Pokemon Fan Fiction ❯ The Journey Onward ❯ Chapter Thirteen: Now That’s a Ghost of Another Story ( Chapter 14 )

Chapter Thirteen: Now That's a Ghost of Another Story

 

 

 

Krissy found the Center much quicker than she had expected. For whatever reason, the fog had finally decided to lift, making traveling much easier. It was strange though, she would have expected the town to have been much larger with all the wandering she'd done. How the hell had she managed to pass the-

 

“Poke enter?” Krissy's lips twitched as she read the sign, feeling oddly amused. Glancing down, she spotted the giant “C” laying across the entranceway. The outside of the Center was in shambles, large weeds growing along the outside, paint peeling from the walls, even a few of the windows were broken. Warning bells were ringing inside her head. Kathryn and Rachel were suppose to meet her here… what if-

 

Quickly dismounting, she returned Ponyta and had Pyro summoned forth. Scrambling over the huge consonant, she found the inside of the Center to be in shoddier condition than the outside. Pyro's light revealed broken chairs and tables, the fragments flung about, glass screens of monitors and televisions shattered with sparks flickering within the remains. Scrap papers, newspapers, toilet paper, and what looked to be like medical files were crumpled and torn amongst the mess on the floor. Whoever had done this hadn't left anything in one piece.

 

“Rachel?” Krissy cupped her hands by her mouth, trying to make a megaphone effect. “Kathryn!”

 

“Over here.”

 

At Kathryn's soft voice, Krissy spun to the left. Kathryn was stumbling out of a dark hallway, trying to make her way past a table blocking the way as Rachel leaned into her. Briar trotted beside them, his vines holding a flashlight, doing his best to illuminate their way. Rushing to them, Krissy pushed aside the chairs and papers blocking her way, nearly stumbling over a computer tower in her haste.

 

“Are you guys okay? What the fuck happened?”

 

The closer she got to them, the worse they appeared to be. Rachel's clothing was in tatters, random scratches marring her skin whereas Kathryn seemed to be covered in dirt, her clothes muddy and stained. Kathryn's frame shuddered to maintain Rachel's added weight and nearly buckled but Krissy managed to get to them in time to prevent the two from falling. Taking full support of Rachel's weight, Krissy allowed Kathryn to relax, repeating her earlier question.

 

“What happened here?”

 

Kathryn gave a small shake of her head, seeming to not have the energy to do more than that. “Not now. We have to get Rachel taken care of. I'm not sure but she might be in shock or something.” Kathryn moved to rest her back against the wall, shutting her eyes. Krissy almost thought that she'd fallen asleep till she spoke again.

 

“There should be a shower area down that hallway,” Kathryn gestured limply towards the darkened lobby where only Pyro's taillight and the sparking monitors could be seen. “We need to get here in there, get her cleaned up.” Kathryn pushed off from the wall, slowly dragging her feet towards where she'd pointed.

 

As Kathryn walked away from her, Krissy fought with herself before calling out, “Are you okay?”

 

Kathryn paused and turned to look at Krissy, sensing that the question meant more than just the shape she was currently in. There were a few seconds that passed as Kathryn thought the question through before smiling.

 

“I think so.”

 

With a nod, Krissy guided Rachel to the bathing area, Pyro and Briar lighting the way while Kathryn trudge beside them.

 

Just like before, Krissy sighed, relieved. She's fine.

 

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I thought it was stupid. Why was I feeling so nervous? I apologize and go on my merry way, easy. Then, everything would go back to normal.

 

Right?

 

I decided to apologize to her at lunch, knowing that she'd be eating somewhere by herself. I expected her to be quiet, skittish, everything she had been for the last few days. Instead, she was laughing and trying to catch grasshoppers. I was stunned, just watching her. This surely wasn't what I expected! And when she turned to look at me, her eyes lit up and she smiled that same smile that I hated so much. Only this time… I felt relief flood through me. I had been forgiven without even having to ask.

 

“Hey! Krissy! Wanna come over today?”

 

 

 

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Kathryn dropped the bags on the floor, glad to be rid of the weight. Rachel had been in no condition to carry her bag so Kathryn had grabbed it along with her own. Rubbing her shoulders, Kathryn moaned softly. She was dead tired…

 

The sudden irony of her words made her start giggling, unable to stop. She lowered her head, covering her mouth in an attempt to muffle the noise as tears began to run down her cheeks. Laughing and crying, all her fears and stress drained away, leaving a simple relief in its wake.

 

“Oi! Kathryn!”

 

Jerking her head up, Kathryn saw Krissy exiting one of the shower stalls with Rachel's torn clothing in hand. Surprisingly enough, the shower area had hardly sustained damage beyond some of the shower curtains being torn off and the lights not working.

 

“Hop in, you're filthy.”

 

Bending down to dig in her bag for a towel and some supplies, Kathryn was able to effectively hide her tears. The laughter slowed to a stop as she rose, muscles screaming at her for rising. Her body wanted her to be still but Kathryn knew if she sat down, even for a moment, she wouldn't be moving again for some time.

 

Making her way to one of the stalls that still had a curtain (albeit a rather torn and ragged curtain) Kathryn went in and slowly began tugging off her clothing. The stinging of her arms and back proved a reminder of the work she had done only a short time ago. Stripped bare, she made a pathetic toss with her clothes, getting them out of the stall so they wouldn't get wet. A soft groan passed her lips as her right arm and shoulder hissed at her for the movement.

 

Taking in a deep breath, waiting for the pain to pass, Kathryn turned the shower knob, standing aside of the water spray until it warmed. Stepping into the water felt… incredible. The warm water pelting her began to loosen the dirt and mud caking her arms and face, rushing the soil down the drain. It felt so good, so warm…

 

“Kathryn! Did you die in there or something?”

 

Krissy's voice penetrated her blissful haze and, for a moment, Kathryn almost felt angry. The moment passed when she realized there was the tiniest hint of concern in Krissy's voice.

 

“I'm fine, why?”

 

“I asked you a question, idiot!”

 

Kathryn ran her fingers through her hair, making a face when she felt clumps of dirt still there. “What was it?”

 

“I was asking what happened to you.”

 

Picking up the bar of soap she'd grabbed, Kathryn began to rub it along the brown stains and smudges on her arms, delaying in answering the question. The truth was closer to fiction, hardly believable… and yet, what Rachel had been through made her own story seem a little more plausible.

 

“Let Rachel tell her story first,” Kathryn called, sticking her head under the showerhead again and furiously scrubbing at her head. Ugh… at this rate she'd be finding dirt on her for the next month.

 

The sound of water hitting tiles filled the shower room. For a moment it seemed that Rachel wouldn't answer but her shaky voice softly rose above the sound of pelting water.

 

“Well… it all started…”

 

As Rachel told her story, Krissy listened with half an ear while trying to find a probable explanation for what had happened to her. Sitting on the floor, legs crossed, she gave a yawn as the warm, steamy air lulled her into feeling of calm.

 

“…and then Nurse Joy's corpse turned into this weird… something.”

 

“Misdreavus,” Kathryn's voice called through the curtain.

 

“What was that?”

 

“It was called a Misdreavus,” Kathryn repeated from within her stall. “It's a type of Ghost Pokémon.”

 

“Well what the hell was it doing, scaring me like that?” Rachel's voice vibrated with anger. “I didn't do anything!”

 

“Most Misdreavus are harmless.” A pause. “Well, they do like to scare people but it's normally nothing beyond hair pulling, wailing, or hiding in shadows.”

 

“What made this one so different?”

 

Kathryn ceased her washing, closing her eyes and taking the time to organize her thoughts.

 

“Like I said, it was helping those who have no voices… in other words…”

 

 

 

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“I'm going insane,” I muttered, trying to see through the dense fog. A moment passed before I amended my prior statement. “I am insane.”

 

“For what it's worth, you look fine to me.”

 

The voice made me jump and Blaze shifted under me, sidestepping as my own nervousness fed her own fears. Taking a breath, I tried to calm myself. It hadn't sounded like Adam or Dan… so who was out there…?

 

What was tugging on my jeans? It was really starting to bug… me…

 

Quickly twisting to take a look, I saw a bony hand clutching the material of my pants. It seemed like the most opportune time to scream so I filled my lungs to do so but stopped when I realized the hand was attached to a limb. The urge to scream passed and was instead released as a huge exhale as I took the time to assess the person before me.

 

He was short, shorter than myself. Receding hairline, wrinkles, definitely older than myself… in fact, he looked like the perfect example of a-

 

In my relief, the phrase escaped before I could stop it. “Grandpa-man!”

 

“My name,” he spoke firmly, his lips twisting as though he had swallowed something bitter, “is Mister Fuji.” His eyes stared into mine and my body tensed slightly, though I made sure I kept the dopey grin on my face. Till I knew more about him, it would be best to play dumb, seem like an unlikely threat. That way, if he tried anything…

 

Pursing his lips, his face gained plus ten wrinklage. It seemed like he was displeased with something…

 

Giving myself a quick glance, I couldn't figure out what it might be. My clothes were a bit dirty but nothing too bad. No holes, no inappropriate commentary written, not belly button showing, modest neckline… My hair was still in its ponytail, no tattoos, no piercings…

 

“You'll have to do.”

 

“Eh?” Did I miss something?

 

“Come on,” he grumbled, starting to hobble away. “I need yer help, girly.”

 

Girly!? Well, I was a girl… but the way he said it made me sound like a wimp! Hastily dismounting, I went to follow him but got jerked back. Tugging my body forward, I found that something had a grip on my backpack. One guess as to what it was.

 

“B-blaze! Let go!” Squirming frantically, I tried to either get free or escape the backpack but neither worked. Irritated, I tugged harder. “Blaze!”

 

“Ya coming girly?”

 

I began to get annoyed. Perhaps Blaze meant well (in some odd way) but this wasn't helping!

 

“Blaze! I'm not joking!”

 

Heaving forward, the backpack finally yanked free of her teeth. Unfortunately, I hadn't expected the tug to actually work and ended up losing my balance for a moment. Thankfully, I remained upright (due to my impression of a double sided windmill) but in the time it took me to regain my balance, Blaze had positioned herself before me, head lowered and ears flat, giving a shrill whinny that made my ears ache. Tossing her head, Blaze all but leapt at me. I had to jump back to avoid the click of her teeth.

 

“Holy…” Backing away further, I raised my arm to defend my face in case she tried to take a bite again. “Blaze! What the heck has gotten into you?!” It was then that I got a good look at Blaze's eyes. Same color, but vacant. Glazed over almost, as though her thoughts weren't on her actions. That couldn't be! She obviously saw me from the way she moved and reacted…

 

“Blaze! Stand down!”

 

Her flames lashed out, the heat forcing me away. I really didn't want to do this but Blaze was leaving me no choice. She wasn't acting rationally; I had to return her before she hurt herself. Or, more likely, me.

 

“Blaze, return!” I tried using her pokéball but she dodged the red light and sent a blast of Embers my way. I avoided serious damage from them but I couldn't take any more chances with her.

 

“Chomper!” Flinging out the pokéball, Chomper emerged with a flash of light. “Aim a blast near Blaze, try and snap her out of this!”

 

A spew of water burst from his mouth, landing directly before my crazed Ponyta. She reared as droplets rebounded from the ground and splashed her. Hopefully it would be enough to snap her out of-

 

The force of water that slammed into me was powerful enough to strip the air from my lungs and send me flying. One moment, I had been watching Blaze, hoping for her to come back to her sense, the next I was several feet away coughing mud out of my mouth, spots flickering before my eyes. Struggling to get to my feet, I found that my back was in incredible pain, not to mention varying other sore spots that must have struck the dirt too hard.

 

On the plus side, I could no longer feel the knot in my back from riding.

 

A ragged laugh spilled from my lips before I was finally upright. I'm not sure what was so funny but the giggling wouldn't stop. I guess seeing Chomper standing beside Blaze with the same vacant look must have caused some mental malfunction with my brain, confusing mirth with fear. Messed up? Oh, heck yeah.

 

I gave a quick shake of my head but instantly regretted the action. Pain hummed inside my skull but I tried to force it aside to make way for bigger things that needed my attention.

 

My hand was on Nashley's pokéball before I even thought about what I was doing. I nearly threw it before it struck me that whatever had affected Blaze and Chomper would most likely affect any of my other Pokémon as well. Reattaching the pokéball to my belt, I remained still, simply watching my Pokémon.

 

Blaze snorted, stamping her foot, rushing towards me before veering off and circling around. Chomper laughed, more of a cackle really, that made those irritating little bumps crawl along my skin.

 

“Not doing so well, are ya?”

 

I ached too much to jump. As it was, I was getting sick of being scared or startled by every little thing that was going on. Besides, Mr. Ninja Grandpa-man was the last thing I should be concerned with. In fact, that big burst of flame rushing by my face and scorching my eyebrows seemed a lot more important.

 

Stumbling backwards to avoid that “fresh new crispy chicken” look, I got blasted by Chomper's Water Gun again. This time, thankfully, the blast wasn't nearly as powerful because of the distance between us but it still pushed me back…

 

“Back.” The little light bulb went on in my head. Blaze had been trying to pull me back, away from where Fuji had wanted me to go. At that time, I had thought she was trying to protect me but now… Chomper was shooting me back with water while Blaze still kept pushing me away with flames. They seemed intent on preventing me rather than protecting me. Besides, trying to break my spine doesn't seem like an effective protection method.

 

So… how to get past them.

 

 

 

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Is she still there?

 

Why are you asking me?!

 

Because, looking around with this horse face is hard! I can hardly see past the snout!

 

Muzzle, idiot. He let out a squawk when the other attempted to kick him. Alright, alright! Grumbling, he squinted with his borrowed eyes. Just barely he could make out a form. Yeah, looks like it.

 

Huh. You'd think we'd have scared her off by now.

 

Shrugging, the other took another shot with a blast of water at the figure. The host struggled against him, holding back the full power of it, but the host was far too weak to stop him. The blast hit but…

 

Hold on a sec… Taking a few steps forward, he tried again with a stronger blast. The form didn't budge. We've been duped!

 

 

 

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I wasn't sure how long the decoy would keep them distracted. It wasn't even a very good decoy, just some clothes hung on a bush. I was counting on the fact that their eyesight in this fog couldn't be much better than mine to buy me a few minutes before they realized something was wrong.

 

Currently, I was trying to go in a wide enough berth to avoid running into Blaze or Chomper. The way I figured, if I hurried and stayed quiet, the fog should offer me enough cover to sneak behind them unnoticed and… and…

 

That was the question, wasn't it? “And what?” I was running on assumptions and adrenaline, neither much aide in answering my question. The only thing I knew was that something lay beyond what I was seeing, something bigger going on.

 

Wait!

 

Freezing, I quickly pinched my nose and held my breath. No sooner had I done so when I heard something moving. I couldn't see through the fog but I had a strong hunch it was Chomper. I didn't see Blaze's glow so perhaps they split up to look for me, either way, I had to escape!

 

Backing away, my spine hit something firm. I had a flash of fear, expecting it to be Blaze behind me. I momentarily forgot I had my nose plugged so my attempt at inhaling didn't work as well as I'd planned. However, when I didn't find myself crispified I hesitantly reached a hand back, exploring the surface and coming to the conclusion that my back had hit a building of some sort. If I could get to a door, maybe I could sneak in and barricade it or something.

 

Sliding along the wall, still trying to keep my breathing soft and my heart rate steady (didn't think the last one was working, it sounded like the cha-cha was going on in my chest. That or the mambo), I tried to find a door. When my hand found a metal bar, I whirled around and shoved, trying to force it open but meeting resistance. Pushing again, harder, the back clacked but there was no give.

 

There you are!

 

Too late did I realize my folly. With the door locked and no way inside, I'd given away my position and now was fair game for Chomper. In a panic, I reacted the only way I knew how.

 

I threw a pokéball.

 

It happened before I could even think about it, flew from my fingers before I even realized what I'd done. There was a flash of light from within the fog, showing shadows and blurred forms within the mist before the glowed died. Sounds of a scuffle ensued, then nothing.

 

Sliding down against the door, I traced my fingers along my belt, squinting as I frantically tried to see which of my Pokémon I had sent out. My mouth grew dry as I realized exactly which one I'd sent out. A low growl had me cast my eyes upward, two red eyes glowing brightly through the fog, coming closer.

 

I covered my face with my arms, trying to protect myself from the onslaught I knew was coming… but it didn't. There was a soft, plaintive whine as a nose nudged my arms, trying to push them away.

 

“Nashley?” I let her move them, noticing her eyes were clear and focused. “You're okay?”

 

Then it clicked.

 

The fog, the agitated behavior of Krissy, Rachel, and myself, what was happening to Blaze and Chomper, why Nashley wasn't affected…

 

“Nashley, they're Ghost Pokémon, aren't they?”

 

“Ah, doing good so far, girly.”

 

…okay, if Mr. Ninja Grandpa-man Fuji kept that up, I was going to scream. As it was, I think I was overdue for a nice loud scream anyway.

 

“Made it further than most, still have a ways to go.”

 

Nashley gave a low growl in the back of her throat but quieted when I lightly touched her head. She might have driven Chomper away or temporarily knocked him out, but Blaze was still out there.

 

Trying to keep my voice as low as possible, I stood, not taking my eyes off of Mr. Fuji, less he try his disappearing act. “How do I get the Ghost Pokémon to stop possessing my Pokémon?”

 

“I couldn't tell you.”

 

I clenched my teeth in frustration. I was sore and scared and the only person who could tell me what was going on was keeping mum!

 

“What should I do about it, then?”

 

He shook his head, pursing his lips tightly. “You aren't asking the right questions, my dear.”

 

I nearly snapped at him but remembered to respect my elders, not matter how exasperating they could be. As it was, my question came out as more of a hiss. “Well, what should I be asking?”

 

His eyes met with mine, holding my gaze. “What has changed these past few years in Lavender Town? What might cause this unrest?” The fog seemed to be getting thicker and his form was beginning to sink within the vapor.

 

“Tell me what changed!” I called out, perhaps a tad to loudly, reaching outward for him but my hand passed through the shape in the fog, Mr. Fuji once having once more pulled a Houdini.

 

Balling my hands at my sides I tried to keep my temper in check, tried to make sense of the piece of information he'd given me and how it fit with the others. What had changed? What had happened in Lavender Town?

 

“Nashley, keep guard. Keep quiet.” Her ears perked and I noticed her tense, stretching her senses outward into the fog. I had to think and in order to that, I had to remove the fear that Blaze and Chomper could sneak up on me. Nashley would give me plenty of warning before they came but I had to hurry.

 

I remembered reading about Lavender Town being famous for the rumor that ghosts haunted it, I think the article said it drew in tourists by the hundreds. Psychics, channellers, priests, ghost hunters, all sorts of people would come and look around for the ghosts. I hadn't paid too much attention at the time, there were no gyms located here so it hadn't been a particular spot of interest. The only reason I had read the article had been for a class assignment, a current event of sorts. I got a stupid “B-“ because the teacher hadn't thought that someone claiming to see the “Ghost of Cubone's Mother” in the Pokémon Tower wasn't a very note worthy event. I thought it had been cool because there were pictures of the…

 

The Tower.

 

The Tower had been closed down a few years back, I'm not sure why. Perhaps there weren't enough “ghost” sightings as opposed to “Ghost Pokémon” sightings or maybe the town just wanted something with more income involved but the Tower had been closed down and later reopened as a Radio Tower. The ashes and bodies of the Pokémon put to rest had been relocated but what if… what if not all of them had? I mean, that's how the ghost stories went sometimes right? “Disturbing eternal rest,” blah, blah, blah… hauntings, yada-yada… So what if some of them hadn't been moved, would that be enough?

 

“Nashley, we've got to get in there.” I nodded behind me at the door, suddenly certain that this was the Pokémon Tower turned Radio Tower. “Can you do get us in there?”

 

She gave a muted bark before moving towards the door. She bent her head to the ground and began to sniff around, grumbling softly to herself. For a moment I was worried that she wouldn't be able to but she stopped suddenly, gave a paw or two at the ground as though testing it, then started full throttle to Dig.

 

I had to dodge the flying dirt, casting a glance out into the fog. I was hoping Blaze was far enough away not to hear or that she wouldn't get her before Nashley was done but hope can only do so much. The distinctive pounding of hoofs could be heard from somewhere in the fog but I was unsure of the direction it was coming from.

 

Finger brushing over my Pokéballs, I tried to figure who else might be immune to the ghosts. I was farley certain Nashley was unaffected because of her Dark heritage but would Surfer, being half Poison, have a sort of resistance as well? Nashley couldn't fight while she was digging to get in and I couldn't fight so it was worth a shot, right?

 

“Please work…”

 

I closed my eyes, knowing that if Surfer turned on me it was likely I wouldn't make it out of this journey alive. If he didn't finish me off with a poison based attack, Blaze or Chomper surely would. And yet… not doing it would leave me in equally a bad state.

 

I let the Pokéball fall.

 

I heard it clunk on the ground. There was a brief pause, momentary silence before it popped open. Blaze's flames were already reflecting in the mist by the time Surfer emerged, her hoof beats louder. Not wasting any time, I hastily gave a command.

 

“Surfer! String Shot Blaze when she's close enough! Aim for her legs, trip her up!”

 

He gave a little clicking sound and… this is really strange, I know but given the night I was having I was getting ready to go with it, I could have sworn I heard him talk. Not just me getting an impression of what he wanted based on gestures or tones, but heard him. And he wanted to know why I was attacking Blaze.

 

“She's possessed, a ghost or a Ghost Pokémon. Don't hurt her, just immobilize her. Keep her busy while Nashley and I go inside, can you do that?” My attention was diverted when I heard a soft bark that sounded like it was coming from behind the door.

 

I didn't wait for his answer. The rush of flames that tore through the fog hit my side, my skin in tact but my clothing burning and smoldering. It seemed to be enough to convince Surfer that I was telling the truth because as I dropped to the ground and rolled in the dirt to get the clothing put out, he spat a thick webbing outward, back towards the direction of the flames.

 

I wanted to stay and make sure he'd be okay but I had to focus on the bigger issue. If all this was going on here, now, to me, what was happening to Krissy and Rachel?

 

Another shot of fire rippled though the haze. Dragging myself towards Nashley's hole, I stared down into it, unable to see anything but darkness. I didn't want to crawl in there. No. That's inaccurate. Every molecule of my being rejected the very thought of having to immerse myself into that hole, to feel the walls of dirt press against my sides, to not know what was there or what was awaiting me on the other side. For a very, very tiny instant, I wanted nothing more than to stand and wave my arms, shouting “Here I am Blaze, do you want me Medium Well or Well?”

 

“Don't think about it, don't think about it.” I closed my eyes, somehow feeling better with them shut as opposed to looking into the darkness and knowing I couldn't do anything about it. At least with my eyes shut, it felt like I had some control.

 

I slide forward and downward into the hole.

 

Did you know that most stories in regards to Golpires and Zombies actually had to do with the fact that sometimes, back in the dark ages, people were mistakenly buried alive? Which is why, when the coffins were opened by grave robbers or what have you, sometimes there would be nail marks dug into the wood from where the victims had tried to dig themselves out. Sometimes the wood would be flimsy enough they could get out, only to suffocate on the dirt waiting outside the coffin.

 

It felt like I was suffocating on darkness and every inch I dragged myself along I had to stiffen a scream or a sob or some odd combination of the two. I wish I could tell you in more details how cold the ground felt around me, how the dirt and rocks had almost a bite to them as I crawled along, or how it seemed that the tunnel stretched out forever but just thinking about it makes me want to hug myself close and rub away the goosebumps on my arms.

 

By the time I'd finally dug myself out from the ground, I was shaking. Nashley anxiously paced around me, whining and nudging me, urging me on. Again, strange as it sounds, I could have sworn I heard her, just like I had Chomper, but perhaps that's just because I was so stressed from having to climb through that hole. Heck, maybe I was just finally cracking. I'd been suspecting it for a while now…

 

Finally inside, I stood, trying to figure out where to go from here. My eyes eagerly adjusted to the red light of the Exit sign, a little ways off to the left. The inside looked surprisingly normal considering the ordeal it had taken to get in. There were desks and computers set up, looking new and almost untouched. A couple of plants, a water tank… I moved closer towards the red light, needing to be out of the dark, needing to see.

 

Nashley remained glued to my side, the slight pressure of her presence leading me better than the red light. When we got closer, I could make out the outline of an elevator. I couldn't make out the numbers on top of the elevator but the fact that there were other floors to explore made me uneasy. Stupid as it was, I was hoping we could just get in and get out. So much for that.

 

“We should take the stairs, I don't feel too trusting of the elevator right now.”

 

Nashley gave a slight wuff of agreement and nudged against my leg, presumably leading me towards the stairs. Luck would have it that the stairs were located in the same spot the Exit sign was.

 

I reached my hand for the handle, slowly turning it. I thought perhaps it might have been locked but the door easily opened, gliding smoothly to permit us access.

 

Trepidation filled me as we started up those stairs. The metal echo of our footsteps seemed to ring off the walls and I was positive that if anyone or anything was in this building, they could hear us coming.

 

“A little further,” I whispered to myself. “I can do it.”

 

We tried the door for the next floor only to find it locked. It was the same for the door after that, and after that, and after that. The higher we climbed, the colder it seemed to get until my shivers were coming from more than just fear and even Nashley's fiery nature didn't seem to keep her warm. Reaching the highest level, we moved to try the last door. More than anything I wanted this one to be locked, like all the others. But I knew, I mean knew deep down inside that wasn't going to be the case. Jerkily, as though my mind was fighting to keep my hand from touching the knob, my hand reached forward to open the door.

 

The moment my fingers touched it, the door flung open and this, this force screamed forward, howling shriller and louder than all three Houndours combined. I clutched at my ears as I felt Nashley drop to the floor, yowling in pain at the sound. It wrapped around us and, as though it had a physical presence, yanked us towards the door. I fought against it, grabbing for Nashley, trying to keep her from being sucked within whatever was in the room but I couldn't keep my grip on her fur nor could my shoes keep a grip on the floor. I slide to the floor, my but thudding against the floor hard as I was being pulled forward.

 

“Let go!” My words were swallowed up by the shrieks and wails, the very air from my lungs being jerked out, leaving me gasping for breath. “L-let go!”

 

If anything the sounds got louder and the force stronger. I think Nashley might have been barking, I couldn't hear her but it made sense for her to do so. I wished I could see what was pulling us, the Ghost of a Pokémon or a Ghost Pokémon.

 

“N-nashley!” I tried to yell above the roar but I couldn't tell if it succeeded. “Fire Blast!”

 

She might not have heard me but I think we were on the same page. A burst of flames erupted from her mouth, temporarily lighting up the stair well and the room we were being pulled into. She held onto the stream of flames, even though I knew she had to be losing oxygen even faster than I was. Her desire to protect me was stronger than her will to survive so whatever I had to do I had to figure it out before she killed herself trying to protect me!

 

I allowed myself to be dragged forward, needing to see more into the room. I didn't want to do it any more than I had wanted to climb into the hole but Nashley's life was at stake, perhaps even Blaze and Chomper who were possessed and Surfer who was out there trying to make sure Nashley and I had enough time to do what we needed to.

 

When I got close enough, I braced my legs on the doorframe, wincing as I pushed against it, keeping from being sucked in as the flames soared above me. Lifting my head, I was able to watch as Nashley's flames were sucked into what looked a black sphere no larger than one of my Pokéballs hovering in midair. The wails grew again, a sudden pulse of energy lashing outward from the orb, making them pull stronger. I had to stop this, this thing. But what was it? What was it pulling at?

 

Think, think, think!

 

My eyes scanned the room, looking for answers but only finding the same junk as on the first level. Computers, papers, desks… wait a second…

 

Why weren't they being sucked in?

 

Okay, okay… why wasn't any of the stuff being pulled in? What did Nashley and I have in common, what made it pull at us and not whatever was in the room? Why the flames?

 

I didn't have much time left, Nashley's fire was wavering and I was feeling light headed. Come on, come on!

 

[Energy.]

 

I didn't know where the thought had come from but I ran with it. Energy. Nashley and I, being alive, had energy. The flames she was making had it's own type of energy, Fire. The orb, then, was drawing on energy. Our energy. But how did we stop it?

 

[Fill it.]

 

The flames were almost gone. And, if it was true that the sphere took energy, Nashley would be done for soon. I didn't know how to fill it, I couldn't produce energy like her. All I had was what I had.

 

[Fill it.]

 

I pulled myself up along the doorframe, trying to fight the drag towards the orb until the last possible moment. I kept my head low to avoid the flames, keeping my eyes on the dark globe. Biting my lip, I let go of the frame and ran towards it, reaching for it with my right hand as the flames died out.

 

I remember thinking that for something that sucked the life out of everything, it was warmer than what I thought it would be. Smooth, and warm. Heh, what a silly thought… Liquid bubbles of warmth…

 

[FILL IT.]

 

Unbidden, my eyes blinked and it seemed to pull me out of the stupor I'd fallen into upon grabbing the thing. I could still feel the soothing, tempting comfort of warmth at the back of my mind though and I wanted to grab at it and wrap it around me like a blanket. My own flesh felt so cold and empty compared to the warmth it promised…

 

But what about Nashley? Was she okay? Had her fire gone out or had she stopped herself short? I tried to turn and see but I couldn't pull away from it. Surfer, was he okay? Blaze, Chomper, Krissy, Rachel? I wanted to see them, I had to make sure they were okay.

 

Fill it? Fill it with what? Energy? I'll show it how much energy I have! Maybe I didn't have Fire like Nashley or Blaze, Water like Chomper, or Poison like Surfer but I had my own type of strength, my own type of energy. And I'd be damned before I let it take my friends from me.

 

“I am stronger than you think,” the words were pulled out of my lips but my focus was back, the warmth it offered no longer what I wanted. “You think you can drain me? Try!”

 

And I felt it. It reached in me, through my arm, under my skin, inside of me, unseen, and pulled something from me. Kept pulling it from me, pulling, and pulling and pulling but I wouldn't let it drain me. I wouldn't let it take me or Nashley or any one else. I wouldn't, I wouldn't, Iwouldn'tIwouldn't!

 

There was a loud crack sound, deafening the wailing and shrieking. In my hand, I could feel it split. I could feel… whatever it was that was in me shrink for an instant before reaching out and pulling again. Harder. But the more it consumed from me, the more it broke apart till I could no longer feel the tugging and the pieces from my hand fell to the floor, clattering. Unsteady, finally free to move, I turned to call for Nashley. I couldn't see her in the dark and she wasn't answering. I kept my body moving, despite the added weight it seemed have.

 

“Nashley?”

 

I dropped to my knees, feeling along the floor for her. “Nashley?”

 

I didn't want to believe I was too late. I couldn't believe it. Because if I was, I didn't think I could ever forgive myself.

 

My fingers brushed against a paw and instantly my hands were wandering, desperate to feel a heart beat, a breath, something to tell me she was okay.

 

Because right now, her body wasn't moving.

 

My hand moved under her foreleg, pressed between her leg and chest before a broken sob escaped my lips as I tried to deny it, tried to convince myself it wasn't true.

 

“Nashley?” Her name came out a sob. “Nashley?”

 

“You did it, girly.”

 

“Get away from me, old man.” I felt cold inside. I didn't want him here, I didn't want him near my Houndoom.

 

“Now, now, that's not very nice. You did such a good job too, all of those spirits are free now, thanks to you.”

 

Numbly, I processed what he said. “They weren't the cause of it?”

 

“No. They were caught in it, at least those that you heard in here. The ones outside, they were trying to warn the humans away from this spot.”

 

A light flickered on and illuminated what I didn't want to see.

 

Nashley was lying in front of me and I didn't want to look at her, didn't want to believe it yet. It was unnerving, how her chest didn't move, how her nose didn't twitch with each breath. Mr. Fiji took a step closer and bent down beside my Houndoom and I wanted to tell him not to touch her, to leave her alone, but the light glow from his hand stopped me. I watched him, and her, and tried to make sense out of what he was doing when I stopped thinking all together.

 

Her chest… it was moving. She was breathing!

 

“Nashley!” I reached to touch her head, running my hands along her fur, still crying as her eyes slowly opened. “Oh, Nashley…”

 

“She's going to need a lot of rest, she's still very weak. I'd get her some Potions and then to a Poke Center, as soon as you can.” Mr. Fiji seemed to think a minute. “The Center here should have a recovery machine you can use, but you'll have to figure it out yourself.”

 

“What about Nurse Joy?” I turned to look at him, still unable to believe Nashley was okay. It was then I got another shock for the night.

 

I could see through Mr. Fiji.

 

The shock must have been evident on my face because he gave a sad smile, as though to confirm my thoughts.

 

“Yes, girly.”

 

“Wh-why are you…?”

 

He turned his attention to the broken orb on the floor, the shattered remains slowly dissolving away into a fine black powder.

 

“I have always been a guardian for the Pokémon of this tower. Despite the fact that the bodies were moved, the spirits still remained. When someone brought this… this thing here, I could hear them crying out in pain and fear. I couldn't just do nothing. But I couldn't get close enough to do anything either.”

 

Nashley licked at my fingers, so weakly that I felt like crying all over again.

 

“Why me?”

 

He didn't seem willing to answer but after some time finally admitted. “You weren't the first I tried… you're just the first to make it.”

 

His form seemed to shimmer and he looked upward, as though seeing something out of my sight. “I have to go now.” He turned his attention back to me, nodding a little. “Thank you, girly. I can finally go and see my family again.”

 

Then, the ghost known as Mr. Fiji, was gone.

 

 

 

=0.0==0.0==0.0==0.0==0.0=Present Time =0.0==0.0==0.0==0.0==0.0==0.0=

 

 

 

“In other words… it was helping the spirits by keeping others away.”

 

“But doesn't that defeat the purpose of helping?” Krissy's cynical voice called over the curtain.

 

“The ghosts didn't want anyone else to become entangled either.” Kathryn slowly turned off the water.

 

“I don't know Kathryn, it seems pretty far fetched. I mean, come on, at least Rachel's ghost was a Pokémon.” Even though her own tale was pretty strange, Krissy was becoming more and more certain it was just a Ghost Pokémon playing tricks on her. “Yours sounds really, really crazy.”

 

Thankfully, Rachel interrupted. “Is Nashley okay? What about Blaze, Chomper, and Surfer?”

 

Kathryn quickly answered, not wanting to think about Krissy's response. “They're okay, Rachel. Nashley's still really drained but I gave her two Potions. Blaze and Chomper are horrified that they attacked me, granted, while possessed, but otherwise they're fine. Surfer didn't even get a scratch.”

 

“Well, that's good at least.”

 

“Yeah…” Kathryn closed her eyes, reaching for her towel, not wanting to tell her friends the part she omitted, just incase she really was insane and the last few hours were just imagined.

 

The part where she was beginning to think she really could understand Pokémon.