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The Children Are Hunted

Alyss had flushed at the praise but said nothing as they walked back, quietly feeding her Pokemon when they returned. They were going to Venice... great. As long as nobody electrocuted the water, she would be okay. They were worried about walking? Should she...? No, no way. That was not a good idea. She could get hurt again. They were supposed to trust her, not run from her. Emolga, or Emma, returned to the Pokeball along with Arca. Well, when they got to Venice, she would probably have to buy shoes. People didn't take well to barefoot kids, even if their clothes were kind of clean.
 
Vulpix grumbled something unitelligble and snatched up some fruit for himself. Thomas sighed at him. This was a fine time for him to get moody! Esper was watching Alyss carefully. He looked her over again. What was her deal? Again, he saw that she seemed heavier than she looked. Her frame was light and bony, like a bird. He saw things that he had missed last night. She carried herself fully erect, though she seemed to stare at the ground when someone so much as looked at her. She leaned slightly forward, as though something was going to make her fall over backwards. Thomas had a pretty good guess as to what it was. And considering her power, it made sense. God, if he was right, then that would explain so much! He looked around at the others. Esper and Amber were munching away on apples. Vulpix had wandered off to go hunting, the apple he had grabbed lay forgotten. Marcus and TGP had finished getting ready. Thomas was going to try to get Alyss to talk, but he didn't need an audience. If he called her out with them there, Marcus would freak out and TGP would get very annoying. And she would run and likely never come back. If he was by himself, then she might become more comfortable about it. And if that happened, they could slowly get Marcus used to the idea. Thomas knew Marcus would have no problem with her, once he got used to it. But if he was suddenly confronted by it, he would react with fear, which would be the worst possible reaction. And as for Vulpix, Thomas doubted he would care one way or another. Esper was listening to all this, and chuckled to himself. So it took him that long to figure it out, huh? He walked over to Zanna. Time for more Words.
"So, it would appear Thomas has figured out what Alyss is hiding. Before you fly off the handle, look him over. Does he seem scared or revolted? I would think not. In fact, he is probably excited about this! I know he will react positively, but Alyss does not know this. I don't know if she understands me, but she certainly understands you. You may help her see that Thomas at least doesn't mind the wings. I would prefer it if the two of them would talk about this, but the way both of them are, he would try to ask her, and she would bolt. This can all be worked out if we keep a level head. But Thomas won't say anything while the others are around, so he won't cause a scene. I leave it in your paws," Esper said to the Zorua. While he had been talking, he had been trying to show the Zorua she could trust his words. And that she could trust Thomas would do the right thing. Thomas was still trying to think of a nonthreatoning way to talk to her about her wings. He was sure she would feel better once she told someone in the group. That was the problem with secrets, the more you tried to hide it, the more it built up until you were ready to burst. And she looked like she was at that point. But how to approach the sublect. That one had him stumped. He smiled and thought that maybe the problem would solve itself.
 
Zanna sighed. "Don't have to say anything, do I Alyss?" Alyss gave a bitter sort of smile and shook her head no. She knew they would figure it out eventually. Humans were not stupid, just odd decision makers and sometimes lacking in common sense. Alyss figured there had to be trust for this mission to work. So she pictured Thomas in her head, reassuring herself over and over that he would not hurt her, not with Zanna around, not with Zora's influence on her. Slowly, the white wings began to become visible to the older male, not to the others just yet. That was a crazy idea. She waited, curious to what he would say or do. The urge to fly burned her chest again and she fought it down, looking miserable. She hated the ground way too much, more than humans feared death and hated their own lack of power deep inside. Revealing her wings made it so much worse. And if the other two somehow saw and freaked out, she would not run. If they attacked she would defend. That was the way this worked.

Alyss smiled rather painfully at Esper. "You can just say things to me next time. I do know what you're saying." It would be odd to say the wind told her what they said but someday they might figure it out.
 
"I did not know that," Esper admitted. He looked around at everyone. Thomas was still occupied by his own thoughts. Marcus was eating. TGP was doing, something. He was sitting on the ground staring off into space, so far as Esper could tell. He sent a brief vision of Alyss to Thomas, standing like she was, her wings clearly visible. Thomas sat upright at that and looked at her. Shock came first, because after all, it is one thing to suspect something and another to see it firsthand. Then came relief and acceptance. He smiled at her.
"You look nice today. There's just something different about you," Thomas said with a grin. He hoped the unspoken meaning would be conveyed.
"What? Thomas, she looks the same as she always does," Marcus said, sounding confused. So she had decided to continue hiding her wings from Marcus for the moment. That was probably for the best.
"No, there's definately something, though I can't put my finger on what it is. Oh well, you guys almost ready?" Thomas said. Vulpix walked back into camp with a small mouse. He dropped it on the ground.
"What?! I just found something to eat!" Vulpix complained. Thomas sighed.
"The Great Pokemaster is always ready! As you very well know, Pokeboy!" TGP said. It was tough to pity him when he was acting like this. Thomas hoped they wouldn't have to bring him into any towns, but he doubted his luck would be that good.
"To be fair, I just started eating as well," Marcus said as Vulpix tore into the rat. Thomas looked away from Vulpix, his stomach crawling.
"Well, how you can eat with him around is anyones guess, but we can stay a bit longer. I'm taking a walk before Vulpix makes me sick," Thomas said. Amber got up and followed him.

Esper looked up from washing his head.
"If you wanted to talk to him without those three overhearing you, or even just stretch your wings a bit more, you could go with him. And as for the others, Vulpix would pretend not to care, but you'd probably never be rid of him. He's very curious about humans. Marcus would likely have the same reaction you would. He'd bolt, but after he calmed down and thought about it, he'd get over his fear and say he's sorry. And as for TGP? I think he may already be aware of your wings, to be honest. He's a hero, and they aren't fazed by anything. I still find it funny that Thomas is like that about seeing Vulpix eating after everything he's seen," Esper said. He resumed cleaning his coat. He had to keep himself groomed, or Thomas would throw him into a lake or bathtub. And he hated that. It took forever for his fur to dry.
 
"Well," Zanna quipped. "I've always considered humans to have strange standards." Alyss chuckled and quietly followed Thomas. Oh did the feathers feel good with that breeze. Her body tingled with the wind and she hummed an old tune, slightly forgotten. As she caught up to him, Alyss asked. "What are you thinking? You want to watch me fly. I see that in your eyes but the rest I do not see." She looked down. "Will you tell me?"
 
"... Humans do have strange standards," Esper said absently after a while. He watched Alyss go after Thomas.
"Where do you suppose she's going?" Marcus asked curiously.
"She probably wants to talk with Pokeboy about something, how the heck should I know!" Vulpix said.
"You know he hates that," Marcus said.
"That's why I do it!" Vulpix said wickedly.
"Winny does the same to you, Van!" Marcus said, equally wickedly. Vulpix sighed and nodded.

"Watch you fly?! I'd love too!" Thomas said with a grin. He smiled warmy at her.
"As for what I was thinking, well, it's not that much. I'm going to admit, I'm a little bit jealous of you. I've flown all over the place on Razor's back. I can't even think of the words to describe it! And to be able to fly under my own power would be amazing. But, I can't, so I should stop worrying about it and focus on what I can do. And, I'm very glad I figured it out. Hmm... That reminds me, how long has Esper known? Thinking back, he seemed to be pushing me in the right direction since the beginning," Thomas said. He walked along, conjuring wisps and releasing them as practice. He was pleased to see that they were a pleasent shade of green, the color that seemed to represent his happiness.
 
"Your Espeon has always known," Alyss mumbled, looking thoughtful. "Some Pokemon can see through the illusion I have over them. Or Pokemon just know." She looked away from him toward the sky. He wants to see me fly. The horrible image of being a zoo animal rose into her eight-year-old mind and she inwardly sighed. She didn't trust him, so that option still sounded feasible. She knew her Pokemon would have a fit at that.No choice then.

She knelt before running slightly. She could just jump and fly but that worked better when she was high up. Besides, the quicker she got this over with, the sooner they would be going. Something was going to happen in Venice, she could feel that more than anything else. She pushed off and took to the air. Alyss knew better than to lose herself in the fun this time. She probably didn't have long, so she wanted to see something. Soaring past the trees and above a meadow, she saw the telltale signs of RV on the road. Following the smoke trail, the girl saw the large vehicle, like a large, ungainly monster. Alyss soared to the top and heard a gentle yelp.

Alyss? Her bones froze, almost literally at the voice.

"Zora?"

"Thank god you're okay."

"Of course I am," she replied weakly. "I'm not the one who got hurt like this."

"Don't worry," he told her. "It's almost over. You need to go before you get too far away. I'll actually see you soon Alyss." She nodded, barely able to hear him as it was. Reluctantly, Alyss flew off, shooting back to Thoomas. Reaching where he was, she took a lazier approach to the flying, soaring over the trees casually.
 
"That was incredible! Thank you for showing me. You've got something amazing, and don't belive anyone if they tell you differently," Thomas said. Then he realized. She didn't show anyone this because she was terribly afraid of being scorned. And if Thomas himself had been shocked when he saw the wings for the first time, then he could only imagine how others she had chosen to confide in must have reacted. Even watching her now, he could tell she expected him to run for the hills, or worse. He had to think of something.
"Oh gods, I've been a fool. I've been prattling on without thinking about what you want. I'm sorry. It would have been hard enough for you to even show me your wings, then I go and ask something like that. But really, I meant what I said, you're a very beautiful and unique person, and I am far to thoughtless," Thomas said. He couldn't think what else to say. She had precious little self-respect, and no wonder, if what Thomas suspected were true. It would take far more than a few compliments to set her straight. Still, he had to try. But it was hard to think of the right words. Normally he was good with words, very eloquent. But, this was nothing he had ever dealt with before.
 
Additions to the Mission

Get that boy. Garet grinned. Another shot at capturing the boy. That first mission had gotten him involved in this whole thing around the boy in the first place. There was nothing obvious in the message to indicate that he should ignore Clair now, so he'd still go after her, too.

Please relay this information to the boy, his father is not his biological father. Personally, mission aside, that piece of info made things a little more confusing for Garet. The boy was the son of the AAPM's leader, but his father wasn't his biological father?
That could be something to do with why the boy wasn't at home.

"What were the messages, Garet?" The Lucario asked without turning his head. He was currently piloting the plane that now carried him, Garet, some supplies, and had enough room for a few more passengers.

"We're to get the boy as well, Leo," Garet answered, looking over at a screen. Once Leo had picked him up, they'd connected the virtual map with the tracker's signal to a screen so that the pilot and anyone else could see where Clair was.

That wasn't far off.
 
Alyss didn't seem to notice as she landed. Honestly, she was thinking of her dad, who had tried to- no, off that train of thought right now! He was not here, he was far away somewhere, and there was no way he could find her. Her wings bent to return to their normal position. She managed to give Thomas a small, shy smile, realizing she had been complimented. "Thank you." She did not cry, because the joy welling up in her chest and eyes overpowered that fear for a moment. It wasn't because of Thomas, thought that was a nice, welcome feeling, but because of some new hope.

Silas is alive, Zora's okay, and my mission is going as well as it can. For now, I think this is all right.
 
She seemed to be feeling better, and Thomas nodded. He stopped making wisps, and sighed.
"I think Vulpix is done eating now, so I'm heading back to camp," he said. He moved his arms up behind his head, and for the first time in weeks, didn't whince in pain. Very abruptly, he removed the sling from his arm, and twisted it around. It didn't hurt! His arm had finished healing! Thomas summoned up his power, and with control he was still trying to master, blasted the cast of his arm. He ripped away the soft padding and finally scratched that damn itch he'd had for the past 3 and a half weeks. once that was done, he examined his arm. He had the full range of movement, but there was a knot of bone that meant his arm had healed wrong. He had a thin, jagged red scar running down his forearm. Thomas guessed his bone had split the skin when he had broken it. He didn't remember what it had looked like. He hadn't looked at his arm, just mainly at Esper in the car crash. So he hadn't even known his arm had been damaged that badly. But now he was fine. At the worst, his arm would hurt everytime it rained.
 
Alyss followed him, looking strangely bothered about something. It wasn't fear exactly, more like embarrassment. Zanna ran up to her and perched on her head. She nudged her. "Go ahead and ask," she told her. "The worst he can do is say no for this." Zanna was beginning to relax. That was a good sign she supposed.

So Alyss managed to find the courage. "Um...Thomas? Could you help me... buy some socks and shoes? I don't usually wear them so... I dunno what to look for."
 
Thomas was baffled by her request at first. Then he thought about it. She wouldn't really have needed shoes and socks, not when she could fly.
"Sure. I've got a little bit of money, so we should be able to get what you need. Do you know what size you wear?" Thomas said. Amber came back from whatever she had been doing. She had a potato clamped in her jaws.
"Amber, where did you get that?" Thomas asked. She squeaked and ran. Thomas sighed. She wanted to play. Her form may have changed, but she was still growing. It would be a while yet before she was fully grown, and even then, she may still act like this. But Thomas wouldn't trade her for anything. Amber, like the rest of his pokemon, was special.
 
Alyss shook her head in reply before giggling at Amber. Zanna huffed in jealousy. "Don't steal my partner," she growled irritably before Alyss pat her head. Arca appeared and went to go chase Amber. Someone needed to keep an eye on the recently evolved Pokemon.

Alyss suddenly looked down again, causing Zanna to fall off her head. The girl caught her before speaking. "I've... I've never worn them before. I've just known what they are because Silas stole them once for money. And my friend... he was running places too so he wore his out."
 
"Hmm... That makes things a tad bit more complicated, but not to much. You'd need something light, that way you won't be weighted down..." Thomas mumbled to himself. He looked at her feet. He would guess that she was about a size 5 or 6. It would certainly go along with the rest of her. He watched Amber and Arca running around. Amber was delighted to have someone to play with. Esper came walking out from the camp.
"Just thought I'd let both of you know that Marcus and the others have headed out. They said you'd be able to catch up. They aren't that far away," Esper said to them both. He looked over at Amber and Arca. They seemed to be playing some game with a potato.
"Esper, what size shoe do you think Alyss would wear?" Thomas asked.
"5 and a half," he said firmly. Esper seemed to know what they had been talking about and asked no questions. Thomas smiled. Perfect.
"Alright, the next town we see, I'll go and get you some shoes," Thomas said. He already knew what to get her. A pair of running shoes. They were very comfortable to wear, and provided support. They were light, and easy to move around in. And Thomas would get a pair with velcro instead of laces, just in case she didn't know how to tie her shoes. He really didn't feel like teaching her how to tie her shoes.
 
Alyss flushed. "Thank you." She did know how to tie shoes. Theo had taught her once, in case she had to ever wear them. She hadn't though because he expected her to be in the forest most of the time or on ground that wouldn't require it. He would not be sending her to Siberia to freeze. The man wasn't that cruel. Believing the subject was closed, she went to go chase after Amber and Arca, thinking they were playing something possibly fun.

Zanna grinned faintly. "So she does know how to play."
 
Thomas smiled and watched her ga chase after the two pokemon. He looked at Esper.
"Why don't you go join them?" Thomas asked playfully. Esper gave him a look that could freeze water and leapt into his arms. Thomas waved at the trio that was playing together trying to get them to follow him as he walked after Marcus and the others. He spotted them on the top of a hill, having an arguement.
"I told you they'd catch up!" Vulpix said.
"Nonsense! How can you leave Pokeboy back there! The minions of darkness are everywhere! We must go back for him, right Marcus?" TGP said.
"Don't drag me into this!" Marcus said.
"You've seen what Thomas can do! He's more than capable of handling any minions of darkness! And besides, he's not to far away!" Vulpix said.
"Guys! I'm right here!" Thomas said, raising his voice a little. Marcus looked at him.
"This wasn't my idea!" Marcus said.
"It was mine! We needed to get moving, before the AAPM could reorganize and come after us!" Vulpix said.
"Welcome Pokeboy! Tell this fool that I am right!" TGP said.
"Allright, Vulpix, it was wrong to just leave like that," Thomas said.
"What?!" Vulpix shouted.
"But on the other hand, you had no choice but to leave, so you're both wrong," Thomas said.
"WHAT?!" TGP shouted even louder.
"Enough! This is a stupid arguement that will get us no where. Let's just keep moving!" Thomas said. They all looked crestfallen, and mumbled apollogies to each other. Thomas sighed. He had the feeling they would fall apart he wasn't there to hold them together. He didn't feel any better about that. He just felt worn out.
 
Alyss grabbed Arca expertly and carried her with Amber back to the others. From the distance she could hear the sounds of shouting. She shook slightly and tried to hold herself together as she walked up the hill. Arca could feel it. It was just a little argument up there, the Glaceon knew even without knowing what the other humans were saying. Humans had those from time to time. But... there was shouting and anger. Arca knew how badly the girl reacted to that, especially among people who considered themselves friends or companions. So she carefully grabbed Amber and leapt from the girl's arms.

"Go on and run," she told her trainer. "They'll catch up with you, after I beat them senseless. Everyone's going to be very proud you held out this long." Alyss nodded and this time bolted with a whoosh of wind.

Arca strolled up to Esper and plopped Amber at his paws. "Well congrats. My trainer is now officially freaked out. Your trainer's an okay leader but I think he's been holding them a bit too much. I'm not insulting him, so don't go hostile on me, but those sorts of actions are really like someone else I know and it's a bit creepy, I gotta say."
 
Esper sighed.
"He never asked for this. They all look up to him, though he doesn't even know why. But what do you mean, holding them? I don't understand," Esper said. Amber looked up at him.
"Play with me!" she demanded.
"Not now, sorry," Esper said, still trying to figure out what the Words meant.

Thomas saw Alyss run off, but decided it would be better to let her go. She didn't like confrontations, and this would only scare her.
"You two calmed down?" Thomas asked gently.
"Yeah, don't worry about it," Vulpix said.
"Of course! I was never angry!" TGP said.
"Good, now that you're calm, you can listen. Vulpix, you are right to be cautious, especially after what's happened. But, please remember that you have companions that care about you. And it was good of you to take charge like that. I know I can count on you to get things done in an emergency. TGP, you are also right. You didn't want to leave your friends behind. But, please never forget that sometimes, there is more at stake than that. You can't always protect everyone. You have to let go sometimes and let people think for themselves. So, you guys have done a good job so far, so that's what I'm going to do. You guys can take the lead and make the decisions to get us to Venice. Ok?" Thomas said. Vulpix nodded, and TGP looked him over.
"Fine, what do you think we should do?" Vulpix asked.
"Doesn't work that way. What do you think would be the best course of action? I'm going to go over there and let you guys work it out," Thomas said. He walked over to a cozy spot and lay down in the grass and looked at the sky. He was laughing on the inside.

"Well, that was surprising," Esper said as Thomas calmed them down then challenged them to take the lead.
 
Arca shook her head. "It's not. He has... oh what's the human word... charisma? It's still as though he's a puppeteer and they're the puppets. He's slackened his hold on the strings yet they're still there, influencing them to move. It's hard to explain... he's like..." She couldn't find words or images to explain this to the Espeon when she didn't completely understand it herself. It was an instinctive, observational thing that you needed to experience.

Zanna interrupted, playfully bating at Amber's ears to see if she'd play. "I think Arca's saying that even when he's letting them make their own decisions, he's been holding the reins for too long. They don't really remember what it's like to be without guidance. like sheep. Or they do, but it's difficult to remember being in control. Reminding them they can choose relies on a gradual process... that sound right?" Arca shrugged. Both of them understood each other but it was hard to explain to someone who was outside their circle, as it were.
 
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