PMD Explorers of Sky belongs to Spike Chunsoft.
When they finally reached the fifth floor, they noticed that the walls seemed way more open than the lower floors, the ceiling so tall that they had to crane their necks just to see the top, the pinkish ground now replaced with soft golden sand, as well as puddles made from actual seawater:
-Okay, this time, I know this is it. – Lightning said, determined – If they aren't in this floor, they must be in the pit just ahead.
All his partner did was nod, now treading through the cave as if it was second nature. The Riolu gulped dryly:
-When we find them…those bullies, I mean… - he started - We'll have no choice but to fight, right?
Thunder nodded without sparing a glance at him, looking around carefully in search of any attackers:
I-f you want… you can stay back… I think I can take them. – she said in what she hoped was a reassuring tone.
-Wh-what? No! – the Riolu stammered - I-it wouldn't be fair! And besides, it was you who agreed to help me, I won't let you fight alone.
The Pikachu looked at her partner and flashed a thankful smile, earning a grin from him in return. The rest of the trip was spent in comfortable silence, the familiarity of the cave and each other muffling the tense anticipation both held. Once they found the exit to that maze, the sunlight seeping in to the rest of the cave, uninhibited, they stood side by side, looking at each other, and nodded, determined, walking forward with measured steps.
Just as Lightning predicted, they found the crooks at a pit at the very end of the cave, looking a little worse for wear. It seemed they hadn't planned that far ahead, having to stop to catch their breath. Thunder stepped forward as quietly as she could, crouching to an offensive stance. If we catch them off guard, it'll be easier to take the item back and run. She thought. After all, it's not as if we are in any better condition.
-H-hey! - Lightning called, making Thunder stop mid-tackle. So much for subtlety, she lamented.
As expected, the Koffing and the Zubat turned to them, their brief expressions of fear soon turning to one of mockery:
-Well, welll, if it isn't the chicken. So, you did follow us after all? - The Koffing sneered.
-Ah, but look... - Zubat added, jeering – That Pikachu is with him. Man, dragging others to solve your problems? That's pathetic.
The Pikachu was tempted to roll her eyes at those weak attempts at insults, but one look at the shaking form of her partner showed that those jabs cut deeper than expected. With heavy steps, Lightning moved to stand beside his partner, both now facing the bullies:
-Give it back...give me back my treasure! - the Riolu exclaimed – I was the one who found this Relic fragment! You can't just steal it!
-Oh? So it really is a treasure? - Koffing pondered –You know, we were just going to throw it away, but it may be better if we sell it, then.
The remark seemed to strike a chord, as Lightning staggered in shock as both Zubat and Koffing laughed mockingly:
-Hey, don't make that face. You're making it look as if we're the bad guys. - Zubat commented – Tell you what, if you really want your "treasure" ...
-Then come and get it! - Koffing challenged, blowing a heavy puff of smoke at them.
Thunder felt her legs give out as the smoke surrounded them, clouding their vision and burning their eyes. She struggled to breathe, feeling her throat close due to the toxin she inhaled in her surprise. Looking around while trying to get up, she felt relief rush over her body as she located Lightning not too far away, eyes shut tight and a paw covering his muzzle as he coughed and waved the smoke away. It seems she had taken the blunt of the attack:
-Thunder! Are you alright? - The Riolu shouted, taking deeper breaths as the gas began to clear.
-I am... but those two fled... they used the gas as cover... - The Pikachu said, weakly, as she finally managed to stay upright – They couldn't have gone far... They have to have gone back to the cave...
As soon as she took the first step, Thunder collapsed again towards the sand, and suddenly the world was spinning across her vision. With an exclamation of surprise, her partner rushed over to her with worry painted across his face, reaching out with the intention of helping her up. She waved away his attempts:
-Go without me... I'll slow you down like this... - she insisted against her partner's shaking denial
-B-but... I can't face them alone. I'd never be able to fight them off without you! - Lightning borderline cried, tears already prickling at the corners of his eyes
-Who said you have to fight them?
-Huh?
-It's clear... they don't play fair... - Thunder explained through a now hoarse voice – But that means you don't have to play the hero... just find whomever has your treasure and take it from them.
Lightning took a moment to take in the advice, then once again helped his partner up, making her rest again one of the rocky walls, trying to not look at her dazed expression or the purplish hue that was taking over the skin of her face, standing out from her yellow fur:
-I'll try... I don't know if I can, but I'll try. - the Riolu stated, making his way back to the cave. -Once it's over, I'll come back.
The Pikachu watched as her partner's figure was slowly swallowed by the darkness of the cave, not yet determined but resigning enough to push forward. Only once Lightning couldn't be seen anymore, she let her head rest at the wall she was currently sitting against, letting out a small, shaky laugh.
I believe in you, Lightning. She thought. Even if we just met... I can tell you're stronger than you think.
