Birth of the Dark Arcanine

Growltiger dashed at his top speed. He was fast, and needed to get there fast. He saw it stand tall and regal before him.... the volcano. Growltiger had heard horror stories about what it was like in there. Too hot, almost unbearable. But Growltiger didn't care. He just needed the firestone once. He had heard in a legend that if an Arcanine evolved on the day of the new moon, they may become one of the most fearful Pokemon of their kind, with powers far beyond that of the average Arcanine. He grinned his slimy yellow grin. But before he would go in, he needed to prepare. He ate a few water holding plants and although he utterly DESPISED the taste, it didn't hurt him as pure water would. He also killed a rather large Nidoran male. It filled him up, and gave him more liquids without weakening him. He then
finally got to the volcano, and carefully walked in.

"I have news. A Growlithe is heading for the volcano, most likely to evolve. Keep close to the burrow, and spread the news." The Guardian told it.

"Got it!" The Ratatta said, then scampered back into the burrow.

Guardian Persian continued to warn any others she met about the possible threat. She soon came to a sleeping red and green Eevee. As Guardian Persian watched, it stirred and woke.

"Who're you?" Solarflare asked.

"I'm the guardian of this forest. I protect those who live in it from every threat I can." Guardian Persian replied. "There's a Growlithe heading to the volcano, most likely to evolve. It's a threat to every Pokemon that's near it."

"I have no fondness of Growlithes or Arcanines. Could I come with you?" Solarflare replied, standing up.

Guardian Persian stared at the Eevee. "You could, I suppose." Guardian Persian said, losing her distantness. "What's you're name, anyway?"

"I call myself Solarflare." Solarflare said, following the Persian.

Sometime later, Guardian Persian stopped abruptly, causing Solarflare to bump into her. When Solarflare looked around Guardian Persian's leg, she yelped and hid behind Guardian Persian again. She had seen a pack of Growlithes in various steps of relaxing.

Firestorm looked up, and saw a Persian and an odd-colored Eevee staring at them. Fire figured they weren't a threat, and yelled, "Hey, you guys don't need to worry! We already ate!" He trotted over, "Who are you anyway?"

Guardian Persian looked at the Growlithe that had walked over to her, then at the other Growlithes. "I take it you're the one who took over from Growltiger?" She asked, amused.

Fire smiled grimly, "So, you know him? Do you know where he disappeared to then? Oh, excuse me miss." He bowed his head a bit, "I am Firestorm, the current leader here as I see you guessed already. Would you mind me asking of your name as well?" Vita looked up and saw a Persian. She gasped. Could it be...? She ran up happily, and shouted, "Guardian, is that you?".

"VITA! Yep, it's me. Broken any hearts recently?" Guardian Persian grinned; it was an old joke. She looked back at Fire. "Yes, in fact I do know where Growltiger is. I tracked him to the volcano. He will probably evolve to attempt to beat you. I'm the Guardian of this forest, and you can call me Guardian. This," Guardian Persian
gestured to Solarflare, "is Solarflare, who is following me for some reason or another.". Solarflare had relaxed, and now nodded to Fire.

"Hello!" She said cheerfully to the alpha Growlithe.

The air was thick inside. Growltiger took a deep breath. The entrance was wide. He didn't like that. Someone may beat him to the stone if he left it open like that. Growltiger grinned sinisterly, and aimed a blast of fire at the rocks over the entrance, sending a bunch tumbling down. That would keep them anyone who tries to get in busy for a while. With that, he trotted into the depths of the volcano. It was hot, but he could stand it. Growltiger looked around carefully as he walked, to see if any danger was apparent.

A menacing roar echoed through the passage before the Growlthe. "WHO DARES ENTER THIS SACRED PLACE!?!" A female Houndoom stepped out into view, her teeth bared through vise-like jaws. Her body was rippled and corded with lean, pure muscles. Her eyes focused on the male Growlithe intruder. She smiled, just a tiny bit. She used the best attack she had against males..... Attract!!

Growltiger smiled his slimy grin. "Sorry, any other time that would work cutie, but for now, I only care about becoming the strongest of all." He stared at her, using his glare in retaliation to her attract in hopes of paralysing her.

"Sorry, but you have to get past me to go any further. Any male worth his salt would know there's only one way to achieve strength... and that is to battle!" She laughed as if she enjoyed death and looked forward to his. She recalled her brother's failure to stop a simple pair of Vulpix. "I'm not as clumsy as
my brother. Too bad it's me you met up with!" Darkness seemed to radiate from her body. The Houndoom stepped up closer to the Growlithe and roared again. It was an official challenge.

Growltiger then leaped foward; grabbing the female tight by the throat, and felt his teeth sink into the soft flesh where life bubbled near the surface. He bit harder.

The Houndoom reared up slashed at Growltiger's underbelly, shoving him off herself. "Filthy cur, you will never see the light of day!" she snarled at him and opened her mouth wide. A filmy black cloud rushed out from her throat and filled the area. It was a poisonous Smog attack!

Growltiger grinned. This was the dumbest move she could have made against a fire-type. He spewed fire that ignited the smog, which ignited even the smog that was still in her. Growltiger hoped anxiously that would do SOME damage.

"Idiot!" the Houndoom laughed to herself. Fire had no real effect on her, although having her tongue singed was not very pleasant. She struck out against the Growlithe through the black smoke that now filled the cavern. Her larger jaws gripped the firedog by the scruff of his neck and shook him like
a rag doll before sending the challenger flying towards a wall.

Growltiger gasped as the wind escaped his body as he struck the stone wall. Still, he wasn't going down that easy. He grinned, and began using agility and a move he learned from a certain annoyance, double team. He made as many copies of himself as he could muster, and had them all use high speeds to
confuse.

The Houndoom stared off blankly. She would wait for the Growlithe to attack. His parlour tricks would not dazzle her concentration of keeping her duties.

Growltiger grinned, and had one jump forward and appear attack from the front. Many others seemed to attack from various directions at various times, and there would always be more. Finally, he leapt in and out himself along with the clones, only his nips were real.

Houndoom got tired of the Growlithe's annoying attacks. They were not but buzzings of a fly to her. She filled her flame sacs full and blew searing hot embers in the direction of the Growlithe�s face.

Growltiger smiled, relived that she had blown fire in the face of an illusion. With that, he ran up behind her and bit hard on a back leg, waiting patiently for that snap.

The Houndoom dragged the Growlithe behind her and whipped at his face with her tail. If she could turn herself double, she would have torn is face off in her crushing jaws. She got ready to use another searing ember attack... her target was dangerously close range now....."Too bad for him!" she smirked to herself.

Growltiger had one more idea. As the Houndoom whirled around to blow more embers at him (or worse), he leapt forward and attack one of her most vulnerable spots.... the eyes.

The Houndoom spun tightly and ignited the pumice-lined floors. A fire wall now encompassed her and the Growlithe. There would be no easy escape now. She turned her head back and gave Growltiger a Mean Look... "You will die here! Now get ready to fight and go in the way of an honourable warrior!"

Growltiger snarled and leapt towards her leg, only to veer away at the last second and begin to slash furiously at her unguarded eyes.

Houndoom shook her face from the attacking firedog. Thankfully, her bony helmet-like protective armour took a lot of the damage. Blood still hazed her vision, as she moved to counter the attack with one of her own. The Houndoom blew a full powered fire wheel attack. Large balls of molten flame spun in the Growlithe�s direction, closing tightly upon the intruder.

Growltiger did the one thing he could do..... As he was a smaller size, he may be able to. He dug a hole underground, barely dodging the flames, and came back up under the huge Houndoom. He then slashed at the delicate underbelly, where all the internal organs lie.

Growltiger's attack surprised the Houndoom. She did not like to be surprised! She smiled again and formed a ball of dark energy between her canines. She belched it forth at the dog. A Shadow Ball sped towards the Growlithe now.

"How much more punishment will this stupid mutt take?" she thought to herself, "If things don't turn my way soon, I'll have no choice...."

Growltiger smiled. If he played his cards right, he would do double damage. He let the dark ball come dangerously close to him, then used to dig again, popping up under the Houndoom again. The super smooth walls bounced the dark ball back. Growltiger hoped that that would hit her as he gashed at
her stomach again.

Houndoom was growing wise to the Growlithe's method of attack.... if he was going to use dig again, she had a way to deal with it. She grinned again.... perhaps she would not have to use the one attack she dreaded most!

Growltiger smiled sinisterly. He now had a plan of surprise. He pretended as if to go again for the soft underbelly, instead claming his jaws on her rear leg hard. He then returned to rip at her back, hoping some damage had been done to the leg.

Houndoom had had enough. The sick crunch of her splintering hind limb echoed a grim herald of a slow death. "Destiny Bond!" she hissed at the Growlithe.... "Your life will be no longer than mine!" A strange aura flashed sickly green around them, and then disappeared. The Houndoom limped off in almost complete defeat. She laughed to herself. "That worthless cur will know my pain and follow when I drag his soul to the darkness!"

Growltiger shook his head. That stupid Houndoom. He did not believe in curses. Still, he'd best be moving on, in case there were more. Growltiger just wanted to evolve and get out. The further down he went, the hotter it became. His fur slowly began to smoulder a bit. Growltiger knew he had to hurry, or else he may very well die in here, and never fulfill his desire for revenge. The heat only grew worse as he travelled further on. Growltiger snarled. He would not give up. Not now...

Vita hugged her old friend, and looked her over, "You evolved too! Man, you look awesome!". While Vita was cheerfully reunited with her old friend, Fire's expression grew grave. This could be very bad. It would be the new moon tonight. Fire knew that the legend differed in different packs, but in his pack it was told that if one evolved with enough evil in his mind and heart, then he would become a fearsome creature of immense power. Fire sighed again. This could be disastrous.

Guardian Persian grinned and feinted at Vita, and Solarflare looked at Fire. "What's wrong?" She asked softly.

Fire smiled grimly, and looked to her, "Have you not heard of 'The Arcanine of the New Moon'? If what I think is gong on will happen, then this whole lake is in danger.".

"Actually, I haven't." Solarflare admitted. "Could I help in anyway, shape, or form?" She asked, looking at Fire.

Fire shook his head sadly, "I'm not really sure if you can. This could be dangerous. Extremely.". He then told Solarflare and the others what he had learned from his pack.

After the telling, Fire ran back towards the volcano, hoping to warn anyone nearby. The Sun shone brightly above, making him squint a bit. Fire just hoped that Growltiger would not be able to accomplish his goal...

Under the ground a good ways away, Hechicera got a panging headache. Something was wrong, she knew, but had no idea what. Swallowing hard and tiptoeing out an entrance, she sniffed around, looking for Fire.

He whirled around to see a Magmar staring him straight in the face.

Growltiger snarled, "So, you wanna mess with me? Bring it on!".

The Magmar chuckled, "You have a small mind fire dog. I wish not for a battle. I am merely a test. To get any farther, you first need to pass my test of mind rather that body."

Growltiger gave him a queer look, "What do you mean?".

The Magmar chuckled again, "I am Rajiko, and I test the mind. If you can answer my riddles, I shall let you pass. If you do not, you go no farther and waste away to ash.". Growltiger snarled, "Fine, ask away duck!".

Rajiko smiled, "If you answer three riddles correctly, you are free to move on. However, if you get three wrong, you shall never leave."

Growltiger nodded, "Get on with it!"

Rajiko nodded, "What can you put in a barrel that weighs nothing?". Growltiger thought hard for a moment, and asked, "Ummmm... what's a barrel?" Rajiko sweatdropped as he replied, "It is a roundish wooden thing humans hold items in, such as fish."

"Oh..." Growltiger thought hard again, "Ummmmm......air is already there so that isn't it......hmmm.....", he thought so hard he got a headache. He poked at a clot of dirt that had somehow gotten down here, and watched part fall off..... Growltiger suddenly got it! "A hole!" He said triumphantly. Rajiko nodded, as if pleased. A nearby boulder shifted a bit...

"Alright, answer this." Rajiko demanded, "What runs but never walks, has a mouth but never talks, has a head but never weeps, and has a bed but never sleeps?" Growltiger shook his head. That was an easy one! He had heard it many times before. "Duh, a river!"

Rajiko nodded, and the boulder shifted a bit more...

"Alright." Rajiko said, "One more right and you go free. However, now they get hard." Growltiger stood, prepared for whatever riddles this duck was about to throw at him. "Alright", Rajiko grinned sinisterly,"How long can you run in the woods?"

Growltiger smiled, "I can run for hours of course! I'm a strong Growlithe after all."

Rajiko smiled broadly, "Wrongo!"

Growltiger stood confused, and whirled around to see a boulder start to move over the way
he had come in.

Growltiger looked at Rajiko in surprise. Rajiko chuckled, "You can only run into the forest halfway. After that, you are running out. And if you keep this up, you are out of luck."

Growltiger snarled at himself for letting his ego get in his way, "Alright, next riddle! Move it duck, I ain't got all day!"

Rajiko considered carefully, "What lives forever, and if you eat it, you die?"

Growltiger thought hard. He remembered the thorny berries his mother had warned him about when he was young, and she had said they lived forever. So, Growltiger exclaimed, "The thorny berries!"

Rajiko shook his head, and the boulder moved in a bit more. "One more and you're stuck tough
guy." Growltiger snarled. He HAD to get the next one right, or he was done for. He snapped, "Well? What's the next riddle?"

Rajiko chuckled. He must admit, this guy had some spunk behind him. Rajiko considered carefully his
last action, "Alright, Last one. You ready?" Growltiger nodded, "that's what I just said duck! Get on with it!" Rajiko nodded, "Alright then, here we go. What runs and has no legs?" Growltiger was about to say the snake, Ekans, but knew better than to go by first instincts by now. So far, that had gotten him
nothing but trouble. He closed his eyes and thought hard. His fur sizzled a bit in the intense heat. Growltiger winced. If he wasn't a fire-type, some water would have been nice...

His eyes snapped open. Water! Of course! He yelled it out, "Water! Water runs with no legs!" Rajiko smiled, "You got it Sherlock." With that, both boulders moved out of the openings. Growltiger smiled his slimy yellow grin.

It couldn't be much further. He dashed through the door with not a word of thanks or goodbye to Rajiko. Rajiko sighed, and wondered if he had done the right thing...

Well, he did figure out the riddles, and giving riddles was his duty. No more, no less. With that thought in mind, he slowly returned to his puddle of lava to wait for the next challenger...

As Growltiger walked on, the heat grew only more intense. The pain earlier inflicted by the Houndoom erupted. He winced as the intense pain settled in. Also, the slightly smouldering fur had begun to burn away slowly. Growltiger began to wonder if he would make it to the stone. But, he had to...

He lay down after awhile to wait for his second wind. Growltiger sighed, and didn't really feel like getting up. But, he had to. With the thoughts of revenge driving him on, he got up again and once more began to walk onwards to the Stone.

As Tora-Chan fed her hungry pups, she looked to Sunstar. In a shaky voice, she asked, "Sunstar, do you really think Growltiger will be able to become the dark Arcanine? You know as well as I what he will do." he nodded, and nuzzled her, "but all we can really do is wait and hope for the very best. but for now, let's enjoy the peace. Who knows how soon it maybe destroyed..."

Vita looked up at the bright sun. it was still shining as radiantly as ever. She lay down shaking a bit. The tension was driving her nuts.

She had run ahead of the others, and was now waiting in front of the blocked entrance to the volcano. There may have been another entrance somewhere, but this was the one Vita was sure he'd plow through on his way out. perhaps she could talk some sense into him. For now however, she did as all were forced to do...wait.

Growltiger gasped for air. As he traveled on, the air had grown steadily thicker. Now it was near impossible to breath. It had also grown unbearably hot, even for him. His fur was slowly burning, and t felt like his skin had begun to blister. The heat also penetrated his open wounds, making them almost too painful to move. But he kept on going. The stone had to be near; it just had to be. He snarled and kept on going.

Suddenly, as he turned a corner, a bright red light made Growltiger squint. When his eyes adjusted to the light, Growltiger saw he was in a large cavern...with a bright red stone sitting in the middle!

Growltiger trotted a bit closer. Sure enough, there was a pattern on top that looked like a small flame. Growltiger smiled sinisterly. He had done it! He had reached the Fire Stone!

He began to think of all he would be able to do once he evolved.

First, he'd kill those wretched pups! He may let Sunstar live, but to suffer. And that firestorm...ohhh, Growltiger would be sure to make him pay! When Growltiger evolved, he would do all he could to inflict pain and suffering to all who opposed him! With these thoughts in mind, Growltiger touched the stone.

A dark light crept over him. He then began to grow. Not only in size, but in power and strength as well. He far surpassed that of any average Arcanine. Un-imaginable power and attacks came to him. When the dark light faded, the Growlithe stood there no longer, replaced by a creature of evil. orange stripes resided on the legs and back of a body that was pure black. His eyes shone an eerie shade of red. He smiled, revealing razor sharp fangs. Muscles rippled as this beast tilted back his head, and uttered a long haunting howl that echoed throughout all of lake eerie...

Fire stopped in his tracks. A howl had arisen from, deep within the volcano, one so loud, it even hurt his ears from quite a distance away. "No..." Fire jerked up his head, and saw the beginnings of a solar eclipse. In a low, solemn voice, he uttered, "It has begun..."

He looked to Hechicera, "When the eclipse is complete, then he will reveal himself."

Growltiger admired his new evolved self. He tested out an Ember attack, and was pleased with the results. He also tested his speed.

With a large smile on his face, he began to walk out, the heat no longer bothering him...

Tora-Chan and Sunstar paid no attention to the howl and the eclipse. the happy family was together, and sleeping peacefully...

Vita jumped at the howl and covered her sensitive ears. She looked up at the sun, and nearly fainted at the sight of the darkening sun. she braced herself and tried to get her nerves up for when growltiger would appear...

Fire ran. He did all he could, running towards the volcano as quickly as possible. He only hoped Hechicera was keeping up well. If he could manage to take out Growltiger or at least injure him, then Perhaps he would never reach the depths of dark power given to ones like himself. Fire lowered his head and ran faster...

Fire shook his head, "If we can take him out quick enough somehow, even though he is strong still at this point, if we take him out fast enough, he'll never reach his full potential. But the longer he is allowed to live, the more powerful and evil he will become..." Fire began panting as he ran, but kept up his fast pace. He had to get there!

Fire suddenly realized something. Guardian Persian and Solarflare were strong also. they maybe a valuable help! He turned his head to Hechicera, "I'm gonna go get help! If you see him before I get back, don't fight him! Stay away until I get help, but keep an eye on him. Please." Fire smiled to her, turned sharply, and ran back into the woods. Thankful now more than ever before for his sensitive nose, he soon found the two. He yelled to them, "Please! We need your help! Growltiger has done it! We need to get to the volcano!" He waited anxiously for an answer as the sun was halfway covered in darkness...

Growltiger grinned as he reached the room where Rajiko was. He grinned maliciously as the friendly Magmar came out to see Growltiger.

After inspecting him closely, Rajiko grinned. "You got pretty big! Notbad! Just remember to always keep a le---". Rajiko was cut off as

Growltiger bit the Magmar's neck, and he crashed to the ground unconscious. With blood fresh on his muzzle, Growltiger smiled and moved on...

The darkness grew.... the sun was now covered three quarters of the way.... the time was near. Growltiger smiled. He knew it wouldn't be long now. Soon, he would be out of the volcano. Then, all would heed to his will. He smiled and uttered another howl to pierce terror into the souls who heard it...

Fire ran onwards, guardian and Solarflare close behind. Solarflare had gotten another ride on guardian's head, as before. Fire smiled at a friendship being built in a bad situation such as this. The pendant jingled a bit now and then as he ran. The eclipse was nearly complete now. A cold feeling ran through fire. If he didn't make it...

He shook his head a bit as he ran. No, he couldn't think like that. Even if he wasn't strong enough to beat him, even if he died trying. As long as fire could injure him it, it weaken him enough for another to kill him. Fire blamed himself for what was happening. He should have seen it coming. If only he had.... no, now was not the time to doubt himself. He lowered his head and ran yet faster.

Guardian wondered what would happen in this battle. She grinned. Although Growltiger would be strong, it would be interesting to see him not act as a coward for once. She ran faster as fire did, nearly sending the Eevee on her head flying. Solarflare held on for dear life. She didn't want to die. Her dreams needed to first be fulfilled. She would fight, but not die. There was still a long life ahead of her if she could help it. She also hoped that Guardian would live. She was awesome to have as a friend.

The sun was nearly all dark...

Fire nodded, but was worried. Growlithe often prayed on Kangaskhan, Not to mention Eevees. Fire looked at the small group he had gathered, worried. Even the Persian was at risk. He wanted to stop Growltiger, but he didn't want anyone to lose their lives because of his mistake. He looked to them, "Listen, you guys, are you really sure you all want to come? This situation was sorta my fault after all. And Hechicera and Solarflare are at the greatest risk after all. Are you sure you want to do this?"

Guardian nodded, "Are you kidding? I for one am not worried. That wimp Growltiger was a weakling before, so I could probably take something outta him. "'Sides, I still owe him a pay day to the butt." She grinned wickedly.

Solarflare nodded, "I will go, and have no intention of dying. Just because I�m an Eevee doesn't mean I can't fight him.". Fire nodded, "If you're both sure." He looked to Hechicera. "What will you be doing then? You don't have to come. It will be dangerous..."

The Kangaskhan shook her head " Brave leaders never back down when their home is at stake, and when their friends are. You think I became leader by running away before even trying? Naw, we can beat him, evil must not live on" She then pointed to the pendant on Fires neck " Water beats fire my friend... and good beats evil"

Fire nodded, and lowered his head, "Well, here we go! What lies ahead for us, I don't know. But we can't let this go on!". With that, he ran faster than ever, with a motley crew of pokemon behind him.

The moon covered what was left of the sun... complete darkness covered Lake Eerie... Growltiger saw before him the entrance he had blocked before. He grinned and used some of his new dark power to blow the rubble away.

Growltiger was finally out of that darn volcano.

Vita was surprised by the sudden explosion, and even more surprised by the sight of her brother, who now towered over her. She gulped a bit, and walked forward. Growltiger heard her, and grinned. "Well now, hello there, Vita. Have you been waiting to congratulate me? I am a legend, I am power!"

Vita tried not to look unnerved, and replied bluntly, "No, that's not why I'm here. I am here to try and talk some sense into you. Please, I know what you're planning to do. Just think about this!".

Growltiger smiled broadly. "Oh yes dear, I have thought about this plenty of times. And each time, I only want to do it more. Those foul pups, that Firestorm, all the things in this lake. They must all pay!"

Vita then grew confused. she had figured on the pups and Fire "But..... the whole lake? "W-what do you mean?" She asked shakily.

Growltiger laughed, a laugh that could send chills down your spine. "I am all powerful, a legend. I have the power, so why not use it?" He laughed again.

Vita drew back,"h-have you gone insane?!?!".

Growltiger smiled, "Of course not dear sister. I have just decided to fulfill my destiny.".

Vita drew back more, eyes filled with fear. She was prepared to run.

He was frightening her.

Growltiger grinned wider. "Oh, don't leave yet. There is something i need to show you.".

Vita turned and ran. Growltiger grinned, and something that looked almost like a small black demon shot out of his eyes, hitting Vita in

the back. She fell over, and got back up a moment later. When she opened her eyes, they were a bright red.

Growltiger laughed again. "Now you get it my dear sister.". he tilted his head back and howled once more, only this time, Vita joined him...

Growltiger grinned. he opened his mouth and blew a fury of fire, setting the land ablaze. Vita beside him stared with her red eyes glowing vividly. Growltiger laughed, and ran towards where he knew Fire was. It was time for fire to pay!

Fire stopped running suddenly. What he saw before him frightened him.

A fire had been started near the volcano, and was spreading fast.

Guardian hissed, and Solarflare gasped. Fire braced himself. "You guys, Growltiger is coming! Brace yourselves!". Guardian and Solarflare nodded. Solarflare jumped off the mighty Persian's head.

Fire grinned at them all, "Well, let's hope for the best!" He then turned to the volcano. Before long, all could see the dark figure dashing towards them. What surprised them all was seeing another running behind him. Fire looked carefully-- Vita?!? Fire grew confused. What was she doing here?

There was no time to think however, as Growltiger suddenly stood before them, grinning. "So, I see I have a welcoming committee waiting for me."

Fire snarled. Guardian was confused and a bit hurt to see Vita snarling at her with red eyes. Solarflare stood beside guardian. Growltiger laughed. "So, are you all ready to die then? all lined up in a row?"

Fire snarled, "We are not going down without a fight!"

Growltiger laughed again, then grinned. "How cute, a noble fighter. "Well, your -nobility- won't help you now!"

Fire snarled fiercely as Growltiger laughed. Suddenly, Growltiger sniffed. With sort of a surprised look on his face, he sniffed again pointing his nose at Fire. He then burst out laughing, "Ha! I said you would probably not even kill a Nidoran and I was right! Not only that, but an Eevee as well!".

Fire felt his blood run cold. Manami's scent must still be on his fur, along with Evin's. Growltiger laughed again. "Well, once I deal with you and some other business at hand, perhaps I will go and meet these two. I'm in mood for a snack!".

Fire snarled, "I would never let you hurt either of them!" With that, he lunged at Growltiger's throat.... only to be hit down by a heavy paw.

Hotstreak got up and ran forward to attempt a bite attack on Growltiger. She looked down at her paws seeing Kaji looking up at her with sad eyes. She sighed and stayed with him.

Meanwhile, Guardian was trying to snap Vita out of it, while Vita was trying to snap something else. Solarflare did her very best to help Guardian. Guardian pleaded for her old friend to recognize her, trying everything from bringing up fond memories, to asking, "Broken any hearts lately?" But so far, nothing was reaching her.

Fire got back up, and glared angrily at Growltiger. Fire lunged again, only to receive a gash in the shoulder that went clean to the bone. Fire stood for a moment, debating what his next move should be.

Hotstreak glanced back at Kaji. She smiled at him. "I'll be right back." She whispered. Hotstreak snarled at Growltiger, and jumped up to attempt to use a Tackle attack on him. Unfortunately, she was bounced back by a dark barrier. Hotstreak got up growling, and tried to use an Ember attack, but it was in vain. She sat back down, thinking about her next move.

Fire decided to try and use his speed to his advantage as he had done in his last showdown with Growltiger. Growltiger merely grinned, and used the same speed attacks Fire did, only moving faster. Fire was surprised, but tried to keep his cool. Both Growltiger and his copy suddenly lunged at Fire, one fading and the other ramming into his side. Fire's yelp of pain was cut short as Growltiger slammed his heavy paw on Fire's back again. As Fire gasped for air, Growltiger grinned. "And that's just the beginning!".

Fire got back up struggling. Growltiger laughed again and went on the offensive. Fire wasn't exactly sure of what happened, but he was left with several bloody gashes and something happened to his eye, forcing him to close it out of pain with some blood trickling out. Growltiger laughed. "Well, you certainly look high and mighty now Fire," he smiled broadly. "Well, shall we end this?" He tried to bring down his heavy paw on top of fire's head, only to have Fire dodge it.

Fire laughed, "I'm not so easy to get, am I?". Growltiger snarled and tried again, only to have Fire dodge again. Growltiger snarled. This was beginning to annoy him. Fire suddenly jumped up and bit Growltiger's shoulder. Growltiger snarled at the sight of his own blood.

Suddenly, Growltiger grinned. "Well, let's see you dodge this!" He tilted his head back, and spewed out a Firespin attack. Fire was surprised, but tried his best to dodge it. However, he was too slow and was caught in the inferno. It didn't do much damage expect burn off some fur, but what did do some damage was the heavy paw finally hitting its target. Fire tried his best to stay conscious, but to no avail. His world spun, then turned black altogether...

Growltiger laughed over the fallen Fire, thinking he was dead. "Well, that takes care of that." He looked to the others there. "Anyone else wish to challenge me?"

Hotstreak sat besides Fire. She snarled at Growltiger and used Agility and then a Double Team attack forgetting about his barrier. She flew off landing on her feet. She fell down not able to stand right because of how powerful the barrier was on her. She tried to stand up again. She looked down at her paws getting frustrated. She Growled at him.

Hotstreak forced herself to get up and she used Bite but nothing was working on him. She tried to think but she couldn't concentrate. Everything went blurry for a second. She shook her head and looked straight at Growl. She had feared this was going to happen. Hot suddenly collapsed.

Kaji started to cry. He looked at his new mom with tearful eyes and stood up thinking he could help her. Looking at the big Arcanine that stood in front of him he ran forward and shut his eyes. Hot stopped him. Kaji then backed away and knew it was a no-no.

Hotstreak was out of breath. She lifted her lips showing her teeth at Growltiger. She was ready for his next move... at least she thought Growltiger laughed at the attempts of this Vulpix. "Even that baby feels sorry for you!" His laughter continued as he tried out using some of his dark powers to do damage. He tilted his head back and howled again, only this time when he did, a blast of black power shot from him, hitting the Vulpix square in the chest with it. He was not planning to take her under control, no. This time, he was to use his dark power to destroy. Growltiger smiled as he waited for the Vulpix to cry out in pain...

Guardian Persian finally just left Vita, turning toward Growltiger, her eyes turning an unearthly red as she did so. A water gun flew toward Growltiger, followed by the mottled black Persian that made it.

"Why don't you stop picking on Vulpixes and fight something that'll fight back?" Guardian Persian said, with a feral grin on her face, showing her canines, her eyes filling with more blood as she got angrier, at Vita, at Fire, at everything in sight. She extended her claws meaningfully, snarling at him. With her fur rising on end, she looked almost twice her real size.

"I beat you when you where a puny Growlithe, now it's time to see who's better once and for all." Guardian Persian's eyes where almost black with all the blood in them. "So, wimp, coward, gluttonous *worm*, time to face the facts."

Guardian Persian threw herself at Growltiger, the one who started all this with his petty grudge and greediness.

Growltiger smiled and put back up his barrier of darkness. He took a deep breath and threw a funnel of darkness at the Persian. "Let's see you beat me now then lowly feline scum!"

Hotstreak was knocked out but she started to have a dream. It was a scary dream... Hotstreak saw Growltiger destroying everything in his sight. She began to shiver and growl. She moved her paws thinking she was running but then she felt pain. Hotstreak woke up and took a deep breath seeing Guardian Persian fighting against Growltiger. In her head she was cheering her on but she didn't want to show it. She wished this was all over but it wasn't going to happen....

Guardian Persian focused on the one attack that she knew that would hurt the fiery fiend. Gathering large amounts of water, she sprayed it at Growltiger. A small amount she sent toward Vita, in the hopes that she would snap out of it, but most of it went toward Growl. She paused for a second, to taunt Growl more.

"Stop acting like a coward and fight!" She snapped, as she Fury Swiped the dark Arcanine, her fury at everything making it stronger. "You couldn't beat a Caterpie!" She taunted, backing away to a safe distance, then continued to barrage him with water guns. "Solarflare, GET HELP!" The red and green Eevee looked around and took off at a run.

Growltiger smiled at the attempts. The Persian did not seem to notice the darkness was protecting him....it needed him to grow, thrive, and spread. He was needed by the darkness. Growltiger smiled at the Persian, and used his Firespin on her again...

He knew attacks could hurt him (he had fire's bite from before to prove that) but it was hard to hurt him. Growltiger smiled and waited for the smell of burning fur to reach him from the Firespin...

Guardian Persian had seen what Growltiger had done to Fire with this trick, she Waterguned around herself, and slipped away through the covering steam, purposely letting some fur burn. She stealthily came to a point above Growltiger, to ambush him when he found out she wasn't in his Firespin...

Growltiger smiled in satisfaction, thinking he'd won. It would have been a major advantage for the Persian....if she hadn't counted out Vita. Still under an evil influence, she leapt and slammed headfirst into Guardian Persian. Growltiger smiled. "Don't tell me you forgot about vita?" He laughed sinisterly, as he jumped forward and sunk his teeth into her leg...

Growltiger let go and backed off grinning, blood running off his muzzle. He licked it off and smiled. "You want more?" Guardian Persian snarled from the pain of the bite. "You'll pay for that, mutt!" She lunged, Slashing at his face.

Growltiger snarled angrily as a long scratch to his bone was received. With that, he began an onslaught of bites and slashes. His blood ran black as the darkened sun had. Guardian Persian dodged most of them, paying no more notice to the injuries she had received. She retaliated with Slashes of her own. Dark blood dripped onto the rock beneath the Persian. Growltiger suddenly grinned, and lunged forward, ripping at her throat.

The Persian was off guard, but managed to dodge enough that it was only took out a chuck of fur and flesh, not the jugular that was its target. Guardian Persian aimed a Slash at Growl's own throat, hoping to get rid of him. Growltiger smiled. He had been waiting for that. He bought his own paw up, he hoped for a sickening snap, and spewed some flames at her in the process. Guardian Persian stopped the Slash from heading toward the Dark Arcanine's throat and instead tried to slap the side of his head.

Growltiger ducked and drew back. "Enough games. I have better things to do than waste my time on YOU." With that, he released a wave of dark power against the Persian. He grinned. "Let�s see you dodge that!!"

Guardian Persian disappeared, appearing again behind Growltiger. "Like that?" She asked sarcastically.

Growltiger grinned. "Nice move. But don't underestimate the powers of darkness." The dark power followed its target close behind. Growltiger laughed, and let the darkness dissipate. "But I will not take the easy way out." Growltiger laughed again. "I want to kill you with my bare claws." He began moving faster, and slashed Guardian Persian repeatedly.

Guardian Persian dodges all but the first with an Agility. Another Agility brought her beside Growl, so she could Slash at him. Yet another took her to a safe distance for Growltiger. Growltiger smiled. Despite the repeated attacks, he was only bleeding a bit. He smiled, and ran at an incredibly fast speed, ending up beside Guardian Persian, and slashed at her soft vital organs. He then moved and slashed at her eyes, then moved back.

Guardian Persian ignored the pain in one of her eyes and the fact that she was blinded in that eye. She grimly smiled, then seemed to split in two. The two became four, then 16. "Which one am I?" One taunted. 16 became 32. "I'm over here, lamebrain!" Another crowed. Growltiger stood where he was, and suddenly, darkness shot over all the Persians. All of the copies disappeared. Guardian Persian leapt on Growl from behind, Slashing at everything she could reach.

Growltiger simply threw here off. "You are beginning to bore me." He slammed his front paw mercilessly on her side again and again. Guardian Persian fought so that she was on her back, then kicked upwards with her hind paws, claws out. Growltiger bought down his paw upon her now unguarded stomach. Guardian Persian yowled, then grinned sadistically as she hit Growl tiger�s... um... you get the point... with her razor sharp front claws.

Growltiger yowled then snarled angrily and spewed an onslaught of fire into her face, then stomping on her again. Guardian Persian's paw contracted as the fur on her face burned, then she let go as she attempted to sink her long teeth into Growltiger's throat. Growltiger grinned, and slapped her jaw with his powerful paw. Guardian Persian sank her teeth instead into the pad on Growl's paw.

Growltiger snarled, and bought his own jaws down to lock upon her throat. Guardian Persian brought her paws up to his throat and dug the claws in on both sides of his neck. Guardian Persian brought her strong hindquarters up, then put the paws firmly on his throat, pushing him away. Growltiger snarled, and kicked her with a front paw, "you aren't even worth my time." Growltiger snarled and hit her constantly with his front paws. Guardian Persian pushed even harder, trying to make him back off by cutting off his air supply. Growltiger backed off, and spewed more fire at her, this time mixing it with some darkness.

Guardian Persian rose to her feet, getting hit head on and not caring about it. "That the best you can do?" The Persian asked, her fur saturated with blood from all the wounds he had inflicted.

Growltiger shook his head. "No, in fact, it's not." He ran forward Body Slamming, then backing off again. "I�m not even sure you are worth my time anymore..."

Guardian Persian copied herself again, then had all the clones taunt him while she readied herself to make a Surf-sized Water gun, to soak everything. Growltiger smiled. Too easy. He simply looked for the one who wasn't taunting him, and powering up. To be safe, he spewed more fire, then body slammed the silent one powering herself up. Guardian Persian released the Surf gun (what I'm calling it) straight in Growl's face.

Growltiger was surprised, but still, the darkness running in his blood helped. He Body Slammed the Persian and smiled. "it will take more than that. I am no longer just a puny Growlithe of fire. No. I am the Arcanine of darkness." He then spewed some dark power at her, hoping this would finish it, he had more to do.

Guardian Persian took the attack, staring Growltiger straight in the face. *Help me!* She cried mentally, hoping someone... something... ANYthing could help her.

Growltiger laughed in her face. "You are finished Persian." he hit her again with his paw.

Guardian Persian collapsed. *Don't give up, Guardian of the forest!* a masculine voice snapped in her mind. A soft glow encased the fallen Persian, growing steadily brighter. Growltiger looked on in some interest, slamming her side to see if he got a reaction. The glow pulsed into bright light that leaves afterimages as Guardian Persian's eyes snapped open. *We have each fought such a fiend, and we have all triumphed with help from those from before.* another voice, feminine, continued.

Growltiger snarled, and kicked her side. "You will die." Guardian Persian said, feeling as if she had no control over what her body did. She lithely rose to her feet, slashing with her claws at Growltiger. *The weak point is the eyes. It's always the eyes!* A nervous sounding voice said. Guardian Persian altered the course of her paw so that it would pass across his eyes. Growltiger yowled as the paw passed over, and hit Guardian Persian firmly in the side. Guardian Persian grinned. "Don't know about me, do you? You couldn't inflict the slightest percent of all the pain I've felt in all my lives." Growltiger grinned, and hit her again. Guardian Persian smiled patronizingly at him. "You are the weakest one yet."

Growltiger grinned. "This is just the tip of the iceberg. I only grow more powerful. You shall die." He spewed darkness again.

"Not 'till you're dead, worm!"

Growltiger grew disgusted, "this isn't worth my time. I still have revenge to carry out." with that, he walked of looking for his next target... The light around Guardian Persian faded as she watched Growl leave. "I've failed..." She whispered, and then dragged herself over to a small cave hidden behind a boulder.

Growltiger knew exactly where he was going. He had been waiting for this. Vita, still under his control, walked behind him. Before him they lay, half-asleep in the now re-appearing sun. Growltiger smiled as he shot two of the demon like creatures he had used before on Vita, only this time used two so he could get Sunstar and Tora-Chan in one shot. He laughed as their heads jerked up, and became red like Vita's were. He then stalked up to the pups, calling for their mother. Growltiger snarled at these abominations, and bought up his heavy paw.

Anyone that was nearby would have heard the cries of small pups being suddenly cut off, and then silence.

Growltiger smiled as his pack now ran behind him again. He still had two more things to do. First, he would go after some Tauros for lunch. Then, he would go and -meet- these friends of Firestorm. He laughed again and began to howl, along with the whole pack as they ran. Growltiger smiled. He would leave a small present behind. He took a deep breath and started a fire. He laughed again, and ran onwards, pack in tow...

Fire coughed a bit and lifted his head. He opened his right eye only, as the other was still trickling blood. Fire groaned a bit, and looked around. "Where is Growltiger?!?!" He tried to jump up >quickly, but the gashes he had received slowed him down, Fire looked around, then hung his head. "I failed..."

Hechicera rapped Fire gently on the head with her claw "No you haven't, you lost the battle, but the wars not over yet, now hold still I need to tend your wounds"

Fire shook his head. "No, I can't rest now. I can worry about them later. Growltiger is going to be going after some friends of mine, at least they are still my friends, and it's my fault."

Hechicera wrapped Fire�s bleeding eye in some herbs then laid out some healing Tools. "Would it make you feel better if I went to fight him"

Fire looked up. "Do what you think is necessary, but don't put yourself in any danger. If things look bad, or it's too dangerous, get outta there." Fire got up shakily. "Meanwhile, I need to go and warn them." He ran off as fast as he could. "Be careful!"

"I will! Good luck Fire!" She shouted, running toward the scent of Growltiger.

Fire suddenly fell to his side shakily. He was still too out of it to really move yet. He now really wished that he had taken some of those herbs...

Hotstreak finally began to pull out of it. She tried to get up... Hot felt pain all through her body. She lifted herself up and looked around....

Growltiger smiled sinisterly. Before him stood the herd of Tauros that the pack had hunted earlier. Growltiger smiled as him and HIS pack leapt forward to claim what was theirs.

The Tauros screamed out in alarm and tried to run. Growltiger smiled broadly as he took down the Tauros that had humiliated him last night. Soon, only a scarce few remained. Growltiger smiled again, and left. He had eaten some Tauros, but saved room for the main course...

He barked to the pack as they dashed off at an incredible speed, following the scent of a Nidoran and an Eevee....

"Hey, Big guy! Why don't you battle me! You remembe me don't you, you stole my pendent!!!!!" The Kangaskhan roared, running after Growltiger.

Growltiger turned around. "Well hello there, nice to see you again.

Fine, you want a battle?" He nodded to Tora-chan. "This should be interesting. Your first opponent will be Tora-chan.". The lean Growlithe stepped forward, and leapt at the Kangaskhan, ready to rip her throat out...

"Too easy!" The War-bred Kangakshan sidestepped and twirled around, clutching the Growlithe�s tail and slammed it to the ground.

Tora-chan got up easy, and spewed fire at her. Growltiger laughed. "I didn't send out Tora-chan for nothing. She is a powerful fighter."

Tora-chan sunk her teeth into one of the Kagaskhan's legs, then jumped back a bit to wait for a reaction...

Howling a little loudly, the dove at Tora-chan and hit her with a Body Slam.

Tora-chan took the hit, and smiled. The dark power in her body made her much more resilient than usual. She retaliated by spewing more fire at the Kangaskhan.

Blasting backward, the heavy Kangaskhan whirled around a pelted Tora-chan in the head with a Comet Punch

Tora-chan simply ducked, and bit her arm shaking it a bit. Tora-chan then jumped back a bit and waited...

Hechicera growled loudly and ran toward Tora-chan in a Headbutt but just before she hit the Growlithe, she Tackled her with Kangkashan heavy feet

Tora-chan went limp like a rag doll, helping her to absorb the bulk of the hit. She smiled and spewed more flames...

Tora-chan jumped to a side and spewed more fire. Growltiger laughed. "Are you ready to give up yet? Tora-chan will not be so easily defeated. She is an expert fighter and hunter. Give up now and perhaps I shall spare you!"

Fire got up again slowly. He felt a sharp pain pass through him. He shook it off as best he could, and began walking...

Growltiger began to sniff. The Eevee and Nidoran were pretty close! He barked a command to his pack. Tora-chan stayed behind to fight, whilst the rest of the pack followed him. "Ahh...I can just TASTE that wonderful meal already." He smiled maliciously and continued on...

Hechicera snorted. " I've been in war before! I'll never give up" She pulled out a shoot of a herb and held it in front of her

Growltiger grinned. The scent was strong before him. He nodded to Vita and Sunstar. He walked out of the bushes, the two other canines in tow. He smiled at the Nidoran and Rattata that stood directly in front of him, and saw there was also a Miltank with a young Stantler, and a den nearby that probably contained the Eevee and hopefully something else. "Well, looks like lunch is served.". He began laughing a haunting laugh that would send chills down your spine...

A shiver started down the Stantler's spine and the fawn stood up, a little shakily. He turned to face the badness, which he could not see yet.

"Something's scary..." he said nervously, his little knees buckling.

Growltiger laughed again, and looked right at the fawn. "What, do I look scary to you? Are you afraid? Perhaps you should be."

Slzer jumped up, his blades ready to attack if this guy or any of his comrades would try to attack.

Eva heard the laughing, and burrowed yet deeper into Evin's fur. The laugh reminded her of her dream. She cried a bit as the darkness laughed again...

Fire tried his very best to move faster. There wasn't a lot of time, and he knew it. If Growltiger hurt any one of them, Fire would never forgive himself. In his opinion, this situation was all his fault, from the beginning to now. He had had so many chances to stop Growltiger, he couldn't even count. He could have at least gotten Manami's and Evin's scent off his fur! He cursed at himself as he tried to quicken his pace�

Manami was terrified, as Twirl was, but she nodded to her, their only hope would be fight, to protect Evin. "Twirl, are you ready?"

Twirl nodded, she was ready to help again, they both stood at Slzer's Side.

Manami snarled, "You. You better go on, there's nothing for you here you hear me!" She lowered her horn and glared at him menacingly

Growltiger just laughed. "Oh, there is plenty here for me. You look just as tasty as you smelled. Once I have killed and eaten you all, then my revenge will be complete, so I may move on and devastate the land, as is my destiny."

Slzer stood, ready to attack as soon as this guy made the first move. He could see fresh blood on the Arcanine's snout, and a sickening aroma of darkness and death hung around him. It made Slzer want to gag, but he instead glared at the Arcanine ad his two followers.

Eva grew even more terrified, and began crying loudly. Growltiger looked to the den. "Perhaps that one would made a good appetizer."

Evin grew scared, he curled around Eva protectively, they would have to kill him before they could touch Eva... but, honestly that was a easy task. Evin felt useless, he just curled around Eva trying to make her calm... and protect her. He just whispered to her "I'm sorry... I'm sorry I couldn�t..." Evin was shaking, he couldn�t help it, this was it....

Manami glared at Growl as she jumped in front of him. foolish move. "Over me you dumb mutt! you aren't touching him!" the energy in her body reached a peak, she prepared her strongest Thunderbolt attack in case it was necessary...

Growltiger just grinned, "Shut up if you don�t want to go first!" he whacked her aside with his heavy paw. Manami used the moment and as he made contact she released her Thunderbolt, the electricity surged in Growltiger's body, yet he remained calm, the dark power was protecting him. Manami landed far from there, Growltiger howled and concentrated the electricity turning it back against Manami, shocking her.

"Now, you wait there, you'll be the next meal...." He said grinning as he aproached to the burrow...

Slzer jumped before him. "I'm not letting you kill anyone! Now leave!"

Growltiger laughed in his face. The stench of darkness again made Slzer nearly making him hurl right there, but he stood his ground and held it back.

Growltiger grinned at him. "Do you really think you can stop me?"

Slzer glared at him. "I'd rather die trying then not try at all!" Growltiger laughed. Slzer leapt foward, trying to slash at Growltiger with his blades.

Growltiger opened his mouth and spewed raging flames into Slzer's face. Slzer howled in pain and jumped back, only to receive a gash to his already tender side. He fell back, trying to get his mind back on track to plan his next move. Growltiger laughed, and slammed him with a heavy paw. Slzer fell to his knees for a moment, and Growltiger laughed. "Now for the hidden ones, let's call it a surprize package.".

Slzer looked up at him with defiant eyes. "You won't win...". He then fell unconscious.

Eva squealed in fear. She heard the frightening sounds from outside the confines of the burrow. The darkness was coming closer to her and Evin. She cried even more as the footsteps grew louder...

With a blast of dark power, the branches protecting the burrow flew away and shattered. Evin merely whimpered at the horrible dark aura of Growltiger. Eva was crying louder and louder. "Please.... if that's what you want... kill me, but let the baby go away, she hasnt done anything. Please..."

Growltiger looked at Evin calmly. "So, you say that you prefer to die instead of the kit?"

"Yes" Evin replied dryly.

"Then..." Growltiger drew out his claws, he slashed Evin throwing him to another wall leaving Eva unprotected. She stood in front of Growltiger, even more scared. she looked at Evin who was in the other wall. "Then I'll kill this Nidoran first, and then all of your friends out, to finish you. I want to see the suffering of losing each of your friends!"

"Please! stop it!!!"

Growltiger stepped forward, he grinned as he got closer to Eva suddently a light orb apeared.. and other.. and other, this confused Growltiger who stepped back, the 6 light orbs danced around Eva, and one by one they moved on to Evin's body.

Evin saw them comming, he merely closed his eyes "I guess this is it for me..."

"Do not give up yet young Eevee!"

"Cleanse the evil!"

"Show love to pokemon!"

"Defend the ones you love!"

"Stand up, Evin!"

Evin's eyes widened, they where the six eon angels, but this time, Eva and Growltiger saw them too, Growltiger glared, confused, the six ligths entered Evin's body, his body levitated, the leaf bandages covering him began to burn away and the dirt and blood covering his body floated away, Growltiger stepped back...

~ ~

Growltiger realized, that if the Eevee evolved he would be in trouble, he looked back at Eva, this was his chance! Growltiger leapt to reach her...

He was thrown away by the Eevee surrounded in light. Evin still shining curled over Eva to protect her.

"Ehh E. Evi Evin" was all that Eva could chitter, just as she finished the word, she got covered in a violet light, the light enclosed her and Evin...

"I want to be ME!"

Bones stretched, they snapped together again, muscles around them reforming quickly, the sight, the sight got different, more clear. More deep... a voice called deep from inside Evin's chest "Eooooooon!"

Growltiger cleared his eyes, the light stopped blinding him. as soon as he opened them again, all that he could see was a brown blur. Evin tackled him and sent both of them out of the Burrow, Eva inside, was not scared anymore, she just looked up to see Evin's exit....

Outside, Evin stretched his limbs. Growltiger glared at him "How do you dare touch me? and who the heck are you anyways?" he stared at the Eon standing in front of him.

"I am Evin, and I come to ask you to stop this right now!"

Growltiger couldn�t avoid but to laugh at that, the eon was impressive, but how could he ask to stop? "Are you afraid of me?"

"I do not wish to fight you, I beg to you, stop your evil ways or your soul will be lost"

"WHATEVER!" Growltiger used his Flamethrower at Evin. He braced himself and received it fully.... the fire dissipated, and Evin was surrounded in Mist totally unharmed.

"I ask you once again, stop this now!"

Growltiger�s anger grew even more "I'll never stop!" How could such a creature ask him to stop, when he was all evil?

"Be it..." Evin darted forward with a Quick Attack directly at Growltiger's side taking the breath out of him, Growltiger stepped back and just as he was turning his sight to meet the Eon, his face was nicely received by a kick from the Eon, after delivering the Kick Evin moved swiftly away from Growltiger "Are you going to stop now?"

Growltiger snarled. "I shall never stop! I am a LEGEND! You shall never defeat me you insignificant Eon!". With those words, he went to try and attack Evin, but drew back. This Eon had been able to evaporate the flames easily. He had to think more carefully. He stayed where he was and debated for a moment, before unleashing some of his dark power. "Let's see how you handle THAT!" Growltiger began laughing again.

Evin snarled, the dark waves starting to get onto his mind. Evin backed away slightly, but suddenly the Darkness stopped, Evin blinked and looked up. Growltiger was stopped short by electricity, Manami and Twirl had both used their Thunderbolt at him.

Growltiger grinned and shook the electricity again hitting everyone there "You will have to try harder to stop me!"

Evin growled, this was going to be very hard, Growltiger's powers where really that of a legend, Evin closed his eyes and tried to relax as much as possible, then he spoke again "We don�t have to go on. please Growltiger, quit this!"

"I told you I will never stop!!!" Growlitiger sent a wave of dark power all around hitting everyone, Evin yelped and backed away. Growltiger saw the chance and used his Flamethrower now that Evin wasn't paying attention. The Glamethrower hit Evin and he rolled out of it just in time. Evin gasped for air, as Growltiger grinned at him

"You. So pathetic and you want to ask me to leave my evil aside? You are useless!" Evin gulped, odds weren�t so good....

Twirl recoiled as the electric attack bounced back, she heard Evin yelp. "No Evin!!" The Rattata squealed, she leapt at Growltiger sinking her teeth in its back.

Growltiger shook off the Rattata, and hit it with some flames. Suddenly, a rustling came out of the bushes. Growltiger whirled around in to be hit in the face by a Flamethrower. When the figure landed, Growltiger grinned. "So Firestorm, I guess you aren't dead after all!"

Fire snarled. "Do you really think I would die and let you kill them?!?!"

Growltiger laughed. "Do you really think you can beat me now? I defeated you so easily before, so what makes you even THINK you have a chance of winning?"

Fire smiled grimly. "I never said I was going to win. But I won't stand by and watch you destroy this place. I would rather be dead." As Growltiger laughed, Fire jumped and tried to sink his fangs into Growltiger's throat.

Growltiger snarled and hit Fire with a heavy paw. Fire snarled and spewed more flames at him. Growltiger simply laughed. "You can't beat me with flames, and you know it!"

Fire stood back for a moment. If he used his greatest attack, it would take time and energy. But if he didn't...

Growltiger smiled. This was the perfect opportunity to finish Fire once and for all. He ran forward, about to attack...

Twirl lay on her side, the smell of burnt fur heavy in her nostrils, she struggled to sit up slightly, watching the two creatures fighting.

Evin, surprised, looked at the newcomer. He motioned Manami to get back into the burrow, he leaped towards Twirl and created a small cloud of mist to soothe her burn, he smiled at her "Twirl, now get safe, we'll handle this" he winked at her "You amaze me, you are getting very good at this"

Evin didn�t wait for a response, as soon as he turned his head he saw Growltiger running towards Firestorm. Evin took aim and using his max speed he rammed Growltiger. Upon making impact Evin took out his claws and dug them in Growl's body as he bit the back part of his neck, making it imposible to Growltiger to break free. Still biting Evin managed to talk to Firestorm "I'll hold him! you do something!"

Dark waves were hitting Evin every second, but he was not going to let Growltiger go, Evin clutched hard and prepared his Mist defense...

Twirl nodded and moved towards the burrow, leaping in she looked at Manami. "what's going to happen now?" she asked

Manami scared shook her head, almost absently looking at Evin fighting, almost as if she were worried to death... "Twirl... don�t you think he looks so cute like that?"

Fire was surprised, but nodded. He concentrated as hard as he could to do the attack...

He remembered the cursed human who had taught him this. The human had thought it a blessing to teach such a weak Growlithe such a powerful attack. He had given Fire the TM for Hyperbeam, and commanded him to use it against his rival's Poliwrath. Fire had been forced to obey, with the whip dangling behind him. Fire had won the battle with the Hyperbeam, but it had drained him so badly that it had put him in critical condition in the local Pokemon Center for a week. The man's license had been taken away, and Fire was released into the wild. But, the attack had never been removed.

Fire didn't want to, but he knew this was the only way to defeat Growltiger. All his power began to gather into a single devastating beam...

Growltiger began to panic. He roared and did his best to shake off Evin, but the Eon held on tight. Growltiger did his very best to escape, even by calling in his controlled comrades, but even in their hypnotic state, they knew better and held back.

The beam was nearly ready. Fire felt himself grow weaker as the beam grew stronger. Finally, the beam was ready. Fire aimed and blew it right through the chest of the dark Arcanine, missing Evin by inches. The Arcanine howled out in pain, then fell to the ground. Fire smiled. "I'm done..." He then fell into a heap on the ground.

The beam had badly injured Growltiger, he was conscious, and not quite dead yet...

Evin felt the energy in Growl's body, almost sending him away, but he gripped him hard, in a last effort Evin concentrated all his energy too and his whole body got surrounded in a white light, Evin softly spoke to Growltiger as he sent the energy towards him "Growltiger, listen me, you have to change your ways...."

Growltiger's blackened heart slowly began cleansing with Evin's energy. Grolwtiger stumbled, and Evin leapt off his back. Evin got at Fire's side to protect him in case Growl reacted "Now... we have to wait..."

Growltiger looked up at the two, Evin and Firestorm. He began to wonder what made him hate them so intently. He had challenged Fire in the forest, and he had lost. And the Eon...all that he had done was had his scent on Fire's fur. The pups.... what had they done? They were completely innocent, still too young to comprehend good or evil. The Tauros herd had done nothing either. Growltiger's eyes welled up with tears as he realized he was no legend, he was a murderer. He lowered his head, blood still pouring from the wounds,"W-what have I done?". He began crying. "I-I'm sorry...."

Suddenly, Growltiger's eyes clouded over. He fell to his side, and chuckled a bit. "Guess that Houndoom got the last laugh after all...".

He stopped chuckling as he felt himself grow farther away. "Well, I guess this is really it then....". He looked to Fire and Evin. "I'm....sorry...."With those last words, the dark Arcanine was no more.

Fire looked on sadly as Growltiger left this world. "Well....at least he is at peace now..."

Eva poked her head outside of the burrow, and spotted Evin. "Evin!" She said, happily using her newly acquired ability to speak his name. She scampered out of the den, happily running to Evin.

Twirl followed Eva out; she limped slightly. "Is it over? What happened" She looked over at Evin "Evin okay?"

Evin ran to Growltiger's side trying to support him... no use.... "Rest in peace now...." He shook his head... why did he have to die now that he was a good soul? Evin sighed.

Quickly Eva ran towards him and hugged him. then Twirl and Manami followed out, Evin nuzzled Eva and looked solemnly at Manami and Twirl. "Thanks, I'm all ok. But thanks to you, for protecting me, and taking care of each other. I'm very proud of you two." Evin was about to nuzzle Twirl but Manami got in the way. "That was awesome Evin! You did a great job! And you look so hansome now!"

Evin merely blushed and turned away, he fixed his gaze on Slzer. He walked towards him and nuzzled him. "Slzer? Slzer, wake up, everything is ok now."

Twirl smiled sitting down and resting her injured paw, she winced slightly as a burn rubbed "Twirl didn't know you were Evin at first, you so different now and all better, but you still as brave and strong as old Evin, so Twirl knew it was you." a look of worry passed over her face "Is Lake safe now Evin?"

Slzer slowly regained consciousness, and groaned. "What hit me?" He shakily got up, and looked at the empty shell of what was once Growltiger. He looked to Evin confused, but saw that in Evin's place was an Eon. "Oh boy.... What did I miss?"

Fire got himself up shakily also, but was exhausted. He smiled, happy to see all was going well. He began to limp away, satisfied things were alright and Manami was happy...

Eva scampered around Evin cheerfully, constantly yelling. "Evin!"

Evin blushed yet again and smiled at Twirl, "Thanks, and I will never stop being the Evin I always have been. This new body is merely a gift for me to take care of everyone around me; as for the lake, I pray for it to be safe now..." Evin began to trail off as he saw Firestorm walking slowly away, Evin ran to him and stood in front of him, lowering his head in shame. "Firestorm.... will you forgive me?"

Fire smiled. "You didn't do anything, so don't worry about it. After all, you saved me when Growl was gonna attack me. And besides..." He lowered his own head, "This situation is my fault anyway. So I should be the one apologizing."

Nearby, Vita and Sunstar's eyes returned to their normal colors. Vita looked to Sunstar. "W-what happened?" Sunstar shook his head, confused. "I have no idea..."

Tora-chan snapped out of it also. She looked to the kangaskhan. "Where am I? What's going on?"

Hechicera felt a small change in the Growlithe�s expression "You were under Growltiger�s control...... wait, that must mean--" she explained, then dashed off toward the scent of Growltiger.

Tora-chan stopped her. "Wait, tell me what's been going on. Please?"

The Kangaskhan turned around and told her. "Follow me, it'll probably explain itself!" and continues Running

Tora-chan snarled. "No way! I've gotta go see if my pups are alright!" With that she ran back to where she had last remembered seeing her little ones....

The Kangakshan sighed, she should've told but she also needed to check on her friends. Before she knew it she slammed into the side of Fire.

Evin snarled and taking all his strengths at once leaped and knocked Hechicera down "You!! leave him alone!" Evin prepared to bite her neck "Are you one of Growltiger's helpers? If you are then we shall stop you right now!!! Noone is going to hurt my friends!!!!"

Quick as a flash She whacked him off with her tail and walked to Fire " It just so happens I'm a friend of his, I gave him the pendent."

Evin rolled back to his paws and glared at the kangash then looked at Firestorm. "Fire? Is this true? Are you sure she isn�t trying to trick us?"

Fire was a bit surprised by the quick movements, and still a bit stunned from the kangskahn's sudden entrance that had left him lying on his side, nodded a bit. "Yes, I know her. She gave food and lodgings to us last night." He slowly got up.

Hechicera smiled sweetly and introduced herself to the Eon " Hello, I'm Hechicera the leader of the Kangask-clan, Warrior and Healer of Battle.... so what happened here?"

Evin still with a bit of disbelief nodded at Hechicera, and then focused his attention on Eva, he nuzzled her "Hey little one, Are you ok?" Evin felt happy that he was ok, and a bit amazed at how fast she had learned his name... it made him so proud, noticing Slzer was ok he looked at him while still hugging Eva.

"Well, you'll see, I.... I was touched by angels you could say..." Evin grinned and winked at the sky. "I evolved, to protect my friends, and, I hope to do my job well..."

Evin nodded at Growl's body "We.... we managed to save his soul... but he didn�t made it, I guess he was too tired from his previous battles, the least we can do for him is give him a last place to rest..."

Fire and Slzer nodded. Fire hoped that Vita would not be too upset by this. He was her brother after all. He shook his head inwardly. Vita did not seem like the type to mourn. Fire pulled himself up and began to dig...

Slzer was slightly confused by what Evin said but...maybe he'd get it someday. He was annoyed by the fact that the flames had scorched his face dark, and it burned. He rubbed it a bit, trying to make it feel better, but it didn't really help. Slzer sighed, and gave up on that for now. he also got up and began to help with the grave...

Eva snuggled happily into Evin's hug, and soon was found to have fallen asleep there. Her dreams were now happy and bright, and a smile formed upon her sleeping face....

Tora-chan was crying when Sunstar got there. Sunstar lay beside her, and nuzzled her gently. Tora-chan looked at him, and began sobbing into his side. Vita came up, and decided not to disturb them. Vita sighed and lay her head on her paws. Suddenly, she perked up as a soft sqeaking noise pierced her ears. She trotted over to the empty shells of the pups, when a tiny head popped up.

Vita jumped back in surprise, and called Tora-chan over. She walked over slowly and sadly.... until she saw her one surviving pup looking up at her. Tears formed in her eyes as she nuzzled it happily. All was well in th epack.... for now....

With the burial of Growltiger completed, Fire lay down for a rest he very much needed. He was exhausted physically and mentally by all that had happened. He tried experimentally to open his eye, but quickly had to shut it again. Fire sighed, wondering if he would be able to use the eye again. Before too long however, he was fast asleep.

Slzer sat down, and was glad all was calm again. He finally paid some attention to his bleeding side. It would be alright soon, it wasn't fatal or anything. He placed a leaf over it and rubbed his darkened face again. He just hoped it wouldn't blister up on him. If anything else was wrong with him, it would have to wait. He lay back and looked at the bright sun. It was nice to be able to rest again.

Eva was fast asleep in Evin's hug still. She was happy and warm, as all young ones should be. She snuggled deeper into his soft fur and sighed. All was well for now....