The Fallen Guardian
Chapter Nine
Heart and Soul of the one Lugia
She couldn't breath.
Thinking about the plan of Lawrence III took every will of life away.
Alexanders Dragonite, who was still in his Pokéball like the others, was the one who helped her out of her darkest thoughts: 'C'mon, girl! Your friend is not lost, yet!' Melody quivered shortly, before she answered: 'Y-You're right... Currently, Lawrence is busy with stealing the abilities of this man... It's still time to save Ryujin, before our new Dark Tamer has the power to overwhelm the mind of my stubborn Pokémon.' 'But even, if we interrupt successfully this process of the collector... Nobody can imagine how strong this man really is. Your Lugia is definitely in great danger, as long as nobody of us has find him...' Alexander hold the magenta-haired girl back.
Lucaris noted inside of his Pokéball: 'Unfortunately, that's true... It could also be a trap...' 'Knickknack! I BET it's no trap – and, that Ryujin is not far away. Didn't you all listen?!' Citrine told everyone with an insistent mind. 'Wow-wow, what's wrong with you?' Alexander wondered telepathically about his normally sweet and calm Dragonite. 'Very easy! We have to help Melody! She MUST reach her Lugia before Lawrence can; with his new abilities! We all know his victim – this Dark Tamer is or was someone with strong psychic powers. Perhaps strong enough for destroying the will of a Legendary! And because of that, Melody has to reach her Pokémon without any harm of the enemy! Maybe she will need lots of energy to free her friend. Obviously, Ryujin is not far away from us, but I'm sure his prison will not be easy to open. I suggest to attack Lawrence, so that Melody can sneak into the next room. After all, I told her I would help out with the heavy Lugia-trouble she has. And that's the way I want to help: I'll give her and Ryujin some privacy. Maybe they fix finally the dragonbird's problem, when he realizes that Melody would do everything to rescue her friends.'
While she and her mind were voiceless, her Bibarel Bippa stated: 'I'm game! That's the only intelligent plan we have, when we want to rescue Ryujin almost without any risks. And I tell you: Every Pokémon has to be determined to fight! We are twelve experienced fighter – in addition, Alexander 'the armoire' is our chief! We can do it!' 'Well, I would be happy if you all stop using nicknames like that for me...' ,the dark-skinned man thought embarrassed; 'But I'm with your idea. The collector has obviously more than the half of our 'friend's' power – just look at this guy. Helpless is the friendliest word for this... It's not much time left for us to do something. And the simple plan of Citrine is probably the suggestion which will work the best.'
'And you're sure... you want ME to be the one who searches for Ryujin while everybody else has to deal with an unknown enemy like this man...?' Melody wanted to know telepathically. Her Lucario answered before his friends: 'Hah, of course we are! We couldn't do anything for Ryujin in the case, that he loses control of his temper when he's free again! Of course Lawrence deserves it to be killed – oh yes, I mean it – but we all are more or less human. We twelve Pokémon here can only communicate with you Tamer because you understand our language, but our emotions are human. And so, it would be wrong to execute that criminal. Maybe Ryujin is... well, not very human-like, but I don't want my buddy to become a killer.' 'Me, too. He can be such a good guy – almost a real, caring gentleman! I don't want him to be such a being like a murder. Especially, because he is the one Lugia – the Water's great Guardian!' Rose the Roserade added.
'Alright... I count on you, guys.' Melody replied with a sad smile. 'Hey, we'll be o.k. – don't worry! We're all grown ups – we can take care for ourselves!' Alexander smirked. 'Yeah, I know. However, please strike that man instead of me as hard as you can, o.k.? He deserves it to be clobbered.' 'Haha, that's the way I want to see my best Tamer companion! And you can be sure: I'll bash him for you. Just watch me, until you get a chance to run in the next room.'
Melody and Alexander released their Pokémon from their contraptions. She and her Main Six shared for a short moment a deep embrace, before Alexander dashed with them and his own friends directly in the direction of Lawrence III. Still hiding, the magenta-haired girl gazed at the collector, when he could notice her friends. A demonic grin glided over his face...
"I didn't expect some guests today. But don't worry, I'll care nevertheless for you." this man said with a superficial friendly voice. "No, thank you! I'm not interested!" Alexander replied determined, before he attacked Lawrence with his strong right fist. The collector dodged it with a black barrier. "You underestimate me." Lawrence noted ice-cold. "We will see!" the Tamer-leader answered, before Lucaris and the others attacked with a combined energy beam. The collector jumped backwards, when his shield of black energy broke. With a cold smile, the Dark Tamer applauded: "Very well. You thirteen beings can really fight. Good for me, because I need some targets for my brand new abilities." Electricity crackled around Alexanders fists, when he said: "Save your words for everyone you have fooled around with. Just to tell your henchmen, that you're one of them, would be more interesting than your wasted words for us." "Fine. Then let us begin." Lawrence answered with an unpleasant giggle.
~C~
Melody watched the fight for three minutes.
It was hard to accept, how strong Lawrence was for real...
Because she always thought about him as a regular human, it was almost unbelievable that this man could dodge the combined attacks of her own Pokémon as well as Alexander and his six friends. Luckily, the collectors attacks were at the moment not very unerring. Obviously he had trouble with his new, extreme destructive powers. But it was just a question of time... And as long as his barrier was so humongous strong, nobody would be able to knock him out.
Then, there was suddenly a chance for Melody.
While she hided still in the darkness, her friends managed to lure Lawrence away from the door where he had entered this room. And as much, as she could tell, the collector was busy with his new and skilled 'friends'. They bothered him with all their strength, so that he was surely not attentive enough to recognize something behind himself... If she was as fast as possible, she could sneak unnoticed through the door... Reaching perhaps her lost friend...
Melody worked up the courage to do it.
As quick as a flash, she jumped up and ran to the door.
Lucaris as her first Pokémon knew her very well, so that his timing was perfect, when he started an Aura Sphere to prevent Lawrence from noticing the young Tamer. Grateful for the Lucarios help, Melody smiled at him, before she arrived the door. Quickly she opened it without any sound and went without hesitation into the next room. Immediately she closed the door, once she left completely the battlefield of her friends and the enemy.
Relieved she sighed, before she turned around to look at the new room.
It was a long corridor – sparely lighted with small lamps at the right and left. The decoration of it was very scanty in comparison with everything before the last rooms. Only the long carpet was magnificent and neat. What a shame... After all, this place seemed to be the heart of the fortress. Lawrence home, to be correct. So, this corridor must have more a practical use...
Melody followed the corridor. Noted, how silent everything became when she moved away from the door which had allowed her to listen to the sound of their friends fight. Though, her footsteps were very quiet, she could hear them now very well. Even her breath seemed to be loud...
Determined, she walked nevertheless to the next door.
Opened it without self-effacement.
~C~
Her eyes widened.
Her heart skipped a beat.
The next, larger room was full of contraptions.
Electricity was in the whole air, while the machines worked.
She couldn't believe her eyes, when she gazed at the electric field in the middle of the room...
There he was. Imprisoned. Injured. And without consciousness. His mind was completely gone.
It was like a shock... Her friends had allowed her to find her Lugia finally, but nobody of them – including herself – had imagined how horrible Ryujin would look like when they would find him... Bent double, the dragonbird floated in the electric field. Wounds bedecked him – his whole body seemed to be burned underneath his plumage. His skin was damaged. Now and then blood shimmered through his silver feathers with the copper-shine. And his aura was almost lifeless...
Melody crunched with her teeth. Stared inflamed with rage.
Those machines – how much she hated them! And this collector, too...!
Her energy blazed through her body, when she focused with all her mind on the machines which formed the cruel electric cage. Her strikes were flaming in the moment she attacked the center of the electric field. The psychic energy she had exploded all around her, but no matter how hard and powerful her attacks were, Melody couldn't destroy the contraptions. Even her great energy beams weren't able to change anything about the situation. Her control about lots of elements around her helped nothing, though she could regulate things like fire and electricity like others can breath.
Being short of breath, the magenta-haired girl took a break.
It was unbelievable, how good Lawrence had planned those machines...
Normally, she was able to destroy fragile things like those, which were not conceived for fighting. Machines with the purpose of imprisoning someone were never a problem for her... She had rescued in the past many people from similar contraptions of the Dark Tamer organization... But this time she failed completely. The whole situation turned more and more out to be hopeless...
However. She couldn't give up. She had to save her friend!
Again the young Tamer fired strong beams and shock waves at the electric cage, but nothing was strong enough to destroy it – not even attacks worked, which she had internalize with Lucaris. Fighting moves and the ones which used aura energy were normally a trump card to destroy psychic-repulsing contraptions. But they failed against the high-leveled technique.
"Damned!" she railed desperate, when she used unsuccessful a fire explosion.
Heavily breathing, she felt how her eyes became wet.
~C~
Before she could start to cry, she gasped abruptly for air.
From one second to the other, the expression in Ryujins lifeless face changed.
Slowly his caramel-colored eyes opened – stared with lowered eyelids into her direction.
It seemed, as if he couldn't believe what he saw. His irises were skeptical when he gazed at her.
She couldn't care for his doubt. Whispered: "Ryujin... I'm so glad you're alive... I feared so much, that I would see you never again..." Because of her words, he became completely awake. Surprised, the Lugia watched her face with widened eyes. But... as always, he was not like her other Pokémon. Instead of being grateful or at least relieved, a deep sound of frustration rolled in his throat. "Blithering idiot!" ,he told her wrathful, "WHAT are you doing here?! Risking your silly life for a fallen Guardian?! How DARE you?! Don't you know, what this collector is?! He's a Dark Tamer! HOW ON EARTH can you walk into his fortress just because of ME?! This man could destroy weaklings like you with his small finger! What DID you think, when you came HERE?!"
Melody quivered for a second, when his mind nearly screamed in her head.
"I'm here to save you. I can't allow Lawrence to hurt my Pokémon." she answered calm.
After a animalistic growl, Ryujin replied: "That's not necessary! I am HAPPY not to see your face all the time around me! I am tired of you and the fact I told you who I am! You are exhausting! Someone like this crazy man, who isn't interested in my personality, is much better than you are! You and your useless care STRANGLE ME! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU SO MUCH!"
His words hurt. Cut her heart deeply.
But she understood him. His true intent. She knew, that he lied.
Because he just wanted to prevent her from the same destiny like his father had.
Ryujin couldn't take the death of another important person. It would be too much for him. And so, he tried to hurt her as much as possible, so that she would ran away. He didn't care for the world – only for her sake. He preferred to die lonely, before she was because of him in great danger.
With tears in her eyes, she ignored his enraged will, which burned in her mind. Still didn't give up. Attacked again the machines to free him from his imprisonment. While she gave her best, she gazed at his angry face. His eyes were ice-cold when he watched her doing. If he would have the energy, she was sure he would catapult her away with his psychic powers.
Another growl rolled in his throat. This time, it was very hard and bestial – it almost scared her.
In the same moment, his gaze at her was burning because of the pure hatred in his face.
But... When she looked nevertheless into his hard eyes... She could see the truth.
He had tears in his eyes, too. His behavior hurt not only her, but also him.
She couldn't hold herself back anymore after his bestial, desperate growl.
Melody screamed imploring: "Please...! Stop this...! I... I love you...!"
~C~
The caramel-eyes of the Shiny widened.
His whole body froze in the moment he stared at her.
"You... love... ME...?" Ryujin repeated her words stunned, as if he couldn't believe it.
A moment passed without any new reaction of him. Melody couldn't imagine, what he thought now, so that she was helpless and watched his expressionless face. Then... Ryujin snuffled with a determined sound. Constricted his eyelids. He started to move – tried to escape his imprisonment. Though the electricity around him burned visible into his flesh and animated the flowing blood of his wounds, so that Melody wished to look away, the Shiny-Lugia moved forward. His strength was weakened in an incredible way, but his stubborn mind gave him so much power from his reserves... Almost breaking through his cage, the Guardian of the Sea was in this moment the most impressive being she knew. Drawing hope from his strong will, Melody waited for his head to break through. As soon as she could reach him... she would heal him immediately. And with new-found energy, Ryujin would be finally safe because he could destroy those machines...
But before his head was outside...
A new, more targeted electric field appeared suddenly.
The Lugia ended up again with his whole body in the electricity. He screamed when an electric jolt burned over his wings. This process prevented him completely from escaping. Stole his last power. But he writhed and growled – didn't accept the stronger electric field. Melody watched distressed the pain he went through. His body was obviously too injured for an energy-sapping movement... Nevertheless it was his only chance – destroying the cage from the inside. However, the Shiny could only escape with a healed body. With his full strength. But... From the outside of his cruel imprisonment, she couldn't do anything to help him. He was out of her reach...
Melody let the air deep into her lungs. It was decided...
Resolute, she neared the electric field. Without hesitation, the magenta-haired girl came into it. Ignored the pain triggered by the electricity – as well as Ryujins gasp because of her unexpected, self-destructive doing. After she got quickly used to the strong hurt so that she could move again, Melody put her hands on his stomach in order to heal him. She watched him precise in the moment she touched his weakened body. Ryujin seemed to feel helpless when he stared at her. He hated it, how easily she came into danger though he did everything to prevent her from that... But relaxation glided over his hard face in the moment her healing started slowly. He took a very deep breath. Allowed her with a minimal nod to continue, even if he definitely didn't accept her decision to join his pain in the electric field. Didn't understand her reason – nor her words before.
While she let circulate her healing energy through his wounds, she told the confused Lugia simply: "I'm here and stand every pain, because I love you. Since I lost you... Since my consciousness slipped from my hands in the moment I fell into the depth... I understand how important you are for me and my silly heart. Since that moment, I recognized: You mean more for me, than anybody else. Of course... I apologize to disappoint you with so useless, unimportant human feelings. But well, that's the way I care for you. If you can't deal with it: Alright. I'll let you go after everything is over. When Lawrence can't harm you anymore, it's okay for me when you return to your own life. Because I will not force anyone to bear my feelings when he can't stand my love."
Suddenly. Without any warning.
The Guardian of the Sea embraced her with both wings.
Huddled her against his upper part of the body... While he held her tight, he shivered a little.
When his thoughts filled her mind, the sound was completely new. His voice was soft and gentle: "Melody... There is no need to be worried... Really not... I promise you... I will never leave you... How on earth... could I even do this...? I invested so much strength... to stay with you, even when I lost more and more pieces of my willpower while I tried to do the right thing..."
"I-I don't understand..." ,she mumbled into his tender plumage, "What do you mean...?"
Melody heard him giggling and felt, how he snuggled his face fondly against her nape of the neck. For a short moment he hesitated, but then he told her directly: "I... wanted... to prevent myself since a while... from falling in love with you. I didn't want to fall in love with you. Because I knew surely, that you would never feel the same for me. You have no idea... how hard it is for me to believe... your surprising answer of my emotions. You feel the same. Even without a good behavior of mine! This is... almost unbelievable...!"
The magenta-haired girl was speechless. Doubted the reality.
Ryujin continued a little shyly: "When I realized my true feelings for you... I was more afraid than ever before to allow a connection between us. After all, I was sure that my powers as the Guardian of the Sea are too much for you as a human... But now... With the knowledge of your feelings – feelings like the ones I have for you... I am sure, you can take everything. You are surly leastwise... as strong as myself. We can have a bond between our hearts and souls... I can become completely... a true partner for you as a Tamer. I can lend you my powers... and awaken a new strength in you. … Dear goodness... You mean... so much for me... You are... the most important being for me..."
Overwhelmed to hear those words, she couldn't really breathe.
Her heartbeat was strong – almost unpleasant, it hammered in her body.
But... she heard something, which distracted her from her own, personal discomfort.
Ryujins heartbeat was even faster than her own. It rushed inside of his smooth chest.
He shivered a little, when he took a deep breath. With his softest voice he confessed:
"Oh Melody... Good god, Melody... I... … I love you... I love you... deeply..."
Suddenly, his face moved fast as lightning to her face.
Melody felt his tender, dulcet breath on her skin...
Then... Ryujin kissed her full of desire.
~C~
The feeling of his lips on her own was strange...
He moved passionate with his beak-like mouth, though he was larger than her...
But it was the most beautiful feeling she ever felt. She savored the moment he touched her...
Melody couldn't believe it – like a dream, the Shiny-Lugia showed her an overwhelming emotion. Occupied by his doing, it was almost too much for her, when a new sensation arose in her body. Stunned, she noted in this moment how new powers fulfilled her. She gained brand new abilities from the bond between their hearts and souls. Ryujins strength flowed through her...
Still his lips on hers, the Lugia mumbled telepathically: "I sense it... Don't worry... I'll help you with the control of your new strength, as long as you have troubles with it... There's no need to be afraid. I'll do my best to assist you. But... Please, stay just a short moment longer with me like that... Please... It took so much of my patience and energy to bear down my desire for your love..."
Melody waited. Relished his kiss and the way his wings held her tight.
When he slowly moved back from her, he smiled tender like an angel.
"Let's ruin those machines." the Shiny suggested calm.
Under Ryujins navigating, Melody concentrated on the contraptions. Her psychic powers were overwhelming strong from one second to the other, but the Lugia let circulate his strength together with her energy in order to regulate the process. They attacked the machines from the inside – so, that their technique was useless, because both partners were together much stronger than Melody or the weakened Lugia alone. With their full concentration, they destroyed step by step one part of Ryujins imprisonment after the next. Finally they broke through the whole electric equipment.
The Shiny-Lugia groaned with relief when his feed landed on the ground. His body buckled a little, when he gasped with closed eyes. "A-Are you alright?" Melody asked nervous. She touched him and started again to heal his weakened body. He giggled a little: "Of course I am... I'm free now... No longer imprisoned by those cruel contraptions... And you are here... You even... love me... Nobody can be more 'alright' than me... But to be correct: I am grateful. And happy..." She smiled, when he opened his eyes and gazed at her with a loving look in his caramel-colored irises. "Good. Then, we can help the others when I healed you completely." "The others...? Oh no, don't say, Lucaris, Alexander and everybody else are here, too... You can't mean that! They are in danger! Without you or me, they have no chance to stand Lawrence for a long time! This man is strong – especially for those who are not as good as you with psychic powers!" Ryujin said nervous. "Underestimating our friends is a giant mistake. Together, we can do everything! You know that! So, stop doubting their powers. … After I healed you, we will help them. I promise." she told him calm. Sighing, the Lugia replied: "Fine... You are the boss. I follow your orders, beloved being."
Melody asked: "Do you banter me?" "No. I'm serious. You are my love – and I do, what you want."
~C~
After Ryujin was healed, they rushed to their friends.
When they arrived, Lawrence III started to get the upper hand.
Some of their friends were paralyzed – others had almost fatal injuries.
As long as they were together, they had a chance, but alone they became helpless.
"You will NOT." the Lugia said wrathful in the moment the collector tried to hurt Lucaris deadly. Using Extrasensory, he created an explosion which catapulted the Dark Tamer away. Smashed him with Dragon Pulse against the next wall, when Melody and himself dashed to their relieved friends. "Ryujin!" the twelve Pokémon called joyful. "You're alright!" Alexander noted gladly smiling. "Hmpf, of course I am." ,the Shiny snuffled unimpressed, "After you all were so insane to help me, I am forced to be alright. Because I can't disappoint you. Understood?" Lucaris snarled: "YES, you're really alright... The first thing you do is nothing else but annoying us. You must be okay." Melody giggled: "Not really the first thing... But the first thing after I healed him. He was injured and very powerless – in a way we all didn't expect. So, let him some fun of being again free." "Surely we will!" Rose the Roserade answered. "After all, he's finally back." the Lucario added. "Hopefully you used the privacy I gave you two." Alexanders Dragonite Citrine told the Lugia meanwhile with a grin. "Are you insinuating something...?" Ryujin replied. "Not more, than myself. At least, Citrine and me are sure there is something between you and Melody." Bippa the Bibarel stated with his genius-side. The Lugia rolled with his eyes: "Why do I have the feeling, you are today a little too busy with being NOT a silly...?" Bippa grinned diabolic.
Everybody besides Melody wanted to talk with Ryujin, but suddenly the Lugia interrupted: "Wait. Obviously, my attacks were not enough to knock the collector completely out... Be prepared and concentrate your energy. Focus your powers. We'll have to fight in order to leave this place." Melody and Lucaris were the first ones, who recognized the same fact. In the moment Ryujin warned them, they could feel a burning aura around Lawrence motionless body, which leaned against the wall Ryujin had catapulted him into. Fast as lightning, both old friends countered at once a black shock wave with Aura Sphere, when Lawrence suddenly attacked.
"Impossible." ,Alexander said disbelieving, "Ryujins power was not enough...?"
"Unfortunately not." ,the Shiny-Lugia growled, "I was obviously too gentle while attacking."
While everybody girded themselves for the battle, the collector stood laughing up: "Haha, you fool. Amusing, how easily you stop thinking, when your friends are around. Not the best characteristic for the legitimate Guardian of the Sea, don't you agree? That's pathetical for a creature like you, who can communicate with all of us – not only the gifted humans who understand every Pokémon, but also the ones who doesn't even understand their own Pokémon. You have a great knowledge about every kind of human – so, why do you underestimate me...? That's a giant mistake."
Ryujin wanted to answer something harsh, but Melody was faster than him: "Pah, as if someone like you are could understand people who have friends and people they love! For you, we all are nothing more as chess pieces in your crazy game! But tell you what: That's over!"
At lightning speed, she dashed into his direction. Jumped in the air, swiveled one time 360° and fired with that kinetic energy a strong Dragon Pulse at the collector. He dodged it just halfway with a black barrier and stared at the same moment surprised at Melody. When she landed on the ground, a disappointed grin glided over his face: "I see... The Guardian finally allowed someone to gain powers from his soul... And you are truly a talented Tamer... Someone, who deserves it definitely. But I have to annoy you: You have the powers I want – which means, I have to destroy you, too, because your existence prevents me from becoming the Guardian's replacement."
Lawrence attacked Melody with an ominous attack similar to Blizzard, but Alexander, Lucaris, Ryujin and the others protected her with a shield of shot colored energy. Ready to fight alongside with her, everybody came to the magenta-haired girl and gazed angry at the collector. "Sorry." ,Alexander grinned, "Our girl here is too important for us, so we can't allow you to hurt her." "Maybe you are strong, but now we have an idea how you fight, so you will not lay again a hand on one of our friends." Melodys Kricketune Zirpiera chirped brave. Alexanders Dragonite stated: "What a taradiddle to think, Melody would be as ordinary as you just to get powers from Ryujin! Nope, she developed that strength because of the bound between him and her! Someone, who can't understand the deep connection of them, deserves never-ever the gift of such a power!"
Lawrence laughed: "How sweet of you to care for your friends. Sadly, I will destroy you as long as you insist of fighting against me." "Oh, don't worry. We'll do the same with you." Lucaris replied. Ryujin shook his head and gazed at his friend with an ashamed expression. "What?" ,the Lucario wanted to know, "Since when do YOU prevent someone from being a scumbag? And, by the way, when did you want to tell us, that you allowed Melody a connection to your heart and soul?" Lawrence interrupted with another Blizzard-like move, so Ryujin answered: "I'll tell you later. Now, we must stop him. Before this crazy man turns me into a raging beast, because he injured someone of my friends in a really fatal way."
~C~
Fighting against Lawrence III was truly a hard thing.
This man was a skilled Dark Tamer – and was meanwhile used to the powers he had absorbed from his (more or less poor) henchman. But it was, like Ryujin had stated: With the psychic powers Melody was able to use, it was easier to counter the collectors abilities. In addition, she could heal injuries of her friends, while her Lugia protected them with his powerful Extrasensories. Obviously, it was the best plan to weaken Lawrence with their combined powers, so that Alexander and everyone else got the chance to attack the enemy with a focused strike of energy. A very good plan, how she could realize. In one or two minutes, Alexander, Citrine, Lucaris and Bippa landed already three strong strikes in Lawrence overpowered body.
Still not completely used to the powers Ryujin had awaken inside of her, now and then the strength was too much to handle for Melody. But she was nevertheless confident, because her Lugia assisted in every critical moment with his strong will. Allowed her not to lose control over her abilities. Lawrence, on the other hand, didn't care for risks – he even destroyed a greater part of one wall. Melody could imagine, how awful it would be, if the collector would control Ryujins powers. Probably he wouldn't even regret, if he destroyed something which was not his target.
Somehow – and because of Lawrence' lust of destruction – the group landed outside of the fortress. They were not the only one – all the other Tamer of Johto and their Pokémon were outside, too. Fighting with their Kanto-comrades, the Police and the Elite Four (including the Champ) against Lawrence' henchmen and the defense-system of the high-tech building. It seemed, as if they were already busy with the final – nobody was very healthy, but still no-one wanted to give up. (Naturally, the machines just did their work – they had to be destroyed.)
Melodys friends, but also the Dark Tamer were surprised, when they watched Lawrence attacking Alexander and everyone of his team. Realizing, who their 'boss' was, the Dark Tamer decided immediately not to help him anymore, after he had fooled them around. Lawrence was now alone – if he failed, they wouldn't risk anything for him. With that concordant decision, they wanted to flee, but became of course interrupted by the Police and everyone else, who wasn't busy with countering the collectors shock waves or with trying to destroy the defense-system's contraptions.
With the assist of Melody and Ryujin, Alexander and Lucaris became able to deal with Lawrence, which allowed their exhausted friends to take a break. Staying power was the trump card of both – the other Main Six and Alexanders Pokémon had not that kind of stamina. Because of that fact, Melody and Alexander ordered soon their Pokémon to help those, who fought against the machines. While the Pokémon did what their Tamer wanted, the four friends did their best to beat the collector. But... Though, Lawrence became slowly powerless, something wasn't right.
He seemed to be... pleased, when the defense-machines became step by step destroyed.
"Why are you happy about the success of my companions?" she asked, before she attacked him with a beam of fire-like energy. The collector giggled a little: "It is amusing, how much they fight. Because it's an useless doing. When they destroy all of the machines... Well, let me explain it so: My home – this fortress – is programmed to attack with it's full power, as soon as the defense from the outside fails. You know only the beams, which just prevent strangers from entering my home. The full power contains not only beams, but also explosions and stuff like that. Very entertaining, don't you agree, young lady?" In the next moment, Lawrence used an attack similar to Dark Pulse. Ryujin protected Melody, though this doing injured his left wing a little. He snarled ice-cold: "Definitely not. That sounds as annoying as you are. Luckily I don't have to deal with that, because your fortress will be nothing more than dust in the air, when I am finished with this building." "Don't overestimate yourself." Lawrence III smiled, when the last machine got destroyed.
~C~
Suddenly, the fortress fired great beams.
But they were not from the same, usual places. They came from unexpected areas, which seemed only to be decorations in the facade of the high-tech fortress. The beams – as well as salvos of fire, which also appeared abruptly – attacked the Police and Elite Four. Almost destroying all helicopter of the Police, those attacks were even for the combined Tamer-forces of Johto and Kanto too much. Luckily, this time the Police officers acted fast enough – they released some flying Pokémon and jumped at their backs to join the already Pokémon-riding Police-comrades. Because of that, thankfully no Tamer had to save the helpless people, which allowed them not to lose the upper hand over the Dark Tamer organization.
Nevertheless, Melody stared angry at the collector. Alexander and Lucaris, too.
"Hey, I told you about the true defense-system of my fortress. Don't be upset, my dear guests." "Spare us those words!" Ryujin growled. Alexander added: "Tell us, how we can stop that!" (Another salvo attacked their friends – an explosion followed. Shock waves filled the air underneath the flying construct. Of all things, Alexanders Dragonite almost touched them while fighting – Citrine moved just at the right time away, but his opponent got an electrical strike.) The collector shrugged with his shoulders: "Well, I will not end the program of my home. You have to destroy it, if you want to stop my wonderful fortress. You could say, my home has truly the same 'spirit' as me: Until the moment I have finally absorbed the abilities of the Guardian of the Sea, I will never stop." "Good, than we'll have to stop this thing by ourselves!" Alexander said angry.
A second later, the fortress fired again giant beams. Lawrence laughed demonically: "No, you don't. At first, you all can't dodge those attacks forever. And then... Try to dodge it, while I attack you together with the fortresses defense-system." He catapulted Alexander and Melodys Lucario with strong shock waves directly into the danger-zone. Melody and Ryujin bore the attack, but they were forced to follow their friends, because four Dark Tamer used the chance to hurt them in the moment they were a little paralyzed. Again able to move, the Tamer-leader and Lucaris neutralized a beam of the fortresses defense-system.
The collector joined the whole battle, even when the Dark Tamer didn't accept him anymore.
Beams, explosions, shock waves and lots of other attacks of him, his ex-henchmen and his home were for almost everybody of Melodys allies too much. Even Alexander and Lucaris couldn't dodge and counter every attack. Some Dark Tamer focused on both. Ryujin – busy with protecting them – wasn't able to react fast enough, when a combined beam of the fortresses system and Lawrence rushed into their direction. Though, her powers were not completely under her will without the help of her Lugia, Melody didn't hesitate. She dashed between her friends and the deadly beam. Concentrating, the magenta-haired girl created with all her strength a strong, white barrier. Surprised about the success, when her shield bore the enemy's attack completely, Melody noticed that her new powers followed her order. Overwhelmed by that, she felt speechless when her barrier also not vanished when another, stronger attack crashed into it. Especially amazing became the whole feeling of that situation, when she used instinctively, successfully nothing else than Aeroblast (with her hands; like a rapier) to blow a third attack away.
"You did it... You can control now the power of our connection." Ryujins voice filled her mind. Proud, the Lugia touched her head with his beak-like mouth. Her other friends were proud, too. Smiling at them, she answered her Lugia telepathically: 'Yeah, because you are by my side, Ryujin.'
~C~
"We must do something about the fortress..." the Lugia said still only to her.
'I know... If this thing wouldn't be here, our friends could deal by themselves with the Dark Tamer. Including Lawrence. He becomes exhausted enough, so that Alexander and Lucaris can beat him, when the others overwhelm his ex-henchmen.' Melody thought. "We can lure it away." he stated. 'How? I mean: How do you got that idea?' "When I was imprisoned, Lawrence was foolish and also cocky enough to tell me things about his fortress. This construct... aims for me. It's program focuses on my presence and prefers to hunt me instead of fighting against enemies. The fortress will not even help nor save its owner in the case that I escape. So... If you and me lure it away, the others can beat Lawrence plus 'companions'. And the Police can imprison those criminals." 'That means... We'll destroy the whole fortress.' Melody added. "Yes. … Are you afraid?" he wondered worried. 'Never. Because I'm not alone. You're with me.' she smiled. He grinned softly.
'Uhm, guys? We have an idea...' the magenta-haired girl started in the minds of her friends.
While they all dodged the enemies attacks, Melody and Ryujin explained their plan telepathically.
Their decision, to take care of the high-tech building, so that the others took the job to defeat the corrupt humans, pleased the Police as well as the Elite Four plus Champ very much. The Tamer and their Pokémon were also alright with that plan. But Melodys Main Six were a little unhappy. Especially Lucaris – but also their chief Alexander weren't glad. Well, to be correct, the Lucario and the Tamer-head protested against the plan.
'Are you two crazy?!' they thought in unison. 'Just two people shall fight against this fortress...? Impossible!' Alexander stated frustrated. Lucaris agreed: 'Yeah, that's insane! Melody, I know you're truly the best Tamer there is, but THIS is really too much for you alone!' "She isn't alone! I'm here! And I will not allow anything or anyone to harm her!" Ryujin told him offended. Lucaris reacted very daunted: 'Uhm, I-I know you wouldn't do that... N-No need to yell at me...' It was surprising, how submissively the Lucario replied. Melody wasn't sure, but maybe Lucaris sensed something, which she couldn't recognize about Ryujin. But Alexander, strangely, behaved in the same way: 'Dude, it's alright. It's clear as crystal, that you protect her. After all, you finally lend her your power and awakened new abilities in Melody. No-one of us doubt her meaning for you. But why only you? You two? Of course we others have to deal with Lawrence and his ex-friends, but... You need help of others, right? It's a giant 'machine' you have to fight with, don't you agree?'
Melody didn't understand, why even Alexander had this strange respect in the face of Ryujin... However, she explained that before Ryujin could become angry: 'Only a strong Legendary like him and a Tamer with equal powers can do it by themselves. Otherwise... Another duo wouldn't have any chance against that construct. Maybe it's still a hard mission... But you others need every man, woman and Pokémon. And we need you to be successful, because it's our best chance ever to get not only ordinary Dark Tamer, but also a head of them. So we both have to do this without you all – for allowing you to overwhelm our enemies.' Alexander sighed: 'That makes too much sense, as if someone could stop you from that mission, right...? … Well, alright then. You have my permission.' Lucaris nodded: 'My, too. Though I don't like to resign myself to that plan... … There is one thing, Ryujin, you have to promise me! I feel, how strong your connection to Melody is. It's even stronger, than my bond. You're more important, than her very first Pokémon. And so... You HAVE to act in place of me with all your power! You MUST surpass me and assist her with all your strength! Promise me that! Otherwise...!' "I do." 'Wha...?!' "I do it. I will protect her with my whole life. Before she could get any injuries, I will take every damage until I'm no longer alive. Until I'm dead. That's, what you want from me, right? And I will do it. But, well... I have to upset you in one point. Even, if you would not wish for that... I would do so. Because I care a good deal more for Melody, than you could ever imagine." While she blushed a little and felt Ryujins tender touch on her back, Lucaris watched gladly (in this short moment of piece within their battle) the Lugia who huddled his face against their Tamer.
'I understand now.' ,Lucaris smiled gentle, 'So, my Lugia-buddy fits the study of genius-Bippa.'
"Which study?" the dragonbird wanted to know. 'Oh, I guess you know it, yet.' he replied.
The Bibarel Bippa giggled: 'You allowed a connection. That explains everything.'
~C~
After it was decided, they started the implementation of Ryujins plan.
The Lugia put Melody on his back in order to move as fastest as possible, so that they could lure Lawrence' fortress away from the battlefield. When the Guardian of the Sea left the enemies and also the construct behind himself, the flying high-tech building started as expected to move. Ironically, the collector screamed and railed when he recognized the escape of his wanted object – and also of his only (something like a) companion in this fight. Though he had programmed himself his home (and everything inside of it), he was now more than upset about the leaving of that thing. It disappointed him, how the fortress preferred in a situation like that the Lugia; instead of his health – he almost forget, that he wanted the Guardians powers more than anything else.
While the fortress chased the Lugia, Melody watched the fight of her allies as long as they were visible in the distance. Thanks to her new powers, she could gaze at her friends and create barriers whenever Ryujin couldn't dodge beams and shock waves of the fortress completely. In the moment nobody was any longer in her field of view, Melody jumped up from Ryujins back and floated with great speed in the air in order to match the movement of the Lugias powerful wings.
"Ready?" he asked with a diabolic grin. She smiled: "Yepp. I'm ready. And this will be surely fun." "Yes. Because I will demonstrate you a part of those power, which the collector wishes to own." "You mean... some of your power as the legitimate Guardian of the Sea...?" she wanted to know. Gentle smiling, he closed his eyes. With enormous speed, the Lugia rushed abruptly into the depth. While Melody attacked the fortress with blasts of fire, she watched from the corners of her eyes how the dragonbird plunged gracefully into the ocean. A few seconds later, giant tornadoes rose from the ocean beneath her and the high-tech construct. The phenomena sparkled with pure power. Filled with lots of water, those mighty gusts of wind cut deep cracks into the buildings facades. They even undid shock waves and explosions, which were created by the fortress in the same moment. By Ryujins unexpected attack, the fortress got noteworthy damaged.
"Impressive." ,Melody whispered, "But of course I can do also nice tricks."
Using the electricity which glowed between the cracks of the facades, she created great lightnings and conducted them directly into the sensitive points of the technique. With her psychic powers, Melody strengthened the effect when the lightnings battered the electric lines and switching circuits. Many explosions in the whole building followed.
Ryujin appeared again by her side. "Very well done." ,he noted, "You opened for me a great door. Now, it will be much more effective to use Aeroblast." "Are you sure? Doesn't this attack consumes too much energy, when it's used a little too often...?" "Yes, but understand... We both are powerful, but underlie the same laws like our friends. We have not endless reserves and energy. Healing and attacking take lots of power. If our fight lasts still for a long time, we will not be successful. Because even the Guardian of the Sea is nothing more than a regular being... So, I will attack now with my last mobilized power." Dodging some shock waves, Melody replied: "O.k., you're right... We can't fight forever. And the giant machine has probably much more reserves than us. It's just... Let me help you! Two Aeroblasts are better than one!" The dragonbird countered quickly a beam with his barrier, before he answered: "Fine... But don't become unconscious."
~C~
Together, they attacked the flying building with the Lugias strongest move.
Overcame the following counterattacks of the fortress with their combined power.
Cutting very deep cracks into the facade, smaller parts of the building started to explode or to fall into the depth. As long as both could hold the attack, she and Ryujin did their very best to damage the construct as much as possible, so that more and more little parts stopped working. Some attacks of the high-tech fortress became weaker – vanished completely in the moment both couldn't hold their combined move any-longer. No more explosions or shock waves of the building.
"Look... The system starts to fail... At least, half of it..." the Lugia gasped.
Melody nodded and wanted to heal his weakened body, but he recoiled from her caring intent.
"No..." ,he whispered, "You will need your remaining power. There's still a distance we have to fly, until the whole construct can be destroyed... We must... lure the fortress into the mainlands near... Not everything of the leftovers should land in the ocean... It would be not only hard to retrieve from the oceans depths, but... it would cause greater pollution before someone could clear the area, too..." "I understand that. I also don't want a part of the underwater-world to became ruined. So, you're not the only one who has that idea." ,Melody replied, "But you seem to feel not well. And that's truly the friendliest way to describe your effect on me. You look... awful. Tired." Ryujin smiled a little and closed his eyes in this moment of piece. "I think... I will need a break after we did our job... Not only a break... I will need your care, too... Your arms around me, which hold me gentle... And... Your face snuggling against my own..." his thoughts filled her mind exhausted, but softly.
After that exchange of words, they flew away; in the direction of the mainland.
Because of the greater destruction from some very important parts, the fortress moved more slowly, but still fired dangerous beams and also salvos. The magenta-haired girl and the Shiny contained themselves when it came to a decision between a counterattack or a simple obstacle-avoidance-maneuver. As often as possible, they dodged the attacks instead of creating barriers or beams. Though, Melody felt stronger than ever before thanks to her new strength, she recognized how right Ryujin was about their reserves and energy. When they finally arrived the near of the mainland – watched high cliffs in the distance – her body started to feel heavy like a boulder. Probably, he felt exactly the same, but he didn't show that anymore. In the moment those cliffs were almost beneath him and her, a strange sparkle appeared in his eyes. The caramel-irises glowed nearly.
"I need your help now." ,he told her, "This will be our last attack – so strong, that I can't control anything outside of the central-point with my current stamina. And so, I will need your strength. You must control the direction of my attack with your full willpower. Otherwise, not every power we invest will hit our target, though it is very large." "What do I have to do exactly?" she answered, before Ryujin stopped his movement and floated motionless in the air. "Focus your pure energy. Concentrate your mind on the target. Give me your strength, which rises in your soul, whenever you do both actions. Everything else... will be my part."
She trusted him completely, so she didn't ask something else. Because of a silent nod from him, Melody came close to his tired, but still powerful body. Without any anxiety, she lay her hands on the Lugias chest – felt his calm heartbeat. Taking a deep breath, Ryujin closed his eyes and ignored the approaching fortress, while a strong flow of energy rose in his aura. Melody did the same, after she gazed for a moment at his earnest, but beauty face. Doing, what he wanted from her, she felt enormous changes in the atmosphere around them. A strange energy surrounded them like a sphere – contained pure energy of water and air. The fortress fired new beams at them, but they dissolved in the moment they came into the sphere, which became bulkier and stronger with every second. Feeling a flow of energy, which came obviously from the nature around them, the Tamer understood how powerful the Guardian of the Sea truly was. He gained strength from everything around him – from her, from the air around them, the land and the ocean beneath them... Even from those great, specific underwater stream, which he protected as the legitimate Guardian.
~C~
Concentrating on their target, Melody let nevertheless circulate her energy into him. She felt a pain inside of the Guardian of the Sea, which was hard to describe. And so, she wanted to help him. Strengthening his reserves was the only thing she could think about – the only way to be useful. Maybe she burned herself completely out with that action... But that was worth to be powerless. Giving him her whole energy, she heard how relieved he let the air out of his beak-like mouth. Simultaneous, the atmosphere around them became unbelievable overwhelming. Like a giant storm – the most awful hurricane in combination with a tsunami – an attack rose from the whole energy which was concentrated in the sphere around them. It felt almost uncontrollable, so that Melody understood why it was so important for Ryujin to beg her to focus on their target. Without that, perhaps the giant strike of the nature would destroy everything around them...
She could hear the storm crashing into the fortress – destroying it with the greatest force of nature, before everything turned black for a moment.
~-~C~-~
When her consciousness came back, she and the unconscious Ryujin fell into the depth.
Because she couldn't do anything without any little reserves, she called for him to wake up.
Fortunately, the Shiny-Lugia awake, before they could crash into some falling rests of the construct. Holding her and himself in the air with his last psychic powers thanks to his stubborn, proud mind, both watched the giant remainders impinging at the cliffs, before they finally landed. Shiftless after their consumptive attack, the Lugia stood just for two seconds at the ground, before he fell at it. Melody, who stand three meters away from him, couldn't move, too. So, she didn't fight like him and let herself immediately sink at the vestige beneath her feed.
While she sat more or less upright and recognized silently, how powerless they ended up after their heroic doing, Ryujin snuffled a little. "Whats wrong?" she wondered. "I would love to see his fall. Lawrence – being overwhelmed by Lucaris, Alexander and our other friends plus allies. But now... Not even my feed do, what I order them. That's a little annoying." he answered, while he lay. Smiling about him, Melody rested with the dragonbird on the vestige. Watched the view she had from the point where she sat. Being near to the edge, she could look at the cliffs and the ocean – noted, how interesting this place was thanks to some great, sharp crags which rose from the water. When she looked again at Ryujin, his eyes were partially closed. But the irises gazed at her. Peacefully, the caramel sparkled a little when their looks met each other. She felt a warm sensation flowing through her heart, when she saw that. He was so indescribable beautiful...
~C~
Somehow and without warning, the Shiny managed slowly to stand up.
He smiled at her, when she watched that with a worried expression. "Melody..." his voice echoed absolutely gentle in her mind. It was obviously hard for him, but he made a step into her direction. Overcame the weakness of his body with nothing more than his will. She wanted to protest about it, but when she saw his loving look at her face, she couldn't. He didn't need to force her with his mind, to wish for the same situation like he wanted... Only his soft gaze was enough for her to desire also a physical contact between them.
Ryujin made another, more confident step.
Suddenly, something happened which both didn't expect.
Mechanic leftovers around them reacted on the Lugias second step.
Weaker as usual, but still strong enough in this moment, the machine-parts created an electric field. Captured Ryujins lower part of the body as well as his long tail. His feed became paralyzed, so he couldn't escape the electricity which frizzled over his flesh. He squirmed with his great wings and upper part of the body, but his body was too powerless for flying. Frustrated, the Lugia growled and closed in pain his eyes.
Immediately, Melody wanted to jump up and to help him.
But she couldn't. Her body ignored her will to come to the dragonbirds aid.
As if every muscle was turned into stone, she had no control about her powerless figure.
Besides of the sound of the mechanic leftovers, another sound was abruptly in the air. A loud clicking noise came from the ground where Melody sat. She didn't care for that – her friend was after all in a new danger. But because Ryujin opened his eyes and stared afraid into her direction, the magenta-haired girl understand finally that strange sound. But too late.
Abruptly, a bigger part of the main-vestige – the place, where she sat – broke away.
She was so powerless, that she couldn't even move when the force of gravity showed up.
The leftover started to skid down with so much speed, that it was a miracle, when Melody was somehow able to reach out for a small ledge of the cliff. Holding herself with just her right hand – the other was damaged because of some falling machine-pieces – she couldn't climb up to Ryujin. (Though, the distance for climbing was not longer than her legs.) Losing her last power, she knew the danger of her situation. A fall into this depth was risky for a human – unimportant, if Tamer or regular exemplar of her species. In addition, there was another very 'nice feature'... The sharp crags, which rose from the water, were exactly in her 'landing runway'. She could spear herself in the case, that lady luck wasn't with her. Maybe the young Tamer was used to situations like that (so she felt not as panic as many others would), but not exactly to a combination of lots of bad moments...
Her arm started to hurt intense. It was just a question of time, when she would fall...
And perhaps die...
~C~
He watched it. He watched every second.
Full of fear, Ryujin recognized the whole danger in which Melody was.
Not abandoning himself to the injuries of the electricity, he gave everything to escape his 'chains'. But his lower part of the body was still motionless and ignored his order to move. Was frozen. When the Lugia slowly realized the hopeless situation he had gotten into, he felt a strong pain rising in his heart. For the first time after centuries, he feared to lose the most important being in his life. Even more important for him, than his father was once. Something, which he had never expected... He could lose... the person he truly loved... The only meaningful reason for existing... … His pain... became overwhelming... Losing her... would destroy his heart... and his soul... Without this human... his whole life was meaningless... He couldn't live without her anymore...
A tear glided over his face.
He couldn't think about anything.
Anything else apart from the irrational need, just to be smaller, so that he could escape offhandedly – with nothing more than one step – the electric field, which would allow him to save her. If he had only a smaller body... Without a useless tail and a too large figure... The mechanical leftovers wouldn't recognize him as a target, because he wouldn't match their programming... He would be... not the Lugia they had to capture... Would be... free... And so, he could reach Melody...
It took only a second after that wish, to let him realize something.
Ryujin understood... that everything lay in his wings. There was still a possibility to rescue his love. He just had to release... the second of his both remaining secrets... Apart from the secret of his heart – his feelings for Melody – there was another secret he concealed from her... The last secret he had. The secret, which he wanted to forget for himself after the dead of his father and his destroyed trust into the human race... The secret of his soul.
Ryujin inhaled the air deeply.
~C~
A stone crumbled from the small ledge.
She swallowed while watching that, because she knew the reason for that.
Slowly, her hand started to skid down... So she couldn't hang on with just one hand forever...
Abruptly Melody got frightened, when a loud sound from the cliffs top – it resembled a lot an electric explosion – filled the air. Though she was in danger, she was afraid and feared for Ryujin. Hopefully, not another 'surprise' was arrived to distress his powerless body... He must be alright...!
Suddenly, Melody lost her hold at the ledge.
She felt the gravity forcing her into the deadly depths.
'Ryujin...!' was her last thought while closing her eyes in anxiety.
~C~
A hard twitch on her wrist stopped the fall.
It was so unexpected, that Melody was sure to hallucinate.
But the strong hand, which held her, seemed to be very substantial...
Opening her eyes, at first the magenta-haired girl looked deliberate up to that hand. This body part felt on her wrist – despite of its obviously strength – very gentle. The foreign skin of a second hand, which touched her arm now in order to hold her better, was clearly soft like velvet or even silk. (Tender and a little pale like a newborn or someone who was seldom outside while sunshine, obviously her savior was nevertheless a strong person with trained muscles and a good heart.) Because they seemed to be truly real hands – and no joke of her scared mind, she looked finally up while raising her head. Gazed slowly into the direction of the owner of those hands.
It was... unexpected. He... was unexpected.
When she looked up, she saw an unknown, gentle face. Saw a beautiful young man.
Maybe it surprised her a little, that her rescuer was without clothes (the upper part of his body was at least naked), while he held himself and her in this dangerous situation near to the deadly fall... But this man, who was probably around her age, fascinated her much more with his appearance. Evidently soft hair like feathers bordered his face. It was a little tousled, but matched this man... Though the structure of his hair was interesting, it was at last the color which bothered her in truth... His hair was silver-white – with a familiar copper-shine. And when she watched the eyes beneath some strands of hair, which fell into his face... The irises were lively caramel.
