MagiStream

Spoilers will not contain actual story spoilers, only information to make things clear or explain something. Feel free to read them without being actually spoiled.

Spoiler

Hello and thank you for checking my fan fiction. It's nothing special I think, but it's not a creepypasta, at least I don't think so. It's something I started a bit ago and seeing it now makes me go "Ugh, this is so bad... Might as well show it to the public!" It's not a huge novel by any means, but it has chapters so I will post multiple posts and I'd prefer if you save your comments on the thread until the end as to not break up the flow. If you want to PM me about the story feel free to I don't mind, You will know when it ends because I will say so, so don't worry about that. I will also include some random doodle/illustrations through out the story at times because why not right?

Anyway, sorry for blathering and please enjoy.

Prologue

"I'm not sure why no one visits... I always make sure to stock greatly on chips and various dips, from nacho cheese to salsa, that should be no issue. My electricity flickers at times, but nothing too bad. I never insist on changing the channel, even if it's a movie I have already seen, so I'm easy to watch television with. I have wi-fi here, password locked of course, maybe that is why no one visits? I would give them the password if they asked though. I even have a pool out by the garden, I haven't cleaned it in a few months and it's littered with leaves--but it is there! Is it that I smell? Am I ugly? No, that can't be it... At least, I hope not. "

"Gengar!"

"Ah!" Her pen ran cross the paper's edge, leaving a black line on her white bed sheets, heart pounding in her ears. "Gengar... You scared me." A soft smile crept on her face seeing the violet grinning Pokemon climb his way on the bed. Panting softly, Gengar plopped on the blankets, closing his eyes as his trainer rubbed down his wild fur. "What's going on anyway? It's passed your bedtime." Yawning, the trainer walked on her creaky floorboards to the window. White curtains blocked out an afternoon sunlight that stung her eyes, the sun facing directly in her window at this time.

"Gengar..."

"Hm? Can't sleep huh?" The trainer looked to her mirror that stood on its own, seeing a dusty dark night gown made years ago by a mother who long since passed away covering up her rather pale body. "Hey, maybe we should go out to the garden! That always puts you to sleep, would you like that?" Gengar nodded with a wide white smile, waddling on the bed over to the edge. It was only when his trainer looked back into the mirror did he begin sucking on his claw's tip.

"Hey! That honey is not for you!" Quickly the trainer protested seeing the act in her mirror, yanking her handkerchief off her dresser by the window. "Ugh how much of that sticky stuff have you tracked in the house, Gengar?!"

"Gengar! Gengar!" The rather chubby Pokemon waddled quickly off the bed and out the room, his trainer chasing after with her gown hiked up and feet bare, the floor creaking with every step. The hallway was cold, the lights on the ceiling flickering as she ran through, Rotoms resting soundly in the lamps. Litwicks rustled in their candle holders sticking out the wall, some peeking under their waxy eyelids to see the commotion. The hefty Gengar leapt down the staircase, slowing down his trainer, snickering once out of her sight.

"Gengar you're in so much trouble..." The trainer sighed defeatedly as she struggled down the stairs, holding her black hair back out of her face and gown up. "That honey is not for you! I've already found you, that's for the trees only!" Finally her bare feet made it on the first floor, seeing now Gengar wasn't the only one awake. "You too huh?"

"Shuppet Shup..." Yawning, the recently rescued Shuppet hovered before her new trainer, eyes barely able to stay open.

"Come on," the trainer sighed seeing this new urgent issue to attend to, "let's get you some place to rest... You happy here, aren't you?"

"Shuppet!" The trainer smiled as the Pokemon nuzzled close to her chest, holding onto the weightless new member of her family.

"Good, let's see if the living room is nice and quiet for you." The snacking Gengar would have to wait, the trainer cradled Shuppet in her arms, creaking to the kitchen. "Maybe I'll tell you a bedtime story, my father would always tell me of--oh what the?!" The trainer paused standing in the doorway to her kitchen. Gengar's sticky footprints littered her floor, jars of rare honey slathered on the walls, slowly oozing down. A gang of Pumpkaboos easily attracted to the sweet scent licked at the sticky mess. Their fur growing sticky, some stuck to the walls, others licking on their honey slathered brothers and sisters.

"Ugh Gengar... He's always making such a mess! I can't leave him alone for a minute, it's just," the trainer paused, her feelings of hatred stimulating Shuppet, almost purring in response. "Never mind..."

"Shuppet!"

"Oh hush you." Planting a soft kiss on Shuppet's forehead, the trainer carefully stepped over honey globs and sticky Pumpkaboos. "Pardon me, 'scuse me, whoa--sorry about that." The entrance to the living room was open. A fireplace lit by a pair of cuddling Litwicks set a sleepy tone. The cloth crimson sofa facing the fire held a shy trio of Banettes.

"Here," the trainer whispered, allowing Shuppet to hover over to her relatives, "they'll take care of you." Carefully, Shuppet nestled between the flat arms of one of the Banettes, closing her eyes. The trainer looked to the floor, seeing snoozing Sableyes snoring soundly in their sleep.

Despite the welcoming group of Pokémon, the days were lonely. Most of the trainer's family of Pokémon slept when the sun was out, so for now she walked the long halls of her home alone. Remains of an old life still shone through the cracks, she ran her fingers along the wall, remembering when the walls were warm from the bustling servants and maids. Her eyes would play tricks, showing parents and siblings she never really knew in the corner of her eyes, only to disappear when she looked back. But it was worse in the afternoon, some of the Pokémon would stir and grow restless, howl and cry,as if sensing the wicked events that happened here.

The trainer could not sleep in the day, she blamed the sunlight, blamed the loud bustle of the village outside her home, blamed the mischievous Pokémon that she couldn't leave to their own devices. But she knew, deep down, that she would never sleep during the day. Not again.

"Huh?" Once her mind was clear and her eyes were in focus, she found herself outside in her backyard garden, overgrown with weeds and moss along the dark twisted trees. Phantumps roamed the area while Trevenants were rather motionless during the day. Something had awoken the lonely Phantumps, their eyes focused at the sky.

"I hear it's haunted." Voices, human voices, could be heard whispering beyond the brick wall that surrounded her garden. "Like, some ghost girl lives there."

"It sounds like you're making stuff up again."

"It sounds like a good place for me to catch some ghost Pokémon! I need to start shiny hunting and need a female Gastly."

"Ugh that's stupid, you'll be stuck with hundreds of useless Gastlys."

"Well, Bill let's us use his box for a reason." Male and female voices grew closer, the trainer carefully rustled through the tall weeds and stepped on uneven cobble stone. Ivy grew along the right side of the wall, the trainer dug her toes into the gaps between the brick, gripping the vines. She peeked over the edge, holding her breath, to see four trainers trampling in the weeds and tall grass around her home.

"I'm not seeing anything good." A young woman with blond hair in curly ponytails held a Pokéball in her hand, shooing away a wild Starly. An older looking man, perhaps in his mid twenties, with pale skin and white hair seemed to be distracted, checking a device and following a path the trainer couldn't see.

"I bet someone buried some treasure around here..." He mumbled, quickly the trainer ducked behind the wall as he grew closer, listening carefully. "Maybe there's something good inside."

"We can't just barge in!" Another male voice spoke, but the trainer kept her head down, unable to see him. "The old lady said someone lives there."

"You mean the old lady whose house we barged into?" The woman voice spoke, sounding closer than before. "We'll go in, catch some Pokemon, and get out. If someone lives there we'll be so quick they won't even notice."

"Where is the entrance?"

"Uh... This way!" The trainer listened hearing their feet trail off around the house, finally releasing her held breath.

"This is great!" She squeaked in a soft tone, rushing back inside the house, "Guests! Multiple guests! Finally people to see, to speak with, oh it will be fun! I have to get everyone up and ready to meet them!" Excitedly, the trainer giggled and clapped her hands through the halls; the snoozing Pokémon grumbling and awakening slowly. "Up! Up! Everyone! We have company!"

"Gengar?"

"Litwick... Lit?"

"Duskull..." Slowly the Pokémon rose from their slumber, awaiting to see their new guests. The trainer clasped her hands together, cutting through hallways to get to the main room. A wide smile was placed on her face, body shaking hearing voices from behind the main door, bouncing on her heels. Gastlys peeked around the corners, Lampents hung from the ceiling, Rotoms flickered the lights as they swarmed in, all approaching closer as the door creaked open.

"Hi!" The trainer wasted no time speaking, only seeing the whites of their eyes, "My name is Luna and--and I'm happy to meet you!" The trainers stood frozen, looking into the crimson and lifeless eyes of the ghost type Pokémon that surrounded the pale woman. "Please come in! I have honey! Do you want some?"

"Grah ghost lady!" The girl exclaimed, tossing a Pokéball into the room as her only weapon.

"Haunter!" Swatting the useless ball out of Luna's path, Haunter extended a long pink tongue, slapping the blond across the face. The three other trainers stood motionless as their friend was paralyzed in the doorway, face twitching and moist. Luna rubbed the back of her head, Haunter hissing at the attacker, detached hands dancing around her head.

"Um," Luna shrugged, "so... welcome to my home!"

Chapter 1--Let Your Pokemon Rest Awhile

"So... um," Luna balanced on the back of her heels, Haunter sulking at her side as the blond girl began to twitch, "what are your names?"

"..." The group was silent. Their eyes wide at the large ambush before them. Soulless eyes from all corners of the room peering into them. Silently.

"Um... D-Do you like chips? I have chips!" Luna's chuckle was weak as the group inched back a bit, all pausing at once seeing their friend still paralyzed could not follow. There was no choice if it meant leaving her.

"Uh, well, I'm Jason." The white haired man spoke first, his radar beeping softly from his back pocket. "Sorry to barge in like that. We'll just go."

"No!" Luna panicked. The door slammed shut. The group jumped turning back to see a tall pair of Cofagrigus, standing firm against the door, eyes glaring down at them. "Haha you just got here guys! It's no trouble having you over don't worry." Luna extended a pale hand to the only man with the courage to introduce himself. "Nice to meet you, Jason." He hesitated, hand held out half way, feeling a firm grip on his shoulders as his younger sister hid behind him.

"H-Hey, ghost lady." He swallowed hard. Finally their hands touched. He flinched.

"Ha, it's just Luna please." Her hand was warm, soft even, far from ghostly or fearsome. Under the light of a wandering Lampent, Jason noticed her nails were painted in a deep violet, with amateur but rather cute smiling faces painted on them, almost as if she were normal. "Who are the rest of you?"

"I-I am Claire." The girl hiding behind Jason peeked out, only a year younger than Luna herself, but seemed childish in her outfit. She wore a soft pink gown, white knee high socks, hair a dark black opposite of her brother's, short and bowl shaped. "You live here alone?"

"Not alone," Luna turned her back to the group, stretching out her arms to the ceiling, "as you can see I am well supplied in company." Rolling Pumpkaboos gathered at her feet, Luna hiding her tickled expressions as their sticky hairs rubbed against her. "Hehe, yes, I'm never alone. Oh! And you are?" Without facing him, Luna waited for his response. The other man who kept strangely quiet, attracting attention of roaming Gastlys, trembled as their wide eyes stared him down.

"I'm David--uh can you guys back up?" David reached in his backpack, taking out a cylinder green colored can, labeled with a Pokeball. Luna looked back, holding in her scream of anger as he shook the bottle.

"Hey!" She called out, "Don't use that!"

"Haunter!"

"Grah!" David fell onto the floor, arms up and flailing, legs twitching, as Haunter snatched the spray bottle away. A firm lick on David's face was enough to keep him at bay, but his squirming body showed no signs of paralysis, only disgust. "What's the deal, Lady?!" Luna gave no response, holding out her hands as Haunter dropped his fetched prize for her.

"A Repel? Ugh, I hate these. If you don't like meeting Pokémon then stay home." She grumbled under her breath before passing the Repel to Haunter.

"Hey! That's mine! I paid money for that!" David scrambled to his feet but made no movements towards the mysterious lady, her eyes smiling despite her obvious anger.

"You will get it back, hehe promise. Now, your friend here needs a paralyze heal." Luna approached the standing girl, her terrified eyes following Luna each step she took. "I think I have some in the back, or do I? I can't remember..."

"I have one." Jason offered, taking out a yellow bottle from his satchel, "I hope this is enough, I'm almost out." Luna noted a sense of reluctance as he sprayed the woman in a mist of curing liquids. Her muscles twitched and eyes blinked, her fist rubbing away the dust that fell on her eyes, shaking out the wrinkles in her bright yellow and white clothing.

"Ugh gross! I haven't been licked before, ever! Totally not cool lady!"

"Sorry." Luna shrugged, more focused on the Pumpkaboos calling out to her around her feet. "Not now guys, we have guests."

"Guests?! You locked us in here!" The blonde protested, pointing back at the motionless Cofagrigus that stood before the door.

"Locked? You can leave when you want of course," Luna smiled, eyes quickly shifting to the ceiling, "but... Uh... You must be tired! Want to let your Pokemon rest awhile?"

"No way!"

"Hang on Lora," Jason stepped forward, crouching down at a rather small Pumpkaboo with cheeks puffed out as if to seem bigger, "maybe that'd be good. I don't want to walk all the way back to Nurse Joy again."

"And treasure hunting!" Claire insisted, still close to her brother's side, "Right? Treasure?"

"Treasure?" Luna rubbed the back of her next, "Uh, yea sure, treasure."

"We should check your trash cans."

"Ew, why?"

"Treasure is usually in trash cans." Claire spoke matter-of-factly. Luna shrugged and smiled at her somewhat voluntary guests, turning to face the stairs.

"Your Pokémon can rest upstairs, I have plenty of spare rooms they can use."

"You got any rare candy?" David asked, bluntly walking beside her as the group followed, a gang of Pumpkaboos close behind. "This seems like a place where at least one would be hidden."

"Hmm, well I did have some but Gastly got to it."

"Where is he now?" As if summoned by those words, the chubby Gengar waddled up the stairs, holding a closed jar of honey, Rotoms fluttering ahead of him.

"Ugh, Gengar, no." Luna snatched the jar away, Gengar hopped on his feet in attempts to reach it, the Rotoms also appearing displeased. "No more honey, it's not good for you. And sweets? This early? You'll ruin your dinner."

"You... You treat them like... a son or..." Claire began but quickly stopped when Luna's eyes met hers, face turning hot pink, "never mind!"

"Hehe okay." Luna ignored the tantrum Pokemon behind her as she traveled up the stairs, holding the side of her gown in one hand and the jar in the other.

"So, Luna right?" David questioned, hands resting behind his head, "Do you hold up this haunted house for tourism?"

"No, why?"

"I figured that old lady was your grandma or working for you or something, ugh she went on and on about haunted house this and ghost woman that. Such a pain." Luna twitched, forcing a smile on her face, pace quickening to the top of the stairs.

"Hahaha ridiculous! Silly old people! Making up rumors, about me?! No wonder no one visits! Hahaha!"

"Haha yea," David chuckled, making his way to the top of the stairs, "hey can I bum that honey off of ya?"

"David knock it off." Jason shoved him aside, Luna pausing beside an open door leading into a rather warm room, "Stop trying to take the easy way out and buy your own honey."

"Oh I'm so sorry my daddy isn't a bazillionaire." David stuck his tongue out but Jason kept staring at the room.

"Whoa, it's beautiful." Soft violet and blue lights from napping Litwicks and protective Chandelures around the room. Together they resided soundly, illuminating the mysterious girl in a gentle light. Jason tried his best not to blink, afraid he'd lose sight of it, this beauty in these often hidden Pokemon.

"Ugh, smells like wax." Lora stepped in, waving away the scent, "My babies wouldn't dare sleep here. Surely you have a better spot."

"Um..." Luna sighed thinking hard, "I suppose my room, they can sleep there."

"I guess..."

"Whoa, look at this one!" David stared up at a now rudely awoken Litwick that rested on a shelf, "It's... It's a shiny!" Quickly the group members took interest in the emerald eyes and bright blue flame. The Shiny Litwick appeared unimpressed and shuffled to a comfortable position.

"Ah yes," Luna spoke softly, dusting off the bed in the room, capturing the dust in her palm, gently sprinkling it into the flames of the Litchwicks, "he is quite handsome. I was given him long ago, someone didn't want him I guess."

"Who would give up a shiny?" Jason questioned, hand hovering above the flames, surprised the heat wasn't smoldering.

"Someone who didn't know he'd hatch into one." Luna sighed, gently rubbing the soft waxy body of a sleeping Litwick, "Horrible... They breed them, hatch them, and then abandon them... Like they are worthless. Like they have no feelings." Jason swallowed down his guilt, feeling his sister give him a firm look from behind him.

"Yea," Claire huffed, "horrible for people to just breed Pokémon for shines and, oh I don't know, stuff them in a box maybe?"

"Ugh, terrible." Luna shuttered, "Please, let your Pokemon rest here, I'll take Lora to my room for her Pokémon."

"Sweet," Jason stretched out trying not to dwell on his guilt, reaching for his Pokéballs from his satchel, "my Gallade needs a break."

"Man at this rate I need a break." David groaned, flopping on the bed, quickly sneezing as the dust fell on his body like a filthy blanket.

With that Luna left the three to their devices, quietly leading Lora to her private sanctuary.

"Ugh, I guess this will do." Lora huffed seeing the dark room, Pumpkaboos huddled in a group on the bed. "Why so many Pumpkaboos anyway?"

"I think they're sweet," Luna admitted as Lora took out only three Pokeballs out from her backpack, "I love them."

"Hmph, well... I guess they're kind of cute." Releasing her Pokemon from a Pokéball, Lora took a step back, Luna staring at the rather pampered creatures. A Whimsicott yawned with burn spots on her wool, eyes lazily opened, "Whim... Whimsicott?!" Quickly she squealed, wide eyed Pumpkaboos all awakened by her call, staring deeply at the new visitor.

"Oh dear," Luna shook her head, "poor thing is all kinds of burned."

"Duh, that's why I'm letting her rest."

"That won't do, I'll get some burn heals for her. I should have some here..." Luna rummaged in her dresser, setting aside sheets of paper with doodles drawn on and socks that no longer matched. Whimsicott shook terrified of the plump short Pumpkaboos, all hopping off the bed to huddle around her.

Lora shooed them away with her foot, but the persistent Pokémon remained, almost in awe at the fluffy new comer. Another Pokemon was released from its Pokéball, a Flabebe, watching closely with a smile as the Pumpkaboos huddled over. "Go away," Lora mumbled, "shook shoo!"

"Here it is!" Luna revealed a bottle filled with a burn curing serum, "I have to keep these around, sometimes the Litwicks and Phantumps don't play nice and burns are everywhere." Crouching down to the shivering Whimsicott, Luna let off a few spritz of the bottle on the singed areas. "What happened to her?"

"Oh, there's these weirdo guys going around this town, challenging everyone that walks by and looks at them. We weren't even giving them dirty looks just passing by! I mean, who does that?!"

"Sounds dangerous." Patting down the soft wool, Luna gave a soft kiss on Whimsicott's forehead, easing her trembling.

"Those jerks sent out these fire types and my poor Whimsicott passed out. If Jason hadn't of been there those punks would have robbed me. Ugh, I hate this town." Lora grumbled, resting against the wall by the window, peeking outside. "I don't blame you staying in here I guess, even if these weird Pokémon are here." Pointing her last Pokéball towards the ground, she released her last Pokemon. Luna rose a brow at it. A Rotom, shaped in the form of a small refrigerator, smiled and stared around the room.

"You have a Rotom?" Luna smiled as her hair began to stand up the closer she came to the illuminated Pokemon.

"Ugh don't remind me, I got him so I could beat this one gym leader. I don't need him now, if you want him I'll trade you for some Pokédollars." Rotom buzzed as he explored the room, the excited Pumpkaboos following from the floor, all hopping up as if to reach him.

"You don't want him? Why not?"

"He's not the type I'm into, I like the fairy type. I mean, they're so cute! Rotom is not..." Lora shrugged as the Pokémon rubbed against her arm, desperate for her affection, receiving none. Behind her smile, Luna ground her teeth and bit her tongue, keeping all judgement and curses to herself.

"Well, he can stay here as long as he likes." Rotom, as if struck with Cupid's arrow, fluttered over to Luna, excited as she absorbed the electricity and pet him nonetheless, her hair standing on end. "Hi there cutie, you look healthy."

"Rooootom!"

"Hehe hi, Rotom." Luna laughed. Lora glared out the window, seeing a weed ridden overgrown garden with Phantumps roaming about. "Well, I'm sure your Pokemon will be happy here." Luna insisted.

"Grah! Let me go!" Both women jumped hearing a frail feminine voice from the hallway. Without a word they rushed off, following the commotion over to the staircase. "Brother help!"

"I'm trying!" Jason called out from the bottom step, David at his side trying to reach Claire by jumping in the air. Luna and Lora stood at the top step, watching as Drifloon held the woman above the ground rather high, bobbing and weaving around as she screamed and squirmed. Gallade stood at Jason's side, Luna stared unimpressed at the fighting type Pokémon as Jason uttered out commands. "Gallade use Close Combat!"

"Gallade..." Looking down at his owner, Gallade appeared disappointed, Jason quickly recalling his training.

"Oh right, fighting doesn't effect ghost types."

"Someone help me!" Claire pleaded, "It wants to eat my soul!"

"Do something!" Lora protested at Luna, "It's your Pokémon!" Staring up at the mischievous Drifloon, Luna hummed a tune, hands held behind her back, trying her best not to laugh at the sight. "What are you doing?!"

"Shh..." Luna hushed, observing the funny play Drifloon as putting on. Lora rolled her eyes rushing down the stairs, as if to aid in getting Claire down, but was shorter than the guys trying to reach up. "What a little jester," Luna giggled, locking eyes with the excited Drifloon, "come on now, enough is enough." Without having to raise her voice, Drifloon received the message and gently brought the squirming girl down to the ground. "Good boy, Drifloon."

"Driflooooon..."

"Jerk!" Lora shouted at the Pokémon, "You could have hurt her! Bad, bad, bad Pokémon!"

"He didn't mean any harm." Luna assured, walking over to the soft weightless Pokemon, tickling the fluffy cloud on his head. "He was just playing a joke, reacting the story of Drifloons carrying kids away. It's all in good fun."

"Fun?! She could have died, she could have,"

"I'm fine," Claire interrupted with her shaking body hidden behind her brother, "I... I just don't like heights."

"Seriously though, your Pokémon should know better." Jason spoke with Gallade at his side, appearing embarrassed by the ghost Pokémon, all taunting him as his fighting type attacks were useless. "What if she got hurt?"

"She didn't. She's fine." Luna assured with a smile at the shaking dizzy girl, "Everyone is fine, besides Drifloon is stronger than he looks, he wouldn't drop her."

"Drifloom." Floating over to the girl, Drifloon offered a heart shaped hand to her.

"He wants to be friends... He's just not sure how to be."

"Oh..." Claire mumbled with her fingertips barely grazing Drifloon's hand, "hi..."

"Ugh, after my Pokémon are rested I'm outta here." Lora spoke to no one in particular, but voiced her opinion all the same. "This place is freaking creepy." Lights flickered and floorboards creaked, glowing eyes peeking from underneath them, hiding a hidden chamber in the basement filled with the nocturnal ghost types. The entire house appeared alive, staring down at the new foreign guests, waiting for an excuse to eat them up.

"I'm sorry," Luna shrugged, not meaning a word of it, "please try and relax. I have a kitchen if you're hungry."

"Food?!" David smiled widely, Luna noticed a beautiful Sneasel by his side, rubbing her tummy, "Oh man I'm starving! What have you got to eat?"

"Sneasel!"

"Um, I have chips and,"

"Why didn't you say so?! Onward, to the kitchen!"

"Sneasel! Sneasel!" Luna smiled and hopped over to the kitchen, David and Sneasel hopping just as excitedly to their new free meal.

The kitchen's sticky mess still remained, with Gastlys now taking turn licking up the mess higher up, the lone Haunter leading the group. "Food, food, food!" David chanted as Luna opened the fridge.

"Sneasel! Sneasel! Sneasel!" With an excited smile, Luna reached inside the Rotom shaped fridge, listening as he let out soft laughs. Inside she found only a carton of eggs, a jar of salsa, some over priced cans of lemonade, and plenty of berries. A relaxing foster Pokemon, a Froslass, slept curled around an expired bottle of chilled milk.

"Here," Luna placed the salsa jar on the table, "I have some chips around here somewhere."

"Haunter." Quickly the Pokemon came with a bag of stale triangular chips, setting them beside the salsa. "Haunt."

"Good boy, Haunter. Always so handy."

"Man, how long have you lived here, Luna?" David asked as he opened the bag of chips, feeling a firm chip in between his fingers. He glanced at the expiration date on the bag, slowly putting the chip back in the bag. Sneasel eagerly pulled herself up on the table, with the aid of levitating Pumpkaboos to aid her, Luna quickly offering some berries over. The starving Pokémom accepted it gladly.

"I've been here since I was born, eighteen years to be exact, give or take a few months."

"Any parents?" The group stared curiously as Luna froze in place, fingers digging into the table as her tension grew.

"Shuppet!" Quickly the once snoozing Shuppet was alerted to change in mood, coming over to Luna's shoulder.

"My parents. They aren't here." Luna shrugged.

"Shuppet?" The newest foster Pokemon floated at her side, despite the wondrous feeling of her hatred feeding Shuppet, she frowned seeing her new owner growing sadder. The shy trio of Banettes came from the living room, limp arms tugging at her gown, offering soft nuzzles to keep her in better spirits.

"Oh," Jason spoke, getting the unspoken hint, "sorry."

"Do they live somewhere else?" Claire asked with an innocent air, Luna sucking in a firm breath, holding it as she usually did. Shuppet rested by Luna's face, eyes filled with concern, despite the pleasant feelings of hatred flowing through. Jason nudged her sister in the arm, shaking his head firmly down at her. Lora crossed her arms as the air grew colder, eyes catching a glance of the Haunter. His eyes were stern, furious even, directed at her.

"I don't think he likes me." Lora spoke quickly in her attempts to change the subject. Luna looked up, putting on her best false smile, letting out a false stale laugh.

"Who, Haunter? He's a sweet heart, he's just... protective."

"Haunt.... er..." Haunter stuck his tongue out slowly, as if threatening her with the paralyzingly saliva that coated it, enough to make Lora tremble. Loud crunching of stale chips and squishes of chilled berries came from the table. David devouring his questioning meal of stale chips and mystery salsa.

"When was the last time you ate?" Luna questioned, gently picking up one of the Banettes, the male one that trembled the most, gently rubbing on his head. "You do seem kind of skinny."

"I uh *crunch* ate two days ago... I think... I'm starving I know that, haha!"

"Maybe we should go out to eat," Lora suggested, "to get out of this house, get some actual food."

"That sounds nice," Jason smiled, "Luna you should come with us. After all you must go out to eat if chips is all you have."

"Um... I--I dunno, I mean my Pokémon need me."

"It will be fun, Luna." Claire whispered, cheeks a bright pink color, "We can hang out... and... um..."

"Hey, bring Haunter with you!" Jason quick to cut off his sister before her shyness got the best of her, "After all, he seems like a good protector."

"Haunter!" Giving a salute, Haunter puffed out his chest, eyes stern and teeth jagged, floating at Luna's side. The Banette in her trembling arms looked up to her, eyes almost pleading, Luna understood only how a mother would her child.

"You think I need to eat too, huh?" Luna asked, giving a smile at Banette.

"Banette..." The Pokémon nodded, quickly hopping to the floor, his two sister Banette quickly patting him down in a strange ritual.

"Okay, I suppose I can go outside. Shouldn't be so bad."

"Will our Pokemon be okay while we're gone?" Lora asked as David followed behind Luna, licking his hands of the flavorless salsa. "They won't get dragged to the Ghost World will they?"

"Of course not," Luna assured, "that's just a myth." She lied. The Cofagrigus blocking the door moved to the side without having to be told, eyes following the group as they left the house.

"Don't you need shoes?" Jason asked at Luna's side, watching her squint in the light, feet bare on the stone pathway.

"No need. Come on, Haunter, stay close."

"Haunter." With his hand in hers, Haunter kept as close as he could, the group leading Luna off the property.

Behind her was a home she hadn't left in a long, long, time.

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Spoiler

Spoiler

My next few parts will be from the Pokemon point of view, because as you may have noticed they seem to have personalities and some with a LOT to say haha. And so if you see Pokemon talking, which I will make sure is obvious when they are, know that they can understand humans but humans (for the most part) can't understand them. Just some notes to help this transition smooth over from human to Pokemon. It will go back to human later on, but again I will make it obvious.

Chapter 2--They'll Never Understand

"How dare these humans come and distress my master in such a way." Haunter grumbled as he held Luna's hand securely, her listening as the group spoke of badges and achievements. "Can't they see she's suffering?"

"Meh, these guys are oblivious." Sneasel shrugged, hands behind the back of her head as David had shown her how to do. "But they aren't so bad, not like the gym leaders, those guys make me furious."

"Gym leaders?" Haunter having been born and raised in the home was more frightened of and ignorant to the outside world than his master. But having been bestowed onto her by a father that no longer existed with orders to protect her, Haunter had little choice but to follow.

"Yea, gym leaders are the worst. They challenge us you see, like recently, and if you don't beat them then you can't leave the area."

"They hold you hostage? How wicked."

"Heh tell me about it, they pretend like we can't leave the area because of power outages, or--or Pokemon blocking paths," Sneasel scoffed, running her claw between her teeth, fishing out a shell of a berry seed, "or sleeping Snorlaxs. But oh surprise, surprise, if you beat them suddenly the power comes on, the Pokemon move, and the Snorlax wakes up. It's all a big conspiracy I tell 'ya."

"You seem well informed, Sneasel." Haunter eyed the intelligent Pokemon, her smile wide and eyes sharp, not missing a single thing.

"Have you seen this?" David asked to Luna, pointing at a tree beside the town's entrance, blocking what appeared to be a hidden path. "Stupid tree, when I beat this gym leader hopefully I'll be able to get Cut and see what's back there."

"Why does he not simply cut it down himself?" Haunter questioned, noticing his master's look of disbelief, seeing even she was rather confused by his need for such a power.

"I'm sure I have an axe at home." Luna offered, but David was already heading forward into town, his stomach growling over her words.

"That stupid gym leader planted that tree I tell you." Sneasel spoke walking beside Haunter, "They do it on purpose, make Master fight them, make Master injure us, make Master spend money training us to be stronger, fuels their rotten economy. Our masters are not so evil, the government is."

"Interesting." Haunter pondered to himself, looking up as Luna stroked his spikes back. She smiled, calming herself by his touch, hearing her words before she even spoke them. "I love you too, Master."

"I love you, Haunter." Luna whispered, a beaming smile on her face, an honest smile. Haunter could tell the difference. From smiles forced, to smiles genuine, never once had she given a false smile towards him. Never had she hidden her feelings from him. Never had she lied to him. It was honor that he felt, knowing her honest self. It was a love no other Pokemon would have. No other human would have. No other man would have. Haunter assured it.

"What are you two whispering about?" Gallade asked with eyes wide, curiously watching the conversing Pokemon.

"How corrupt this government is!" Sneasel protested, "I mean, do you know how much stuff cost? A Pokeball? Two-hundred Pokédollars! And a Max Potion? About two-thousand Pokédollars. And lemonades? Three-hundred Pokédollars... Pure robbery."

"My master has no problems affording these necessities." Gallade admitted rubbing the back of his neck as the group reaching the town square. A Pokémart was to their left, a few residents walked out with backpacks filled with large amounts of potions, rope, and repels, ready for a journey into a cave. The Pokécenter was next to it, this being an old town that hadn't combined the two like the city Jason was from, and a trainer that had apparently blacked out was being carried inside.

A fountain with clear water ran smoothly in the center, a few benches around it, kids dressed as Pokémon keenly looking for challengers. Homes and restaurants and boutiques were around town, gates leading to other routes appearing to be blocked by strange men in matching clothing, and all homes nearby unlocked and ready to accept strangers inside without word of concern.

"I saw a cafe around here," Jason spoke pulling out a map from his side pocket, "should be close by."

"Your memory sucks, Jason." Lora groaned, walking towards the cafe a few blocks away.

"That woman there," Haunter grumbled, "she gives me a horrible feeling. Who is she?"

"That would be Lora," Gallade spoke with back straight and eyes forward, "my master's ex-girlfriend."

"What is this ex-girlfriend you speak of?"

"A girl who gives my master kisses, hugs, listens to him when he speaks, and offers him gifts. That is a girlfriend, which she no longer is."

"Master told me she cheated," Sneasel whispered in case anyone was listening in, "with a gym leader! Said she couldn't beat him with her Pokemon so she... You know."

"I do not." Haunter admitted, getting tugged back by Luna as they were stopped by a pair of young girls.

"Halt!" One shouted, Pikachu ears on her head and yellow jacket around her body, "Our eyes have met, it is time to fight!"

"Let's do our best!" The other one cheered, her body dressed in a Pichu costume.

"Ugh great," Lora groaned, "I left my Pokemon back at the house."

"I'm not battling some little kids." David crossed his arms.

"Neither am I." Sneasel mimicked her master, crossing her arms defiantly. Luna looked down to Haunter, a Pokémon who had battled many times in defending her outside of the house, his eyes already locked with his new targets.

"I will end their lives as they defy my master passage. I will spare no mercy for the merciless!" Haunter announced.

"Want to play, Haunter?" Luna asked, he grinned seeing a glimpse of excitement in her eyes, a passion he hadn't seen in many years.

"Yes Master, let us fight!"

"We can join too." Jason offered, seeing the two against one ratio, "Will be fun."

"Truly no challenge," Gallade prepared his arms across his chest, "but I won't let my guard down, Master."

"Go, Pikachu!" The girl in the Pikachu costume called out, tossing her Pokeball out, revealing an excited Pokémon.

"Ha! I'm ready! I'm ready! I'm ready! Let's go! Go! Go!" Pikachu chanted, jumping up and down, cheeks building up electricity.

"Go, Pichu!" The girls partner called out, revealing a young Pichu to the fight.

"Huh? What's going on? Where am I?! Grah!" Pichu collapsed, trembling at the sight of wide blood thirsty eyes of Haunter.

"I will defend my master, no matter the risk, no matter the threat!" Haunter growled at the two opponents.

"Use me as you will Master," Gallade assured, bobbing a bit with fists ready, "I will not fail you!"

"I haven't battled next to someone before." Luna admitted as she bounced on her heels, "Would you like to go first?"

"Heh, ladies always go first." Jason laughed a bit, Lora's eyes glaring at the pair.

"Hm okay, Haunter!"

"Yes!" Haunter nodded prepared for any attack, locking eyes with the frightened Pichu.

"Haunter use Shadow Ball!"

"Prepare yourself foe!" Haunter warned as a serge of dark energy was gathered from the area, sapping the force from shadows cast by tall buildings, growing stronger and stronger. The ball of pure darkness was hurled forward, the collapsed Pichu no match for the powerful blast.

"Owwwww!" Pichu cried out in pain, releasing electricity easily from its body, barely able to stand.

"Yes! Good job, Haunter!" Luna praised, clasping her hands together, "I'm proud of you."

"Anything for you, Master." Haunter grinned as his opponent was weak, but hiding a burning furry as he still stood. "But it is not over yet."

"Ugh!" The girl in Pichu costume stomped her feet, her fellow cosplayer trying to comfort her, "No fair! No fair! Why do you get to attack first?! No fair!"

"Guess it's my turn." Jason chuckled, a new bold look on his face, pointing at the hype Pikachu. "Gallade! Use Close Combat on Pikachu!"

"I do as you command!" Gallade charged at the bouncing Pikachu, the blades on his arms slicing back and forth, his small fists too attacking. "I will not lose!"

"Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!" Juggling the Pikachu with his rapid punches and slices, Gallade snatched at the Pokemon before punching him into the ground. Retreating back to his master's side, Gallade gave a respectable bow at the twitching Pokemon, quickly flinching.

"Grah, I--I can't move."

"Hm?" Haunter watched as electricity came off of Gallade's body, his eyes twitching and mouth speaking but nothing else able to move. "I see. What shall we do?"

"It will... Wear off... You must fight, keep the masters safe."

"Oh-no," Luna sighed, "I didn't bring any paralyze heals with me."

"Haha!" The Pikachu cosplayer gloated as her Pokemon got back up on his feet, bruised, but bouncing around again, "Now we have you! Pikachu use tackle on the tall one!"

"Get ready! Get ready!" Pikachu chanted as he rushed forward, "Here I come! Here I come! Here I come!"

"Gallade brace yourself!" Jason called out worried of his already weakened Pokemon, not having a long time to rest earlier.

"Haunter use Protect!"

"Yes, Master!" Quickly a shield came across Haunter and Gallade, pushing back the rapid Pikachu, his body tumbling back.

"Now Haunter, use Poison jab!"

"Face my wrath!" Launching forward with a sizzling fist, Haunter released a bold punch across the excited Pokemon's face. "Admit your defeat!"

"No!" Pikachu protested, the poison already taking effect, face growing pale, "I will not fail my master! Not fail! Not fail!"

"Neither will I." Again Haunter threw his poisonous jab into the Pikachu, only ceasing when the poison wore off and retreating back to his master's side. The Pikachu let out a screech of pain before coming to a halt, fainting on the ground.

"Your Haunter is strong," Jason admitted, "it's like he doesn't even need direction."

"He's my pride and joy," Luna laughed a bit, "never has he failed me, and never will he, right Haunter?"

"Indeed!"

"I'm sure that's a yes." Jason laughed, "Gallade how are you holding up?"

"Well, Master." Gallade grunted, "Haunter, I admire your skills."

"I will defend you," Haunter assured, taking his place in front of the paralyzed Pokemon, "allow me to finish this fight."

"No!" The Pikachu cosplayer cried out, "My cute Pokemon!"

"I'll handle this, go Pichu!" The other called out, Pichu finally steady on his feet, "Attract that ugly faced Pokemon!"

"Mwah!" The male Pichu blew a kiss towards the male ghost Pokemon. "Huh?! Don't you find me pretty?"

"That doesn't work on me," Haunter rolled his eyes, "for more reasons than one."

"Haunter," Luna laughed a bit, "please show this kid how looks don't win battles."

"Gladly."

"Haunter, use Shadow Punch!" Quickly darkness surrounded Haunter's hands, his body rushing forward to the frightened Pichu.

"It ends here!" A swift direct impact across the Pokemon's jaw was enough to launch him upwards, Haunter flying upwards to follow. The dark trail followed his fists as he continued his barrage, hit after hit, the Pichu endured. Falling downwards, limp and defeated, Pichu could only see the sky as he landed hard on the stone floor.

"Pichu, no!"

"Ugh.... I.... I failed you..." With that, the Pichu fainted, being summoned back into his Pokéball.

"Pichu, don't worry, we'll get you to the center!"

"Here," the Pikachu cosplayer grumbled, reaching out of her pocket as she approached her opponents, "take your winnings." Luna and Jason see offered a small pouch of coins, both looking to each other unsurely.

"Um, you can keep it." Luna suggested.

"Yea, we don't want to take your allowance." Jason's chuckled a bit, rubbing the top of the girl's head, "Just take this experience as a learning lesson. Free of charge."

"Come on, Sis!" The other girl called out.

"Hmph, fine." Both girls with fainted Pokemon rushed to the Pokecenter, exposing the small group of people that were watching the fight. They gave a small applause, Haunter eyeing them nervously. Who would challenge him next? Who would threaten his master? Always alert, always ready, Haunter took to Luna's side, wasting no time to celebrate his victory.

"Come on, Gallade," Jason spoke getting his Pokéball out, "let's head to the Pokécenter."

"Until we meet again, Haunter." With that, Gallade was summoned back into his orb home, Haunter remaining without one.

"Good going," Sneasel praised as they walked to the center, "another Pokémon suffering because of the government promoting violence for a few Pokédollars."

"They challenged me," Haunter spoke without a twinge of guilt or pity, "they lost. Next time they won't make the same mistake."

"Oh I know. It just gets me mad seeing them so regretful, I mean, what if you had lost? How would you feel?"

"I... I won't lose."

"But if you do,"

"I won't!" Haunter hissed back, a poisonous venom leaking from his mouth as he screamed, Luna quickly taking notice.

"Haunter? What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Master." He sighed, closing his eyes as Luna's hands rubbed on his head, kissing a spike. "You spoil me with such kindness."

"There, there, it's okay. I wonder what's got you so upset?"

"Hey I'll wait here," David suggested as Claire and Lora weren't sure whether to stay here with the stranger or leave for the center, "you guys go and heal Jason's Gallade."

"Fine by me." Lora huffed, holding Claire's hand and walking to the center. Seeing now he was alone with the still questionable ghost woman, David followed her to the fountain, sitting on the edge beside her. "So... you and Haunter known each other long? You two seem to have a good bond."

"Oh yes," Luna smiled resting Haunter in her lap, "I hatched him from an egg when he was just a crying Gastly. I've had him for years."

"Years? Shouldn't he be, like, a Mega Gengar by now?"

"No, because I have this." Luna exposed the necklace around her neck, David leaned in seeing the curved fragment tied on the string.

"What is it?"

"Part of an Everstone, I had one some time ago but it shattered, so I kept a piece of it with me. Since Haunter is always by my side he will never evolve, I hope he doesn't mind."

"Of course not, Master." Haunter spoke with a serious expression, resting against her chest as she hugged him close, "No matter my shape, color, or form, I will always remain loyal and by your side."

"Geeze you're love struck. " Sneasel gagged as she sat on the edge of the fountain, splashing some water against her face, "Probably because she's the only human you've ever known."

"Not true," he insisted, "I knew others a long time ago. A gray haired man, a frail bitter woman, a thief butler, and many servants. I knew many others, a long, long, time ago."

"What happened?" Sneasel asked as David and Luna spoke of nothing particular, mainly David speaking of famous restaurants and Luna listening. "They all ran away or something?"

"Not quite. My master's birth parents weren't the kindest to others, but oh they loved my master, showered her with gifts, me a gift for her at one point. She enjoyed the company, the praise, the love, until they simply stopped existing."

"Huh? They're... dead?"

"I don't know." Haunter admitted, eyes looking up in the sky, wondering if he'd catch a glimpse of them somewhere up there somewhere as Luna had done before. "They simply vanished one afternoon. There was screaming, violence even, humans battling humans in a way I understand. The thief, it fought and fought, until the humans didn't move anymore. They just laid there, quiet, leaking a crimson liquid."

"Oh," Sneasel bit her thumb, watching this rather fearsome Pokémon speak of a subject he didn't understand. The subject of death. The subject of mourning. "Maybe the parents will come back?"

"Maybe. I did not see them among those who didn't move, and eventually men came and took those people somewhere. Master speaks of them when she is in the garden, I am not sure why, they cannot hear her, no matter how loud she cries."

"So, must be lonely." David yawned, arms resting on his thighs, hunching over, "How do you live with only Pokémon?"

"Simple, it's not lonely, they are good listeners and they are great company." Luna smiled as Haunter looked back at her, his hand patting the side of her face. "I wonder if they understand me, or if I'm just a pleasant noise."

"You are very pleasant Master, noise or not, please don't look so sad."

"Heh, well either way you should get out the house more." David suggested, "Me and Sneasel travel a lot, we have to, can't afford to keep a house in this dang economy."

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"Did you know a bicycle cost one million Pokédollars? I can't even hold that much on me! Imagine the price of a house! That's why you see ten year olds running around the world, they can't afford homes and most are homeless. Spewing nonsense about being a Pokémon master this and a collector that. Those jobs don't pay. I just want to have a warm place to sleep at night." Sneasel looked back to her master, hopping on his shoulder and shaking him playfully.

"Don't be so sad Master, I'm happy with you, we don't need homes! We don't need food! We don't need beds! We have each other! Everything will be okay, right?" David gave no response, simply patted Sneasel's back and sighed. Haunter watched this strange display of sadness, this look of false strength and happiness. Did all humans wear such transparent masks?

"My home isn't very warm," Luna admitted, rubbing up and down her sleeves, "but it is always welcoming in foster Pokémon. Now, Sneasel isn't a foster but I wouldn't feel right sending you away with nothing. If you ever need a place to stay, you and Sneasel are always welcome home."

"For real? No joking?" David chuckled, staring at generosity in the face, eyes in disbelief.

"Sure, I don't mind. Would you like that, Sneasel?"

"Whatever makes my Master smile makes me smile as well!" Sneasel gave a thumbs up, taught to her by her master, with a wide smile on her face.

"Geeze what did I miss?" Lora's annoyed voice grabbed their attention. She stood with arms crossed eyes glaring at the pair on the fountain, Jason sighed a bit, Gallade at his side, and Claire staring at the ghostly Pokemon.

"Um, nothing." David scoffed, hopping off the fountain, "Come on let's eat, I'm starving!"

"I'm so hungry!" Sneasel called out following her master towards the cafe, Haunter remaining behind to aid his master to her feet.

"That was a fun battle." Jason chuckled lagging behind with the slow moving ghost girl, "Granted I don't like crushing the dreams of little kids, it's always exciting to battle. I'm just glad Gallade had Haunter here to protect him."

"I am forever in your debt, ghostly one." Gallade spoke with a bow as he walked, fully healed and a stain of lipstick on his cheek from excited females. All seeing him as the most handsome Pokemon, just as his sister Gardevior was considered the most beautiful.

"Please, give your debt to my master." Haunter spoke, his eyes glued on her as she stared curiously at the villagers around. "She needs it more than me."

"Of course." Gallade smiled, glancing at her, "She seems nervous, is she alright?"

"No. The humans here, they lie and they cheat, they kill and they steal. She doesn't trust them, has no reason to in my opinion. After all, someone here in this town had to have silenced all those servants in her home and painted the floors red. Horrible mess, I remember watching her trying to clean it as she cried."

"What?!"

"Yes?" Haunter asked.

"Well--what of her parents? Her friends? Were they..."

"Gallade?" Jason asked seeing his Pokemon with wide eyes and shaking arms. "What's wrong?"

"I wonder what Pokémon talk about," Luna wondered out loud, using her free hand to hold onto Gallade's, somehow easing his nerves, "maybe adventures and battles."

"Probably food and treats." Jason laughed.

"Hopefully they do," Luna sighed, "I hate the idea of Haunter speaking of sad things." Haunter closed his mouth, shutting his eyes as she rubbed on his head, a gesture he grew to love over the long years.

"Guys come on!" Claire waved them over, already holding the door open into the café, "Quick, before David eats everything again!"

"Coming, Sis!" Jason called out, speed walking ahead, Luna tugged forward by Gallade's long strides.

"My master's parents," Gallade confided to the always listening ghost Pokemon, "left a long time ago before I came. Not killed but... having parents walk out on you, sometimes I believe is worse, they chose to leave, I hope your master's parents did not chose death."

"I see." Haunter hummed, "Is it natural for humans to have parents like this?"

"Maybe, I've never asked." Gallade allowed Haunter to glide in the doorway first, his presence already causing wide eyed stares and nervous whispers. Tables were on both the left and right side of the café, David and Sneasel already sitting in the back, with a counter to the left. A waitress trembled at the dark aura emitting from the sharp eyed Pokémon, not saying a word as she guided them to David's chosen table.

"Hey," Lora whispered harshly in Luna's ear, "can't you put that thing in its Pokéball? It is scaring everyone."

"Pokéball? Haunter doesn't have one." Luna shrugged, "If you don't like him then by all means don't look at him."

"He's hard to miss."

"If I'm forced to endure your hideous and snobby attitude, then you will endure the presence of my Haunter. Don't like it? Then fight me about it. If you won't, then kindly shut that pampered mouth before I knock all of the teeth out of it." Luna spoke softly, holding a smile on her face, leaving Lora blank faced as the group took their seats. Haunter glared at the woman, tongue sticking out as he hissed at her.

"Master has no need to be angry. Anyone who upsets her I will end personally and drag into the Ghost World. Never should she worry about such petty humans, that is my job."