Magic & Transvolution

Chapter 42: Moving Forward.

The pale skin woman nods. "My sympathies, then." She strokes her chest, closing her eyes. "I understand where you're coming from there. However...I believe humans are the true culprits behind the world being in ruins." She opens her eyes, glaring at the seat in front of her. "The thirst for power, the egocentric mindsets...Wars of the past even happened because of them. Even if a Pokémon were involved to aid them, they're still the masterminds behind their wickedness."

"Hmm." Travis puts his paw underneath his chin, staring down. "I did encounter some humans with the Zorua that tricked me. All of them being Pokémon Hunters." Crossing his legs, he frowns at the woman. "You may have a point there, but still: Pokémon aren't any better than humans, especially the Zorua line."

The woman shrugs. "I'm not doubting it: All of them have malicious intentions, hidden behind any kindness you can think of..." She squints her eyes out of the window.

Travis stares at the woman for a brief moment, the train rumbling on the rails. He looks out of the window, the train turning away from a city with many large buildings. The Lucario folds his arms.

"...Travis. That's my name."

"Scarlet. Pleasure meeting you, Travis."

Silence.

Nothing but the train's trembles is heard as the two's lips are sealed, both keeping their gaze towards the outside. Scarlet stops her taps, laying her hand on top of the front seat.

"...Is there a good reason for me to be here? Alive?" she says.

Travis blinks, glaring at the woman. "Yeah? There's always a reason for anyone to be here."

The woman withdraws her hand, looking at it. "Can't say that I agree." Squints. "I'm unfortunate enough to be born like this. Forced to be flawed beyond belief..." Her hand curls into a fist. "That's what I am."

The jackal keeps his gaze on her, his face scrambling into uncertainty. His feelers twitch, Travis looking away and grabs them. No. There's nothing wrong with her. Shush... He sighs, staring down at the forest along with some river streams.

. . .

The path twists and turns and zigzags for the eight, the sun being obscured by the large trees showering over everyone. The group grunts and pants, dragging their feet against the ground with the exception of Ramon and Mesmeren, the former carrying the latter. Roan whines, gripping his arm.

"Ugh...This is quite unbearable!" Roan exclaims.

"Tell me about it," Courtney follows, being beside the Axew before she coughs. "Eck!"

Coleo grits his teeth, squinting. "We mus' keep goin'. Regar'less of the Weakener."

Sylock nods at the Blipbug before grunting himself, stopping. Courtney immediately lays the Blaziken's arm onto her neck, guiding him forward. "I gotcha, Sy." She smiles, her lips quivering. Sylock smiles back, his lips trembling as well.

Justin grins at the group. "Ya know, the Weakener ain't Weakus." Before anyone can react, the teen groans further, gritting his teeth. "Goddammit!" Ada gropes his shirt, shaking with concerns. The boy looks at her. "The Weakener didn't like that pun, haha..."

Sylock squints. Neither did I.

Ada pats Justin's shoulder. "Just...try not to strain yourself, okay? We're all in pretty bad shape so we'll need the energy as much as—AGH!" She strokes her belly, bits of purple blood leaking out of her lips. "Possible..."

Justin sighs. "Yeah. You're right..."

"I just hope we don't remain in this Weakener stage forever...Ugh." Ada rubs her ill, dark eyes.