(Rafe's POV):

Two and a half months has passed ever since we left Dragon Vale.The king and Draco told us to be careful around the Team Rocket grunts,because they might take Sora and use her,but I'm not going to let that happen.Before we left,Sora was given a choker that has a black lace and a beautiful sapphire jewel with the crest of Dradian engraved on it.They told her it is a goodluck charm,and that they hope she'll find all the Songs before its too late.

So far,Sora has won five ribbons while Audrey got four and Kathryn also got five.We were headed toward Snowflake town,where Audrey will compete for her final ribbon.It's not going to be a long journey,so we arrived the day before the contest.

"This town is so peaceful!"Sora exclaimed as she got off Rayquaza's back.Her Cyndaquil squeaked as it jumped off her shoulder and enjoyed the breeze.She was right,the town was very peaceful.A gentle breeze playfully blew our hair and the trees and grass around swayed.Its quiet here,the perfect place for practice.

"Audrey,let's go!You still need to compete for your fifth ribbon!"Sora smiled.Audrey nodded and ran ahead of her.Everyone retrieved their flying type Pokémon and ran after her.

I sighed as I ran after them.Many civilians were minding their own business,shopping,selling and talking.They all seemed friendly and happy.

We reached the Pokémon Center.I panted and almost collapsed on a chair.Why are they so energetic?It's like they are made up of balls of energy!I glanced at Sora and the others.

"Now,I'll go and train!Bye,guys!"Audrey ran off.I smiled as I watched her leave.She's growing up,and soon she's going to find someone and be with him.I just can't help but feel sad at the thought of my sisters growing up.

My eyes wandered around.I'm feeling a bit bored.Sora was talking with Takeo,Crystal and Silver were having an arguement and Gold is flirting with a girl.Wait!The girl looks familiar.

The girl has jet black hair and matching coal black eyes.Her skin was a bit pale and her lips were bright red because of lipstick.She has make-up on her face and her hair was fixed in a bun.

My eyes widened.Could it be?Is it really....

"Nyx?"I asked and stood up.The girl Gold was flirting with turned toward my direction and her eyes also widened.It is her,the girl I liked when I was nine years old.

"Rafe!"She squealed and ran toward me.She pulled me in a great,big bear hug,causing me to blush.I glanced at Sora,all she did was turn her back and tried to distract herself for some reason.That made my heart sink.She doesn't care for me.

(Normal POV):

Sora gritted her teeth as she tried to start another conversation with Takeo,trying to ignore the girl hugging Rafe."So-uh...Takeo?"

"Hmmm?"Takeo asked,pretending to be curious.But he saw through her,he can see her jealous expression.He felt hurt,but he already know that Sora likes Rafe,and he's not going to be selfish.'I have to find a way to get her away from Rafe and that girl,but how?'He thought.

"I heard that Mt.Blue Snow is nearby.I was thinking of going there on my own."She murmured.Its true,they were near Mt.Blue Snow.Sora and the others must find Articuno to know more about the Sixth Song.But what shocked him is that Sora wants to go alone.It's not like her at all to go on her own,she hates being alone.

"Y-you sure?"He asked.Sora nodded with a smile.

"I'll leave tomorrow after Audrey's contest.I'll be back before you could say 'bingo'."She snapped her fingers.Takeo grinned,even if Sora is feeling pain,she always finds a way to cheer herself and her friends up.She once told Takeo:

The pain never bothers her...

Takeo repeated in his head.She always says that whenever she gets injured during their journey,physical pain never bothers her a bit,but emotional pain sometimes bothers her.

"Yeah.I got Flareon and the others!"Sora exclaimed happily.She then noticed that her Cyndaquil is missing and searched the area for the tiny,Shiny fire type.She found it at the worst location she wanted to go to,beside Rafe on the couch.

Sora dragged her feet toward Cyndaquil.Rafe was having a conversation with the girl,not noticing the Cyndaquil and the brunette who sat down next to him.Sora grabbed her Cyndaquil and giggled as it jumped on her lap.

"You are quite a handful."She smiled as she began to tickle the Cyndaquil's belly.She giggled a bit as the small fire type laughed.

"Oh,Sora."Sora turned to her left at the mention of her name.She raised an eyebrow,curious of why she was called.She restrained herself from gritting her teeth when she saw Rafe and the girl holding hands.

"What is it?"She asked with a fake smile.Rafe,to her surprise,ignored the fake smile.Usually,he can see if the smile is fake or real,but now,it's different.

"I'd like to introduce you to Nyx,an old friend of mine."Nyx smiled at her,more like curved her lips.Sora saw that the girl is faking it.

"Nice to meet you."Sora decided to just be friendly with the stranger.She was taught not to have enemies,and she rarely has any.She's not going to hate a girl just because she hugged and held Rafe's hand."I'm Sora Keyheart."She took Nyx's hand and shook it.

"Nyx.I heard a lot about you."The black-haired girl squeezed her hand.Sora almost winced,but she's not going to act like that in front of Rafe.

"It's nice to meet an old friend of Rafe's."Sora smiled warmly at her.Nyx looked a bit taken aback,she then glared at Sora before forcing a smile.

"Nice to meet you,too.I heard they call you Dragon's Heart,Dragon Princess and the Young Dragoness.You must really be famous."Sora blushed at the compliment.

"W-well not really.It's not me that deserves the fame,Rayquaza and the others deserve it for their hard work."Sora replied.Rafe stood up.

"I have to go check on Audrey.I'll meet you guys later,okay?"Rafe asked.Sora nodded.Rafe smirked before leaving.When Rafe was gone,Nyx glared at Sora.

"Listen,Dragon Girl.I don't care if your Pokémon are powerful legendaries or if you are a famous Coordinator,but Rafe is mine!"Nyx shouted.Sora gasped.

"W-wha?!"Sora almost fell down.She was surprised that she would shout at her.

"You heard me,stupid!I know that you like him,heck,I even saw you both on the newspaper!"Nyx shouted.Sora could feel herself shrink.Nyx is much taller than her,and Sora was a bit short for her age so Nyx is very intimidating for her.

"B-but."But it was just a warrior who was under a spell for hundreds of years that possessed Rafe's body and I just danced with him.Are you sure about saying this?Hahaha.No.

Sora sighed."I don't care.Just,please,I don't want to fight."Sora pleaded.Nyx cackled,then she slapped Sora on the right cheek.Sora gasped and felt a tear leak out of her right eye.She was shocked,she was never slapped by anyone.Sora accidentally pushed Nyx out of shock and fear.

Nyx screamed as she fell off the couch.Sora gasped."Oh gosh,I'm so sorry!"She tried to help Nyx get up,but someone beat her to it.Sora glanced at the one who helped Nyx and almost gasped.It was Rafe who helped Nyx!

"Nyx,you okay?"Rafe asked worriedly.Nyx had tears in her eyes,fake tears.

"She....She shouted at me,then she pushed me."Nyx fake sobbed.Sora couldn't believe her ears.

"W-what?!You slapped me!"Sora protested,her anger rising.Rafe just glared at her.

"Sora,what is wrong with you?!Why did you push Nyx?"He demanded.He was blinded with rage,angry that his friend would do such a thing.

"N-no.It was an accident!"Sora protested.

"Don't lie to me!I saw what you did.Nyx never lies to me!"Rafe shouted at her.Sora's eyes widened.She took a couple of steps back,and Rafe immediately regretted shouting at her.

"I-If so...."Sora whispered.She felt as if her heart has been torn into pieces."I'll just go."She turned her back and was about to run,but before she leaves,she gave the two a sad smile,something that Rafe hates to see."By the way,you two look perfect together."She smiled before leaving.Nyx smirked.

Rafe was shocked.He felt guilty shouting at her,the one that he loves.He must have lost it,all because she pushed his old friend/crush.

"Rafe,is she really the Sora I heard?I read in the newspaper that she is kind,a great Coordinator and an inspiration to many people.Guess I was wrong."Rafe shook his head.

"No,what the papers said is true."He protested.

"Every person has an inner monster.I think Sora is just hiding it."Nyx smiled mischievously.She was satisfied that her plan worked.

Rafe thought for a while.'Every person has an inner monster.'Could it be that Sora is hiding her true self?

* * *

T H E N E X T D A Y:

The Snowflake town contest is over,with Audrey being the victor.Their next destination is the Grand Festival and Sora and the others can't wait for it!

Sora was packing her stuff,getting ready to leave and find Articuno.She put on her jacket and sighed.She was trying to find her friends,when she came across Nyx hugging Rafe.Her heart sank,and she slowly turned away,hoping she won't get noticed.

"Sora,where are you going?"I jinxed it.Sora thought bitterly before turning toward Rafe,putting on her best smile.

"I'm going to Mt.Blue Snow."Sora answered.Rafe raised an eyebrow.

"On your own?"He asked.

"Takeo and Brendan offered to come with me,but this is something I have to do alone."Sora explained."I should leave now before it gets dark."

"Sora,wait!"Rafe tried to pull her,but Sora withdrew her arm from Rafe.

"Rafe,I'm going alone.You stay here with the others."Sora had a gentle tone in her voice,but Rafe shook his head.

"Seriously,what is wrong with you?"He demanded.Sora shook her head with an assuring smile,but Rafe didn't fall for it.

"You know that smile won't trick me!"Rafe pointed out.A tear leaked out of Sora's left eye,and she was thankful her long bangs were covering it.

"So.....You just noticed.I've been using this smile for a while,but you were too busy with Nyx to notice it."She can't hold it back anymore.She let all her tears out and she sobbed."I-I cant believe...That a friend of mine doesn't believe me.I never lie to people,but I have been lying to myself.I-I thought t-that because you were my friend,you would always be there to protect me.But I just realized."Sora hung her head,and her body became numb.Rafe froze in shock."Whenever I fall,it was always me who picks myself up.Whenever I get hurt,I do it for my friends,but there is one who I could always get myself killed just to keep him safe,but he would just hurt me."Sora quickly wiped her tears away and she put on a fake smile.

"Rafe,I'm sorry for saying such words,but I can't hold it in.That witch is lying to you!She slapped me,and I accidentally pushed her out of shock and fear.I tried to apologize,but she just used it to trick you."Sora pointed accusingly at Nyx.

Nyx looked taken aback,then her anger rose."You watch your mouth,you stupid girl!"Sora looked taken aback.Her eyes watered.She instantly turned her back on them and ran as fast as she can,just to get away.She took out Latios' Pokéball.

"Latios,let's go to Mt.Blue Snow."Sora smiled at Latios.The eon nodded and flew up.Sora ignored Rafe's shouts as they flew farther from them.

* * *

Rafe gritted his teeth as Sora flew out of sight.He can't believe Sora would call Nyx a witch.He doesn't know who to believe in,either Nyx or Sora.He soon heard Nyx sob.

"I-I can't believe she would do that to me!"Nyx sobbed.Rafe gritted his teeth.After Sora returns,he's going to have a long discussion with her.

* * *

(Sora's POV):

I retrieved my Latios after we reached the mountain.Frost and ice were around me,and the temperature here is very cold.I shivered as I made my way up a mountain.I hope I can find Articuno before night falls,but I felt as if I don't want to return.

I can't face Rafe,or that witch he calls his friend named Nyx.I don't know about you,but Nyx sounds like an evil name,a perfect name for that Jynx pretending to be a human.Is it just really me or does Nyx and Jynx rhyme together?Maybe Nyx really is a Jynx.Ha!

I smirked.Thinking of bad thoughts about someone calmed me down.But I still can't figure out the feeling I can't understand.It's like my heart has been torn to pieces.

I was too busy with my thoughts,I didn't know where I was going.I fell down on a cold lake.I tried to swim up,but my foot was stuck underneath a stone.I tried to grab Vaporeon's Pokéball in my bag,but soon noticed that my bag is lost!I must have dropped it when I fell in the lake.

'No....'I struggled to swim up,but I can't.I'm fighting for my life and my feelings.I felt as if my lungs were about to collapse from lack of oxygen.I'm turning numb because of the cold.

'Just give up.'My conscience told me.

'No!'I protested.

'All you did in life was get hurt and sacrifice yourself for your friends.'

I....My conscience is right.I feel nothing but pain in my life.I failed everyone.I failed my friends.Suddenly,the stone on my choker began to glow.

"Sora,don't give up!Do not believe in your conscience!Young Dragoness,a dragon's weakness is ice,but its weakness is also itself!You must fight your feelings,and you might overcome your enemy."Dradian's voice snapped me out of my trance.I shook my head and tried to resurface again.

'Your weakness is also yourself.Your weakness is also yourself.'I repeated in her head.I won't give up!Rafe may have hurt my feelings,but I still have Takeo,Brendan,the twins,everyone....I'm starting to feel weak,but I'm not giving up!Never!Suddenly,someone grabbed my hand and pulled my foot,freeing me from the stone.My vision became blurry,and I fell unconscious.

* * *

I opened my eyes and saw the least expected.I saw Ren,a Milotic and the Articuno.The masked boy almost smiled.

"Glad you're safe."He helped ne get up.He took something beside me,it's my bag.He handed it to me.With shaky hands;I took it from his warm hands.

The Articuno placed her beak on my head.My eyes widened as symbols flashed in my head.

'Croa Riou Croa Neu Tue Rei Croa Riou Ze Rei Va.'I glowed blue.Articuno nodded and screeched.

"T-t-t-thanks A-A-Articuno."I said.My teeth is chattering and my skin is almost blue.

"Sora,I need to take you to the Pokémon Center."Ren told me and retrieved his Milotic.

"O-o-o-ok-k-kay."I said between chatters.He carried me bridal style and rummaged inside my bag while holding me firmly.He's a complete stranger,yet he feels so familiar.His touch is very familiar.

Ren sent out Rayquaza and we got on his back.:You okay,Sora?:Rayquaza asked worriedly.I nodded and smiled.I waved at Articuno,she smiled and flew up.

The flight to the Pokémon Center was short,and we reached there in five minutes.

"Sora!"I heard my friends' voices.Ren instantly disappeared without a trace to avoid any people.

I was given a blanket and was scolded by my friends.I tried to avoid eye contact with Rafe.

"Guys,I need to go to my room.I'm tired."I fake yawned.They nodded and I quickly made my way to my room,but was stopped by Rafe.

"Sora,I need to talk to you."His voice sounded angry and he gripped my arm firmly so I won't escape.

"R-R-Rafe.L-l-let me g-g-go."I pleaded weakly,but he tightened his grip on me.

"Brother!You're hurting her!"Kathryn shouted.Rafe's eyes widened,but he still won't let go.

"Tell me,why are you acting like this?Why are you picking a fight with Nyx?"My blood started to boil,and this rarely happens.

"Why do you t-think I'm l-lying to you?!Can't you see that Nyx is lying to you?!You know I never lie!"I shouted at him.Everyone was taken aback.I rarely get angry,especially at my friends.But I can't take it anymore.

"She is not!"Rafe roared.

"She is!"I practically screamed.I turned my back from him and pulled my arm."And if you don't believe me,fine!I no longer care!"I could feel tears stream down my face.

"Sora....Why?"He asked softly.I can't take it anymore.

"I-I like you!I'm jealous,okay!"I shouted.Everyone was surprised,even me.What did I just say?

"Sora....."Rafe murmured.I shook my head and ran away,not wanting to face him anyway.

* * *

(Normal POV):

Rafe froze.He can't process everything in his head.Sora....confessed her feelings to him.He was snapped out of his thoughts by Nyx.

"What did Sora do to you?!Did she do anything?!"Nyx asked frantically.

"That's it!Stay away from our brother!"Kathryn pushed Nyx.

"You annoying brat!No one can take me away from Rafe!Not even that stupid Dragon Girl!"Nyx screamed and pushed Kathryn away.

"Stay away from my sister!"Audrey shouted.Rafe dawned into realization.He has been tricked.

His blood began to boil and he glared at Nyx."You stay away from us!"He screamed.Nyx looked taken aback.She glared at the twins before running away.

* * *

"Sora!Where are you?"Brendan shouted.They searched everywhere,and there is still no sign of Sora.She could be anywhere.

"Excuse me,but are you Keyheart's friends?"Nurse Joy asked.Their faces lit up as they rushed toward Nurse Joy.

"Yes."Takeo answered."Why?"

"She left this letter and this Cyndaquil."Nurse Joy gave the Cyndaquil to Audrey and the letter to Gold,who was nearest to her.

Everyone began to read the letter.

"Guys,by the time you received this letter,I'm already gone.I just want to say sorry for leaving immediately,but its for your own good.I talked with Dradian while no one's around and she said the next two are going to be hard to find.Its going to be dangerous,but don't worry!We'll meet at the Grand Festival and I promise I'll be fine.By the way,Rafe.I know you're angry,so I'm sorry.I just lost my cool.I'm very sorry,guys.

Love,Sora

P.S:Please take care of Cyndaquil for me....