AUTHOR'S NOTE - I cannot return to this story until particulars are resolved. I politely ask everyone not to create any reviews, critiques or comments until further notice.
INDEX
WARNING:
Contains...
< … > -Animorph Pokémon speech.
( - ) A hyphen indicates a skip in time.
I recently read bold was frowned upon. I decided to play it safe and edit out any bold text in the story. I changed it accordingly (i.e. italicized and/or capitalized).
My word count according to this word count tool – 1,972
I used the recommended word count tool, but...my total came to 317. It might be because of the “<” and “>” symbols, or my formatting tags – or I broke the java script.
I'm definitely not the writer I used to be... (sighs). I'm a pretty unmotivated writer nowadays – it's been months. I have a weird style – some people like it, some people hate it. I agree with those who dislike it (laughs).
A lifeless paw precariously dangled between the iron jaws of a cage, a slender vulpine body ensnared in stygian shadow. Its beautiful snowy tresses lay unkempt upon its crown, slightly withered by the twilight voyage. Wintry fingers of death curled around the vulpine throat, its ethereal rot encouraging the impoverished condition. The sinister hex was suddenly broken, shattered by the drum of a heartbeat. Death bitterly skulked away, its unfathomable presence dissolving like tendrils of gossamer smoke. A ribbon of wind benevolently kissed the eyes of the beautiful animal, coaxing it to awaken. The creature gently roused, a sliver of scarlet emerging beneath its magnolia brow. It blinked heavily and incessantly, clearing its vision until it became as crisp as the autumn chill. The Pokémon involuntarily shivered, sharp pain sprinting up its spine like a lightning bolt. It clumsily ascended upon its front legs, the heightened stance only bringing greater despair as an obsidian curtain shrouded its captive environment. Its crimson eyes squinted against the black fabric, threads of air permeating through the microscopic weave.
<What is this?> The fox whimpered quietly, her lamenting whine mimicking a ghostly soprano. A myriad of sounds piqued her interest, her pointed ears swivelling like biological radars. The thunderous crunch of rocks erupted beneath the chassis of the cavernous heathen, the crackling sound mimicking impassive fireworks. It was evident now that she was aboard a transportation vehicle.
<An automobile? Intriguing...> The creature viciously sank her fangs into the textile shielding her cage, yanking it downward to rid of the canvas that enveloped her prison. The fabric crumpled into a lifeless coil, revealing the cargo area. Six cages were secured against the trailer walls, the denizens slumbering soundly in their alcoves. The Pokémon inclined her snout, gingerly sniffing the air. It was unpleasantly stale, mirroring a dungeon or other subterranean environment. She recognized several species of her brethren sleeping in the cages – but none like her.
<I'm the only Ninetales...> she sighed dejectedly, a pang of loneliness piercing her soul. The Ninetales suddenly caught the delicate sounds of human speech beyond the barrier of metal adjoined to her cage. Intrigued, the creature perched perfectly still amidst the murmurs. Ninetales scowled, unable to hear it clearly. Amaranth irises seethingly glared at the rivets biting into the steel, the silver spheres revealing nothing – not even a whisper. The fervid fox dauntlessly cupped her ear upon the metal partition, listening intently. It only required a few minutes to ignore idle chitchat, muffled albeit audible voices endorsing her espionage.
“Where did you find her, again?” A young male voice enquired, trepidation woven in his words.
“Kanto.” A grizzled voice replied – whether by age or by strife, it was indeterminable.
“In the wild?! You caught a wild Ninetales?”
“I wouldn't call it wild, exactly...”
An unnerving silence cascaded over the conversation, the humans contemplatively digesting what had been said.
“You STOLE it?!” The younger human exclaimed, sounding completely aghast. “Where is her owner?”
<Kiyomizu!> Ninetales passionately exclaimed, pressing her ear harder against the steel. The frigid surface was crawling with frost, the icy spikes biting into her skin like broken glass. Ninetales did not care; she vowed to endure any anguish regardless of its intensity, because she loved Kiyomizu. 'Oh, Kiyomizu. My old friend...Please be okay...' Ninetales inwardly prayed, her heart thrumming in her chest. The vehicle abruptly struck a divot, the imbalance violently churning the cargo. Ninetales yelped, bewildered by the sudden jolt. This unfortunate disturbance cost Ninetales valuable information, which caused her jowls to sag. The Pokémon swiftly became infuriated, yielding her ire by smashing her skull into the iron bars. Ninetales groaned, learning her lesson quickly and with humility. The reckless fox nursed her newly acquired bruise, leaning back on her haunches.
<I've been kidnapped!> She growled angrily, nervously glimpsing beyond the tailgate of the vehicle. A loose tarp cover flapped in the breeze, the olivine cloth shielding the entire structure. <In a military-style vehicle, no less.> The Ninetales belligerently swirled her mass of ivory tails, the slightly frowzy bulk striking the cage with a muted bang. It resonated loudly, piercing the wintry silence like a thunderclap. An awkward squeak trumpeted below, the tires digging into the shale with a deafening screech. Ninetales was viciously thrown aside, colliding against her metal chamber with a smack. She mewled in pain, her tender ribs pulsating in rapid succession. A slew of profanity spliced the wintry air, a venomous tone strewn in the voice. Ninetales tersely grit her teeth – it was the young boy.
A skinny silhouette lifted the cloth curtain, daylight mercilessly gleaning in the Ninetales' eyes. They glimmered like two resplendent rubies, their bloodied hue striking fear in the boy. His sapphire irises waned, diminishing the pupil to the size of a pin. Ninetales smirked triumphantly – this boy was intimidated by her. The Pokémon seized this opportunity to try and communicate; some humans could decipher the subtleties of her language.
<You, human!> Ninetales chirped pretentiously. <I order you to release me this instant!>
“You're awake?!” The adolescent shrieked, regaining his cheeky composure with a cough, “You're a tough mongrel, aren't you?”
<You insensitive - !> Ninetales swiftly caught her tongue, clenching her fangs tightly. The fox arrogantly raised the tip of her nose, her autocratic aura glowing like a sunbeam. <You should respect your elders! I am over sixty years of age, you know.>
“You used to be some old man's spoiled pet, huh? Don't worry...” A sickeningly malicious grin graced his lips, his expression drenched with foreboding shadows. “The boss will take care of you now...”
<Boss?> Ninetales gasped, contemplating how truly dire her situation could be. The crony indifferently whirled on his heel, gloomily draping his hood over his sable tresses and walking away. Ninetales spiritedly yelped, attempting to acquire the human's attention. <Young man! Do not walk away when I am speaking with you!> Ninetales slammed her paw upon the cage, her cries useless to this human. Ninetales tiredly laid upon her stomach, disdainfully crossing her front legs. <Hmpf. Humans...>
Ninetales impatiently flicked her right ear, the guttural roar of the engine as loud and obnoxious as a morning bugle. She glimpsed upward to the halcyon heavens, observing wisps of cloud lazily drift by. 'I feel lazy, too...' Ninetales' cognisance diminished until it transformed into a lucid dream, the azure sky painted with a sepia undertone. Ninetales reminisced inside her memoirs, her soliloquy evoking powerful, emotive imagery.
'I remember the fragrance of my favourite summer. It had the scent of grass and pollen; it was always throughout the village. I could smell the heat, too. It radiated off stones and pathways like livid spirits. The songbirds warbled intricate ballads during this season. They were so beautiful to listen to. Sometimes, I would pretend my winged friends were singing just for me – and Kiyomizu.
I would accompany that elderly man in every endeavour, including escapades to the grocery store. I remember how Kiyomizu loved to fish. Ah, relaxing visits to the river were my favourite. Kiyomizu always spoke gently to me. He would lovingly stroke my mane while rambling about a story he had already told me...thirty times. I found his senile prattle endearing, though. Kiyomizu was the epitome of kindness – his heart welcomed everyone and everything. I don't know where I would be without him...'
Ninetales yawned, succumbing to exhaustion as her words slowly dissipated into nothingness. She could no longer deny the inevitable, enjoying the drowsy sensation as she slipped into the timeless recesses of slumber.
-
The vehicle clandestinely turned left, ploughing its steel muzzle straight through a hedgerow of mulberry. This secret wilderness avenue was unbeknownst to the public, serving as the only entrance to the ultimate destination. Ninetales was frolicking in her imaginative daydream, her fantasy slain by the turbulent ride rumbling beneath her paws. The vehicle swerved in a wide crescent, awkwardly reversing into the hollow of a bevelled docking station. The old fox owlishly blinked, a veil of confusion shrouding her brain from the lively commotion.
“You look a bit weathered, old fox.” A voice unwisely taunted, his sardonic remark earning a drowsy glower. Ninetales frowned; the voice belonged to the driver – her presumed captor. A monstrous shadow pervaded the threshold of the cargo, the truck groaning under his captivating weight. Ninetales buried her sensitive snout into her tails, the pungent stench of cigars billowing off his tawny jacket like an acrid cologne. She meticulously observed this human, scrutinizing every detail with a burgundy eye. Midnight black locks careened over his towed brow, a few strands slicing his jaded eyes into several harlequin pieces. The human possessed a harrowing face, wrinkled scars traversing his skin like macabre stitches. Statuesque muscle bulged beneath his clothes, displaying his raw strength – and volatile temper.
“My name is Aldrich Silvashko. I am your new master.” The man callously greeted, nudging closer to the iron cage. Ninetales instinctively snarled, her hackles erect and sharply flaked. 'Go away! I don't like you...!' The human screamed of morbid malevolence, his listless gaze eerily resembling that of a cadaver.
“You metabolized the sedative early.” Aldrich murmured, his blemished cheekbones pink from stress. “You're pretty resilient. That's good. I have high expectations of you.”
<Expectations?> Ninetales yipped, her cry sounding perplexed as it did concerned. Aldrich vindictively chuckled, feigning compassion underneath an ugly layer of rancour.
“What's wrong? Don't you want to live with me?”
<No! I want to live with Kiyomizu!> Ninetales wailed, her haunting cry ricocheting within the confines of the chamber. Aldrich was irked by his prisoner's audacity, his skin rapidly draining of colour until it was nearly translucent. Aldrich irately furled his fingers around an iron dowel, choking it until the persimmon rust sprinkled off.
“You. You are mine. I have rules for things that are mine.” Aldrich aggressively wrenched his captive's snowy mane, yanking the creature toward his face. Ninetales snarled, a freakishly demonic hiss slithering between her bared fangs. An inauspicious glow swirled in the abyss of the fox's throat, fiery gold tendrils floating out of her maw. The infantile flame accentuated her carmine eyes, an apocalyptic flare swimming in her gaze. Aldrich laughed darkly, swiftly fishing out an aquiline blade and pressing it tersely under her vulnerable neck.
“Go ahead. I dare you.”
Ninetales froze, the nightmarish knife grazing her pulsating vein. She felt her artery tepidly kick against the cool steel, the edge zealously biting her skin. The sensation of congealing blood left her shivering, her vitals skewed by shock. Ninetales' fire subsided, the cobwebbed smoke gently kissing the human on his chapped lips. Aldrich crowed morbidly, inhaling the toxic plume like a sweet fragrance. The silver blade was removed, stashed tip first inside a leather holster.
“You're too soft.” Aldrich chided, aggressively manipulating the neck until he effectively crushed the fox against the cage. “I don't like soft.” Ninetales sacrificed a breath, her oppressed throat forcing out a meagre bark. The prickling sensation of unconsciousness plagued her vulpine brain, the edges of her vision gnawed by a foreign darkness. Ninetales vehemently began to thrash, her body writhing like a dying serpent. Aldrich relinquished his victim with an austere glance, his irises so stringent they barely held sympathy.
<You're a monster!> Ninetales sobbed, brackish teardrops staining her fur. Aldrich mercilessly ignored her cry, sliding her cage to the lip of the truck and unceremoniously shoving her off. Ninetales yelped, curling within her battered body to avoid fracturing her nimble legs. Aldrich heavily landed upon the earth, a blizzard of dead leaves waltzing around his muscular legs. Ninetales cowered against juxtaposed iron bars, observing an impertinent glimmer in his eye. Aldrich cackled menacingly, slapping the top of the cage twice.
“You are going to have so much fun here...”
Chapter 2 - Adrenaline
___________________________________________________________________
INDEX
- Chapter 1 – Master
- Chapter 2 – Adrenaline
- Chapter 3 – Possessed
- Chapter 4 - Existence
- Chapter 5 - TBA
- More to Come...
WARNING:
Contains...
- Violence;
- Animal cruelty;
- Disturbing imagery;
- Death.
< … > -
( - ) A hyphen indicates a skip in time.
I recently read bold was frowned upon. I decided to play it safe and edit out any bold text in the story. I changed it accordingly (i.e. italicized and/or capitalized).
My word count according to this word count tool – 1,972
I used the recommended word count tool, but...my total came to 317. It might be because of the “<” and “>” symbols, or my formatting tags – or I broke the java script.
I'm definitely not the writer I used to be... (sighs). I'm a pretty unmotivated writer nowadays – it's been months. I have a weird style – some people like it, some people hate it. I agree with those who dislike it (laughs).
___________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 1: Master
¤
A lifeless paw precariously dangled between the iron jaws of a cage, a slender vulpine body ensnared in stygian shadow. Its beautiful snowy tresses lay unkempt upon its crown, slightly withered by the twilight voyage. Wintry fingers of death curled around the vulpine throat, its ethereal rot encouraging the impoverished condition. The sinister hex was suddenly broken, shattered by the drum of a heartbeat. Death bitterly skulked away, its unfathomable presence dissolving like tendrils of gossamer smoke. A ribbon of wind benevolently kissed the eyes of the beautiful animal, coaxing it to awaken. The creature gently roused, a sliver of scarlet emerging beneath its magnolia brow. It blinked heavily and incessantly, clearing its vision until it became as crisp as the autumn chill. The Pokémon involuntarily shivered, sharp pain sprinting up its spine like a lightning bolt. It clumsily ascended upon its front legs, the heightened stance only bringing greater despair as an obsidian curtain shrouded its captive environment. Its crimson eyes squinted against the black fabric, threads of air permeating through the microscopic weave.
<What is this?> The fox whimpered quietly, her lamenting whine mimicking a ghostly soprano. A myriad of sounds piqued her interest, her pointed ears swivelling like biological radars. The thunderous crunch of rocks erupted beneath the chassis of the cavernous heathen, the crackling sound mimicking impassive fireworks. It was evident now that she was aboard a transportation vehicle.
<An automobile? Intriguing...> The creature viciously sank her fangs into the textile shielding her cage, yanking it downward to rid of the canvas that enveloped her prison. The fabric crumpled into a lifeless coil, revealing the cargo area. Six cages were secured against the trailer walls, the denizens slumbering soundly in their alcoves. The Pokémon inclined her snout, gingerly sniffing the air. It was unpleasantly stale, mirroring a dungeon or other subterranean environment. She recognized several species of her brethren sleeping in the cages – but none like her.
<I'm the only Ninetales...> she sighed dejectedly, a pang of loneliness piercing her soul. The Ninetales suddenly caught the delicate sounds of human speech beyond the barrier of metal adjoined to her cage. Intrigued, the creature perched perfectly still amidst the murmurs. Ninetales scowled, unable to hear it clearly. Amaranth irises seethingly glared at the rivets biting into the steel, the silver spheres revealing nothing – not even a whisper. The fervid fox dauntlessly cupped her ear upon the metal partition, listening intently. It only required a few minutes to ignore idle chitchat, muffled albeit audible voices endorsing her espionage.
“Where did you find her, again?” A young male voice enquired, trepidation woven in his words.
“Kanto.” A grizzled voice replied – whether by age or by strife, it was indeterminable.
“In the wild?! You caught a wild Ninetales?”
“I wouldn't call it wild, exactly...”
An unnerving silence cascaded over the conversation, the humans contemplatively digesting what had been said.
“You STOLE it?!” The younger human exclaimed, sounding completely aghast. “Where is her owner?”
<Kiyomizu!> Ninetales passionately exclaimed, pressing her ear harder against the steel. The frigid surface was crawling with frost, the icy spikes biting into her skin like broken glass. Ninetales did not care; she vowed to endure any anguish regardless of its intensity, because she loved Kiyomizu. 'Oh, Kiyomizu. My old friend...Please be okay...' Ninetales inwardly prayed, her heart thrumming in her chest. The vehicle abruptly struck a divot, the imbalance violently churning the cargo. Ninetales yelped, bewildered by the sudden jolt. This unfortunate disturbance cost Ninetales valuable information, which caused her jowls to sag. The Pokémon swiftly became infuriated, yielding her ire by smashing her skull into the iron bars. Ninetales groaned, learning her lesson quickly and with humility. The reckless fox nursed her newly acquired bruise, leaning back on her haunches.
<I've been kidnapped!> She growled angrily, nervously glimpsing beyond the tailgate of the vehicle. A loose tarp cover flapped in the breeze, the olivine cloth shielding the entire structure. <In a military-style vehicle, no less.> The Ninetales belligerently swirled her mass of ivory tails, the slightly frowzy bulk striking the cage with a muted bang. It resonated loudly, piercing the wintry silence like a thunderclap. An awkward squeak trumpeted below, the tires digging into the shale with a deafening screech. Ninetales was viciously thrown aside, colliding against her metal chamber with a smack. She mewled in pain, her tender ribs pulsating in rapid succession. A slew of profanity spliced the wintry air, a venomous tone strewn in the voice. Ninetales tersely grit her teeth – it was the young boy.
A skinny silhouette lifted the cloth curtain, daylight mercilessly gleaning in the Ninetales' eyes. They glimmered like two resplendent rubies, their bloodied hue striking fear in the boy. His sapphire irises waned, diminishing the pupil to the size of a pin. Ninetales smirked triumphantly – this boy was intimidated by her. The Pokémon seized this opportunity to try and communicate; some humans could decipher the subtleties of her language.
<You, human!> Ninetales chirped pretentiously. <I order you to release me this instant!>
“You're awake?!” The adolescent shrieked, regaining his cheeky composure with a cough, “You're a tough mongrel, aren't you?”
<You insensitive - !> Ninetales swiftly caught her tongue, clenching her fangs tightly. The fox arrogantly raised the tip of her nose, her autocratic aura glowing like a sunbeam. <You should respect your elders! I am over sixty years of age, you know.>
“You used to be some old man's spoiled pet, huh? Don't worry...” A sickeningly malicious grin graced his lips, his expression drenched with foreboding shadows. “The boss will take care of you now...”
<Boss?> Ninetales gasped, contemplating how truly dire her situation could be. The crony indifferently whirled on his heel, gloomily draping his hood over his sable tresses and walking away. Ninetales spiritedly yelped, attempting to acquire the human's attention. <Young man! Do not walk away when I am speaking with you!> Ninetales slammed her paw upon the cage, her cries useless to this human. Ninetales tiredly laid upon her stomach, disdainfully crossing her front legs. <Hmpf. Humans...>
Ninetales impatiently flicked her right ear, the guttural roar of the engine as loud and obnoxious as a morning bugle. She glimpsed upward to the halcyon heavens, observing wisps of cloud lazily drift by. 'I feel lazy, too...' Ninetales' cognisance diminished until it transformed into a lucid dream, the azure sky painted with a sepia undertone. Ninetales reminisced inside her memoirs, her soliloquy evoking powerful, emotive imagery.
'I remember the fragrance of my favourite summer. It had the scent of grass and pollen; it was always throughout the village. I could smell the heat, too. It radiated off stones and pathways like livid spirits. The songbirds warbled intricate ballads during this season. They were so beautiful to listen to. Sometimes, I would pretend my winged friends were singing just for me – and Kiyomizu.
I would accompany that elderly man in every endeavour, including escapades to the grocery store. I remember how Kiyomizu loved to fish. Ah, relaxing visits to the river were my favourite. Kiyomizu always spoke gently to me. He would lovingly stroke my mane while rambling about a story he had already told me...thirty times. I found his senile prattle endearing, though. Kiyomizu was the epitome of kindness – his heart welcomed everyone and everything. I don't know where I would be without him...'
Ninetales yawned, succumbing to exhaustion as her words slowly dissipated into nothingness. She could no longer deny the inevitable, enjoying the drowsy sensation as she slipped into the timeless recesses of slumber.
-
The vehicle clandestinely turned left, ploughing its steel muzzle straight through a hedgerow of mulberry. This secret wilderness avenue was unbeknownst to the public, serving as the only entrance to the ultimate destination. Ninetales was frolicking in her imaginative daydream, her fantasy slain by the turbulent ride rumbling beneath her paws. The vehicle swerved in a wide crescent, awkwardly reversing into the hollow of a bevelled docking station. The old fox owlishly blinked, a veil of confusion shrouding her brain from the lively commotion.
“You look a bit weathered, old fox.” A voice unwisely taunted, his sardonic remark earning a drowsy glower. Ninetales frowned; the voice belonged to the driver – her presumed captor. A monstrous shadow pervaded the threshold of the cargo, the truck groaning under his captivating weight. Ninetales buried her sensitive snout into her tails, the pungent stench of cigars billowing off his tawny jacket like an acrid cologne. She meticulously observed this human, scrutinizing every detail with a burgundy eye. Midnight black locks careened over his towed brow, a few strands slicing his jaded eyes into several harlequin pieces. The human possessed a harrowing face, wrinkled scars traversing his skin like macabre stitches. Statuesque muscle bulged beneath his clothes, displaying his raw strength – and volatile temper.
“My name is Aldrich Silvashko. I am your new master.” The man callously greeted, nudging closer to the iron cage. Ninetales instinctively snarled, her hackles erect and sharply flaked. 'Go away! I don't like you...!' The human screamed of morbid malevolence, his listless gaze eerily resembling that of a cadaver.
“You metabolized the sedative early.” Aldrich murmured, his blemished cheekbones pink from stress. “You're pretty resilient. That's good. I have high expectations of you.”
<Expectations?> Ninetales yipped, her cry sounding perplexed as it did concerned. Aldrich vindictively chuckled, feigning compassion underneath an ugly layer of rancour.
“What's wrong? Don't you want to live with me?”
<No! I want to live with Kiyomizu!> Ninetales wailed, her haunting cry ricocheting within the confines of the chamber. Aldrich was irked by his prisoner's audacity, his skin rapidly draining of colour until it was nearly translucent. Aldrich irately furled his fingers around an iron dowel, choking it until the persimmon rust sprinkled off.
“You. You are mine. I have rules for things that are mine.” Aldrich aggressively wrenched his captive's snowy mane, yanking the creature toward his face. Ninetales snarled, a freakishly demonic hiss slithering between her bared fangs. An inauspicious glow swirled in the abyss of the fox's throat, fiery gold tendrils floating out of her maw. The infantile flame accentuated her carmine eyes, an apocalyptic flare swimming in her gaze. Aldrich laughed darkly, swiftly fishing out an aquiline blade and pressing it tersely under her vulnerable neck.
“Go ahead. I dare you.”
Ninetales froze, the nightmarish knife grazing her pulsating vein. She felt her artery tepidly kick against the cool steel, the edge zealously biting her skin. The sensation of congealing blood left her shivering, her vitals skewed by shock. Ninetales' fire subsided, the cobwebbed smoke gently kissing the human on his chapped lips. Aldrich crowed morbidly, inhaling the toxic plume like a sweet fragrance. The silver blade was removed, stashed tip first inside a leather holster.
“You're too soft.” Aldrich chided, aggressively manipulating the neck until he effectively crushed the fox against the cage. “I don't like soft.” Ninetales sacrificed a breath, her oppressed throat forcing out a meagre bark. The prickling sensation of unconsciousness plagued her vulpine brain, the edges of her vision gnawed by a foreign darkness. Ninetales vehemently began to thrash, her body writhing like a dying serpent. Aldrich relinquished his victim with an austere glance, his irises so stringent they barely held sympathy.
<You're a monster!> Ninetales sobbed, brackish teardrops staining her fur. Aldrich mercilessly ignored her cry, sliding her cage to the lip of the truck and unceremoniously shoving her off. Ninetales yelped, curling within her battered body to avoid fracturing her nimble legs. Aldrich heavily landed upon the earth, a blizzard of dead leaves waltzing around his muscular legs. Ninetales cowered against juxtaposed iron bars, observing an impertinent glimmer in his eye. Aldrich cackled menacingly, slapping the top of the cage twice.
“You are going to have so much fun here...”
___________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 2 - Adrenaline
