45 Dundeon Pat 9 End, Growlithe story of the first.

For the last month in the dungeon. Gray had trained his Poksoul and Pokefusion to new heights. His Pokemon became more proficient in there battle moves and had gotten bigger. They didnt gain levels much after reaching a certain threshold. Just honed their instincts, skills, and cooperation with one another.

The visit to his territory went off without a problem. He named the oldest female Moltres as the acting steward in his stead until he returned. From the memories from the old Moltres, she was the most level headed. And the second strongest. After he gave her a blessing of his own she became the strongest and would have a stronger growth than the others.

Giving up a little of his aura didn't hurt him to badly. But the bubbles told him it only worked since it was his own clan. Passing it out to others would cause him to dwindle in strength. The mission to purify the NidoQueen and NidoKing territory was still ongoing. He no longer had to remain in the area for the effect to work.

Midnight and Gray's Pokefusion was able to last the longest. Even without Empress as a Medium to help. His most powerful was with Growlithe. His fusion with Pyron was the easiest to do with partial.

As for Gale. She and Empress had become great at doing tag-team fighting. Growlithe and the others never had a chance. Even with three on two. The Nidoran was still recovering.

As for Gray's Pokesoul. His Giratina form just didnt activate as he wanted it to. He could swear it was sulking a little. But he didnt mind too much. He focused on his Yvetal form the rest of the time he was not fused. The fusion of the two was still available.

'This is a good place to rest.' Gray thought. He then let go of the fusion. The wave of exhaustion caused him to lean against the cave entrance for a few seconds. Growlithe stood right in front of him happier than he ever saw the little Pokemon. Letting the others out he had to ask, "what is it?"

He kept Empress in her medium state just in case. The little Nidoran slept. Pyron, Midnight, and Gale were to his side while he was the closest to the entrance besides Growlithe. Clyde flew back a few moments later. He had nothing to report and just hopped to Gray's side and rested.

"You are exactly what the old coot was looking for. You have passed all his test but one." Growlithe cheek became a tinge of purple. The pup was embarrassed. "All you have to do left is get a pack and a mate."

A long pause filled the cave. No one wanted to speak. Midnight just wagged his tail and put his head back down. He missed Espeon and Leafeon. Scyther just tilted her head to the side before wandering around in the cave. Pyron scoffed and started to nap.

"Yeah, I am not mating with you," Gray said after realizing it wasn't a joke.

"Thank you," Midnight said after blinking his eyes at him. "I would hate to fight you to the death for her. Chroma I think is just toying with me, but Espeon and I have marked each other already. Once I am strong enough. I will have her." Midnight voice came out strong and full of confidence at the end. A dark flame flashed in his eyes. "I won't let my family suffer not ever again." Laying his head back down, he rested once more.

"He will make a great second." Growlithe said turning back to Gray. "With the ones you know right now, we can go after Ori/Sabrina or the one called June." His tail wagged happily. "Or how about Gale."

"Oh no. Gale is sweet and all. But my heart wouldn't be in it. I know there is something she wished to tell me. I won't do that tell she does. Besides, we can wait for something like that until she is stronger and more comfortable with herself. Sabrina is not emotionally ready for something like that. Besides .. our friendship is rocky as it is."

"What about Jun?" Growlithe asked hopefully.

"Hmm, I would like to.. but no." Gray relaxed before realizing it was time to feed everyone. Removing a few poke blocks for nutrition, he gave them each one. He set one down for Gale. When she comes back it would be waiting on her. Next, he went to make a proper meal.

"Fine then." Said Growlithe. He was neither upset nor anxious. It gave him time to tell Gray his story anyway. "Listen, Gray, I have to tell you about my family's past and myself. Will you listen to me?"

(Mission: Growlithe is now comfortable enough to tell you details of his past. Listening will result in Ytainer learning key events of the Pokemon worlds past. As well as learning about its future. Failure to agree will have dire consequences.)

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Gray just shook his head. He didnt have a problem agreeing to listen.

"Go ahead. But I am going to keep cooking while you do so.

"Well, it all started back when Grandpa was still a Growlithe. Before he became the first Arcanine."

"I am sorry what did you just say?"

"Grandpa was the first Arcanine. He was first to use the Primal power of fire. I believe you all call them Fire Stones." Seeing Gray listening more intently Growlithe continued. "Back then the clans fought for territory for expansion. It was hard to keep the peace. Especially when the gates opened. Knew different Pokemon came in making things more difficult. These other beasts made it difficult for us to survive."

"You talk as if you were there at the time."

"In a way I was. I am made from auras from my grandpa and grandma. Technically I was raised by my older siblings but.. The old coot is my father. It's too weird calling him that though. I will explain why I was that is later."

"Alright then," Gray said as he stirred a pot with berries in them. Scyther had come back with some fresh ones to add to the reserves. She sat next to Gray and went to work. Her human hands working perfectly. The blessing of Mewtwo made her more adept at being human. Along with Empress helping her, no one would suspect a thing once she was fully human.

Gray stared at her a little and a window appeared base off his thoughts.

(Human form 73% complete.)

'I wonder how different she will be once she is finished.' Gray stopped his train of thought then focused back on Growlithe.

"The other beast Pokemon refuse to get out of our lands. Grandpa pleaded with them telling them of lands that were better, more accommodating for there type. They refused. War broke out completely between us."

"One day Grandpa and his brothers and sisters were looking for a new watering hole when it happened."

"A tribe of Eevee were nearby. They were not really allies of ours but helped us gather berries before winter. There group didnt fare too well. When Grandpa and his brothers arrived a group of Houndour and a Houndoom had killed most of them. They were taking a few of the bigger males and pregnant female back for food."

"I take things went poorly from the look on your face."

"Yes. Grandpa was hard-pressed to keep everyone safe. They fought with everything they had at their disposal. No one but Grandpa survived. His other hunting party didnt make it. The new moves the others had caught them by surprise. As for the surviving Eevees they returned with Grandpa."

"I see. I am sorry for what happened for what its worth."

"Thank you. I am happy I am with you, Gray." Growlithe moved up to Gray and licked his face. He then moved back and continued his story. "Grandpa returned and told what happened. The older Growlithe wanted us to surrender. Grandpa refused. He challenged each of the others for sole leadership of the pack. Despite his injuries, he won." Growlithe said with a proud smile. "After that victory, he declared himself the clan alpha. Some resisted despite the rules. They said they would not follow him now. Those who challenged his authority were killed by him and him alone in front of everyone. He then devoured there hearts. When he finished he grew in size and his aura grew countless times stronger. It was if the very land blessed what he had done. Grandpa then order everyone to return to their homes and rest. He would deal with the remains of the traitors himself."

"A few of the Eevees stood back. They wanted to become warriors so Grandpa obliged. He released his aura on them for an entire day. One to test them. And two to test himself. He felt something calling to him so he and the rest of the three Eevees that remained followed the voice he called it."

"I think you should take a break. You look tired and I dont mean physically." Gray sent his aura over, an immediately felt the intense pain the Growlithe was going through. Doing his best he tried to alleviate it. It worked a little. Then a lot when Scyther touched Gray followed by Midnight and Pyron.

As if reading each other's thoughts they said in unison. "We are in this togethor now. Ok?" They chuckled when they realized how corny they had sounded.

"Right." Growlithe said calming down. "Thank you."

"I think you should finish this part of the story then rest. We can learn the rest later. How does that sound?"

"Ok. When Grandpa and the others left they found a cave of fire. Not just rocks and magma but a cave of actual fire. They went inside cautiously. Grandpa had to extend his aura to keep the Eevees from harm."

Gray and the rest could now see the memory as if they were there themselves

The Old Growlithe walked to the center and started to eat something. To Gray, it looked like magma. The Eevees just watched in wonder. The old Growlithe just kept eating it all. It took an entire day for him to finish it all. He had grown yet again and was still growing. When finished he let out a resounding Roar! His body glowing in what Growlithe described as Primal Fire.

Not one of the Eevees left. None were scared. They were rewarded by the power that was released. One by one they started to change. A yellow mane appeared around their necks replacing the brownish-white one they had before. The remaining four and flesh turned red next. The tail became fluffy and light yellow like the sun. With each wag of the tail, one would think they were looking at a flickering flame.

Growlithe and the Eevees fell asleep. For the next five days, they slept. On the next day, the Eevees woke up first. Bigger than the night before. Each of them reached the height of least eight feet or so to the top of the head.

"Flareon!" They all bellowed as if screaming to the world they were here. When the cries went away Growlithe opened his eyes.

Each of them asked if he was ok. To which he shook his head yes. His first words were powerful and strong. "Call me Arcanine, first of my kind." His voice contained a majesty that felt familiar to Gray. He just didnt know from where.

Growlithe stop telling his story at this point. He was emotionally tired it seemed. Gray, however, now had several thoughts in his head. He was glad they were leaving in the morning.

"I have finished my meal." Said Growlithe. I think I wanna rest now. Gray, may I rest with Empress?"

"Yes. Just dont disturb her ok?"

Growlithe agreed and turned to flames that entered Gray's chest. His blessing from the Acranine glowed for only a moment.

Gray picked up the leftovers and leaned back against the wall. After the first few nights, he stopped using a bedroll. It took up to much time. As he leaned back Gale placed her head on Gray's lap. She started doing this around the first week here. At first, because she worried. Now it was because they both enjoyed it.

"Rest well tonight Gale. We return back tomorrow."

Once everyone went to sleep, Empress left the cave and went outside far away. A blue pearl appeared in front of her.

Behind Empress, a silhouette of a woman appeared. She had long black hair that stopped at her midriff. Her cold black shimmering eyes held a chilling gaze that scared you while causing your heart to flutter. She had tan skin just lighter than Gray's own. She stood tall at around 5'11 with an athletic body close to that of a gymnast. Abra floated with her eyes closed. The image was talking towards the blue pearl.

'For the last time no. I am where I want to be. You cannot change my mind Phanuli.'

'Please Azreali, listen to reason. You can come with me and we can escape to places far away from this.' The pearl bounces up in down in agitation. 'Stop calling me that name!'

'Then dont call me that name as well. My name is Empress now.' Empress tone became soft as she let out a small smile. 'You can come with. I felt your presence for a while now. Why not come to enjoy life with me? You dont have to remain in the in-between.'

The pearl bounces around erratically trying to come to a decision. After five minutes which could have been forever to it, it stopped. 'Fine. But I won't bless him. He is unworthy.'

She was going to continue but stopped when she felt the chill. Empress glared at her with eyes that promised torture to her if she spoke that way again.

'Never speak that way about him again. I have found him after so long and you will not ruin this for me. If you dont want to help him, dont. But I will not tolerate you bad-mouthing him.'

'I am sorry. But I only say this because I love you.' The pearl tried to apologize but knew it was futile.

'The love you have for me is only because I looked after you. It is not real love like I have for him.' Empress calmed down and chuckled. 'Hah, I sound like my mother. It was the same thing she heard from the man she loved. To think I would fall in love with an incarnation of him as well.'

'What name do I have since you won't be called by your name, I want a new one too.' The pearl moved around once it felt she was no longer focused on that anymore.

'When you make yourself known, he will capture you and give you one.' Empress said before turning back towards the cave,

'Eh, for him to capture me, he has to best me first.' The pearl shook feeling offended. 'Oh, Uncle Peter says hi.'

'Hmm, Dragons are weak to Dragons my dear. You will learn the hard way. My love was the most ruthless back in Heaven. And he will be the most ruthless once more.' Empress smirked and watched before returning to rest inside her Pokemon body. Her eyes opened as she started to speak again. "He is not strong enough to remember his past lives and I am not strong enough either. But I can wait. I will always wait."