"I swear I saw something over there Dad!"

"Well I didn't and no one else did, right?"

"There was that Bravery flying away, probably scared of our numbers most likely," someone comments, still looking to the skies.

"But there was, Dad! I'll go check it out myself, then!" Oliver yells, already running to the area before his dad can stop him.

"Haha, nice work, Edward reminds me of you when you were younger," one of the oldest trader exclaims, receiving a small laugh from the others.

"Yeah, your right, you can keep going I've memorized the path well enough."

Running between the trees, Oliver stumbles over a fallen trunk, landing face first into the dew wet grass. Looking up, he notices a change in one of the trees that made it look unnatural; a large branch missing from the tree. Curiosity filling him, he runs over to the fallen branch and as he passes the tree where the branch has fallen, he notices the small fluffball of feathers lying next to the branch and in a patch of fallen leaves.

"Dad! Dad! Hurry!" he calls, too worried whether or not to touch the still breathing Rufflet.

Hearing the panic in his son's voice, his father rushes even faster to him.

"What is it?" he sees his son kneeling next to something, not looking injured himself.

Turning around with a young Rufflet in his arms, Oliver runs up to his father.

"He's hurt bad, look. Broken wing I think but he's still breathing."

"Hop on, and make sure you hold on tight then. He'll be alright, I'm sure," he reassures Oliver.

Climbing on, and hanging onto a strap from a bag with one arm, the Rufflet in the other, Oliver's dad runs back to the caravan. Still clinging on but hitting the top of his dad a whole bunch of times, Oliver sustains the pain, more worried about the Rufflet.

"Edward! Over here," one of the caravan crew that noticed them hails them down.

Trotting into the medical wagon, an Audino gently picks up the Rufflet from Oliver.

"Luke, tell the others that they can continue on, I can handle work with the rockiness of the road."

"You sure about that?" the leader asks his attention, and worry goes to the Rufflet, instead of his job.

"Yes, I assume it's just a broken wing, it'll be an easy fix," the Audino assures.

"Very well, let's back on track then, all of you!"

"Umm... can I stay with you? Keep by his side?" Oliver insists.

"Sure, I could use another pair of arms."

"Dad?"

"Go ahead, I'll be in the front if you need anything."

Getting a boost, Oliver jumps into the wagon, assisting the Audino. But in the middle of helping, his neck starts getting a little itchy. Scratching his neck, he feels something warm. Bringing the warm thing into the sight of his eyes, it's the blue shard-gem thing. Glowing to the point that it looks see through, compared to its former form whereas is was opaque.

"My that's a beautiful gem you have there," the Audino comments, giving a small glimpse to him.

"Yeah, thanks," Oliver responds, but his complete attention is to the gem.

"Mind handing me those bandages right there?"

Still standing, staring at the star-shining gem, warm to the touch... feelings of the soft breezes of the sea, a few thoughts of the home gives Oliver nostalgia. The loud gulls of Wingulls soaring through the skies, some Pelippers flying by to deliver mail or packages...

He soon snaps out of it as the wagon jumps and the gem falls from his hands but caught as it's tied to his neck.

"Huh? What?"

"Mind handing me that right there?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, here," he picks up the bandages and hands it over wondering what happened just a moment ago.

"Something the matter?"

"No, just worried about him," he lies, but it's mostly true.

"Aww don't worry, he'll be alright. From the looks of it, it'll take a while for his left wing to heal. Otherwise, he's all fine and healthy."

"Would it be okay if I go out to walk?"

"Yes, yes. If he happens to wake up, I'll send someone to get you if you aren't close."

"Thanks."

Climbing out of the wagon, Oliver looks around, as the peaceful forest is now long past.

The forest now flattened, nothing but ominous black rocks stick out of the ground. A lack of vegetation crawls the ground, as the vegetation cowards to the black stones, hugging them. A few bare trees stand tall and proud in this desolate and colorless land, waving slowly to the caravan in 'Good-bye'.

Running up on the gravel like the pathway, Oliver reaches to his father.

"Uhh, Dad? What is this place?"

"Called many places. But commonly known as Thief's Gift."

"Theif's Gift," someone sighs, sounding more like he relished the word rather than fearing of it. "One of the natural lands that have the appearance as if war swept through here. Random craters out there in these deserts, no greenery but those large, opaque gemstones there. Those gems, they possess power that we don't understand and is very strong with power. Strong enough that the plants can thrive next to them compared to the open."

"Not useful for trading, however," Edward interjects.

"Because we don't have the technology to mine them, nor the natural power to mine them either. Yet those gems are bad as they seem good. Has a rather bad effect that can overcome oneself. Heard a few stories where a few of the most popular robbers, murderers, and all that originated because of those gems. Just by a single touch!"

"Don't worry son, those are just legends. But they do give you an illness of some sort that lasts a while. So please be wary of those gems, understood?"

"Sure dad."

Catching movement to his left, Oliver looks to see nothing other than shadows starting to appear around them.

"Did you see that, Dad?"

"No, but my bet is probably some Dark-types stationed here to make sure the right pokemon pass or not. No worries, the sentries know us well. However, they'll start escorting us soon, so try to have your best behavior while we are escorted into the nearby town."

Nodding his head, Oliver continues to look around catching more and more shadows scurrying through as their owners desired domain nears. Yips, barks, howls, fills the now beginning night, through the barren land, save the large gems giving off their eerie dark purple glow. With an increase of shadows surrounding them, most dissipate under the blanket of darkness and it's tattered quality allowing light to shine through.

Now coming into view under the lanterns that have been lit, a Liepard sits in front of the caravan. Sitting with two other Dark-type pokemon next to her.

"Nice to meet you again, Luke."

"You too Catherine. It's been awhile, how's your mate been doing?"

"Lazy as ever," she chuckles. "Come, we can talk while we walk. I'll bet most of your crew feel dead as ever."

"Right, come on now! We're nearly there!"

"I heard that more and more traders that are Water-types are not coming over to us anymore... Is that true?"

"Ah yes, they found out to make more profit by... ahem, other means. Which I fail to understand, the Dark-types are very good trade partners as well as some of the items or foods you can trade for. Which reminds me, I cannot wait to have another one of those excellent pastries."

Taking a sigh, Catherine continues, "Yes, that is a little shame. But those are probably the ones that live off of greed. As for your pastries, you'll find more variety around this time, especially at the capitol. Although you'll be lucky enough if you can make it to the festival that'll occur in a few days."

"Ah, the Blood Moon festival? Are you sure we will be able to attend such a thing?"

"Of course! You and your crew are one of the well-known traders. Good reputation and all, I'm sure you'll be invited to celebrate as well. But be weary of the women there, heard that they can be more vicious than the ones like me."

"I think you're flattering us too much, Catherine. Besides, who could be more vicious than you"

"Perhaps you may be right. But I completely believe that you will be, just go and have fun."

"Alright then, we'll see if we can make it in the next few days. You'll be staying out here, right?"

"Yeah, duty calls. Sadly."

"I guess I'll get you a souvenir on our way back then."

"Thank you, Luke."

"Least I can do considering you'll be out here the entire festival. Including your generosity with myself and my crew."