The Raichu ran through the undergrowth of the forest, his expression intent.  The rustling noises he made would give his position to any predators in the area, but he didn't care.  He would have welcomed the intrusion of a predator - it would save him the trouble of chasing one down.  His small legs ground to a halt as a Ralts appeared in front of him, her eyes open wide with confusion, and perhaps a little fear.  "Which way, Abby?" he asked abruptly.<br/><br/>The Ralts fliched slightly<span style="font-style: italic">Hale, I...</span>her voice echoed in the vaults of his mind,<span style="font-style: italic">I lost it.</span><br/><br/>"You lost it?" Hale demanded.  "How can that happen, Absynthe?"  His tone had grown even more terse and was almost an accusation.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">I don't know!</span>she wailed miserably.<span style="font-style: italic">Maybe it fell asleep, or died...</span>she suggested desperately.<br/><br/>Hale was silent for a few moments, his eyes hard and cold.  "We'll move toward its position just before you lost it," he decided.  "Which way?"<br/><br/>Absynthe mutely pointed ahead, and Hale ran, ran without looking back.