for some kind of forgiveness, expecting none.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey watched, trying to figure out what was going on. Joka turned to her, and seemed rather diminished. She had never really heard him apologize before. Sure, he had apologized, but in roundabout ways. She could feel how badly he felt about everything. She was still a bit nervous, but that was slowly being replaced by worry, by a feeling of wanting to help. She didn't answer him. But she walked up to the big Charizard, and hugged him. She didn't let go, and for the longest time she held him. Her arms couldn't fit around the big fire dragon, but she held him as best she could.

"Joka..." She finally said, her voice was quiet and caring. "I don't care who you were in a previous life. You are you now. I know you're a good pokemon inside." She looked around for words that would try to at least sort of make sense, and get across what she was trying to say. "You have a hard shell that protects you. But I know there's good inside you. We're a team, remember? We all make mistakes. And it's up to us to fix those mistakes. Right?" She asked, still holding him. "Besides... when you love someone, you accept them for who they are, and you work together to try and become better people. You have the power to change who you are, if you don't like it. You have a perfect opportunity, Joka. Come with me, and let's save the world. Together."

Zoey's heart was beating very rapidly as instinct kicked in. She didn't know if Joka would like, appreciate, or dislike what she was about to do. She felt her body moving, she wasn't really thinking anymore. It just kinda happened. Zoey's lips met with Joka's, as she kissed him.

[Ashen]

Zoey's speech was getting to him. He had been a terrible, terrible human. He hadn't been a great Pokemon, either; he'd been keeping to himself and going on his own path instead of embracing unity. He could change it, he could change it all if he wanted to. He had already changed physically-from human to Charmander, Charmander to Charmeleon, Charmelon to Charizard. If he could change so many times physically, why couldn't he do it mentally?
He nodded a bit, placing his arms around her. The old Joka was dead. He was a new Pokemon now, he'd make sure of that. He'd stop being so cold, so prideful. All negativity in his personality ended today.

They were going to save the world.
All other thoughts dissipated. The thought of a new world was better to him than the thought of a new Joka. He'd change the world, and that was far better than remedying some past.
But before he could ask Mew what they had to do, he felt Zoey's lips on his. Caught completely by surprise, his eyes widened as he stared at the Zoroark before him. He didn't push away, he just let it happen, and closed his eyes to try and enjoy it. When they pushed apart, Joka opened his eyes and smiled. He was speechless for a few moments, trying to find words to fill this silence.
His first kiss had been with Zoey, in the World Tree, and in the presence of the most famous Pokemon in the world.
It didn't get much better than that.

Joka reached for Zoey's hand and turned towards Mew. He was enjoying himself, but they hadn't come for their own love affair. With a more serious expression, he said, "So how do we clear these shadows?" He was terrified the only way to destroy the darkness was to destroy the cause. He didn't want to lose Zoey. After admitting both to her and himself that he loved her, he did not want to let her go. If Mew were to tell him that was the only way to save the world... That would be worse news to him than finding out he was a human.
So he waited, both excitement and horror in his eyes.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey stepped back, shocked at what she had done. But at the same time, she was glad she had taken the chance. She was smiling like an idiot, and as they pushed away, she turned to Mew, who was smiling widely as well. She took Joka's hand as he held hers, and they asked Mew how the Shadows needed to be stopped. She was hoping that she wouldn't have to die for that to happen... But she would do what she had to do. Her heart was beating a mile a minute, and she felt happier than she had in a long time, even after what had happened.

Mew smiled. "Well, I have some good news for the two of you." She said, floating in midair, bobbing up and down. "There is a way to stop the Shadows. And it does not involve your death, Zoey. Or yours, Joka." She knew that they would be relieved by that news, greatly. "You need to confront the source of your problems. Zoey, this means that you need you need to confront Banette. Her hatred is the reason for the Shadows. And you, Joka, to finish eradicating this virus, you must confront Sharpedo."

Zoey looked up, that was it? That was all they had to do? "By confront... what do you mean?" She asked. "Battle? Kill...?" She looked uncomfortable at that last word. She didn't want to kill any pokemon if she didn't have to. She wanted to save lives, not end them.

"No, not kill. You must get their forgiveness. Through forgiveness, shall the world be saved. I warn you, and you especially, Zoey, that Banette will not be readily willing to forgive you. It is likely you will have to defeat her in battle first. And after that, you might be able to request her forgiveness."

"Where can we find them?" Zoey asked curiously. "They could be anywhere."

"Yes, that is true. Zoey, you two must travel to the Darkspine Tower. That is where you will find Banette. I do not know the location though. But it is said to be within Darkrai's realm. Do you understand?"

Zoey looked up at Joka, and nodded. "I think so. But what about Sharpedo?"

"Because that Sharpedo is part of the human world, Darkrai will conjure up a dream for you. And though that dream, Joka, you may attempt to meet with Sharpedo."

[Ashen]

A wave of relief rushed over Joka as he heard they wouldn't have to die for the redemption of the world. He wouldn't have to let go of Zoey, and that was enough to make him happy. He had no intention of leaving Zoey for a long while yet. He had almost lost her but his own fiery breath, and now he wouldn't let anything harm her. He would watch over her, he vowed it.

He didn't like the idea of battling his Sharpedo at all.
When Mew told him this he looked away, a frown on his face. That Sharpedo had been very strong, had won him eight badges and a trip to the elite four. And to think he had gone to train himself after Joka had left, and then meet a new trainer and start training again? He'd be a hard foe indeed. The fact that Sharpedo had water against Joka's flames was just the icing on the cake. But if it meant the salvation of the world, he would try.
And deep down, Joka felt this was what he needed. He needed to apologize to the poor Pokemon. He needed to have Sharpedo's forgiveness, or at least have the chance to get it. So Joka nodded, determined.

He turned to Zoey again and smiled. "We've been through a lot," he said. "Ready to go on our last journey? Darkrai is waiting for us. The salvation of the world is waiting for us." He held out his hand. "Shall we?"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey noticed that Joka looked a little bit bothered by the idea of facing down his own Sharpedo in battle. She squeezed his hand gently, reminding him that everything would be okay. That she was there, and that together, they would get through this. "Yeah. I'm ready." Zoey said. "But first..." She let go of Joka, and turned to Mew. "Thank you so much, Mew. You've done so much for us, and I'm not sure how I can repay you for all of your help. But... We will save the world. And it's all thanks to your help. It... It was a real honor meeting you, and I hope that... maybe we can see you again someday. Thank you."

Mew smiled delightedly. "It's been a pleasure, Zoey. Joka, I wish you both the best of luck on the road ahead. I have faith in you two." She said. "You have my blessing. Here." A white light filled the room, and a shiny, marble-like gemstone floated towards Joka. It was sort of red, blue, and purple, and was pleasantly warm to the touch. It had a lanyard as well, so it could be hung as a necklace. "This is for you, Joka. And one for you, Zoey." Another white light filled the room, and the stone was very similar to Joka's, except that hers was red and black.

"You will know what to do when the time is right." Mew said quietly. "I wish you the best of luck out there." And with that, Zoey turned to take Joka's hand.

"Are you ready, Joka?" She asked, admiring the new necklaces they had both obtained. "I'm ready. And... Thank you."

[Ashen]

Joka also took his turn in thanking Mew. When they were prepared to leave, though, Mew had bestowed upon them gifts. Joka examined his closely. He wasn't sure what it was, but it was pretty. Perhaps it would come in handy later.
With two pendants now hanging from his neck, he turned away from Mew once more. It was time for them to start out for Darkspine Tower. For Darkrai. For the end of the Shadows.

Once they had safely left the World Tree, Joka looked around. It was so peaceful in all of the surrounding areas that he felt he didn't want to leave. But they had to. They needed to finish what they started.
They started walking, and as they did, Joka held his gaze on Zoey. "I am really sorry about how I acted earlier," he said. The apology still felt weird to him, but he felt that he owed it to her. He had overreacted, and it could have cost her her life. It could have cost him his Zoey.
"And I think you're the one to thank, Zo," he continued. "I'm not one for sentimental speeches, but... You've taught me a lot. About this world, about Pokemonkind, about myself... That anything is possible. And I'd have never had a chance to learn anything if I hadn't gone on this journey. So... Thank you." He turned his gaze to the sky. Clouds were in the distance, but hopefully they could pass a storm. They had a while yet to get to Darkrai.
"And our journey isn't done," he said. "So who knows what else we'll learn?" He turned back to her and gave kind of a shrug. "For one, I'd like to know what these marbles do."

[Drakonnas]

As they left the World Tree, Zoey looked back in wonder... Everything seemed to be so much better now that they had made that stop. Everything seemed brighter, more cheerful. Everything seemed happier, more worth saving. Perhaps it was the fact that they were now one step closer to saving the world. Perhaps it was that Joka had acknowledged her love for him and returned it. Perhaps it was that she had unveiled her mysterious past. But the past didn't matter now. They had turned over a new leaf, and from this point on, things would be different. she just had a feeling. It was an opportunity to grow. To be better. And Zoey was going to take that opportunity. She was going to keep getting better.

Joka turned to speak to her, and she turned back to him, eyes bright and intense. "You're forgiven, Joka." She reminded him quietly. "What happened happened. And you're forgiven. So don't worry about it, dear. As for the journey... We've both come a very long way, and learned a lot about ourselves. That can be said for both of us. So, Joka, what do you say we continue our journey, and keep learning?" She said, giving him a rather teasing look. "I'm sure there's a lot we still have to discover about ourselves, and each other." She couldn't help but smile. "What do you say we discover them together, hmm?"

As Joka turned his attention to the large marbles that Mew had given them, Zoey turned her attention towards hers as well. It was a mysterious stone, and she was sure it held some kind of power, though she didn't know what. Why else would Mew have given them, if they wouldn't be a help sometime or other? She felt like the marble had a depth far beyond what it should have, but she didn't know why, how, or what it would do. So for now, they had to find their way to Darkrai's domain.

"Do you know anything about Darkrai?" She asked curiously. "Or where he might reside? I don't think I've ever heard that name before, so I'm afraid I won't be much help..." She said, shaking her head. "We need information. Where do you suggest we go, Joka? Any ideas? I think there might be a town a little ways from here... I think I see something off in the distance... Maybe we can check there?"

[Ashen]

The idea of learning things together seemed like a good idea to the loner, for once. He nodded in agreement. They were going to go on learning. They'd get stronger if they learned together. And there was no reason they wouldn't learn together. They would get stronger, and he definitely liked that idea.

At the chance to talk about Darkrai, Joka tried to remember anything he had read about the nightmare Pokemon. "He's part of a duo," he said. "With Cresselia. They're both very legendary Pokemon, but that's nothing new for us. He's a dark type, obviously... He's infamous for nightmares. Putting people to sleep and giving them nightmares, feeding off of them. He's a terrifying Pokemon, the complete opposite of his duo counterpart. That's... all I can remember." He thought for a moment. "He probably lives somewhere dark. And Darkspine Tower kind of seems to fit the bill. It might be something like the forest. It could be hard to see. My flame can light up the place, but not very well, and not for long. It seems like it could be challenging."

He followed her gaze to the far-off town. "We can certainly check there for some more information," he said. "Maybe they can give up something to help when we actually get there."
Joka turned to Zoey. "Are you... Are you scared, Zoey? You're going to have to face the Pokemon filled with so much rage she turned you into a Pokemon. She eradicated you from the human race... I can only imagine how angry she must be."

[Drakonnas]

Zoey listened to him speak, Darkrai sounded quite scary, and Zoey wasn't sure she wanted to deal with a pokemon that fed on other pokemon's nightmares... It sounded more than scary. Shivering she looked up at Joka. "I don't particularly want to face down a pokemon that has powers of nightmares... But I'm more scared of Banette..." She admitted. "Banette... Banette are born of hatred..." She said softly. "When a human's doll or toy is thrown away, lost, or something like that... Their hatred literally brings them to life... I'm terrified of facing Banette, Joka. I'm terrified..."

The city was now coming into view, and it was a bigger city than Zoey had ever seen in her life. Tall buildings rose into the sky, and Zoey could do nothing but stare. "Joka... Have you ever seen such a big city?" She asked, staring into the city, she was already feeling lost. "How are we gonna find our way around in there? I think we might wanna just skip it, and look on our own... though, there might be valuable information that someone there has... What do you think?" She asked, holding Joka's hand gently. It was getting dark out as well, the stars in the sky were getting brighter. "We might also wanna find a place to sleep, it's starting to get dark out... Do you wanna try to get to the city? Or find a place here?"

[Ashen]

Joka winced at Zoey's words. She was so scared, but what could he do? He couldn't tell her it would be alright because he didn't know what would happen himself. What if Darkrai killed one of them? What if Joka never woke up from the dream to see Sharpedo? What if Banette listened to no reason and killed Zoey?
What if.
Joka wasn't going to worry about what ifs, not now. They had to be positive. They were going to save the world, and nothing was going to stop them.

He looked at the skyscrapers and just stared at them a minute. No, he had never seen such a huge city. "There's bound to be someone who knows about Darkrai here, or at least a library where we can look for information. If we stick together we won't get lost, right?" He looked up at the sky and saw a pale faraway orb. When had the moon come out?
"It might be best if we went to the city and found a hotel to live in," he suggested, though he was unsure. He didn't really trust tall buildings, didn't want to sleep in a skyscraper. Other than that, they had little money, so he didn't know how they would pay for a room. He looked around at the area they were in. They could camp here, but that provided its own problems. They were so close to a big city, and with big cities came thieves and brigands. It wouldn't be safe camping here.
"Let's go see if we can find somewhere to spend the night in the city," he said. "I think that would be better than sleeping out in the open, where we could get attacked any minute."
He hadn't noticed how tired he was until he started walking again. It had been a long day for the both of them. He'd sleep like a baby tonight.

[Drakonnas]

"Alright." Zoey said with a smile. They headed off towards the large city, and were immediately greeted rather nastily by an Escavalier that was guarding the entrance. "What do YOU want?" The large steel bug said threateningly, pointing it's javelins at Zoey. "Outsiders aren't welcome in Therinsford. Unless you pay to get in, you 'aint welcome here. And if you don't pay up, you'll feel a megahorn to the face." He said.

Zoey backed up a few steps, rather stunned. "Woah... I'm sorry, I didn't mean any offense or anything..." She said, clearly surprised at how rude this pokemon was. "But... we were simply coming here to seek refuge for the night, and look for some information before we leave..."

"Yeah? Well, your sob story has touched me. Know what it says? It tells me I should hurt you if you keep bothering me." The Escavalier said, growling. "I don't care if you're here to burp rainbows and fart butterflies. You're not welcome. And if you don't get out of my face in the next thirty seconds, I'm going to attack you."

Zoey was starting to get mad. "Fighting us wouldn't be a good idea." She said, glaring. "In case you haven't noticed, my boyfriend is a Charizard. And Charizard is a part fire type. And last I checked? You're a bug and steel type. Four times weak to fire. I suggest that you let us in."

"Fuck off, bitch." The Escavalier said. "Leave, before I have to call for reinforcements."

[Ashen]

Joka was astonished at how rude the sentry was being. He wasn't liking the way the conversation was going, but he stayed quiet, letting Zoey handle it. When she mentioned the word boyfriend, he looked over to her and smiled a little. Boyfriend. Joka would have guessed he'd have never heard the word referring to himself. He was snapped back to the situation, though, when he heard the Excavalier's reply.

He was going to let it go. He was going to let everything go and suggest that they find another place to stay and never think of this place again. But he wasn't going to let anyone talk to Zoey like that. He might have been a changed Pokemon, but no one would change his temper, and he had every right to be angry.
"Listen here, asshole," Joka spat. "Do you have a problem? Has common fucking courtesy ever been taught to you?" He shot a flamethrower straight for him. "Are your reinforcements as rude as you are? If so, I'd be glad to finish them off, too. We are ridding the world of evil, aren't we?" He shot a look at Zoey. He said nothing, just looked at her with an expression of anger. A part of him was telling him to leave, that they weren't worth his time, but he needed to stay here and defend his girlfriend.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey glared at the Escavalier, who had even threatened to attack them... This certainly wasn't going the way they had planned... She looked up at Joka as he challenged this sentry, it really wasn't a good idea to pick a fight with the city guard, but maybe he roughed everyone up like this. Maybe he was just an asshole. But he wasn't going to mess with them, they had a world to save. And gosh darn it, they were going to save it.

AS Joka shot a flamethrower at the guard, Zoey watched, a frown on her face. He deserved this. The steel/bug pokemon cried out as the fire hit him, and he fell to the ground, a focus sash being used to keep him from fainting. "Okay, okay... I'll let you in..." He said, wincing from the heat. That had hurt, a lot. He went over to the door, and unlocked it. "Don't say I didn't warn you." He said, moaning.

Zoey was a little bit unnerved, but she looked up at Joka, and they headed inside the city. She was immediately lost and overwhelmed, there were buildings and signs everywhere, tons of pokemon were bustling around, and it would be easy to get separated in this crowd... She held onto his hand tightly, not wanting to get separated from him. "Wow..." She said quietly. "This... this is really something."

Luckily, it didn't take her long to locate a bright neon sign that said "Weavile's Inn - Come rest your weary bones!" Zoey pointed this sign out to Joka. "Looks like there's an inn... Should we go there?"

[Ashen]

Joka was reluctant to enter the city; in doing so, his back would be turned to the Escavalier. He figured they would be fine though, that the Escavalier had learned his lesson. He entered the city, holding onto Zoey's hand.
To say the city was big would be an understatement. It would be very easy for him to get lost, even being as big as he was. He kept an eye on Zoey as not to lose her and tried making his way through the lines of busy Pokemon bustling about. When Zoey noticed the sign, Joka nodded, and they started for the inn.

It was a tall building, like every other building in the place. They entered it and, thankful to be away from the busy streets, Joka let out a small sigh. "Phew," he said, and turned to the receptionist area. There was a Sneasel there who seemed to be arguing with a Pyroar. After a moment, the Pyroar stormed off, exhaling a very small flame.
Joka looked to Zoey and raised his eyebrow, but approached the Sneasel. "Excuse me," he said.
The Sneasel looked up at the two. He let out a short sigh. "Welcome to the inn," he said. "What can I get ya? Room for one?"
Joka nodded.
"This isn't the best place for a honeymoon, you know," he continued, sifting through a book. A blush rose to Joka's cheeks but he didn't bother correcting him. "Well," the Sneasel went on. "We're actually doing a promotion right now, trying to get more people, so the bill is only...this." He passed a paper towards Joka, who took it. The paper had a room number on it, 302, details for room service, and a price. He looked to Zoey. "It's not too bad," he told her. "Can we afford that?"

He was actually kind of nervous about spending the night in a foreign room alone with Zoey. The Pokemon here seemed so rude, and he never did trust cityfolk's integrity. He didn't want to sleep. He also didn't want to lose time. He knew he needed rest, and so did Zoey, but Joka couldn't help but be exicted for what they were going to do. He wanted to save the world as soon as possible, and they were only wasting time by resting.
He shook his head. He couldn't think like that.
Joka put his thoughts aside. They would be fine. Nothing would happen, and they would save the world.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey worked with Joka to get through the bustling crowed to the place where they needed to be, to the Inn. As they got there, they experienced something of an argument between a Pyroar and a Sneasel, who apparently worked at the inn. She looked around the inn, it seemed rather shady to her... There were pokemon hiding in the shadows, and they made her rather uncomfortable... But she tried to ignore that, and focus on what they were doing. The Sneasel made some sort of comment about not being a good place for a honeymoon, and Zoey wasn't exactly sure how to respond to that. Sure, they were starting dating, but they weren't THAT close yet...

She nodded at the price, it was actually surprisingly cheap... Almost strangely so. But it would have to do. She took out the money, and handed it to the Sneasel, who took it greedily. "Thank you." He said, tucking it away in a coin purse. "Now, your room will be... that way." He said, pointing. "Good luck, and sleep well." He turned away, smiling to himself, getting some other work taken care of...

Zoey looked up at Joka, she was a little bit nervous about sharing a room and a bed with him, but maybe the cuddling would be nice. Maybe it'd help them grow together, sorta. She made sure that they still had all their things, and they headed off to the room. It was a small room, with a very ordinary appearance. Nothing stood out, it was rather bland, and only kinda taken care of.

A few Joltik scattered as they entered the room, and Zoey shivered. "I don't like bugs..." She said, a little unnerved. She set her bag down on the floor next to the bed, and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Well..." She said quietly. "We're here."

[Ashen]

Joka peered into the dark room and looked around. He wondered how the inn could manage to pay for advertising, if this was the quality of their service. His eyes watched the bug-type Pokemon scurry and he bit his lip. He could take care of bugs, easy. He just didn't like the idea of Zoey being scared in a room she was supposed to sleep in. For a moment he considered leaving, suggesting somewhere else, but they had already paid. They were sleeping here for the night.

He room seemed rather small. He noted this as he sized up the bed. He wouldn't fit on it with Zoey, so he opted for sleeping on the floor. He didn't mind; he'd slept on the floor plenty of times before. He extended his wings, trying to tuck them into a comfortable position, but in doing so he knocked over the candle. The flame went out, and Joka fumbled in the dark to find it on the floor. His ember set it again and he sighed. He needed to get used to his wings still, and this cramped place was no place to do it.
Joka tucked his wings in and lay on the floor, wrapping his tail around his body. The flame at the end of his tail was a small one that flickered steadily. He was so exhausted, but with the shady conditions of this inn, he didn't know if he'd be getting any sleep. He needed to stay up and watch Zoey. He couldn't sleep.

Joka craned his neck to look at Zoey atop the bed. "I don't mind sleeping on the floor," he said with a yawn. "And you would be more comfortable up there anyway. Let's get some rest. It's been one heck of a long day, hasn't it?" He made an effort to lower the flame on his tail and closed his eyes. "Good night, Zo," he said. "Sleep tight."

[Drakonnas]

Joka didn't reply to her as she stated that they had arrived, it was perfectly obvious. Joka seemed to not like this place, and Zoey could easily tell why. It was a bit ratty. It wasn't downright dirty, there had obviously been attempts at cleaning up, it just hadn't been done well, or thoroughly for that matter. She watched as he knocked over the candle, not being used to his size. Zoey couldn't help but grin a little bit as she watched, it was mildly entertaining.

"Good Night, Joka." She said simply, and got in bed. She shrieked as a few more Joltic scurried out of her bed, shocking her as they went. There were also a few small spinarak as well... She jumped out of the bug infested bed, and landed next to Joka. "Bugs... bugs... bugs..." She whimpered. "Get rid of them, Jokie..."

"Sorry we scared you..." One of the spinarak said, worriedly. "You scared us as well... This is kinda our home." Zoey looked surprised at this. "This place is nice, 'cause no one ever comes here. We aren't bugged at all... So we were kinda surprised when our nest was disturbed... We're sorry... But if you wouldn't mind sleeping on the floor, we'll try not to bother you..." The Joltic added in. "Oh, and you wanna be careful around here, there are pokemon who will try to steal your stuff. We're not bad pokemon, we just wanna live in peace...."

Zoey looked even more unnerved by this. "A...alright... I'm... sorry..." She was trying her best not to freak out with all these bug pokemon around. She was close to Joka, using him for comfort. She hoped he didn't mind.

[Ashen]

Joka watched Zoey's interaction with the bug Pokemon. He didn't say anything, just let her handle herself. He didn't like the idea of Zoey sleeping on the floor, but if the bugs would leave them alone, he would deal.

He kept his tail away from Zoey so she wouldn't be bothered by its heat or light. She was so close to him that he could feel her breaths. Joka didn't mind this, but it was a strange feel. Having someone so close to him, someone he actually liked... He could have asked for a better setting, but he couldn't complain. Zoey was here with him. That was what mattered. They would be safe for the night.

Joka didn't know what time he fell asleep, but when he woke up that morning, he also knew he hadn't gotten nearly enough. He looked around and slowly remembered where they were. He was unscathed, so maybe the place wasn't as dangerous as he had thought. That was a good sign.
He pushed himself into a sitting position and looked over to the bed. He then looked down at Zoey. "Morning, Zo," he said as he stretched his arms. As he did, his wings stretched as well, knocking into a wall and just averting the same candle he knocked over yesterday. "If I could stop doing that," he said under his breath but his voice trailed and he smiled, for once able to shrug off his mistakes.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey fell asleep against Joka, it was more comfortable than she would have imagined, and getting to fall asleep in the arms of the pokemon she loved was actually pretty amazing. She had a small smile on her face the entire night, and woke up in a good mood. Joka was waking up, and greeting her. She hadn't slept enough, but at the same time, she was feeling better than she had the previous night. Which was a good sign.

She laughed as he knocked over the candle. "Hehe. Good morning, sweet Joka." She said, rubbing her eyes to wake herself. As she got up, she looked for her things... And realized immediately that the stone she had gotten from Mew... was missing. She yelped, and looked around for her other things, all of which were there. "Joka!" She exclaimed worriedly. "My... my pendant, it's gone!" She was both angry and scared, what else had happened in the night that she didn't know about?

She grabbed her things, and stormed out of the room, down to where a Weavile was standing behind the service counter. "Excuse me. But I had something important stolen from me last night." She said, angrily. "Do you have a lost and found? Did anyone turn in a marble like stone?"

"No. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm a very busy pokemon." The Weavile said, blowing her off completely, returning to his work.

Zoey, understandably, got mad. "Excuse me? My property was stolen in your hotel!"

"What do I care? It ain't my property, kid. You were warned that we ain't liable for your stuff. What's your loss, is your loss. Feel free to talk to anyone here, but I ain't takin' responsibilities. So scram."

"Why you... You listen here, Mr. Weavile..." Zoey began, but was cut off.

"I already told you. I don't care about you, your stuff, or your morals. You ain't careful with your things, they got stolen. You only gotta expect it. Now I suggest you scram before I gotta stab you with an icicle."

[Ashen]

As Zoey noticed her pendant missing he immediately checked his own chest. His marble was still around his neck like it had been before he'd fallen asleep. He got up to help Zoey look for hers, but before he knew it she was storming off, downstairs to go talk to the staff.

He wasn't as fast as Zoey, but he got there shortly after she had started talking to a Weavile. The Weavile didn't look too inclined to help her, and he was trying to get her to go away, but Zoey wasn't going. She was getting angry, and Joka couldn't blame her. The staff at this inn was making him mad, too.
At his threat, Joka approached the Weavile. "Excuse me, sir," he said in a low tone. "You lay a slimy claw on her and I will roast you. Now help her look for her necklace. You're giving me reason to believe you're the one who stole it." He crossed his arms over his chest and exhaled, puffs of smoke coming from his nostrils. "If you want to take this outside, sir, I do have an advantage typing on you. Give us our stuff back."

[Drakonnas]

Zoey humphed, and glared at the Weavile, who looked up at the large Charizard. He looked annoyed more than anything else, but there was a little but of fear there, if only slightly. "Look. Don't do anything rash now." He said, sighing. "Look. I don't know anything about your precious little stone. I can't be expected to know everything about the goings on here. If you really wanna find your stone, then I suggest you..."

But Zoey wasn't buying it. "You are the owner of this little... this... front..." She said, eyes narrowed. "You exploit your guests, trick them into coming with low prices, and then steal their things... If not worse." She glared at the Weavile. It was just a guess, but she had a strong guess about it. And if she was wrong, she was wrong, and she would apologize. But his reaction really gave it away.

The Weavile started to sweat a little, and looked a bit twitchy. "Wh... Whatever makes you say that? How dare you... I ..." Zoey pounced on this weakness.

"I knew it. You better give me back my stone. I'll make you an offer you can't refuse." She growled. "You give me back my stone, and we'll leave, and won't tell anyone. You don't give it back, and I'll expose your entire operation, after we fight you."

The weavile nodded. "Fine. If you promise to keep quiet, I'll get your item back." The weavile looked back, and hurried out of the room. Several minutes later, he returned, the stone in hand. "Here." He gave it back to Zoey. "But.. I must ask, how did you see through me?" He asked, startled. "No one has ever seen that before..."

Zoey snatched back her stone, and glared at him. "Your attitude, mostly." She said, frowning.

"You must not be from around here then. Everyone in this city has this same attitude. Get outta here, you two..."

Zoey hmphed, and turned to Joka. "Let's get outta here." She said, in a bad mood.

[Ashen]

Joka kept quiet again as he let Zoey deal with the Weavile. He wanted to leave this cite as soon as possible, which would be just as soon as this Weavile stopped playing games and gave back what he'd stolen. When he finally did, Joka turned away, visibly angry. He wasn't going to let it get to him, though. He was a changed Pokemon, and part of that was not letting his anger get out of control. So he took a deep breath, got out of the inn, and started away.

They started walking again, unwilling to ask about Darkrai to anyone in the city. He didn't want to meet with any more rude Pokemon, even if they would make their journey easier. So, holding Zoey's hand, he silently made his way through the crowds of Pokemon and out of the city. Once safely out, he let out a huge sigh.
"Let's not do that again," he said slowly, making an effort to keep his voice calm. "I sure do dislike Pokemon like that." He turned to the skies. They were dark, as if a storm would be starting soon. "Well," he said slowly. "Where should we go now? Should we just keep walking and hope for another village? I could maybe fly us, but not for long. I don't want to be airborne in a storm."

[Drakonnas]

Zoey turned to Joka. "Sorry if I was kinda... rude, or unpleasant to you back there." She apologized, feeling a little badly that she had kinda left him in the backseat while she ran around, yelling at people. "But yeah, let's get outta that place, it was really unpleasant." She shuddered, and looked up at the clouds, which threatened to storm. It was dark, menacing, and just... not a pleasant day. The day was darker than it should have been at that time, and she was feeling rather nervous about something. "Let's walk." She said softly. "Maybe we'll find someone we can ask."

And so they began to walk. After about ten minutes, the rain started to pour down upon them again. It was a torrential downpour, and not too long after that, they could see flashes of lightning in the distance. "It's a good thing we didn't start flying!" She said loudly, so that she could be heard over the sound of the crashing rain. She was soaked, and could only imagine Joka's discomfort. "Hang on!" she said, brightly. "I have an idea! Come with me!" She ran over to a river, where she could see several water pokemon splashing about happily. They were not infected.

"Excuse me!" She called. "Excuse me, sorry, but could I ask a favor?" She asked a Golduck, who got out of the river, and walked up to them.

"What can I doooooo fooooor youuuuuuu?" It asked, a little bit of an accent showing in his voice. The water pokemon looked curiously at them, waiting for an explanation.

"Would you use Soak on my friend here, please? It's raining, and he's a fire type... I thought that if someone used Soak on him, and he became a water type for awhile, things would be more comfortable for him." She looked up at Joka, care and concern in her eyes. "I don't want him to hurt, we've been through a lot lately." She looked up at Joka, and held onto his arm, clinging to him.

"Joka, I know you don't like change, hon, but I think this would help you. It's not a long term thing, of course, just until the rain stops falling... What do you say, hon?"

[Ashen]

Joka easily shrugged off Zoey's apology. "It's nothing," he assured her, knowing he'd have reacted in a similar way. "I'm just glad you got your pendant back," he said.

As the rain started, Joka had some difficultly shielding his tail from the water. As it started pouring, Joka continued very slowly, protecting his tail with his wings. He didn't like the rain, didn't like being wet, but there didn't seem to be shelter anywhere around. He wanted to take refuge somewhere, anywhere, but that wasn't an option.
Joka's perked up when Zoey said she had an idea. He watched her run ahead to the river, following her very slowly. A boom of thunder startled him into going faster, and he soon caught up to her and a Golduck, who seemed to be enjoying himself a lot more than Joka.

He listened to her proposal and stepped away, not wanting to change once again. A Charizard becoming a water type? Would such a thing even work? But maybe the rain wouldn't be so harsh on him, and they could proceed quicker.
Reluctantly, Joka agreed to the soak. He still shielded his tail as the Golduck used the move. The water felt weird on his skin, and with the rain, he felt like he was drowning. Soon, though, the feeling of discomfort went away. He felt...at ease in the rain. Joka opened his eyes and looked around. It was still pouring, but he didn't feel intimidated anymore. He used a small ember on his hands and it was confirmed; he was definitely a water type.

The Charizard looked at Zoey. "Thanks," he said quietly. He was still unsure about the change. "We ought to get going, then. Shall we fly?" He turned to the Golduck and bowed his thanks.

[Drakonnas]

The Soak attack had turned out to be a complete success, just as Zoey had hoped it might. "Thank you so much!" She said to the golduck, and turned to leave with her Joka. She could visibly tell that he was much more at ease in the rain than he had been before, and that made her happy. She looked over as Joka then asked her about flying. Zoey thought for a minute then shook her head. But her words were drowned out by the sound of a crash of thunder, and a bolt of lightning flashing across the sky. "No, I think we better not fly! I don't want you struck with lightning as we go..."

Zoey looked up into the clouds, the wind had picked up considerably, and she saw a little bit of a funnel start to form. She pointed this out to the Charizard who was standing next to her. "Is that a tornado, or a pokemon's attack?" She asked. "It could be a hurricane or a twister, but either way, I think we should..." But Zoey froze, in a catatonic stupor, as a flash of memory returned to her.

She was no longer herself, but a small human girl. She was very young, not even four years old. Someone was singing a lullaby to her as they held her.

The depths of darkness where bad dreams lie
You must be scared, my child, but do not cry.
I am here, and I love you so,
I know. I know.


Look at the moon, my child, so high in the sky.
Shining brightly down upon you and I.
Let the gentle light glow.
I know. I know.


The land of dreams can be found if you try...
Take hold of my balloon, and we shall fly.
High into the sky, where the winds blow.
I know. I know.


Sleep, love. You as safe, warm, and dry.
Off to the land of dreams we fly.
It is time for us to go.
I know. I know.



Zoey whispered the lullaby as the memory returned to her. She was rather rigid, and stunned by this memory. She didn't know what brought it back. But it was back, and she was indeed remembering it. She turned to Joka, still rather shocked at that memory. It was beautiful, and yet heart-wrenchingly sad. She didn't know why.

What did that have to do with anything?

[Ashen]

Joka looked out at the lightning that had cracked the sky some distance away. He didn't like being out in a thunderstorm. Even as a water type, he wasn't immune to the vicious electricity that was splitting the sky.
He looked away from the sky after deciding to walk, but his eyes caught on the funnel in the distance. He shifted a bit, uncomfortable. If it was a hurricane, they'd take major damage. Hurricanes were bad enough normally, but one in the rain?
He started backing away and looked to Zoey, but she seemed to be out of it. He watched her carefully, concerned. She was saying something quietly, but he couldn't hear her over the storm. "Zo?" he said shakily. "I appreciate being serenaded, but perhaps that can wait for a time when we aren't about to get swept up by the weather?"

He stared at her for a minute, watched her perplexed expression. "Zo?" he whispered, but his voice was taken away by the storm. She seemed to be contemplating something hard, but he had no idea what. He just knew they needed to get out of the way of that twister.
"Are you okay?" he asked, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards him a little. "We really ought to go. I... I don't know where to get to. That looks dangerous, and it's coming right for us. There's no shelter nearby..." He looked around nervously. "I don't suppose we could fly over it..?" he thought aloud. "Or we could go over... Zoey, are you listening? What's wrong?"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey seemed to snap out of her trance, still muttering the word of the lullaby. She looked up at the swirling clouds, the thundering noise, and the flashing lights. And she only sort of heard Joka in the background. He was pulling her towards him just a little bit. But the lullaby was still on her mind. "Where the winds blow..." She said softly. "The depths of darkness, where bad dreams lie... so high in the sky.... can be found if you try... where the winds blow..."

Her face lit up. "Joka! I think... I think that lullaby I just remembered tells us how to find Darkrai." She looked at him sharply. "I think we need to go in there. Into the storm." It sounded crazy to her, but the more she thought, the more it made sense to her. "I just had a memory of my mother singing that lullaby to me. Think about it, Joka. Where bad dreams lie. Darkrai is said to give bad dreams. So high in the sky can be found if you try where the winds blow... that tells us where." She was certain that she was right here.

It was a place perfect for Darkrai. A place where not many pokemon would dare go. It would be a perfect place for him. A dungeon in the midst of a storm. Ever changing. Defensible. And peaceful. It had to be so. "Joka... Can you fly us there? I know it sounds mad... but I'm sure I'm right! You have to trust me on this one!" She said. Even though she was sure that this was the right thing, she was shaking.

[Ashen]

Joka kept one eye on Zoey and one eye on the storm. What was she doing? She was going to get them both killed if she kept still. Joka was trying to move her without hurting her, but she really didn't want to go.
But then her face lit up. And she said something about...flying into the storm?
Of course I fall for a crazy one, Joka thought.

He looked out at the storm and shifted a little. "Yes I can fly us into it," he said slowly. "But...are you sure?" She looked sure. Zoey seemed ready and willing to fly head-first into a storm with the power to kill them both. She was so positive, and all from some memory of a lullaby?
Joka wasn't confident that it would work, but he was confident in Zoey. He grabbed her and held her close. "You're a total nutcase for making me do this," he said softly.

As the storm approached, Joka braced himself. He could feel rain splashing his skin and lightning striked every few seconds. It was a terrifying situation for a fire lizard, but the soak was helping, at least a little. He counted to three before charging into the funnel, full-speed. "I hope you know what you're doing!" he yelled, though his voice was drowned out by the storm. He was just praying that Zoey was right, that this would work, and that they'd safely get to Darkrai.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey nodded. "I'm sure of this!" She said, firmly. Of course she was scared, she was terrified about the idea of flying into the storm. But... she knew that this was the right thing to do. It just had to be. She climbed onto Joka, and together they flew off. "Yeah, I may be a nutcase, but if it gets us through this alive and safely, it'll be worth it!" She shouted, trying to make him hear her. After all, it was very loud, the wind howling, the thunder crashing, and the lightning flashing. They were getting very close to the storm now, and Zoey could see the wall of wind just ahead of them...

She focused, growling, trying not to be thrown off... the storm was right there! Ten feet from them! Five feet! Two feet!" Zoey couldn't help but close her eyes and flinch as they hit the funnel... But there was no impact. When she opened her eyes, they were flying inside of a dark, stormy whirl of clouds. But everything was perfectly still. Silence. There was no noise.

"...how is there no noise inside? Are we in the eye?" She asked. It had to be the case. That was the only explanation for what had gone on here. Zoey looked around, and saw a large, tall tower, made of black stormclouds. And what surprised her even more was that it looked like it was solid. "There!" She said, suddenly. "That's where we need to go! Come on!" She directed him over to the base of the tower. There was a door at the base of the tower, where they could enter.

"You can land there!" As they did so, Zoey noticed that the tower was almost mazelike. "So... it looks like we'll have to navigate this maze..." She said, slowly. "This is it, Joka. our final adventure in the quest to save the world. Are you ready?" They found themselves in a room, fully made of storm clouds, though they were solid enough to walk on. "We can go one of these ways... Where should we start?"

But a dark voice overrode her. "Who are you, and why do you tresspass in my tower?" Darkrai spoke to them, sounding rather annoyed. "If you want to speak to me, you must first pass this test. Make it to the end, and I might speak to you. If you fail... well... then I suppose someone will have to go take care of your bodies." He said, before vanishing, not responding to anything else they said.

Zoey looked at Joka again. "...Let's do this."

[Ashen]

The storm was getting closer and closer, and Joka had to struggle to not let his wings get out of position. If they twisted the wrong way, they'd pummel to the ground. He had to keep his balance, and that was extremely hard to do with the storm whipping at him, Zoey's extra weight upon him, and his nerves getting to him. He was getting a little scared, but he was trusting Zoey, and as the whipping winds passed him, he let out a sigh.

They must have been in the eye of the storm. Everything was calm, eerily still. Joka looked around. It was unusually silent consdiering they were in the middle of the storm. His gaze fell to the dark tower, and he flew them there. He let Zoey on the ground and then tried to catch his own breath. "Well," he murmured. "We made it." He craned his neck to look at the top of the tower. The large Pokemon was nervous to go into the tower. He didn't have a problem with the ghosts and dark-type Pokemon that were sure to be inside; he didn't even fear Darkrai. Not nearly as much as he feared facing his Sharpedo.
With a determined nod, Joka started for the door.
After they enter, Joka froze at the sound of a voice. It was a thundering voice in a terrifying tone that sounded like it could be from a nightmare. It warned against their failure, which would be their death. Joka gulped. He turned to Zoey and half-smiled. "Don't let him scare you," he said. "We'll make it through. Our last adventure to save the world will not be a failure. It will not be."

They continued on. Joka wasn't happy about having to navigate a maze. It was a complete guessing game to get to the top, and he felt that that was a waste of time.
After they made it through a few rooms and corridors, Joka found himself turning a corner right into an Umbreon. The Umbreon seemed angered at the two. It hissed at Joka and hit him with a scratch attack. The simple attack was strong, which led Joka to believe the other Pokemon would be even stronger. He defeated the Umbreon alone with ease and turned to face Zoey. "The Pokemon just attack, with no warning?" he asked. "They really don't want us here, do they?"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey nodded as Joka told him that they would succeed. That they had to succeed. There was no possibility of failure here, no room to mess up. She would not. They had to be very careful. They had to do this. The whole place was eerie, spooky. In a way that Zoey did not like. She felt rather tense as they walked through the maze, it was almost like they would be attacked at any minute. She really wished that there was some way she could tell if there were any pokemon around, and was quite startled when the Umbreon attacked without warning. Joka took care of it though, and they continued on.

"Yeah..." She said, both nervous and excited. "They don't really want us here... And I don't think they're infected, just look at them. They seem to be sane, not the insane berserkers that we met before. That we're trying to save the world from. I am sure that we can do this... Just watch my back, and I got yours." They continued forward in the maze. There weren't so many dead ends as there were convoluted loops that kept bringing them back to the same areas, but they did run into their fair share of dead ends. There weren't that many pokemon on the first floor, and they soon found the stairs.

With every floor they went up, there seemed to be more and more tougher pokemon. By the fifth floor, Zoey was actually having a little bit of trouble with the pokemon here. They were mostly dark and ghost type pokemon, although there were a few weird things, like a few Probopass, and even an Aerodactyl. After a particularly nasty fight with a Weavile, Zoey found herself bleeding lightly. "One second." She told Joka, and stopped, kneeling down by her bag, to look for something that would help. An unnatural cold was spreading throughout her as well. Shivering, she pulled out an oran berry, and ate it. Her wound healed pretty quickly, though she still felt cold.

"Alright, all better." She hugged Joka closely for a minute, letting his warmth warm her up. "You're so warm." She couldn't help grinning, any excuse to be near Joka was a good excuse to her. After a few minutes, she stepped back. "Shall we continue? Who knows what's waiting up there..." They walked up the steps, and as soon as they entered the next floor, they were surrounded by a ton of enemy pokemon. A monster house.

[Ashen]

The mazes seemed to go on forever, and with each passing floor there was another one to navigate. Already Joka was growing tired, but he was nowhere near ready to give up.
He didn't mind Zoey so close to him, and as she mentioned how warm he was, he was glad he was reincarnated as a fire-type. It gave him an extra excuse to be close to Zoey, and he did like that. He could only wonder what would happen after the world was spared the curse of the Shadows, and if he'd still have his Zoey, so for now, he would embrace every moment with her that he could.

On the fifth floor, Joka and Zoey found themselves surrounded by enemy Pokemon. There were a couple of Spiritomb, a Sneasel, a Liepard, a Houndoom and Houndour, a Pangoro... The list just seemed to go on. Joka glanced over at Zoey. He gulped. "Good luck," he murmured.

The Pokemon were advancing on him, backing him and Zoey into a corner of the room. They would need to work together if they wanted out of this; there were too many Pokemon to battle them seperately. Noticing that most of the Pokemon were either dark or ghost types, he knew Zoey had the advantage. She could probably get away with a critical dark pulse to all of the ghost Pokemon, while he had nothing more than fire to work with from afar. He couldn't get close enough to any one Pokemon to deal a greater move, so he had to resort to his flamethrowers and fire blasts. Though only neutrally effective, Joka hoped his fire would burn hot enough. They couldn't fail now, not to Darkrai, and certainly not to a room of his subordinates.

"If we work together," he told Zoey, "we can probably get through this quickly. Target the weaker ones. Weed them out, first." He stopped talking to dodge a water gun from a Frillish. "Like the unevolved Pokemon," he said, motioning towards the Frillish. He had no edge in fighting her, as his attacks would do little to no damage. He had to rely on Zoey to help get him through this, and while he didn't like that much, he wasn't as bothered by that as he would have been. He used his flamethrower to spray fire at all of their attackers, but he was dependent on the Zoroark next to him to actually get out of this. There were too many Pokemon, and Joka found himself wondering how he would defeat Sharpedo. He'd probably do it alone, at a type disadvantage. He tried not to think about that, and was grateful Zoey was here this time.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey backed up into the corner, beside Joka. There were so many pokemon here, and they were all looking like they wanted a piece of them. That was bad news, bad news indeed. Zoey's heart was beating a little bit faster now, and she knew that she was going to have to use her dark moves to get rid of most of these pokemon. She stepped forward, and drew the attention of many of the pokemon to herself. She focused all of her fears, all of her anxieties, all of her nervousness into a concentrated blast. And she fired. A dark pulse eminated from her, hitting all the ghost and psychic pokemon for massive damage, most of whom fainted. But this new attack drained her of a lot of energy, and she had to kneel down to prevent herself from passing out. Luckily, there weren't that many pokemon left, and they would, maybe not easily, but they would be able to take down these foes. She was sure of it.

"Yeah, we got this!" Zoey said, replying to Joka's comments about succeeding. They would not fail. They would not. Finally, the room was cleared of pokemon, and Zoey had obtained a few more injuries. But they weren't severe enough to require an oran berry just yet. "Let's go on, and see what we can find, Joka..." She said.

The next few floors were harder, and each one after that was more difficult. "I... I think we're getting near the top." Zoey said, panting, after taking down quite a powerful gengar. "I see the exit. Come on. We're gonna save the world." She was so confident. She knew that nothing could stop them. She knew that they would succeed. They had come this far. Darkrai was just beyond these stairs. And then, she and Joka... they could go home together. And live a happy life. It was just around the corner.

Zoey took one step forward, and her world went black. Immediately. She didn't see anything, but there was a giant explosion that had been set off by an explosion trap that she had stepped on. Zoey's body was flung into the air, and landed with a thud at the foot of the stairs that led to Darkrai's room. A laughter sounded from upstairs. Zoey did not move.

[Ashen]

Joka was feeling the exhaustion in his bones. Every floor was harder and harder to surpass, but finally, there was the exit. The light at the end of the tunnel. They were finally going to meet with Darkrai. They were going to succeed.
But as they started for that light, home free, an explosion went off. Joka could feel pebbles and debris pelt his skin. The large Pokemon was nearly knocked off of his feet from the explosion. When he gathered himself, he looked over at Zoey. She wasn't conscious. Around him, a thundering laughter boomed.

Joka rushed over to Zoey. He was calling her name, but she wasn't responding. On the ground was a crater, a small one. Was there a mine there? Was Darkrai just making a fool of them, setting them up for disaster while letting them believe they would succeed? Suddenly his hands balled into tight fists. Every exhaled breath was a tad hotter than the previous. The Charizard was steaming. He'd been played a fool. They weren't going to succeed.
They weren't going to do anything. Zoey was gone.

Tears were swelling at his eyes. He was jumping to conclusions, of course, but she was so still. And that laugh, that spiteful laugh... Darkrai didn't care if she woke up or not.
The explosion had gotten him too, but not as badly as it had gotten Zoey. He could still continue, and he would demand Darkrai bring her back to him. And the prick would. Joka would make sure he would, even if he had to battle him himself.

He slipped his hands under Zoey's limp body and continued onward. He climbed up the narrow stairs and looked around him. It was pure darkness up here, and the only thing Joka could hear was that cold laughter. He couldn't tell if it was still going on, or if it was a perpetual echo of what he'd heard downstairs. It didn't matter. Darkrai's laughter did not matter.
"Darkrai," Joka called in a low tone. "You bring her back to me, and you let us save the world, and we will never have to bother you again. Show yourself."

[Drakonnas]

Darkrai laughed as he saw the Charizard walk up the stairs, carrying the body of his friend. "Hahaha.... I don't have power to bring someone back from the dead." He said, menacingly, and yet, at the same time, with amusement. "You should have seen how her body flew when the trap was triggered. I've never seen a pokemon fly so gracefully in the air like that. It was truly a sight to behold. And besides. Why should I? You are the ones intruding in on my domain. You are the ones who so foolishly came here. You should have known that if my illusions didn't kill you, I would. But besides... my cohort here had the idea herself. Ms. Banette. It's time for you to come out of hiding. She came to me, knowing that the only way to save herself would be through me, through battling her. And she paid me quite a handsome price for me to take her side. Her life, her very soul is now mine. And I agreed." The Darkrai's eyes glittered in the darkness. "You have her to thank for your friend's death."

The Banette couldn't help but cackle. "She deserved it, and more." The Banette said, glaring. "That trap was intended for you. It should have killed you, leaving her to be the one suffering at the hands of her dead friend. I wanted her to suffer more than that. And yet you had to interfere... I didn't see her being the leader. She was a worthless bitch who needs to be resurrected soley so I can torture her more!" She roared, hissing spit at the same time.

"I was brought to life out of hatred... and my hatred is stronger than any bond you could ever have with her." She continued. "I also have the legendary pokemon Darkrai by my side! Zoey is dead, and you... you will perish next." She said, continuing to laugh. I shall resurrect her, and watch her suffer... Death will be the kindest thing anyone could give her... and it shall never come... I will destroy her every second of every hour of every day... Extracting my eternal revenge... Her ears will bleed from the sound of her own screams, the screams that shall be music to my ears..." She said, gleefully. "I've waited so long for this moment... You shall die..."

Darkrai held out his hand. "Hang on." He said, and there was something more reasonable in his voice now. He almost seemed like a completely different pokemon. "You have no right to harm him. You came to me with requests for her alone. You won't harm..."

But the Banette's eyes flashed red, and Darkrai's did a moment later. "Yes... I will kill him. And then you may have her to do whatever you wish."

[Ashen]

Darkrai's laughs were terrifying, but it was his words that really pushed the Charizard to tears. "I don't have the power to bring someone back from the dead."
He shook his head and a stray tear fell from his eye. She was not dead. Zoey was not dead and he would not believe that. This was all a dream and he'd wake up next to Zoey and she'd be fine. Everything would be fine.

He listened to the Banette speak and, despite it all, couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. She was so shrouded by hatred she had lost her reason, and she was now destroying everyone around her. Joka needed to help her, but as she hissed about how awful Zoey was, about her tortures that were yet to come, he felt inadequate for such a job. He himself had been such a spiteful Pokemon; how could he convince a Banette to turn away from that path? It was all a big misunderstanding, surely; he didn't believe Zoey would have done anything to hurt this Pokemon. But he didn't know how to get the Banette to see that.

As Joka tried to assess the situation, he took a few cautious steps back. He was outnumbered, and beyond that, he was outleveled. The Darkrai alone would be a difficult challenge, but then there was the Banette to worry about. And both Pokemon were fueled by hatred.
He knew that words would not work, at least not yet. He needed to calm down Banette first, but he didn't know how. He could try battling her, try wearing her out. But would that work? He had nothing to lose.
So gently, Joka placed Zoey on the ground, and he took in a great breath. He just needed to stall, not necessarily defeat either Pokemon. If he could just tired them both out without getting himself killed, maybe then he could speak to them calmly. Yes, his plan was simple: don't get killed.

Joka shot into the air, using his powerful wings to soar as high as he could go. He turned down to Banette and Darkrai. They were too bloodthirsty to go after Zoey; surely they would pay more attention to him. He hoped.
With his great wings Joka sent a gust attack flying towards Darkrai, hoping to get them to chase after him. As he aimed his attacks, he thought of all he had read about either species. Darkrai could put Pokemon to sleep. Banette held the highest attack of any ghost type. Both would be challenging foes, and he was well aware of that. But he couldn't give up. Dead or not, he wasn't going to give up on the Zoroark several yards below. He was going to save the world. He'd make Zoey proud.
With another powerful gust, Joka cut through the sky, prepared to dodge every attack thrown at him.

[Drakonnas]

"You want to fight me?" The Banette said, with a snarl. "I don't want to fight you. It's her I want to fight." The Banette snarled, and pulled out a stone, very like the one that both Joka and Zoey had around their necks. "You won't be able to fight us..." She began to glow with a black light, and suddenly, the Banette evolved. "BEHOLD! MEGA EVOLUTION!" She said, grinning evilly. "I'm going to kill you. Darkrai, step back. This is my fight..." She growled, ready for a fight.

The necklace around Zoey's neck began to glow slightly as Banette Mega Evolved. Strength flowed into her, and Zoey opened her eyes, completely exhausted. She was awake, and alive. She looked down at the necklace, which was glowing. She saw Joka up in the air, and then... to her enormous displeasure and fear, a strange looking Banette. Were they about to fight? Zoey felt dazed and confused, she didn't know what had happened, or how she had been knocked out. But she was awake now.

"I'm going to kill you, Joka." The Banette said, vanishing, a Phantom Force. She had completely vanished, there were no traces of her anywhere. Zoey struggled to move, it was impossible to even stand up... But as she saw the Banette getting ready to assassinate Joka, the stone around her neck glowed brighter, until she felt her body changing. All of her strength was returning, and she had to save Joka.

"NO!" She shouted, throwing a much more powerful shadow ball at the Banette, knocking her back, and saving Joka's life. "This is my fight..." Said the newly MegaEvolved Zoroark. "Banette... Your quarrel is with me, not Joka. I beg you listen to me..."

"Why would I listen to you, you traitorous bitch?" The Banette shouted, frothing with anger. "I won't listen to anything you have to say!" the Banette smashed Zoey with a shadow claw, and Zoey responded with a Dark Pulse, which threw the Banette off of her.

"Because... You hate me for something that I had no control over." Zoey said, thowing a shadow ball to block the one thrown by her enemy. They continued fighting, very ferociously for several minutes, it was clearly a fight to the death.

"You are a silver tongued liar, and I don't want to hear anything you have to say! Give up yet?"

After the dust cleared, Zoey was panting, but not down yet. "I'm not done... I need your forgiveness..." She said, wincing at an injury. "And I forgive you... But you need to listen to me...

"...what?" The Banette seemed rather stunned by this. "You want to give me forgiveness? After everything that's happened? You want my forgiveness? I'd rather die in hell..."

"You are already there... Just... listen to me. Please...." Zoey needed to end this fight soon, they had been fighting for ten minutes now, and she was getting tired.

[Ashen]

Joka watched everything unfold, eyes wide. He didn't know how to react to any of it. This Banette was insane. What was he getting himself into?
When he saw her mega evolve, his eyes immediately fell to the stone Mew had given him. That's right! he thought to himself. Mega evolution! That's where I've seen this before! He picked up his own stone, thinking of the possibilities of yet another evolution, though this one reversible. He could deal with that.

He was snapped back to reality when the Banette disappeared. He could dodge her attacks fine, so long as he could see her. Now she was gone, and he had no idea where she would be attacking from. He didn't know where to go to evade her shots. So he shot off in the sky, trying to be as swift as he could, hoping he could outspeed the Banette's phantom foce. He was tired though, and, Joka had to admit, he was scared. His fear was throwing him off, and he feared that a hit from that Pokemon might kill him. He couldn't end this, not here, and not like that.

Just as Joka was bracing himself for a hit, he heard Banette's cry, and he looked over to Zoey. She looked different, stronger. Had she mega evolved? He watched the interaction between her and Banette for a minute, wanting to get involved, but decicing against it. Like she had said, it was Zoey's fight, not his. He had his own fight waiting for him in the form of an old friend. And figuring getting started on that was better than watching Zoey fight to the death, he swooped down to the ground, landing with a slight thud, and he made his way to Darkrai.

Darkrai didn't seem much calmer, but since being pushed aside by Banette, he didn't seem so pugnacious. Joka decided to try the civil approach, but he was ready to flee to the air if Darkrai tried to attack. Behind him, he heard the painful grunts of Zoey trying to defeat Banette. He so desperately wanted to help.
"Darkrai, sir," Joka said, his voice wavering slightly. "You don't have to take orders from Banette, you know. My girlfriend over there, she's going to win this battle, and then you'll be freed. I need your help though, okay? There's a Pokemon out there in the human world that I need to speak with. Mew says I can only get to him through a dream, and that's where you come in." He looked at the legendary, waiting. He was only half-expecting Darkrai to even listen to him, but he had to try.
"Please, Darkrai," Joka said in a smaller voice. "You have to help us. For the salvation of the world."

[Drakonnas]

Zoey couldn't focus on what Joka was doing, she was so entranced in her fight with Banette. She had the type advantage, and that helped tremendously. But even so, the Banette's attacks hurt. A lot. Meanwhile, the Darkrai watched Joka come closer. And Joka spoke. He wanted to take care of his own business. Darkrai frowned. "Yes. I will help you." He said, glaring around. "I just want peace and quiet. I don't care how I get it. Banette surely isn't going to give me that, and if I help you, save the world, blah blah blah, then maybe I'll get it." He sighed, and looked Joka directly in the eyes. "I'm going to put you to sleep." He told Joka. "You will enter your dream, and confront your foe. If you succeed in this task, I shall know, for I shall be watching... It might hurt a little, falling asleep, due to my Bad Dreams. But don't worry, that won't last long." Darkrai said, clearly annoyed. "Go." And with that, Darkrai's Dark Void attack slowly enveloped Joka. "And... Good luck."

Zoey stood up, and it was clear that both pokemon were struggling to find the strength to fight on. "Please listen to me..." Zoey begged once more, but it was met with a feeble attack from Banette that knocked her down. The pokemon just wouldn't listen. She would need to defeat Banette first, only then might she listen to reason. So, Zoey's illusion kicked in. But... that was it! This was the answer! Her illusion ability! She transformed back into the little girl that she had been. And in her arms... was the little doll.

"Remember me, Bannette? Remember the fun we used to have?" Zoey called out. Banette had stopped moving, and was watching, with fear and longing in her face. The hatred was shrinking slowly, and there was the makings of a tear in her eye. "I loved you... I loved you with all my heart. But then I got sick." Zoey said, and the illusion changed, showing a young girl in bed, deathly ill. "My doctors said that any of the things I played with had to be thrown away. All of my old clothes, all of my toys, everything had to be gotten rid of... And I clung to you. You were my favorite... I tried to hold you with all of my strength. But they took you when I fell asleep that night... I cried for a whole day when I learned that you were gone..." She said, the illusion now of a small girl crying in bed. It was as if she was playing the movie of what had happened through her illusions.

"I never wanted to lose you. But... it happened. I had no control over it. And even years later, when I was wracked with the aftereffects of the disease that nearly killed me, you were my only comfort. Back when you were still there. You helped me get through so much. I took you everywhere..." Both Zoey and the Banette were crying now. "Please forgive me, Banette... please... I never wanted any of this. And if I could get you back, I would..."

The Banette couldn't speak. Everything was crashing around her, the realization of the truth. Zoey hadn't abandoned her. It wasn't her fault. And she had wanted her back even years later.

"I'm sorry."

And as Banette said those words, she began to shine, a white light began to glow from her, and solidified into a white stone, which burst, and enveloped Zoey. "I'm sorry, Zoey... I was blinded by my hatred and misunderstanding... Please forgive me... I forgive you... I'm so sorry I cursed you..."

[Ashen]

Joka nodded at Darkrai and let it happen, let the drowsiness win. He felt the pain creeping into him, tugging at him, but even if Joka wanted to, he couldn't wake up. He felt trapped, subconscious and afraid, but he had to do this. With a pain coming in waves every few minutes, Joka set off in search of a Sharpedo.

It was dark, and not even his tail flame could provide light. He didn't know where to go, or how to get to Sharpedo, so he decided to call out to him. "Hello?" he called. "Sharpedo, are you there? Hello?"
Suddenly there was light, and before him was a sleeping Sharpedo, a smile on his face. Joka slowly walked up to him and prodded him gently. "Uh, Shar... Sharpedo, is that you?"
Suddenly the Sharpedo's eyes shot open and, scared, he swam backwards. "Who-Who is-who are you?" he said, shooting a water gun towards Joka that he simply stepped away from. "Where am I? I'm supposed to be sleeping next to Cindy. Where... What is this?"
"You're dreaming," Joka responded. "It's the only way I could talk to you."
Sharpedo narrowed his eyes. They were standing, not on land or in water, but on light. "Who are you?"
Joka looked his old friend over and gave a small smile. "It's me, Sharpedo," he said, touching the tooth around his neck. The Sharpedo's eyes widened, and in unision, they bother muttered, "Hunter."

Sharpedo suddenly looked angered. "You," he said in a low tone. "You abused my trust, my loyalty, and then you left me all alone."
"I know," Joka said. "I know, and I am so sorry, but I'm a changed--"
"What are you? Suddenly a Charizard? What is your purpose?"
"I seek your forgiveness." Joka kept a steady tone. "You see, the Pokemon world, the world in which I live, it's overcome with a disease, the Shadows. They're turning innocent Pokemon evil, among them my adopted brother. I've come to save the world, along with a Zoroark. We were both humans turned into Pokemon, and we're needed to fix this. In fact, it was her fault that the Shadows took hold. She's fixing that now, and I need to make amends, and--"
"That's enough," Sharpedo growled. "I don't believe you, Hunter. Or Charizard. Whatever you are. Why haven't the Shadows touched this world, then?"
"I don't know," Joka admitted. "Maybe because the two of us, we came from this world and infected our own."
"Is that what you are?" Sharpedo asked. "An infection? Is that all? Why don't I save your world, then, and terminate you?"

Darkrai's pull was having quite the effect on Joka. He felt like he was being pulled away. He needed to settle this; he needed to make Sharpedo understand.
"Sharpedo, please--"
"My name is Jet."
"Jet, then. Please, hear me out. I am so sorry for everything I've ever done to you, and I'm glad you have a new trainer now."
"She's better to me than you ever were," Jet spat.
"I know," Joka said. "I know. And I'm happy for you. But all I need--"
"I don't want to forgive you," Jet said. "You don't deserve it. Why don't you go watch your world suffer, like you watched me suffer? Do you know what I did for you? All I ever wanted was to make you happy. I didn't want to do the things you did. I didn't want to be a bad Pokemon. I just wanted to make my trainer happy, and you abused that, and you don't deserve my forgiveness. I'm stronger now, without you, than I ever could have been."
"I know," Joka repeated. "Jet, how about a proposal?"
Jet stilled. "I'm listening..."
"If I can beat you in battle, would you consider forgiving me? I'll see just how much you've grown, and you can see just how strong I am, and I think we both ought to enjoy a battle like we used to. Only this time, we are equals. So what do you say?"
With a grunt, Sharpedo agreed, under one condition. Beside him, in the light, a little girl materialized. She couldn't have even been a teenager yet, with curly blonde hair and a pink dress. "Cindy," Sharpedo said by means of training. "She's here to cheer me on. It looks like you have no one. As it should be. Now, let us begin."

The light around them turned into a battlefield. Joka was on an island. He had the obvious disadvantage; he was trapped on a small piece of land surrounded by water, fighting a water type. He'd have to fight an air battle, and any of his fire attacks would be ineffective in the water. But Joka was ready for this. He set off in the air and looked down at Jet who had a fiendish grin. "You're flying," he said. "You always did prefer your feet on the floor, didn't you?" He shot a bubblebeam towards Joka. "Come on, Hunter. Show me what you have." He dove under the water.
Joka did have one advantage. He knew how Jet fought. He had raised this Pokemon since he was a Carvanha, and he had taught him how to fight. He'd know what to expect, while Jet was clueless. Jet didn't know what Joka was like at all, and he had the element of surprise to utilize.
He knew Jet could jump really high out of the water, so even flying he was still in Jet's splash zone. He took to the island and looked around for the shadow in the water. He saw it coming and as soon as the Sharpedo shot out of the water, Joka was ready. He used a dragon claw, catching Jet by surprise. "Not bad," said the sharpedo with a grin. "Now how about a hydro pump?"

Joka was evading a lot of Jet's attacks, but he still was taking damage, and every few minutes he felt Darkrai's dark void sap him of energy, too. A few minutes into the battle, Joka remembered his mega stone. He took it in his hands and instantly he felt his body changing. A little bit later, he was surprised to find himself a different color. His skin was now black, and his breaths a burning blue. He felt stronger, and even Jet seemed a bit surprised at his new form. Even the sun seemed to welcome Joka's change, its rays harsh. The battle continued.

It went on for several minutes, and both Joka and Jet were getting tired of evading each other's attacks. Finally, with the sun hot on his skin, Joka tried a solarbeam. At the exact moment he fired his solarbeam, Jet fired a hydro pump, and too concentrated on his own attack, neither Pokemon could evade the blast that struck. Jet let out a cry as he was hit, and Joka fell out of the sky, crashing into the water. The battle was over.

The battlefield faded, and they were back in the light, alone. Joka was feeling very weak, his mega evolution having fainted. The hydro pump had taken nearly all of his energy, and if he didn't get out of this dream soon Darkrai's void would ensure that he never woke up.
Jet was breathing hard as well. He looked over at Joka. "You're strong," he breathed. "And you've changed. You fight with passion; not malice." Jet looked up and smiled. "That was the best battle I had in a while," he said. "And you know what, Hunter? I'm glad it was with you. Thank you. Thank you for this apology. I forgive you."

When Joka woke, he was panting. He was too weak to withstand another battle, and he prayed Zoey was done with hers. He looked over to the battlefield where Zoey and Banette were looking at each other. He didn't know what was going on. He was shaking, whether from weakness or fear he didn't know.

[Drakonnas]

Zoey got up. As much pain as she was in, she wanted to hold her Banette again. She hugged the pokemon, who smiled. "Your touch is as wonderful as ever, Zoey. But I'm afraid I must go. Things can't be what they used to be. As much as I want them, you're not the same. And I'm not the same. You go live your life. You said you have a dream… That dream… Make it come true! Make your wonderful dream a reality, and it will become your truth! Zoey! If anyone can, it's you! Well, then… Farewell!" And with the last echoes of Banette's words in her mind, Zoey looked over to where Joka was now reappearing.

As hurt as she was, it wasn't enough to prevent her from stumbling over to where he lay there, weak. She fell a few times, but made it to where he lay. She sat over him, looking down at the Charizard below her. "Joka... My Joka... you're okay..." She said quietly. "Thank Mew...." she buried her head in him, and held him, or as good as she could.

She could feel the wind on her face. The storm was over, the infestation had finished. She knew that. The way the sun's rays were shining down upon the world below them. The songs that could be heard. There was no shadow of darkness anywhere. And nothing, nothing could have hit her harder than the peace of the moment. The stormclouds had vanished, along with Darkrai. They were somehow floating in midair, suspended by some kind of magic. And they could see for miles and miles around. Everything was absolutely perfect.

All of their struggles, all of their pain, all of their worries... They had done it. Even though she was still in a lot of pain, and even if Joka was as well... they had done it. The two pokemon most unlikely to succeed had done it. They had the strength, the courage, and the willpower to move on. They had won. And this realization was coming down upon her like she could not believe. She felt warm inside, beyond that. A giddy sort of happiness. "Joka... We did it..." She said softly. "We did it. We won. We saved the world..." And she lay her head down upon his chest, and listened to his heartbeat. "You... and I... We did it." And Zoey passed out on top of Joka.

---

As Zoey opened her eyes next, she was still with Joka. But they were in a place that was totally different. Where were they? She didn't recognize the place. She was still a Zoroark, and Joka was still a Charizard. So it was real. All of it. She couldn't help but smile. "Joka..." But no other words came out. She simply hugged her Charizard.

[Ashen]

Things seemed to be going well. Joka embraced his Zoroark in his arms and let out a large sigh. Yes, they had done it. They had saved the world. The Shadows, they would be gone now. The world would be spared, and it would all be thanks to them.
With that his final thought, Joka passed out with Zoey.

When Joka opened his eyes again, he was not in Darkspire Tower. He felt better from his rest but he still felt a bit weak. He saw Zoey next to him and let out a wavering sigh. "Zo?" he breathed, and he took her in an embrace. "Where are--" Joka looked up to see a familiar setting. They were on a road, and he knew exactly where it led. If they followed the road, they'd be right in his hometown, where his parents and Tobi were. "Zoey, we're..." he said, but he never finished his sentence. He silently took her hand and started walking home.

The houses were just as he'd left them, all quaint and each a different color. There was the marketplace, and the town gardener, and walking by with a few boxes was one of the workers from the marketplace who hadn't teased Joka. There was a great smile on his mouth as he looked around at the town he grew up in. "This is," he murmured, but no sentences were forming. No single word could end his sentence.

Still holding on to Zoey, he walked up to the dark blue house he had been raised in. The doors weren't locked, so he let himself in. He motioned for Zoey to have a seat and he cleared his throat. "Mom?" he called. "Dad? Tobi?" Only the silence replied, and, crestfallen, Joka left the room. He went into Tobi's room first, then his parents' room, but the family was not in the house. He returned to Zoey, a sad expression on his face. "My family," he said. "They... They used to live here. I don't know where they are, but I want to see them. I thought they'd be here, but... but they're not." He turned away from her and sighed a bit. "Maybe they're just out," he said, refusing to believe anything else. But already, the worst scenarios were coming to mind. Tobi died and Mom and Dad moved, or Tobi killed them both, or...
"Joka?"
Joka turned to see a Garchomp at the doorway. Her eyes were huge as she stared at her adoptive son. She ran to hug him. "Joka, you look so handsome," she said. Then, remembering he didn't like hugs, she pushed away. "Sorry, I just, I missed--"
She was cut off as Joka wrapped his arms around her. "Mom," he said. "Mom you'll never believe it. Oh do I have a story for you. Where's Dad? Where's Tobi? Is Tobias okay? Tobi is okay, right?"
The Garchomp laughed."Your father and brother are doing wonderfully," she said. "The darkness is gone, Joka! It's gone! Tobi is cured! They're out celebrating. I came to get some lunch. We're going to have a picnic. Would you like to join us? Oh, and Joka, who is this?" She was motioning towards Zoey.
Joka walked over to Zoey and wrapped his arms around her. "Mom, this is my girlfriend," he said, saying the word proudly. "This is Zoey. She helped me save the world."

Joka's mother told Zoey and Joka that they had better come to the picnic and tell the family all about what the heck had happened, and she was making a Haban berry jam that was "to die for".
Joka turned to Zoey. "So," he said. "Would you like to join the family on a picnic, Zo?"

[Drakonnas]

Zoey looked up as Joka said that he recognized their location. She was interested to know where they were, as she didn't. But the look upon his face meant that he knew the place well. Could it be his home? They simply started walking, and as they did so, Zoey was astonished. She didn't think she had ever been in a town that felt more "home" to her than this one. Even the ghostly one they had visited earlier. It just felt right. Comfortable. Roomy. Cozy. Safe. It just felt right to her.

They found themselves at Joka's house. Zoey felt wonderful. For once, there was no sense of duty. All the weight that had been a burden on her shoulders was now free. She knew exactly who she was. Zoey, the Zoroark. Joka's girlfriend. She had helped to stop the darkness that was consuming the world. It was all gone now. And she felt free. Legitimately free. And it was wonderful.

But no one appeared to be home, and as they entered, it appeared to be a very tidy home, everything was spic and span, there was a place for everything, and everything was in its place. For a moment, she could feel Joka's worry. What if something had happened to Tobias? But no, nothing happened. And momentarily, a Garchomp entered the scene, and quickly embraced Joka, though backing off. Zoey smiled. Her mother was in for a surprise. A wonderful one. Her adopted son had changed. And as Joka hugged his mother back, Zoey thought she saw something in her mother's eyes.

She was quiet as the two had their reunion, and felt her heart lift greatly at the news that Tobias was okay, and that they would have a happy ending together. That was what really mattered to her. But finally, as she was brought back into the picture, Zoey smiled up at the Garchomp. "It's wonderful to meet you, ma'am." She said, shaking the larger pokemon's hand.

And as Zoey turned to Joka, she smiled. "I would love to, Joka. I would love to."

----

One evening, months later, Zoey was waiting for Joka to get home. There was something that she had to tell him. To show him. He had gone out for a day together with Tobias, the three of them were really quite close. Zoey had practically been adopted by their family, and she loved it. She was truly happy here, in this little town. She had a wonderful life. A pokemon whom she loved more than anything. A family to take care of her, and for her to take care of. Neighbors who were kind. A beautiful scenery. There really wasn't anything more perfect that this. And yet... there was something. Something that might come soon.

Finally, Zoey heard footsteps, and smiled. Joka opened the door, and she greeted him with a hug and a kiss. "Hey there, Joka. How's my handsome dragon?" She asked, running a finger along his neck before letting go. "I hope you had a good time with Tobias?" She shut the door behind him, and gently took his hand. "I've got something. Something to show you." She said quietly. "Come on. Follow me. No peeking now." She led him through their home, until they got to the bed. "Okay."

She smiled. On the bed, was a beautiful, black and orange egg, laid artistically in a pile of blankets. "I love you, Joka." She said quietly. "Are you ready for our next great adventure?"

[Ashen]

Joka was out with his brother for the first time in a while. In the past months they had gotten closer, but Tobi, too caught up in his new epiphany, had not had much time for his little brother. Since being cured of the darkness, the Gabite had sat down to rethink his life. Joka wasn't the only Pokemon welcoming change. His brother had gotten a job at the town's dojo, training Pokemon to look within themselves for peace. The once pugnacious Gible was now a very calm Garchomp, and had promised to give up his quarrelsome behavior upon evolving once more. The Pokemon was the spitting image of his mother now, and even had the same morals of peace and inner strength.

But finally, they had managed to catch up with each other, and Joka was watching his brother look out at the sunset. "Hey Jokie?" Tobi said after a few minutes of silence. They'd been chatting all day, catching up. But Tobi's tone was different now. It took a more serious tone.
"What's up?" Joka replied.
Tobi looked at him, a sad smile on his face. "I am so sorry for treating you how I did all our lives," he said softly. "You'll never know how badly I feel for all that. I probably made your life hell, and I am so sorry."
Joka shrugged him off. "I'm all the better for it," he said.
"So you'll forgive me?" he asked, a childlike hope in his eyes.
"Sure," Joka said easily. "After all, you can't tease me anymore. All of your earthquakes are now powerless."
Tobi had a mischevious grin, now. "Maybe I can't hit a flier with an earthquake," he said. "But you beware of my stone edge."

They finished their picnic and together they started home. They arrived at Tobi's first, Joka's old home before moving out with Zoey. As Joka bid farewell to Tobi, he told him to tell his parents he said hello. The family was to get together again that weekend, and Joka told Tobi to ensure everyone he and Zoey would definitely be there. Then he started back to his own home, which was a few minutes away.

As Joka stepped through the door he was greeted by Zoey. He took her up in his arms and smiled. "I had a great time with Tobi, thank you," he answered. "He really did have a total transformation. He's very insightful now." He was going to ask her about her day when she said she had a surprise for him. Admittedly, he was a bit nervous. Joka still didn't like surprises much. The weeks of paparazzi at his door had been enough. He and Zoey had been in the paper and had gained much fame for saving the world, but Joka liked it better when things were peaceful, where he could enjoy a life with his family. He trusted her, so he followed her to their bedroom.

On the bed was a rock. Joka didn't see the significance. It was unlike any rock he'd seen, black with specks of orange. He turned to Zoey as if to ask what was it. Are you ready for our next great adventure? He turned back to the stone and his eyes widened in realization. "Is that...?" he asked, but she didn't need to answer. That was an egg. Inside that egg was a son or daughter that Joka and Zoey would raise together, with love. Joka, a daddy. The once cold and heartless Pokemon raising his child with great care. His mind drifted to tea parties or father-son training sessions, or Spoink-back rides, or long strolls teaching a new generation about the world he and Zoey had saved.
Was he ready? Hell no.
Joka walked up to the egg and brushed his hand against it. He felt that he saw it twitch, but he could have been mistaken. He turned to Zoey, and he smiled. "Me," he breathed. "A daddy." He laughed, a thunderous laugh that filled the room. "Saving the world? That was easy compared to this adventure." He took Zoey in his arms. "I love you too, Zo," he said softly. "Let us start our next journey."
He'd have a lot to talk about with his family that weekend.