Chapter Nine Midnight braced himself mentally before facing his students. The news he was about to bear should have pleased him but somehow he found it saddening. He was sorry that such an event had occurred although it was practically inevitable not to have. Shaking his head at his own sentiment and growling at his unwillingness he frowned. Why was it so hard to break the news, as a good teacher should? He should be proud of their accomplishments and sing praises rather than be sullen at the lack of good timing. He had let other student go before, true he was fond of them, but in a professional way. Why should this time be any different for him? Was it because of the expressed interest laid upon him by his sister or the pressing concern of Blitz and Aqua? Even if they did influence his thinking he should ignore such swaying. This will please Thunder's group immensely, Midnight thought to himself wryly. Thunder the raichu Freak had been sniffing after the duo since rumors leaked out that Midnight was training Twilight's daughter and a Pure jolteon. He had done his best to past them off as that, rumors, but Thunder was of a thick and stubborn breed. Small detours and evasive half-truths weren't enough to make him lose interest. The other groups were almost as bad. The one group Midnight wished would show even the tiniest smidgen of interest ignoring them completely except for the occasional visit. Midnight understood Blitz's thinking, but even with the group instability, they were still the best and most fitting choice to apprentice the two. Nerving himself up again and berating himself for getting lost in thought again Midnight turned to his silent students. He had set them to reading while he prepared himself although frankly it truly wasn't necessary. He cleared his throat to get their attention and spoke, "I have some news. I have been informed that there is a possible third member for your group." "Really, a third member? They told you that?" Frazzle jumped up with excitement in such a way that it was easy to imagine he had just sat on a live wire. Jewel, however, looked apprehensive about the statement that had just been made. Midnight nodded, "Yes. I cannot tell you much since that was all they thought to inform me about." "That's okay I guess. Leaves us a surprise." Frazzle said losing some of his energy. "Now, I'm off. You two are allowed free time until I get back. That should be about in an hour's time. I suggest you take my advice and study for that pop quiz I planned for later." His eyes twinkled at his little 'slip' and the picking up of the books. Jewel peered over hers. "Where are you going? I mean Blitz is out of patrol, right?" She asked putting the leather bound book down gently. "I am going to see my sister." Midnight said, his voice turning a trifle chilly. Frazzle looked up and furrowed his brow at Jewel's prodding. Midnight's frosty tone went unheeded as Jewel pressed on, "Your sister is still alive? How come we have never met her?" "She is still alive. Did I ever lead you to believe otherwise?" His tone had taken on certain hardness and he continued snippily, "Just because we don't see each other often doesn't mean she's out of my life. I am entitled to a bit of personal time and visiting my sister is what I choose to do with it. Our lives are busy. She does reconnaissance and I train." At that last sentence he whirled around and stalked out of the room in a cold fury. His rings were glowing slightly and pulsed slowly betraying his irritation at the questions. Padding silently he disappeared around the tunnel bend making his way to the outside. Frazzle gave her a reprimanding look over the top of his book. Somehow, without a word, he conveyed his great displeasure at her behavior. She knew he'd get over it although the way he picked up on Midnight's silent looks so quickly was in its own way unnerving. He had learned about more that just the written stuff and practice drills in their stay. Jewel gave a little apologetic smile and padded out of the room. It was then that she found herself doing something she had never imagined. Picking up Midnight's steady trail she began tracing his paw prints. As she overtook him she leapt up into the trees. Gliding far above she was able to follow him although it was difficult to do. His slink was quiet and rapid. The dark green underbrush hide his movements well and only the occasional flash of bronze alerted Jewel that she was on the right track. Midnight paused once he reached a tiny clearing. Cocking his head and twitching his ears he was trying to pinpoint something. Luckily his searching was in the opposite direction from which Jewel was standing. Taking no chances she pushed back into the heavy foliage with only her eyes uncovered by the thick, green leaves. Midnight, having identified the sound, sat down to wait. His large, bushy tail curled neatly around his front paws and there was a relaxed air about him even if it was shadowed by anticipation. He knew whatever was coming as a friend. A lone figure pushed its way out from the undergrowth. The creature was about the size of Midnight, possible a tad bit bigger, with a long tail and pale blue eyes. Sliding forth Echi acknowledge Midnight with a warm nodded and the two smiled. She took her place across from the umbreon and waited expectantly. In that slight pause a few dozen questions raced through Jewel's head and she was forced to shove them aside to concentrate. Still, a few pushed through in outrage at being confined and unanswered. The first and foremost was they were siblings? Midnight was young, vibrant while Echi was old and tired. Another was why Echi was posted in such a remote region as the Eevee Village. Certainly not by choice it seemed. "You need to come back. Make you escape and let us leave. You have done it before so it should not be all that difficult." Midnight urged picking up a previous conversation. Confused, Jewel was forced to wait so that she could make sense of it. "No, I cannot." The espeon said in a well-cultured voice and shook her dainty head; "The village has great need of my services at this time. Victoria needs more time to be schooled in my place and I refuse to leave such a good friend in such a nasty plight as being thrust into a position she is unprepared for. You, Blitz, and Loki will simply have to wait until such a time that I can get away. Then I shall join you." "You don't understand. We need your services. Our enemies are becoming far craftier and we have not the sufficient population to patrol all the areas. You have completed your mission here and should return. From what Blitz told me they barely rescued her in time." Midnight spoke rapidly wide-eyed at her refusal. The espeon fixed him with a cold, haughty stare causing him to back down. She looked ever inch a reining monarch balking a testy noble, "It was Loki again, was it not? When will he and Blitz put aside their silly quarrel and learn to accomplish thing together again? Honestly, he should act his proper age rather than adopting the mannerisms of a squalling brat." Midnight mumbled something indistinguishable and glared at the ground sullenly. Watching his sister from the corner of his blue eyes he watched her darken thunder clouds as they blew away revealing a sunny sky. Suspicious of her restored good humor he kept silent. "How is she by the way? Under your loving care." Echi asked taking on a teasing note and a gleaming sparkle to her eyes. Jewel tore her mind away from listening and put it to work at comprehending the rough knowledge she had just gained. She had followed to gain answers and all that got her was more unanswered questions. Things became clearer while others concepts became fuzzier. Her own expulsion from the Eevee Village had been well planned. She could see that now. Those she trusted the most had manipulated her fate. A slow, bubbling rage began to boil within her. To distract herself from her anger she concentrated on Echi instead. She wanted to kick herself and wondered how she hadn't noticed the differences before this. The slightly broader head and elongated limbs marked her as something other than a Pure espeon. Her rose colored fur was a dead give away and the crystalline blue eyes that were too pale to be those of an espeon. They all added to the conclusion that she was in fact not a Pure at all but a Freak. Echi was an Espeon/ mew mix. Chapter Ten Jewel braced herself for the storm that would happen next. Even knowing it was coming didn't help all that much. Frazzle's eyes held a wild light to them that was frightening and his ears were far back, lying flatly across his ruff and back. He spoke surprisingly slow for all his anger although the heated tone held no comfort, "What were you thinking?" He managed to grind out, "That was a direct breach of Midnight's golden rule not to mention completely rude and morally wrong. What were you think to follow him then eavesdrop on his conversation? Had he caught you I doubt he would even hesitate to toss you on your tail in some remote region as far away as possible. Why do you continue this hazardous spying? Don't think for a minute that either of us are ready to take on the world without friends, food, or help of any sort." Jewel scuffed a paw and looked down at the sharp, green saw grass. Dewdrops hung heavily on the ends bending the stalks down. The sun's warmth had yet to penetrate the forest in its thickest parts and Jewel shivered as a cold gust blew by. The clear dew held on grimly to the grass as it buckled and swayed before sliding and falling to the ground. The wet spots disappeared leaving no trace. Jewel wished at that moment she could soak into the clay similarly or at least search for their breakfast. Her stomach rumbled quietly in protest and she frowned. Frazzle was asking something she couldn't explain. Why was she taking such hurtful risks? The thing was that it was so much easier to go along with the constant tugging rather than fight against it to the last. Biting her lip until a thin tickle filled her mouth with its coppery flavor she thought how to reply. Deciding, she spoke softly, "I have to." "What kind of half-@$$3d answer is that? " Frazzle cursed and Jewel recoiled in surprise. He must truly be furious to let even the tiniest cuss word pass through his lips. That was the first that she had even heard from him since he first learned it as a cub and wanted to try it out. "They know my lineage, my true parents, and they haven't even told me. How fair is that? Without listening how will I ever learn anything?" Jewel said feebly. Her brief excuses sounded lame even to her own ears. Frazzle considered her in silence for a moment before asking, "Have you ever considered asking for the answers? Between all of them you should be able to piece together the answer. You're smart enough to do it and have to drive." Jewel stopped and thought about it. Frazzle had a good point there. His open suggestion gave her something to think about. Still, she was in a fighting mood and there were holes in his logic that she had to point out. "Sure, Blitz will tell me something, if it pleases him. He didn't become leader of his group by being honest and open about everything. He is cunning and clever about his information. He will tell me something but more than likely it will be useless." Frazzle opened his mouth to protest but Jewel barged onward, "What about Loki the shellder? He wouldn't tell me anything if his friggin' life depended on it. He would love nothing more than Midnight truly dropping me off in the middle of nowhere. He hates me with a passion incase you haven't noticed." Frazzle surprised at her strong impressions of the two males, but he disagreed about Loki, "That stupid flareon hates everyone." He then countered her argument with his own observations of character, "I bet if you ask Aqua she'd tell you stuff. Just listening would make her happy if nothing else. You know how she loves to talk to anyone who will bother to listen. Midnight will also answer your questions if he believes there is merit to them. He has never lied to either of us before and I very much doubt that he'll start now." "I'll speak with Aqua." Jewel informed him grudgingly and her tone turned to helplessness, "You have no idea what it is like..." A sharp ring of the bell cut her off in mid-sentence. There was a moment's pause before it was repeated sharply almost impatiently if a bell could sound that way. "So much for breakfast." Frazzle growled secretly pleased. When Jewel went into her hysterics he didn't know what to do except let her get worked up. Failing was not something he was good at and things like that bugged him. He resolved that he would have to ask Midnight how to stop her from self-pity. Chapter Eleven Since that disturbing morning the two trainees had maintained a silence. The rain beat down steadily from the overcast sky and a cold wind blew from the north. The constant downpours had made the ground muddy and wet. Gooey mud puddles formed, hampering their movement and the shrieking wind drowned out the sounds they were supposed to be listening for. When the whistle echoed eerily through the trees both dashed off, glad to retreat to the warm, dry cave. The cold rain had penetrated Jewel's coat through the hardy upper layer and it was seeping down to the skin. The drenching had even found a way through Frazzle's thick, wiry coat and he too was uncomfortable. Reaching the mouth of the cave they darted threw. Once inside the entrance they shook to rid their pelts of the unwanted water. Rivulets dripped down Jewel's leg and she administered a hefty shake flicking water everywhere. Now that she was only damp her sepia fur stuck out in odd spikes. Frazzle looked normal and she made a face. Maybe evolving wasn't such a bad thing. "I wonder why Midnight called us back early." Frazzle remarked as they started down the tunnel. Jewel squeezed inward to avoid brushing against the cold stonewalls and added hopefully, "Maybe he saw that it was pouring meowths and growlithes, and he decided to let us in." Frazzle shook his spike head doubtfully, "That's not like Midnight. Something up and I think we're about to find out what." As they rounded the final bend they stopped. Before them were two young strangers. One sat on either side of Midnight. The female looked relaxed and the big male seemed calm. They were obviously expecting the duo. The male was administered a close eye first due to his size. He was easily taller than all present. Midnight's small stature could enable the umbreon to pass right under the big Freak's taunt belly. His legs were long and willowy giving him his height. Lean muscle showed through his glossy black coat. The short hair covered everywhere. A pair of reddish horns curved back to arc down to the back of his rounded head. A long, forked tail twitched idly behind him in a meandering way. Slender, gold crescents covered his shoulders and hips. His short ears were tipped with the same gold, as was his tail. Shiny gold bracelets encircled each of his four legs like odd-looking jewelry. Gold- reddish eyes watched them carefully although there was no hostility in his gaze. He shrugged of their scrutiny and stepped out of the spotlight. With an oddly graceful movement he was laying down to watch the proceedings. The attention was turn towards the second Freak. She was practically the opposite of the first. Small and petite she was slightly chubby although Jewel was quite sure that beneath the doughy exterior an Amazon warrior lurked. All shades of brown covered her mixed with red leaving an interesting display of neutral colors. A thatch of ginger hair flopped loosely between two triangular ears. Emerald eyes sparkled with mischief and a guarded happiness. "That is Chyne," Midnight said indicating the larger one, "And that is Eveena." "Hullo." Chyne said mellowly. His gaze wandered around lazily and his tail twitched. "Nice ta met 'cha." Eveena said with her twin eevee tails wiggling at a high speed. There was something in her voice that made Jewel wary and uneasy. The four turned to Midnight, who shrugged his shoulders and offered an unsatisfying reply to the silent question, "You will train together. When the time comes three will be chosen to create a new group ready to be apprenticed." Frazzle bristled dangerously and the spikes along the ridge of his spine raised, "You mean we are being weeded out." He said flatly with narrowed ebony eyes. "It seems that way, doesn't it?" Midnight agreed in an equally bland voice. Only the tip of his tail indicated his real opinion on the matter. It twitched furiously in protest. Eveena's clear voice cut into the talk, "Hey, y'all, none of us here are plant types. Maybe a better word would be 'selected loser'." "If you see it that way." Midnight nodded and continued darkly, "Or a 'selected winner'. This job is risky and occasionally life threatening. Maybe 'lucky' would be the best word. A chance to change your mind." "Whatever." Eveena shrugged, "Ain't like I got a life anyway." "I'll leave you guys to get acquainted." Midnight informed before practically racing out the door in haste. He evidently did not want to be in the crossfire when it occurred. Neither did Jewel for that matter. Shifting nervously she approached Eveena like an unpredictable snake. Would she be sociable and understanding of their awkward position or unreasonable? Most likely the latter, if only to make things difficult for them. "Hi, um, I'm Jewel." She said holding out a slim paw. Her pads were callused from rough wear and the fur between them was dark with soil and sap. Eveena eyed to paw before placing her equally disgusting one on top. Their eyes met reflecting each other's determination. If one of the three was to be chosen then they would be one. Frazzle approached Chyne nonchalant as possible considering the wolf-like pokemon was over twice his size and strength. Chyne rose to his paws and held out one. Frazzle placed his yellow paw on it making it look dwarfed and out of place. Neither said a word but a mutual respect radiated around them. "Now, 'bout meh," Eveena said suddenly startling them. She wore a serious frown and no trace of mirth gleamed in her jade eyes, "My sense of humor is a bit...quirked. Seein' how I can't help it, I have no choice, but ta warn ya that I can get a lit' strange. So, don't came a bitchin' ta me 'cuz I'll say talk ta the paw. Understand?" Jewel's eye widened as she tried to absorb what Eveena had just said through the rough, southern-like accent. When she comprehended she about choked. Quirked? The word Jewel was thinking about was warped. Dumbly she nodded having nothing better to offer. Not many survived making enemies early in the game of life. If they were to be partners in the future it would be better to have good working relationship instead of a bad one. Blitz's team was a prime example of the dangers that went along that line. Eveena nodded grimly and then the grin re-emerged restoring her foreboding attitude and odd warnings. The four began to talk. Chapter Twelve "How did I get roped into this mess?" Loki grumbled rhetorically to himself. He know exactly how he got into it, but remembering would do very little to improve his temper. How could he let his guard down in such a way? Blitz had laid down the trap and he had taking the bait like some stupid animal. Growling to himself he pushed impatiently past Midnight, knocking the smaller umbreon aside. The umbreon flattened his large ears in irritation, but Loki was too occupied with his thoughts to notice. He had more important things on his mind; like how he and his students were to survive the next hour or so together. As he entered the spacious classroom he noted the four wary faces watching him. He gave them a stern look and the wary looks turned sullen instantly. Yes, it would take some time to fall back into the rhythm of teaching, but he would do it. Loki started teaching in the droning voice that all students dreaded. His topic was even more sleep inducing than his voice. The history of the pikachu was not something that could readily be applied to every day life. Eveena waited patiently through half the lesson before making her move. Winking to her fellow students she picked up a piece of paper than had been laying on the desk in front of her. Showing it around like a magician before an amazing trick she grinned mischievously. The paper crackled in protest at the movement only adding to the mystery. Confidently she put the thin paper down. Jewel took her already wandering attention away from the ramblings of Loki and concentrated on figuring out what Eveena was planning to do. Chyne ignored her antics and concentrated on Loki in almost rapture concentration. Frazzle cocked his spiky head to watch the eevee/vulpix too. Eveena grinned happily at her small audience and proceeded to repeat the process. Satisfied that they had gotten it she picked up a piece of invisible paper. Making quick and precise tearing motions she tore the paper into tiny pieces. Cupping them in both paws she tossed them high into the air. As the imaginary tatters drifted down she blew a wide stream of smoke on them. Seeing the quizzical and puzzled looks on her audience's faces she decided it was time to embellish on her mime act. A thin lick of flame twisted in the air and sputtered out from the lack of fuel. The act clicked in both the trainee's heads with the addition of fire. Jewel bit her lip to keep from giggling and Frazzle snorted. They had been warned. "May I ask what's so funny back there?" Loki demanded stomping over to the. He peered at each of them noting Chyne's confused look and Frazzle's amused smirk. Eveena had a confident grin on her foxy face and Loki had no doubt that she was the culprit. The flareon favored them all with a reprimanding glare. Eveena waited until he was immersed in his teaching again before yelling at the top of her lungs, "Burn baby burn!" Loki jumped in startlement and spread his wings our instinctively. He hovered for a second before landing lightly. He growled, frowned, and muttered the whole way out the door. "What did you do that for?" Chyne asked the stunned Eveena. No one had ever taken her jokes that seriously before. Jewel and Frazzle exchanged almost identical looks. Midnight's head popped around the corner and his blue eyes flickered about the room. A thin smile crossed his face at the absence of Loki and he stepped hesitantly into the room. Looking around he raised an eyebrow but didn't ask what happened. Apparently the absence of Loki suited him just fine. "I guess I'll just finish up. Now, where were you guys?" Midnight commented and his pupils goggled in surprise. Some how they had never associated him with books before and imagining him as a scholar bordered on the impossible. Even though he was small and had a mild nature to them he would always be their survival instructor. "Ash Ketchum's pikachu, sir." Chyne said smartly picking up the slack and dispelling the uneasy silence. Midnight started out just reading the books, but soon, as with everything he taught they were acting out parts and experimenting with things. Frazzle's electricity was pressed into service and he was stuck with the part of pikachu. Midnight had Jewel play Gary's eevee and the others fill in odd parts. Having lived during that time and actually having fought Ash's pikachu Midnight gave them accurate lines and portrayed the rivalries that were fought. They were just about to do the winning victory that had led Ash to the seat of League Champion when Loki walked back in with Aqua and Blitz padding at his heels. Blitz had a sour expression on and it was clear that he didn't like being there. Aqua gave them a smile. "That's my class." Loki protested in a strangled voice. His face matching his voice, twisted up in a fury. Midnight turned to him, slowly measured him up and down with twin pools of blue, "You left. I was under the impression that you weren't returning any time in the near future." "But...I..." Loki sputtered unhappily unable to counter. Blitz gave a snort of amusement at Loki's uncomfortable state. He then stepped forward to face the four in a stiff-legged manner, "The leader have decided to gave a quartet a try. You shall stay together." Stunned they looked to Aqua as she spoke happily, "Also, we have decided to apprentice your group." The two male eeveelutions did not seem as happy with the notion as Aqua was. If Jewel didn't know any better she'd have thought Blitz looked nervous and uneasy. Loki looked displeased and nothing more. It was obvious this was not his decision. He refused to even look at Eveena, as if ignoring her would make her go away. "When do we leave?" Chyne asked towering over them at his full height. His voice was the mild voice of reason in all the shock. Jewel wondered what it took to get to him. "Today." Blitz uttered loudly before stalking off. Loki was quick to follow casting one last vengeful glance at Midnight. Aqua hesitated clearly torn between wanting to stay and following her group. Her paw was drawn up in mid-step. She held it that way for a moment before replacing it down in the place it had held moments before. Loki noticed this and stopped. Blitz realized no one was following and halted also. "Well?" Loki asked impatiently. He had a sour look on and scuffed a paw in impatience. "Well what?" Midnight countered clearly enjoying the fact that Aqua was standing up for herself. He seemed to have a personal grudge against Loki and was enjoying taunting the flareon. "I wasn't talking to you cabbage head." Loki snarled, "Come on Aqua." Aqua cast her now clear eyes to the ground but defiantly stayed in place. Her voice came out small but strong, "I wish to stay here to help them get ready." Loki blinked in surprise at being balked, "Let's go." "No." "Come off it Loki. She wants to stay here." It was unclear whether Blitz actually meant to stick up for the vaporeon or needle the smoldering flareon. "Fine then. We'll be back later." Loki said put out that Aqua wished to remain with Midnight and the brats. The vaporeon was silent until the last echoes of their paw falls were gone. Then she let out her held breath in a loud whoosh. Her wings ruffled and readjusted in accomplishment and she fairly seemed to preen. "You finally did it and your small rebellion didn't have the result you had envisioned." Midnight grinned proudly. It was obvious that they had talked about self-confidence before. Shaking her head like she couldn't believe it Aqua's face renewed with delight. Her frills stiffened making her look taller. "I think the doormat is gone." Frazzle whispered in a low voice. It wasn't low enough however, because Eveena leaned over with a friendly leer. Her jade eyes sparkled in an almost malicious way if you didn't know her. "What'cha mean? She did very nicely for herself." Eveena asked with curiosity since she had only met the vaporeon once before. Jewel was uncomfortable speaking of other people's problems but Frazzle wasn't, "She had been bullied and beaten down by those two for Mew knows how long. I believe this is the first time she managed to hold her ground." "Well then. I can see why she so darn proud of herself." Eveena nodded in understanding, "Hard ta believe, but I was once like that. All it takes is once. Look at meh now." "Yes, look at you now." Chyne rumbled in amusement with a glint in his golden eyes. Jewel looked over to Midnight and Aqua. The two of them had their heads together in a private conversation. Looking like that the eevee easily envisioned them as a couple. Shaking her head the image evaporated as pure speculation. If they like each other neither one gave the slightest implication of it. "So, what should we pack?" Chyne asked breaking them apart. Chapter Thirteen "All right, this is the plan. Aqua, you do a small sweep around here. Loki, you and I will take the larger one. Apprentices..." "Stay here outta the way." Eveena mumbled under her breath out of Blitz's keen hearing. "...You will stay here and take the job of look out. Split into pairs and keep guard. All of you know the signals if you spot something." Blitz finished his briefing. They were on the search for new snares and their unwilling occupants. This was new territory and not even the older eeveelutions knew what to expect. Receiving nods from all present he whirled and bounded into the deep woods with Loki close on his heels. Aqua eyes swept over them, they were a dark yellow, and Jewel realized that it was apprehension that was color reflected. Twitching nervously at the though she watched Aqua spin and disappear in the opposite direction that the other two had taken. Within seconds she was completely out of sight. Eveena, being tactfully for once, waited until they were out of hearing range before voicing her frustrations at being left behind, "It's no fair that they leave us to guard. We ain't lit' cubs no more. It ain't like we're novices with no 'perience at all. We know how ta handle ourselves out there. This is the third guard duty we've been put on. Lookin' for nuthin' 'tall." She howled in a quiet fury. Her twin tails were lashing rapidly and her emerald eyes narrowed in rage. Her hair waggled and swayed every time she paused for breath. "Guard is very important. They need warning." Chyne maintained while scanning the surrounding area diligently. His tail, however, betrayed his true feelings about the matter. The triangle bobbed back and forth stirring little puffs of sandy dust into the air. Frazzle muffled a sneeze and suggested they split into pairs as Blitz had ordered. He had yet to take any of the squabbles serious and didn't pay that much attention to arguments no matter how small they were. Fifteen minutes later they met up at the clearing again. None of the adults had appeared back and it was making all of them nervous. None of the four had seen any traces of the enemy or much of anything else. The forest's murky olive green seemed creeper and it was putting them on edge. Fish hid under the mossy overhangs that surrounded the crystalline pool at the other side of the clearing and a pair of Pure furret bolted into a hold leading to a deep underground lair. There was a deserted air hanging heavy deadening the warm earthy smells. Devoid was the normal sounds of the forest. In their place was silence. Not a leaf rustled or a branch creaked. It was as if the forest was holding its breath...waiting for something to happen. Glancing at Frazzle, Jewel noticed the tense mouth and hard eyes. He too seemed uneasy at the stillness. There was an aura to him that said false confidence and controlled fear. No other emotions leaked through his ridged bearing and Jewel wondered if he had been taught too well. "I tink they should be back by now." Eveena said. The nervousness permeated her voice and she shifted around. Her lithe form had an underlying tenseness, a tautness, and a readiness. Even so she still managed a shaky joke, "I bet we're missin' out on the action." Chyne's easy manner has evaporated and he laughed hollowly with no mirth, "I really don't think you have to worry about that. We have some action of our own to deal with." The others followed his gaze and a collective gasp followed. A large figure towered majestically at the edge of the clearing watching them with deep purple eyes. Fire wafted graciously off the creature's body and burned brightly. FireStorm's dark amethyst eyes slowly drifted over the four. She was so tall that Chyne was dwarfed. The long, slender legs tapered off into a muscular body with a heavy chest that promised stamina and wide hindquarters with promised speed. Her flaming mane and tail were composed of a bright orange fringed with crimson. Cream streaks raced through creating a blazing effect. Her coat color was a pale cream except for the pale orange spots that dappled her hide. Two cone shaped ears curled backward from her forehead and a strong pair of crimson bat wings spanned the area above her shoulders. Her purple gaze flickered disinterestedly over Eveena and Chyne. She had seen the like before and these were no different. Her gaze rested on Frazzle longer, but if she had any surprise it did not show. She had known Pure's existed before the only puzzle was why the jolteon had allied himself with the Freak. Letting the stray thought roll on she eyed the four member of their little group. What looked to be a genuine smile played around her mouth and her wide eyes lightened for a moment. Then they clouded over and darkened to a stormy royal. Her nostrils constricted and her 'ears' wiggled slightly. Pawing nervously she spoke in a hesitant voice like on who wasn't sure of the language, "You Jewel?" Jewel felt her eyes widen in shock mirroring that of her fellows. Swallowing her apprehension he ventured, "Firestorm? How do you know my name?" The horse's nervousness disappeared in an instant and she gave an amused nickered, "Why anyone who knew parents knows about you. Blitz and Twilight were quite surprised and happy." Parents, Jewel's mind screamed and she pause to fully consider the nasty implication, that Blitz was her father. The rapidash's innocent remark had a forceful effect. That certainly explained Blitz's mixed attitudes towards her. Who was Twilight and where was she at this time? Searching her memory and coming up blank she screwed up her face in concentration. Shrugging it off she tried to pay more attention to priorities. "What da you want?" Eveena growled in a surprisingly low voice. It was constricted with rage and hoarse with fear. Her hackles were fully erect and the triangle ears pressed flat. Even so the little Freak spoke boldly enough. The rapidash cocked her head as if thinking how best to answer that particular question. Flicking her fiery tail she answered almost carelessly, "To capture you. That is job." The last bit sounded self-doubting. "Why do you want us? We have done you know harm or caused you no pain." Chyne asked unhappily. His reddish eyes were as dull as his voice. His languid manner, however, had been removed for a more wary and tense one. "I no want to catch you. I'd rather let go. My masters would not like that much." She shook her head and Jewel noticed her speech was smoothing out a little as she continued, "They have orders. To trap, capture any creature they can. Too bad for us since you are Blitz's daughter. We were good friends once." Friends? It was hard to picture that. "Tell me about my mom. I never met her." Jewel said her curiosity getting the best of her. "She's keepin' us here ta wait. For her masters." Eveena warned through the side of her mouth. Jewel heard it and processed it but her attention remained on FireStorm. FireStorm continued in the same distracted way as before and Jewel wondered what had been done to the bid horse to make she so bubble-brained. "Your mother," she began slowly, " Well, she's very pretty. She had the iciest blue eyes. They were like the top of a snow-covered peak far in the distance. Nice personality too. Always giving rather than taking. She was generous to a fault. Why if giving up her life meant saving another's she would not hesitate." The rapidash smiled and continued, "She most certainly did not want to give you up. Not at all. As I recall the council was most displeased with her asinine behavior." The rapidash seemed to be rambling now and Jewel was uneasy. "What type was she?" Jewel asked cutting the horse off abruptly. She took another step forward keeping a sharp eye on her informer. She ignored the urgent tugs on her tail and stood tall as possible. The horse pokemon cocked her flaming head again. It seemed that that was an in grated habit that she exercised when trying to figure something out. Jewel got the distinct feeling that FireStorm wasn't as befuddled as she pretended. Gulping, Jewel forced herself to take another step forward leaving her almost directly in front of the dull, gray hooves. Answers always held some risks. "Jewel." Frazzle hissed from somewhere behind her. She flicked an ear to show she heard him but held her ground firmly. She would not give up so close to the answers she seeks. The rapidash had watched her progress like a fearow and was mildly surprised at the eevee's determination and foolishness. Arching her neck she peered down and answered lightly, "Why you don't know? She is..." - "Jewel, get back." Chyne bellowed in a semi-panicked voice causing the eevee's buff head to shoot up in alarm. She spied the problem immediately. They were surrounded. "Great job, FireStorm." The female morph yipped in glee. Her cream-colored hair fell in locks that were tipped mahogany at the end. Crimson eyes gleamed with curiosity as she sized up their prey. Nine long tails swished excitedly behind her from beneath her satin outfit. The outfit itself was fairly clean despite the recent meeting with the dirty forest floor. "Hold on their Fiona. Don't count your pokemon before they're caught." The male morph warned in a mocking tone. His eyes were as black as stone and just as hard. White hair flopped into them and he swept it aside. His complexion was pale and sallow. Brown pants bulged out covering his paws and a green shirt fell to his thin wrists. A gold trinket was centered on his round forehead. "Don't count on getting us 'tall." Eveena growled. Her lithe body was bent into a flatten crouch and her teeth bared. Jewel hadn't noticed it but Frazzle had moved between her and FireStorm. He hovered protectively ready to shield her if it became necessary. The fire horse for her part looked distress and displeased that her masters had chosen to appear at such a time. Fiona shook her head in mock dismay at Eveena's comment. An arrogant smirk covered her vixen-like face, "Don't be so confidant, little one." As she spoke her hand strayed down to curl around a sphere attached to her leather belt. Frazzle bristled and Jewel gasped instinctively as she realized what it was. A dreaded pokeball. They knew what the red and white sphere was used for and shrank back daunted. Chyne recognized it also. His black lips were pulled back in a fearsome grimace and his long tail whipped back and forth erratically in the manner of an angry cat. The male Morph watched Chyne with what seemed to be curiosity although it was hard to tell since he hadn't change expressions, "Look at that one. He's a real scrapper. I don't know Fiona, I think he might take us down by his lonesome." "Well then. I'll just have to cool him off, won't I?" Fiona laughed scornfully and tugged a ball off her belt. She tossed it out and when the light faded a curious creature appeared. Two round ears twitched experimentally and a ball sprung lightly on a coiled tail. It squeaked a war cry and turned to receive instructions from Fiona. "Totorill, use your water gun now!" Fiona ordered much in the same way her fully human ancestors commanded their pokemon. The blue creature scrunched up its long face and concentrated. "C'mon, he's buyin' us some time." Eveena hissed to Jewel. She was so low to the ground that her coat was blending with the powdery sand below. "You two go. Find Blitz or one of the others. Chyne and I will hold them off for the time needed." Frazzle instructed keeping his black eyes trained on FireStorm. "We can't just leave you guys here. You'll be outnumbered." Jewel protested unhappily. She was knocked aside by Eveena's slender shoulder. The vulpix was cross and hissed coldly, "We're already outnumbered. We will leave as instructed by our group leader. Chyne ain't fightin' so we can sit 'round and watch." The little Freak's harsh words snapped Jewel out of her horrified state and into practicality. She turned to agree only to find the fox creature already dashing for the forest. She was far from graceful as she scrambled low to the ground hoping to escape detection. Jewel followed suit the best she could. "Two are trying to get away." The male warned with concern of losing the prizes. "Deal with it Leo." Fiona snapped and added in a snide tone, "I'm kind of busy here if you haven't noticed." It was obvious that Chyne was more of a handful than she had first believed. "Right," He nodded then ordered, "FireStorm, cut them off and herd them back here. Now." The fire mare lifted her head and moved to intercept them. Eveena tried to dodge and the horse moved to block her with heavy hooves. Still Eveena tried every avenue of escape and every trick to evade. Each time the faster horse foiled her attempts. Heaving for breath she paused to study the problem. Making a break for it she feinted one way and bolted the other. Amazingly the simple trick worked as she cleared the horse's four slender legs and she scrambled under the dense thorn bushes that bordered the pool. FireStorm started after her and was cut off by a sharp command issued by Leo, "Leave it. You just watch the other ones and see that they don't escape like the last one. Understand?" There was an underlying threat and sharpness that forced FireStorm to agree and set her to her task hastily. Leo continued as he released another Freak from his belt, "Magish, go find that escapee. She went that way through the thorns. Being her back and try not to hurt her too badly." Jewel tried to slip by while they were distracted and was met by a hard hoof in her path. The next intercepted her as it ominously slammed down an inch from her black nose. Jewel backed away glancing around rapidly looking for a possible escape. She cursed that she had not followed Eveena's lead quick enough and was now trapped. A howl of pain sounded loudly behind her and the eevee whirled to see Chyne sprawled out on the ground. Blood tricked lightly from his dusty, black nose and his eyes were closed in defeat. A smirk covered Fiona's pinch features and she recalled the totorill with a passing remark of good job, "One down." Frazzle looked over the hopeless situation and saw only one definite solution to the trap. With a roar of fury he launched himself at FireStorm's neck. She didn't have time to react before his weight hit her neck. With in the instant of contact he delivered his most powerful Thunder to her pale skin. He hung on with a death grip as she thrashed and bucked in pain at the unexpected jolt. Her insane writhing and twisting proved too much, however, and Frazzle was thrown off with a large amount of force. He flew several yards until he hit a solid tree and slid to the base. FireStorm, once again, started to go after the escapee and was cut off. This time it was by Fiona. The woman looked paler than usual, but her voice was cold and firm, "Forget it horse. Catch the eevee and focus on no other task, you hear? You mess this up and you'll be sorry. No more tricks and shenanigans from you." Jewel had not been idle in the time that transaction had taken place and she was a few yards away. The horse turned and galloped after her in dead seriousness. There was no confidence or rashness just cold, hard determination not to fail. "Go Skyhound." Fiona said in the background releasing a winged dog, "Go find that jolteon and bring him back if he's still alive after all that." The dark creature set her brown nose to the ground and cast for the scent. With a bone- chilling bay she bolted in the direction Frazzle had departed. FireStorm had covered a massive amount of distance and she was already on top of Jewel. She raced past and cut the eevee off. Jewel swerved and in desperation took to the air. During the time she had spent with Midnight her wing had strengthened so that long flights were no long so taxing. She now hoped that it was enough. Flapping wildly to gain altitude and escape she glanced a look over her should. Between flashes of tan feathers she saw something that made her blood run cold. FireStorm had completely unfurled her impressive wings and had taken off. Her large, even stroke quickly overtook Jewel's small frantic ones. The horse strove ahead so that her down drafts hit the small eevee. Jewel lost control in the strong wings and her wings buckled. Stubbornly Jewel unfurled them again and kept on. FireStorm swooped as she tired and bodily knocked into the eevee. This time Jewel spiraled out of control and the last thing she saw was the hard ground coming up to meet her.