Zokushi: Across the Golden Sea

[Rambunctious Jamirus]

Yeah, I know I shouldn't be putting up a new story but this one's bothering me badly.

Okay, to be simple, this story is set in a new continent...I'll just let the Prologue explain that part. I'm thinking of having this a a trilogy or something along those lines. This one actually is different since it has a lot of different techniques.

Also, anyone who can guess what the names mean gets a special prize ^-^

Rated PG-13 for language and violence...


Zokushi: Across the Golden Sea
Gethi

The region of Gethi is what many people would compare to Africa of Earth; the same animals were there and it was just a bit bigger than Africa.

Though the same animals were there, the creatures had evolved to be Pokemon. The new Pokemon could control their certain elements but were classified as a different phylum. The original Pokemon before the great scientists of Johto, Hoenn, and Kanto discovered the continent were under the phylum Pokedates and the new Pokemon were under the phylum Gethidates.

The difference between the two Pokemon phylums was not that one was found in a different world or that the creatures were so different that they had to be put under their own phylum. The reason was that the Pokemon’s moves and the way they attacked was different. An Ember attack could suddenly blast from an unknown source the Pokemon used instead of being emitted from the body. The way the creatures behaved was another reason on why Gethidates were under their own phylum as well as the fact that PokeBalls were useless on Gethidates.

The Pokemon inhabiting Gethi looked exactly like the creatures in Africa, Australia, South America, and Asia. The creatures behaved in the same way but also had evolved to take charge of the situation. Humans were at their mercy most of the time. No other Pokemon from the Western regions had been able to live long in the harshness of the Gethi region.

The bottom of Gethi was a large tundra with few trees. Several bulky and hairy Pokemon dominated the tundra while large carnivores fed off larger herbivores. Coniferous forests stretched from the tundra’s end and ended at about a third of the way through Gethi. Small herbivores darted through trees while slightly larger meat-eaters cruised the canopy. The forests turned immediately into grasslands, where the largest land Pokemon lived with other large grass-eaters and packs and prides of carnivores. Rainforests dominated both sides of the grasslands, housing many species of bright Bird Pokemon and several different primates. The grasslands melted into a large desert that controlled the last third of the continent. Few creatures came out during the day but the desert would be alive at night.

Cities were only near rivers or the coast as the other parts of Gethi were too harsh for a human to live long without protection. The only way to travel was to walk or ride a Pokemon and even then, some people didn’t make it to their destination.

However, some people braved the harsh climates of Gethi for the Pokemon League set up. The League was different as it tested the endurance of a Pokemon first before they and their Trainer could compete for a Medal. The Medal replaced the Badge here, as the Medal was given to the Trainer and the Pokemon who had beaten or fought against the Gym Leader. A Pokemon’s loyalty and experience could be shown from the leather band that held the Medals.

The Gyms were spread out among the different climates. There were eighteen Gyms in Gethi, and only three hundred people in the last hundred years have been able to reach the League.



The Rats of Gethi

“Mr. Douji, step forward please,” the honorable Judge Hawthorn called.

Zokushi, eyes down, walked towards the seat where the old man sat. His black hair with white tips hung down in his dark gray eyes, shadowing his tanned face. He looked up, staring hard at the man who stared equally hard back. The two felt a neutral emotion roar through them before the judge frowned.

“Mr. Douji, you stand accused for armed robbery, assault, and arson. The jury finds you guilty of the first two, however,” Hawthorn snarled as Zokushi opened his mouth to speak, “the last one we have dropped the charges on.”

The twelve year-old watched as Judge Hawthorn looked up, old eyes staring behind the young one. He turned too as the metal doors opened and a squealing noise filled the air.

Brought in with two guards was what looked like a small sand coloured and gray kangaroo. The black eyes shot around the room, staring at the few people who gathered there. Ears twitched and pressed down the side of the small head. The mouth was sealed with a fireproof muzzle while the paws were strapped together with fireproof bands of metal. Two long feet kicked out in protest, both adorned with long claws. The long and thick tail lashed back and forth, trying to get away from the guards.

“A Roolaze?”

“This is what caused the shop to burn to the ground. It seemingly was startled by your gunshots and let loose an Ember attack on the shop,” Hawthorn stated in his flat voice.

“So what are you going to do with me?” Zokushi asked, glaring as the old man frowned deeper. The voice was punk tough and hard, the only emotion in it was anger.

“Since you’ve been to juvie for more accounts than any twelve year-old, we were considering prison. But,” he growled as the boy tried to butt in, “we have changed our minds.”

“So then, what?” he asked, relaxing a bit.

“We have decided that you will leave town and enter the Gethi League with that particular Roolaze right there. We will be checking on your progress with every city you enter. It’s either that or seven years in prison.” The judge watched as the boy he had seen before him so many times stared cold and hard. The eyes had hardened a bit more he noticed.

“I’ll take the damn rat,” he snarled finally.

“It’s decided. Mr. Zokushi Douji will choose the League.” The wooden gavel smashed the desk as Hawthorn stood. “You will check into every town at the police station. We will supply you with six hundred Gold pieces, a map, food and water for a month, rope, a PokeDex, a First Aid kit, a bag, extra clothes, and a permit. The permit must be stamped by the police in each town. If you lose it, you will not be issued another one.”

Zokushi rolled his eyes. There were other ways to enter a town than a permit.

The judge caught his action but said nothing. “We will make sure you have checked into a town by permit. The police will call us once they check your permit. If we don’t hear from them, we’ll come looking for you and put you in prison.”

The kid didn’t answer, just grabbed the black backpack the judge held out to him. His trademark sneer rested on his face as he slipped one strap over his shoulder. The almost teen grabbed the leather rope wrapped snugly around the Roolaze’s neck and dragged the Fire Joey out of the courthouse. The two armed guards followed him into the blazing heat.

The town of Morocon was one Zokushi didn’t want to see again. The houses made of metal or clay, thatched roofs to keep the blazing heat away. The sun beat the small city at every chance it got. Rivers avoided the area at all costs; all the rivers that had been there were drained of life. A well was the only means of water, stuck in the middle of town.

People glared at him as he walked by, dragging the tiny Fire type after him. Some yelled at him which only made him snarl and tune them out like he always did. People were always breathing down his neck.

“You can continue on without us from here,” one stated in a deep voice that rumbled across the land.

“Yeah,” he muttered, having a tight hold on the soft leash.

The kangaroo’s muzzle and handlinks were removed and the guards stepped back. Both watched as the rebel and the tiny Fire type walked off.

“Until you come back, Zokushi,” both mumbled, watching the forms’ silhouettes wavered in the intense heat.

“Damn people. Damn world,” he snarled, kicking a rock. The sand under his feet shifted slightly, a sea of golden glass. Winds made the waves roll over the landscape, bring the tiny particles up and then down. It reminded Zokushi of the coast that he had seen once. Where colorful fish swam by, this ocean only gave him the rocks that were shaped into ghastly designs. The sand’s beating had formed them and made them the faces of time.

He then growled at his “partner” who followed him out of curiosity. The shining black eyes watched him as he crawled after the human on all fours. The paws had small claws that gripped the sand easily. Long feet, perfect for hopping, shuffled across the ocean. Wagging, the thick tail dragged and made snake marks in the sand, giving it the real impression of waves.

“Damn Roolaze,” he sneered.

Two feet planted themselves on his back and pushed, knocking the teen forward. Roaring, he turned to find the Roolaze smiling at him. His hand shot out but the Pokemon jumped back, letting out a small laugh at him.

“You little…” he growled, chasing after the Fire Joey. Sand cut his arms and hands as he bolted after the retreating kangaroo. “Come back here!” he screamed.

The boy suddenly tripped, his body flying through the hot air. Zokushi laid in defeat on the ground, sweat coating his face like a sticky skin. He shook his head, sand falling like a veil in front of his gray eyes. Getting back on his feet, he took in the dry air, making his throat hurt.

The squeal in front of him made the boy look up at the Roolaze. The tiny body camouflaged into the sand perfectly, giving him the impression this was a desert Roolaze, a subspecies of the original volcano Roolaze. The other subspecies was the plains Roolaze that completely controlled the plains of Gethi.

“So, you rat. Why don’t you go off on your own? I can take care of myself,” he snarled, brushing the sand off of his worn clothes. The black pants were torn at the edges and the white short sleeved shirt had stitches in it from rips. Zokushi began to stalk off when the sound of shuffles rose from behind him. He looked behind him, finding the Fire type to be following him. Growling, he tried to jog away from the creature but he followed diligently, hopping after the human.

“Go away!” the boy roared, turning around and running towards the Roolaze to scare it off. The Fire Joey just snorted and jumped high, his powerful feet planting on his chest and knocking Zokushi to the ground. He rolled and laid on his back in the blazing sun, sighing when the Pokemon’s head came in view. “You stubborn…”

The kangaroo squealed loudly and hit him with a paw, whining deep in his throat. He stared into the big black eyes, getting a sense of depression in the black orbs. He whined again, rubbing his head against the boy’s chest. The coarse fur brushed against Zokushi’s neck.

“All right, get off,” he growled but it was said in a gentler tone than before. He sat up and stared at the two foot tall Pokemon. “Let’s see what this says about you,” he mumbled, pulling out the PokeDex. The sleek black design, the size of a cell phone. He strapped it onto his wrist and let the soft fibers brush against his tanned skin. The boy pointed the scanner at the Roolaze and watched as it activated.

A picture of him popped up on the screen, the pixels matching each hair perfectly. “Roolaze,” it droned out, the voice sounding oddly lifelike. “the Fire Joey Pokemon. Roolaze are quite common in hot places and migrate with their evolved forms. Young Roolaze are born during the rainy season and can be left behind at times. They are considered one of the most abundant of all Pokemon in the Gethi Region.”

“And they call you the rats of the Gethi region,” he muttered, turning the device off. Standing up to his height of five feet six, he began walking again. The Roolaze followed slowly, keeping a distance from the tall human. “Come on. Don’t want the old man to yell at me,” Zokushi called. When he didn’t scoot closer, he shrugged. “Let’s go, Masago.”

The two larges ears twitched up and a smile found its way on the young Roolaze’s features. He hopped forward, shuffling besides the human as the two continued on through the blazing heat.

[DannyBoy]

This sounds good so far especially with the new pokemon. A new place is also a good thing. The description was not bad. I really like Roolaze, it sounds interesting and it would be a fun loving pokemon. I like how you had the prologe and then went right into the fic. Didn't waste anytime and we didn't have to wait. Again, good. Keep it up!

[Zee Sage]

That was great, I cant wait to read more, cant wait for the next chapter.

EDIT: Sorry for spamming, anyway I lost my head.

I like the new pokemon and stubborn Roolaze, its cool you dont often see a new continnent, AND new pokemon. Neat idea. Bye. :) :wave:

[mistysakura]

I've seen plenty of new places and made-up Pokemon. But these Pokemon are different. The Pokemon being able to issue attacks from different places was very original; now why don't they think of stuff like this for the game or anime?

Zokushi being a rebel was original as well, although I found it a bit unbelievable that the court would let him go free without punishment (well, although he has to check himself in at cities and stuff, the League isn't exactly a punishment.) The description in this was good, and an adequate amount.

That was great.

[Rambunctious Jamirus]

Immortal - Thanks and keep reading!
Zee Sage - Thanks and please keep reading! (I'm getting repetitive...)
misty - Because they like to follow the storyline...no idea! Nevermind...ah, you'll see how the League can be punishable...it did say the first third of the continent is desert...Hehehe.


Dizzy Heat, Dinzy Packs


“Damn heat,” he panted, stumbling as the sun took its highest point in the sky. Where it, the almighty ruler, sat upon its throne and slowly dried him up like prunes and dates. Maybe it was time for impeachment and for the cooling moon to take over for a while. At least until the air became too cold and another election was to come up to take control of the sky.

His white shirt was now transparent from his sweat, sticking to him. If he pulled it off, it would just lay back down and rest against his body like an unwanted scab. He had decided to leave the inferior thing on because if he took it off, it left his torso exposed to the sharp sand. His arms were already covered in red cuts from the blasting effect of the wind and sand.

Zokushi wiped sweat from his brow, flinging it to the ground. It felt like his brain was sizzling in a skillet that the couple who owned a restaurant back in Morocon used. The fire was replaced by burning sand and the heat from the sun was the power instead of wood. The heat waves made the rocks in the distance waver and dance just out of reach.

Masago was faring better. He was more situated to the desert and all he had to do to keep cool was pant. His pink tongue hung out of the flat toothed mouth and he licked his nose to keep it cool. His feet brushed the ground as he shuffled beside the weakening human. The black eyes shone brightly and then gained a saddened look as the human stumbled again.

“Let’s take a break,” he moaned, finding a rock not very far away.

Collapsing, he reveled in the shade of the large rock that was shaped like a giant eye. The ring around the tall and straight structure gave it the appearance of a compass as well, pointing to the sky as its ruler, the earth as its demon. It looked like the ring around the tall and lance straight rock would form into stocky wings and fly the piece of earth to its ruler to be judged.

Zokushi breathed in deeply before sucking on a bottle of water. The water loosen his tongue back up and eased his suffering mouth as it slid down his insides and cooled him. He wiped sweat from his brow again and willed a cold breeze from the ocean to blow by and scoop him up.

The kangaroo whimpered and knocked the boy’s knee with his head, tapping him with a paw. He opened his eyes and stared at the Fire Joey before shrugging and tipping the bottle a bit to let drops fall through the hot air. Masago immediately licked the drops from the air, smiling at him as he shook his head and ruffled his sand fur.

He took a long drink from the bottle and then gazed out at the horizon. Something was moving and he was certain it wasn’t a mirage. Standing, the young boy walked back into the sun, immediately being pushed from the weight of the heat on his shoulders. A hand over his eyes, Zokushi gazed out and narrowed his eyes at what he saw.

Dinzies as they were called, flitted over the sand, at least five of them. All of them were too far away to see but he was certain that they saw him. To be safe, he pointed the scanner in the large creatures’ direction and gazed down at the watch.

“Dinzy,” it blared out. The picture appeared, one of a tan dog-like creature. The muscles were well rounded, smoothing into one another beautifully. The ears stood erect and tall on a large head connected to the body by a thick neck. A tail swooped out, thin but had small spikes situated on it. The claws on the dog’s paws were intimidating to say the least. White covered the back and the top of its head

“The Dingo Pokemon. Dinzy is well known to be a pest in the desert parts of Gethi. The white on a Dinzy’s back is believed to gather in sunlight for energy for their attacks or to deflect sunlight. They are ruthless and will chase down prey in packs of well over ten.”

“That’s good to know,” he snarled. When he looked up again, he found the creatures to be closer than ever. Putting the bottle down, he pick up a sharp rock and chucked it as far as he could. It landed near the pack and they spread out, running off.

Shuffling over, Masago ruffled his fur again and started preening with his back leg. Two of his long toes were connected internally, making a nice brush to smooth out his shiny fur.

“Come on, we should get going,” he mumbled, stuffing the bottle back in the bag and beginning the tedious walk in the sun.

Their footprints showed their trail, reminding them of their path. Zokushi’s breath came out in painful gasps in the hot air, his neck burned from the sun’s seduction. All he needed now was to start hallucinating and it’d be a fan-freaking-tastic day.

A whine made his head turn sluggishly to the small Roolaze. He followed the Fire Joey’s gaze and inwardly groaned.

They were being followed by none other than the Dinzy pack.

“Damn, this is all we need,” he moaned, still going. The fight of power was something he wished his energy wasn’t being spent on. He needed it to battle the Dinzy pack that was making their way slowly to them, watching as the human weakened. It had been known that Dinzies would follow prey for as much as ten miles, just waiting for the prey to become weary enough to take down easily.

Zokushi ignored the approaching pack as much as he could, concentrating on walking. The fiery heat was swelling around him, wrapping long, burning fingers around his throat, evaporating the water from within and leaving him begging for water. The sweat that made his clothes unnaturally heavy and stick to him was slowing down as the water in him was drained slowly from the sun.

Gasping for air, he stumbled slightly and cursed loudly. His hand shot out to catch him in his fall but the sweat on his palms slipped on the dry sand and made him fall to the ground.

Paws sounded, muffled by the golden ocean. Zokushi swore loudly and scrambled to his feet and did something he regretted.

The boy ran.

Masago protested loudly but followed after him, his body hunched over, tail out. The long feet gave him the power to race ahead of the slowly exhausting human and jump over a large rock. His partner, however, had to climb up it, using his weary muscles to drag himself up.

Claws raked his back, excited yips filling the air. Zokushi gritted his teeth against the scratch and barely managed to swing his legs over the side and then race after the retreating Pokemon.

The Dinzies followed, leaping over the rock easily and chasing their prey down. Black tongues whipped out of their mouth, revealing long, plaque covered fangs. Yips echoed from their throats and then across the land, signaling the attack.

“Dammit,” Zokushi snarled, watching as three Dinzies ran right beside them on either side. Masago was squealing loudly as two more cut off their escaped route, blocking them in for doom.

Fire suddenly erupted from under one of the Dinzies in front of them, the smell of scorched fur and flesh stinging the boy’s nose. The other one howled in surprise and in pain at the brightness of the flames.

The two broke free but were immediately surrounded again. Fires were shooting everywhere, the small Roolaze screaming in terror as the flames missed their targets. He was still inexperienced and had little control over his aim.

Snarling, the pack circled, looking for an opening. Now that they were closer, Zokushi could see the hazel eyes clearly, the flames making them look red when it reflected. The teeth gleamed brightly in a twisted smile as the leader, a Dinzy that had age in his eyes but not in his body, stalked forward. His powerful body rolled and he turned his head to the side, the Pokemon language of a duel like slapping someone with a glove was in human.

Masago backed off, hiding behind Zokushi. His small claws gripped the boy’s pants in fear. The human swallowed hard and looked around, staring at each Dingo in turn. He slowly reached into his pocket, pulling out the pocket knife he always kept with him. Flipping the blade with an agonizing slowness, he held it securely in his hand.

A bark sounded from the leader and the creatures all leapt at them. The Fire Joey screamed in terror and suddenly leaned back on his tail, the Pokemon landing right on his elongated feet. He pushed as hard as he could, sending the hunter flying through the air and onto the sand. The black-haired teen swiped at one with the knife, missing but making him back off.

Teeth sunk into his ankle as one broke through his guard. He yelled in pain as the Dinzy sunk in deeper, sending dizzying waves of pain through his leg. Instinctively, he stabbed the creature in the shoulder, not hitting bone but ripping through tough flesh. He drove the knife in deeper and then stabbed the Dinzy again when he refused to let go. He yelped and let go of his hold on the human’s ankle and retreated to nurse his wounds.

Zokushi leaned on his left leg, the blade gripped so hard in his hand that his knuckles were white. He took steadying breaths and yelled at the canines, trying to scare them off. The Pokemon just growled and surrounded them again, circling like vultures.

One leapt to attack the kangaroo, not reaching her goal as the Roolaze leaned back and kicked her ten feet away. The blasts of fire still burning around the group were starting to die in power. Masago was tiring, his young body only meant to take so much. The boy he was back to legs with was tired from the still burning heat.

Three lashed out at the same time, taking the human down with them. Jaws rested on his forearm, leaving bloody holes in his skin and flesh. Saliva and blood ran down his arms and into his face as he fought the dogs with his knife, stabbing whatever he could. The Pokemon’s blood soaked him, the copper smell blocking his nose from all other scents. Fury guided his blows, from the short, sharp kicks to the canine’s heads or stomachs, to the slashes and jabs his hand made with the blade.

Howls of pain and the mound of power on him fell back. Burnt flesh stung his senses as the ball of fire that used to be a Dinzy rolled on the sand and threw herself across the land. He grimaced from the pain in his left forearm and tried to fight off the leader as he mauled him, teeth snapping less than an inch from his face. He could see the anger in the hazel eyes that were now a fiery red. The defeat of his pack had been by a lone human, a worthless scum to be dealt with. He could almost hear him howling ‘Kill, die, destroy,’ instead of the pained yowls rumbling from deep within the beast’s chest.

Tired, he grabbed the dog’s neck, pushing deeper into the folds of skin. His hand squeezed tightly, trying to cut off his air supply. A paw with long claws pinned his arm down, slashing through the skin and muscle. Zokushi yelled in pain, his hand falling slowly away from the leader’s neck. The teeth scraped his cheek and aimed for the soft throat. The gleam of victory glowed from the eyes and he could almost imagine himself cutting through the skin, piercing the throat and watching the scum underneath his weight die from drowning in blood.

Two feet kicked the dog away, the force and his odd position on the human making it easier for him to be moved. Masago followed up with a jab to the eye and then let a blast of flames blow from underneath the Dinzy, throwing the leader into the air and sending him crashing into a rock.

Seeing their alpha male down and out of the fight, the pack’s ears fell back and they retreated into the horizon, the leader following with his tail held straight out.

Masago squealed and nudged Zokushi’s head with his paw. Whimpering, he licked the blood from the boy’s face and tried to revive the tired human. When the eyebrows creased, he cried out happily and rubbed his face against the boy’s.

“Get off,” Zokushi mumbled, his body aching. Pain was lancing up from his leg and from his arm. Sleep sounded good, especially in the heat that drained his energy. The hot fingers were back, now sucking his strength from him with its touch.

Fighting, he forced himself up, leaning heavily on his left leg. The sun was still the king of him though but it was also the ruler of this match. It decided his fate on the blazing sand where the fires from the Roolaze still burned, only not as bright. The heat was the only force keeping the fires going. Nothing was helping the fires burn as the desert was drier than the rivers in Morocon.

The will to survive kept him going; making him put one foot after another. He dragged his left leg behind him, leaving a trail that any could follow. His breath came in gasps, blood dripped from his arm and leg, and he was starting to wonder if what he was seeing was true. A large rock formation was in the shape of a mountain and he was wondering if it actually was a mountain.

Swallowing was useless. He had no more spit in his mouth to even give the desert water. He managed to grab a bottle from the backpack’s depths and drank long and deep, some of the precious liquid escaping from him. Masago caught those drops, licking them from the air.

Even with the new energy, the sun’s mistress only had to touch his throat to draw the liquid from him. The heat blazing down, she wrapped herself around him, making his vision double and his head spin. He could feel his mind weakening and his brain frying.

Zokushi fell to his knees, his face coated with used up sweat. With a shudder, he collapsed into the sand. Masago squealed loudly, shaking his shoulder and trying to get the boy to his feet.

He started to wonder if what he was seeing was real or a mirage. The silhouette of something heading his way, screams that sounded like the human language filled his ears. They’d have to wait. Blackness beckoned him and he wasn’t refusing its offer this time.

[DannyBoy]

Good chapter! You did a good job making it look like hes in a hellish place. Is hellish even a word? Hmm...but it seems like hell with the heat. That is definitally a punishment. I liked the Dingo pokemon, that was interesting. GAin, good! Keep it up!

[mistysakura]

Yep, I get the point of the League being punishable now. Although I'm sure you haven't finished with tthe hellishness (now that definitely isn't a word) yet. The description of the desert was really good; I could practically feel the heat. The battle was good too, especially the bit where yous aid that Roolaze couldn't aim (can seem weird when young Pokemon are masters of their attacks).

Keep it up!

[Rambunctious Jamirus]

Immortal - I think it's a word...Thanks for reviewing!
misty - Heh, thanks for reviewing!


The Reflector’s Regime


The air around him was warm, not the unwanted blasting heat of the sun. A fire crackled in his ears and wood snapped and popped. Wondering if Masago was smart enough to even start a fire with dead wood, Zokushi opened one eye and stared at a rock ceiling. His head hurt as well his arm and leg. The pain had eased into a dull throb though and it felt like someone had wrapped the two wounds. Breathing in, he managed to push himself up but was mauled by a warm body with coarse fur that hugged and squeezed him tightly. “Back off, Masago,” he mumbled.

“Well, our guest is awake.”

Zokushi fought to get on his feet but Masago stayed on top of him, hugging his neck fiercely. He managed to push the Fire Joey off and turned around to where he heard the voice.

She was actually pretty. Brown hair that framed the smooth face and fell to her shoulder blades. Dark eyes peered out from the bangs, smiling at him. The teen was older than him by about five or six years but he could die right there and die happy.

He shook his head, erasing those thoughts. No way was he falling for the one who most possibly dragged him off the desert sands.

“You really all right? Looks like you took some bad hits,” she said softly.

“Westerner,” he snorted. Her accent was too smooth to be from Gethi.

She smiled slightly as he narrowed his eyes at her. He wasn’t a teen yet but she hated to say he was actually cute. The tough attitude she had picked off of him when she found him collapsed in the sand now shone around him as an aura. The dark eyes and hair made him look tough like a punk but with the Roolaze beside him, it seemed to soften his view. His face was the one thing that had caught her attention. It was one that girls would fall to but on his reaction to her, not many girls had fallen for him.

“That may be true but I’m at least more suited to the desert than you,” she retorted, crossing her arms in front of her chest. This action was done for two reasons; one being she was showing her twinge of frustration and the other was because he was staring at her.

Who said you had to be a teen to have fantasies?

“Any thanks or such? Or has that heat stroke messed with your brain?” she asked lightly, smiling.

“Thanks then.” It was forced but it would have to do.

“I’m Lizzie. And you’re Zokushi,” she stated, watching as he tensed visibly. This would be harder than she thought. “Your PokeDex told me about you. So, what’s a boy like you doing out in this big desert? Kicked outta town?”

When his eyes fell away from hers, she regretted guessing that one. A weight had suddenly been put on Lizzie’s shoulders as he faced the cave’s wall. “Hey, I’m sorry.”

“Just go away,” he growled. He wanted to push everyone out of his life. Too many people scared him. He didn’t need people at all.

“Hey, come on, now. I said I was sorry.” She took a step but stopped when he tensed again. Eyes falling, she nodded and left him to his thoughts in the cave.

Zokushi took in a deep breath and gazed behind him, finding the girl gone. Swallowing, he stood on shaky legs and started to make his way to the mouth of the cave.

The light from the large fire stung his eyes but he got used to the area and gazed in amazement at the creatures assembled. Three were large, at least bigger than he was, horse or camel-like creatures. The body had fine hair while a short and thick mane ran down the long neck. The face and head was horse-like in appearance yet the nose closed completely and opened with each breath. The eyes were a light colour, a stunning light yellow that was almost white. A tail made up of long hair swung from side to side. The body of the Pokemon was that of a camel, a large hump resting on its back. The hair grew a bit longer on the peak of the slab of fat and hung in waves. The feet that weren’t hidden under the heavy body had two toes each with large hooves on each toe. The fur was black and dark gray in some spaces.

Zokushi wished he had his PokeDex at the moment when he caught two glowing green eyes staring at him. The eyes belonged to a very sleek cat whose ears sat upon her head and swiveled when he moved. The paws were huge and claws popped out and in slowly. Spots and stripes decorated the gold fur, the outline of the black markings being brown. In front of his eyes, the marking suddenly wiggled, taking a new shape. A pink tongue ran across the whiskers as long as his fingers.

He backed away slowly and then saw a large creature, her stomach swelled larger than he guessed it should’ve been. He couldn’t see the face or anything beyond the stomach for that matter. The tail that slapped the ground had coarse fur and longer strands, braided into several strands. The body was a striking gray, with black along the flanks and white that spread up to the ankle while two hooves, hard as rocks, rested on the end of each foot. Zokushi could see the tips of long, thin horns.

“I see you’ve met the gang,” Lizzie said suddenly, making him jump. He gazed at the Westerner as she rubbed one of the black camel/horse Pokemon before tossing him the PokeDex. He strapped it back on, feeling a new part of him come into light before lining one of the creatures up with the scanner.

“Destrac,” the machine blared. “The Burden Pokemon. Destrac has been used as a beast of burden across the deserts of Gethi for centuries. They can have a nasty temper and have sharp teeth to attack with. There are few, if any, wild Destracs still living.”

Satisfied, he then pointed it at the cat-like creature still staring hungrily at him.

“Vale,” the PokeDex continued. “The Serval Pokemon. Vale is a weird Pokemon, seemingly made up of several different ones. The spots on Vale’s body can rearrange themselves but will always go back to their original spots when it faints.”

He took his time gazing at the creature as the spots suddenly turned into a happy face on the broad chest. Raising an eyebrow, he turned to the mystery Pokemon and watched as the screen gave him a side profile of the creature. The head was antelope shaped, the face white. Black markings ran down the sides of the eyes and made a stripe down the gray neck. The front legs were also white up to the knees and then black the rest of the way up. The most amazing feature were the two long horns that swept gracefully back and seemed to almost as long as the animal itself. Another horn was seemingly drilled between the two longer horns and was much thicker.

“Thribok, the Desert Antelope Pokemon. Thribok is well suited to life in the deserts of Gethi. These Pokemon usually move in herds of hundreds from one feeding ground to another. The three horns on Thribok’s head are almost indestructible.”

According to the picture, the Thribok was much thinner than the one he was looking at in reality. Zokushi watched as Lizzie rubbed the giant antelope’s stomach and whispered to her. A low grunt was the creature’s answer as she shifted to lay on her other side.

“This is Chiryoku. She’s about ready to give birth,” Lizzie whispered, rubbing the Desert Antelope’s joints. “She’s been having a hard time walking so we’ve been camping out here for about a week.”

Lizzie moved with relative ease among the Pokemon, the Vale jumping down from her perch and rubbing against Lizzie’s leg. “This pest is Meisai. She’s strong but can be scary.”

Smiling, she then pointed to the three Destracs in turn. “Rakuda, Niuma, and Sabaku.”

“Those are all Gethi names,” he pointed out, watching as she smiled.

“Well, those three had those names to begin with. I wanted to keep the tradition of Gethi names for the other two. Well, almost three,” she said softly, gazing over at the Thribok. “So, Zokushi, what’s his name?” she asked, her head gesturing to the tiny kangaroo that was watching Meisai groom herself.

“Masago,” he growled, watching as the Roolaze began to preen himself as well, combing out the clumps in his fur.

The large creature made a sigh that sounded almost like one of pain. She moved sluggishly to roll on her stomach and managed to get to her feet. The pregnant Chiryoku stumbled out of the cave and into the cold night air.

Deserts have a tendency to change when the sun’s term was over. When the moon became the queen of the sky, the stars her servants, the temperature dropped at least thirty degrees. She controlled the life now and gazed down at her followers on the planet.

Snakes slithered across the sand while lizards of all sizes shot out long tongues and captured prey. Several species of mouse and rodent Pokemon hopped or scampered across the sand, making it seem alive. A tortoise Pokemon the size of a small boulder that was easily mistaken for a rock during the day slowly crawled across the golden sea and chomped on sprouting grass. An owl hooted somewhere, calling for her mate as she and her chicks were hungry. A tiny fox-like Pokemon bounded with agility and grace, its huge ears scouting. The Pokemon suddenly turned and shot after one of the rodents, chasing it down.

Chiryoku stumbled through the sand and kicked some away with a foot. Her teeth clamped down on the buried grass and she ripped it out, enjoying fresh food. She caught the sight of Meisai guarding her. The best meal always came from a two creatures in one spot.

Her sensitive ears twitched up, hearing the sound of paws on the ocean. She raised her head from grazing the small patch of grass and pointed her ears forward, straining for the sound of paws. The noise came again and Chiryoku realized that there was more than one creature coming towards them.

Lizzie had tried to talk to Zokushi but it was useless. The boy wouldn’t answer any of her questions and he most certainly wouldn’t face her. Masago was a different story as he climbed right in her lap and batted at the locks of hair hanging from her head. “You’re so adorable,” she cooed, rubbing under his chin.

“Adorable my ***,” Zokushi muttered loud enough for only himself to hear. He gazed at the gauze wrapped tightly around his forearm, remembering the bite marks and rips the Dinzies had made. The pain was still there and would crescendo when he moved his fingers. Frowning, he stared at the fire and then looked up as Lizzie leapt to her feet.

“Chiryoku!” she suddenly shrieked, dashing out of the cave. Zokushi scrambled up, forgetting the sharp pain in his ankle. Masago hopped behind him, body hunched forwards.

The boy stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of the Dinzy pack circling the huge Thribok. The Pokemon was screaming in a loud, shrill voice, kicking and putting too much pressure on her front legs for comfort. Lizzie was yelling, trying to scare the canines away. It wasn’t working too well as this only irritated the creatures. Meisai was taking one on herself, her sleek body moving in and out of the Dinzy’s swipes.

The three Destracs appeared, breaking through the circle of carnivores and surrounding the frantic Desert Antelope. Chiryoku had suddenly collapsed then, panting heavily and her back legs kicking out.

Lizzie was trying to get in but the Dinzies broke into separate group, two taking on Lizzie. She retreated slowly but kept gazing at the weakened Thribok.

Zokushi could’ve just left then and there. At the sight of the Pokemon that was lying on the ground though brought up unpleasant memories. The boy pulled out his pocket knife, flipping the blade open easily. He rushed forward, feinting at the Dinzy’s front and then hitting him in the side. The knife sunk in easily and he pulled it out, stabbing again at the Dingo’s side. He backed off and then the boy found something else that surprised him.

Masago kicked one of the Dinzies in the ring around the Destracs. His long feet had a good grip on the bodies as he knocked them away slowly but surely.

The teen made a break for it, sliding under the prancing legs of the black Pokemon and cradling the pregnant Pokemon’s head. “Zokushi!” she screamed as she felt the building energy inside the Pokemon. “She’s scared herself into labour! You have to hold the Dinzies off!”

No reply came back but she was certain that she caught determination in those hard eyes. Meisai had mangled the one she had taken on and was standing by the boy’s side, hair bristled. Masago had a deer in the headlights look but he was standing tall and straight.

The group was outnumbered with a ratio of one to four. He was sure Meisai could handle herself but he wasn’t sure about himself and the Roolaze. The leader had staked out Zokushi for himself and had pushed the others away. Teeth gleamed in the moonlight, reflecting the reflector’s beams. Eyes glowed red in the half moon that hung low in the sky. The face could be seen clearly on the surface, revealing to the followers of its regime what no one else could see.

The ability to be visible physically but invisible mentally.

With a howl that made hair stand on end and shudders that shook spines, the pack began to advance on the three fighters.

[mistysakura]

Yay, new characters. Chiryoku's definitely interesting, and I love the clifhanger. I hope Lizzie's not just a temporary character; she's got potential. Can't wait until the next chapter. By the way, how'sthe other fic going?

[Rambunctious Jamirus]

misty - Don't worry I have plans for her...please keep reading!


Tsukiyo


Lizzie gently tried to get the Desert Antelope comfortable as the huge Thribok moaned loudly. The stark white legs were kicking out in pain as she shrieked, pain sprouting and blossoming fully as the new life moved briefly. She laid her head in the girl’s lap, whining noisily and kicking out again.

“Shush, Chiryoku, it’ll be over soon,” the girl whispered, stroking the fine haired face gently. “Stay calm, baby.”

Chiryoku began to shriek again and Lizzie looked up, a small cry coming from her throat as a Dinzy gazed hungrily at them. The eyes, wild from being untamed by even the strongest human, stared at the hurting creature before she licked her chops. One thing she had been taught was patience. And that particular lesson would pay off soon enough.

Snarling, the boy blocked a slash from the leader as he swung his claws out. The shoulders rolled and his muscles faded into one another. Growls emitted from the thick throat covered by longer fur. The ears were pressed on his head, eyes gleaming brilliantly in the moon’s light. It washed over the battlefield, enveloping the struggling Vale as she sank teeth into the neck of one of the Dinzies. Claws raked against tough flesh, ripping up waves of blood that spread over the sand. The blood sparkled in the reflector’s beams and sank into the sea.

Fires erupted under the large bodies of Dinzies, Masago shrieking in fear. His advantage was his speed and powerful legs, all of which he was using to protect himself from the beasts’ jaws that snapped out to devour him. His tail whipped up sand, blinding the Dingoes for a few seconds before he kicked one, feet planted firmly on the broad chest. The Roolaze then retreated again until he thought of a better plan, hopping in and out on swinging tails and claws.

The human was faring worst, his advantage of size not working. Even being human didn’t give him an advantage, as the huge canine was skilled in taking down large prey with weapons. His teeth would feint in and he’d aim for the gut on his return strike, always missing but making Zokushi put weight on his injured ankle. He kept wincing but stayed fighting, swiping with his blade. The glimmering metal was useless against the swift and agile Dingo though, for the canine dodged every attack he threw at him.

All life seemed to have been driven away from either the loud noises or the flames that arched for the sky, twisting and throwing ghastly shadows. Shadows that stretched and drowned their prey in the darkness of them. Once in, you couldn’t get out. The darkness would swallow whatever was in its path and suffocate the being by forcing itself in the pores and mouth, leaking out of eyes and the creature’s aura.

Chiryoku was shrieking because the darkness was close to her, trying to strangle a life that hadn’t begun its real journey. She fought it, legs thrashing against the binding shadows, keeping it away from her child. Gentle strokes to the top of her head reassured her it wouldn’t happen but a mother’s instincts were to protect her child from any danger, that included the danger that couldn’t possibly happen.

Meisai snarled and slashed out, raking up fur and skin, leaving bloody rivers on the tan body. He howled in pain, head throwing back. The knife sharp claws went for the hazel eyes, missing but shredding one ear. A jab to the front leg made the Dinzy fall into the sand and a bite on the neck knocked him out. She snarled at a new opponent, hissing fiercely.

Another flame ball erupted from under the sand, managing to catch one of the Dinzies in surprise. She howled and backed over, trying to douse the fires on her leg. The Roolaze was tired, panting heavily to gain lost air. Three Dinzies were still on him, desperately starving for something to eat. Saliva dripped in long strands from their teeth, hitting the ground with a sickening splat. He whimpered, backing off and away from the hungry predators.

A Dinzy crept towards the struggling Thribok, only to have a two-hoofed foot kick her in the head. The dazed canine yelped and backed off, shaking her head. The Destrac grunted and moved a bit closer to protect the Desert Antelope. The other two followed suit, keeping the circle tight but far enough to give the creature her space.

Zokushi stumbled as his ankle buckled from under him. Wincing, he barely had enough time to catch himself and to dodge a lunge from the leader. Fire lit up right by his head, nearly singeing his hair. Breathing hard, he stared into the wild eyes of the Dinzy as he crept closer.

Something shone in the flame light.

Zokushi stared at the melted sand, finding that the fire had died out but left behind a souvenir just for him. He grabbed it, ignoring the pain that shot up from his hand. Scrambling backwards, he glared at the Dingo as he crept closer, lips pulled back in a snarl. The teeth shone in the fires all around the area.

Victory gleamed in the hazel eyes, a twisted smile on his muzzle. The claws gripped the sand, shifting it under the digits. Blood would soon be shed for the wrongs of the humans, showing them that they were under the Pokemon’s mercy. Shoulders rolled and the Dinzy leapt, wanting to give the human a final strike.

Grunting, Zokushi held the item in his hand out at an angle, catching the blinding light of the fires and reflecting it into the leader’s eyes. He howled in pain, backing off in mid-leapt, shaking his head. His eyes were burning and as soon as he opened them, the light once again was shot in his eyes.

A knife was brought down into his shoulder, stabbing through the tissue. Zokushi knocked the creature back again, keeping the glass at an angle to keep the blinding light in his eyes. Kicking the canine, he took his advantage into his own hands, taking a rock from the ground and smashing it against the creature’s head and watching him fall.

Upon seeing their leader beaten, the canines whimpered deep in the thick throats. Ears laid back, they retreated into the darkness, leaving the beaten Dinzy behind. It was every Pokemon for themselves when they lost.

Lizzie gently stroked the long neck as the creature shrieked again and her legs kicked out in pain. The Westerner hugged her neck, whispering to keep her calm. Chiryoku shrieked louder and Lizzie looked up, finding that she had started. Rakuda had moved to protect the incoming baby, gazing at the other two Destracs that were rubbing their black heads against the Thribok’s stomach to help.

With a final shriek, the pain fading away, Chiryoku brought her head up, moving to lay on her stomach. She gazed down at the tiny body as the eyes blinked open weakly. He was shivering slightly, gazing at the new world that held a brightness that hurt his small eyes. A warm body pressed against him, a tongue licking his head clean from the mess of his birth. He blinked his eyes open and stared into the warm face as the dark brown eyes gazed at him. The little one let out a low grunt and scooted closer to the creature.

Zokushi strapped the rope tightly around the muzzle, making a makeshift muzzle. He wrapped another piece of rope around the back of the creature’s head and let another piece run up the front of his head, between the eyes, and connecting to the ropes around the head and muzzle. Leaving the creature tied to a dead tree by his head harness, he approached the cooing Lizzie as she petted the new Thribok. The Destracs looked relieved and Meisai was keeping her distance, gazing at the horizon for any movement. Masago hopped around the new Pokemon, watching him as his head followed his movements.

“He all right?” the boy asked, watching as the baby Thribok gazed at him.

“He’s just fine. Though his fur is darker than it should be,” she commented, staring at the tiny Desert Antelope.

He gazed at the full moon that hung in the sky, looking as though it was gazing upon its new follower. The regime of the moon, he could tell, was almost to an end as the election was coming up. “Tsukiyo,” he whispered.

“What?” she asked, looking up at the younger boy.

“Tsukiyo, moonlit night,” he said louder. The dark gray eyes fell on the tiny Thribok and he smiled somewhat. Just for a second and it disappeared.

Lizzie smiled and she watched as the tiny Pokemon tried to stand on legs too long for his body. He fell but shook his head, trying again. His mother stood, walking around him and grabbing his furry tail in her mouth, pulling him up. His legs held out, the four thin limbs shaking a bit. Chiryoku smiled gently and rubbed her head against his back and neck, marking him as hers.

“That’s perfect, Zokushi,” she said cheerfully, a large smile on her face. She threw her arms around him, felt the boy tense immediately and freeze. Lizzie chuckled at his reaction and smiled gently. “Come on Zokushi. You made sure the Dinzies didn’t get him.”

“So?” he asked, looking her in the eyes.

“You should be the one who chooses the name for him. I think you did it without thinking anyways,” she stated, staring at his dark eyes.

He turned away from her and stared at Masago. The Roolaze was having fun hopping around the new one, laughing as the small tried to chase him but fell on his front legs. He shook his white head and tried again. He fell over.

Chiryoku smiled and helped him to his feet again, watching as the little one took shaky steps after the Fire Joey. She faced the others watching as the humans talked while Meisai kept a watchful eye on the horizon that was beginning to lighten. The Destracs were gathered together, watching the small Desert Antelope get used to his legs.

Snarling had the mother standing next to her baby and wrapping her neck around him to hold the small one still. He stiffened and held still as his mother licked him softly to keep him calm.

Zokushi strode over to the struggling Dinzy as he pulled against the ropes. His claws were useless against the tight fiber and he couldn’t open his mouth to bite through the ropes. Every time he pulled with his back on the rope, he had to turn his head and every time he pulled with him facing the rope, it put pressure on the back of his head and made him stop. The Pokemon growled fiercely at the human and leapt at him, only to fall as the rope jerked.

“I win,” he said dangerously, staying right out of reach from the claws.

Growls echoed from the throat and he gazed at his opponent. He had lost but his fight was still in him. Humans were scum.

The boy watched as the canine still held his tail high, signaling he was the leader. “You lost. I’m the leader now.”

Snarls erupted from the Dinzy and he pulled again, failing to reach the creature.

To prove his point, Zokushi grabbed the rope and pulled, making the Dingo turn his head. He fought but he couldn’t fight the pull as his muzzle was eased to face the human. His eyes flamed and he tried to pull again but his head had to follow, it was the law of nature.

The boy left him tied there and gazed at the horizon, staring at the purples and pinks that meant that the sun had won the election. The fiery flames of its kingdom rose to serve their master’s bidding and all the moon’s followers fled back into hiding. The sun was a cruel master with the unforgiving heat.

Lizzie smiled as the new mother calmed and the tiny newly named Tsukiyo grunted with hunger. She cut strings of leather off and made a makeshift harness for the baby, one just like his mother had on. The Destracs were moving impatiently in a small circle, wanting to get moving. “Hey, Zokushi.”

He turned to face her, his face shadowed by his hair. “What?” he asked, his sneer on his face.

“Well, you’re doing the League right? Otherwise you wouldn’t be out here with a Roolaze,” she stated.

“Yeah so?” he asked, turning around fully to face her.

“Since you can’t last very long out here, I proposed a truce since I get the feeling you don’t like me that much. We can travel together,” she said softly, staring into his hard eyes.

“I don’t need anyone’s help,” he growled.

“Well then, I guess you won’t be needing this,” the Westerner waved his bag in the air, Meisai grinning right besides her.

“You little…” he growled, lunging at her but missing.

“Uh-uh,” she tsked, waving the bag again. “You pretty much have no choice, Zokushi.”

“I hate women,” he hissed between clenched teeth.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” the Westerner chuckled. She nodded and tossed his bag to one of the Destracs, the large hoofed animal taking it and placing the bag on her back. “You can ride Rakuda.” The teen pulled herself on Sabaku, grabbing the reins that hung across the nape of the black neck.

She had to say, for a native Gethi, he didn’t know how to mount a Destrac. The boy had tied the rope connected to the Dinzy’s muzzle to Rakuda’s small pack saddle. And then he tried to climb on but he kept falling over. His feet would slip and Rakuda would snap at him fiercely.

“Come on,” she mumbled, dismounting. Lizzie cupped her hands together and gave him a boost onto the Burden Pokemon’s back. Smiling at him, she waved at Meisai who leapt nimbly onto Niuma’s back, sitting proudly and acting as watch. Masago hopped up and draped himself across Rakuda’s neck base and scratched his ear with his small paw.

Lizzie waited until Tsukiyo was done feeding before clicking her tongue against her teeth. The Pokemon grunted and started walking slowly, feet shuffling over the sand. The other two followed in a straight line behind her, Chiryoku keeping her son in front of her as they walked.

[Rambunctious Jamirus]

Okay...Chapter 5.


Uncovered Emotions


“How long have you been out here?” Zokushi asked, his body swaying with the steps of the large creature. Masago had climbed off and was playing with Tsukiyo, hopping around the long legged creature. Chiryoku kept a close eye on the two, more than one would deem normal.

“About, maybe, four weeks,” she called back, leading Sabaku towards a sea of dunes in the distance. “I bought these guys when the ship landed from a merchant in town getting rid of some of his herd. I found Meisai in a cage in the market and coaxed Chiryoku to come with me after she collapsed from the weight. She needed quite a bit of help when I found her.” Lizzie turned back for a moment and smiled. “I’m from the Kanto region, Vermilion City. That city’s popular for tourism with beaches.”

“Sounds fun,” he growled, voice dripping with sarcasm.

Lizzie grinned to herself and shifted so she could look at him. “Yeah, it’s fun. Won pretty big in the League there.”

That sparked his interest and he looked over at her. Smiling, she watched as his eyes darted from her to the ground.

“Got fourth in the League. Was beat by a strong Trainer who’s actually here in Gethi now. The top ten Trainers got a free pass to the Gethi to train.” She watched as he finally caught her eyes. “Had a team of a Ninetales, Raichu, Togetic, Butterfree, Bellossom, and Starmie.”

Confusion crossed his features as she rattled off the list. He had never seen one but had heard only two of the six she mentioned.

“Here,” she stated, pulling something out from a pack on the large Destrac. The teen tossed a bound, leather book to him and watched as he undid the strap easily and flipped it open.

Zokushi gazed at a sleek, fox-like animal with at least five tails. Notes were written on the side but he ignored them, preferring to stare at the picture. Quite a few of the stronger, meaner looking ones caught his attention and the cutesy ones made him sneer. His attention lingered on the dragons, mostly on the Charizard. He tossed it back to her as soon as he finished, watching as she replaced it into the pack.

She smiled, knowing he was interested but not showing it. In the few short hours she had known him, Lizzie had figured him to be quiet and shy but standing for his reasons. The girl steered the Destrac to a stand she could barely see in the distance.

His eyes stared down at the still struggling Dinzy, watching as his head snapped back and forth. The large paws dug into the sand but Rakuda was stronger and dragged the canine. The stab wounds had crusted over with dried blood and looked to becoming infected. Snarls erupted from his throat as he tried attacking the Burden Pokemon, only to receive a kick from the huge beast.

The creature turned his head to pull free and caught sight of figures moving in the distance, dog-like ones. Hope sprang in his chest for a moment before his eyes registered how many of his pack had come.

Only four were following.

The feeling of betrayal crushed hope down, filling the stocky body. Hurt reflected in the hazel eyes as he stared at the small pack trailing them. Not even his mate, the one he had devoted himself to, had come to help. The pain spread and defeated his strength, leaving him being slowly dragged through the golden sea as though he were just another item.

Surprised at the sudden defeat of his rival, Zokushi stared up at the horizon, finding only a small number of pack members following them. His eyes took on a hint of despair at the revelation but he didn’t move to help the Dingo as he just gave up and let himself be dragged.

“Hello,” Lizzie chirped as she dismounted and led the thirsty Sabaku by his harness. She had seen the well in the middle of the stand and smiled sweetly as the two men there turned to stare at her. “May we have some water for the Pokemon?”

One of them began speaking quickly and, what she could pick up, angrily. Lizzie visibly backed away as man approached her. She stared up into wild eyes and clutched the reins of the Destrac as he backed up as well.

A fist smashed into the man’s nose and Lizzie could faintly hear the sound of cartilage breaking. Blood splashed around the sand as the man retreated, holding his nose as the red liquid dribbled from between his fingers.

Zokushi ducked and rammed his head into the other man’s jaw as he tried to avenge his fallen comrade. He stumbled and then fell as the smaller boy sunk a balled fist into the man’s gut and kicked him where no man should ever be kicked.

Angry words, in the same language that the two men had been speaking, shot out and lashed the groaning men as he snarled. His eyes had turned an angry hue and his body had turned tense. Zokushi kicked sand at the men as both crawled away.

A thinner, older guy stepped out of the small hut at the noise, rolling his eyes at the large men crawling across the ground. The thin human walked up to the still fuming boy, smiling apologetically. “I’m sorry sir, ma’am,” he smiled, trying not to let his accent get in the way. “They went out to town for the last few days and drank all this morning. I hope they didn’t cause any hurt on you?”

“I’m fine,” Lizzie nodded, regaining her composure after the shock of finding Zokushi kicking the crap out of the men. She stared at the still scrambling men and gazed at the boy as his body calmed back down.

He smiled slightly and nodded, staring at the assembly of creatures around them. “I suppose you would like to have some water for them. I get it.”

Lizzie glanced over at Zokushi, watching him as he made his way to Rakuda. “Hey, Zokushi?” The eyes lifted and gazed at her for a slight moment. “Thanks for that.”

He shrugged, untying the Dinzy from the Destrac. He tried getting him to walk but the creature just kept laying, quite a bit of his fur rubbed off from being dragged. Shaking his head, the pre-teen pulled him forwards to the well and the troughs. The three Destracs were all gulping down water and he had to say, it was quite a sight to suddenly see the ribs that had poked out suddenly fade into in the mass of flesh.

A smaller trough had been set up for Meisai and Masago who were lapping up water greedily. The boy had shoved the Dinzy forward to the wooden object, watching as the eyes stared at it for a moment before he laid on his side. Growling somewhat, the boy left him there in the sand and watched as Tsukiyo tested the water his mother was swallowing, shaking his head and sticking to his usual diet.

“Thank you,” Lizzie said sweetly, smiling as the man also smiled.

“You’re quite welcome,” he said with the smile still intact. His eyes then watched as Zokushi dealt with the Dinzy as he still refused to drink any water. This was somewhat solved by cutting the ropes around the muzzle open and pouring water down his throat. His eyes turned back to the girl as she stroked the short and stiff mane along Tsukiyo’s neck. A glint came into the dark brown eyes as he watched the teen move about the Pokemon.

“You have a way with Pokemon,” he said softly, smiling again when she looked up at him.

“Thank you,” she responded, rubbing one of the black camel-like Pokemon’s flank.

“Can you help me? One of my Destracs has been acting up and won’t eat.” He took her hand gently and led her around the hut, keeping an eye on the boy as he shoved more water down the canine’s throat. The man smiled and then took her to the stables where several Destrac were resting from the heat. She gazed around the stable right before his hand closed over her mouth and he pinned her arms to her sides. Lizzie froze for a split second before she started struggling, trying to break free of the surprisingly strong grip. “Hush now, girl. Don’t worry. I’m not a bad guy. I at least know mercy unlike them other guys out there.”

She tried to yell for help, knowing Meisai would rip the man to shreds. He hissed in her ear, his eyes gaining a glint of victory as she tried to fight. The man could wait as she drained her energy slowly but with her partner outside, he had to be quick.

Many would say that a knight in shining was just what she needed now. At this moment, she didn’t know if Zokushi would just beat him or if he would kill the man. She suspected that him being kicked out of town dealt with law troubles, maybe in fact, killing someone. Breathing deeply, she aimed to kick him but missed. He shoved her into the wall, trapping hr legs between him and the rough stone. She grimaced at the feeling but tried to fight him off still, wincing when he laughed.

The feeling of defeat started to course through her blood, much like it had when the Dinzy had found out only some of his pack wanted him back. Panicking, she felt adrenaline pump back and she started fighting harder, only to be shoved into the wall and having her head hit it with a resounding clunk. Vision doubled, she paused, trying to get her thoughts back into place.

Fury suddenly radiated from a corner, so much she could almost taste it. Cursing, she assumed, whipped out and the weight put on her by the man disappeared, letting her slide down as her knees buckled.

He couldn’t believe she had gone off with him. The boy had half a mind to yell at her as he was now yelling at the man. Fists sunk into the thin body and he wanted to pull out the pocket knife. Wanted to so badly to watch him bleed to death for just laying a hand on her like that.

But that would be too easy of an escape for him.

So instead, he threw the man to ground, snarling loudly at the bruised and bloody face, and turned to get Lizzie. Zokushi grabbed her elbow firmly and tugged her to her feet, pulling her away from the barn and back into the sunlight.

Her head ached terribly but she was too scared at the anger creating an aura around the boy who was now forcing her to move. She was trying to focus as her vision kept doubling.

The sun greeted them, blinding her for a few seconds before she managed to twist her arm away from him and stop, leaning on a wall. Her center was off for a moment and she needed to get herself back in check.

“This isn’t the West,” he fumed, glaring at her. His gray eyes bore deep into her brown ones. “You can’t trust everybody here. Hell, you can’t trust anybody in the desert.”

Lizzie stared at him as he glared at her like she was something just meant to get him farther and to dump. She avoided staring at him, taking to staring at the sand. The golden sea of Gethi. The same sand that buried people and brought the worst out in them. She hoped that this was all that had angered the boy now yelling at her.

“Are you listening?” he snarled at her, his body so close, the fury wrapped around her in a suffocating fashion that would never be tossed aside for a new fad.

For a second, at the moment she looked up to face him, it seemed like he would hit her. But the eyes softened and Zokushi took in deep breaths. His control was back and he stared at the terrified teen.

“Pack up. We’re moving out.”

Though he really wouldn’t be the one in command, she listened to him anyways. Shaky after the near attack and his anger, she managed to climb on Sabaku and held onto the reins tightly as Zokushi led the group, walking through the sand with Rakuda’s harness in his hand.

“Zokushi?” she asked after a while, waiting for his dark head to face her. “Thank you,” she said quietly.

His eyes softened so much that it surprised her. Then he nodded, a quick jerk of his head, and turned to face forward as the creatures began to walk across dunes.

“Zokushi?” she asked again, her eyes staring at the shifting land under her before she caught his gaze. The eyes had hardened once again but she caught the concern in his eyes. “Were you really going to hit me?”

His body went so tense in such a small amount of time, it scared her. His eyes darkened to an almost black hue before he gazed at her, with such hurt and sadness in it that she was taken aback for quite a moment. “No,” he finally said. “I don’t hit women.”

She stared at him for a slight moment before her eyes turned to gaze at the Pokemon trailing them, along with the small pack of Dinzies that stayed out of reach. Chiryoku kept her son in front of her, gazing at the dark coat. The fur seemed to be getting darker with each hour, as though it had a mind of its own. She glanced up at Lizzie, nodded, and nudged Tsukiyo forward a bit.

Restless wind stirred the sand, blowing it up around the feet of the Pokemon. The Dinzy walked sadly beside the Destrac as the group moved on. His ears drooped and his paws shuffled across the sand.

A large wind blew up, lifting the solid water into the air and twirling it about, a rough ballet of sorts. The rocks had thinned out and the mountains had disappeared for the time being. Something was moving in the world, even as thousands of years of sand began to blow across the sea and into a void where no one had been before.