Scytherwolf
New Member
First of all, this story's main characters are Pokémon. The beginning chapters of the story are rated “G”, but some of the later ones will be more in the PG to PG-13 range, for violence. This is an adventure story and I have already completed several chapters before I started posting this here (twenty-one to be exact) but it is still currently unfinished.
Also, I have a picture for each chapter, yet some are pretty old (from several months ago) and not all that great, so I’ll replace them if I have one that will fit the chapter or I’ll draw a new one. However sometimes I might not have another picture or the time to draw a new one for the chapter so I might just put up my old pictures for some of the chapters.
Another thing…since I’ve never had a problem with this before I’ll explain this pretty briefly. The reason I write Pokémon stories is because of the Pokémon themselves, and my favorite thing to do when writing Pokémon stories is to create adventures about some of my favorite Pokémon. And what I really hope is that you will read this story (and not just the first chapter) before you decide how if I am unoriginal.
In other words, I’ll be original in my own way, not yours, with the Pokémon I want to write about.
Well, now that that’s over (And I’m sure most of you don’t have a problem with the Pokémon I use in my story, I was stating that just in case).
Well…hope you made it through all that, because now it’s time to post the first chapter of the story! *throws confetti everywhere* I will admit that not much happens in the first chapter but I promise it will get more interesting as the story goes on. Now, before I start rambling again, here is Chapter One…
Chapter 1-The Beginnings of a Journey
An icy cold wind blew fiercely across the rocky mountainside, bringing with it snow and ice that covered the jagged spurs of rock that jutted out from the snowy mountain’s peak. The strong chilling winds filled the frigid air with their soft mournful howl, drowning out all other noise.
The great snow-capped mountain loomed over a wilderness of icy plains and rugged grasslands, snow covering almost every inch of its rocky surface. Massive ice-covered shards of dark-colored rock loomed over immense canyons and crevices, creating steep and perilous drops at almost every turn. All that could be seen was rock and snow; there was no sign of life.
The strong winds lashed down mercilessly across the mountainous wasteland, sending snow and hail flying everywhere. Clouds obscured the sky, eclipsing the mountain in almost complete darkness.
Yet…there was sign of life after all…
Padding carefully across the pale snow and ice, was a Pokémon. And, even more strangely, this Pokémon was a Growlithe; a young one. But even stranger still, the puppy Pokémon had a strange coloration. The Growlithe’s fur was as white as the snow she walked across so effortlessly, every bit of her coat the same sparkling white, save for the pale gray markings of her stripes. The Growlithe lifted her head to the sky momentarily, showing no sign that she felt the cold. Lifting her paw again, the Pokémon continued her short journey. Increasing her pace to a sprint, she seemed to glide over the ice and snow.
Near a large slab of dark gray rock topped with snow a little ways away, another snow-white Growlithe sat waiting. The Pokémon’s thick fur was fluffed out against the cold and his eyes were half-closed as snow blew around him. As the first Growlithe approached, he spoke. “The others have been waiting.”
“I’m sorry,” the female Growlithe whispered, “Am I…am I the last one here?”
The male Growlithe bared his fangs slightly. “Do you have any idea of the importance of this meeting? Our leader has important news every Growlithe must know, Snowcrystal, now hurry!”
The young Growlithe Snowcrystal carefully padded around the rock’s base, until she came to a small crevice in the side of the rock. Carefully slipping inside, she was followed by the Growlithe who had been waiting for her. The two of them crawled through a narrow tunnel to emerge into an immense underground cavern. All around the walls of the cave were stone ledges, where several other Growlithe sat, looking down at a group of young Growlithe who were playing on the cave floor, sending small embers into the air every once in a while. Stalactites covered the ceiling that arched over their heads, and the walls were studded with luminous crystal shards, all glowing a pale red. In fact, it was from these very same crystals that Snowcrystal had gotten her name.
Once the two Growlithe had taken their place on the cave floor, the Growlithe sitting on the highest ledge stepped forward. Eyeing each of the Growlithe seated below him in turn, the leader prepared to deliver what could only be bad news. “Growlithe of the Ice Mountain,” he began, “Our land has been changing much in the past year. The ice is melting, and the Houndour clan has now gained the lands that were once ice and snow. Many things have changed since Articuno left our mountain. I fear that it is time we must adapt, and become like our cousins, the orange-furred Growlithe that hunt in forests and plains.”
This statement was met with shocked cries, and one Growlithe called out, “But Icefang, we aren’t like other Growlithe-we cannot live in warm climates as they can.”
“There must be other lands of snow,” another cried, “Maybe we can search for a new home!”
“I think we should send someone out to search!”
“And who’s to say that someone would even make it back?”
“Well what should we do? Move every Growlithe, young and old, into strange lands without knowing what lies beyond?”
The leader Growlithe, Icefang, sat calmly on the high ledge as he listened to the others’ cries. He had anticipated this. “Listen,” he called to those down below, “On clear days one can stand on the mountain at any point and view the land around for miles. Have you seen any other mountains? No. We may have to adapt to strange places. If we are to survive we must leave before the snow melts completely, or the Houndour clan will drive us out themselves. We must learn to hunt in forests and plains, and live in the warmer lands, at least until our travels lead us to a new home.”
The Growlithe down below glanced nervously at one another. To most, the news of moving the entire Growlithe clan was nothing new; there had been lots of rumors of it before. All the same, it was startling to hear that it would soon be actually happening. Still, most of them were doubtful that they could survive in such strange territories beyond what had always been their home. There was a reason the Houndour clan was taking the Growlithes’ territory as the snow melted; the land further on was little more than a barren wasteland, though from the mountain, a Growlithe could see what looked like a large forest beyond that.
The young Growlithe Snowcrystal listened as the members of the Growlithe clan argued back and forth. It was apparent that they were wondering how soon they would leave, where they would go, and just how far the Houndour who lived in the plains near the mountains would go to claim their home.
Snowcrystal knew that until recently, the Growlithe and the Houndour had for the most part left each other in peace, each having their own hunting grounds and lands to call their own. However, she also knew that hunting was difficult in both habitats, and the Houndour had been taking over what once had been frozen plains for themselves. The melting of the snow seemed so strange and unnatural, that the only explanation anyone could give was that the odd occurrence was happening because Articuno had left the mountain.
No one had understood how or why, but the great arctic bird who had once protected them, shielding their lands from enemies who happened to stumble upon the mountain, had one day flown from the ice mountain and off into the distance. Several Growlithe had seen it, but they didn’t think it that unusual until a long time had passed, and Articuno had still not returned. When the snow started to melt in the plains surrounding the mountain, the Growlithe had almost immediately blamed it on the disappearance of Articuno. Some were worried that without Articuno’s protection, humans would stumble upon the mountain. The Growlithe had heard from traveling Pokémon, mostly flying types, of trainers and the way they greatly valued Pokémon of unusual color. To Snowcrystal, white Growlithe were normal, but according to the travelers, humans had never seen or heard of them before.
For a while, Snowcrystal had tried to believe that Articuno hadn’t abandoned them, or that the ice would stop melting, but it all seemed as if they really had been abandoned. It all seemed as if Articuno, the one who’d helped them survive for so long, had really left their land for good.
But what if there was a reason for it? Ignoring the other Growlithe, Snowcrystal stood up and called to her leader, who was still trying to reason with the clan, “What if someone went to search for Articuno?”
Snowcrystal was immediately aware of all eyes on her. Icefang spoke to her calmly, “I am afraid Articuno has probably left of his own free will. If that is really the case, there is nothing we can do to bring him back.”
“But what if there’s a reason Articuno left?” Snowcrystal cried back, hardly noticing that the cavern had become suddenly silent, “What if he can’t get back? What if he needs our help?” The young Growlithe had thought these things over many times, but until now, she had never really thought about doing anything. After all, these thoughts had just been guesses, but now it seemed like their only hope of being able to keep the lands they called home.
“Well, we still have a lot of our territory left,” Snowcrystal continued, “We have time. I could search for Articuno, and if I don’t find him, then we will have to leave, but we can’t give up just yet! Besides, taking the entire clan into unknown territory is dangerous, especially for the young ones! There are humans and strange Pokémon further on; we all know that this is one of the few places humans don’t travel by.”
Icefang sighed. He admired the young Growlithe’s courage, but he knew there was very little chance that she would discover Articuno. “We cannot rely on mere guesses and ideas for something this important, Snowcrystal. Finding Articuno would be a near impossible feat.”
“But I could still try!” Snowcrystal protested, “I’ve never been to the lands beyond the snow, but I’m not afraid! One Growlithe leaving now would be better than moving the entire group without knowing what’s out there. Besides, the clan won’t have to move for a while longer, so it still gives us time! And…and if you don’t approve, I’ll go anyway!”
This last remark was received by disapproving glares from many of the Growlithe. One was not to speak to a leader in that way. However, Icefang did not seem angry. “Very well,” he stated at last, “No one can stop you if this is what you truly want. We still have a while before we must move to new territory, and in the meantime we must all discuss what we are to do.” He turned to the rest of the clan, addressing them. “I understand you are worried about this news, but I have thought over this for a long time. Unless Articuno returns and replenishes our land…” he paused, almost wanting to say ‘whether or not it was his fault at all’, “I’m afraid we will have to leave…” He glanced over the solemn gazes of the Growlithe crowding the cavern and sighed. “We must discuss this again starting tomorrow night…”
After Icefang finished his small speech, the Growlithe slowly left the cavern in stunned silence; the thought of loosing their home devastating. However, a few of them looked hopeful, giving Snowcrystal encouraging glances as they passed through the narrow tunnel.
At last, only she and Icefang remained. The larger Growlithe walked over to her, looking at her with a serious expression. “I hope you understand just what you’re getting into if you undertake this mission.”
Snowcrystal gave him a small smile. “I don’t know what I’m getting into,” she told him, “But whatever happens, I’ll do whatever I can to find Articuno.”
Icefang nodded in reply. He knew that the Growlithe he ruled over where far from weak. They thrived in the frigid mountain climate, and in the icy plains below. A Growlithe had great endurance, able to travel across the mountain many times in one day without getting tired. “I know you will,” he told the young Growlithe, “But you must remember everything you’ve learned. Every survival skill you posses will be vitally important. And also…”
The leader’s voice trailed off as he leaped up the stone ledges to his own place at the highest one, vanishing into a small cave behind it that was nearly hidden by the rock. A moment later he reappeared, holding a bright amulet in his mouth. Attached to a string of tough plant fibers, a single glowing red crystal blazed brightly. Leaping gracefully to the ground, Icefang presented Snowcrystal with the gift, setting it down reverently at the young Growlithe’s paws.
“This amulet was given to me by mother, and the Growlithe leader before me. I was told to pass it down to one who has done great service to the clan. At the time, I believed it meant that I must give it to the next leader, but now, I believe I should let you keep it.” He smiled. “You are very brave to undertake a journey for the clan like this, Snowcrystal, and I know that if you mange to convince Articuno to return, he will be able to restore our lands to the way they were…” Carefully he bent down and picked up the amulet, carefully placing it around Snowcrystal’s neck. “Who knows?” the leader chuckled, “It may bring you good luck.”
Snowcrystal smiled. “Maybe…” She glanced toward the rocky tunnel and replied, “I must leave as soon as possible. Thank you for your gift, but I must begin my journey.”
Icefang nodded again. “I understand…” As Snowcrystal turned to leave, the older Growlithe whispered, “And may Ho-oh be with you…”
***
By early morning, the clouds that lingered above the great mountain had thinned out, and the wind had died down a bit. Padding carefully through the snow, Snowcrystal turned and glanced back at the mountain she had left, knowing that if she failed, she may never see it again. Still, she knew she had to try, and she was determined to one day return…along with Articuno.
Turning back to the way ahead, the Growlithe failed to notice the group of Pokémon who were crouched down in the sparse grass near where the snow ended not far away. As Snowcrystal passed by without a glance, a wolf-like Pokémon raised his black and red head over the thin blades of dried grass.
The Houndour seemed puzzled. Turning to his hunting companions, he whispered, “It’s one of the Growlithe…what’s she doing so close our lands?”
“I dunno, Fang,” one of his companions replied, “But she doesn’t look lost…she’s heading somewhere with a purpose…but what would that be?”
The first Houndour, Blazefang, narrowed his eyes as he watched the white shape walking so calmly over the snow. Turning to the speaker, he replied, “I don’t know…but this is strange…I don’t like it…”
“I don’t understand, though,” a third Houndour barked, speaking up for the first time, “What do we have to worry about a stray Growlithe? Looks like she’s heading away from our lands as well as the mountain; it’s not like she’s invading our territory.”
“I’ve got a bad feeling…” Blazefang muttered, “I want to know what’s going on! Wildflame!” he turned to the Houndour who had first spoken her opinion, “Go and find Darkclaw. I want to know if the Growlithe are planning anything.”
Wildflame nodded, and headed off. Lowering their heads, the other two followed, making hardly a sound as they slipped into the shelter of the tall grass, vanishing as if they were never there.
***
Darkclaw the Murkrow was a well-known spy among the Houndour clan. He had already alerted the Houndour clan to the hope that the Growlithe were possibly planning on leaving if their snowy habitat continued to shrink. The Houndour came to him whenever they suspected that the Growlithe clan might be planning a move against them, and he gladly accepted their requests, for the price of a Rattata or two.
As the group of Houndour approached his favorite tree, Darkclaw flew down onto a twisted lower branch, facing Blazefang. The tough Houndour smiled as the Murkrow landed. “Darkclaw,” he began, “I need to know what’s going on at the Growlithe’s mountain…”
To be continued...
Well, I hope you readers have enjoyed this so far and I will post other chapters soon if people are interested in this. Oh, and you may post any replies in this thread; it’s far less confusing for me. Thank you and I hope you enjoy reading the future chapters!
Also, I have a picture for each chapter, yet some are pretty old (from several months ago) and not all that great, so I’ll replace them if I have one that will fit the chapter or I’ll draw a new one. However sometimes I might not have another picture or the time to draw a new one for the chapter so I might just put up my old pictures for some of the chapters.
Another thing…since I’ve never had a problem with this before I’ll explain this pretty briefly. The reason I write Pokémon stories is because of the Pokémon themselves, and my favorite thing to do when writing Pokémon stories is to create adventures about some of my favorite Pokémon. And what I really hope is that you will read this story (and not just the first chapter) before you decide how if I am unoriginal.
In other words, I’ll be original in my own way, not yours, with the Pokémon I want to write about.
Well, now that that’s over (And I’m sure most of you don’t have a problem with the Pokémon I use in my story, I was stating that just in case).
Well…hope you made it through all that, because now it’s time to post the first chapter of the story! *throws confetti everywhere* I will admit that not much happens in the first chapter but I promise it will get more interesting as the story goes on. Now, before I start rambling again, here is Chapter One…
The Path of Destiny
Chapter 1-The Beginnings of a Journey
An icy cold wind blew fiercely across the rocky mountainside, bringing with it snow and ice that covered the jagged spurs of rock that jutted out from the snowy mountain’s peak. The strong chilling winds filled the frigid air with their soft mournful howl, drowning out all other noise.
The great snow-capped mountain loomed over a wilderness of icy plains and rugged grasslands, snow covering almost every inch of its rocky surface. Massive ice-covered shards of dark-colored rock loomed over immense canyons and crevices, creating steep and perilous drops at almost every turn. All that could be seen was rock and snow; there was no sign of life.
The strong winds lashed down mercilessly across the mountainous wasteland, sending snow and hail flying everywhere. Clouds obscured the sky, eclipsing the mountain in almost complete darkness.
Yet…there was sign of life after all…
Padding carefully across the pale snow and ice, was a Pokémon. And, even more strangely, this Pokémon was a Growlithe; a young one. But even stranger still, the puppy Pokémon had a strange coloration. The Growlithe’s fur was as white as the snow she walked across so effortlessly, every bit of her coat the same sparkling white, save for the pale gray markings of her stripes. The Growlithe lifted her head to the sky momentarily, showing no sign that she felt the cold. Lifting her paw again, the Pokémon continued her short journey. Increasing her pace to a sprint, she seemed to glide over the ice and snow.
Near a large slab of dark gray rock topped with snow a little ways away, another snow-white Growlithe sat waiting. The Pokémon’s thick fur was fluffed out against the cold and his eyes were half-closed as snow blew around him. As the first Growlithe approached, he spoke. “The others have been waiting.”
“I’m sorry,” the female Growlithe whispered, “Am I…am I the last one here?”
The male Growlithe bared his fangs slightly. “Do you have any idea of the importance of this meeting? Our leader has important news every Growlithe must know, Snowcrystal, now hurry!”
The young Growlithe Snowcrystal carefully padded around the rock’s base, until she came to a small crevice in the side of the rock. Carefully slipping inside, she was followed by the Growlithe who had been waiting for her. The two of them crawled through a narrow tunnel to emerge into an immense underground cavern. All around the walls of the cave were stone ledges, where several other Growlithe sat, looking down at a group of young Growlithe who were playing on the cave floor, sending small embers into the air every once in a while. Stalactites covered the ceiling that arched over their heads, and the walls were studded with luminous crystal shards, all glowing a pale red. In fact, it was from these very same crystals that Snowcrystal had gotten her name.
Once the two Growlithe had taken their place on the cave floor, the Growlithe sitting on the highest ledge stepped forward. Eyeing each of the Growlithe seated below him in turn, the leader prepared to deliver what could only be bad news. “Growlithe of the Ice Mountain,” he began, “Our land has been changing much in the past year. The ice is melting, and the Houndour clan has now gained the lands that were once ice and snow. Many things have changed since Articuno left our mountain. I fear that it is time we must adapt, and become like our cousins, the orange-furred Growlithe that hunt in forests and plains.”
This statement was met with shocked cries, and one Growlithe called out, “But Icefang, we aren’t like other Growlithe-we cannot live in warm climates as they can.”
“There must be other lands of snow,” another cried, “Maybe we can search for a new home!”
“I think we should send someone out to search!”
“And who’s to say that someone would even make it back?”
“Well what should we do? Move every Growlithe, young and old, into strange lands without knowing what lies beyond?”
The leader Growlithe, Icefang, sat calmly on the high ledge as he listened to the others’ cries. He had anticipated this. “Listen,” he called to those down below, “On clear days one can stand on the mountain at any point and view the land around for miles. Have you seen any other mountains? No. We may have to adapt to strange places. If we are to survive we must leave before the snow melts completely, or the Houndour clan will drive us out themselves. We must learn to hunt in forests and plains, and live in the warmer lands, at least until our travels lead us to a new home.”
The Growlithe down below glanced nervously at one another. To most, the news of moving the entire Growlithe clan was nothing new; there had been lots of rumors of it before. All the same, it was startling to hear that it would soon be actually happening. Still, most of them were doubtful that they could survive in such strange territories beyond what had always been their home. There was a reason the Houndour clan was taking the Growlithes’ territory as the snow melted; the land further on was little more than a barren wasteland, though from the mountain, a Growlithe could see what looked like a large forest beyond that.
The young Growlithe Snowcrystal listened as the members of the Growlithe clan argued back and forth. It was apparent that they were wondering how soon they would leave, where they would go, and just how far the Houndour who lived in the plains near the mountains would go to claim their home.
Snowcrystal knew that until recently, the Growlithe and the Houndour had for the most part left each other in peace, each having their own hunting grounds and lands to call their own. However, she also knew that hunting was difficult in both habitats, and the Houndour had been taking over what once had been frozen plains for themselves. The melting of the snow seemed so strange and unnatural, that the only explanation anyone could give was that the odd occurrence was happening because Articuno had left the mountain.
No one had understood how or why, but the great arctic bird who had once protected them, shielding their lands from enemies who happened to stumble upon the mountain, had one day flown from the ice mountain and off into the distance. Several Growlithe had seen it, but they didn’t think it that unusual until a long time had passed, and Articuno had still not returned. When the snow started to melt in the plains surrounding the mountain, the Growlithe had almost immediately blamed it on the disappearance of Articuno. Some were worried that without Articuno’s protection, humans would stumble upon the mountain. The Growlithe had heard from traveling Pokémon, mostly flying types, of trainers and the way they greatly valued Pokémon of unusual color. To Snowcrystal, white Growlithe were normal, but according to the travelers, humans had never seen or heard of them before.
For a while, Snowcrystal had tried to believe that Articuno hadn’t abandoned them, or that the ice would stop melting, but it all seemed as if they really had been abandoned. It all seemed as if Articuno, the one who’d helped them survive for so long, had really left their land for good.
But what if there was a reason for it? Ignoring the other Growlithe, Snowcrystal stood up and called to her leader, who was still trying to reason with the clan, “What if someone went to search for Articuno?”
Snowcrystal was immediately aware of all eyes on her. Icefang spoke to her calmly, “I am afraid Articuno has probably left of his own free will. If that is really the case, there is nothing we can do to bring him back.”
“But what if there’s a reason Articuno left?” Snowcrystal cried back, hardly noticing that the cavern had become suddenly silent, “What if he can’t get back? What if he needs our help?” The young Growlithe had thought these things over many times, but until now, she had never really thought about doing anything. After all, these thoughts had just been guesses, but now it seemed like their only hope of being able to keep the lands they called home.
“Well, we still have a lot of our territory left,” Snowcrystal continued, “We have time. I could search for Articuno, and if I don’t find him, then we will have to leave, but we can’t give up just yet! Besides, taking the entire clan into unknown territory is dangerous, especially for the young ones! There are humans and strange Pokémon further on; we all know that this is one of the few places humans don’t travel by.”
Icefang sighed. He admired the young Growlithe’s courage, but he knew there was very little chance that she would discover Articuno. “We cannot rely on mere guesses and ideas for something this important, Snowcrystal. Finding Articuno would be a near impossible feat.”
“But I could still try!” Snowcrystal protested, “I’ve never been to the lands beyond the snow, but I’m not afraid! One Growlithe leaving now would be better than moving the entire group without knowing what’s out there. Besides, the clan won’t have to move for a while longer, so it still gives us time! And…and if you don’t approve, I’ll go anyway!”
This last remark was received by disapproving glares from many of the Growlithe. One was not to speak to a leader in that way. However, Icefang did not seem angry. “Very well,” he stated at last, “No one can stop you if this is what you truly want. We still have a while before we must move to new territory, and in the meantime we must all discuss what we are to do.” He turned to the rest of the clan, addressing them. “I understand you are worried about this news, but I have thought over this for a long time. Unless Articuno returns and replenishes our land…” he paused, almost wanting to say ‘whether or not it was his fault at all’, “I’m afraid we will have to leave…” He glanced over the solemn gazes of the Growlithe crowding the cavern and sighed. “We must discuss this again starting tomorrow night…”
After Icefang finished his small speech, the Growlithe slowly left the cavern in stunned silence; the thought of loosing their home devastating. However, a few of them looked hopeful, giving Snowcrystal encouraging glances as they passed through the narrow tunnel.
At last, only she and Icefang remained. The larger Growlithe walked over to her, looking at her with a serious expression. “I hope you understand just what you’re getting into if you undertake this mission.”
Snowcrystal gave him a small smile. “I don’t know what I’m getting into,” she told him, “But whatever happens, I’ll do whatever I can to find Articuno.”
Icefang nodded in reply. He knew that the Growlithe he ruled over where far from weak. They thrived in the frigid mountain climate, and in the icy plains below. A Growlithe had great endurance, able to travel across the mountain many times in one day without getting tired. “I know you will,” he told the young Growlithe, “But you must remember everything you’ve learned. Every survival skill you posses will be vitally important. And also…”
The leader’s voice trailed off as he leaped up the stone ledges to his own place at the highest one, vanishing into a small cave behind it that was nearly hidden by the rock. A moment later he reappeared, holding a bright amulet in his mouth. Attached to a string of tough plant fibers, a single glowing red crystal blazed brightly. Leaping gracefully to the ground, Icefang presented Snowcrystal with the gift, setting it down reverently at the young Growlithe’s paws.
“This amulet was given to me by mother, and the Growlithe leader before me. I was told to pass it down to one who has done great service to the clan. At the time, I believed it meant that I must give it to the next leader, but now, I believe I should let you keep it.” He smiled. “You are very brave to undertake a journey for the clan like this, Snowcrystal, and I know that if you mange to convince Articuno to return, he will be able to restore our lands to the way they were…” Carefully he bent down and picked up the amulet, carefully placing it around Snowcrystal’s neck. “Who knows?” the leader chuckled, “It may bring you good luck.”
Snowcrystal smiled. “Maybe…” She glanced toward the rocky tunnel and replied, “I must leave as soon as possible. Thank you for your gift, but I must begin my journey.”
Icefang nodded again. “I understand…” As Snowcrystal turned to leave, the older Growlithe whispered, “And may Ho-oh be with you…”
***
By early morning, the clouds that lingered above the great mountain had thinned out, and the wind had died down a bit. Padding carefully through the snow, Snowcrystal turned and glanced back at the mountain she had left, knowing that if she failed, she may never see it again. Still, she knew she had to try, and she was determined to one day return…along with Articuno.
Turning back to the way ahead, the Growlithe failed to notice the group of Pokémon who were crouched down in the sparse grass near where the snow ended not far away. As Snowcrystal passed by without a glance, a wolf-like Pokémon raised his black and red head over the thin blades of dried grass.
The Houndour seemed puzzled. Turning to his hunting companions, he whispered, “It’s one of the Growlithe…what’s she doing so close our lands?”
“I dunno, Fang,” one of his companions replied, “But she doesn’t look lost…she’s heading somewhere with a purpose…but what would that be?”
The first Houndour, Blazefang, narrowed his eyes as he watched the white shape walking so calmly over the snow. Turning to the speaker, he replied, “I don’t know…but this is strange…I don’t like it…”
“I don’t understand, though,” a third Houndour barked, speaking up for the first time, “What do we have to worry about a stray Growlithe? Looks like she’s heading away from our lands as well as the mountain; it’s not like she’s invading our territory.”
“I’ve got a bad feeling…” Blazefang muttered, “I want to know what’s going on! Wildflame!” he turned to the Houndour who had first spoken her opinion, “Go and find Darkclaw. I want to know if the Growlithe are planning anything.”
Wildflame nodded, and headed off. Lowering their heads, the other two followed, making hardly a sound as they slipped into the shelter of the tall grass, vanishing as if they were never there.
***
Darkclaw the Murkrow was a well-known spy among the Houndour clan. He had already alerted the Houndour clan to the hope that the Growlithe were possibly planning on leaving if their snowy habitat continued to shrink. The Houndour came to him whenever they suspected that the Growlithe clan might be planning a move against them, and he gladly accepted their requests, for the price of a Rattata or two.
As the group of Houndour approached his favorite tree, Darkclaw flew down onto a twisted lower branch, facing Blazefang. The tough Houndour smiled as the Murkrow landed. “Darkclaw,” he began, “I need to know what’s going on at the Growlithe’s mountain…”
To be continued...
Well, I hope you readers have enjoyed this so far and I will post other chapters soon if people are interested in this. Oh, and you may post any replies in this thread; it’s far less confusing for me. Thank you and I hope you enjoy reading the future chapters!
