• I sat in the branches of the neighbor's redwood tree. I couldn't believe what I heard. But these new ears were better than my old ones.
    I can't believe my own parents...
    There was no other choice. I had to run away.
    Jumping nimbly out of the branches, I landed softly on the sidewalk. Merely a shadow, I ran through the darkness using my aura sight. As I ran across the street, I saw a distant car's headlight, reflecting in my red eyes. Did he see a beast?
    I thought of the one place I dreamed to run away to when I was a human. The creek, which was dried up.
    I finally came to the chain linked fence. Before, I would have struggled to climb it. Now, I leaped effortlessly over it. My pawed feet instantly felt dried grass, and moss. I ran over the rocks that used to trip me, never missing a beat. When I finally stopped, I was out of breath. I sat down, leaning against the cement wall, and closed my eyes.

    I woke up to the sound of faraway crying. Instantly, I was alert. But I silently crept towards the source of the noise. Using my aura sight once more, I saw a huddled figure. It looked like a small child. Only one way to find out.
    Who are you? I asked, staying in the shadows.
    He looked around. "Who's there", he called out, frightened.
    Calm down, I just wanna know who you are.
    "None of your buisness".
    Aren't your parents worried?
    "Are you kidding me?! My mom's a drunk, and my step dad beats me!"
    So that's the reason.
    He gave a deep sigh. "Yeah."
    He looked about ten years old. Not a child who would make it on his own.
    What's your name then?
    He hesitated, before replying, "It's... Joey."
    Nice to meet you then, Joey.
    He scanned the darkness. "Who are you? I don't even know what you look like."
    I thought carefully before saying I'll show you who I am, but you have to promise me: Don't scream, or make any loud noise that could get us caught.
    "Why?"
    You'll see right now.
    I stepped out from the darkness, and into the moonlight. Joey's eyes widened, and he made these weird choking noises.
    Don't scream. You promised, I reminded him.
    "But- but you're a Pokemon!" Joey whispered, very shocked.
    Yes, I know, I'm a pokemon, a Lucario, a freak, take your pick.
    "But that's so cool!" Joey looked awestruck.
    Thanks... I think. Listen, you're not gonna last long by yourself.
    He puffed out his chest in phony bravado. "Oh come on, I'm just as manly as you!"
    Uh... I'm a girl.
    Joey looked really embarrassed. "Well... Just as tough."
    So do you wanna join me?
    If I thought his eyes were wide before, I was wrong. He went bug eyed.
    "For real?!"
    For the first time, I smiled. Yeah, for real.
    "When do we leave?"
    Right now.
    I expected him to complain, or to whine. Instead, he pumped his fist in the air. "Yes!"
    Then he looked at me, studying me closely. "Something tells me you weren't always a Lucario."
    I was suprised. How did he know?
    I gave an exasperated sigh. No, not always.
    "Well then, it's a new beginning for both of us then!"
    I looked down at this little kid. He was a true optimist, no doubt. And it was contagious.