Disclaimer: I don't own pokemon so there. Prologue The population of the pokeworld was wiped out completely within the span of a decade. Not a single soul remained to wander the deserted earth that was once home to a thriving population of human beings. Two world wars between the most powerful of continents, Johto and Canto, plus their allies depleted both men and resources drastically. Soon they were forced to draw a truce not because neither could best the other but because neither side had the resources to pursue it. Any sort of food was scarce and clean water was wishful thinking after all the pollution dumped into anything that would hold it. Sometime around ten years after the second war an incurable plague broke out sweeping across the Orange Islands and eventually making its way to the other parts of the world by boat, plane, and pokemon. Restricting travel became necessary and soon there was isolationism. The plague killed within the span of two days or in other words forty-eight hours. The victim suffered a pain-wracked death as he or she lost all moisture in their body. Towards the end of the illness they would start to vaporize and burn away. When the victim started showing the first symptoms of the disease they were quarantined in the futile hope that isolation would stop the virus in its bloody tracks. Mercilessly it cut down all in its path no matter what they were. King or pauper, it made no difference. Even the mighty Ash Ketchem succumbed to the disease although it was speculated that it was merely the killing blow. As leader of Canto and the Indigo League Champion he had felt responsible for the death, carnage, and depletion of his charge Kanto. Meanwhile, Giovanni, the leader of the rockets resurfaced. Without the League's Champion the people were helpless to stop him. A few gym leaders made an attempt, including Ash's good friends Brock and Misty, and failed miserably most losing their lives in the process. It seemed the humanity and civilization had come to a fateful end with no hope of revival. Decent people feared for their lives. Houses were boarded over and few ventured more than three yards from their house. Those who did were usually robbers or scavengers searching for something to loot. Pickings came at a high price, however, because they most often belonged to the dead. Even after weeks of no contacted the disease still survived and waited for someone to pick it up. The plague swept through leaving no one alive. There was no defense for the scientists didn't live long enough to do the ground work let alone create a cure or immunity. One by one, or perhaps in small groups, the people were wiped off the Earth. In the end even Giovanni himself was not strong enough and was the last person to perish. He was the last man to live on earth. Lonely and broken with nothing of his former glory for who is there to lord over when you are all alone? Pokemon during this time were also having troubles. Most of them relied on trainers or scientists to protect them. Without this protection they were thrust cruelly into reality where the once pampered creature were preyed upon by the wild ones. Wars resulted and slowly the population decreased. Bits by bit species were dying out. The rare legendaries disappeared forever. They simply just vanished. It might led one the suspect that they still roam hidden in the most remote regions waiting for an opportune time to emerge into a better time and place. The rare species of pokemon were the first to go, but soon common ones such as pikachus followed. The Earth, however, was not deserted. Before Giovanni died he had his scientists create a new breed of pokemon. This new breed was not new at all really. It was simple a pair, or occasionally more, of pokemon spliced to create a freak of nature. These Freaks escaped from their cages in the laboratories and killed off the remaining Pure pokemon that stood in their way. Having taken care of the competition, they settled in to their selected homes to repopulate that which was lost. The human race hadn't completely died out either. It simply evolved. Not only had Giovanni had been splicing pokemon, but he also spliced humans. It seemed that if a human had mixed DNA with a pokemon that the plague shied away. Indeed, the pokemon were not affected by it at all. Most of the human tested upon were subjects willing to be tested upon because they wanted to be saved. Most died in the process of transfer, but around four-dozen survived. The majorities of them were in their basic form and had fairly weak powers. These powers were useful in defending against rogue Freaks and building new colonies to live in. The earth in rubble and civilization crumbled. The prophecies had been correct although no one had heeded them until too late. What new world would emerge from this disaster? Chapter One Jewel was weary. She had long since ceased trying to fly on her weak, sore wings and had been plodding around on the forest floor. Her tender pink pads on the bottoms of all four feet were torn and shredded from the hard use. Her tan fur was mud encrusted and soggy weighing her down. Never before in her life had she been so mistreated and alone. Memories flooded back to her unbidden, filling her empty mind. Both good memories and horrid ones alike. The nice ones were just as painful as the others were. They reminded her of what she had lost that fatefully day. *Flashback* "Tell me again, Grandma." The young eevee pleaded with rainbow puppy dog eyes," Tell me about how you found me. It my favorite story." "Very well child. A few years back...oh say about three, your mother wanted an egg. No matter how she wished that want was impossible for she was barren. Sadden by this cruel fate she often took long walks in the woods surrounding the village. No one could comfort her so we let her continue with these long sojourns into the forest although it was dangerous with all the Freaks around. One day she came racing back to the village with a brown egg cradled to her chest. We were all so surprised that the whole village crowded in to see what was going on. The egg was most definitely an eevee, but the question was whose? For the longest time you went unclaimed while my daughter cared for your egg. After a month of waiting you hatched. The council wanted to leave you in the woods to die, but my Mattie, with the aid of the old espeon Echi, was having none of that. She fought hard and won the right to raise you as her own." The wise old vaporeon recited. This was a very popular story and the young eevee could mouth it word for word. Just then Mattie did walk in. She looked troubled and distressed. She shooed Jewel out the door quickly in the very same manner that all parents use when they want to say something in private and pushed the thin door shut behind the child. Jewel, as curious as any child, pressed her big, fox-like ear to the door. "What is it Mattie? You look as though your mate, Nash was eaten by a water dragon." Grandam's soft voice floated through the thin door. Worry and surprise tinged the edges of her soft voice and the young Jewel had a vague sense of fore bearing. "Almost as bad. It's Jewel." Her surrogate mother sobbed suddenly, "They have decreed that she is old enough to make it on her own as decided by the tribe head chief two and a half years ago. Once she turns three at the next moon she will be banished! Banished for nothing more than being what she is! For nothing more!" Jewel had heard enough. Her mind was numb with shock. Banishment was only for the criminals, the wrong doers. She had done nothing wrong. Occasionally she was naughty but for the most part was an obedient girl. What awful deed had she committed to deserve such a horrible punishment? *End* Shaking her head sadly she recalled that day. It had subdued her and frightened her. Neither, Grandam or Mattie had found out about her forbidden knowledge. For two months she had pushed down feelings of deep betrayal, hatred for how unjust it was, and knowing sorrow. More often she would skip out on chores to walk in the woods as her mother had done those three years ago. Unconsciously she was hoping for a miracle; salvation. The forest gave her a kind of solace that made the knowledge more bearable. Her caretakers could not pinpoint the reason such a reliable girl turned so irresponsible in such a short amount of time. Mattie never punished her and indeed the eevee suspected that Mattie knew of her knowledge. Another more painful memory filtered into her had. Knowledge of the betrayal had cut deep into her heart but the actual act thrashed her soul... Chapter Two Both emotionally and physically exhausted Jewel was on her last legs. Her buff colored wings were dragging in the dirt and her once plumy tail draped down limp and bedraggled. Mud was spattered everywhere on her small, furry body and tuffs of tan fur were missing from her short coat. The thorns and branches from local bushes had left thin, long cuts and heavy welts, which stung at every step she took. Staggering down the path Jewel suddenly found herself hanging upside down by a back paw. A thick rawhide cord was wrapped firmly around the paw at the place where the ankle would be. It was crude, but effective tool that had trapped many before. Whoever had set it had appropriately geared it towards a small normal type. The blood was already rushing to Jewel's head and a dizzy sensation accompanied it making her blink violently. It took a few long seconds for the winged eevee to realize she was trapped in a snare. She thrashed and twisted savagely in a blind fury born of desperation. The tough leather cord jerked and heaved to the point were it was cruelly cutting into tender flesh and tendons. Pain lanced through the eevee and she subsided into an unfit respiration. She was too jittery to rest for long. Muster the last of her energy she made one last effort to free herself. With a futile jerk upward she strained her wings trying to reach the cord with her sharp teeth. The effort was given up after only a few seconds of straining. The cord was intact with the exception of tiny teeth marks marring the surface. She twanged back into her original position with twinge of pain and sighed hopelessly. She had really done it this time. There was no escape. Seeing no other solution she drifted off. The memories invaded her leaden mind creating vivid and life-like images. As disturbing as these images were the eevee's muscles didn't twitch because they were locked into a rigid ness brought on only by great fear or pain. Maybe both. *Flash Back* "Cheer up Jewel. You are an adult now." Frazzle the jolteon urged distressed to see his friend so sorrowful on her birthday. They had been friends from the beginning and despite her moodiness of late he still stayed by her. She knew he wished to be her mate even though she hadn't evolved yet and had a pair of feathery wings sprouting out from her shoulder blades. His faith in her struck an even more painful blow. How could she leave him? What of her village and home? Mattie and Grandam? The things she loved so dearly. Instead of burdening her friend with the forbidden knowledge she suppressed the hopeless feelings bubbling inside her and replied softly without any enthusiasm, "Your right Frazzle." A large male umbreon trotted up excusing Frazzle with a curt gesture given from his ear. He then bid Jewel to follow him with another ear twitch. No words issued out of his mouth and he spent only a small glance in her direction. She trailed after him with mixed feelings of dread and anticipation. On the way she absorbed the details of the place she was to leave forever. Diligently she recalled all those creatures that had been kind to her, turning a blind eye to the wings on her back, which marked her as an outsider. Even the umbreon that was leading her was a friend. Had been a friend. He left immediately after guiding her to the doors. He had a sorrowful look on his handsome face and an ashamed glance in his crimson eyes. He slunk off and disappeared behind a house. He had only been doing his duty and now that the action was completed he wasn't going to stand and gape at the poor eevee girl. Some how this comforted and revolted Jewel. She had never been on the receiving end of pity and it left a vile, helpless taste in her mouth. Idly she paused outside the oak door as she mustered her scattered, remaining courage to push open the door. It swung open lightly at the slightest touch of the paw and Jewel was inside. The interior was surprisingly cool and dim. Seated in a half moon shape was the council. Jewel spotted her Grandam among them. Perched high above the six in the center was an espeon. She was the eldest member of the tribe and therefore the wisest. Her wise eyes were clear and the palest of blues. Her fur was silky despite its thinness that had come with her great age. The odd thing about her though was the coloring. The hair pigment was a rose pink instead of the light lavender it was suppose to be. It was rumored that in her youth she too had been exiled. She had returned and somehow was accepted back into the tribe. Jewel had no such hopes for herself. This was the end. "Jewel, I know this may seem harsh but you were decreed to be banished two months and a moon ago to be banished by the previous elder. As an adult you will face your punishment." Boomed a flareon to the left of Jewel. His deep voice seemed hollow and his great maroon eyes sad. Jewel was grateful for the knowledge that had damped the shock. Had she not been prepared there was no telling how her mind and body would have reacted to that blunt statement? Still, she had to feint the emotions, "Banished! I've been a good girl! Ask Mattie ask Grandam!" She yelped shrilly tucking her tail underneath her tightly. She then crumpled into a heap of tears and sobs. This was no act for entertainment where she played the part. No matter how she tried to fool herself like that reality still barged through trampling her foolish dreams and outlandish hopes savagely under foot. "Now child, you have done nothing wrong. If anyone is to blame it is the council that decreed the punishment and I myself for following through with it as custom requires." The espeon soothed calmly if coldly. Her features were masked with a pleasant expression of a professional nature, but an undertone of sorrow and longing filtered through as she spoke. "Why? Why why why? I did nothing wrong! Nothing at all!" Jewel moaned loudly to the point where she was shouting. The small group of eeveelutions around her looked away from her to each other as if asking silently the very same questions that she had voiced. Only Echi looked directly at her instead of skirting around her paws or over the top of her head. "We can not atone for their sins, or the one we are about to commit ourselves Had I been head at the time I might have decided differently. At this very moment you see this at the end of your young life. That feeling will pass in time replaced with knowledge and a dull ache of homesickness. The future may be a blessing however. You are not like us Pures. You child hold a great asset. Wings." Echi spoke with a certainty that riveted the listeners to her very words. All except Jewel who was wallowing in self pity and shock. "You are allowed no good-byes. No one except the council and a select few must know of your leaving. As stated in the rules you may chose three possessions to take with you. Also you will be given a weeks worth of dried food." The flareon who spoke before recited gravely. Jewel sniffled and obediently followed Echi and her Grandam as they made their way back to the house she would never live in again. Mattie was gone and Jewel realized that she must have been removed moments before. Perhaps she had been lured out by a friend or dragged out by a pair of strong guards, but her comforting figure was missing. The familiar surroundings triggered new emotions and homesickness washed over her although she had yet to leave. The little, green beanbag bed, the pale, white mushroom lamp that had been carved delicately into the shape of the mythical mew, and other objects of sentimental value of her shattered life. Dutifully she picked up two objects from a small jewelry box that had been given to her by a friend. It was a clever little wooden thing with a hinge. One of the items was an acorn-sized chunk of dark purple rock crusted with lighter purple. Frazzle had given it to her on her second birthday claiming it was a jewel for a Jewel. The second was a jade amulet on a silver chain. The stone had been cleverly and accurately cut into the shape of a maple leaf. At the time she had wondered why they had given her maple rather than a lily or some other pretty flower. Maple was the symbol of vitality. Now the truth dawned on her. Grandam and Mattie had chosen well. She would need vitality to survive this crushing ordeal. Slowly shifting around she looked for a third item to take with her on her exile. She slung the two charms together on a cord after removing the jade leaf from the thin silver one it had been hanging on. No use in taking the silver. It would just prompt some other pokemon to steal it and most likely kill her in the process. Echi came up behind her and gave a polite tap. Jewel whirled around in surprise. She was about to snap at the elder when she glanced down at the black object in the old espeon's wrinkle pink paw. "Here child. Let this be your third item. It has served me well and perhaps will do you a service or two. It was given to a good friend of mine. If by some chance...no not by chance, when you meet him show him this and he will provide whatever assistance you require. Trust me, this may save your life." She said in a gentle and compassionate tone. The tone also seemed to hold a trace of wistfulness and longing. Her eyes held a far away look to them. A thought penetrated Jewel's numb brain. Echi had also faced banishment. Twice before in fact. She knew exactly how Jewel was feeling and obvious sympathized with a similar plight. Hastily Echi shoved the amulet into Jewel's paws and shuffled her out the door to her fate. Chapter Three A wave of homesickness washed over Jewel and threatened to engulf her. These memories that her numb mind kept drudging up were brutally tearing apart her sanity. If she did not find company soon...no, it would not come to that. No, it didn't even matter at that point. In a few hours she would just be a skin nailed to a wall to dry. No eevee had disillusions of what would happen to them if they were caught in such a snare. At least no eevee had ever assumed anything else. Resigned to her fate she took out the cord that held her amulets. Lovingly she gazed at the green leaf then the purple crystal. Lastly her gaze shifted to the black trinket. She hadn't had time to scrutinize it before but now she realized it was beautifully crafted. The black volcanic rock had been carefully chipped and carved in to the shape of an arrowhead. The obsidian glass shimmered dully as she turned it back and forth in the thin streams of light that shot down through the trees. In the center of the arrowhead was a jagged lightning bolt filled with what looked to be solid gold. A protective finish had been layer clear over the pretty, malleable metal. Unconsciously she began to twirl the charm around slowly. Perking her ears, she heard conversation from below. Cocking her scruffy head, she concentrated to hear what was being said below in the thick bushes. At first, the sounds were unintelligible but soon they began to make sense. "It is too late. Can't you see it? Are you so deaf that you cannot hear them coming? It is too late I say." A heavy and urgent voice hissed impatiently. "She has the pendant. Do you realize what that means? Of course you do. Then do it for her, will you? Will you break your vow at such an important time just because the idea doesn't please you?" A rough voice countered against the first with just as much urgency. "Let us hurry then. You two arguing has already wasted the time we could have spent rescuing the poor, little eevee." A feminine voice snapped in low tone. The winged eevee followed the trios', if they were a trio, movement with her large ears since they could not be since. Obviously, they were skilled at disappearing into their surroundings when they wanted to be. The first glimpse she received was that of red fur. Flashes of the two other primary colors appeared briefly in the same spot. Out of nowhere, a jolteon appeared suddenly. He was spry and alert. A thick scar that looked to be received from a burn crossed his face intersecting his left eye and stretched to his black nose. That, however, was not his most distinguishing feature. Sprouting from his shoulders were a pair of gold and black wings, half-cocked, made solely of jagged feathers. Black tipped ears, feet, and spikes marked him irregularly. A vaporeon emerged standing beside the jolteon. She was delicately constructed with a body similar to that of a bird. Her face was smooth and kind. A pair of plumy, periwinkle wings flowed and cascaded down her sides into a resting position. Her back frill was constructed of soft feathers and when all the way down to the fin-like tail. Twin sapphires peered out from her face and abruptly change purple as the third member stepped in the clearing. The flareon's red fur shone dully as he cautiously stepped into a patch of sunlight. His face was pinched and anxious as if long periods of worry had ravaged it. He was smaller and plumper than the other two with a thick ruff of yellow around his neck and a puff atop his head. Two massive flaming wings draped limply down his slick back and the tips barely brushed the ground. Two purple eyes glittered unhappily above a stub nose. When the jolteon nudged, it was more like a persistent shove, the flareon scowled heavily. Opening his large mouth he sucked in air and released a belt of flame. The fire spiraled upward neatly searing through the rope, dropping Jewel down where she landed in an undignified heap. Dizzily she lurched to her numb paws painfully. Suddenly there was something to brace against. In her haze Jewel recognized the object to be the vaporeon. Her skin was smooth and cool. She smelled slightly of salt like the sea. Together they started out of the clearing with the other two evolutions guarding the rear. "Dooouur!" A chilling howl cut through the forest. The three evolutions around Jewel turned grim. The pace picked up dramatically and soon they were trundling, for that was all Jewel could manage in her state, a small path under the forest shrubbery. "Can you fly?" The vaporeon hissed urgently in Jewel's big ear and the eevee shook her head weakly. She had never learned due to the fact it was frowned upon by the villagers. Aside from that her condition would not allow such a feat even with assistance from her rescuers. "It doesn't matter anyway. They have a winged rapidash now. They are wise to our tricks and escapes." The flareon spat bitterly then winced in surprise at his harsh reply. Biting his lip he fell momentarily silent. "Loki, shut your flapping mouth and save your worthless breath. The girl will hear of our problems later in safety." The jolteon growled dangerously at the flareon with a frayed temper. His tongue lolled but his growl was projected with such force that Loki the flareon shrank back. "Stop bickering. What will the child think of us if you two go at each other's throats like rabid houndours?" The vaporeon reprimanded in a motherly fashion. Her eyes flashed crimson and narrowed impatiently. Millions of questions pounded in Jewel's head, but she had not the voice, nor the courage to ask them. She assumed that she would be informed of everything they wished to speak of all to soon. As soon as they reached a place of safety the jolteon had all, but promised. After a grueling half-hour the four stopped in a deep thorn thicket. Jewel's legs collapsed and she found herself on thousands of tiny rock. The gravel was smooth and it was obvious that this hideout was used frequently. The vaporeon gave a tiny smile and lay down beside her. Legs askew she stretched out purposeful. Her beautiful wings pressed gently against the sides of the thorny refuge. The flareon continued standing and looked sourly at his torn and bloody paws. The jolteon paced in a measured way the length he was provided careful not to step on one of the other three. "That was close! We cannot keep taking stupid risks! We will run out of luck one of these times and they will catch us! Do you realize the torture we will receive for all the grievances we have caused them?" Loki suddenly exploded staring challengingly at the jolteon. The wiry pokemon stopped pacing and turn to listen. "Loki, you know our mission. You cannot blame this on me no matter how you wish it. It is part of the duty we both have sworn to uphold come he11 or high water. Which ever comes first." The jolteon reminded him in a cold, slow voice. His eyes were hard and there was no trace of tolerance in the twin black pits. "Loki, think of all the good we have done. Think of it. Imagine what would have happened to all the many Freaks we have saved over the last five years." The vaporeon urge half rising. She sighed at the tight look on the flareon's face and slid back down to her former position. An obvious rivalry marred the team and Jewel realized that staying out of it was the best thing she could do. "She had the amulet." The jolteon persisted almost defiantly. He may be the leader but it was clear the group was on equal, if unstable, terms. "I do not care Blitz. You cannot let your decisions be swayed by these things no matter how important. Our lives depend on your judgment." Loki growled impatiently as if this had been gone over more that a dozen times. Perhaps it had. Blitz emitted a low growl but he didn't protest Loki's accusations. Aqua looked worriedly between the two but made no attempt to soothe hurt feelings or smooth things over. Perhaps she had given up or maybe she was simply tired of the antics the two insisted on doing. After another minute of growling Blitz composed himself and said in a contemptuous voice equal to that of any dictator alive, "If you would like to be the leader of our little trio then take the responsibility off my narrow shoulders. Then you will make the decisions and you will have to live with the consequences of your actions. No? You don't want leadership. Why ever not? Wasn't that what you were just asking for?" The jolteon baited the miserable flareon. Loki gave a half snarl of fear and loathing before storming out of the refuge. Aqua glanced at Blitz, who was pacing again, and then to the exit the flareon had used. Silently she rose and padded out the narrow hole after her flame companion, leaving Jewel alone with the lightning leader. Chapter Four As soon as the last sounds of Aqua's exit could be no longer heard the jolteon turned to the small, tan eevee. The fierce, black eyes settled on her for the first time and she squirmed under the scrutiny she was receiving. The eyes searched and prodded before Blitz cleared his throat to speak, "I am not sure how to begin or explain to you. Perhaps from the very beginning would be best. You were raised in the Pure eevee village, correct?" at Jewel's dumbfounded nodded he continued slightly more sure of himself, "I was born in the days when Pure humans existed and trained pokemon for what ever their reasons. I was born in a breeding center as a normal eevee and at the right time decided to up my status by evolving into a jolteon. My troubles truly didn't begin until I was captured by an organization by the name of Team Rocket. They proceeded to splice me, as well as a half dozen eevees, with DNA extracts of the legendary pokemon. How they got a hold of such precious material is beyond me since the legendaries had long since abandoned the humans and their exploits. It was many years before a fully mutated in to what I am today and many more until I, with a few others, managed to escape from that horrid laboratory from he11." Jewel peered at the bigger evolution closely. He showed no sign of into torment or even inner turmoil. He was simply telling his story in the most factual way possible. Emotions were not an issue. She noticed a thin scar, almost like a burn mark, crossing his face from his left eye down to his small nose. He looked to be in his late teens and going in to his middle age. Streaks of black tipped his spikes in the same manner it did his wings. Basically he was a jolteon in his prime. Yet his story suggested he was well over a hundred years old. "You are wondering about my condition? How I look so young? Everything I told you is true I assure you. Because I was mixed with a legendary I show little aging and live five times as long as I should. I expect to live another hundred to another two hundred years unless of course it is cut prematurely short which, by the way, is quite possible." Blitz explained anticipating her unasked questions about his appearance. He gave a slight smile although it held no mirth or gladness, "My chosen path is a bumpy and unpredictable one." Question that had not been explained voluntarily zipped around in Jewel's head. They all crowed to be voiced first and Jewel found it hard to decide which one to ask. Blitz waited patiently for her to get her thoughts together. Finally she settled one a suitable one. "What were you three doing out in the forest? You seemed to know where to find me." Blitz gave a smirk of superiority and answered, "We did know where you were. Unfortunately Loki slowed us down just enough to make it a close shave. We are assigned a certain area and we patrol it often. That in mind consider that we also know where every trap, every snare is set." "Who was chasing us?" Jewel shivered in voluntarily at the chilling howl that had echoed deeply around the forest. It had been the howl of a hound on the scent and baying the hunt. Twice she had seen flashes of the black beast as it had pursued them. Glowing red eyes, steel wings, and a sharp white teeth flashing from under a hooked beak. "The ones who were chasing us were human hybrids. The female is a ninetales named Fiona and the male is a persian cross going by the name of Leo. They posses Freaks of their own much in the very same way the humans possessed the Pures so long age. The poor creatures under their command are a magby/ oddish; he is their newest, and a houndour/ skarmory mix. I'm sure you received a look or two at him. They also acquired a rapidash/ charizard cross, named FireStorm. She is green-broke and in fact used to be one of us before capture. What a degrading fate she has suffered. Do you now realize why Loki was so frantic?" Blitz said looking startlingly sad at the mention of a former friend and comrade. "What about..." Jewel began and was cut off by the entrance of Loki. There was no hostility in the red pokemon now. Only quiet resign. Aqua followed dragging the haunch of what looked to have belonged to a green ponyta. She dropped it patiently out of the way and watched Loki carefully. She had obviously talked Loki out of his ravings and into some sense. But was it enough? "Blitz, may I have a word with you outside?" Loki said politely. His smolder resentment had not, however, been drowned with his fury. Blitz nodded stiffly in agreement and the two exited slowly. Jewel took a minute to realize that Aqueous was still there and watching her curiously. The vaporeon's eyes change from a dark blue to a robin's egg blue. Startled, Jewel blinked. "Don't worry about my eyes. They change color to reflect my mood. Don't worry about it." Aqueous assured her cheerfully. The tension had melted from the room with the departure of the males and the winged vaporeon's true nature was appearing. Chapter Five "Are you hungry?" Aqueous asked motioning to the meat that had been carefully placed in the corner. Jewel's stomach was tight and uncomfortable, but not from hunger. Nervous anticipation and fear had deprived the eevee of her appetite. Peering uneasily at the meat her stomach rebelled and she shook her head in a polite no, murmuring a quick thank you as she was taught. "Very well. Let me tell you a little more of what you have landed in the middle of. These hybrids, Blitz told you about them correct? Yes, well okay. These hybrids are bent upon capturing every wild Freak out here. Quite a task let me assure you. They set snares, hunt, and create pitfalls to achieve their goals. Their intent is ambitious, but they are well populated and well organized. Mew only knows what they would do if they knew Pures still existed. The intent they have is well meaning, but compressing. They want to insure the survival of the Freaks, which don't need their intervention, by capturing them and placing them in holding facilities." "Why though? To take the freaks away from there homes, their families. That's cruel." Jewel protested remembering her exile and the emotional damage she was going through. That was a scar that was going to be tender for the rest of her life. "They believe that by ourselves we will breed in to extinction. Now that is far from true of course. Common freaks have already started villages of their own consisting solely of their offspring and themselves. All they need is one common pure ancestor to make them compatible. That's in most cases. It depends on the type or elements. A bird and a fish may love each other but where will they live? Do you see my point?" At Jewel's nod she continued thrilled that someone understood, "Also, Freaks and Pures can breed as long as they have at least one species in common. We will survive without being locked in cages and prodded with needles." Aqua explained coming close to rambling. Loki and Blitz wouldn't care, Jewel realized. The vaporeon was just glad to have someone to talk to that didn't snap at her to shut up or completely ignored her. "What about eevees? With so many evolutions it seems weird." Jewel prodded and noted the vaporeon's mixed looks of surprise and admiration. The eevee had hit a tender spot. "Eevees are different. Freaks, since they are mixed, have unstable genetics. Even the fully evolved ones such as Loki or myself. With the degree of splicing put into us we are incompatible with certain combinations. Pures pose no problem. They can choose any freak and it wouldn't matter at all. When two freaks wish to...a..." "Have children." Jewel supplemented sensing the vaporeon hesitation. "...Yes. Well, they both have to be of the same evolution. Is this making sense to you? Yes, I can see by the way your ears are pricked and your eyes are watching me. That and certain mixes don't seem to happen. Legendaries are not known to have reproduced." Aqua's mouth gave a funny jerk at the last sentence and she squirmed around in discomfort. Settling back down she studied the young eevee's face. There was comprehension in the expression, but also confusion and consideration. Aqua gave an amused smile and shrugged, "Don't worry about it. You get more than Loki or Blitz, if he ever bothered to pay attention. Genetics are close to impossible to understand given the amount of complication involved. Sorry, I got carried away with all my 'technical stuff' as Loki calls it. I really should be explaining our mission more and answering any questions you may have. I guess I'm more of an intellectual than a fighter. Knowledge is the most important thing in the world do me aside from my friends and relations that is." Jewel nodded dumbly as her mind struggled to absorb all the information that was just presented to her. She understood most of it and the little she didn't she was positive she could figure out given some time and energy. She wondered if they would let her free now that she had been dispensed with all that knowledge. The prospects were looking bleak. "Aqueous..." Jewel began trying to ask a clarifying question when the vaporeon cut her off and requested that she be called Aqua. Aqueous made her feel too noble and snotty. "Aqua..." She was again cut off, but this time it was by Loki. He wore a scowl and glowered. He looked subtly annoyed and Jewel ventured to guess that his discussion with Blitz had not gone very well. Aqua rose and padded meekly out. She was subdued and meek when one of the other two were around. It was sad that she had to open up to a complete stranger so as not to go crazy in her own silence. Her nature was been suppressed violently if not in a physical manner. Still, only Aqua could change the situation. Jewel eyed the flareon as her leaned up against the sides of the small den. His fur frizzled out erratically and he held a hunted look. Probably caused not by his enemies but by his constant spats with Blitz. After living in a Pures' village the eevee could tell attitudes towards her. And the attitudes one held against another. It was much easier to observe their shortcomings than it had been to sense the hostility directed at her. She had observed her rescuers' reactions and manner. Blitz was abrupt but he seemed genuine. Something along the lines of a protecting and strict father. A faithful guardian to guide her if brusquely, down the right path. Aqua was curious, inquisitive, and friendly. The lack of attention had not walled her up inside and Jewel wondered how long she had been in these conditions. She resembled a younger sister some how although she was probably far older than Jewel. Loki was a puzzle. He made no effort to disguise his dislike and spite. His personality was distant and wary. He was almost down right hostile to her for no apparent reason. She resolved to keep an eye on him just to be safe. Something was a chip on his shoulder and Jewel didn't think it was because Blitz overrode his cautions. "Jewel is it?" The flareon asked gruffly in a tenor. Jewel nodded once and wondered how the flareon knew her name since she had not given it out to any of the trio, "Well I am here to recruit you or if you choose, to release you into civilian life." Unlike the other two he gave no forthcoming. He merely stared at as if daring her to ask a question. When she made no reply to his statement he continued as if he had never stopped in the first place, "Our crusade, which I am sure you have been informed about, is needing new recruits. There are too many areas to cover and our forces are thinned out. Now if you choose to risk your life in such a way we will be glad to accept you into our organization." Jewel realized she could barely understand what he was saying. Aqua had been clearer, "For some reason Blitz believes that you will join. You know the risks and I refuse to say more incase I sway your decision in some way." His dull voice made the lecture completely boring although it was the most important information in Jewel's small life. "You joined." She pointed out jumping topics and shifting the spotlight over to the flareon. He looked at her in surprise and a sour half smile flitted on his thin face for the barest of instances, "True. I am a freak of my word and I am bond to do as I have sworn. Had I not made such a promise I would be long removed to somewhere quiet and safe. Fighting is a young man's work." "If I don't join. What will happen to me then?" Jewel prodded the old flareon. He puffed up at her tone and cast a disapproving glance. "You will be taken to a freak village to live out your life." He answered stiffly offering no details. Jewel received the impression that he wanted her to live somewhere else. It wasn't dislike that seemed to motivate him though. His unknown motive made her dig in her heels stubbornly. What right did he have to direct her life? None. Within the last week her life had been turned upside down and all around. Now she was going to take control of it. "I'll join then. I fully understand the risks and accept them as duty." Loki looked disappointed, almost sad as if he had failed at something important. His voice took on a softer tone and he rasped, "I see. Well, no detouring you. Midnight will have to be notified that he will have a new student very soon." At the mention of the name Midnight his tone hardened and constricted. He turned towards the exit and a very familiar voice floated down the tunnel. "Let me go!" Chapter Six Blitz appeared suddenly carrying a thrashing bundle of bright yellow fur tightly. Aqua followed keeping her distance from the frenzied captive and Blitz. The bundle stopped suddenly and the jolteon gave a cry of recognition. She felt her heart leap at the sound of Frazzle's joyful voice and fall in the same instant. She was glad to see her friend and perplexed on why he was here. Obviously he had followed her out of the village and she wondered why. "Blitz, Frazzle's my friend. You can put him down." Jewel all but commanded. Startled at her uncalled for use of authority she almost added please at the end. That wasn't necessary because Frazzle was already on the ground. He scrambled to his paws. He stood in a half crouch and was tense enough to explode at any sign of provocation. "Well, what are we to do with him?" Loki demanded Blitz as he eyed the newcomer with disinterest. Blitz glanced at him unconcerned and a smirk played on his lips. Aqua looked highly amused also. "I want to stay with Jewel." Frazzle demanded undaunted by the large jolteon standing over him. "Why not? I'm sure she could use the company and any volunteer is welcome. They could start a new team and we will only have to wait for one more member." Aqua smiled broadly at Loki showing more than a few teeth. She was obviously in Jewel's corner and delighted at the fact that she could get a small revenge on the bitter flareon. "Midnight will not be thrilled." Loki cautioned but did not object openly. He doggedly continued his disinterested act. "It is settled then." Aqua said cheerfully, but an underlying note of apprehension was detectable, "In fact, I'll take them to Midnight myself and save you boys the trouble. "Great idea. He likes you." Loki sneered sarcastically. It seemed the flareon had a grudge on everyone he knew and had yet to meet. Jewel was getting tired of sensing the underlying feelings and hidden tensions. Her asset was rapidly becoming a headache. The tangled web of emotions involved a lot concentration and her concentration was shot at the moment. She and Frazzle followed Aqua as she navigated the thorn tunnel to the outside. The sun was sinking in the west and half way down the horizon although it was hard to tell considering the dense vegetation and trees. The path they followed was narrow and old. The pine needles crunched and rustled under their paws and the branches whispered as they brushed past. The silence was surprisingly comforting and soothing. There was no sign that a war was been fought in its dim, murky depths. The silence seemed to invoke the thought of peace. Aqua stopped suddenly in front of Jewel. The eevee peered around the periwinkle wings and delicate blue shoulder. Before them lay a narrow opening in the rock. It was thin and the inside was black and completely indistinguishable. Jewel didn't like the idea of going in blind and was gratefully to the fact that Aqua knew what she was doing. The vaporeon paused for a moment longer then stepped boldly forward to be swallowed by the cave's gaping mouth. The tunnel leading in constricted slowly and soon Jewel's wing tips were brushing the cold stonewalls. Aqua's flowing wings were pressed tightly to her side. Even so she barely managed to squeeze past the narrowest part of the path. The tunnel opened up to a rainbow of colors. Strange mushrooms lit the area as they cast their pale light downward. The floor was made of hard packed clay and the walls of carved stone. Pillows were neatly lined up against the walls. Everything looked extraordinarily clean and organized if a bit bare. "This is Midnight's waiting room. His quarters are in the back. Hold on a second while I go get him okay?" Aqua instructed and didn't wait for agreement before disappearing around the bend that led deeper into the cave. Frazzle shrugged and happily plopped down on a bright yellow pillow the color of sunshine. Jewel however could not just sit down and wait. Her mind was prodding and probing and analyzing the events that had just occurred. She had many misgivings about Midnight. Who and what was he? From what she had heard about him she pictured some doddering, old pokemon with a testy temperament. When he finally arrived she was so preoccupied that it took a sharp nudge from Frazzle to bring her back into reality. Midnight turned out to be an umbreon- cerebii mix. His coat was so dark a green that it was almost a mat black. The rings that marked his slim body had an olive green tint to them making them slightly bronzed rather than the usual gold. Two pale green antennas hung loosely over his eyes set on either side of the ring on his broad forehead. His eyes. They seemed wise yet young and youthful. Compelling and piercing although he looked no older than Blitz. Perhaps he wasn't. The bright blue gems studied them and Jewel turned to Frazzle who ignored her. She had to endure that knowing glance alone. Chapter Seven The eyes swept up and down before resting on Aqua. She gave an ever so slight nod to his unasked question and snuck a glance at Jewel. Midnight's stern mouth curled into a warm smile and he nodded agreeably. Curling his bushy tail over his front paws majestically he spoke in a genteel voice, "You two wish to be my apprentices? To learn the way of the organization that I belong to? To uphold all that I teach you? Bah, I make it sound too serious. Will you join?" Jewel nodded not trusting herself to speak. Frazzle gave a toothy grin and gave a yes sir. Midnight studied them for a moment and seeing them as sincere he continued, "Good. We will start your training tomorrow morning. I suggest you eat dinner and them go straight to bed. Training is very energy draining and demanding of your body, mind, and soul. Your rooms for the time you reside her are around that bend. Frazzle, yours is the one on the left with the dark green door and Jewel yours is adjacent from that with the pink door. Mine room is behind the black door. If you decide to be nosy and open it without my permission then you will find yourselves out in the middle of the forest with no place to go. You are under my care and guidance therefore you will follow my rules no matter how silly they seem. Likewise I will refrain from intruding on your property without consent. My training is solely based upon trust and respect." Jewel looked over to Frazzle. She could already see respect gleaming in his coal black eyes. He was the kind of creature that thrived on stiff rules and honor based things. Frazzle had always been pushing the limits in the eevee village because no one had put down set rules. Consequently he stretched the current rule and was always in some sort of trouble. Midnight had just spoken his language and became the mentor he had never had but always needed. For herself respect was not the issue. Trust was. How could she just trust someone she had never met before? That would take some time. "I suggest you two do as he advises. You'll need all the sleep you can get." Aqua smiled knowingly. As the two younger eevees left she turned to Midnight completely serious. Jewel waited until Frazzle had disappeared into his new room before she crept back towards the bend. There she hovered undecided until Midnight spoke deciding her. She winced and stayed although she had been warned that he enjoyed his privacy. If she was caught... Still, it would be worth the risk. Pressing a big ear against the wall she concentrated on the elder's conversation. "...But you said it wasn't possible! How could such a thing happen? And why I'm I the one to take them? Blitz is just as capable as I am to do this." Midnight fumed although there was curiosity and bemusement in his voice. "I really can't explain it. It has never happened before. You are not the first to demand answers that I do not have and I could not explain it to the others either. Genetics are just so uncertain. Maybe it is due to the legendary element..." Jewel missed the rest of her sentence because Frazzle had tapped her on the shoulder. Guiltily she jumped at the touch and put a paw to her mouth when she spotted Frazzle. Perplexed, Frazzle was quiet, but he cocked his head to show his puzzlement. Slowly the two retreated silently until they were safely standing outside the rooms. "What were you doing?" Frazzle hissed in agitation, "If they had caught you where would we be?" "I..." Jewel began as she realized what she had almost done. She didn't know what to say in her defense or how to explain what she had been doing. She wanted to know the secret the older freaks were keeping from them. She had a strange feeling that it was about her. All the knowing glances directed at her, the confused looks. Frazzle won't understand and he would probably call her paranoid for making such accusations. Still she tried weakly to explain, "I want to find out who my real parents are. I think they know. I was just listening to Aqua and Midnight to see if they would say it." "You don't need to know what they were talking about. I know Mattie taught you that spying was wrong no matter what your motives are!" Frazzle exploded savagely in anger and disappointment, "Midnight warned us from the first not to pry. Did you notice that was the only rule he gave us so far? This is his game so we have to play by his rules or face the consequences! What would we do? Who would we turn to then? Where could we go? You know that I would follow you to the ends of the earth, but there is a golden opportunity sitting right under our noses. Don't throw it away for such a petty thing as spying." Jewel sighed knowing he was right. She shouldn't pry and this was a good thing going for them. He was also sincere about following her to the ends of the earth and that would be a far cry from fair if she did that to him. She could hardly afford to be selfish and egotistical at a desperate time such as this. "I apologize. You are, of course, correct. I shouldn't listen in and jeopardize our stay." Jewel mumbled and hung her head. A warm paw draped lightly over her shoulder above her wings causing her to look up. Two black eyes peered into her face, "Don't worry about it. Things will reveal themselves in time." Frazzle reassured her with a wise remark. Chapter Eight Jewel didn't know much about revealing themselves in time but she did know that if the sun did not rise soon she would be a furry popsicle. A little blue popsicle in the shape of an eevee with an extra bonus of wings. Getting up at five in the morning was not her favorite part of training and after two weeks of rising before the sun it was still unbearable. Frazzle nudged her sharply and whispered, "There's breakfast." Up in the clearing ahead of them a nidoran mix of some sort was nibbling on the lush grass that surrounded it. It's pink bunny-like ears twitched constantly and the nose rapidly bobbed up and down. Jewel could understand why it was so nervous since it was so small and an ideal meal for a bigger pokemon. Its back legs were tensed ready to flee at any sign of trouble, but the wedge shaped head was still shoved in to the thick grass with the jaw working almost frantically in the haste to gulp down the food. "Maybe you could go around and swoop down on it scaring it back towards me?" Frazzle suggested more that questioned. Jewel gave a slight nod so as not to make unnecessary noise and padded off to circle around. It was a simple variation on the plan they use every morning. Leaping from branch to branch, sometimes straight up, she achieved a decent height from which to launch. Her wings were not yet strong enough for long, sustained flights and she needed to conserve her energy incase there was a chase. Spreading her wings she leaned forward and glided downward gaining speed. Diving at the terrified prey creature she smirked and enjoyed the rush of air and the feeling of freedom that always came with flying. The creature raced in the opposite direction right into Frazzle. The young jolteon leapt out of the bushes delivering a paralyzing shock to the little pink thing. Landing neatly he smiled about his accomplishment and waited for Jewel to land. As she did the creature finally got up the wit and nerve to start making noise. The little beast bawled its lungs out in protest. "Can you paralyze its lungs or something?" Jewel yelled over the awful, high pitched squealing and Frazzle grinned shaking his yellow head no, "Then it couldn't breath." Jewel eyed the protesting creature for a moment before replying, "And that would be a bad thing?" Midnight appeared right on time and the little beast stopped for an instance to inspect this new threat. It decided that the dark green creature was indeed out for its life and started up again even louder. "Oh be quiet you." Midnight snapped impatient with the noise, "No one's going to eat you." The struggling creature paused to consider his statement then decided he was lying and bawled even louder. Midnight snorted irritably then didn't give it a second glance as he turned to his student. There was a pleased look on his dark face as he spoke, "You two are getting faster. Now, if you could manage silencing of your prey things might be a little easier for you. That way the whole forest doesn't know you're having a meal." Midnight smiled as he dispensed the advice and ventured to guess that his students were already figuring that out for themselves. They were fast learners and good at teamwork. Frazzle had a knack for strategy and battle. His reflexes were amazing. He also had amazing control over his electric powers. He could send out a wide bolt of thunder or a tiny static ball. He processed a ration mind and actually used it. Jewel was level headed and she was obedient about doing things to a tee. The two made a good pair and Midnight wondered how they would react to a third member. A bellowing and crashing of the surrounding brush alerted him to an angry mother. Whirling around he disappeared into the dense underbrush nearest to him to watch. It would be interesting to see how his pupils would react to this new and unexpected twist in hunting breakfast. Right on time a mother nidoqueen burst on to the scene. She was pure and livid with the thought of her baby being eaten. Her blue skin made her stand out and Frazzle spotted her charge just as she had begun. Shouting to Jewel he readied himself for the battle that was about to happen. As the charging nidoqueen loomed closer and closer Frazzle cleared his mind of all doubt and fear as he had been taught. Just as the enraged mother was about to bare down on top of him he used agility to dart out of the way. She blasted past harmlessly and didn't stop until she hit a small tree. Shaking her head in annoyance she readied herself for another attack. Without warning she attempted to body slam. Frazzle realized that he had no time to get out of the way of the descending giant. Rolling on his back he pulled his back legs tight to his chest. As the blue titian came crashing down he lashed out sharply belting her across the snout. She hesitated then fell to the side to avoid a second painful kick. Frazzle leapt up with his spikes bristled and teeth bared. Now it was turning serious. The nidoqueen, over the surprise of underestimating her enemy, prepared herself for an ice beam of epic proportions. Her fury at being tricked so easily fueled the desire to hurt and kill the stupid Freak who had dared to do such things to her only child. A crackling, blue light sparkled with cold above her short horn as she gathered energy. The coldness seeped downward numbing her forehead, but she held on long enough to increase the size to that of a basketball. Shooting the thick beam she watched in satisfaction as the beam hit the insolent creature point blank and tossed him tail over ears into a sturdy elm tree. After a body cracking thump he slumped to the ground in a pathetic bundle. Growling in satisfaction she stomped over for the killing blow. Dazed, Frazzle staggered to his feet vaguely aware of what would happen if he didn't fight back. His red tongue lolled with drops of saliva rolling of it and the whites of his eyes showing. Blood trickled lightly from one ear and a long, ragged slash covered his foreleg. Jewel hovered above in horror and indecision before diving lower. She flew just above the nidoqueen's horned head and debated what to do. The blue pure peered upwards at her baby and made smacking sounds. The baby smacked in return and gave a small cry. It was wiggling furiously as more of its body sprung it to live. Frazzle's small dose of electricity was wearing off rapidly and Jewel struggled to hold it aloft. The nidoqueen stomped forward and lifted her stubby arms for the killing blow. Jewel swooped down quickly dropping the squealing babe into the upraise arms and retreating into the safety of the air. Startled, the mother almost dropped the child on the dirty forest floor. Instead she thumped backwards to land on her haunches and cradling the baby. Searching it for injuries and finding none she plopped the infant it the crock of a tree branch and advanced on the weaken Frazzle. "Stop!" Jewel cried from above as she realized the mother's intent, "You have your child. Go away. We were not going to eat the little bugger!" She ignored the explanation and readied herself. Frazzle backed up at her approach and hit the tree he had landed against before. Trapped he tried to spark up enough electricity to stop her, but failed. Slumping to his belly he closed his eyes against the fate, and death, he knew was about to befall him. Two blunt paws wrapped into a tight embrace swung forcefully downward at the fallen. The arc was perfect and a shearing of the tree could be heard. Defeated the tree fell backwards landing heavily on its neighbor. Glaring down the blue monster saw no sign of her victim. No yellow fur, no pools of red blood, and no body parts. Whirling around heavily she spotted a yellow smudge across the clearing. She was confused as to how he had gotten there but had every intention of remedying her former mistake. She had almost come within a yard of Frazzle when she noticed the dark blur beside him. Squinting with effort she saw that it was an umbreon of some sort. It shouted halt or something to that effect. She was surprised when she had trouble placing her big foot a step forward. Snorting, she continued as he repeated his unbelievable command. Each time walking seemed harder. Finally, she could not move at all. "They have returned your child Nidoqueen," She was shocked to find the dark Freak speaking fluently in pokespeech. He must have been one of the Original, "Go and remember not to interrupt my training again. Your behavior over this matter was appalling and I certainly hope you recall the rules next time." The nidoqueens' enraged mind dully took in the threat and somewhere deep inside she knew to back out while it was still possible. Forcefully pushing the weak feeling down she charged forward at the small dark pokemon. She tried to stop as sunlight gathered roughly around him creating a golden halo and failed. Still going forward she ran smack into a huge solar beam that had been fired from the pale green antenna dangling from his forehead. She flipped backward and landed hard on her spiky back. Shedding all dignity and rage she scooped the bewilder cub up and fled into the forest. Midnight watched with hard eyes until she was completely out of sight. Jewel had already gotten Frazzle to his paws and Midnight turned to them, "Are you all right? Frazzle, Jewel?" "Fine, I think. If only the little eevees would stop dancing gleefully around my head." Frazzle replied and shook his head hard enough to shake his ears and spiky ruff. Jewel nodded and ruffled her wings. Assured of his charges' safety he took the opportunity to lecture, "You would not have survived Frazzle. Now do you understand the necessity of silence? Noise attracts unwanted attention." "I didn't want to hurt the little thing. It was only a drill." Frazzle protested weakly, trying to justify his actions. Midnight shook his dark head slowly causing the antenna to sway back and forth, "I know you have no wish to hurt the innocent, but compassion is a weakness, perhaps the greatest one, that can be exploited in war or otherwise. Had you simply rendered the creature unconscious this mess would have been avoided. I will not always be near to bail you out." Frazzle had a rebellious glimmer in his dark eyes, but he understood and respected Midnight's advice. Glancing around he realized Jewel wasn't there. He looked to Midnight and the older pokemon gestured to a thick oak tree. Not seeing Jewel Frazzle walked around. There she was leaning up against the tree like that was all that supported her and crying softly. Her wings were arched over her face covering in completely. Quivers ran through her tiny body every time a sob racked her. Midnight sighed sadly but he knew he could do nothing to help the girl. He couldn't even comfort his sister when the time came. Still he could try. "Are you hurt? You just said no a minute ago." Frazzle asked trying to push the wings aside so he could look at her. She shoved him off and continued crying. "No worse. I'm a craven." Jewel sniffled ashamed. "Listen to me," Midnight commanded for once knowing how to deal with an emotional situation. When Jewel continued to stare at her paws, "Look at me. Look me in the eyes so I know for certain you are listening to me." Jewel folded her wings and did so, if reluctantly. Gazing into the crystal blue pools she knew she was trapped. Whether or not she wanted to hear it would happen. She halfway expected to be quizzing afterwards as Midnight frequently did. He claimed it was to hone their listening skills and help them remember. "You handled yourself the best way you knew how. You did not panic or run away. You did what needed to be done which was lifting the baby out of the way. Aside from that, your battling with Frazzle would have distracted him and perhaps killed him. Eevees are not made for battles no matter what anyone claims. They do not contain an elemental advantage as the evolutions do. I know because I was once an eevee myself and the weakest on my master's team." "You had a master? A human master?" Frazzle question with interest. Humans were nothing more to him than fairy tales. Midnight supposed it was that way with most of the new generation. "At one point yes. I was an eevee when there were still humans fighting gym leaders and other trainers. Morphs at the time were only dark, nasty rumors whispered in alleys or secluded places far from the decent folk. Then pokemon started disappearing from backyards and patios. The police were helpless as were the trainers who had lost a beloved creature. When trainers were at their weakest the epidemic started and spread at an amazing rate. Wars were started over the smallest loaf of bread due to the food shortages for people and pokemon alike. My trainer, Gary Oak, was league champion for Johto at that time. I still remember the nights he poured over books searching for an answer. It was then that Team Rocket wriggled out from Giovanni's firm control and went rampant across the Canto, Johto, and everywhere else imaginable. Not that the Grunts were completely loyal to him anyway. Gary lost his whole team, including myself, to those scavengers. Then I was separated from the others, I was an umbreon at this time, and taken to a laboratory because of my eevee DNA. There I was fused with a seribii and made into what I am to day. My sister had the same process done to her and she also had lost her trainer, May Oak. She was an espeon. For years we were contained in tiny cages, labeled as 'unmanageable'. I was there I met with Loki and Blitz." "Where was Aqua?" Jewel asked curious about her friend. "A trainer?" Frazzle said with awe. Midnight could see that the young jolteon would not come off the subject anytime soon. "We met Aqua later. One night we heard a pair of worried scientist discussing or rather arguing about "Project Humanity". It seems that they had knowingly loosed the deadly virus on mankind and now could not control it. It was then we realized the future. The pitiful controls they had set were torn down and Rocket and other were downed alike. You see, a virus cannot tell the difference. As more people kicked the pokeball we planned our escape. We ended up freeing the whole lab. That was when we met Aqua and an eevee named Sora. We even freed the few Pures among us. The ones that now populate the Common Village." Midnight concluded his story abruptly and revealed no more. Pain crossed his face as the memories he had worked so hard to bury rose to the surface. Pitfalls lurked in his mind and he had no wish to fall in one forever. Aside from that there were parts of the gap between where he left off and the present that he had no right to tell.