My name, is Jokir. I'm a normal 15 year old boy living in the village of Lacal. It's a village full of warriors, and one day. I'll finally be one of them.

"Attack! Get the blades! It's the fighters!" Came the yells of the watchmen, accompanied by the long gongs of the warning bell. Yes it was a common occurrence... Every week, sometimes three or four times even. We rebuild the walls every time but they only give us a first warning. The creatures are so strong they tear through them with ease. However, we have our own fighters. Who are we fighting? Oh, perhaps I forgot to mention. We humans are at war with the cursed magical creatures of this world...

"Get out of the way Joker!" One of the men yelled as he barreled by me, axe in hand. Perhaps it was for the best, because as he did a Machamp crashed through the wall in front of us. It roared as the man engaged it, his shield rattling loudly as two hands tried to beat him to a pulp while the other two caught his axe. The man gave a roar of his own, wrenching the axe free and thrusting his shield, trying to throw the massive creature's balance as he viciously fought on.

It was the norm... I wasn't built like the other warriors. I had a lithe figure so I could barely lift a proper sword. That wouldn't stop me though. Muscle could be built, brains could only be lost! At least, that's what I kept telling myself. Most of the lumbering figures of this town lacked tactics. Their strategy was simple. Beat it in the face until it fell. I had a better idea... As the man continued to wrestle against the behemoth creature, I grabbed a bola from my waist. With a whip and a twirl I hurled the thing at the pair! The creature's eyes flashed though... An arm stretched down just in time to have my weapon wrap around its wrist. Great... I'd just given it two metal balls to swing at my team.

"By the sky Joker! Get back!" The man roared, clearly upset about the turn of events as he blocked a crushing strike of the creature's new weapon with a creaking shield. I still had a spear, but I stood just as good a chance at hitting the man standing between me and that Machamp. I gritted my teeth as I relented... heading the man's advice and backing up, waiting and watching for another chance to prove myself.

Yes... Joker had become my nickname in this town. I'd never managed to be much use in battle. I broke even most times! Though usually I ended up aiding the wrong side... Everyone saw me as a screw up. No one appreciated my strategy and tactics either. Every month the creatures were getting stronger and smarter. They knew how to avoid our defenses, our only chance to survive was to keep changing but everyone in this town was so stubborn...

"Over here! Man the catapult!" Someone else yelled. I hurried to help but it was no use, someone else was already hefting a rock and pulling the trigger.

"No! Aim there! Cut them off before they get here!" I tried to advise but was shoved aside.

"Go back to the blacksmith where you can be of some use! You couldn't beat back a Jigglypuff let alone a Lucario!" The man scoffed as I hit the ground, earning laughs from those around as they continued to scramble to man the defenses. I knew I wasn't the strongest but even that was low... I gritted my teeth and fought the tears I felt welling up. Thankfully it was dark and no one could see that that well... I ran to the blacksmiths but not for the reason they suggested...

"Hey Jokir! I could use your help; they’re really going through the supplies today." Hyryn said in a jovial voice. He was one of the few that actually addressed me respectfully most times.

"I can't... I have to... uhh help with the lookouts!" I lied, not wanting to be tied down tonight. I could feel it. Tonight was the night it would happen. I'd finally prove my worth to the village. I'd end this invasion once and for all!

"Wooooah now... Do you think the Chief would want you on that tower again? The last time you were up there you tried to collapse it on the creatures." Hyryn said with caution.

"And they lost it anyway! At least it would have done some good my way!" I yelled defensively as I grabbed another two bola and a shield before hurrying off once more.

"You're going the wrong way! They're attacking over... Ahhhh just don't get killed!" The man yelled after me as I ran to the edge of town. No one here understood the significance of flanking... If I did it right I could drive the creatures into our armaments alone!

Luckily the gate wasn't guarded. There was no one to stop me as I snuck out and started stalking through the darkness. They were right; it was mostly fighting types tonight, though the battering rams were steel types like Aggron and Lairion. Taking those down was near impossible unless you could somehow douse them in oil and light it. Even then some could simply use earth magic to extinguish themselves. None of them were my target though... Sure killing a Machamp would get me noticed, and a Gallade, being half psychic would make me a near hero. The real prize though... was a Lucario. It was said they could see you coming from miles away, and their attacks could actually tear you apart limb from limb before you even knew it was coming. Sure they'd been killed before, but those spikes were a thing of status. If I could get a set of those to wear, THEN people would listen to me! The thing was, you never knew if a Lucario would show up. They had their own den somewhere, but we could never find it in the woods without being attacked, chased off or killed.

Just then my luck changed, though the town's didn't. A bright blue ball shot over the heads of the invading creatures, crashing into the battlements and exploding! Wood splintered and metal shrieked as it sheared apart. The main watch tower creaked and started to fall. Stones came crashing to the ground as large timbers crushed the remaining wall next to the tower. The creatures weren't hurt though as the tower fell in and towards our town and people. Perhaps a few humans perished in that crash but it was normal... My target... was the cursed creature that fired that blast.

"Lucario!!! Take cover!" I heard the call go out in town. Everyone knew, but no one else would be able to get past the lines of creatures to get to it. I had it all to myself...

Another bright blue sphere arched and hissed through the trees, exploding in the man's chest that had been fighting the Machamp. He was dead for sure... I didn't see the hit. I was more interested in where the attack came from. I saw the attack come from the trees so I snuck as quietly as I could through the brush. Luckily, the sounds of battle gave me some cover. Another three spheres shot through the trees over my head, but this time... I'd seen their source! A skilled Lucario warrior was perched atop a branch, effortlessly forming the balls in its paws before firing them forward. The only indication of where it sat was those attacks. It'd move immediately after and wait, hidden in the pitch black. Their yellow chests didn't give them away, they'd rid themselves of that weakness by wearing fabric they died black, perhaps the very supplies they raided from us. What did give it away though was the glow of the ball just before it was thrown. Even the best Lucario couldn't attack from a different place than where it sat.

I ducked as the Lucario vanished from its perch. Silently I grabbed a bola from my waist and waited... Sure enough it came again. "This time for sure..." I whispered only in my thoughts. I'd been trying to catch one of these creatures for years. It was the ultimate status. I'd dug holes, even laid pitfalls into the occasional cave that ran beneath the ground. Then I'd found out they used the trees, so I'd sawn branches and laid snares. Nothing worked, and it all got me laughed at when I would come back empty handed. Those stupid warriors never helped, never gave advice, they all just laughed. I'd be the one laughing now though...

My breath quickened slightly in anticipation. Finally, I had it! It stood proudly on a branch, summoning a massive ball of energy to end the fighting this night. In a flash I hurled my bola at the creature's legs! I'd save the town and claim my prize!

I was close enough to see the slits of those glowing red eyes flash towards me in fear. It was too late and it knew it. The rope and iron balls struck and wrapped around the dog's ankles, right on target! A shrill howl and yelp rang through the trees as I heard the balls bang and the sharp crack and splintering of wood. I realized I was still a fool though... I should have aimed for the arms, for even as the Lucario fell from the branch a snarl crossed its muzzle in the blue glow of its blast. It brought the ball around to face me, a last attempt at revenge for what I'd done...

I froze, wide eyed as I stared at the crackling orb. It fired but... its aim was off. It was brief but... I thought I saw a hesitation flash in its face as it saw me in the light of the attack. It had to be my imagination though. If it hadn't been falling it would have been a perfect hit. I'd caught it off guard, that was all.

It landed not 10 feet away with a thud and a yelp. Meanwhile, the ball hit just a foot in front of my feet. I huddled and raised my shield but the blast knocked me harshly into a tree. The last thing I heard was the sound of shattering rock and wood as the ground started to crack and crumble. Trees creaked and toppled as I fell into darkness, both real and mental...

---

Female human warrior: "What was that light?"

Male human warrior: "Where'd the Lucario go!?"

Chief: "Who cares. It's gone! Now we can win this, fight on!"

The battle was soon over. Without their secret weapon the creatures lost a lot of their focus. There were fresh kills to feed the village and the humans had definitively pushed back the invaders. But there was a hefty toll. Many had been killed and the defenses needed almost completely rebuilt halfway around the village. The next day was spent searching the outlying areas for any wounded creatures and mourning the lost. There wouldn't be another attack for days, there was time to rebuild.

"Has anyone seen Jokir this day?" The blacksmith asked as he, the chief and a few other strong warriors combed the surrounding forest.

"Joker? I haven't. Must be a good day!" One man laughed, joined in by most of the others and even a snicker from the chief.

"Now now. The boy might not be too good in a fight right now but he'll make a fine warrior someday. After all, what further motivation does one need than to have watched both his parent's killed by a Lucario?" The chief actually commended in response.

"Perhaps in another ten years. Can't you keep him out of our way until then? Dung duty for the Miltank creatures should keep him busy..." Another man groaned as they stopped at the edge of a large pitfall. More snickers echoed around the group, only silenced by a disapproving look from the chief.

"Hush... Where did this come from?" The chief questioned, looking at the collapsed sink hole of rock and tree.

"Just another cave collapsing under the creature's attack. Probably for escape." Hyryn answered as he looked around at the ravaged area.

"Hmm. Let's get some folk out here. Perhaps these trees can be used. Alright men, it seems there are no creatures out here this day. Let's go." The chief said definitively as he turned, walking heavily away from the pitfall and back to town with the others in tow.

---

"Nnn...." I groaned as I started to wake. My head felt like it was being split open by a Crawdaunt... Slowly my vision returned, the blur clearing as I managed to sit up and blink my eyes. Wherever I was, it was dark, almost black except for a few rays of sun seeping in here and there. A stream ran over the rock, wetting my pants and shoes. As I regained feeling I shivered, the water was cold. Holding my head I checked myself over. Nothing broken, though I held my aching head as I stood. "Where...?" I muttered absently as I looked up and around. I quickly remembered what had happened though. "I must be in the caves... But I don't see the debris or the... Oh mph!" I muttered again but silenced myself quickly. The Lucario was still here! It hadn't seemed to notice me as I crouched and luckily I still had a bola at my waist!

My heart raced as I slowly reached for the weapon. The creature was fumbling with the iron balls and rope already wrapped around its ankles. It was only using one paw though but tying that up would be better than nothing... I swiftly twirled and hurled the weapon, grinning as it met its mark! The Lucario let out a shrill pained yelp as its working paw was wrapped to its ankles. That had definitely gotten its attention though. Its ears flattened as it looked over at me with a feral snarl. Those red eyes... were piercing slits. They sent a shiver down my spine as I remembered that terrible night a Lucario took my parents. Just like back then this Lucario's eyes glowed a deep red in anger. It wiggled, trying to get free as I started to near.

I was still careful of its free paw but it didn't seem to be using it. At least it didn't until I came within five feet... Suddenly its arm flung out and it tried to hold its paw at me. It was a bad move, for it howled in pain and collapsed to its side on the wet ground. It panted desperately as it struggled, unable to even prop itself up as I came to stand over it.

"Not so tough now huh...?" I questioned, excitement and fear in my voice. I'd done it! I'd caught a Lucario! But... I hadn't thought it would look so... terrified. "One of you took my family..." I said as my breaths started to become difficult for some reason. My heart raced as I felt for the knife I always kept with me.

The Lucario's snarl had faded to a stoic stare, though a low rumble occasionally emanated from its throat as it wiggled, trying to keep distance between me and it. I found my knife right where it was supposed to be. The blade glimmered as I brought it forward to point at the Lucario's chest. "This is it Lucario... Any last words!?" I said angrily as I inched cautiously closer. Its last free paw looked broken but it could be a trick.

What happened next though I never expected... The Lucario's breathe calmed. The frantic gasps of pain and fear faded as its gaze met mine. I thought it had to be a trick. It seemed to have just given up... and it laid back and relaxed, shutting its eyes and actually giving me its clothed chest to pierce. I stared, stunned for a moment before I saw its eyes reopen and look at me. I quickly brought the dagger up again, having let my guard drop slightly as I watched. I stared at it again, only now realizing I was the one out of breath. But why!?

My gaze shifted to its broken wrist, then its feet and other hand paw tied together. One of its ankles looked swollen as well. It was completely disabled. I could just leave it and it would die of starvation before it escaped. So... why couldn't I put it out of its misery!? And why was it just staring at me!? It didn't even seem to care anymore! "Your mind games won't work!" I yelled as I knelt and bent over it, purposefully putting my free hand on its wounded arm, though not on the brake itself. It winced and arched in pain but somehow... that didn't make me feel better. I held the knife to its throat and saw it swallow hard. Its eye opened half way in a pained expression as it kept looking at me.

~Then do it...~ I suddenly heard in my head! Surprised I flinched and nicked the Lucario's jaw line. It shuttered softly under me and I stared in shock as red blood slowly started to tinge its blue fur purple from the small cut. It wasn't the only injury or cut the Lucario had but my heart raced as I saw what I'd done.

"Y-you... can talk...? But Lucario aren't psychics..." I stammered, still trying to sound confident and angry, though I was failing as my body started to shake softly. The Lucario knew it too... It opened its eyes again as it stared at me with a pained but cold stare. It seemed to be refusing to speak again. As I once again kept its gaze that stare infuriated me... It was judging me just like everyone else in the village. "You think you're better than me!? Better than us!? You're not. Look what I've done to you and I'm not even the best warrior!" I yelled, fueled by a new wave of anger and once more hovering my blade close to its neck.

~Clearly... I wouldn't be suffering so much if you were.~ It answered this time, without so much as a flinch.

"Y...Y." I stammered, once more caught off guard by the voice but recovering quicker this time as the words registered. "You want to suffer!?" screamed, taking a bit of pride when I saw its ears flatten to avoid the harsh sound. "Fine! Lay here and rot! I'll come back for your spikes!" I continued and roughly got off of it. The creature yelped and winced this time, unable to stifle the response as I jostled its injured leg and wrist. I sheathed my dagger and stormed off to find a way out, or at least some decent food. A Lucario wasn't the best creature to eat anyway, most of them were too skinny and their meat tough. Or at least... I'd heard that was the case.

The Lucario lay there panting for a minute or two before it slowly sat up and stared at its legs for a moment. After that it seemed to just sit there and meditate. My eyes had adjusted to the darkness so I could keep an eye on it while I looked around a little further in the cave. I wasn't having much luck finding food... With no light there were no plants, and before now this had been a very deep part of the cave system, so no creatures had taken up residence. I cursed my luck as I went back to try the other way. I gave the Lucario a glare as I walked, telling myself I'd kill it and eat it if I didn't find anything this time. Although... I couldn't shake this strange irk I had when I looked at it. I hated the magical creatures... A Lucario took my family from me... So why did I actually feel bad about hurting it?

I'd tried to fight the creatures before. I'd thrown weapons at them but thinking back... I realized I'd never actually hit or hurt one. Perhaps I'd aided the other warriors a few times but I'd never killed a creature before. I'd never even gone hunting for the village... What did it matter though!? I had one right here I could kill and be a legend for! So why did I feel bad drawing its blood?

Not far from where I'd awoken I found the cave-in that had brought us here. Rocks and trees piled up with only slight rays of light managing to pierce the debris. It would be days before the village would be able to clear it, and that's if they even decided it was worth salvaging. With a sigh I bent down to a clean pool and took a drink of water. I looked up and saw the Lucario once again, still sitting there in an odd position with his feet and paw tied together. It wasn't even trying to escape anymore.

"Can you really not get free...?" I asked in annoyance as I went back and stood over it.

~Why give you a reason to harm me again?~ It answered back with unmoving lips, though it opened its eyes to look up at me with those slitted red irises. I wrinkled my nose as I stared at it. I was angry that it was making fun of me but... I just didn't care anymore. Perhaps that was what frustrated me the most. So far I'd failed in the one endeavor I'd ever set for myself.

"I have all the reason I need." I huffed back, clenching the dagger's hilt in my hand once more. My blood boiled just talking to it, and I hoped it would say something to drive me to my goal. It didn't though. Once more it closed its eyes and went back to meditating. I sighed as I failed once again. Not caring about my own bruises I sat roughly next to the creature. "Why did your attack miss...? You Lucario never miss." I asked in defeat. I couldn't bring myself to do it. This creature had given me the same harsh uncaring look as the one that killed my parents, or so I thought. Nothing this creature had done so far had sent that same crippling fear running through my veins. And yet, even with that haunting memory... I still couldn't do it...

~I don't kill innocents.~ It answered bluntly, without even looking up.

"Well thanks for being the only noble Lucario..." I snorted back and looked at its paws then at the dagger in my palm. I didn't give him time to answer or protest as I slid the blade between its paws and under the first layer of rope to slice it cleanly apart. The iron balls banged against the rock and rolled away with short trails of rope. The Lucario's eyes shot open as I did this. With its paw free it quickly summoned an aura sphere and shoved it in my face. I should have seen it coming... but I fell back on the rock, stiff with true fear now...

~I didn't say you were still innocent...~ It growled, kneeling over me a little awkwardly. Its eyes were once again angry red slits. My mind raced, I couldn't think of anything to say and to be honest I didn't know what I expected to happen when I released the creature...

The Lucario glared at me for a moment more, waiting for me to speak and not budging an inch lest I change my mind. It might have been only a minute but it felt like an hour sitting there with that buzzing energy in front of my face. Only its eyes moved, flicking around the features of my face, studying me for any hint of intent. The next instant though the Lucario's attention flashed to the debris down the cave. Its ear's twitched and the next second it lifted the aura sphere and fired it at the top of the rubble. With the attack gone I gasped for breath, not realizing I'd been holding it. I stared up at the creature, wondering if it was just a bluff until some soft splashes caught my attention. Before I could look though there was another bright sphere in my face.

~We're even... I had better not see you again though. Got it?~ The Lucario growled harshly in my head as I lay there. I heard its words but something was off. Its words somehow felt like an empty threat. I was in no place to call that bluff though as the splashes came up beside me. Three more Lucario stood over me with smirks and hateful glares. One of them was quite clearly female from where I lay staring up... Though they all wore black shirts she also lacked a chest spike and actually had humanoid breasts, small though they might be.

I gave a shallow nod, feeling the heat of the energy ball on my nose as I did. After that, the hurt Lucario lowered his paw and let the ball fade. The one above me raised his own though, to make sure I didn't try anything as the last two helped the injured one up. He winced with pain as his wrist was jostled while being put around the neck of the other male. The female had an easier time since his left leg was still able to hold most of his weight. Hopping and hobbling along, the trio headed towards the pile of trees and rocks. I realized then they would be heading back to the creature's home. If I followed...

I was reminded though that I had better not move. A growl from the last remaining Lucario above me snapped my thoughts. I fully expected the creature to fire that attack when the others were gone but I got a... well pleasant, and yet unpleasant surprise...

With a smack and a thud I fell unconscious once more... With a swift kick to the head the Lucario silenced me and prevented any danger of me tracking them.

Two hours later I awoke to someone calling my name... it was Hyryn! By that time the Lucario were gone. Only the blood where my triumph and failure had sat remained as any indication anything else was there.

"Jokir my boy! Are you alright? What happened? How'd you get down here?" He was questioning as my vision just started to clear.

"H-hyryn?" I groaned as I sat up and held my throbbing head. "Damn Lucario..." I cursed at the pain, which got more replies than I thought at first.

"Lucario? HA! That's a load of Tauros dung. There's no way you'd be alive again if you ran into a Lucario." A man said from further away. I shot him a glare and wondered if I was happy anyone from the village had come to find me...

"A Lucario huh? Is that what made this hole?" The chief asked as he offered a hand to help me up. I took it and was promptly hefted right to my feet with a soft tug.

"Y-yes sir... He was wounded but his companions came. They escaped." I informed without thinking.

"He? Son they aren't people, you know that. Which way did they go?" The chief corrected.

"How'd ya know it was a boy there Joker? What'd ya do, feel it up?" Came the laughs from the party behind the chief. Thankfully the chief wasn't in the mood to jest. He turned his head with a sharp glare, silencing the laughs into awkward coughs.

"I don't know sir. They... knocked me out before I could get the one I'd injured and I didn't see where they went." I lied as I looked down, my mind racing with thoughts. The chief looked at me curiously.

"They... knocked you out?" He asked suspiciously. It wasn't the part I'd lied about but I realized it was the strange part of my story. This was the second time I'd survived a Lucario encounter. Which would be a grand symbol of status if it had happened in any other way besides winding up knocked out...

"Yes sir... I can't explain it." I sighed as I looked at the ground. Hyryn and the chief exchanged confused looks while the party busied themselves with the debris. I could see some grinning and snickering. Once again I was the screw up of the village...

"Well we're glad you're alright. I don't know what it is with you and Lucario but let’s see if we can turn that fortune in your favor next time." The chief encouraged as he whapped a hand on my back, nearly knocking me back to the floor of the cave. I gave a soft and unconvinced smirk as he grinned wide. The three of us started back to help the party salvage any materials for the village. In the end I was tasked with dragging a small tree back. I kept up with the others but I was lost in my thoughts. Why was that Lucario so convinced I was an innocent after what I'd done?

---

"Hyryn...? Did you see the blood on the ground in the cave?" The chief asked the blacksmith as the lugged a massive log.

"I did. It was rusting already, definitely Lucario. That boy is indeed lucky." He replied, looking over at Jokir working as hard as he could to bring back his tree.

"I can't explain it... He could be a legend if they won't kill him." The chief mused, getting a nod of agreement from Hyryn.

---

I was unable to sleep the whole night after getting back to the village. I obsessed over my conversation with that Lucario. What did he mean by innocent? I wanted to kill him, or rather... I used to, and I couldn't help but wonder what his reasons were for attacking us. Why had those other three come to his aid like our village would one of our own? They were just beasts and murderers weren't they?

I decided lying in bed wasn't going to do me any good. Silently, I got up and left my small one room home. The meeting hall held any and all of our tales and records. Surely there had to be something that would help me figure this all out. Though it was only a few hand written tomes, I found one on the known history of humans. Some of it was quite old and most of it was written with very poor hand writing... I started at the beginning, but had to flip ahead a few pages. I wasn't interested in the creation of our world. I wanted to read again why we fought the creatures...

The book said the war started just a few hundred years ago. Humans and the magical creatures had lived in harmony for centuries before hand, but the creatures decided they were to be the true masters of this world and turned on us humans. Without magic, our ancestors barely managed to defend themselves in those first years. They were quickly driven from their homes and lands. The savage creatures pursued, trying to wipe us out with no regard for our intelligence. Some of us tried to reason with the creatures but any kindness was met with a harsh end. Since then the war continued. However, in recent times humans have been staving off the creatures. They can't push us out of our lands anymore and it has made the creatures even angrier.

At least... that's what the book said. Why was it then that the Lucario hadn't killed me? Why was it that three more of his kind came to help him? They didn't have a community did they? Sure some were smarter than others and they had learned to coordinate their attacks, but that was just them imitating us wasn't it...? Then again... I'd found out they could talk. Did anyone else even know that?

With my curiosity peaked, I shut my first book and found another. It was a log of creatures my village had encountered, along with several tales travelers brought from far off lands. I flipped through and found the Lucario. It was nothing I hadn't read before though.

Lucario:

Height: ~5ft

A savage creature of the canine variety. Thought to be the mutant offspring of a Machamp and a Mightyena, this creature is a fighting class creature. It wields magical powers by forming balls of light that it launches at its victims. A Lucario never misses. It seems uniquely capable of directing its attacks as they fly, ensuring they hit their mark. If encountered, kill on sight. Should its gaze meet yours, your only chance is to kill it before it does you...


It contradicted everything that had happened to me the past few days. Even the drawing that accompanied the description seemed so alien now, when just three days ago I wouldn't have thought twice about it. The exaggerated angles and narrow features, meant to convey cruelty and disgust were all wrong. The head ornaments weren't even right. The book made them seem as shadowy snakes that would ensnare you if you got too close. Nothing about it was actually accurate save for the coloring and even then all four of the Lucario I'd seen didn't have their forearms bathed in the blood of their victims...

"Why were they so different...?" I mused as I flipped through the pages, going through the common creatures and on into the legends we knew virtually nothing about. There was a small pink creature that was said to strangle you with its long tail while it feasted on your head. Another about a massive serpent that flew in the sky without wings. Even a beast that could age you a thousand lifetimes in the blink of an eye by controlling time itself. There weren't even illustrations for the last two. Just vague designs that were rumored to be the last thing anyone saw before they died. Perhaps even those had been just the last scrawlings of someone driven mad before death.

With a thump I shut the book and left the hall. It did little to help me sleep and now my mind raced faster than before. What else didn't we know about the Lucario? What of the psychics? They killed us with their minds, made us see mad visions about how we were the oppressors. What if it wasn't that mad after all...?

As I walked back to my hut I looked around. Everywhere fires burned for warmth in the night, and everywhere I was reminded of the naive humans that lived here. I knew there was something we didn't know, or something we'd forgotten. That Lucario could have told me if I had realized but... That chance was gone.

"What if I had another...?" I whispered as I had an idea. Looking up I saw my hut and ran the rest of the way. I knew what I would do. Maybe it was crazy, it would probably get me killed... but nothing here felt right anymore. I threw together some clothes food and water, grabbed a knife, a bola and a small shield and snuck out. It was very early morning, no creatures would be attacking and everyone knew it. I made it through the gate without trouble once again and darted off into the woods. I knew how to take care of myself, and most magical creatures were afraid of humans. It was the ones that weren't that interested me anyway...

I continued to hike as the sun started to rise. I had no idea where I was going but... I felt something out there. I thought it was my imagination at first but the longer I walked the more I felt like I was going in the right direction if I listened to it. Sure enough... I was right.

After finally exhausting myself for the day I made a small shelter and fell asleep. The next morning I set out again and found what I was looking for. I came to a clearing that slopped elegantly down to a small pond surrounded by sparse trees. Several had been beaten to death at their base but still served their purpose as punching bags. There, alone under one of the trees was the same Lucario I'd hurt! I couldn't explain how, but I knew it was him. I was too far to see any distinct markings and even then he wasn't wearing his black garment to hide the yellow fur adorning his chest. But somehow I could tell. Something was different though, and as I watched I realized. He was entirely healed! No limp followed his walk and he was hitting a tree with both paws without so much as a flinch.

Confused, I hid behind a tree and watched. Unless they really were demons there was no way he was completely healed. I stared as he continued to train and wondered what was so different that made this creature such a feared warrior. Standing up on the opposite side of my tree from him I tried to copy his stance. It felt weird, so I shifted my feet to balance better. I figured it was because I didn't have a tail.

Satisfied I had a good stance I watched him again, seeing what moves he was using. He still stuck to basic punches and kicks but they were starting to move so fast that they blended together. Regardless, I decided to try imitating him again. My first mistake though... was thinking I could punch a tree like he could...

Setting myself in the stance I'd copied I focused and leaned forward to strike my hand against the tree. Pain shot up my arm as I connected and I froze with my breath plugged in my chest to stay silent. "You idiot... Why the HELL did you do that!?" I thought to myself as I held my wrist and took a step back. That was my second mistake...

My leather shoed foot came down on a twig, snapping it sharply under my weight. Once more I froze and looked to the Lucario. Sure enough... his ears had perked at the sound. I got another surprise though as I watched his reaction. He didn't turn at first. Instead the tear drops on his head lifted and vibrated a little. Maybe they really were snakes... As if alerted to me by the four black things on his head, he turned slowly to stare directly at me. A moment too late I ducked into the brush, pointlessly hoping he hadn't noticed me...

As I peeked through the leaves to see if he was still there I noticed he was gone... Had he just lef...?

~What are you doing here...?~ An annoyed voice came to my mind, making me jump and fall backwards. Looking up, the Lucario had somehow come to stand right in front of the bush, avoiding my gaze as I must have peered right between his legs...

"What am I doing here? How are you walking already? And your wrist?" I questioned quickly, hoping to distract him from me. My ploy failed miserably though.

~You can't be here. Leave now or I'll be forced to dispose of you this time.~ He cautioned as he folded his paws on his chest and stared at me.

"You don't kill innocents." I responded, trying to sound confident as I rose to my feet. I didn't want to seem weak but at the same time I didn't want to offend him either.

~You were innocent once. I never said you still were.~ He replied, his eyes narrowing a little as I stood about a foot taller than him.

"Then why haven't you killed me? Why didn't your friend in the cave?" I questioned boldly. I must have touched the truth because he didn't have a retort. He stared back at me for a moment before turning and growling as he walked away.

~Either you stay away or we will have to kill you. Don't push it.~ I heard as he walked back to his trees, but that wasn't good enough for me.

"You didn't answer my question." I persisted as I followed, blatantly ignoring his threat. Like before, it had felt empty somehow. He was just trying to scare me and I knew it.

~I don't have to, human. And I wouldn't advise coming closer... Humans aren't allowed here. I don't know how you managed to find this place.~ He said as he stopped and turned to glare at me with one eye.

"Then answer me. Why did your attack miss? Why were my parents killed and I wasn't?" I said bitterly, having to force my ire down as I dragged up an old wound. The Lucario turned around to face me with a sneer again. He took me in for a moment before he spoke again.

~You have a rare flame of life...~ He said with a growl. His eyes were judging me again but this time... it felt different. I'd been given that look thousands of times in the village. Not once had I ever seen a hint of approval in the eyes of my appraiser.

"What does that mean?" I asked with a firm curiosity.

~It means you should leave now. Leave this place, leave your village, get as far away as you can and enjoy the fact you're still alive.~ The Lucario said with a growl and turned to leave once more. I wasn't about to leave though.

"I'm not leaving." I said defiantly as I crossed my arms. The Lucario paused his steps and turned glaring at me sharply.

~Is that your final decision?~ He said as his arms uncrossed to hang at his sides. I got a strange feeling as he stood there but I stood firm myself and nodded. I kept repeating in my head, "I'm not afraid of any creature." ~Then I have no choice but to force you to leave this place...~ He continued and growled as he lowered his stance. I blinked, frozen for a split second as I realized he was about to attack. That was all it took for the Lucario to launch at me, growling ferally as he ran and thrust a paw towards my face!

"H-hey!" I stammered as I took an unsteady step back. I bent backwards to avoid his jab and fell to the ground with a rough thud. My eyes closed for a split second as I hit and when they opened again I saw the Lucario bringing a foot down at me. Gritting my teeth I rolled, bringing my satchel with me though I quickly let it slide off my arm. "What are you doing!?" I yelled as I got to my feet and reflexively drew my knife. I saw the Lucario's eyes and ear twitch as he saw the weapon and heard the metal clink of my bola.

~You won't leave. This is our land. Humans can't be here.~ He growled with a cold expression. I could see he wasn't angry, so why was he really attacking? And why did I get the feeling he wasn't really trying to hurt me.

"Then why am I here!? I thought you Lucario killed people before they even came close to you." I answered and started to think about what I was doing. I dropped my knife as I saw his paws clench, baring his spikes as daggers of his own. He didn't move just yet. He waited and watched, looking for an opening.

~We do...~ He answered simply, but it was hardly an answer.

"I'll ask again! Why am I here then!?" I yelled in frustration as I let the bola drop to my feet. Both my weapons were close so I could reclaim them quickly but I wondered what he was doing. Why engage me hand to hand when he could just blast me away.

~Why don't you tell me? How'd you avoid our guards?~ He barked back in my head as he charged again. He threw another jab at me with such speed it was like he had been holding back before. The paw hit me in the chest, earning a sharp "oof" as it hit but almost reflexively I reached in and grabbed his black furred paw. I noticed then that he had unclenched his paws. He was no longer baring his spikes, he'd hit me with just a paw. I held that paw as it tried to pull back, and I saw the surprise in the Lucario's eyes that I'd managed to catch him.

I grinned softly, proud of myself for shocking one of our legendary killers, but I was quickly brought back to reality... A swift kick slammed perfectly into my rubs, knocking the rest of my breath from me and throwing me to the ground. My bola was within reach and my eyes flashed to it. It felt wrong... and I ignored it as I looked back at the Lucario. My reaction was too late though. A jab flashed to my neck, pressing rough warm pads to my throat and pinning me there. His other paw was pulled back, ready to deliver another blow if I tried to resist, I was thoroughly beaten.

~I thought so. Now get out of here, and never come back.~ The Lucario said as he kept his threatening position a moment longer to make his point, then took a step to the side, placing a foot on the hilt of my knife and the strings of my bola. It was clear he didn't want me to take them...

"You're letting me live again? What if I bring the village back?" I threatened as I rolled to my side, cautiously getting to my feet. The Lucario's expression hardened to a glare, his pupils once more turning to threatening slits.

~Try it... See what happens.~ He answered, his voice sharp and harsh even in my head. With that he shifted, flicking his foot paws and kicking the knife up to embed into a branch thirty feet above. My bola followed, wrapping around the branch the knife was in, tangling around it then shearing off just one of the three balls. Freed from its brothers the iron ball thudded just inches from my face. My breath froze in my chest at the display. Was that luck... or could he have done that any time? Without a word he turned and walked off, leaving me where I was without protection. After just a few steps he leapt, darting into the trees and leaping away. I noted the direction. It was the way I'd come. Was he going back to attack the village in the middle of the day? Or was it just a hint? Regardless... I didn't have a choice. I grabbed my satchel and slung it over my shoulder as I started walking.

My mind raced as I started the trek home. Why was I once again alive after meeting the reaper creature? Why had I enjoyed this encounter...? Why was I absolutely dreading returning home and contemplating just trying to stay alive in the woods for the rest of my life? I knew I wouldn't make it. My only choice was my worthless hut in a village that hated me. But I could feel in my heart this wasn't the last I would see of that Lucario...