Dream Bringer [Pokémon]

Prologue

Prologue-

The dusty lamps were the only light to halt the darkness from consuming the old city, and it was by that light that the beast was guided. The balding yellow moon had slipped behind a smoky mist, leaving the small beast to focus on the grassy ground in front of it. At the slightest rustle, it would dart into the surrounding bushes with astounding speed. It would remain in the hidden shade, darkness eating away at its very being.

You cannot be in the light, it reminded itself. You must not be seen.

But the beast's heart itched to be in the welcoming safety of those lamps, where its silky lilac pelt gleamed and sparkled. Where its dark eyes need not be hidden. The fox-like monster shook these thoughts off, padding parallel to the danger of the cobblestone road. It tiptoed along the marshy ground, muddy and damp from the torrential rainfall that had poured down the night before. It winced, but reminded itself of the dangers of light and pushed on. The sleek trunks of pine trees surrounding the beast towered above it, reaching their spidery fingers into the dusk menacingly. The anxiety continued reaching and spreading all over the beast's body, constricting around it like a mighty snake.

Much to the animal's relief, the demonic pines thinned, encasing it in a flatland of yellow light. A chunk of stony asphalt was the only obstacle that separated it from its destination. A glowing white building stood beyond, where intertwining pieces of metal formed into a solid roof. Tall, elongated windows were barely visible beneath curved metal columns, giving the illusion of darkness within. Grey shadows danced under the onion-topped structure, curling and twisting with every change of light. The beast's dark eyes sagged, glad it should not have to be burdened with the darkness again. It was soon that it would be in its loving master's arms, able to rest and be at peace.

The animal bolted across the dark path, tiny paws barely touching the cold ground. It skidded down to the entrance of the odd structure, landing in the marshy ground. But instead of waltzing through the sliding glass doors that towered above the three-foot-tall fox, it scurried around a corner, to be enveloped in darkness again. As quickly as possible, the beast leapt onto a thin windowsill, slightly nudging open the glass pane with the scarlet gem on its forehead. It slipped through the open space silently, leaping gracefully into the light of indoors.

The brightly illuminated room soon came into focus; the gleaming linoleum floors, the dark walls and dome ceiling. A plain pine table stood flimsily in the center of the room, along with a couple of matching chairs with odd patterns on the back similar to those of the roof. In them sat two women, who stared at each other with a distinct look. An elder woman gave the other an almost glare, expression practically clear of emotion. Her once curling black hair was now flat and wiry against her bony spine, streaked everywhere with gray and even white. The woman's pink leering eyes were circled with tired creases that displayed years of work and exhaustion, eating away at her beauty.

Though the beast could only see the other girl's bubble-gum pink curls, it immeadiately recognized the human as its master. It crawled towards her wooden chair, mewing quietly as if not to interrupt the silent staring contest. The young woman blinked rapidly, shaking her head as if emerging from a trance. She turned slightly towards the beast, expression sparking with relief and recognition.

"Espeon," she sighed, smiling. "Come here."

The small fox leapt onto the girl's lap, purring and brushing its whiskers against her chest. It was so glad to be in light once again. The girl stroked it, her light fingers gently spiking up the lilac fur.

The elder cleared her throat, eyeing the beast steadily.

"Did it bring us the message?" she asked, voice level and smooth despite her age. The girl nodded quickly and eagerly.

"Y-Yes madam. Espeon, please hand it over," she ordered quietly. The small animal cocked its head to the side. It didn't like how the old woman spoke about it, but master respected her, and master knew best...

The beast swung its forked tail forward, where a small piece of paper was held. The pink-haired girl snatched the letter from it, placing it carefully in the old woman's outstretched fingers. She unfolded it slowly, eyes darting over the page. The woman let out a heavy sigh, connecting her gaze with the girl's once more.

"Clarisse," she murmured. "It's time." The old woman handed the paper to her, closing her eyes solemnly. The girl who could only be Clarisse skimmed over the letter, anxiety absorbing her expression.

"Madam," Clarisse exclaimed, "Y-You can't be serious!"

"Yes. I'm afraid it's true," the old woman sighed.

"Shouldn't we have this conversation in private?" the pink-haired girl suggested nervously. The beast curled up, nuzzling her in an attempt to ease its master's nerves. The older woman shook her head silently, waving it off.

"It doesn't matter. Everyone will know soon enough... Actually, I need you to send out a public notice."

"How can I explain it?" Clarisse questioned worriedly. The older woman drummed her fingers against the desk in deep thought before breaking into another subject.

"I need you to understand that if I could choose you, I would. But... You realize-"

"Yes, Madam. No need to explain." the girl cut in. The old woman nodded understandingly, continuing.

"...So you know what you must do?" she stood, her long coat swishing by her hips. Clarisse bit her lip and shook her head. The elder woman sighed, propping her bony elbows against the table.

"Tell them that the last of the original Gym Leaders has fallen."

---

Here we go... Another Pokémon fanfic... What do ya guys think? This is just going to be a side-project to Drifting Skies, but I came up with this idea and thought it was interesting. There won't be any fixed update day, so I'll basically just update whenever I feel like it. But... It's a start, right?

Remember to comment/vote/add/whatever ya feel like doin'.

Also, I'm really proud of the cover... I made it in Sumopaint. Why did it take less time than DS' cover? It's so much better... Ahem.

Anyway, see ya next...uh... I'll just see ya around.

Thanks for reading!

-Q