Chapter 12 - Family

I took a step outside of the hospital's main door. My first real footstep of freedom since being freed from the mine. Got to say, the air is especially refreshing considering I was stuck inside the hospital for about a week. I know I frequently went outside on the balcony, but hey, it wasn't accompanied by this sense of freedom. Smells a lot like a tree, it could have something about being on a giant tree but eh, semantics.

The mid spring breeze swept past. I closed my eyes, really enjoying the cooling wave it brought along. The door to the hospital closed behind me, but I didn't care.

"Um, hey Ace? I'm glad you're enjoying the breeze, but maybe you shouldn't block the door," my red companion said.

"Hmm?" I opened my eyes revealing a rather annoyed looking Mankey glaring at me impatiently. He was tapping his right foot with his arms crossed. "Ah, sorry about that." I moved forwards, out of the way for him to get past. He just huffed while walking past me into the hospital. "Geez, who crapped in his cornflakes?"

"What? Ew, why would you ask that? Also, what are corn flakes? Are they flaked corn?" Vulpix asked in curious disgust.

"No, it's just an expression. It's like asking what bad thing happened to make you so irritated. Also, cornflakes are a cereal humans would eat. It wasn't made from corn, it was just named that for some reason."

"Humans are weird."

"Ain't that the golden truth. Anyway, as much fun as standing around is, we should probably move on now."

"Ooo, we could go visit my foster parents. They have been wanting to meet you in person all week," Vulpix offered.

I looked at Vulpix with as much 'eh' energy I could muster. "Oh boy, I can't wait to meet the parentals," I responded sarcastically.

"Oh don't be like that, Ace. They can be a bit nosey, but they mean well. They took me in after…after the incident." Vulpix looked down as if she just reminded herself about something terrible. I wanted to ask about it, but I wasn't sure that now was the time. Especially being in front of the hospital.

"Fine, let's go meet the parentals. I am kinda curious about the house you grew up in."

The change of topic seemed to have perked up Vulpix a little bit. She shook her head and put on a smile. "Great! Then let's get going. Hopefully the town square isn't too crowded today. I wouldn't mind showing you the marketplace."

Market place? Oh man that sounds awesome! Pokémon carrying on with their normal day…things. I wonder what type of market it would be? If it's a fish market, then I've got some major questions.

So with our destination in mind, we moved down one of two hospital staircases. You see the hospital's public entrance is located on the second floor, so we have to take stairs down. I found earlier that for injured Pokémon they take the elevator on the inside of the guild. Interestingly both stairs, while mirroring each other, have different methods to using them. One is a long ramp with a smaller set of stairs squashed to the wall, while the other is two different sizes of stairs, one large and the other made for smaller Pokémon. Like me. Gotta have that accessibility. Man, I would've hated to be a Wurmple trying to slither…slither? Well, whatever they do, I would've hated doing so up a flight of stairs.

So to the left smaller set of stairs we go. I hate using stairs as a four legged creature, like you are going head first down them! I should've taken the ramp.

The stairs led to a smoothed, layed-out stone pathway. It stretched out quite a distance away. To the left it stretched all the way to the town, while to the right it was only a short distance to the tree's guild entrance. The entrance to the guild is weird. A double, large, fogged-glass slide door sat in the giant tree. It's like if someone mashed science and fantasy together. Not terrible looking, just odd for a fantasy-like world. There was a large sign located above the double doors, some big mess of symbols I couldn't read. Eh, I got to get my learning on, not being able to read sucks.

Vulpix stood next to me, staring at the guild's main entrance too. Just one more day then I'll be here to kick some major tail. In sync, we both turned around and left towards the town.

The walk to the town was surprisingly enjoyable. The breeze flowed through the air, the sound of little Pokémon playing in the grass plains that sat next to the long path to the town. It's moments like these that remind me how peaceful life can be. I can't help but think that something is going to go wrong. Maybe I'm becoming a bit pessimistic, who knows.

As the buildings slowly replaced the park-like fields I couldn't help but notice how colourful they actually are. They aren't like the ones in my old world, no sir. If I were to use a single word, it would be 'eccentric' to describe them. Good luck spotting two buildings looking the same unless done so on purpose just to spite me. Some were green, some were blue, and some were even Pokémon themed for goodness sake. Like there is a Meowth themed building that reminded me of those good luck Chinese cat figures you could purchase. Whole place reminds me of a kid's colouring book with how the colours are managed.

The further inward we travelled, the more the streets opened up. With Pokémon the size of giant serpents like Steelix, it makes sense to have a lot of room for them to move about. I couldn't help noticing that no houses were around that size, so maybe they stayed in other places? Who knows?

"Yo Vulpix, I couldn't help but notice that there aren't too many large buildings. Where do the big boy Pokémon stay? I doubt a chonky boy like Onix would be able to stay in houses the size of these," I asked Vulpix who has been leading the way this whole time. I couldn't help but notice that she seemed a bit tense. I'm the new one here and she is tense? Or maybe it's like a sympathy pain thing. You know, when people fall someone might also fall so the person who originally fell wouldn't look so bad.

"Oh um, yeah they don't stay here," Vulpix replied looking left and right all shady like. This just made me even more curious than I was. Vulpix continued on, "They stay in another town a short distance away. It's to make sure that, um, small Pokémon like us can get supplies without running out and to avoid injuries by their large figures. They are welcome here, don't get me wrong it's just um…Hey Ace, I don't mean to change the subject, but…could we take another path to get to my place?"

"What? Oh, um, okay I guess-" The sight before me interrupted my train of thought. Forgetting what I was talking about, I continued moving forward along the path. I slowly sped up until I was at a short jogging speed, the sound of a large crowd talking started to flood the air. I arrived at a large circle-like clearing. In the middle, surrounded by a small set of stairs leading up to it, sat an impressive looking Milotic water fountain. Her mouth was spouting a water stream, like a Pokémon move. It was a beautiful shade of bronze that reflected the sunlight in just the right way to give the illusion that it was glowing.

The path I'm standing on forks around the fountain. On either side of the path lay some old school looking stalls made of wood. There were Pokémon shouting all sorts of offers and merchandise they had to offer while a bustling crowd of various Pokémon ranging from Chikoritas to Milktanks too many to list but you get the point- were walking around, sometimes stopping to either browse or talk to other Pokémon.

Something I noticed is that the main populace, I would say, are jungle-like Pokémon. So grass, bugs, normal and flying types were the main populace here. But I'm only talking about a 70-30 ratio. Makes sense though, we are near a forest.

The more I listened, the more I really had no clue what was being said around me. I loved it! So fantasy-like. Anyway, at the edge of it all lined the proper in-building stores. Some I recognised from the balcony at the hospital, like the Mudkip and Kangaskhan shaped ones. They all had a sign hanging down around the entrance with a symbol of sorts. I recognised the Mudkip's one as a coin behind bars, so a bank. Well that makes it simple to understand then.

The more I stared at the marketplace, the more I wanted to explore it. I wanted to know what useless crap Pokémon tried to sell. Like come on, there had to be at least one cheesy tourist trap store.

Looking around for my guide, I realized that she wasn't here anymore. I continued to look all around me before spotting the small red fuzz ball by an overhanging lamp; I couldn't help but notice that they had glowstone residing inside of it. Guess glowstone is a common use of something. Confused, but starting to piece together what Vulpix asked from me earlier, I walked over towards her.

"Not a fan of crowds?" I asked her once I was close enough.

She looked to the ground and shook her head. "Sorry, but I've never really been good around them. Something about all the larger Pokémon walking around, it confuses me and reminds of…times before. I'm sorry, but can we go through the back way to my foster parents' house?"

"Hmm, Oh I know, what if I blindfolded you while we walked through it?"

"What? No! That would only make it worse!"

"Oh, true, I don't know where the house is and I doubt directions would help with you not being able to see."

"You didn't really think that one out did you?"

"Nope, don't even have a blindfold. But are you sure you can't venture in? Even just a little bit? I really want to explore a new world's marketplace."

"Sorry Ace, I promise we can explore it later, like in the morning or late evening when there are less Pokémon. I just can't at the moment. I'm sure I can work my way up to it with you around though. Just…not today, please," she pleaded.

I sighed internally, then externally, two times the sigh. "Fiiine, but don't think you can keep me from finding out if they sell meat there. I want to find out if they sell Pokémon like Magikarps for consumption."

I could hear Vulpix freak out, complaining or something, I obviously was tuning her out with the thought that what if a Magikarp survived, just to wake up in a fishmonger stall to freak out and evolve. Man, that would be a sight.

"...you aren't listening to me, are you?"

"Sure ain't."

"Gaaaah, what am I going to do with you, Ace?" I feel like I keep hearing this as of late, weird.

After backtracking through a back alleyway, with a turn here and a couple more here and there, we ended up in front of a larger double story building. It was a strange sight before me: the fence, the house, and the pathway leading to the front door, all looked to be about 100 years old. They were all made of wood, besides for the pathway which was made of stone, but they all were old, decrepit, and mouldy-like. Oddly enough though, the lawn looked to be expertly maintained. There were even bushes and flower beds that sat under the large window to the left side of the house, that looked better kept than the house. Guess the people here have a green thumb but little to no house maintaining experience.

Well, I'm glad we aren't going in there…and Vulpix is walking through the gate, along the path, towards the front door. Great. This place kinda reminds me of the house from Monster House. Just add a large window to the left side of the porch, remove the overly pointed roof and boom. I just hope the house doesn't come to life by a ghost type and tries to eat me. I would be quite mad, I tell you what. Heh, "get off my lawn", classic.

Vulpix got to the door, turned around and made a 'come here' head motion. I groaned and made my way to her. "Oh boy, an old danky house, my favourite," I complained to Vulpix when I arrived to her, "You're just lucky you're cute, otherwise I'd turn my sarcasm up to eleven and really turn the complaints up."

Vulpix looked flustered for a second before responding. "U-um w-well I'm glad I'm c-cute then," she shook her head clearing her thoughts, "because, I'm sorry-" Vulpix proceeded to open the door, it made a really annoying screeching noise. Sounds like It really needs to be oiled up. "I'm home and I brought Ace," Vulpix said after opening the rickety door. I'm just baffled at what Vulpix could be sorry about. Well besides for the old danky house.

A loud rummaging sound could be heard coming from the inside of the house. I wasn't at an angle to peak in, but the urge to run started to fill me.

"I'm sorry for what is about to happen, Ace. They mean well." Vulpix gave a smile like a gift to someone who is about to go through something traumatic. The rummaging became more distinguishable to foot steps, a lot of footsteps. The type small creatures would make.

So let's get this straight: Vulpix is an orphan, she has foster parents. Nice lawn but crappy house, Vulpix saying "sorry" and saying "They mean well"...Oh crap, it's a stampede!

The stampede made their battle cries "Vulpix is back! And she brought a guest!" is all I heard as a small army of small pink Pokémon rushed out the house and tackled into me, sending us all towards the lawn. I took the brunt of the fall while the small assortment of Pokémon were laughing while using me as a trampoline, poking me, and asking questions.

While small grubby hands were pulling on my lips, I opened my eyes to see Vulpix sheepishly smiling at me. The traitor set me up! I'm kinda impressed to be honest. I didn't think she had it in her. A pleading look later and Vulpix shooed the small monsters off of me.

A crowd of "awws" fluttered in the air. While Vulpix was saying something, I was busy trying to get my bearings together. I sat up into a sitting position taking note of who tackled me. The small assailants were sitting in a curved line around Vulpix who was berating them for tackling a guest were: Pichu, Cleffa, Igglybuff, Togepi and a Wooper, respectively.

"What's all the commotion going on out here?" An elderly, grizzly voice came from the house. After a second, an elderly looking blue turtle came to the balcony, overlooking what was going on. He looked over towards Vulpix and the tacklers, then over to me. He seemed to have instantly understood what was going on. "Let me guess Vulpix, they got a bit too excited?"

"Yeah, they kinda tackled Ace here off the balcony," Vulpix replied.

"Oh my, they did? My apologies, young Ace, the little ones mean well and didn't mean to cause any harm, I'm sure. Please forgive them." The elder Pokémon who I recognised as a Carracosta said while giving a small bow in apology.

I got to my feet, shaking off any bits of dirt I had on myself. "Eh, it's fine, I've been through worse, so a little tackle won't earn my ire."

"Yes, I've heard a little about what happened," Carracosta turned to the 5 munchkins. "Alright, back inside now," he ordered them. They didn't bother to argue, just looking down in shame. "First, what do you say to somePokémon you tackled?"

"Sorry," they all apologized to me. I felt a bit awkward from all the attention and sad faces they were making.

"Hey, it's cool, good tackle by the way," I said to them all. This cheered them up a little as some giggled and smiled from this. After they all made their way back inside, old man turtle spoke.

"Well no point in standing out in the cold, let's move back inside where it's warmer," he said while turning around and moving back inside.

"Wha? What does he mean it's cold out here? It's like 25 degrees* out here, (*77 Fahrenheit)." I asked. Vulpix just shrugged while she made her way inside the house. I'm guessing it's an older person's thing. I thought about the fact that he is a reptile, but wouldn't sunlight warm him up? Bah, who cares, fantasy worlds be doing crazy things all the time. What's one more?

The house inside didn't fare much better than the outside, I tell you what. The walls were all old and dilapidated. A staircase sat in the middle of a hallway that led to the second floor. Behind the staircase, the hallway led to an open door. I could see a table and a window behind it with a sink under it, so the kitchen. A closed door sat to my right while a large doorway led to what seems to be the living room.

Vulpix moved to the living room, so I followed behind her. She moved to a large couch that sat in the middle of the room. Another couch sat to the right angled in a different direction than it, so both couches were around a coffee table that sat in the middle. A fireplace took the other side of the coffee table, just opposite of the couch where Vulpix sat. To the left of the room sat a set of old warm leather-looking armchairs in front of the large, wide window. The right armchair was a faded blue while the other one was a faded pink. Couple's armchairs, no doubt. Across the walls, not in a messy fashion, sat an assortment of portraits of various sizes.

The old timer arrived to his chair and sat down with a "humph". He leaned back a bit before looking over towards me.

"Well don't just stand at the door, come in, rest up on the couch," Carracosta spoke up.

I begrudgingly made my way over to the couch. I saw the couch that was quite larger than I was and with practiced movement, I jumped up onto the couch, albeit still sluggishly. See back when I was at the Mine, the couch was about this size too, and since I wasn't yet accustomed to my new four legs, I often failed at getting on the couch. When I gave up on trying to do it like a human would is when I started to make an improvement. It only took my pride, but I figured it out in the end. I could hear my back plant swearing at me for body slamming it. Glad I had a reputation of being feared for a short time, otherwise I reckon I would've been made fun of otherwise. Wooh, go fear!

The couch surprisingly didn't feel as grimy as I thought it was going to. It was strangely comfortable, like someone moulded all the kinks out of it. I wonder how many farts- ah no! Bad brain, don't be thinking that.

The old geezer cleared his throat, forcing the attention over towards him. He leaned forward slightly with a more serious expression than his earlier one. I began to feel a bit anxious. I didn't even realize that I was looking for a possible escape until I glanced at Vulpix. I took a breath, calming down.

"So, you are this Ace that Vulpix has been talking about," he said with his old, grizzly voice. His experienced eyes bore into the back of mine. I couldn't help but glare at him. His look reminded me too much of a certain someone, just minus the hunger for inflicting pain.

"Yes, I am. You know it's kinda rude to not introduce yourself when talking to a stranger," I replied. His glare intensified even more. I returned it with an intense gaze of m own, refusing not to back down from his gaze, not one bit.

After a short, intense staring contest, a wide smile formed upon his face. "Ha! I like you. Not too many here are able to handle my intense gaze. Even fewer are able to return it. You must be made of the real tough stuff." I could hear a release of breath from Vulpix.

"Oh, well I'm not confused or anything," I replied, my gaze relaxed a little since confusion wanted some space to move in.

"Don't worry about it kid," he continued on, "I'm just trying to find out if you have the stones to continue protecting Vulpix here. Especially with Vulpix wanting to join the guild. Anyway, I'm Carracosta. I'm the current owner of this orphanage alongside my wife who is currently making some tea." Wife eh, I wonder what Pokémon it would be. That would be weird if something small like a Rattata showed up. I don't even want to contemplate kinky time.

"Hey hunny, is the tea done?" he called out to where the door on the far side of the room lied.

"Wooobuffet!" came an immediate reply from the door to the right of the room. I just facepalmed, or face pawed. Vulpix looked at me with a bit of a confused look.

"Gee, I wonder who that could be…" I say just loud enough so Vulpix could hear. She chuckled.

A second later, the flappy door swung open with intense force while a Wobbuffet walked in with a tea tray that was somehow sticking to her arms. She was blue like Carracosta with the shape of a chicken leg with the bone towards the ground. Her feet had 4 nubs in a plus formation. A black penguin-like tail followed behind her as she slinked over. Her eyes looked like 'greater-than' and 'lesser-than' () symbols while her lips were scraggy lines with pink lipstick in the middle of her large mouth.

She moved over towards the coffee table and…grabbed the cups with her nub hands, placed them on the table and filled them up. I'm amazed that she is able to grab anything at all. Only two of the cups were traditional tea cups where the other two had an extra handle on them. She gave Vulpix her cup which she used both her paws to hold on to. My cup was handed to me. I copied how Vulpix grabbed it. I slowly took a sip since ya know, tea is usually hot and low and behold it was. It had a fruity taste.

Once everyone had their drinks, Wobbuffet sat down next to her husband, on the pink armchair.

"So now that my wife is here, we both would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for helping out Vulpix in that terrible place. We have only heard stories about it and I'm glad there was someone kind enough to stand up for her." Carracosta bowed.

"Wobbuffet!" wobbuffet, wobbuffeted while saluting me. Man, she really did act like the one in the anime. I wonder if they all did that. Do they have their own language?

"Well to be honest Carracosta, I feel Vulpix helped me more than I helped her."

He tilted his head to the side as did Wobbuffet. "Well, I don't really want to get too into it but, let's just say I haven't been having the best of times here as of recently. When I thought that I couldn't trust anyone anymore, Vulpix here just had to prove me wrong. Instead of selling me out like most would, she decided against it. Even if it meant she was going to be harmed as a result."

"Really?" Carracosta replied, looking towards Vulpix. She shrunk back under the sudden attention.

She tapped her paws together while avoiding direct eye contact with anyone. "U-um, they wanted me to sabotage Ace. Even though I was scared…it wasn't right."

"Heh, like those heroes you admire so much?" Carracosta asked.

Vulpix didn't reply but she nodded in affirmation.

"From my point of view, it seemed like you helped each other out when you both needed a friend. I can see why Vulpix wants you to join the guild with her. Looks like I can rest easy at night knowing she has someone she can trust while joining the guild."

The room went silent as Carracosta closed his eyes leaning back into his chair. Vulpix took a sip from her tea.

"That being said, what are your intentions with Vulpix here, besides joining the guild with her?" He suddenly leaned forwards on his chair with his earlier intense gaze full force.

Vulpix spat out her tea suddenly. "C-Carracosta!" she yelled. I was just confused as to what is going on here.

"Erm, friendship?" I replied with my confusion reaching new levels I didn't think were possible.

The old turtle nodded in satisfaction, guess that was the right answer. Vulpix however looked a bit saddened by this, so not the right answer? My brain is going to fry at this point. Wobbuffet slapped Carracosta on the arm. You know what? Screw it, I'm just gonna sip on my tea until things make sense again.

After the usual questions I get such as "where did you come from?" Carracosta and Wobbuffet excused themselves as they went off to start preparing dinner. Vulpix asked if I was up to training out in the backyard for tomorrow's entrance exam. Of course I said yes.

We made our way through the kitchen area to the screen door that led to the backyard. Wobbuffet was stirring a giant mixing bowl, while Carracosta was chopping some vegetables, good to see couples getting along like this. I just wished my parents did things like this…Gah no, focus.

The backyard like the front was very well maintained. You had to really search for an out of sized piece of grass. The backyard too was surprisingly large in size.

"So what should we do to train?" Vulpix asked.

That's a good question. Since it's an obstacle course of sorts, I'd imagine we would need to work on endurance and speed. We could train in combat, but I don't want to fight Vulpix. Not without medical supplies anyway. Even if I heal faster than the norm, I'd rather not eat a fireball to the face.

"Hmm, do you have any balls or toys or something?" I asked.

"Yes, I believe we do. Hang on, I'll go and get them," she replied and made her way back inside.

After a short time of waiting, Vulpix returned with a large sack. She plonked it on the small bit of stones we were standing on. Out scattered a couple of balls varying in size and some other toys such as: wooden flora, crude wooden carvings of various Pokémon and…a rubber duckie? Well it wasn't rubber and giving it a closer look it was a Ducklett instead.

"Alright, I reckon we run around the yard a couple of times, you know, to get that heart pumping, then we set up an obstacle course to run through. Speed and accuracy will be the main factors," I said, still looking at the small collection of toys. It was interesting how Pokémon played with crude versions of legendaries. Last time I checked, Palkia had arms and wasn't shaped like a horse.

With our plan in place, we ran right all around the yard. Vulpix took off like a bullet compared to me. I got about 60 percent of a lap done before I was lapped by Vulpix. I was running full force, so it's not like I'm not giving it my all, my body is just not made for speed alright.

Vulpix completed about 3 laps of the yard in no time flat but was slowing down massively. However, I felt completely fine. My blood was pumping and my energy refused to die down. Since the sun was directly above me, I had all the extra energy I needed.

Vulpix eventually came to a halt, stopping to catch her breath. I just continued running laps. When it looked like Vulpix had caught her breath, I made my way over to her.

"Alright, so now that we are nice and warmed up," I said to her. Heh warmed up, fire type pun. "I reckon we work on our agility."

We set up a crude obstacle course to run through. Vulpix, like last time, flew past the course but made mistakes by knocking into some of the toys placed around. It took her about 4 attempts to get it done without major mistakes. I, however, failed massively. So not only am I slow, but I'm not very nimble. Vulpix gave me some tips on how to move my body better, which I appreciated. I gave it another 4 attempts. I wasn't able to complete it perfectly, but it was a lot better than before.

While I was looking at the litter of objects, thinking about what else we could do to train, something hit me square on the forehead.

"Heads up!" Vulpix shouted.

I just looked up to her. "You know, you kinda need to say that before throwing the object."

"Ah, yeah sorry, my bad. Heads up!" She quickly announced again before kicking a ball at me.

I dodged this time. Realizing what she was doing, I got the ball and threw it back to her. Of course she dodged it with ease. An idea popped in my mind. This time when Vulpix launched the ball to me, I caught it with my vine. Vulpix had an alarmed look when she noticed my smile. She barely had enough time to dodge the lob I launched over to her. The ball smashed into the fence making a rather large amount of noise. The back fence was new compared to the rest of them. Man these guys sure are inconsistent with what is and isn't new here.

"What are you guys doing?" A voice came from the back door. It was the merry gang of smaller Pokémon entering the outside.

"Training for the entrance exam tomorrow." Vulpix puffed her chest in pride.

"It kinda looks like you are just throwing the ball around though?" Cleffa pointed out. I started to get a little annoyed by the interruption. Look, I never really had patience with kids. Especially those who ask a lot of annoying, obvious questions.

"Alright, look kid, I'll explain simply enough. We are dodging the ball as if they are real attacks. Now we need to get back to training, okay?" I explained.

"Could we play?" Cleffa asked. I just deadpanned at her. She obviously didn't understand the importance of what we are doing here.

"Didn't you hear me? I said we are training," I sternly replied. All the little Pokémon looked down with sadness filling their eyes. My heart was getting torn to pieces here with how thick they were laying the guilt on.

The battle of guilt was intense, but I showed no sign of weakness. Vulpix however looked like she was giving in. No, don't fall for it, stay strong!

"Um, Ace? Can't we let them join in with us?" Vulpix asked me. Before I could reply with a fat old 'no,' Vulpix continued, "Oh I know, in battle there won't always be one Pokémon sending shots at us," I dead panned at her knowing where she is going with this. "We could imagine this like an ambush sorta thing."

I sighed, I knew defeat when I heard one. "Gah fine, they can join in on our training."

"Yaaay!" All five of the siblings shouted.

Day 10 of the war;

The enemy is relentless. Wave after wave of attack, with seemingly no end in sight. I haven't been hit yet by one of their rubber balls of doom. But it's only a matter of time beforehand. My comrade, Sergeant Firefox, is currently under attack by the majority of the enemy forces. Not on my watch you little dirt bags.

I grabbed some of our ammo and sent it off to the enemy's general location. Miss. I was able to take some of the attention off my companion. However, the main attack force's attention has been redirected to me.

Day 14 of the war;

A new, more coordinated wave of artillery was launched at me. I was barely lucky enough to get out of it alive. The enemy seems to be up to something. They have been forcing us apart from each other. Oh crap another barrage! And it's sent towards me. I'll have to retreat for now. I sent another counter attack to cover my retreat.

Day 20 of the war;

I don't know how much longer my companion can take. She is tiring out. If I could give her some of my resources I would, but the crafty buggers have cut me off from her. I need to push through, but every time I make a move, a barrage is sent my way. Hang on, Firefox.

Day 21 of the war;

The enemy has surrounded Firefox, I fear for her life. They are moving her closer and closer to the corner. I'm trying to help out but I can't land a shot, they seem to be using an invisible wall of sorts. Crafty buggers.

Crap, crap, crap. This is bad. They are continuing their push on Firefox. I have to help! I lunged out of my hiding place with my ammo ready to go. Throwing one to the east, I sent another towards the west. The shield blocked the one sent to the east but not to the west. Hit! One of the main enemy forces has been defeated, but it isn't enough, there are still four more to go.

Firefox launched a desperate counter attack. Artillery rained down on her, she dodged valiantly. Her counter attack worked! She was able to knock out one of the main units too! With only 3 out of the 5 of the forces left, we just need to work together. We can win this- no. Noo! She was hit! Those bastards!

A rogue shell found its way over towards Firefox, connecting with her side. She skidded to a halt to the ground, not moving. Anger and despair filled me as the assailants smiled in glee with their triumph. I roared in anger.

They sent their waves of artillery at me, but this just gave me the ammo I desperately needed. With revenge guiding my shells, my aim was pure and true. Two were down before they knew what was going on with a double attack from me.

The last assailant charged towards me, sending a powerful attack at me. I focused my sights on that shell. I grabbed that shell with all my might. I spun around and redirected that sucker right back to the clueless bastard. With the extra momentum, my enemy didn't stand a chance.

With all 5 enemy forces down, I ran over to Firefox. It was too late, she was no longer with us. I shouted into the heavens with all the despair and anger I could muster. "No! It's not fair, you were too young!"

"Wow, he really takes dodgeball seriously," Pichu said from behind me.

"Dinner is ready!" shouted Carracosta from inside the house.

Vulpix got up from the ground. "Well, it looks like it's time for dinner." she said.

"Firefox, you are alive!" I shouted in glee while giving her a hug.

Vulpix just sighed. "Yes, yes."

Dinner that night was…nice. It's strange, but even though I'm a stranger, I felt…welcomed. It was nice but it also felt weird. I don't know. Why do I have this hole forming in my stomach?

Since I was a guest here, I was excluded from the dishes. So I was just sitting on the couch, thinking about things I haven't thought about in a long time.

"Whatcha thinking about?" Carracosta asked. Gotta give it to him, the old guy sure can sneak up on someone. I didn't even hear him get close to me, but then again I was in deep thought.

"Family and stuff," I replied, not thinking about what I'm saying.

"Want to talk about it?"

"Not really, no."

"Fair, fair." Carracosta moved over towards his chair and sat down with an 'uuf' noise. "You know, this place wasn't originally meant to become an orphanage. Well, I wouldn't call it an orphanage like everyone else does."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I would call this place a home for those who need one badly. I think it's obvious by now, but every Pokémon here is here because they have nowhere else to turn to."

I didn't say anything, I just continued listening.

"They all had that look once upon a time, that look of longing for a family."

"Nice try, but my parents are alive."

"You are not close with them, are you? Plus I reckon you have lost Pokémon or Pokémons close to you. Am I close?"

"..."

"Thought so. You had a look of longing the whole time at dinner. Like you felt like an outcast intruding, like you didn't belong."

"How did…" I caught myself. I didn't want to reveal my thoughts, even if he was right about them.

"How did I know? Because I used to feel like that a long time ago. When I was a young Tirtouga, I found myself scouring around the back alleys trying to make due until the next day. One day, a young Wynaut found me eating on a leftover Oran berry. I don't know why, but she felt like she needed to help me. At first I rejected her help, rather harshly, I might add. But in due time, I realized that she didn't do it out of pity or anything like that. She did it because she genuinely cared. She invited me over to her family's house for dinner. One day I accepted and like you, felt alien in their happy little world. Even though I was a complete stranger, they accepted me into their family. It was then I learned that even if you lose or aren't close with your old family, you can always make a new one. You just have to be willing to let others into your heart." Carracosta wrapped up.

"What are you boys talking about?" Vulpix asked while entering the lounge room.

"Just chatting, Vulpix. Give it a thought, Ace." Carrosta got up from his chair. "Well, I'm off to bed. You two should be too. Big day tomorrow." And with that, he walked out of the lounge room towards the stairs.

I sat there in silence for a short time while Vulpix walked over towards me. "Are you okay, Ace?"

I looked deep into Vulpix's concerned eyes. "Yeah. Yeah I'm fine, just thinking about things."

"Okay, well if you want to talk, I'm always ready to listen. Anyways, we should probably get to sleep too. Come, I'll show you to your room."

We made our way upstairs, Vulpix pointed out which room I was in- the third door to the right. I entered the room. A bed, some basic furniture, and a window. Yep, it's a room alright.

"Alright, this is your room for the night," Vulpix said at the door. "The bathroom is the last door down the hall. Do you need anything before I go to bed, Ace?"

"No, I should be fine," I replied.

"Okay, well, good night."

"Good night," I replied. Vulpix began to close the door. "Wait, Vulpix," I called out.

"Hmm? Yes?" she asked.

"Thanks, for you know, being here for me and all that. I don't know what I would've done if I hadn't met you."

"Funny, I feel like I should be thanking you, Ace, for the same reason."

We both smiled at each other. A yawn from me broke the silence. "Gah, it's getting quite late. Anyway, good night, Vulpix."

"Good night, Ace." And with that, she left for her own room.

Feeling more hopeful than I have in a while, I made myself comfortable. I don't even have the chance to think about tomorrow before sleep takes me into her loving embrace.

End Chapter 12